Sailing Catalpa · video

What this video covers

The crew of Catalpa encounters an 8-knot current while attempting to transit a narrow passage in the Wessel Islands, Northern Territory.3:00 The vessel, which features a full-length keel, experiences severe lateral instability as the current strikes the hull, forcing the crew to abort the transit and wait for a more favorable tidal window.6:43 Navionics data and iPad charts failed to accurately predict the local tidal flow, which differed significantly from nearby bays.5:42 After waiting for the tide to turn, the crew successfully navigates the passage.7:36 Following this event, the vessel begins a 450-nautical-mile passage to Darwin.8:04 The journey takes four days, characterized by light downwind conditions, extensive motoring, and high temperatures.16:19 The crew arrives in Darwin at 9 p.m. and anchors in Fenny Bay.17:38 Navigating narrow, current-heavy inlets requires precise timing that may not align with standard electronic chart predictions.

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