I’ve sailed close to 50k miles, crossed oceans and been shipwrecked, and I found nothing in this video I disagree with. Can’t say that about 9 out of 10 sailing TH-camrs . Liked and subscribed.
Funny how many things we have in common as solo sailors James. For example, I see many sailors playing music while sailing, even coastal sailing, or using headphones. I will never do that. Firstly I'm out there to be in contact with the nature. And I wanna hear it and feel it! Secondly, I want to be able to hear every little sound that my boat makes. The sails, the water, the wind, lines, halyards, sheets, the engine. I also say that the boat speaks to me and I want to be able to listen when it needs me. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I can relate to carelessness. I took all my reefing line at once, lowering my main from none to 3 reefs, and then pulled on the reefing lines, one huge pull at once. Suddenly I was across the cockpit, on my arse, luckily without hurting my back or breaking bones. So easy to do! Everything must be done without hurry, and deliberately. Slow and easy...
The Cruisers' Handbook of Fishing is THE fishing for cruisers AND for those of us who don't cruise but fish in the tropics. I'm in the UK but have used techniques from it in Florida and Australia. Great video round up of your epic cruise. Well done and thank you.
Appreciate your honesty, all good advice. One possible addition to the content might be sail handling/set up. An old single handler taught me to always,, whatever point of sailing the boat is on, have a preventer on the boom when offshore alone. I have a relatively small mainsail (70s IOR boat) and find I can reef that on a run if I centre the boom first to take the power out of it (simple slab reefing, standard battens). A small jib pulled in tight amidships and a prevented main also works well running downwind, the jib acts to keep the boat on course.
James, I just want to say how much I’ve enjoyed your content. I’ve never been interested in sailing and I stumbled upon your ocean crossing video about 2 months ago. It woke something up inside me I never knew I was missing. I’ve been obsessed with anything sailing lately and I have you to thank for that. Maybe one day I’ll be able to do what you do.
Me too! I am buying a sailboat in two years and selling everything I own and heading out to the seas to go wherever the wind blows my sails and I am never coming back
Go sign up for young cruisers association (age doesn’t matter) and you will be even more excited. It’s a community of 10’s of thousands of sailors who when your sails cross in marinas or even during crossings, you lend a helping hand if it’s ever needed, and offer a cold drink, coffee or fish etc. It’s a community who has created their own on the water world society. People who live their life on the sea
Just wanna say that you are the real Top G for learning old school navigation. Technology is too unreliable to rely on it for something your life depends on.
Love your channel. Excellent tips, I took notes. Tip: In the military we hv checklists and binders for EVERYTHING. Before an aircraft is launched and after it lands...check check check. A binder with checklists for everything including redundancy checklists. Stowed in waterproof bag. Fair Winds
So happy to hear about your use of paper charts and non-electric abilities to navigate, IE sextant. I spent quite a bit of time on the ocean in the Navy. One of the favorite parts of my job was the use of charts. I was also fascinated when I would see others using the sextant. I don't even think they teach that anymore in the navy and the charts are electronic. Thanks so much for your efforts to put out these videos.
I found his channel 2.5 years ago and had always planned on sailing and saved money for years and years while in the army. 2 years later I own a boat and have sailed all over the Pacific Northwest and eventually will take off to Hawaii and beyond
Thanks so much. Really useful information. I have far less experience, only one solo passage from the South coast UK up to the North Atlantic and Norway and back. On a24ft Trident. I’ve now bought a Nicholson 31 and am planning to cross the Atlantic and on into the Pacific. I hope to have one other person on board from UK to the Azores and then on my own from there. Your travels and especially this video ( that I’ve just found) are little pieces of gold!!! Thanks. Guy.
Your solo passage on a Nicholson 31 across the Atlantic will be a cakewalk compared to sailing across the North Sea to Norway on a 24ft boat 💪🏻 You got this no problem 👍🏻
Thanks for this video-very interesting to hear your points. What you said about "entertainment" is true for me also when travelling on land, no matter if it's by car or by bike. Will never understand people who block their sense of hearing while driving, riding or hiking.
Without a doubt ALL facts about getting injured... I developed sailors (tennis) elbow on my strong arm with 18 days left (ended up being 22 days) and you need each limb! The burning pain on my elbow from just lifting my coffee cup was unbearable, let alone pulling up the Anchor, Halyard, or working the Jib and Genoa lines. To this day, it still acts up and once in a while turning a door knob reminds me of that journey.
I haven't seen all of your videos, but I haven't seen one that wasn't very informative , inspiring, or entertaining. I forget what I initially typed in the search bar. You popped up with some others but when I saw the size of your boat (I'm at the earliest stages of learning what all this about and adequate) , you looking like a pirate, and doing it solo; I thought this guy has to know his shit or he wouldn't have all these videos and still be alive. Thank you for having the courage to chase your dreams and not being a douche bag. I love music, all types of music but I found it extremely interesting and couldn't agree more with your radio policy. I try to spend as much time in nature as possible. One of my favorite parts (especially after a stressful day or week) is when you finally get centered in the moment of being and not thinking. For me, that's the part where all I hear is birds chirping, the wind blowing and whisping through the grass, trees, or carrying in the waves. It truly fascinates me how loud and interactive this wonderful planet is but also how much me tune out and drown out in a busy american city or with are minds. I sincerely have a 2yr plan for buying my first vessel and can not wait to hear all the things mother nature and my first lady have to tell me. Thank for the inspiration, knowledge, and your outlook on life. I really appreciate your perspective and genuine-ness (if that is a word). Take care and safe sailing.
Awesome video. I love that boat and I'm thinking of getting one. The Alberg seems very nice. Never been sailing and so wanting this for my life. Gonna be on a budget and I know it's gonna take alot. But absolutely seems so worth it.
Nice follow-up video to the passage. I keep a running list of things to have on the boat for long passages...just added a dozen gadget charging cables and a helmet. Thanks. I only follow solo sailors these days...can't take the fake "whoooo hoooo!!! / "we almost sank our boat!!!!!!" drama of the other channels. -cheers.
James, I never comment on any video. But, this one was just so good, so informative. Kudos bro. I actually viewed the whole thing twice. Taking notes for the future. Fair winds buddy. LD
Using cut up shiners for bait (the bait to get shiners is cut up chicken gizzard's on a tiny hook& rod) is good for deep sea fishing/trolling off the back w/ a hook or big spoon hook &sinkers, the triangle kind are good. a Rod holder & a net & a gaffs your friends when alone.If you get a shark just cut the line. Always wear gloves to get the hook out & hold them. If your keeping them & hit them in the head (cause you dont have a cooler)w/ something big & heavy.
Excellent Video James! Its amazing how many things you think of, your plans are incredible and watching your videos gives me so many ideas for my future passage
1. Food wise, need minimum of 50-70 grams of protein (CELLULAR replacement and regeneration) daily 2. And energy wise, 2000 calories daily (from: carbohydrates, fat, protein) 3. Plus: vitamins and minerals
Loving your videos man! I was curious on the amount of money you spent getting her sea ready. I'm also looking to get an Alberg 30 but I'm sure the actual boat isn't the most expensive component.
Hey man, really liked your voyage to Hawaii and have lots of respect for your figuring out how to steer using a drogue but man you had a month to figure out fishing 😂. That would have been my main past time on board. And I'm also not a salted angler.
When sailing solo if you are fishing and you get one on the line you have to completely stop the boat which isn’t like stopping a power boat, then you are being tossed all around while you fight the fish in, get it onboard, then try and get the boat sailing again, and get it back on course and then deal with the fish. This whole process could take 2 hours or more. Yeah, no , hard pass
Those boats travel at 30 knots, that means if they are 1 mile away they can run me down in 2 minutes. My boat goes between 3-5 knots and is limited in its ability to moved based on the point of wind
Good lessons. Apps failures are typical and to be expected. Usually it's some nonsense where you have to log into their server to reopen the app - but you're off the grid - at most need of the stuff. It's not really a tool if when you most need it it doesn't work. The default should be that their software just works no question for as long as a crossing takes - so at least a month, or it will always work if the device has no internet connection. When my son was young he got sick while we were traveling. We couldn't find Pedialyte, so we gave him Gatorade. Okay ... . If you get the sh**s and you drink Pedialyte (expensive!!) or Oral Rehydration Salts (dirt cheap - in clean water exactly the same as Pedialyte) you can survive any bout of diarrhea no matter how long it lasts. With Gatorade....better than nothing. ORS is in the exact proportions your body needs. I like your thoughts on music and the sea. Some TH-cam videos..... Gunboat used to be the worst offender - absolutely amazing boats, absolutely amazing sailing video and the worst loud canned horrible muzak you can imagine. Hearing the wind, or when sailing down wind - the absence of wind, and the water rushing by the hull - it's what I want to dream about later.
Enjoyed the video and appreciate the tips! I had just finished 'Log of the Mahina - A Tale of the South Pacific' by John Neal and he has an appendix of recommended gear based on his 1974 voyage on his 27' Albin Vega. Great minds think alike as he has allot of the same recommendations. He also recommend a book on Polynesian navigation techniques, 'We the Navigators' by David Lewis. I just put in a request with the local library to borrow a copy via interlibrary loan so I can read it. Also, I was wondering if you have a Kindle Paperwhite for reading? Amazing battery life, light weight, waterproof and no glare screen with night mode. Also you can check out books online from the local library. LA public library has the a huge online collection and you can download books anywhere in the world. Thanks again for the great info.
This is such a great video, lessons learned is immensely valuable Also I’m curious about human waste, does it collect in a tank? Do you have a toilet on board and how do you deal with it in an environmentally conscientious way?
great information . i sailed deep sea a the worry of yachts do you have a Radar deflector. ??.we were approaching CapeTown and all of a sudden the Cape to Rio fleet immerged in front of us.Best wishes for your future adventures really enjoyed your video brings back memories of my days at sea regards from Vung Tau Vietnam
I assume that all of these larg ships have AIS. So would they would be looking out for boats likes yours as part of their journey? Sorry if that a stupid question, I'm not knowledgable re such things.
Most small boats, mine included don’t have an AIS transponder (they are very expensive) and only have a receiver so the only way a cargo ship would see me is if they happen to be looking or maybe on radar but since my boat is fiberglass it doesn’t show up very well on radar
@@SailorJames I didn't consider the fact that you would need a transponder! I just assumed it would all be part of the same hardware. I don't know how you guys have the bottle to do it but it's great that you do and that the spirit of human adventure carries on... and I can watch on TH-cam from a safe distance. Safe travels always.
We’ve got a few years before setting off and without any sailing experience I’m more concerned with learning navigation. What are some of the better options?
Hi James! Question: Isn't it dangerous to have several days / weeks in a row without proper sleep? Aren't You tired all day long during all the days then? Doesn't the human body needs at least a few continuous hours of deeper sleep to have any refreshing and relaxing effect?
@@SailorJames Thanks for Your reply! Still hard to believe to be able to stay awake for weeks without proper sleep. Is it something You can train Your body to get used to?
Very very very unlikely you would be saved a 1000 miles from anywhere , the personal epirb would just lead them to your body . Yes trailing a line is a “oh shit” last hope but not a sure thing and would slow your boat down
Very very very unlikely you would be saved a 1000 miles from anywhere , the personal epirb would just lead them to your body . Yes trailing a line is a “oh shit” last hope but not a sure thing and would slow your boat down
When you 'clip in' do you only use the 'high side' & are your jacklines rigged to prevent you going over the life lines? If not have you tried (with someone else on board) to fall over & then see how you are restrained by the jacklines/tether ? Do you trail a line? I am, *really* interested in all of this as I am planning how to rig my own boat - friends are scared when I tell them no pfd & then I explain (as you did) why - then they get it - I'd rather not be floating shark feed or as you say have to make that decision to get out of your pfd and ... (not that I intend to leave the boat at all!!!)
replying to my own comment - it always makes me wonder how many short-crewed boats put in the thought as to what they would do - they wear a pfd and think that's it - I wonder how many of them have actually tried a recovery
Yes you should always only ever travel forward on the weather side so you fall onto the boat and not off the boat. No I don’t clip in and throw myself overboard to test recovery but I do pull myself onto to the boat without a ladder regularly at anchor to make sure I can do so. I only trailed a line when I was adrift and getting in the water, I was concerned about it fouling my Windvane so I didnt do it all the time
I would appreciate your opinion on sailing my 1970 Tartan 30 Sailing from San Francisco to Hawaii.. she's set up for racing from the previous owner... I'll be reducing the sailing plan to get the boom high enough for a hard dodger.. wind vain.. rigging is 4 years old... 400 watts of solar.. 3 100 ah agm batteries.. ( new) don't have the wind vane yet.. but plan to take 3 simrad tiller pilots in case I can't find a wind vane.. ( great sails.. roller is good 125%.. hopefully adding a storm jib.. Much more.. Thanks to you I'm taking ratchet straps and a bike helmet... solo most likely.. 20 % sailing experience.. 10 years of commercial fishing.. Washington, Oregon and Alaska.. never been sea sick and I've been fired for not daunting my life suit in a extreme situation.. meaning I'm not afraid of anything.. but I wanna be smart.. .. Tartan 30.. so frigging stable.. Rather have a Alberg 30..
You have the right boat for the job, just make sure you sail in the right season. The No Windvane thing would be my only concern, those tiller pilots burnout super easy and they will be working really hard with following seas and downwind sailing . Tradewinds sailing is very forgiving so your sailing experience won’t be an issue since you have spent so much time on the sea
@@SailorJames I appreciate the boost in confidence.. especially on the Tartan 30. Will not leave without a wind vane. I'll be shaking her down this summer along the California coast.. thank you !
Sharks are not a threat, I have swam with tons of sharks of many varieties in many places and if you know how to interact with them they are wonderful magical creatures
Hey Brother...Mark here I want to thank you for helping me through a rough time tonight. I love the long videos ..I was able to sail with you and forget the shaky ground I was on . Thank you. I mean it.
A nice video that of course fits well to watch after the long video where you sail to Hawaii. I think that apart from the safety perspective, as you also point out, it is important to listen to the sounds from the elements and the boat. This is definitely an important part of the whole experience and clearly underestimated. It's a bit like going for a walk in the woods with your earplugs on and listening to Spotify. The natural sounds are gone and with it a big and important part of the whole experience. Sailing is fantastic. I only have experience from the Norwegian skerries and think that crossing a large sea and especially alone must be a really great experience. Keep up the god work :)
Love watching/ hearing from a sailor who sails 'close to the wind'. Moreover, I always get the feeling you're a past sailing soul sailing in the presence. Love your work.
James, Love your videos, especially your willingness to share your mistakes and what you have learned from them so that others can learn. I know that I have certainly changed what I bring in my dinghy after your dinghy accident posting! I want to add another reason for having a helmet in your gear list. Going up the mast in any kind of sea state. Keep up the good work!
Dave from Hawaii here, following along with your fun journey after meeting you here. I think this is my favorite video of yours - thanks for sharing your experience.
I certainly can relate to the one cable and charger for your navigation device. I have been in the same position when a blue one come over the top and landed salt water directly on the cable and charger where it was plugged in. fortunately I was in semi familiar waters but not the harbor I was entering. It was an interesting night. Cant wait to see you visit New Zealand, fair winds.
Thank you! I love these videos that just get to the point. I am preparing for my next phase of life with sailing abroad and love your videos. I couldn't have done that trip you did after what happened to you personally but that solo trip probably set you free in a lot of ways.
Right on James, this was an excellent episode and topic and I’m betting you could put together a couple more like this one from all your travels as well all the knowledge you’ve attained through the years can’t be replaced or bought by someone thinking it’ll be easy with it and is why I like your channel it’s informative backed by trial and error from your hard work, attitude and effort with being down to earth it doesn’t get any more real than this… thank you for sharing all that you do and looking forward to seeing your next episodes… take care friend and everyone else…
![[TH] FS vs BME - VCT Ascension Pacific - Lower Bracket Final](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/wnygqsR2Fig/mqdefault.jpg)
I’ve sailed close to 50k miles, crossed oceans and been shipwrecked, and I found nothing in this video I disagree with. Can’t say that about 9 out of 10 sailing TH-camrs . Liked and subscribed.
Funny how many things we have in common as solo sailors James. For example, I see many sailors playing music while sailing, even coastal sailing, or using headphones. I will never do that. Firstly I'm out there to be in contact with the nature. And I wanna hear it and feel it! Secondly, I want to be able to hear every little sound that my boat makes. The sails, the water, the wind, lines, halyards, sheets, the engine. I also say that the boat speaks to me and I want to be able to listen when it needs me. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Look at your confidence now compared to when you left. Two thumbs up man, great to see!
I can relate to carelessness. I took all my reefing line at once, lowering my main from none to 3 reefs, and then pulled on the reefing lines, one huge pull at once. Suddenly I was across the cockpit, on my arse, luckily without hurting my back or breaking bones. So easy to do!
Everything must be done without hurry, and deliberately. Slow and easy...
The Cruisers' Handbook of Fishing is THE fishing for cruisers AND for those of us who don't cruise but fish in the tropics. I'm in the UK but have used techniques from it in Florida and Australia. Great video round up of your epic cruise. Well done and thank you.
Appreciate your honesty, all good advice. One possible addition to the content might be sail handling/set up. An old single handler taught me to always,, whatever point of sailing the boat is on, have a preventer on the boom when offshore alone. I have a relatively small mainsail (70s IOR boat) and find I can reef that on a run if I centre the boom first to take the power out of it (simple slab reefing, standard battens). A small jib pulled in tight amidships and a prevented main also works well running downwind, the jib acts to keep the boat on course.
James, I just want to say how much I’ve enjoyed your content. I’ve never been interested in sailing and I stumbled upon your ocean crossing video about 2 months ago. It woke something up inside me I never knew I was missing. I’ve been obsessed with anything sailing lately and I have you to thank for that. Maybe one day I’ll be able to do what you do.
Thank you for this comment! its wonderful to hear 🙏🏻
Brilliant. No nonsense. Keep adding to this please ! Thank you.
Me too! I am buying a sailboat in two years and selling everything I own and heading out to the seas to go wherever the wind blows my sails and I am never coming back
Go sign up for young cruisers association (age doesn’t matter) and you will be even more excited. It’s a community of 10’s of thousands of sailors who when your sails cross in marinas or even during crossings, you lend a helping hand if it’s ever needed, and offer a cold drink, coffee or fish etc. It’s a community who has created their own on the water world society. People who live their life on the sea
Wonderful info James. Thank you for putting this together.
Just wanna say that you are the real Top G for learning old school navigation. Technology is too unreliable to rely on it for something your life depends on.
Very interesting…Some of these practices you can also apply to life on land too. Having back up plans, awareness and so on…Much enjoyed watching 😎👍
Love your channel. Excellent tips, I took notes.
Tip:
In the military we hv checklists and binders for EVERYTHING. Before an aircraft is launched and after it lands...check check check. A binder with checklists for everything including redundancy checklists. Stowed in waterproof bag.
Fair Winds
So happy to hear about your use of paper charts and non-electric abilities to navigate, IE sextant. I spent quite a bit of time on the ocean in the Navy. One of the favorite parts of my job was the use of charts. I was also fascinated when I would see others using the sextant. I don't even think they teach that anymore in the navy and the charts are electronic. Thanks so much for your efforts to put out these videos.
I’m not a sailor or even a boater, but I am fascinated by your channel and am loving your videos.
Thanks. 👍🌞
Yet... your not a sailor or a boater, yet.
I found his channel 2.5 years ago and had always planned on sailing and saved money for years and years while in the army. 2 years later I own a boat and have sailed all over the Pacific Northwest and eventually will take off to Hawaii and beyond
Same here ! I watched your video sailing to Hawaii - I prayed for you! Even right now - let there always be peace when you sail
Another really good episode you’re giving tips and warnings to sailors. Thank you for this, I’ll keep this one in my head
Thank you for sharing. I am a beginner in sailing. In my opinion one of the best channels I know. Keep going!
Thanks so much. Really useful information. I have far less experience, only one solo passage from the South coast UK up to the North Atlantic and Norway and back. On a24ft Trident. I’ve now bought a Nicholson 31 and am planning to cross the Atlantic and on into the Pacific. I hope to have one other person on board from UK to the Azores and then on my own from there. Your travels and especially this video ( that I’ve just found) are little pieces of gold!!! Thanks. Guy.
Your solo passage on a Nicholson 31 across the Atlantic will be a cakewalk compared to sailing across the North Sea to Norway on a 24ft boat 💪🏻 You got this no problem 👍🏻
One of the best sailing videos that I've seen in a long time.
Thanks for this video-very interesting to hear your points. What you said about "entertainment" is true for me also when travelling on land, no matter if it's by car or by bike. Will never understand people who block their sense of hearing while driving, riding or hiking.
This is very informative for sailing solo and educating the modern sailor. Thanks brother James
Without a doubt ALL facts about getting injured... I developed sailors (tennis) elbow on my strong arm with 18 days left (ended up being 22 days) and you need each limb! The burning pain on my elbow from just lifting my coffee cup was unbearable, let alone pulling up the Anchor, Halyard, or working the Jib and Genoa lines. To this day, it still acts up and once in a while turning a door knob reminds me of that journey.
I haven't seen all of your videos, but I haven't seen one that wasn't very informative , inspiring, or entertaining. I forget what I initially typed in the search bar. You popped up with some others but when I saw the size of your boat (I'm at the earliest stages of learning what all this about and adequate) , you looking like a pirate, and doing it solo; I thought this guy has to know his shit or he wouldn't have all these videos and still be alive. Thank you for having the courage to chase your dreams and not being a douche bag. I love music, all types of music but I found it extremely interesting and couldn't agree more with your radio policy. I try to spend as much time in nature as possible. One of my favorite parts (especially after a stressful day or week) is when you finally get centered in the moment of being and not thinking. For me, that's the part where all I hear is birds chirping, the wind blowing and whisping through the grass, trees, or carrying in the waves. It truly fascinates me how loud and interactive this wonderful planet is but also how much me tune out and drown out in a busy american city or with are minds. I sincerely have a 2yr plan for buying my first vessel and can not wait to hear all the things mother nature and my first lady have to tell me. Thank for the inspiration, knowledge, and your outlook on life. I really appreciate your perspective and genuine-ness (if that is a word). Take care and safe sailing.
Will be watching this several times. Hoping to set sail sometime this year! Not single handed, but short handed. Good advice.
Awesome video. I love that boat and I'm thinking of getting one. The Alberg seems very nice. Never been sailing and so wanting this for my life. Gonna be on a budget and I know it's gonna take alot. But absolutely seems so worth it.
Nice follow-up video to the passage. I keep a running list of things to have on the boat for long passages...just added a dozen gadget charging cables and a helmet. Thanks.
I only follow solo sailors these days...can't take the fake "whoooo hoooo!!! / "we almost sank our boat!!!!!!" drama of the other channels. -cheers.
I find the worse it is filmed and edited the more i enjoy the vid. After a while the slick ones with the click bait titles really annoy me.
Captivating Captain!! Fair winds ☮️❤️
James, I never comment on any video. But, this one was just so good, so informative. Kudos bro.
I actually viewed the whole thing twice.
Taking notes for the future.
Fair winds buddy.
LD
I'm a land lubber and really enjoyed your vid! Thanks for sharing your experiences.
Enjoyed that chat. A lot of useful observations there and well worth listening to.
Nice video! I'm currently prepping now, so very timely!
Using cut up shiners for bait (the bait to get shiners is cut up chicken gizzard's on a tiny hook& rod) is good for deep sea fishing/trolling off the back w/ a hook or big spoon hook &sinkers, the triangle kind are good. a Rod holder & a net & a gaffs your friends when alone.If you get a shark just cut the line. Always wear gloves to get the hook out & hold them. If your keeping them & hit them in the head (cause you dont have a cooler)w/ something big & heavy.
Powerful and precise.
Good on ya bro
Well done. Some very helpful, pragmatic information based on real experience.
Thanks for sharing.
AL
Vancouver.
Easily my favorite sailing channel
Excellent Video James! Its amazing how many things you think of, your plans are incredible and watching your videos gives me so many ideas for my future passage
Youre an inspiration bro, im saving for my first Alberg 30 :)
was in the navy for 8 ,3 in pearl. this very much makes me miss the smell of the sea .
So many interesting details. thanks.
Great video. Much appreciate the “what I learned”, you don’t find that on other channels.
Great tips thanks mate. Totally agree with you about music on the boat.
I have learned a lot from this video, thanks for sharing. As I am about to set sail solo myself, any tip is welcome. Cheers, Richard
Great info and good work. Well done.
Cheers from NZ
Thanks James. Much appreciated!
1. Food wise, need minimum of 50-70 grams of protein (CELLULAR replacement and regeneration) daily
2. And energy wise, 2000 calories daily (from: carbohydrates, fat, protein)
3. Plus: vitamins and minerals
Thanks for sharing
Thank you for your great video.
Just found you now I can't stop 👀 you are truly amazing thank you 🙏
Loving your videos man! I was curious on the amount of money you spent getting her sea ready. I'm also looking to get an Alberg 30 but I'm sure the actual boat isn't the most expensive component.
Hey man, really liked your voyage to Hawaii and have lots of respect for your figuring out how to steer using a drogue but man you had a month to figure out fishing 😂. That would have been my main past time on board. And I'm also not a salted angler.
When sailing solo if you are fishing and you get one on the line you have to completely stop the boat which isn’t like stopping a power boat, then you are being tossed all around while you fight the fish in, get it onboard, then try and get the boat sailing again, and get it back on course and then deal with the fish. This whole process could take 2 hours or more. Yeah, no , hard pass
Thanks for the Great info....
You should add the clip from 13th warrior “It not a good time to be close to shore”
Interesting mainsheet setup. Simple with 2 anchor points.
Excellent video, spot on.
Enjoyed very good
Thanks 👍✌️
Bloody good info mate.
Awesome vid James
Awesome video. You're dressing so formal now...black polo. :-)
Great stuff! THXS
Great stuff 👍
Enjoyed your information, thank you
Can you explain more about coming within a mile of bigger ships? A mile seems so far away, why is that considered so close?
Those boats travel at 30 knots, that means if they are 1 mile away they can run me down in 2 minutes. My boat goes between 3-5 knots and is limited in its ability to moved based on the point of wind
great video........
Good lessons. Apps failures are typical and to be expected. Usually it's some nonsense where you have to log into their server to reopen the app - but you're off the grid - at most need of the stuff. It's not really a tool if when you most need it it doesn't work. The default should be that their software just works no question for as long as a crossing takes - so at least a month, or it will always work if the device has no internet connection.
When my son was young he got sick while we were traveling. We couldn't find Pedialyte, so we gave him Gatorade. Okay ... . If you get the sh**s and you drink Pedialyte (expensive!!) or Oral Rehydration Salts (dirt cheap - in clean water exactly the same as Pedialyte) you can survive any bout of diarrhea no matter how long it lasts. With Gatorade....better than nothing. ORS is in the exact proportions your body needs.
I like your thoughts on music and the sea. Some TH-cam videos..... Gunboat used to be the worst offender - absolutely amazing boats, absolutely amazing sailing video and the worst loud canned horrible muzak you can imagine. Hearing the wind, or when sailing down wind - the absence of wind, and the water rushing by the hull - it's what I want to dream about later.
Enjoyed the video and appreciate the tips! I had just finished 'Log of the Mahina - A Tale of the South Pacific' by John Neal and he has an appendix of recommended gear based on his 1974 voyage on his 27' Albin Vega. Great minds think alike as he has allot of the same recommendations. He also recommend a book on Polynesian navigation techniques, 'We the Navigators' by David Lewis. I just put in a request with the local library to borrow a copy via interlibrary loan so I can read it. Also, I was wondering if you have a Kindle Paperwhite for reading? Amazing battery life, light weight, waterproof and no glare screen with night mode. Also you can check out books online from the local library. LA public library has the a huge online collection and you can download books anywhere in the world. Thanks again for the great info.
I am halfway through reading we the navigators for the second time in preparation for my next adventure
This is such a great video, lessons learned is immensely valuable
Also I’m curious about human waste, does it collect in a tank? Do you have a toilet on board and how do you deal with it in an environmentally conscientious way?
When more than 12 miles from shore you pump straight overboard, it’s just organic matter.
Very nice video. I appreciated a lot. My project is cross the Mediterranean Sea in the future on a
Excellent video. thx so much
Great info.
I'll be hitting blue water before long but only have not quite a day experience , wish me luck
Nice video
great information . i sailed deep sea a the worry of yachts do you have a Radar deflector. ??.we were approaching CapeTown and all of a sudden the Cape to Rio fleet immerged in front of us.Best wishes for your future adventures really enjoyed your video brings back memories of my days at sea regards from Vung Tau Vietnam
Cool video. Thanks
I assume that all of these larg ships have AIS. So would they would be looking out for boats likes yours as part of their journey? Sorry if that a stupid question, I'm not knowledgable re such things.
Most small boats, mine included don’t have an AIS transponder (they are very expensive) and only have a receiver so the only way a cargo ship would see me is if they happen to be looking or maybe on radar but since my boat is fiberglass it doesn’t show up very well on radar
@@SailorJames I didn't consider the fact that you would need a transponder! I just assumed it would all be part of the same hardware. I don't know how you guys have the bottle to do it but it's great that you do and that the spirit of human adventure carries on... and I can watch on TH-cam from a safe distance. Safe travels always.
sounds f**king terrifying... 😳
We’ve got a few years before setting off and without any sailing experience I’m more concerned with learning navigation. What are some of the better options?
HI James, just found your channel, as the late Frank Carson would have said " it's a cracker " Reg
Great video and advise! Especially making things fun to drink at sea. Im assuming you don't drink Beer.
pretty interesting life you live man...stay safe out there..i like your videos
"No fun stuff to drink." Personally, I prefer rum. 🙂
Hi James! Question: Isn't it dangerous to have several days / weeks in a row without proper sleep? Aren't You tired all day long during all the days then? Doesn't the human body needs at least a few continuous hours of deeper sleep to have any refreshing and relaxing effect?
No, around the world racing solo sailors keep the same sleep schedule for up to a year straight depending on how slow or fast their boats are
@@SailorJames Thanks for Your reply! Still hard to believe to be able to stay awake for weeks without proper sleep. Is it something You can train Your body to get used to?
Wouldn't a personal AIS and EPERB provide a likely rescue?
And Wouldn't trailing a long line behind provide a way to get back aboard?
Very very very unlikely you would be saved a 1000 miles from anywhere , the personal epirb would just lead them to your body . Yes trailing a line is a “oh shit” last hope but not a sure thing and would slow your boat down
Very very very unlikely you would be saved a 1000 miles from anywhere , the personal epirb would just lead them to your body . Yes trailing a line is a “oh shit” last hope but not a sure thing and would slow your boat down
When you 'clip in' do you only use the 'high side' & are your jacklines rigged to prevent you going over the life lines?
If not have you tried (with someone else on board) to fall over & then see how you are restrained by the jacklines/tether ?
Do you trail a line?
I am, *really* interested in all of this as I am planning how to rig my own boat - friends are scared when I tell them no pfd & then I explain (as you did) why - then they get it - I'd rather not be floating shark feed or as you say have to make that decision to get out of your pfd and ... (not that I intend to leave the boat at all!!!)
replying to my own comment - it always makes me wonder how many short-crewed boats put in the thought as to what they would do - they wear a pfd and think that's it - I wonder how many of them have actually tried a recovery
Yes you should always only ever travel forward on the weather side so you fall onto the boat and not off the boat. No I don’t clip in and throw myself overboard to test recovery but I do pull myself onto to the boat without a ladder regularly at anchor to make sure I can do so.
I only trailed a line when I was adrift and getting in the water, I was concerned about it fouling my Windvane so I didnt do it all the time
I noticed you have solar power. I'm actually a solar dealer and if you ever need anything, let me know. Also your cost is my cost! 🙂
hi what was garmin pok ? or l cont fine it on web eny help ? thx u ))
I would appreciate your opinion on sailing my 1970 Tartan 30
Sailing from San Francisco to Hawaii.. she's set up for racing from the previous owner... I'll be reducing the sailing plan to get the boom high enough for a hard dodger.. wind vain.. rigging is 4 years old... 400 watts of solar.. 3 100 ah agm batteries.. ( new) don't have the wind vane yet.. but plan to take 3 simrad tiller pilots in case I can't find a wind vane.. ( great sails.. roller is good 125%.. hopefully adding a storm jib..
Much more..
Thanks to you I'm taking ratchet straps and a bike helmet... solo most likely..
20 % sailing experience..
10 years of commercial fishing.. Washington, Oregon and Alaska.. never been sea sick and I've been fired for not daunting my life suit in a extreme situation.. meaning I'm not afraid of anything.. but I wanna be smart.. ..
Tartan 30.. so frigging stable..
Rather have a Alberg 30..
You have the right boat for the job, just make sure you sail in the right season. The No Windvane thing would be my only concern, those tiller pilots burnout super easy and they will be working really hard with following seas and downwind sailing .
Tradewinds sailing is very forgiving so your sailing experience won’t be an issue since you have spent so much time on the sea
@@SailorJames I appreciate the boost in confidence.. especially on the Tartan 30.
Will not leave without a wind vane. I'll be shaking her down this summer along the California coast.. thank you !
👍🏻
Do u have flare guns....and Speer gun if encountered a shark?
Sharks are not a threat, I have swam with tons of sharks of many varieties in many places and if you know how to interact with them they are wonderful magical creatures
Did you have a sat phone?
No
I can tell you from experience that a skateboard helmet won't keep you from getting knocked out. Keep kicking ass.
The boats force isn’t the same as falling in a pool and getting knocked out while skating (I have experienced that as well)
Hey Brother...Mark here
I want to thank you for helping me through a rough time tonight. I love the long videos ..I was able to sail with you and forget the shaky ground I was on . Thank you. I mean it.
Really enjoy your videos. Personally the sea scares the shit out of me so anybody who can cross an ocean solo is amazing in my book.
A nice video that of course fits well to watch after the long video where you sail to Hawaii. I think that apart from the safety perspective, as you also point out, it is important to listen to the sounds from the elements and the boat. This is definitely an important part of the whole experience and clearly underestimated. It's a bit like going for a walk in the woods with your earplugs on and listening to Spotify. The natural sounds are gone and with it a big and important part of the whole experience. Sailing is fantastic. I only have experience from the Norwegian skerries and think that crossing a large sea and especially alone must be a really great experience. Keep up the god work :)
I remember the first solo passage. I found it so ridiculous that no one would help you knowing you had no steering. I will never forget that.
Love watching/ hearing from a sailor who sails 'close to the wind'. Moreover, I always get the feeling you're a past sailing soul sailing in the presence. Love your work.
James,
Love your videos, especially your willingness to share your mistakes and what you have learned from them so that others can learn. I know that I have certainly changed what I bring in my dinghy after your dinghy accident posting!
I want to add another reason for having a helmet in your gear list. Going up the mast in any kind of sea state.
Keep up the good work!
As a new sailor who wants to make crossings, I must say that video is worth it's weight in gold. Thank you so much
glad it helped 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Dave from Hawaii here, following along with your fun journey after meeting you here. I think this is my favorite video of yours - thanks for sharing your experience.
I certainly can relate to the one cable and charger for your navigation device. I have been in the same position when a blue one come over the top and landed salt water directly on the cable and charger where it was plugged in. fortunately I was in semi familiar waters but not the harbor I was entering. It was an interesting night. Cant wait to see you visit New Zealand, fair winds.
Thank you! I love these videos that just get to the point. I am preparing for my next phase of life with sailing abroad and love your videos. I couldn't have done that trip you did after what happened to you personally but that solo trip probably set you free in a lot of ways.
Right on James, this was an excellent episode and topic and I’m betting you could put together a couple more like this one from all your travels as well all the knowledge you’ve attained through the years can’t be replaced or bought by someone thinking it’ll be easy with it and is why I like your channel it’s informative backed by trial and error from your hard work, attitude and effort with being down to earth it doesn’t get any more real than this… thank you for sharing all that you do and looking forward to seeing your next episodes… take care friend and everyone else…