North Atlantic Won't Play Nice | Ep. 249
Sailing out through the Town Cut (to St. Georges, Bermuda) is generally more difficult than sailing in. This is because any wave action from outside will be pushing you into St. Georges. Though I have tacked in through the Cut, I've never attempted to tack out, always opting to wait for a fair wind. This time it seemed like I had a fair wind, but turned out to be a rather tricky operation nonetheless. But once out, the weather maps promised fair weather sailing for the next week. Well, as the saying goes, forecasts are what you expect, weather is what you get ...
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Kevin Boothby, PhD, documents the forensics of engineless blue-water voyaging. Join his 2026 Bahamas expedition aboard the Gilmer 31 cutter, Ruth Avery.
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North Atlantic Crossing Challenges | Ep. 249
Sailors on the North Atlantic must be prepared for challenging conditions as they embark on their oceanic journey. As seen in Episode 249 of How to Sail Oceans, even a seasoned sailor like Josh can face some unexpected obstacles during a typically difficult passage.
Starting the Journey
The video starts with Josh making final preparations before departing from Bermuda. He mentions how beautiful the island is but also recognizes its high costs. With all systems go, he sets off on his adventure to Miami, Florida.
Initial Challenges
As soon as Josh enters the cut, strong winds begin pushing him back and slow down the sailboat. Despite feeling nervous, he manages to keep steerageway and catch some momentum before finally clearing Bermuda. Throughout this leg of his journey, rough sea conditions also add difficulty to maneuvering.
Navigating Gale Conditions
The next challenge encountered was gale conditions while at 28° 30′ N latitude and 72° W longitude. A cold front formed an area of convection that blew solidly for about four hours, reaching up to 30 knots of wind speed.
AIS Transponder Malfunction
Additionally, Josh’s AIS transponder experienced a GPS receiver malfunction. This means that bigger ships can no longer track them accurately using their systems.
Captain’s Thoughts on Crossing
The captain weighs his options and prepares for possible sheltering in the Berry Islands, where he intends to anchor and quarantine during periods of strong North or West winds.
Sleep and Rest Issues
Slept deprivation becomes a concern due to constant windy weather and rough sea conditions, which make resting almost impossible. To keep spirits up during Christmas Day, Josh enjoys teriyaki chicken, poor man’s chocolate cake while dreaming about lounging on the couch.
Rigging the Code Zero
As winds drop off, it becomes crucial to set up a Code Zero sail, as it offers greater stability in lighter winds. Despite being tired from previous challenges and sleepless nights, Josh stays focused on ensuring the rigging process is correct.
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Conclusion
In summary, the challenges faced during this North Atlantic crossing remind us that even experienced sailors can be confronted by harsh ocean conditions and unexpected obstacles. As we move forward with our journey together, remember that perseverance and determination are key ingredients in achieving any dream voyage.
Watch Now!
To dive deeper into the world of oceanic adventures with Captain Josh, be sure to watch North Atlantic Crossing Challenges now! It’s a gripping journey that encapsulates all aspects of what it takes to face adversity out at sea.
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