Wildling Sailing · video

What this video covers

Heavy canal weed in the Champagne-Ardenne region of France frequently clogs the engine water intake, forcing the crew to manually tow the boat through locks and clear the heat exchanger to prevent overheating.6:55 The accumulation of aquatic vegetation makes standard propulsion impossible, leading the crew to adopt a technique of walking the boat along the quay using lines while one person remains at the helm to steer.17:29 To manage the debris, the crew purchased a long-handled, stiff-bristled brush to clear the intake from the deck.5:34 They rely on the VNF (Voies navigables de France) for canal maintenance updates and scheduling, noting that while the weed density is severe, the local authorities are actively working to clear the channels.9:42 The crew avoids using an outboard dinghy motor, as the surface weed clogs the propeller and cooling system almost immediately.20:18 Frequent lock transits require constant vigilance to prevent lines from snagging or pulling too tight.15:57 Regular monitoring of the engine temperature and water flow remains essential to avoid mechanical failure in the weed-choked waters.20:53

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