Chez Teamvideo
Arriving doesn't mean you're safe | Ep 105 - Chez Team
June 28, 2026 · 38 min · 27K 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. The windlass, which previously showed signs of internal rust and chain slippage, fails completely, forcing the crew to rely on moorings and manual anchoring. 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. The crew notes that relying on moorings in the Exumas carries inherent risks, as the condition of the underwater tackle is often unknown. Throughout the transit, the sailors navigate depths as shallow as one foot, requiring constant monitoring of the keel clearance. 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. The experience highlights that reaching a destination does not guarantee safety, as shifting tides, sudden tropical squalls, and equipment failure require constant vigilance.
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