EP#274 West Coast Offshore Sailing with Colin
September 20, 2024 · 1h 10m · 554 views · San Francisco, California
What this video covers
A solo sailor completed a 700-nautical-mile passage from Bellingham, Washington, to San Francisco, California, staying approximately 100 miles offshore to avoid heavy coastal traffic and dangerous river bar crossings.Watch The sailor utilized a small vessel equipped with a 6-horsepower outboard motor, prioritizing offshore transit over coastal stops due to the lack of emergency evacuation points along the West Coast.5:56 The route required careful tidal timing to exit the inland waters near Bellingham.5:37 During the passage, the sailor maintained a conservative sailing style to minimize wear on the boat and gear.8:29 The discussion highlights the challenges of solo sailing, including the necessity of self-steering systems like wind vanes over electronic autopilots, and the strategic decision-making involved in planning long-distance voyages.40:55 Future plans include sailing from San Francisco to Mexico, exploring the Sea of Cortez, and potentially crossing the Pacific to Hawaii or French Polynesia.49:38 The sailor emphasizes the importance of setting incremental goals to build confidence for long-term ocean cruising.56:22
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