The worst storm was always the next one
August 28, 2025 · 9 min · 7K views · Falkland Islands
What this video covers
After 152 days at sea during a solo circumnavigation, a sailor encounters a severe storm at 53 degrees south, 53 degrees west, while transiting north toward Ilhabela, Brazil.▶ 0:00 Sustained winds reached 50 to 60 knots with gusts up to 70 knots, creating hurricane-force conditions.▶ 0:00 A wave strike at 3:00 a.m. caused significant interior damage, shifting heavy gear, dislodging the cabin table, and flooding the cabin through the heater chimney.▶ 0:48 The sailor reports 6- to 7-meter seas and a torn staysail, which required immediate furling to prevent further damage.▶ 4:36 Electronics sustained water exposure, and the interior temperature dropped to 6.5 degrees Celsius with 89% humidity.▶ 2:20 The barometer bottomed out at 993 millibars before beginning to rise.▶ 3:04 Despite the loss of battery power and freezing conditions, the vessel remains operational as the wind speed subsides to 35 to 45 knots.▶ 3:51
More from Andre M Homem de Mello
From Andre M Homem de Mello — 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.