SailingAlone · video

What this video covers

Dunkeln completes a solo circumnavigation from Europe to Launceston, Tasmania, before preparing for a passage to Tonga.1:39 After 60,000 kilometers, the boat requires extensive maintenance, including a new mainsail and a replacement wind vane cover sourced from Canada.6:13 Upon departing the Tamar River at 3:00 a.m. with an outgoing tide, Dunkeln encounters a gale forecast with 45-knot winds and 4- to 5-meter seas.6:38 The wind vane breaks off and is lost overboard during the storm.10:14 Lacking a spare, Dunkeln abandons the Tonga passage and diverts to Jervis Bay, Australia.10:32 The electric autopilot fails to handle the heavy following seas, forcing four hours of hand-steering.10:53 After sheltering for two days in Jervis Bay, Dunkeln clears back into Australia with the assistance of the Australian Border Force and proceeds to Sydney to await a new wind vane.11:23 The loss of critical self-steering gear necessitates a complete change in seasonal cruising plans.11:46

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