Vie d'écumevideo
Solo sailing — Anchoring in a deserted cove
April 5, 2026 · 24 min · 2K views · Guadeloupe
Sailboat under full sail on open sea near green coast
What this video covers
A solo sailor aboard a Beneteau Oceanis 440 navigates coastal waters in Guadeloupe, attempting a departure from an anchorage under sail alone to avoid using the engine.0:39 During the transit, the sailor encounters fluctuating winds ranging from 9 to 27 knots, necessitating frequent adjustments to the mainsail and genoa. The vessel reaches speeds of up to 8 knots, but the autopilot struggles to maintain a steady course in the gusty conditions, forcing the sailor to hand-steer. The route requires navigating through a field of fishing buoys and nets, which the sailor identifies as a significant hazard in the coastal shallows. Upon reaching the destination, the sailor anchors in a sandy-bottomed cove in 7 to 9 meters of water, noting that the area is more crowded than during a previous visit three years prior. The sailor plans to remain at anchor to perform maintenance, including cleaning the hull with a spatula to preserve the remaining antifouling and troubleshooting the boat's freezer wiring.
Boats in this video
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