Sailing Avantivideo
Hair raising conditions as we arrive in South-Africa EP130
November 15, 2024 · 11 min · 11K views · Richards Bay
What this video covers
Jacqueline and Gerard navigate the sailing yacht Avanti toward Richards Bay, South Africa, while contending with a rapid wind shift from northwest to southwest. To avoid a forecasted southwest gale, the crew attempts to outrun the system, despite the inherent danger of sailing south against the Mozambique Channel’s current. As winds increase to 26 knots gusting over 30, the crew removes the Bimini and deploys a storm jib staysail paired with three reefs in the main.1:49 Monitoring a barometer drop to 1009 hPa helps the crew anticipate the wind shift.2:51 Despite heavy seas and significant deck spray, the vessel maintains a steady course into the wind. Upon arrival at the Richards Bay Smallcraft Harbour, the crew raises the yellow quarantine flag to await customs and immigration clearance.7:58 The passage concludes with the vessel safely docked, marking the end of the international leg of their circumnavigation before the final transit to Cape Town.10:37
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