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My Visa Was Expiring… So We Sailed to Koh Samui
August 3, 2026 · 15 min · Koh Samui
What this video covers
A 35-mile passage from Koh Tao to Koh Samui, Thailand, requires careful navigation and sail trim to maintain speed in 12–14 knots of breeze.3:08 While sailing the Island Spirit catamaran, the crew encounters jib flogging caused by an incorrectly set lead car, which cannot be adjusted under load; reefing to the first point stabilizes the sail and increases speed by a quarter knot.3:50 Upon arrival at the north side of Koh Samui, the crew secures a mooring at the Island Spirit facility, noting the lack of a boat hook for the maneuver.7:40 The owner plans a visa run to Singapore to reset his 60-day Thai entry status, citing the discretionary nature of immigration enforcement.4:39 Maintenance issues persist, specifically a failed generator coolant pump that prevents battery charging and forces the crew to limit air conditioning use.13:45 The crew also demonstrates the operation of a Highfield Sport 360 dinghy, highlighting the benefits of its aluminum hull and double-floor construction for durability and dryness.10:33
Boats in this video
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