Cruising Meraki • Sailing Familyvideo

Storms and Boat COLLISIONS | SAILING THE TUAMOTUS | EP 111

August 14, 2023 · 21 min · 3K views · Fakarava

What this video covers

A severe weather system in the South Pass anchorage of Fakarava, French Polynesia, forces multiple cruising vessels to maintain overnight anchor watch during 40-knot gusts and frequent lightning.14:54 The storm causes a neighboring boat, M2, to break its mooring line and drift into the hull of the 45-foot catamaran *Meraki*.6:35 The collision results in minor hull scratches but no structural damage.8:49 During the squall, *Meraki* experiences a chafed snubber line, which the crew replaces with a beefier backup setup.12:04 As wind shifts of up to 110 degrees threaten to wrap anchor chains around nearby coral heads, or "bommies," the crew decides to relocate to a more protected anchorage in Harifa.14:29 Navigating the move requires a lookout on the bow to identify coral heads in low visibility.17:17 The crew emphasizes the importance of having a sharp knife ready to cut lines during emergency maneuvers and highlights the necessity of maintaining redundant snubbers when anchored in atoll environments with limited protection.17:46

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Boats in this video

Explorer 45 (HUNTINGFORD)Their boat

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