Wildling Sailingvideo
A Mast-Bending Passage on the North Sea
September 27, 2024 · 36 min · 161K views · Wadden Sea
What this video covers
A Freedom 35 cat ketch transits the Wadden Sea and the North Sea, navigating tidal channels and shallow sandbanks while testing the vessel's rigging and engine reliability. During a 60-mile passage in 25-knot winds, the mast exhibits excessive bending under load, prompting the crew to drop the Yankee jib and reef the mainsail to reduce pressure.28:18 The vessel reaches speeds of 10.1 knots, but the crew notes significant hull flexing and slamming in the swells.33:11 Mechanical issues include a failed engine relay, which requires manual intervention to start the motor, and a lack of proper winch installations for sail handling.19:57 The crew relies on visual navigation of channel markers and a depth-sounding pole nicknamed "Brian" to avoid grounding in the shifting tidal flats.11:51 After arriving at a marina in Aymarda, the host plans to return to a boatyard for structural repairs, including mast stay tensioning and winch mounting.34:57 Proper rigging tension and sail configuration are critical for managing mast flex in high-performance catamarans during heavy-weather passages.
More from Wildling Sailing
From Wildling Sailing — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analyzed video.
The Sailing Directory Newsletter
One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.