Chez Teamvideo
Arriving doesn't mean you're safe | Ep 105 - Chez Team
June 28, 2026 · 38 min · 26K views · Bahamas
Hand points to squall as sailboat nears land
What this video covers
A cruising couple sailing the Exuma Islands in the Bahamas experiences a mechanical failure of their windlass while navigating shallow, current-heavy waters.24:40 The windlass, which previously showed signs of internal rust and chain slippage, fails completely, forcing the crew to rely on moorings and manual anchoring.25:08 During one maneuver, a mooring buoy drags significantly, requiring the crew to quickly engage the engine and deploy their primary anchor to avoid a collision with a nearby vessel.25:48 The crew notes that relying on moorings in the Exumas carries inherent risks, as the condition of the underwater tackle is often unknown.26:54 Throughout the transit, the sailors navigate depths as shallow as one foot, requiring constant monitoring of the keel clearance.1:38 They also practice wing-surfing using a stand-up paddleboard in calm, protected anchorages and visit landmarks including the Norman's Cay plane wreck and the Boo Boo Hill memorial at Warderick Wells.3:22 The experience highlights that reaching a destination does not guarantee safety, as shifting tides, sudden tropical squalls, and equipment failure require constant vigilance.29:26
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