XTRIP SAILINGvideo
Freshwater Captain from now on🫣 - XTrip Sailing Ep.227
March 28, 2026 · 27 min · 68K views · Inverness
Sailboat battles turbulent sluice gate waters under cloudy sky
What this video covers
A solo sailor navigating the Caledonian Canal in Scotland encounters strong tidal currents and wind while approaching the entrance at Inverness. The vessel, a sailboat, faces significant maneuvering challenges due to a 3.5-knot current and shallow sandbanks near the canal lock entrance.▶ 3:28 After failing to contact the lock keeper on VHF channel 14, the sailor successfully communicates on channel 74.▶ 4:17 The transit involves navigating 29 locks, with the initial approach requiring the boat to be held against the current using a midship spring line while waiting for the lock gates to open.▶ 18:39 During the transit, the sailor performs a repair on the bow anchor roller, which had a loose bolt and worn-out roller due to chain friction and side-loading.▶ 14:06 The repair involves cutting an Allen key to fit the tight space and securing the assembly with Loctite.▶ 16:22 The canal, which spans approximately 100 kilometers and connects the North Sea to the Atlantic, requires strict adherence to lock schedules and bridge opening times.▶ 21:23
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