Leading the Escapade · video

What this video covers

A couple departing Marina Mindelo, Cape Verde, for an Atlantic crossing to Barbados faces challenging conditions, including 30-to-40-knot gusts and two-meter seas.1:44 To avoid a forecasted high-wind band associated with an upper-level low, the crew steers a 245-degree course, aiming to stay south of the worst weather.15:03 During the first 24 hours, the boat covers 165 nautical miles with an average speed of seven knots, reaching a top speed of 11.7 knots.14:56 The crew experiences intermittent autopilot failures, which cause accidental jibes, and discovers water ingress beneath the floorboards.14:23 They trace the leak to an improperly sealed hole used for LED strip light wiring and apply Leak Hero sealant to mitigate the issue.21:45 Despite the rough sea state and exhaustion, the crew maintains their heading while monitoring the bilge and managing sail reefs to handle gusts reaching 36.5 knots.20:13 Proper sealing of all hull penetrations is essential before undertaking long-distance ocean passages.22:27

More from Leading the Escapade

We Ran Out of Fuel at Night… Then Got a Scary Warning ☠️ Ep-239Oct 2026Boat Repairs, Tropical Islands & One Last Bocas Adventure! Ep-239Sep 2026Sailing Panama…We Found a Secret Jungle River 🇵🇦 Ep-237Sep 2026Living the Dream in Bocas del Toro 🌴 Sailing, Tropical Paradise & StarfishSep 2026

From Leading the Escapade — 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.