Sailing Big Lostvideo

We Swam With Humpback Whales… Then Left Our Boat Behind

October 6, 2026 · 30 min · 4K views · Moorea

What this video covers

The crew of Big Lost arranged for long-term boat storage in Phaeton Bay, Tahiti, while returning to Idaho for 30 days.23:30 To prepare for the departure, they motored 46 nautical miles from Moorea to Phaeton Bay in calm conditions.17:33 They contracted a local caretaker, Muriel, for $400 per month to monitor the vessel, run the engines weekly, clean the interior, and provide airport transportation.23:44 Before leaving, the crew pickled the watermaker, emptied refrigerators and freezers, secured the dinghy on the davits, and performed a deep cleaning of all interior spaces to prevent moisture buildup.25:00 They anchored in 150 meters of chain to ensure security during their absence.24:17 Prior to the transit, the family participated in a regulated whale-watching tour off Moorea, where they encountered humpback whales and pilot whales.3:05 The trip included three separate in-water sessions with a licensed guide, allowing them to observe humpback behavior and hear whale songs.16:47

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More from Sailing Big Lost

We Went Back to the Life We Left Behind… But It Felt DifferentOct 2026We Finally Stopped Rushing… Life Aboard Got QuietSep 2026We Almost Left Tahiti… I’m Glad We StayedSep 2026We Wanted a Different Life… This Is Where It Took UsSep 2026

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