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Sailing to the Isthmus for the 4th of July (July 2024)

July 14, 2024 · 27 min · 1K views

What this video covers

A 38-ft sailboat makes a holiday passage from San Pedro, California, to Two Harbors on Catalina Island, navigating heavy shipping traffic and adjusting rig tension. During the crossing, the owner engages a Hydrovane self-steering system and manages encounters with large commercial vessels, including a 1,200-ft cargo ship, by confirming course and speed via VHF radio.2:27 Upon arrival at the Isthmus, the boat anchors in 90 feet of water near Harbor Reef.18:13 The owner later addresses excessive headstay sag by tensioning a Dyneema backstay, noting that the material requires adjustment due to initial creep.16:47 While anchored, the owner requests that a nearby catamaran relocate after determining the vessel anchored within 34 yards, posing a risk due to differing swing radii in deep water.20:14 The trip concludes with a return passage to San Pedro in light winds and flat seas.24:56 Proper backstay tensioning is essential for performance, while maintaining adequate distance from other vessels in deep-water anchorages prevents collision risks during wind shifts.

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Boats in this video

Valiant Yachts 40-2Their boat

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