SmoCo Sailing · video

What this video covers

The crew of the sailboat Cosmo, a blue-water cruising vessel, encountered significant challenges while navigating the San Jose Channel in the Sea of Cortez.1:09 During a passage from Isla San Francisco to Los Gatos, the crew faced 20-knot winds and strong currents that prevented them from tacking, forcing them to motor for 40% of the trip.3:22 Upon arriving at Los Gatos in the dark, they struggled to find a suitable anchorage due to deep water and limited space, eventually anchoring in an exposed, rolly spot before moving to Agua Verde the following morning.8:17

The passage also highlighted a persistent safety issue with the jib furler, which suffered from halyard wrap.13:37 After multiple failed attempts to reroute the halyard and clear the furling unit, the crew spent four hours climbing the mast to install a new line and prevent the halyard from snagging.18:49 The repair required repurposing a dinghy halyard to ensure the jib could be furled under tension.17:05 Proper halyard lead angle and tension are critical to preventing furler jams and potential sail damage.

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