Jim I love your videos. I’m an aging American woman who want to learn to sail and I love your boat. So capable and just right for one person. Keep them coming so we can continue to enjoy your refreshing videos.
Thank you so much Gay... I never thought so many people would enjoy my videos, so I'll certainly keep them coming! The best of luck with your own sailing dream too.. 🙂
Thats it exactly! New videos later to cover the 2024 Jester Challenge to the Azores; i'm just preparing now and the boat is out of the water for a quick bit of maintenance..
What a great trip all round and very will put together video. Congratulations on doing what most of emulate to do. Certainly hope to meet you on your travels some day.
How strange! I made a comment last week about a boat laying on a mooring behind you in Cardiff which was owned by a lad from my village.. now I start watching another video and right away, there’s another boat of interest directly behind you in Baltimore! She’s the Peggy which was built in Pill, Somerset in 1903 by the legendary boat builder, Cracker Rowles. Worked as a Bristol Pilot cutter (or Skiff if you hale from Pill) nearly up until the end of the sailing pilot service.. her original owner was lost off pernarth and was a Mr Case. ⚓️🦈
I have only just discovered your channel, and I have found a lot of inspiration from your sailing skills and friendly manner. You might find my channel confusing, but I sail a very small 14ft ballasted keel boat (Beneteau Cabochard) named after an 18th century German philosopher and poet (Friedrich von Hardenberg aka Novalis). I stick to coastal sailing and navigation, and my cabin is cramped. I put my cooker on the companionway step and cook (simple stuff) when I'm moored. I live in France and Novalis spends most of her time on a trailer at home inland. Perhaps I'll hear from you sometime. I am subscribed so will keep an eye open for new videos.
Thank you for the kind words... your little boat sounds like a pile of fun; good to be able to snatch her out of the water and take her home! Your channle looks interesting 🙂
No, the great thing with a small boat like the Contessa 26 is that everything can be handled easily single handed. I just relaxed the sheet until the pressure was off then pulled in the furling line by hand, no sweat! I'll keep em coming as long as you want to watch them, thank you..
The insulation isnt world class.. the topsides are double skinned but the construction is solid GRP, there's no balsa core - which to me is a good thing from the longevity point of view. Yes, in the winter it gets chilly and there can be a fair amount of condensation, but I have a diesel heater which keeps it very cosy on small amounts of fuel, and drives away that moisture..
The gimbals on your stove, are they a DIY job? I only ask because I have to work out how to add gimbals to my stove and yours appear to be working well. Good tip on pouring liquids btw, I hadn't thought of that
The gimbals are a modification of what was on the stove when I bought the boat. The pivot point was set for too low so when you placed a heavy item on the stove it would over balance so I raised the pivot point and now it works well
Well done, great video and great hints and practical tips. Please keep going. Is your wind vane your own design ? Why do you need a wind vane and electronic steering ? R
I shall keep going, thank you! I did make the wind vane myself, from plans I got from the designer, Alan Mulholland. Electric steering is handy when one is motoring, as this is generally when there isnt any wind, or in the tight confines of a hrabour where the wind vane wouldnt be practical. Also prop wash tends to upset wind vane systems, but they are way more reliable than the electric variety and take no power, therefore the best bet where possible...
Hi, its the Mark 3 By Alan Mulholland from Canada, he sells the plans and you can make one for not a lot.. its a good bit of kit. Trim tabs and servo pendulums have different benefits and drawbacks..
@@AdrianKerr I'm very happy with it, for the price ~£100 its amazing. For a transom hung rudder a trim tab arrangement is best, I would say. The trim tab is in a protected location and unlikely to get fouled or damaged. On the other hand a servo pendulum will steer you back on course very quickly when you surf down a wave but a trim tab makes it worse before it gets better, which could be a worry in survival conditions... The Mk III itself has steered me for well over 1000 miles already without problem. I've just modded it so I can alter course with a cord and pulley idea without climbing up on the back of the boat!
It was made by Quay sails in Poole, Dorset. It's actually a bit too high for me, the previous owner must have been tall as I can't really see over the top of it without standing on something! I think they are generally made to fit the individual boat, I'm not sure how I could give dimensions... the makers may have a record
Jim....by any chance is that a Mk3 wind vane built from plans and if so how do you rate it, as I was considering the same for my Great Dane 28...virtually identical rudder set up to the C26.
Yes, its a Mk3 which I built. I'm very happy with it, it even works dead downwind, I would definitely recommend, its sturdy and reliable. Trim tans and servo pendulums have their own pros and cons, but for a trandom hung rudder this is good 😀
@rolty1 Great, thanks for the positive feedback, I shall order up the plans from Wave Rover. I currently have an old Hasler (not fitted) but I really like the simplicity of this set up. Best regards Jon
So the alternative question to the Genoa … how do you reef the main going downwind? I’ve never managed it (my boats have always had swept back spreaders that don’t help).
@@moonshine3333 I’ve been offshore sailing for 43 years and six of the nine boats I’ve owned had winches on the boom. Most small boats don’t have them fitted unless they’ve already done a trans oceanic passage.
@@EpoxyAndButylTape Where on the boom? Near the gooseneck, halfway along, by the outhaul? Can you give an idea of a marque that I could look up? This shouldn’t turn into a pissing contest but I’ve only completed 2 Fastnets, around 6 RORC cross-channel events and countless Cowes Weeks and RTIR’s and I’ve NEVER seen a winch on the boom. And that includes a corporate week on a Round the World Challenge boat. Solent based. Not saying you’re wrong. Just saying I’ve never seen it.
Preferably something with a long, full deep keel that’s what I want. Basically for what you saying that the water you’re a pretty much coastal sailing, now I’ve freed myself from motor yachting its time to really go for it under sail
![ร้อยพ่อพันแม่ - WanMai [Official MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/XY2pNYASEbg/mqdefault.jpg)
Good to see a proper teapot on a Contessa 26. Essential kit.
Oh yes, its quite essential. What you can't see, however, is how many times the lid has been glued back together! 😃
Thanks again, very enjoyable
@@birdinthebush my pleasure!
Refreshing to see someone sailing the old way.
Thank you very much.. it's the only way I know!
Jim I love your videos. I’m an aging American woman who want to learn to sail and I love your boat. So capable and just right for one person. Keep them coming so we can continue to enjoy your refreshing videos.
Thank you so much Gay... I never thought so many people would enjoy my videos, so I'll certainly keep them coming! The best of luck with your own sailing dream too.. 🙂
Grt tip re the tea pouring... great vids, ur a real sailor sir.
Thank you kindly
Your videos are brilliant!! Keep em coming!!
With that sort of encouragement I certinly will! Thank you
Much enjoyed -Thenk you. Lovely to see a fellow Contessa in local waters. More please!
More coming soon! :)
Great vid jim..cool relaxed sailing...love it
Thanks Brian!
I like your channel. If you keep making vids, I'll keep watching from the USA.
Are you still sailing ? , Love your vids
Yes I am, I'm making preparations for the 2024 Jester Challenge to the Azores, I'll be covering it here so watch this space!
Just found your channel. Great videos and loving the Dolphins. Sun, sea, sailing and nature, all the things to you ever need.
Thats it exactly! New videos later to cover the 2024 Jester Challenge to the Azores; i'm just preparing now and the boat is out of the water for a quick bit of maintenance..
Well done Jim, I’m now an official fan. Did I mention that you have impeccable taste in boats?
Why thank you.. I am very happy with my choice and have no plans to change. I just wish I was 6 inches shorter! :)
Well done. A great adventure, thanks for taking us along.
Thank you Joel!
What a great trip all round and very will put together video. Congratulations on doing what most of emulate to do. Certainly hope to meet you on your travels some day.
Thanks Kevin, I'm very pleased you like my videos, I'll be looking out for you on my travels!
Really enjoy you videos. currently renovating a Contessa 26 in South Wales. Your videos are useful to me, thanks
That's great to know.. I keep mine in Cardiff bay.
Enjoyed that! Cheers mate!!
Thank you!
How strange! I made a comment last week about a boat laying on a mooring behind you in Cardiff which was owned by a lad from my village.. now I start watching another video and right away, there’s another boat of interest directly behind you in Baltimore!
She’s the Peggy which was built in Pill, Somerset in 1903 by the legendary boat builder, Cracker Rowles. Worked as a Bristol Pilot cutter (or Skiff if you hale from Pill) nearly up until the end of the sailing pilot service.. her original owner was lost off pernarth and was a Mr Case. ⚓️🦈
That's interesting, well spotted, I look forward to you providing histories of other boats in view as I travel!
Really enjoyed your video,thank you
Thanks, I'm glad you like it!
Love the vids, keep them coming
I will, the rest of the trip is available now!
Great video! And the arrival tipple looked to be an honest and fair measure to me!
Thanks Rob, I thought so too!
ooh. Good to find you again.
Hi Roger, great to find you here!
Wonderful! My dream is for a vagabond life on a co26. Just paradise.
It is mostly, as long as the sea plays nicely..
Good stuff!
Really enjoyable.👍
Thanks Stuart, that's great to know!
Good indeed
I have only just discovered your channel, and I have found a lot of inspiration from your sailing skills and friendly manner. You might find my channel confusing, but I sail a very small 14ft ballasted keel boat (Beneteau Cabochard) named after an 18th century German philosopher and poet (Friedrich von Hardenberg aka Novalis). I stick to coastal sailing and navigation, and my cabin is cramped. I put my cooker on the companionway step and cook (simple stuff) when I'm moored. I live in France and Novalis spends most of her time on a trailer at home inland. Perhaps I'll hear from you sometime. I am subscribed so will keep an eye open for new videos.
Thank you for the kind words... your little boat sounds like a pile of fun; good to be able to snatch her out of the water and take her home! Your channle looks interesting 🙂
A fine video! Very enjoyable.
Did you have to hide the genoa behind the main to furl it in that wind?
Keep the videos coming please!
No, the great thing with a small boat like the Contessa 26 is that everything can be handled easily single handed. I just relaxed the sheet until the pressure was off then pulled in the furling line by hand, no sweat! I'll keep em coming as long as you want to watch them, thank you..
Nice stories! How well insulated is the boat? Is it humid inside the cabin?
The insulation isnt world class.. the topsides are double skinned but the construction is solid GRP, there's no balsa core - which to me is a good thing from the longevity point of view. Yes, in the winter it gets chilly and there can be a fair amount of condensation, but I have a diesel heater which keeps it very cosy on small amounts of fuel, and drives away that moisture..
Sei forte...
I can see my mate Ken from LSYC in background on Penwood ,😂
Yeah Ken is a lovely man, he's commented on here too!
What do you use to shine your kettle with Jim? 😉 Another great video
It's chrome on copper so it's very easy to keep clean and I don't think I've ever actually polished it.. . I'm glad you liked the video!
The gimbals on your stove, are they a DIY job? I only ask because I have to work out how to add gimbals to my stove and yours appear to be working well. Good tip on pouring liquids btw, I hadn't thought of that
The gimbals are a modification of what was on the stove when I bought the boat. The pivot point was set for too low so when you placed a heavy item on the stove it would over balance so I raised the pivot point and now it works well
Well done, great video and great hints and practical tips. Please keep going. Is your wind vane your own design ? Why do you need a wind vane and electronic steering ? R
I shall keep going, thank you! I did make the wind vane myself, from plans I got from the designer, Alan Mulholland. Electric steering is handy when one is motoring, as this is generally when there isnt any wind, or in the tight confines of a hrabour where the wind vane wouldnt be practical. Also prop wash tends to upset wind vane systems, but they are way more reliable than the electric variety and take no power, therefore the best bet where possible...
I thought I was imagining the ketchup on the tomatoes 😅 I’ll sub just for that 😊
Thanks Shawn, stand by for more ketchup indulgence in the future!
Jim, I see that you not only like fry with your ketchup, but you also like fry with your pepper! ⛵️
Yeah, you spotted it! Pepper on everything except for crumble..
Hello, what self steering gear are you using?
Hi, its the Mark 3 By Alan Mulholland from Canada, he sells the plans and you can make one for not a lot.. its a good bit of kit. Trim tabs and servo pendulums have different benefits and drawbacks..
@@rolty1 oh I thought so! What's your thoughts on the MK III
@@AdrianKerr I'm very happy with it, for the price ~£100 its amazing. For a transom hung rudder a trim tab arrangement is best, I would say. The trim tab is in a protected location and unlikely to get fouled or damaged. On the other hand a servo pendulum will steer you back on course very quickly when you surf down a wave but a trim tab makes it worse before it gets better, which could be a worry in survival conditions... The Mk III itself has steered me for well over 1000 miles already without problem. I've just modded it so I can alter course with a cord and pulley idea without climbing up on the back of the boat!
Lovelly
Love your spray hood anyway I can get the manufacturer or dimensions?
It was made by Quay sails in Poole, Dorset. It's actually a bit too high for me, the previous owner must have been tall as I can't really see over the top of it without standing on something!
I think they are generally made to fit the individual boat, I'm not sure how I could give dimensions... the makers may have a record
@@rolty1 thank you for the reply
Jim....by any chance is that a Mk3 wind vane built from plans and if so how do you rate it, as I was considering the same for my Great Dane 28...virtually identical rudder set up to the C26.
Yes, its a Mk3 which I built. I'm very happy with it, it even works dead downwind, I would definitely recommend, its sturdy and reliable. Trim tans and servo pendulums have their own pros and cons, but for a trandom hung rudder this is good 😀
@rolty1 Great, thanks for the positive feedback, I shall order up the plans from Wave Rover. I currently have an old Hasler (not fitted) but I really like the simplicity of this set up.
Best regards Jon
@@jonc4752 Yes, simple is definitely best when you are completely self reliant and miles from anywhere!
*water in the tea pot. :D
Hi are you from Baltimore MD? because I am from that area.
No I'm from England, and that was Baltimore Eire...
What wind vane steering do you use?
It's a MK3 which I built, designed by Alan Mulholland who has a channel on here
Chopstiks!
Very enjoyable film but there is a strange laughing sound at 15:24?
So the alternative question to the Genoa … how do you reef the main going downwind? I’ve never managed it (my boats have always had swept back spreaders that don’t help).
A small winch on the boom should make it easier for you.
@@EpoxyAndButylTape Thanks, but in 40 years of sailing I’ve never seen a winch on a boom 😳
@@moonshine3333 I’ve been offshore sailing for 43 years and six of the nine boats I’ve owned had winches on the boom. Most small boats don’t have them fitted unless they’ve already done a trans oceanic passage.
@@EpoxyAndButylTape Where on the boom? Near the gooseneck, halfway along, by the outhaul? Can you give an idea of a marque that I could look up? This shouldn’t turn into a pissing contest but I’ve only completed 2 Fastnets, around 6 RORC cross-channel events and countless Cowes Weeks and RTIR’s and I’ve NEVER seen a winch on the boom. And that includes a corporate week on a Round the World Challenge boat. Solent based. Not saying you’re wrong. Just saying I’ve never seen it.
@@moonshine3333 no worries. You can see a good example if you look up Fitting New sails - triton osprey refit part 22.
Did that tea taste as awful as your expression seemed to say?😂
Haha, no, thats just my expression of pure pleasure!
Any reason why you don’t use a bowl instead of a plate?
I do often use a bowl, but toast doesnt like bowls much...
Did he really pick that for off the floor and continue eating 🤮
The floor in ocean going conditions is surgically clean, nothing is brought on the boat... plus it's good to stimulate the immune system! 🙂
😂😂 good man I like ya ur a good sailor so thi king of returning back to the sailing g I live in Portugal now
@@steveipod1 yeah, don't delay, it's the best fun!
Well, I am deciding on a Barbican 33, Tradewind, 35 or formosa 42
Preferably something with a long, full deep keel that’s what I want. Basically for what you saying that the water you’re a pretty much coastal sailing, now I’ve freed myself from motor yachting its time to really go for it under sail