Andre M Homem de Mellovideo

Giant waves crossing the boat

August 7, 2025 · 9 min · 6K views · Cape Horn

What this video covers

On January 31, while sailing solo in the Pacific Ocean at 52 degrees south, the sailor encounters a severe storm with wind gusts reaching 50 knots.6:28 Attempting to reef the genoa results in the sail tearing significantly, forcing the vessel into a bare poles configuration, or "capa seca."6:48 The sea state is described as chaotic, with waves approaching from multiple directions due to shifting winds from the northwest and southwest.5:31 The sailor reports this as the most dangerous storm encountered during a 120-day solo circumnavigation attempt.8:12 Previous conditions on January 22 involved 30 to 35 knots of wind from the southwest, handled with two reefs in the mainsail and a full genoa.0:02 By January 27, the vessel was sailing under genoa alone as it approached Cape Horn.2:58 The sailor emphasizes the difficulty of monitoring the confused, breaking seas from the cockpit during these high-wind events.5:31

Watch on YouTube

More from Andre M Homem de Mello

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE AROUND THE WORLD SAILING TRIPJul 2026AROUND THE WORLD REPORTDec 2025Finally the arrivalSep 2025The worst storm was always the next oneAug 2025

From Andre M Homem de Mello — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analyzed video.

The Sailing Directory Newsletter

One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.

Report an issue