Sailing Avanti · video

What this video covers

Gerard and Jacqueline, sailing the yacht Avanti, explore the Solomon Atoll in the Chagos archipelago, a remote Indian Ocean destination restricted to transit yachts and military personnel.0:18 The British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) administration issues approximately 20 entry permits annually, which cost £100 per week at the time of their visit.7:59 The crew anchors between Ile Takamaka and Ile Foukoua, opting to reach the historic site of Ile Boddam by dinghy rather than navigating Avanti through the dense coral bommies.5:38 Ile Boddam features abandoned plantation buildings and a former yacht club, though all mooring balls have deteriorated.5:55 The crew observes diverse bird species and protected coconut crabs, which can reach a one-meter leg span.4:28 They supplement their provisions by catching red snapper from their dinghy.8:59 The archipelago remains largely uninhabited following the forced relocation of plantation workers in the 20th century, and the area is currently subject to ongoing legal claims regarding residency rights.7:25

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