The Sailing Brothers · video

What this video covers

Luke and Adam, sailing their Rival 34, misjudge the tidal timing at Portland Bill and get dragged through the race in near-zero wind.2:24 Attempting the inside passage westbound, they lose steerage when the wind dies completely and a 5-knot tidal current pulls them across Portland Ledge and into the overfalls — the exact hazard they were trying to avoid.2:24 Portland Bill's danger stems from two opposing tidal streams converging at the headland, generating large eddies on both sides and heavy overfalls in the race; the inside passage requires enough wind to hold close to the cliff face, and without it the engine cannot overcome the current.3:02 Luke and Adam had previously rounded the outside and found it rough; this attempt on the inside ended the same way.3:19 Their takeaway: when rounding Portland Bill, stand at least 5 miles offshore to clear the race entirely — the inside passage is only viable with sufficient wind to maintain position against the tide.3:39

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