Vagabond Voyages · video

What this video covers

A monohull sailboat transits from Maupiti to the isolated atoll of Mopélia, navigating a 106-nautical-mile passage that concludes with a challenging entry through a narrow, current-swept pass.0:23 The crew maintains a 5-knot average speed during the 21-hour transit, dealing with light winds and rolling swell that necessitates the use of the mainsail and mizzen to stabilize the vessel.5:41 Upon arrival, the crew encounters a significant outgoing current, or "mascaret," within the 16-meter-wide pass.18:54 They successfully motor through the channel at 1,800 RPM, maintaining a speed of 3 knots against the current.19:02 The passage requires precise navigation between two markers to avoid shallow coral heads and turbulent water.21:46 Ideal entry conditions include winds from the Northeast, East, or Southeast to align with the current, while West winds are dangerous as they oppose the outflow.23:56 Heavy swell from the South can overfill the lagoon, increasing the outgoing current to 6 knots or more.25:28

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