SAILING off the beaten path : San Salvador Island [E219]
November 10, 2022 · 15 min · 2K views · Conception Island
What this video covers
A 40-nautical-mile passage from Conception Island to San Salvador Island in the Bahamas requires an early morning departure to maintain wind speed.0:19 The crew maintains an average speed of 7 knots, occasionally reaching 8 knots, while sailing on a beam reach.3:37 Excessive weather helm necessitates reefing the headsail to reduce heeling from 30 degrees to between 15 and 20 degrees.5:07 The autopilot struggles to maintain a consistent course in gusty conditions, forcing the crew to hand-steer for portions of the transit.3:35 Upon arrival, the crew anchors under sail in 10 feet of water between two reefs, using the mainsail to backfill and set their 35-pound Mantus anchor.9:09 The anchorage offers high water clarity, though the nearby reefs show signs of degradation.9:50 The crew successfully spears fish in the surrounding waters despite the presence of dead coral sections.12:45 Reefing the headsail and adjusting the mainsail effectively manages weather helm during high-wind passages.
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