Sailing Gentlyvideo
A real Treasure Island
October 24, 2020 · 9 min · 2K views · Suwarrow Atoll
What this video covers
Suvorov, a remote atoll in the South Pacific, presents significant navigational challenges due to its narrow, lumpy lagoon entrance and inaccurate historical chart data.3:59 Arriving in 20–25 knot winds, the crew of the Moody 36 Bambola relied on visual pilotage and orienteering skills to locate the pass, which sat one mile from the GPS coordinates.3:31 Once inside the reef, the lagoon offers calm, translucent water and serves as a protected anchorage for a limited number of yachts.5:17 The island is managed by Cook Island Park rangers and hosts diverse wildlife, including boobies and numerous sharks that scavenge near anchored vessels.5:33 Hazards in the shallow waters include venomous stonefish and sea snakes, requiring caution when wading.6:21 After departing the atoll, the crew sailed west-southwest toward Tonga, catching Mahi Mahi while underway.7:55 Suvorov remains a pristine, uninhabited destination that demands reliable engine performance and vigilant eyeball navigation for safe entry.5:09
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