Sailing Gently · video

What this video covers

A single-handed sailor aboard a 25-foot boat survived Hurricane Beryl while anchored in the mangroves of Cariacou.0:31 As the storm reached 105 knots, the vessel sustained a hull puncture and lost its mast, which collapsed after the aluminum profile ruptured from intense vibration.14:37 The storm surge lifted large vessels, including a 3,000-ton ferry, into the anchorage, causing widespread destruction to surrounding yachts.13:25 Despite the damage, the sailor managed to keep the boat afloat and eventually motored to Grenada for repairs.15:00 The incident highlights the extreme vulnerability of boats in mangroves during direct hurricane hits, where wind speeds exceeding 100 mph and significant storm surges render standard mooring and fender protection ineffective. The sailor’s experience underscores the danger of remaining aboard during such events, with the loss of the mast and hull integrity nearly resulting in total vessel loss.

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