Sailing La Vagabondevideo

Riley Makes an Illegal Emergency Stop.. 4m Waves, Electrics Down

October 12, 2026 · 34 min · 567K views · Vanuatu

What this video covers

La Vagabonde, a trimaran, encounters 30-knot winds and 3.5 to 4-meter seas while beating upwind during a passage.0:01 A wave slams the helm station, causing saltwater ingress that shorts the electrical system and disables the autopilot.0:11 The crew hand-steers for 35 hours in rough conditions while managing a shredded mainsail and a failed toilet.23:42 Due to the electrical failure and crew exhaustion, the vessel makes an emergency stop at an island to conduct repairs and seek shelter from the weather.27:26 The crew reports that the boat maintained structural integrity despite the heavy slamming, though the incident highlights the risks of offshore sailing in La Nina-influenced trade winds.13:37 Meanwhile, the co-host manages land-based projects in Vanuatu, including clearing property and planting a garden.2:10 The experience reinforces the necessity of thorough maintenance and the psychological challenge of managing uncertainty during long-distance passages.

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