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Alone at Sea: Wind and Current Against Me to Mangue Seco | #SAL #400

January 18, 2026 · 36 min · 168K views · Cabañas Oeste, El Salvador

Sunrise over open sea from sailboat deck, warm light on clouds and waves

What this video covers

Adriano Plotzky sails a 2-meter draft sailboat from Salvador to Mangue Seco, a 30-hour coastal passage requiring precise timing to navigate a shallow, current-prone river bar.Watch The route involves navigating against wind and current, prompting a decision to head into deeper water (1,000 meters) to minimize current drag and avoid fishing traffic.1:44 Throughout the passage, the boat maintains an average speed of 4 knots, occasionally relying on the engine to ensure arrival during a favorable tidal window.5:00 The sailor manages fatigue through strategic caffeine intake and short naps, noting that solo sailing allows for better rest than crewed passages.22:58 Upon arrival at the Rio Real estuary, the sailor monitors the sonar closely to avoid shifting sandbanks, noting that satellite imagery is essential but limited due to the river's dynamic nature.31:45 The passage concludes with a successful entry into the anchorage at Mangue Seco, highlighting the importance of local knowledge and constant vigilance when entering poorly charted, current-heavy inlets.34:04

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