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WE Sail to Belize | Part 2 | Episode 36

November 20, 2019 · 15 min · 11K views · Banco Chinchorro

What this video covers

Navigating the uncharted waters of the Chinchero atoll near the Mexico-Belize border requires visual navigation, as electronic charts provide minimal detail on shallow reefs.2:08 The crew maintains a depth of three to four feet below the keel while maneuvering through the atoll, identifying unmarked coral heads that pose significant grounding risks.2:24 After exiting the atoll, the vessel anchors in an exposed area to wait out a storm before proceeding toward the San Pedro cut at Ambergris Cay.5:59 Approaching the reef cut, the crew relies on high sun and calm seas to spot coral, as the 300-foot-wide entrance requires a 20-degree course change to navigate the dogleg.11:34 Despite the lack of reliable data on Navionics and Garmin charts, the vessel successfully enters the reef in nine feet of water.13:53 The crew also catches and processes Dorado using a vacuum sealer for storage.9:53 Proper sail balance improves rudder control in shallow, restricted waters.1:24

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