Sailing Learning By Doingvideo

Cyclone Narelle, what actually happened?(Ep 316)

March 27, 2026 · 12 min · 4K views · Australia

Blue motorboat stranded in mangroves after cyclone

What this video covers

The crew of Learning By Doing sought shelter in mangroves near Gove, Northern Territory, to ride out Cyclone Narelle. By anchoring in a protected mangrove area rather than the local marina, the crew avoided potential collisions with a large motorboat that dragged its mooring in the harbor during the storm.1:41 The vessel remained secure using six lines tied to trees, which dampened wind gusts and prevented rope chafe.2:42 Post-storm, the crew returned to Gove to find minimal damage to their boat, though other vessels in the harbor had dragged or gone aground.4:40 Inland, the cyclone caused widespread power outages and blocked roads with fallen eucalyptus trees, complicating the return of residents to Aboriginal homelands like Gathurala.9:50 The crew assisted in clearing debris from roads to facilitate access to these communities.9:01 Mangroves provide superior protection from high winds compared to built-up marina environments by dampening gusts and eliminating the jerking motion associated with fixed moorings.1:02

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