Hugh Robertson Sailing · video

What this video covers

A solo sailor navigates the 50-nautical-mile crossing from Voli Voli Resort on Viti Levu to the Yasawa Islands in Fiji, maintaining a 5.5-knot average to clear reef passages in daylight.0:23 The vessel, *Sea Change*, utilizes a Pacific Wind Pilot wind vane for self-steering, with Dyneema lines providing the primary and backup purchase for the tiller.3:09 During the passage, the sailor manages heavy wind conditions by progressively reefing the mainsail and furling the jib, eventually reaching a triple-reefed main configuration.13:50 Upon arrival at Sawa-i-Lau, the sailor explores local caves before continuing to the Blue Lagoon anchorage at Nanuya Lai Lai.18:32 After replacing a failed alternator, the sailor monitors a developing tropical system using GFS and ECMWF weather models.21:04 When forecasts indicate a potential cyclone, the sailor departs the Yasawas to return to the safety of Wunder Point Marina.25:48 The storm later intensifies into Category 5 Cyclone Lola, confirming the decision to seek shelter.27:08

Boats in this video

More from Hugh Robertson Sailing

26 differences from most other cruisers, part 2 of 2Apr 202626 differences from most other cruisers, part 1of 2.Apr 202630 stories of sailors less fortunate than me during my ocean-sailing years on Sea ChangeJan 202630 mistakes I made and things that broke on my solo circumnavigation on Sea Change, Part 3 of 3Dec 2025

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