Breaking Waves · video

What this video covers

A 40-plus knot gale forces a couple sailing from French Polynesia to Tonga to run downwind for 24 hours in 20-foot seas.17:27 With the autopilot malfunctioning, the crew relies on a combination of hand steering and a wind vane to maintain a westerly course.8:40 During the storm, the boat sustains heavy loading on a previously damaged section of the hull, but the structure remains intact.4:48 The crew manages sail balance by keeping a double-reefed mainsail and a small sliver of headsail deployed, which prevents the boat from rolling excessively.17:36 Jerry cans secured on deck are nearly lost overboard when waves wash across the deck, requiring a dangerous manual recovery.10:19 After the winds subside, the boat makes landfall in Tonga, where the crew reunites with buddy boats including Calico Skies, Kessel, and Serenity.25:22 Maintaining a balanced sail plan and keeping the boat moving in heavy weather improves stability and control during severe offshore conditions.

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