Sailing Nahoavideo
We Won’t do That Again!
September 27, 2020 · 14 min · 119K views · Coast of British Columbia
What this video covers
Navigating the narrow passages of the British Columbia coast requires precise timing of tidal currents, which can reach 16 knots and create dangerous overfalls, whirlpools, and standing waves.3:17 A couple sailing a monohull north through these rapids intentionally transited a passage with a 5-knot current, resulting in a sketchy experience that they later deemed ill-advised.7:40 They emphasize the necessity of timing transits for slack tide to maintain steering control, noting that excessive current can render a vessel unmanageable.5:22 The crew also highlights the use of Steiner binoculars for coastal navigation and the practical challenges of provisioning in remote areas like Stewart Island, where local infrastructure is limited and high-end private estates are common.5:35 For long-term cruising with an infant, they rely on secondhand clothing to manage laundry and utilize paper plates to conserve limited galley space.12:54 The experience confirms that while coastal rapids are manageable with proper planning, underestimating current strength creates unnecessary risk.
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