Sometimes in this line of work, as Chief Brody would say, “[we’re] gonna need a bigger boat.” So too was the determination by Capt Tom on this job. A massive front came through the day before with 50kt winds out of the NW and so the seas were relatively big compared to what we normally deal with a 1-2ft chop on top of 4-5ft long-period swells. Anyways, as soon as Capt Tom got the yacht under tow, he knew his boat wasn’t up for the task, and called me to come take over since I was on the slightly bigger and more powerful Worldcat. Once I got hooked up, the tow was uneventful until we got to Longboat pass Bridge. Here we had to wait for quite some time as the bridge operator wasn’t answering our radio calls, and when he finally did, we had to then wait for all of the traffic to clear off the bridge. Going through the bridge is always a bit sketchy as the current doesn’t flow straight through the bridge due to it being offset to one side of the pass, but the captain of the yacht did an amazing job keeping his boat from hitting the bridge fenders despite the currents best effort to push him into them.
Camera used -Insta360 X3
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AI-Generated Description:
In this gripping video, join us on a challenging tow mission where the determination of Capt Tom shines through against the odds. Battling 50kt winds and towering swells, we found ourselves facing a daunting task - towing a yacht through rough seas. As Chief Brody famously said, "[we’re] gonna need a bigger boat," and indeed, that's what happened.
Capt Tom, recognizing the limitations of his vessel, called for backup, and I stepped in with the slightly bigger and more powerful Worldcat. What followed was a tense yet ultimately successful tow operation, despite the obstacles thrown our way.
Our journey took a nerve-wracking turn at Longboat Pass Bridge, where communication hiccups with the bridge operator compounded our challenges. Waiting for clearance amidst swirling currents tested our patience and skill. Yet, through expert seamanship, the captain of the yacht navigated the treacherous passage, narrowly avoiding collision with the bridge fenders.
Join us as we navigate through adversity, showcasing the resilience and teamwork required in the face of nature's fury. Don't miss this thrilling tale of perseverance on the high seas! Subscribe for more gripping maritime adventures.