The Mariner · video

What this video covers

Chris, a solo sailor, is preparing an 85-foot kevlar-hulled sloop for a non-stop, west-about circumnavigation, a route that requires sailing against prevailing winds and currents.0:18 He aims to beat the 122-day record set by Jean-Luc Van Den Heede in 2002.8:32 To fund the necessary boat upgrades, including a new mainsail and propeller, he is organizing crewed passages for events like the Fastnet Race.1:31 The vessel features a 12-ton lead keel, massive ballast tanks, and a carbon fiber mast.11:08 During recent sailing, Chris observed excessive mast bend and instability while adjusting rig shims, prompting a planned haul-out to consult a professional rigger.14:35 He intends to target the Southern Ocean during the austral summer, likely in the winter of next year, to optimize speed and safety.12:21 The project focuses on refining boat systems and structural integrity to handle the extreme conditions of a west-about global transit.

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