The Sailing Brothersvideo

Sailing The Fierce West Coast Of NZ / Sailing Around NZ Pt 19 Ep164

May 12, 2024 · 23 min · 14K views · West Coast of New Zealand

What this video covers

A 300-mile passage from New Plymouth to the northern tip of New Zealand tests a crew in gale-force conditions and confused seas. The vessel, *Otilla*, encounters 30-knot gusts and heavy swells that frequently wash over the cockpit, forcing the crew to seal the boat with washboards.6:27 Navigating the Cape requires timing the transit to avoid foul tides reaching 2.4 knots and managing a windless period that necessitates engine use.10:30 To mitigate the risk of fouling the propeller on commercial cray pots in the dark, the crew maintains a wide berth in deep water before motoring the final stretch.17:55 Upon arrival at Sandy Bay, the crew finds the surf too heavy for a safe tender landing and opts to remain at anchor.20:16 The passage concludes after three days of sailing, highlighting the challenges of balancing tidal windows, wind shifts, and coastal hazards during a high-latitude transit.21:17

Watch on YouTube

Boats in this video

Rival 34Their boatProut Ltd. Snowgoose 37 EliteTheir boat

More from The Sailing Brothers

300-Mile Offshore Passage: Shifting Winds & Near MissesSep 2026HE HELD US HOSTAGE?! Sep 2026What We Found Beyond the City Lights...Sep 2026Sailing from PARADISE to the Loudest City in IndonesiaAug 2026

From The Sailing Brothers — 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