SmoCo Sailingvideo
[Ep 7] From Fog to Fear: Sailing Around Point Conception & Bilge Disaster
May 2, 2025 · 21 min · 417 views · Santa Barbara
What this video covers
A 23-hour passage from Avila Beach to Santa Barbara, California, tests the crew of the sailboat Cosmo as they navigate thick fog, darkness, and a 10-gallon saltwater intrusion in the bilge. The crew, Armand and Liya, encounter heavy seas that force them to route further offshore to safely round Point Conception and Point Arguello.3:26 During the transit, a jib block shackle pin fails, requiring a simple re-fastening.10:58 Upon arrival in Santa Barbara, the crew discovers 10 gallons of saltwater in the bilge, which they initially suspect enters through the anchor locker during heavy spray.13:14 Despite testing the anchor locker with food coloring and water to trace the leak, the source remains unidentified.18:15 The crew decides against immediate fiberglass repairs, opting instead to reassemble the V-berth and monitor the bilge with water alarms.20:06 The experience highlights the challenges of transitioning from dockside boat maintenance to active cruising, including managing equipment failures and troubleshooting hull integrity.
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