How do you sail safely in gale-force winds? This video covers storm preparation, heavy weather tactics and real-world cruising experience between 28 and 47 knots. Learn about reefing, wave patterns, close-hauled sailing, broad reaching, downwind sailing, squalls, preventers, heaving-to and survival tactics. Practical storm sailing advice from a solo cruising sailor aboard Reykja.
Ocean Sailing
Chasing Volcanoes. Solo sailing around New Zealand’s North Island
Two-thirds of North Island still lie ahead of me as I sail REYKJA through the volcanic heart of New Zealand. From tropical storms and broken gear to forbidden islands like White Island and the shores of Napier, this is raw solo sailing through fire, wind and tourists.
Treacherous Tasman Sea – Solo Sailing into Breaking Bars & Heavy Swell
Golden beaches, invisible fishing nets, breaking bars and chaotic seas. What begins as a quiet departure from Nelson turns into a hard solo sail along New Zealand’s wild west coast. Storms, gear failures and impossible decisions push Reykja north—until, at dawn, the Tasman Sea is left behind and the Pacific finally opens up.