Fish Under Sail · video

What this video covers

A Nordicat 43 sailboat, *Sand Dollar*, completes a 600-mile transit from San Francisco to Ensenada, Mexico, to undergo a major refit before continuing south to La Paz.5:32 The crew clears U.S. Customs at the San Diego airport before crossing the border, where they secure a Temporary Import Permit (TIP) after resolving registration documentation issues.3:05 In Ensenada, the boat undergoes its first haul-out at Baja Naval Boatyard, where the crew remains aboard while contractors strip and repaint the bottom, repair fiberglass blisters, and seal keel-to-hull joints.8:37 Technical repairs include replacing a fried alternator with a new charging configuration that uses a DC-to-DC charger to protect the lithium battery bank, removing corroded through-hull sensors, and installing a new grounding zinc plate system.12:21 The crew also hires a rigger to assist with mast maintenance, antenna repairs, and tuning the standing rigging.17:04 The vessel prepares for a 1,000-mile passage to La Paz, planning to anchor in San Quintin to rendezvous with another vessel before proceeding south.19:54

Boats in this video

More from Fish Under Sail

*Channel Update* - Big Things Coming, but First Going QuietSep 20268 Months of Hell — Splashing Sand Dollar at LastAug 2026Repairing a Crack in the Keel — This Had to WorkJul 2026Will the Engine Start? First Test after Hydrolock RebuildJul 2026

From Fish Under Sail — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analyzed video.

The Sailing Directory Newsletter

One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.