Exactly the type of sailing videos I long for. Open ocean, some navigation discussions, some sail management discussions, and closing the day off with a nice meal. Thanks so much for sharing your journey with us landlocked "sailors".
After 35 years of sailing and none for some years now, your filming is an answer to my longing to be back out on big waters. Thanks so much for such an informative and fun approach. Watching waves and hearing bow wake is such a special thing, especially once you age out of sailing. Thank you!
Reviewing older vids...did I see a GR connection? 30 years sailing Lake MI, Huron, North Channel, showed our S & S 40 custom wood at Hessel...also plenty of Mac races on other yachts. It's small world time. Your channel brings me joy, may the wind always be at your back! P.S. Boy has St Bart's changed in 30 years.
It occurred to me why I enjoy watching your videos and find them so relaxing. You are both low key, mellow, mature, not loud and do not talk too much. I have not heard any raised voices, arguing, silly voices, or a single curse word. You seem to be satisfied with just each other's company most of the time, and you each go about your business and do your share of work. Your sailing seems perfect for introverts. Is this a fair description of you two?
What amazes me is your immersion in the act of sailing itself and, when accomplished, the appreciation of beauty around you. It sounds to me like 'Think, act, love.' As a fellow Michigander, and citizen of the world, I appreciate the ability to see you at a time when I can no longer do things for myself. Godspeed.
Have you ever noticed how much it sucks to binge watch a video series and then you have to wait for the next episode like everyone else! Also wanted to let you guys know that the Abaco sunglasses are as nice as you said they were. Keep up the good work.
Fun video. Enjoyed Georgie playing with that pesky tail! Your passage so far looks fairly uneventful, which is good. Lucky Matt has a good cook on board!
Good day to you both. Wow you two look tired. But Jessica you will always be beautiful!! Even though your trip takes a long time. What a wonderful experience. The memories you will have for a lifetime. Thanks again for sharing with all of us who look forward to your journey...😎
You are doing good, well done. I notice Georgie Girl does not take a watch unless there are birds or fish involved. 1.5 miles is a good safe distance from a vessel of that size. Love your head sail first time I have noticed it.
I have to say, transmitting on AIS is so much better than when we only received!! Now the big ships see us and stay clear. We used to have to call the cargo vessels all the time because we'd show that we were going to come within 500 or so feet of each other! 😬
Love your story and always look forward to new posts from you guys. Next port buy a teapot. Pouring hot water from a pot underway is dangerous. Also an open pot takes more energy to get to the desired temp.
Goodness Jessica.....you scared me while that wide hot water pouring from the frying pan was trying to move beyond the container and onto your hand. I agree with Kjel, that was dangerous, even on land. That would have been very painful for days. A teapot spout keeps the hot water contained in a more manageable diameter.....and a clamp handle could hold that coffee stack while you poured. The rest of this video was great! ;).
I've never seen Jess do that before (I was sleeping when she filmed this). We have an electric hot water kettle, but I think she was trying to save power at the time. But yes, it is a bad idea to poor from a pan like that. Matt
Okay. I just asked Jess about the boiling water and she informed me that it was merely hot water and not close to boiling. So, it wasn't a safety issue after all. Matt
Matt, thanks for telling us about your book. So often people say they're reading but don't say what. Jessica, looking forward to the teriyaki recipe. The fried rice goes great with eggs, when you have then.
The rest of the summer into fall was pretty nasty out on the Atlantic. Can't wait to see how you guys faired. Friends of mine made the Azores, then onto spain (instead of returning) and on the hard to avoid the nasty conditions that followed... Hope you guys are safe!
More like coffee, emails, make up and earrings! You’re a class act Jessica especially considering your mid Atlantic. Love your videos guys, thanks as always
You caught my wifes attention with the fried rice lol, shes Asian and makes an awesome chicken fried rice, and that teriyaki sauce sounded yummy! We are extremely jealous of what you guys are doing and wish we could do the same, my wife loves the ocean but unfortunately gets sea sick very easily and we just had a baby girl last year so that would be kind of difficult lol! So we get to live our dreams through your eyes ;) Speaking of eyes, Jessica, yours are so incredibly beautiful! You guys make a great couple!
I know you've completed several Atlantic crossing now, but as I've yet to even go sailing, it seems like an amazing accomplishment. Anyway congrats, and hopefully someday I'll be able to join the club.
One of my favorite things about your videos is the audio. I love hearing the ambient water and sails flogging. So many others cover up any silence with music, but I feel like with the right looping and my eyes shut I could be there. Just as a silly question, as you consumed the water in the tanks and in bottles, do you find the boat has slightly sailing characteristics? I was guessing you lose 240 kg during the ocean travel?
Senator Perry. I have a 37ft cruising cat -- as we get through our water and supplies our performance gets better, but then we have very high capacity water tanks. The most important thing on our boat is a clean bottom.
Loved it. Thx. You mentioned Ruby Rose, which is a gr8 channel, found them a few months ago, love them and each city they visit and show on their channel. Looking forward to seeing all the cities you guys take us to. Keep uploading !!!
I love watching accomplished blue water sailors in their "Element". No pretend drama, just confidence in both their ability and their vessels suitability for the task at hand. Have you taught Georgy to use a head? We 24x12x10 Tupperware bin with a 6inch hole in the top that our feline HobieCat would use. He was toilet trained onboard after we determined litter was not an option for long term cruising. Cheers from the frozen Great Lakes!
We thought about it, but our head is a composting (decanting) head and wouldn't do well with cat urine. With a conventional head, I think we could get her to use it.... she's pretty smart (but typical stubbornness of a cat). Matt
Interesting to observe your eatings habits. On long offshore passage we tend to eat our largest meal midday (e.g. big meat pasta with salad and bread or fried rice with a Chinese style meat and veggie dish) and keep breakfasts hearty but lighter and dinners are often just hot soup or cheese and crackers/bread as we tend to nibble on night watches (nuts, cookies, chocolate etc). Doing this allows slow burn of carbs during the day when we're all awake and so the first night watch crew doesn't have a full stomach at start of watch (which can lead to drowsiness...that's usually me). Coffee time in the morning is a huge favourite for us too! Some crew drink instant coffee at start of watch on night shifts (I don't because I hate instant coffee) and we keep a large thermos filled with hot water strapped to the galley compression post to enable ease of mixing coffee at night. Sometimes instant soup is mixed too if it's a chilly/wet night. Cheers, Bill / SY Miss Foxy.
Sounds like you're doing it right in the galley! Our eating habits are pretty bad when offshore (they're pretty bad ashore too). At least we kept some type of appetite this time around. Typically, neither of us wants anything to do with food when on passage and we force ourselves to eat just so we don't become too weak. Matt
We downloaded GRIB and Weatherfax files with our Iridium GO. It worked so much better than the last time we crossed in 2014 with Inmarsat sat phone and SSB receiver. Clear images and at our own schedule vs the SSB were awesome. Matt
I know I am late to the party (binge watching) Could you give a little more info on the Iridium Sat Comm? I am have been researching sat comms for cruising but I keep finding the commercial type and those are priced stupid! Thanks for the vids. Keep them coming
Tim-. We are using an Iridium GO with the unlimited data program. I''m sure you've read about the slow data speeds; You cannot surf the internet, but you can download weather (gribs, text and weatherfax), get text messages/emails, and even get a few news sites. The best part for us is that we are not stuck in a contract. We only active when we are going offshore, so we only need to pay for a month or two at a time. It brings down the communication budget to an amount we can manage. The rest of our time is spent within cell phone range and we just get data plans for that. We bought our Iridium GO used for $500 (they are cheaper now) and get monthly data for $135. Hope this helps. Matt
@@MJSailing Thanks! That is great info. Getting all our ducks in a row. House goes on market at the end of the year and becoming liveaboards. I will be powered so afraid the Azores are a little out of our range, but will be wearing out the Caribbeans. HAHA Thanks again for the info!
Some people love fishing (my dad and brother), but I never really got into it. If I do it fish, it's just for food.... and I'm not even really a big fan of the taste. Matt
hehehe... alright miss smartypants, you have technology down pat ... but I would have at least one clock that stays the same time as the port you left from and change it when you arrive at your destination. I wish you would use a kettle to boil water or a mug with a handle on it coz I thought for a second you scolded yourself when the boat pitched a bit too much at the same time you poured hot water into your coffee cup. I would hate to see you injured and/or scarred, and it hurts, I know full well the effects of hot water on a hand. Other than that a great video and I hope many more hours of sailing. Just let me know if you ever come to New Zealand, I would love to meet you both :)
Interesting and informative post. At some point please explain the steering gear. It's come up on several videos I've watched but not a complete review of how that is set up.
We're finishing up some painting inside (it's been just in primer stage for a year or two). Once that is done we'll shoot a boat tour video showing all the boat... and I'll focus of the steering set-up then. Matt
Ray, I think you are asking about the Wichard Boom Brake. If we are going down wind and if the wind were to veer to the back side of the mainsail, the boom will crash over from one side of the boat to the other. This brake slows the boom and makes the transition less of a crash and more controlled.... hopefully preventing injury to us and the boat. At the end of the boom is a snatch block hung from a boom bail. We use this to hold out the staysail if the spinnaker pole is being used for the yankee headsail. Matt
Great episode! I had a question I wanted to ask. You both seem like a great couple. That said, too much time together can add stress to any relationship. Has the solitude and monotony of this crossing caused any issues between you both? If so, how do you deal with conflict when you physically can't get away from each other? I think the lessons you can share in dealing with relationship conflict can be useful for others. Anyway, continued safe travels on your journey!
Brian, Being together 24/7 is the part of cruising I love the most.... It has strengthen our relationship to a whole new level. It's crazy, but we're actually worried we've become so accustom/dependent on each other that we're not sure what we'll do when we have to get separate jobs somewhere. During an ocean crossing, we are more like strangers in the night... As soon as one wakes to go on shift the other jumps in bed for their sleep. We are only awake together for a few hours a day. It's pretty loanly. Matt
Well said Matt. People always ask us the same question as we travel but you nailed it when you said another level which is what most couples don’t quite understand. Respect, understanding and the same passions in life that you are creating, good on you.. sv Euphoria
Being together can be an issue with couples. Why taking a road trip for couples is such highly recommended thing. As Matt stated, you just need to learn how to cope together, once done it can greatly strengthen a relationship. Depending on the people and relationship ofc, but generally you just need to learn how to cope with each other, when to give the other space. Do your own things here n there, which can even be done sitting next to each other. Like one reads while another watches vid's or w/e you are into. Do things together, but also have your own hobbies too.
We prefer the feel and control of the autopilot vs the wandering of the windvane. When we installed the Cape Horn, it was as a back-up to our below deck or if we are running low on power. Matt
i was just starting to wonder about seeing other vessels and that cargo ship arrives. must be really weird to be so alone in the ocean for days at a time. not seeing another ship and then get to your destination and arrive to a harbor thats packed.
We've often read about people being apprehensive when they arrive and are suddenly thrown into a crowd, but we've never experienced that feeling. It feels more to us like we close the ocean crossing chapter and start a new one on land adventures. Matt
@@mattjohnson6716 thats cool, im a bit different if i get use to solitude it becomes my life and takes time to adjust to being in society and vis versa. i'm a creature of habit and it takes a lot of time to change.
@@bird718 We have friends that arrive after a passage and are just go, go, go right away. We are usually physical tired, but not socially, so will just sit around with people right away. Everyone is so different. I'm just happy Jess and I are on the same page. Matt
Thank you for sharing what happens, favorite parts besides all of it, listening to the sounds of the sea, Georgie being so bored she was playing with her tail and getting to see the galley! Forgot just how beautiful she is down in the galley. Still amazed what a great job you both did bringing Elements of Life back to life.
I really enjoy your videos, very relaxing. I have heard you reference taking pills a few times. Do you take Meclizine for motion sickness? Have you tried sea bands on the wrists? They seem to help when I go cruising or boating.
I'm really interested in your electronic suit. Is there an episode that covers their capabilities? I'd like to see how you gather all your data. Knowing that container ship was coming by was slick. Georgie getting cabin fever? Chasing his tail?
We haven't really posted much about the electronics. Seeing the information on the container ship was simply an AIS transceiver.... they work by receiving a radio transmission containing data from the ship showing its speed, direction, and other information that our computer uses to calculate how close it will approach. Matt
Thanks for explanation on the spinnaker pole length issue. We used to rig a spinnaker pole to different places on the boat when using the Genoa , could you rig something on say the toe rail/ gunwale? Chafe/ damage always an issue to consider. Twin Genoas is a traditional rig too but can take a lot of rigging , but on double furlers or both on same furler make reefing clever, you can get enough drive to lower the main which might be nice.....ideas I'm sure you have considered Matt. Jess the iridium email is cool! Do you limit it to only a VIP list of addresses and no attachments etc? Cheers Warren
Hey Warren, I never thought about rigging the spin pole to anything besides the mast. I'm sure I could set it up like a reaching strut to the toerail, but worry about the angle that it would need to the clew and the bending force on the pole. Our pole is an old nasty thing that came with the boat. I've tried to get the jaws to move with a lot of heat and penetrating lube, but nothing has worked. The jaws are open just enough to fit the sheet and ring on the mast, but it's really not safe and needs to be replaced. We searched in St Martin for a new pole, thinking that with all the hurricane damaged boats that we'd be able to find a used one, but nothing turned up. We'll have to start the search again when we hit France in the spring. Maybe one the right length :) Matt
Matt & Jess, when you are out there in the open ocean, at night, do you guys run your marker lights? What is the requirement pertaining to maritime law?
You still need to use your navigational lights at sea. But we now have low powered LEDs in everything, so it isn't bad. We use out Tricolor on the mast top when sailing at night and this illuminates our windex (wind vane), so this helps us anyway. Matt
Thanks for sharing. Though I do love Coffee myself, that did look like an easy way to burn yourself, is there a safer way? Burns are difficult to deal with on land, would imagine it would be worse at sea. Thanks again for the video!
Like how you are able to keep us apprised of your crossing via the satellite link. Could you please put a link up too the actual product and as to where too get this? I myself would like to look into this even though I am a Gulf of Mexico sailor as this might be my answer when out of cell tower reach. Thank you, Robert
Hi Robert. Just so you know, this wasn't posted from the ocean... we are in Horta. Jess posted the filming date on the map scene (it was filmed in June). Unfortunately, unless you want to spend days and days trying to upload a video (and I'd guess close to $50,000 for hardware and data), just simple text message emails is all we can expect via satellite at this point. Maybe in a few years Space X will get global coverage at an affordable price, but right now Iridium Go still seems to be the best deal. Matt
We have about 600 watts of solar, but two of the 100 watt panels are not putting out full power now. This pretty much keeps up with our power needs as long as it is sunny. When the sun doesn't shine, then the wind generator becomes invaluable. We typically set the autopilot to a compass heading and adjust course as needed throughout the day. Matt
I floated down a canal in a drawer one time... I was 5... not an Atlantic crossing but still very huck fin... my parents were pissed... I ended up 3 miles away
@@mattjohnson6716 Not really, but the danger is somewhat diminished because the recent tragedy was because of a pyroclastic eruption that killed a lot of people, and it's difficult to replicate. It has been erupting hard for 150+ years without any danger, impressive eruptions but normal for Fuego volcano. Safe sailing.
Curious just how often you're seeing floating debris out there. Cruising in the Bahamas we're constantly seeing big, dangerous stuff floating around. Like railroad ties, tree trunks, big plastic tanks. Would be more worried running at night, but how much damage could one seriously do at, say, six knots?
We actually did hit one big plastic thing on this crossing, we think it was an old water or holding tank. On our Canaries/Caribbean crossing we hit one small wooden palate, and also what we think is a whale because it was something that shook the boat hard enough we thought the mast fell down, yet when we got in the water to check the bottom there was not even a scratch in the paint. For the most part though, the chances of you hitting anything that will damage your boat is very small.
We always wear harnesses and clip in at night or when the other person is napping, but if calm and both of us are up and in the cockpit, it's nice to be able to relax without. Matt
We have a litter box hidden under the stairs. On the last boat, it was just on the floor of the aft cabin and always in the way. This works much better. Matt
Maybe an odd question but while keeping an eye out as you put it , is there any worry about coming across a semi submerged container that my have fallen off of one of those ships and would it even show up on radar? I saw the movie "All is Lost" with Redford and while there is a lot wrong with it, the container danger I would imagine can be quite real. Be safe.
I don’t imagine on most nights you would be able to see a container in time to avoid it even with the most diligent watch. That was a good movie though.
Well, yes, there is. Hit one in the Tyrrhenian in '92 and another one in the Adriatic in 2000. 😳 You aren't holed though for usual, unless You really hit the containercorner with a particular "weak" part of the boat, like they pictured it in the Redford movie. Stem and keel are plenty strong, so wasn't holed both times myself at least. Nasty scratches, structural damaged foremost bulkhead, but no water take-on. Being run down by an autopiloted freighter with 22 knots at 0300 hours and the watch asleep is much more of a threat I'd say.
Radar could pick up a partially submerged container if in a calm harbor and not moving, but once you add the wave action and the boats movements, all hope is lost. We also are searching for distant objects when using the radar and have the display set to show those. It would not see/show anything close in and small like the tip of a container. Matt
With a retractable keel, the rangers are much less if you hit something. The pin will break if you have the keel down. Also with aluminum boat you are much safer than fiberglass hull
Granted a freighter is a monster but at least it shows up on radar and is somewhat restricted to shipping lanes. Glad you did no sustain more severe damage in your container incidents. Hitting twice gives me pause to think that the odds are better than one would hope, unfortunately.
Ok, we went to highschool together but didn't date until college (different colleges) and we've been married now for 34 years. If we tried this shit the boat would get to Europe less one occupant... and I'm not sure which one of us would show up...LOL!!! Good vids, for some reason im hooked. Live in Colorado now and wow are there natural beauties to behold here. Spent 50 yrs in Indiana just south of you. You two have some huge balls to do this!!! I grew up spending summers on the northern IN lakes and have always been a boat owner, all of our family have also wintered in FL since the 60's yet I have this complete void of understanding for maritime ocean "boating/sailing", no one there ever owned a "Florida" boat... Got some giant lakes up there in Michigan, assume thats where you got the start sailing? thanks again for sharing your adventures, be safe!!!
question for you or any cruiser...... why haven't I seen anyone using a hammock on voyages??? I'm thinking of putting hooks in my aft cabin for this. is there anything i'm missing in why this is a poor choice???
We've never tried one inside, but at anchor on deck, the hammock keeps accelerating with the roll of the boat and becomes wild swings. I'm sure there is a solution, but we don't like the back support of a hammock anyway (I don't sleep on my back). Matt
I'd say that I felt bad Georgie was getting so bored, but she chases her tail enough at anchor too that I think it's just one of her regular games. 😻 While watching ships on the AIS we try to put at least a mile and a half between us and other ships. Sometimes we'll feel ok with one mile, but if they get closer than that we call them on the VHF and ask them to alter course.
Exactly the type of sailing videos I long for. Open ocean, some navigation discussions, some sail management discussions, and closing the day off with a nice meal. Thanks so much for sharing your journey with us landlocked "sailors".
After 35 years of sailing and none for some years now, your filming is an answer to my longing to be back out on big waters. Thanks so much for such an informative and fun approach. Watching waves and hearing bow wake is such a special thing, especially once you age out of sailing. Thank you!
Thanks Lorene for the kind words.
Matt
Reviewing older vids...did I see a GR connection? 30 years sailing Lake MI, Huron, North Channel, showed our S & S 40 custom wood at Hessel...also plenty of Mac races on other yachts. It's small world time. Your channel brings me joy, may the wind always be at your back! P.S. Boy has St Bart's changed in 30 years.
It occurred to me why I enjoy watching your videos and find them so relaxing. You are both low key, mellow, mature, not loud and do not talk too much. I have not heard any raised voices, arguing, silly voices, or a single curse word. You seem to be satisfied with just each other's company most of the time, and you each go about your business and do your share of work. Your sailing seems perfect for introverts. Is this a fair description of you two?
What amazes me is your immersion in the act of sailing itself and, when accomplished, the appreciation of beauty around you. It sounds to me like 'Think, act, love.' As a fellow Michigander, and citizen of the world, I appreciate the ability to see you at a time when I can no longer do things for myself. Godspeed.
It's a beautiful world isn't it? We're so grateful to be out here seeing and experiencing all we have.
Matt
Have you ever noticed how much it sucks to binge watch a video series and then you have to wait for the next episode like everyone else! Also wanted to let you guys know that the Abaco sunglasses are as nice as you said they were. Keep up the good work.
Wow, I have just watched all 79 instalments over the past 3 weeks. Really enjoyable.
That's dedication! Thanks for following along.
Matt
What I loved about my ocean sailing was the peace and quiet, no irritating background noise.
Fun video. Enjoyed Georgie playing with that pesky tail! Your passage so far looks fairly uneventful, which is good. Lucky Matt has a good cook on board!
Good day to you both. Wow you two look tired. But Jessica you will always be beautiful!! Even though your trip takes a long time. What a wonderful experience. The memories you will have for a lifetime.
Thanks again for sharing with all of us who look forward to your journey...😎
You are doing good, well done. I notice Georgie Girl does not take a watch unless there are birds or fish involved. 1.5 miles is a good safe distance from a vessel of that size. Love your head sail first time I have noticed it.
I have to say, transmitting on AIS is so much better than when we only received!! Now the big ships see us and stay clear. We used to have to call the cargo vessels all the time because we'd show that we were going to come within 500 or so feet of each other! 😬
Really interesting. Something I will never get to do so you are providing a vicarious experience for me and others.
Great to see what a complete day at sea entails if the weather is favourable, thanks for sharing 👍🏼😊
Love your story and always look forward to new posts from you guys. Next port buy a teapot. Pouring hot water from a pot underway is dangerous. Also an open pot takes more energy to get to the desired temp.
Goodness Jessica.....you scared me while that wide hot water pouring from the frying pan was trying to move beyond the container and onto your hand. I agree with Kjel, that was dangerous, even on land. That would have been very painful for days. A teapot spout keeps the hot water contained in a more manageable diameter.....and a clamp handle could hold that coffee stack while you poured. The rest of this video was great! ;).
I've never seen Jess do that before (I was sleeping when she filmed this). We have an electric hot water kettle, but I think she was trying to save power at the time. But yes, it is a bad idea to poor from a pan like that.
Matt
Okay. I just asked Jess about the boiling water and she informed me that it was merely hot water and not close to boiling. So, it wasn't a safety issue after all.
Matt
matt johnson good to hear , we want to see you both stay safe and healthy. Safe sailing, have lots of fun, embrace love.
Fun, boring, day in the life. Loved it!
Matt, thanks for telling us about your book. So often people say they're reading but don't say what. Jessica, looking forward to the teriyaki recipe. The fried rice goes great with eggs, when you have then.
The rest of the summer into fall was pretty nasty out on the Atlantic. Can't wait to see how you guys faired. Friends of mine made the Azores, then onto spain (instead of returning) and on the hard to avoid the nasty conditions that followed... Hope you guys are safe!
More like coffee, emails, make up and earrings! You’re a class act Jessica especially considering your mid Atlantic. Love your videos guys, thanks as always
You caught my wifes attention with the fried rice lol, shes Asian and makes an awesome chicken fried rice, and that teriyaki sauce sounded yummy! We are extremely jealous of what you guys are doing and wish we could do the same, my wife loves the ocean but unfortunately gets sea sick very easily and we just had a baby girl last year so that would be kind of difficult lol! So we get to live our dreams through your eyes ;) Speaking of eyes, Jessica, yours are so incredibly beautiful! You guys make a great couple!
I know you've completed several Atlantic crossing now, but as I've yet to even go sailing, it seems like an amazing accomplishment. Anyway congrats, and hopefully someday I'll be able to join the club.
One of my favorite things about your videos is the audio. I love hearing the ambient water and sails flogging. So many others cover up any silence with music, but I feel like with the right looping and my eyes shut I could be there.
Just as a silly question, as you consumed the water in the tanks and in bottles, do you find the boat has slightly sailing characteristics? I was guessing you lose 240 kg during the ocean travel?
Senator Perry. I have a 37ft cruising cat -- as we get through our water and supplies our performance gets better, but then we have very high capacity water tanks. The most important thing on our boat is a clean bottom.
With that 3.3 knot speed, you just blew right past that cargo ship!
So cool you have your meow along for the journey.... life is always better with Cats in it...
Loved it. Thx. You mentioned Ruby Rose, which is a gr8 channel, found them a few months ago, love them and each city they visit and show on their channel. Looking forward to seeing all the cities you guys take us to. Keep uploading !!!
Thanks for taking me vicariously across the Atlantic.
you guys are a continuous inspiration to me.
thanks
Wonderful and entertaining. Good sailing.
I love watching accomplished blue water sailors in their "Element". No pretend drama, just confidence in both their ability and their vessels suitability for the task at hand. Have you taught Georgy to use a head? We 24x12x10 Tupperware bin with a 6inch hole in the top that our feline HobieCat would use. He was toilet trained onboard after we determined litter was not an option for long term cruising. Cheers from the frozen Great Lakes!
We thought about it, but our head is a composting (decanting) head and wouldn't do well with cat urine. With a conventional head, I think we could get her to use it.... she's pretty smart (but typical stubbornness of a cat).
Matt
Cool seeing the MSC boat out there. We only saw 4 ships on our crossing, but none out in the middle like where you guys were!
You guys are killing it
THANK YOU JESSICA
Interesting to observe your eatings habits. On long offshore passage we tend to eat our largest meal midday (e.g. big meat pasta with salad and bread or fried rice with a Chinese style meat and veggie dish) and keep breakfasts hearty but lighter and dinners are often just hot soup or cheese and crackers/bread as we tend to nibble on night watches (nuts, cookies, chocolate etc). Doing this allows slow burn of carbs during the day when we're all awake and so the first night watch crew doesn't have a full stomach at start of watch (which can lead to drowsiness...that's usually me). Coffee time in the morning is a huge favourite for us too! Some crew drink instant coffee at start of watch on night shifts (I don't because I hate instant coffee) and we keep a large thermos filled with hot water strapped to the galley compression post to enable ease of mixing coffee at night. Sometimes instant soup is mixed too if it's a chilly/wet night. Cheers, Bill / SY Miss Foxy.
Sounds like you're doing it right in the galley! Our eating habits are pretty bad when offshore (they're pretty bad ashore too). At least we kept some type of appetite this time around. Typically, neither of us wants anything to do with food when on passage and we force ourselves to eat just so we don't become too weak.
Matt
nice and quite interesting. seems very tranquil. i bet coffee really tastes great in the morning!
Love your videos. Great stuff ! Keep well, both of you out there in the wide world. Happy crossing to my shores ....
Do you check weather on passage or get emailed weather details from people ashore?
We downloaded GRIB and Weatherfax files with our Iridium GO. It worked so much better than the last time we crossed in 2014 with Inmarsat sat phone and SSB receiver. Clear images and at our own schedule vs the SSB were awesome.
Matt
Thank you for the time and effort you put into make these videos.
I second that Steve. Great videos.
I learn more about boating every time I watch one of your vids! Very interesting!!
I know I am late to the party (binge watching) Could you give a little more info on the Iridium Sat Comm? I am have been researching sat comms for cruising but I keep finding the commercial type and those are priced stupid! Thanks for the vids. Keep them coming
Tim-. We are using an Iridium GO with the unlimited data program. I''m sure you've read about the slow data speeds; You cannot surf the internet, but you can download weather (gribs, text and weatherfax), get text messages/emails, and even get a few news sites.
The best part for us is that we are not stuck in a contract. We only active when we are going offshore, so we only need to pay for a month or two at a time. It brings down the communication budget to an amount we can manage.
The rest of our time is spent within cell phone range and we just get data plans for that.
We bought our Iridium GO used for $500 (they are cheaper now) and get monthly data for $135.
Hope this helps.
Matt
@@MJSailing Thanks! That is great info. Getting all our ducks in a row. House goes on market at the end of the year and becoming liveaboards. I will be powered so afraid the Azores are a little out of our range, but will be wearing out the Caribbeans. HAHA
Thanks again for the info!
slow and steady is not too shabby :) Merry December! Cheers from PEI Canada, Bryan.
Cool, I'd be fishing on my watch🐟 Jess has beautiful eyes, you guys have fun!
I am fishing 24/7 when I am on my boat...
Some people love fishing (my dad and brother), but I never really got into it. If I do it fish, it's just for food.... and I'm not even really a big fan of the taste.
Matt
@@mattjohnson6716 understand, the free good food is a big incentive.
hehehe... alright miss smartypants, you have technology down pat ... but I would have at least one clock that stays the same time as the port you left from and change it when you arrive at your destination. I wish you would use a kettle to boil water or a mug with a handle on it coz I thought for a second you scolded yourself when the boat pitched a bit too much at the same time you poured hot water into your coffee cup. I would hate to see you injured and/or scarred, and it hurts, I know full well the effects of hot water on a hand. Other than that a great video and I hope many more hours of sailing. Just let me know if you ever come to New Zealand, I would love to meet you both :)
Great views of the ocean! I think that I would like six hour shifts! A forty year old sail. Wow!
Great to see you're friends with Terysa. She seems great. Now Nick on the other hand, LOL
Interesting and informative post. At some point please explain the steering gear. It's come up on several videos I've watched but not a complete review of how that is set up.
We're finishing up some painting inside (it's been just in primer stage for a year or two). Once that is done we'll shoot a boat tour video showing all the boat... and I'll focus of the steering set-up then.
Matt
I have that same Aeropress. It is indeed difficult to press down! ~SP
Liked your ‘day-in-the-life’ episode. I’ve gotta try that Teriyaki recipe.
Thanks for an inside look at your passage crossing! What was that piece of gear at the back of your boom (10.47)? It's purpose? Thanks and fair winds!
Ray, I think you are asking about the Wichard Boom Brake. If we are going down wind and if the wind were to veer to the back side of the mainsail, the boom will crash over from one side of the boat to the other. This brake slows the boom and makes the transition less of a crash and more controlled.... hopefully preventing injury to us and the boat.
At the end of the boom is a snatch block hung from a boom bail. We use this to hold out the staysail if the spinnaker pole is being used for the yankee headsail.
Matt
Another awesome Video, keep up the good work guys...!
Great episode! I had a question I wanted to ask. You both seem like a great couple. That said, too much time together can add stress to any relationship. Has the solitude and monotony of this crossing caused any issues between you both? If so, how do you deal with conflict when you physically can't get away from each other? I think the lessons you can share in dealing with relationship conflict can be useful for others.
Anyway, continued safe travels on your journey!
Brian, Being together 24/7 is the part of cruising I love the most.... It has strengthen our relationship to a whole new level. It's crazy, but we're actually worried we've become so accustom/dependent on each other that we're not sure what we'll do when we have to get separate jobs somewhere.
During an ocean crossing, we are more like strangers in the night... As soon as one wakes to go on shift the other jumps in bed for their sleep. We are only awake together for a few hours a day. It's pretty loanly.
Matt
Well said Matt. People always ask us the same question as we travel but you nailed it when you said another level which is what most couples don’t quite understand. Respect, understanding and the same passions in life that you are creating, good on you.. sv Euphoria
Being together can be an issue with couples. Why taking a road trip for couples is such highly recommended thing. As Matt stated, you just need to learn how to cope together, once done it can greatly strengthen a relationship. Depending on the people and relationship ofc, but generally you just need to learn how to cope with each other, when to give the other space. Do your own things here n there, which can even be done sitting next to each other. Like one reads while another watches vid's or w/e you are into. Do things together, but also have your own hobbies too.
Georgie is a riot. What a goofball
Bummer you missed the good winds...... Thanks for sharing. Fair winds.
👍👍👍👍👍👍😊⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵
Just wondering, it looks as though you are not using the wind vane on this crossing, any reason? great video, keep them coming
We prefer the feel and control of the autopilot vs the wandering of the windvane. When we installed the Cape Horn, it was as a back-up to our below deck or if we are running low on power.
Matt
Another great episode!!!! Cheers and thanks again for sharing your incredible life story!!!
Happy Belated Birthday Matt!
New to your channel ,my word it's brilliant. What a life you have. Least I know why space X keeps putting more iridium satellites up just for you 😉👍
i was just starting to wonder about seeing other vessels and that cargo ship arrives. must be really weird to be so alone in the ocean for days at a time. not seeing another ship and then get to your destination and arrive to a harbor thats packed.
We've often read about people being apprehensive when they arrive and are suddenly thrown into a crowd, but we've never experienced that feeling. It feels more to us like we close the ocean crossing chapter and start a new one on land adventures.
Matt
@@mattjohnson6716
thats cool, im a bit different if i get use to solitude it becomes my life and takes time to adjust to being in society and vis versa. i'm a creature of habit and it takes a lot of time to change.
@@bird718 We have friends that arrive after a passage and are just go, go, go right away. We are usually physical tired, but not socially, so will just sit around with people right away. Everyone is so different. I'm just happy Jess and I are on the same page.
Matt
i REALLY cant wait for the next video!.... Im enjoying your videos more and more with each one i watch... =)
Great video guys! Go Georgie!
Thank you for sharing what happens, favorite parts besides all of it, listening to the sounds of the sea, Georgie being so bored she was playing with her tail and getting to see the galley! Forgot just how beautiful she is down in the galley. Still amazed what a great job you both did bringing Elements of Life back to life.
Thanks James. We are finally working on finishing the paint and varnishing and will do a boat tour video soon.
Matt
Wheat flour is only used in the Fannie Farmer school of chinese cooking. Or don't you have cornstarch in the galley?
We don't have any cornstarch
There goes your Michelin five-star rating! No cornstarch, no arrowroot, nothing but, well, white bread cooking supplies?! Life at sea must be hard.(G)
Hi from Michigan. Great episode!
I really enjoy your videos, very relaxing. I have heard you reference taking pills a few times. Do you take Meclizine for motion sickness? Have you tried sea bands on the wrists? They seem to help when I go cruising or boating.
Yes to the Meclizine. We tried the Sea Bands, but they didn't offer any relief for us.
Matt
I'm really interested in your electronic suit. Is there an episode that covers their capabilities? I'd like to see how you gather all your data. Knowing that container ship was coming by was slick.
Georgie getting cabin fever? Chasing his tail?
We haven't really posted much about the electronics. Seeing the information on the container ship was simply an AIS transceiver.... they work by receiving a radio transmission containing data from the ship showing its speed, direction, and other information that our computer uses to calculate how close it will approach.
Matt
What a Beautiful video you guys work very good together be safe and happy holidays to you both
At 10:43 What is that black thing? Preventer setup?
Christina Q it is a Gyb’Easy - it prevents accidental gybes. There is a review of this at m.th-cam.com/video/dcYwwinFO4U/w-d-xo.html
can you drive on auto pallet and go to sleap alarm go off when danger ?
Fantastic as usual.
Thanks I'm thinking about doing this for my retirement. ...or just cruising the Caribbean? ????
Bahamas and Caribbean isn't too bad of a retirement :) Start there and see where life takes you.
Matt
Great job guys, thanks for sharing.
Stay safe.
Thanks for explanation on the spinnaker pole length issue. We used to rig a spinnaker pole to different places on the boat when using the Genoa , could you rig something on say the toe rail/ gunwale? Chafe/ damage always an issue to consider. Twin Genoas is a traditional rig too but can take a lot of rigging , but on double furlers or both on same furler make reefing clever, you can get enough drive to lower the main which might be nice.....ideas I'm sure you have considered Matt.
Jess the iridium email is cool! Do you limit it to only a VIP list of addresses and no attachments etc? Cheers Warren
Hey Warren, I never thought about rigging the spin pole to anything besides the mast. I'm sure I could set it up like a reaching strut to the toerail, but worry about the angle that it would need to the clew and the bending force on the pole.
Our pole is an old nasty thing that came with the boat. I've tried to get the jaws to move with a lot of heat and penetrating lube, but nothing has worked. The jaws are open just enough to fit the sheet and ring on the mast, but it's really not safe and needs to be replaced. We searched in St Martin for a new pole, thinking that with all the hurricane damaged boats that we'd be able to find a used one, but nothing turned up. We'll have to start the search again when we hit France in the spring. Maybe one the right length :)
Matt
Your cat is too cute
I hope you make an episode about your kitty. I think it is so cool you have a ship's cat
Matt & Jess, when you are out there in the open ocean, at night, do you guys run your marker lights? What is the requirement pertaining to maritime law?
You still need to use your navigational lights at sea. But we now have low powered LEDs in everything, so it isn't bad. We use out Tricolor on the mast top when sailing at night and this illuminates our windex (wind vane), so this helps us anyway.
Matt
Thanks for sharing. Though I do love Coffee myself, that did look like an easy way to burn yourself, is there a safer way? Burns are difficult to deal with on land, would imagine it would be worse at sea. Thanks again for the video!
Excellent video! I've read several of Bryson's books. I suggest a deck of cards.
I've tried reading some of his travel books (cards would be better than those), but the didn't interest me like this one.
Matt
Very beautiful 😍👍👍
Like how you are able to keep us apprised of your crossing via the satellite link. Could you please put a link up too the actual product and as to where too get this? I myself would like to look into this even though I am a Gulf of Mexico sailor as this might be my answer when out of cell tower reach.
Thank you, Robert
Hi Robert. Just so you know, this wasn't posted from the ocean... we are in Horta. Jess posted the filming date on the map scene (it was filmed in June).
Unfortunately, unless you want to spend days and days trying to upload a video (and I'd guess close to $50,000 for hardware and data), just simple text message emails is all we can expect via satellite at this point. Maybe in a few years Space X will get global coverage at an affordable price, but right now Iridium Go still seems to be the best deal.
Matt
How many watts of solar do you have? Is it enough to run refrigeration? Are you simply following the automatic course generated on you gps?
We have about 600 watts of solar, but two of the 100 watt panels are not putting out full power now. This pretty much keeps up with our power needs as long as it is sunny. When the sun doesn't shine, then the wind generator becomes invaluable.
We typically set the autopilot to a compass heading and adjust course as needed throughout the day.
Matt
Who set the 4 hour shift idea for pleasure sailing, I know the military do these shifts, but why do you?.
Great video
Hi you guys Amazing sailing! Love you're work and vlogs
This was excellent, Thank You!
I admire you guys, I have to do it alone....
Do you do boat VIP trips..
wow sooo interesting film. thank you
I floated down a canal in a drawer one time... I was 5... not an Atlantic crossing but still very huck fin... my parents were pissed... I ended up 3 miles away
Now that is a story!
Matt
Hello from Antigua Guatemala, safe sailing. Your eyes are incredibly beautiful.
Has the volcano activity died down yet in Guatemala? It looks horrible and I hope everyone is safe.
Matt
@@mattjohnson6716 Not really, but the danger is somewhat diminished because the recent tragedy was because of a pyroclastic eruption that killed a lot of people, and it's difficult to replicate. It has been erupting hard for 150+ years without any danger, impressive eruptions but normal for Fuego volcano. Safe sailing.
Curious just how often you're seeing floating debris out there. Cruising in the Bahamas we're constantly seeing big, dangerous stuff floating around. Like railroad ties, tree trunks, big plastic tanks.
Would be more worried running at night, but how much damage could one seriously do at, say, six knots?
We actually did hit one big plastic thing on this crossing, we think it was an old water or holding tank. On our Canaries/Caribbean crossing we hit one small wooden palate, and also what we think is a whale because it was something that shook the boat hard enough we thought the mast fell down, yet when we got in the water to check the bottom there was not even a scratch in the paint. For the most part though, the chances of you hitting anything that will damage your boat is very small.
@@MJSailing Especially when it is made of metal. 8^)
In a heavy monohull ? ---- A lot.
You guys are great
Do you have protection against pirate attacking
Love the cat with his tail.......
What the name off song at 5:45 any one?????
Oppps, guess that one didn't make it in the description, I'll have to get that added! It's called 'Indian Summer' by NVM, through Epidemic Sound.
Please wear safety harnesses during crossing. So many horror stories. Stay safe, GOOD LUCK‼️👍👍⛵️⛵️⛵️ Vinny 🇺🇸
We always wear harnesses and clip in at night or when the other person is napping, but if calm and both of us are up and in the cockpit, it's nice to be able to relax without.
Matt
I was wondering where does the cat perform it's bodily functions?
We have a litter box hidden under the stairs. On the last boat, it was just on the floor of the aft cabin and always in the way. This works much better.
Matt
Godspeed Elements
Georgie is so cute, she needs more camera time :)
Yes!!! Love Georgie!!!
Nic and beatiful Video Thanks
Maybe an odd question but while keeping an eye out as you put it , is there any worry about coming across a semi submerged container that my have fallen off of one of those ships and would it even show up on radar? I saw the movie "All is Lost" with Redford and while there is a lot wrong with it, the container danger I would imagine can be quite real. Be safe.
I don’t imagine on most nights you would be able to see a container in time to avoid it even with the most diligent watch. That was a good movie though.
Well, yes, there is.
Hit one in the Tyrrhenian in '92 and another one in the Adriatic in 2000. 😳 You aren't holed though for usual, unless You really hit the containercorner with a particular "weak" part of the boat, like they pictured it in the Redford movie. Stem and keel are plenty strong, so wasn't holed both times myself at least. Nasty scratches, structural damaged foremost bulkhead, but no water take-on. Being run down by an autopiloted freighter with 22 knots at 0300 hours and the watch asleep is much more of a threat I'd say.
Radar could pick up a partially submerged container if in a calm harbor and not moving, but once you add the wave action and the boats movements, all hope is lost. We also are searching for distant objects when using the radar and have the display set to show those. It would not see/show anything close in and small like the tip of a container.
Matt
With a retractable keel, the rangers are much less if you hit something. The pin will break if you have the keel down.
Also with aluminum boat you are much safer than fiberglass hull
Granted a freighter is a monster but at least it shows up on radar and is somewhat restricted to shipping lanes. Glad you did no sustain more severe damage in your container incidents. Hitting twice gives me pause to think that the odds are better than one would hope, unfortunately.
Gosto muito deste excelente comdante e engenheiro e esta maravilosa modelo e atriz e bailarina muito bonita
Ok, we went to highschool together but didn't date until college (different colleges) and we've been married now for 34 years. If we tried this shit the boat would get to Europe less one occupant... and I'm not sure which one of us would show up...LOL!!!
Good vids, for some reason im hooked. Live in Colorado now and wow are there natural beauties to behold here. Spent 50 yrs in Indiana just south of you. You two have some huge balls to do this!!! I grew up spending summers on the northern IN lakes and have always been a boat owner, all of our family have also wintered in FL since the 60's yet I have this complete void of understanding for maritime ocean "boating/sailing", no one there ever owned a "Florida" boat... Got some giant lakes up there in Michigan, assume thats where you got the start sailing? thanks again for sharing your adventures, be safe!!!
This has got to be simply brutal
question for you or any cruiser...... why haven't I seen anyone using a hammock on voyages??? I'm thinking of putting hooks in my aft cabin for this. is there anything i'm missing in why this is a poor choice???
We've never tried one inside, but at anchor on deck, the hammock keeps accelerating with the roll of the boat and becomes wild swings. I'm sure there is a solution, but we don't like the back support of a hammock anyway (I don't sleep on my back).
Matt
@@mattjohnson6716 good to know... my boat is a bit heavy at 24tons.. .42' but don't want to 'test your theory'
@@michaeltouchette8156 Try a hammock on deck first.... they are nice to have anyway for those nice and calm anchorages.
Matt
Cat chasing tail cracked me up.
Did you say you worry if it's closer than an hour and a half on the AIS?
I'd say that I felt bad Georgie was getting so bored, but she chases her tail enough at anchor too that I think it's just one of her regular games. 😻 While watching ships on the AIS we try to put at least a mile and a half between us and other ships. Sometimes we'll feel ok with one mile, but if they get closer than that we call them on the VHF and ask them to alter course.