SmoCo Sailingvideo
[Ep 36] When Sailing Life Isn't So Dreamy | Isla San Francisco to Agua Verde
November 8, 2025 · 20 min · 830 views · Agua Verde
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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