Vagabond Voyagesvideo

Vanuatu: Teak bungs... then the worst seasickness of my life. Vlog 136

August 28, 2026 · 28 min · 8K views · Gaspard Bay

What this video covers

Tom and Anissia, sailing in Vanuatu, perform maintenance on their teak deck in Gaspard Bay before departing for Ambrym.0:17 Tom replaces approximately 30 teak bungs, removing corroded screws, filling the holes with epoxy, and installing new bungs to ensure a watertight seal.1:27 The crew prepares for a 16-nautical-mile passage, expecting 15-knot winds and a 0.7-meter swell.11:52 Despite these favorable forecasts, the transit between the islands results in severe, short, confused seas that cause extreme seasickness for Anissia and force the boat to slow to 1.8 knots.16:02 Tom engages the engine at 1,200 RPM to maintain speed and stability through the turbulence.18:36 The crew attributes the difficult conditions to underestimating the local sea state and the Venturi effect within the channel.19:52 Upon arriving at Ambrym, they anchor in clear water and meet a local resident named Francis.17:47 The experience highlights the importance of taking anti-nausea medication before departure and never underestimating short passages in island channels.16:44

Watch on YouTube

More from Vagabond Voyages

Sailing Vanuatu: bad weather, life on board and bread recipe. Vlog 135Aug 2026What to bring when visiting the islands of Vanuatu? vlog 133Aug 2026A mission that gives the journey its true meaning. Vlog 134Aug 2026After a rough night, one click... and it all disappears.Jul 2026

From Vagabond Voyages — 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.

Report an issue