Asleep at the wheel in Polynesia!

[Barry Rietz]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pj9g42h3l0U

[thataway]

Interesting Video Barry. Thanks.

A couple of comments. Lots of shipwrecks (all sizes, all types and material of hulls). We have seen a number of them all over the World. There have been very sophisticated racing boats (around the world races) who have gone on reefs in the last few years. So GPS is not fool proof. Radar may not pickup the back side of surf--but should pickup the front side. So the sailor has to keep that in mind. Charts can be miles off and the data old--which is surprising with satellites. Google Earth becomes the cruisers friend!

Always standing a watch, and if any question, lay off until daylight. Enter passes with the sun high in the sky--and preferably slightly behind you. Give reefs a wide berth, unless stopping in a lagoon--then daylight only.

As for plugging thru hull holes, a short handle Plumber's friend, is something I have used since 1962 for even drilling a hole in the hull of a boat in the water. Drill a pilot hole the slightly bigger than a coat hanger. Put the coat hanger thru the hole, by about 1/2", so it is easy to find the hole. Put the plumber's friend over the hole, pushing the coat hanger back into the boat. The water pressure will hold the plumber's friend against the hull, and you can safely drill a large hole (with a battery operated drill). Rags, sponge or nerf balls can be temporary coverings. Toilet Bowel ring wax can be a temporary filler. Splash Zone Compound by Pettit is an under water epoxy, A large triangular piece of plastic of even water resistant canvas can cover a large hole, if held tight (use "Spanish Windless, to tighten ropes in each corner). We always carried a 3700 gallon per hour electric pump, with long cables and battery clamps, plus hose to "de water". Also a Whale "Gusher" 1 gallon per stroke hand pump.

Be safe and careful.