Gone with the Wynnsvideo
We Accidentally Took Our Boat Into an Ice Field
March 15, 2026 · 31 min · 370K views · Volendam, Netherlands
Aerial view of ice floes broken by a boat's passage.
What this video covers
A 50-foot sailboat unexpectedly encountered an ice field while transiting through a lock in the Netherlands, forcing the crew to navigate through thick, plate-like ice.0:55 The vessel’s speed dropped from seven knots to three knots in the densest sections, requiring high RPMs to maintain momentum and clear a path.4:24 The crew hand-steered the boat due to a malfunctioning autopilot, which they were attempting to troubleshoot during the outing.3:42 After failing to reach their intended marina in Volendam due to ice, they diverted to the harbor in Edam.16:13 The experience served as an unplanned test of the boat's hull and bottom paint, highlighting the challenges of navigating shallow, frozen inland waters. Additionally, the crew monitored their AGM battery bank, noting a 30% discharge over 24 hours while running high-draw appliances like a water heater and dishwasher without solar or wind input.18:24 The crew also performed radar adjustments to manage clutter in foggy conditions while communicating with Simrad support regarding their autopilot connectivity issues.23:03
More from Gone with the Wynns
From Gone with the Wynns — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analyzed video.
The Sailing Directory Newsletter
One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.