keeldraggervideo
Sailing Single-Handed to Rangiroa, Tuamotus, French Polynesia from the Marquesas (April 2025)
May 19, 2025 · 25 min · 7K views
What this video covers
A solo sailor transits 574 nautical miles from Nuka Hiva in the Marquesas to Rangiroa, Tuamotus, aboard the sailing vessel *keeldragger*.1:36 During the five-day passage, the sailor manages a fouled propeller caused by discarded fishing gear, requiring an open-water dive to cut the debris free while the boat drifts in two-meter seas.11:07 Mechanical failures include a seized worm drive on the Hydrovane self-steering system and a loose connection in the electronic autopilot, which requires repairs in the lazarette.22:46 To navigate the Rangiroa pass, the sailor uses a spreadsheet tool called the Guestimator to calculate tidal offsets.6:19 After an initial attempt at 7:30 a.m. reveals four knots of adverse current and turbulent water, the sailor waits until 9:30 a.m. to successfully motor through the pass against a reduced three-knot current.18:23 Upon arrival, the sailor anchors in 50 feet of water, using fenders clipped to the chain as makeshift floats to protect the gear from coral bommies.24:48
Boats in this video
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