Jakob Lang Sailingvideo

Trapped In a Lighting Storm At Sea | Ep. 4

January 26, 2025 · 18 min · 29K views · English Channel

What this video covers

Jakob Lang, attempting a solo circumnavigation, encounters a severe weather front in the English Channel while sailing his vessel, Wolf. During the passage, a squall brings lightning, heavy rain, and a 180-degree wind shift, forcing the boat to heave to while navigating near cargo traffic with a compromised AIS signal.9:28 As winds increase to 35–40 knots, the furling line on the headsail detaches, causing the 29-square-meter Genoa to unfurl and flog violently.13:14 Lang manually furls the sail on the foredeck before switching to a storm jib.13:22 Due to the damaged furler, adverse tides, and heavy seas, he diverts to Fécamp, France.13:55 Inspection reveals the furler’s retaining screw stripped through the plastic housing; he repairs the unit by securing the furling line with a knot.16:44 The experience highlights the necessity of manual sail-handling systems and the risks of relying on unmapped wind farm hazards and electronic navigation aids during sudden weather shifts.

Watch on YouTube

More from Jakob Lang Sailing

19 Year Old Crossing The Atlantic Alone | Ep. 17Sep 2026Attempting Spains Highest Mountain - Atlantic Crossing Ahead | Ep. 16Aug 2026Is This The End? - The Brutal Reality of Sailing Solo Around The WorldJul 2026Gamechanger! - Internet in the Middle of the OceanMay 2026

From Jakob Lang Sailing — 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.

Report an issue