Sailing Songbird · video

What this video covers

A solo sailor departs La Paz, Mexico, aboard the sailboat Songbird to begin a 3,000-mile passage to Nuku Hiva, French Polynesia.2:23 The skipper completes the official checkout process at four government offices, including the port captain, to obtain a zarp.4:27 Before departure, the crew spear-fishes in Baja and repacks dry goods to minimize waste.5:19 Exiting the anchorage requires navigating a five-mile channel, which the skipper executes using a southerly wind to avoid the "La Paz Waltz," a phenomenon where tidal currents cause boats to swing unpredictably and foul their anchors.14:07 The vessel relies entirely on wind power because the 1970 inboard diesel engine is non-functional.11:23 A Tohatsu 6hp outboard motor, lashed to the hip, provides temporary propulsion through the Sea of Cortez but fails in the heavy Pacific swell.16:31 The first 100 miles take one week due to calm conditions and adverse currents.17:41 A broken Starlink cable initially cuts off internet access, forcing reliance on a satellite phone until the vessel reaches a zone with cell service.15:01

Boats in this video

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