WEsailvideo

Sailing from Marquesas to Our First Tuamotu Atoll | Episode 170

September 21, 2022 · 30 min · 43K views · French Polynesia

What this video covers

The crew of WEsail departs the Marquesas at 0545 to begin a three-day sail to their first Tuamotu atoll, timing the passage specifically to hit the atoll pass at slack water.14:12 Before leaving, Erica, Warren, and crew hike inland to the highest waterfall in the Marquesas — a steep river-valley trail accessible only at low tide by dinghy — and visit two local families who charge for waterfall access and lunch, then send guests away with more fruit and vegetables than they can carry.5:37 On passage, fishing dominates: the crew loses multiple fish and a GoPro microphone, then escalates their tackle to heavy-duty swivels, heavier line, and stronger hooks after repeated break-offs.18:52 The extended battle ends when they land a yellowfin tuna measuring between 59 and 60 inches — nearly five feet — on 80-pound test line, requiring the gaff and a knife to bring aboard.29:57 Warren notes the critical challenge ahead is timing the Tuamotu atoll channel entry correctly, describing the atolls as a stark contrast to the tall volcanic Marquesas islands.15:48 Upgrading every component of the fishing rig — line, swivels, and hooks — proved necessary to land large pelagic fish in the South Pacific.

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