Sailing Zephyr · video

What this video covers

After encountering unforecasted southerly winds and heavy seas during an offshore passage from Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, to Fernandina Beach, Florida, the crew of the 40-foot sailboat Zephyr aborted the trip and diverted into Southport, North Carolina.3:03 The vessel faced gusty winds between 10 and 20 knots, causing the boat to round up repeatedly and pound into the swell.1:48 Following a night at a free dock in Southport, the crew opted to transit the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) to Calabash, North Carolina, to avoid continued adverse offshore conditions.5:11 During the ICW transit, the crew navigated narrow channels and encountered large commercial barges, maintaining a minimum depth of 7.5 feet.8:12 After anchoring in Calabash, the crew experienced freezing temperatures, with ice forming on the interior window trim and the boat’s internal temperature dropping to 34 degrees Fahrenheit.11:15 The crew ultimately decided to prioritize a rapid southward passage to escape the cold and meet visa and veterinary requirements.14:38

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