WEsailvideo

WE Sail BVI's to USVI's | Episode 24

July 1, 2019 · 20 min · 18K views · Christmas Cove, St. Thomas

What this video covers

A 38-ft catamaran sailing from Virgin Gorda to Jost Van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands experiences a fouled prop when a fishing line wraps around the shaft during a downwind sail.1:18 The crew clears the line while the boat remains in motion.1:18 Later, the vessel suffers a mechanical failure when the rudder control arm slips on the shaft.8:14 Investigation reveals the original installation lacked proper alignment pins, causing the arm to rely solely on a crimp fitting that failed under the force of shifting into reverse without centering the helm.8:58 The crew repairs the steering linkage before crossing the border to the U.S. Virgin Islands.11:30 They anchor in Christmas Cove, St. Thomas, to access local amenities, including a floating pizza boat.0:40 The crew also explores St. John, snorkeling for lionfish and visiting White Bay on Jost Van Dyke.5:10 Proper helm management when shifting into reverse prevents excessive force on rudder assemblies.

Watch on YouTube

More from WEsail

We Had to Abort the Passage | Sailing Fiji's Reef-Strewn WatersSep 2026France to Fiji in 24 Hours | Back to Boat LifeAug 2026We Flew Halfway Around the World to Surprise My Family | Fiji to FranceAug 202613 Knots, Big Seas & Dolphins at Sunset | Sailing Back to Fiji's MainlandAug 2026

From WEsail — 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