Igor Stropnikvideo
Crossing the Gulf Stream
May 17, 2025 · 1h 0m · 61K views · Gulf Stream, off the coast of Florida
What this video covers
A Leopard 50 catamaran crosses the Gulf Stream from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Bimini, Bahamas, during a winter passage with 10–15 knot north-northeast winds.0:04 Despite common warnings against crossing with a northerly wind component, the crew maintains a 6-knot speed under motor-sailing to reach Bimini before nightfall, noting that the 2-knot current against the wind creates a manageable, albeit choppy, sea state. Navigation through the Florida channels requires timing bridge openings, while the subsequent 50-nautical-mile crossing involves monitoring current drift on Raymarine instruments.0:04 Upon arrival in the Bahamas, the crew navigates shallow, reef-strewn waters near Bimini and Highborne Cay, utilizing visual navigation to identify safe channels and anchorages. Maintenance tasks during the transit include repairing a chafing reefing line on the mainsail and adjusting the lazy jack system. The crew anchors in 2–4 meters of water over sandy bottoms, occasionally deploying two anchors to manage position in crowded anchorages.
Boats in this video
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