A SERIOUS GAME AT SEA
June 23, 2023 · 21 min · 138K views
What this video covers
Barry Perrins, sailing near Tanna in Vanuatu, encounters a sudden, intense gale estimated at Force 9 or 10 while attempting a passage to Port Vila.19:09 After waiting out two weeks of poor weather in an anchorage, he departs in 12-knot winds but faces deteriorating conditions and an ominous sky.12:58 The storm hits with whiteout conditions and wind speeds reaching approximately 50 knots, causing the boat to heel severely and jibe multiple times.16:15 Perrins manages to drop the mainsail during a brief lull while on deck without a harness.17:16 The boat sustains no major structural damage, though the sail remains in a tangled mess on the mast.19:05 Earlier, Perrins troubleshoots a non-functional AIS unit by tightening a loose terminal.11:53 He notes that his decision to put a single reef in the mainsail before the squall hit likely prevented mast failure.16:45 The experience underscores the necessity of maintaining reefing readiness and reliable communication gear during passages in volatile tropical regions.
More from Adventures of an old Seadog
From Adventures of an old Seadog — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analyzed video.
The Sailing Directory Newsletter
One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.