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First Day and We're Pushing Off! Sailing from Spain to Tunisia, Part 1 | DrakeParagon Sailing
May 30, 2026 · 18 min · 3K views · Moana, Spain
What this video covers
A Westsail 42 departs Moana, Spain on May 4th, bound for Tunisia via the southern coast of Portugal — a total voyage of 1,562 nautical miles planned in multiple legs.2:53 The first leg runs approximately 394 nautical miles: west to 10 degrees longitude, then south parallel to the Spanish and Portuguese coasts, then east to make landfall on Portugal's southern tip.3:19 The primary routing decision is orca avoidance.3:43 At least seven sailboats have been sunk by orcas in these waters after rudders were ripped off, and the crew routes 55 nautical miles offshore to stay clear of the highest-interaction zones near the coast.3:11 Two deterrent poles are rigged on the stern to be launched and struck with a hammer if orcas approach; the Hydrovane wind vane is deliberately left unattached so it can serve as an emergency backup rudder if the main rudder is damaged.1:59 PredictWind's offshore departure planning tool shows the May 4th window as optimal: max wind 20.9 knots, average 14.6, 98% of the time in 1–2 meter seas, 59% downwind, zero time above 2-meter waves.6:45 Shipping lane crossings near Portugal's southwest tip are flagged as the other main hazard.4:54 Three Renogy Shadowflux panels and two 285-watt Kyocera panels were added to the solar array before departure.14:02 New jacklines were also installed.17:53
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