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Sailing solo across the Atlantic. From La Palma, Canary Islands, to Dominica, Caribbean.
March 2, 2023 · 15 min · 328K views · Atlantic Ocean
What this video covers
Dunkeln completes a 23-day solo Atlantic crossing from La Palma, Canary Islands, to Dominica.13:40 Choosing a southern route for consistent trade winds, the sailor encounters varying conditions, including calm patches, 25-to-30-knot squalls, and 3-meter seas.1:50 Technical challenges include a malfunctioning VHF radio, which required a new power circuit, and an insufficient 200-watt solar array that necessitates running a gasoline generator every 2.5 days due to a delayed wind generator.5:11 The vessel’s windvane self-steering system struggles in heavy air, requiring aggressive reefing to maintain control.7:58 During the passage, the genoa’s clew rips out in the dark, forcing the sailor to maneuver the boat to windward to recover the sail and switch to a backup headsail.11:24 Radar proves effective for tracking squalls and maintaining a safety perimeter in the absence of AIS targets.5:32 The crossing concludes with a successful landfall in Dominica.13:31 Solo sailing intensifies the experience of the voyage, though it presents significant physical and psychological challenges during equipment failures and heavy weather.14:22
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