Vie d'écumevideo

49 Superb Sails in the Bahamas

May 26, 2023 · 30 min · 666 views · Bahama Islands

What this video covers

The crew of the sailboat *Corail* navigates the Bahamas, managing technical challenges and shallow-water navigation while transiting between anchorages. During a 84.5-nautical-mile passage from Great Inagua, the vessel maintains an average speed of 5.9 knots, though the crew reports frequent issues with a malfunctioning headsail furler and a broken autopilot.14:46 Navigating these waters requires caution, as the crew notes that Navionics charts in the region are frequently inaccurate and outdated.21:02 When anchoring in rocky or coral-heavy bottoms, the crew utilizes crew members in the water to visually verify anchor set and chain clearance, specifically avoiding underwater obstructions that could snag the ground tackle.26:11 During a subsequent 40-nautical-mile leg, the crew encounters 20-knot gusts, necessitating a reef in the genoa to maintain control.17:50 Despite the lack of significant swell, the transition from deep water to shallow banks is abrupt, with depths dropping from over 300 meters to less than 20 meters rapidly.20:10 Visual verification of the seabed remains the most reliable method for ensuring safe anchoring in these conditions.27:02

Watch on YouTube

Boats in this video

Beneteau Oceanis 440Their boat

More from Vie d'écume

Plans have changed, we're doing the Spanish coast, Toulon will have to waitAug 2026Watch out for the orcas of Gibraltar, I'm staying on guardAug 2026Working at the top of the mast, Titouan vlogging at a height of 20 meters 😨May 2026DRAMA in the middle of the transatlantic return, when the ocean shows you that you are nothingMay 2026

From Vie d'écume — 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.

Report an issue