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Crossing the Gulf Stream: Sailing from West End, Bahamas to Fort Pierce, Florida on "Mirage"
June 17, 2026 · 22 min · 2K views · West End, Bahamas
Sailboat Mirage glides toward Bahamian shore under scattered clouds
What this video covers
Vlad departs West End, Bahamas aboard the Amel 50 Mirage at 6:30 a.m., bound for Fort Pierce, Florida — a 85-mile Gulf Stream crossing completed in just under 14 hours at an average 6.5 knots.21:36 A missing spinnaker pole control line forces a course change: instead of running downwind, he sails 40 degrees closer to the wind and plans a tack, accepting a later arrival.1:09 He explains Gulf Stream navigation in practical terms — aim 10–15 degrees low of the destination, then let the current's northward set correct the course, watching for the growing divergence between heading and COG (up to 20–30 degrees).12:07 Wind stays light at a true wind angle of 155 degrees for most of the passage; 3-meter swells build in the Stream's center when wind shifts north.17:41 He enters Fort Pierce Inlet at high water on a falling tide, arriving at sunset.20:46 The passage prompts a detailed provisioning assessment of the Bahamas: food selection is poor and prices run roughly double U.S. levels, so Vlad recommends bringing specialty foods, wine, and quality spirits from the mainland.5:05 The Gulf Stream current added 2–3 knots of boat speed through its core, confirming the value of aiming low and letting the set do the work.10:03
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