Trading the ICW for an OFFSHORE Sail from Beaufort [E304]
August 30, 2024 · 21 min · 1K views · Beaufort, North Carolina
What this video covers
A family of four sails a 70-nautical-mile offshore passage from Beaufort, North Carolina, to Masonboro Inlet near Wilmington, completing the trip in 11.5 hours.20:56 The crew departs at 4:00 a.m. to ensure a daylight arrival, navigating 15-knot winds with gusts up to 20 knots.7:22 The sea state features steep, 3-foot waves at 6-to-7-second intervals, causing the boat to roll significantly while sailing downwind.15:47 The autopilot malfunctions repeatedly, losing power and steering erratically, which forces the crew to manage the helm manually during periods of instability.16:10 The vessel’s electrical system struggles to maintain power for the autopilot, fridge, and lights, highlighting a need for increased battery capacity.8:59 One child suffers from seasickness, complicating cockpit management and watch-keeping duties.12:59 The crew eventually motors the final 15 miles to reach the calm waters behind the Masonboro Inlet breakwalls.19:53 The passage confirms that while the boat is capable of offshore conditions, the crew prefers the Intracoastal Waterway to maintain comfort for young children during periods of unsettled weather.20:26
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