THIS WAS A BIG MISTAKE - SwT 117 - ESCAPING HURRICANE JULIA LAST MINUTE WITH AMATEURS ON MY SIDE
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 12 ก.ย. 2024
- Buddy sailing with this boat almost drove me nuts. This is a great example in why I normally don't do buddy sailing. Underway I discovered more and more problems not only with their boat but also the crew. This is a serious video with no script or acting only sharing the reality. The oceans don’t care if you’re a nice or sympathetic person, it threatens everyone the same. And disrespectful approach to oceans will cost your life. The aftermath from this sailing was pretty chocking to me. Owner of the boat I assisted don’t have money to keep up with maintenance making sure the boat is seaworthy. And the captains lack of understanding his responsibility and safety for his crew and himself is seriously questionable. On the boat side engine was not working properly, meaning they could not go above 1000rpm. No broadcasting AIS and no instruments working. No radar. A VHF only working 2,5NM when it should work at least 20NM. No satellite phone or modem for communication. Navigation lights not suitable for open water. No maps on the navigation systems only iPhone and the list goes on. On the crew side that should realised this is not a seaworthy boat leaving a marina late before a hurricane with no Jerry cans for extra diesel and already low on diesel. No sailing skills and obviously not understanding the incoming dangers.
My mistake was to believe a boat used for comercial charter would not only have competent crew but also a seaworthy boat. Their original plan was sailing to Cartagena in Columbia via Linton Bay in Panama. When showing them the weather and also the predictions for thunderstorms they asked to buddy sail with me to Bocas. Assuming they where at least capable of 5 kts and also willing to work hard to follow my route being the ones asking for permission to sail along with me. Meaning I had to delay my departure with one day, and even delayed this limit with almost one more day.
I have not shared everything here but I’m serious when saying this boat and it’s crew is an Desaster waiting to happen. All the ingredients for going totally wrong with a different outcome was here. If I had not pushed them so hard to get out of the hurricane zone they would been at the worst possible position and situation when Julia grew to a Hurricane. One of the two sailboats staying behind left next morning only 12-14 hours later. Meaning he was pretty close to us when I went back for my buddy boat telling them now it’s serious. His story is strong telling about the crazy weather destroying his sails on a big well maintained yacht, only hours behind us.
So I have my reasons also based on my decades of experience to believe this story could get a different outcome. Some luck that the hurricane did not form 10-15 hours earlier and grew a bit more. And the fact I did not give up on this hopeless crew. Nor the owner or it’s crew ever realised or understand this situation or the potential outcome. Some boats and sailors should stop
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ABOUT THIS CHANNEL:
I`m sailing around the world in my Bavaria 55 Cruiser, making videos whenever I have time for it. Most of the time I sail singlehanded but occasionally I do have sailing friends onboard. Still in the Caribbean due to Covid and was supposed to be in Asia by now.
Even though this is season 4 on youtube I did not make that many videos in the beginning. Before full-time sailing, I have sailed several seasons in the Med prior to this, and obviously also in Scandinavia. I have been traveling the world before and have also been an active regatta sailor for decades. I had my first sailboat at age 7 and have been sailing ever since. Also, more than 10 years of experience as a captain in Search and Rescue at sea in Norway.
PLEASE BE KIND IN THE COMMENTS!
I like to consider my returning viewers as friends. Rude comments and bad behavior equals banning from this channel. I'm more in for quality viewers than volume. I'm just a normal person sharing my travel adventure through my eyes and experience from my perspective! Remember how I do things that might work for me might not work for you. It might even not be the correct way to do things, and I don't have the blueprint either. I'm not perfect and nobody is. The day I believe I know it all and don't think I can learn new things I should go ashore. I enjoy sharing my mistakes as well as my knowledge and experience without trying to teach you anything.
Discussions around topics designs and sailing are always welcome. Personal attacks are from my perspective so low it qualifies for being kicked out of my Chanel permanently without warnings.
You went above and beyond to help these horrible sailors (not even sure they’re sailors).don’t feel bad ! You did a great job of trying to help Thomas! look out for yourself and your boat.another great and especially learning video!!!
Fair winds ⛵️
This would be so frustrating.
C'mon folks and give Thomas at least a thumbs up! 👍🏽This is a serious lesson about seamanship and Thomas is lecturing it very well.
I must admit I am indeed impressed about how well you handled all this Thomas 🙏
I felt so bad for you knowing how torn you were with the commitment and your extensive experience screaming in your ear to get the hell out of there. Combined with the friend you lost to the sea this must have been horrific. Glad you made it safe and hope they learned a lesson from all this pain and aren't just oblivious.
tbh, they didn't sound like the type that learns from lessons to me. I've had Self Sufficiency Organic growing types as neighbours with Smallholdings like mine, and they will stay deaf to reason even after losing homes, husbands, wives, and children breaking up, because they were so superior, they wouldn't listen to good advice on how to make things work, from neighbours who had generations of successfully working the land they were living on, but they were just ignorant Country Bumpkins who obviously weren't as smart as they were, so pointless paying attention to what they were saying, and their time was better spent rolling another joint. Well unlike them, the Country Bumpkins are still there, and getting on with what needs to be done. A terrible Waste of good opportunities, thanks to refusing to learn the Real Stuff, and get stuck in. ☹️
Wow, Thomas! What a great demonstration of seamanship! Thank you for creating this video - it is an important one that many should watch and learn from!
Another great observation Thomas. You gave a really good explanation of the situation (potentially a disastrous one) while still being respectful to the other crew. That takes a lot of courage and grace. You made the right calls and you honoured your commitment to see them to safety. Full credit it to you once again as a capable and sensible seaman. I hope the other crew recognise the respect you gave them despite the circumstances, and they take your advice onboard for future passages.
This people had no business on been at sea handling a boat. How naive the captain was. Stupid hurts. Great job Thomas as usual.
What a stressful situation! I have learned from your sailing channel so much, and this lesson is about being responsible. You are top-of-the-line responsible and super-patient. I am glad that you can give such a detailed account of these, and other situations. It is a good warning. A very risky one this time! Be well, and cheers to you, for documenting, on top of babysitting, all this situation!!
You are a great man, Sir Thomas. I truly admire you for your Patience, Experience and Respect for the sea. Your goodness shines through always. You clearly have a conscience and wear your heart on your sleeve. I think this experience will be a great lesson for you. Of course, you would always rescue anyone in distress, but don't so willingly give your services, to others. We want you to take good care of yourself always. Stay happy and healthy, and always "Be Free".
Bra jobba ,🙂
Thomas,
I Thank you for this video , you could see the pain in your face and the languish in your Voice as you attempted time and time again to relay a very serious message to a group of individuals that truly had no reason or ability to be out there sailing , let alone sailing in very challenging conditions and detracting conditions by the hour. I do wonder if you had any words with the captain ( I use that word loosely ) of that vessel prion to taking on such a generous task. It has been a very very long time sense I have seen such a lack of command and ability in the crew of the following boat. I have serious reservation if the vessel even had a working compass ( Hence , when they were heading in the wrong direction . Nicaragua . Thomas I simply Commend you on your Long Patients with that crew . And wow , taking the time to go back and find them and offer a tow... I am afraid I would have not offered that to them and wished the best of luck ... after so many tries to keep them moving... For me I just turned down an offer to Captain a boat from Galveston to Isla Mujeres Mexico because of the boat owners lack of safety gear and lacks attitude towards any safety gear at all . I found out latter several other Captains all told him the same thing.. I sadly feel that individuals such as that are a ... Mishap and tragedy waiting to happen .
Robert
North Star
You did everything you could short of boarding them and forcing the tow. You went back putting yourself and your vessel at some risk 4x from the look of things which is a lot more than many would do. There are just some people who should not own a boat even for personal use, let alone a vessel they charter. As you said the Sea doesn't care and will take a life or vessel in a heartbeat, especially those who don't respect it. I'm glad you were able to get them thru it and also sad that should I eventually get out there you've been soured on buddy boating from this experience. I can tell you if I was ever lucky enough to buddy boat with you I'd follow your plans as if my life depended on them because they very well could. Great job on dealing with a very stressful situation brought on by people who should probably not have been out there no matter how nice they are. Yes, idiocy comes to mind because to not follow the direction of an experienced sailor such as yourself after asking for your help, takes a special kind of idiot...
Fair winds, following seas, safe travels and God Bless...
A tight line between compassion and self-care, walked well by you. If those sailors failed to acknowledge your concern, shame on them. Lesson I take away is to make certain all agree who is in charge of the voyage and that your "buddy" is ship shape.
Always been impressed and learned lots from your examples of skilled, safe sailing. Thank you Thomas!
Thanks for posting this video Thomas, it is amazing how many people do not respect the power of the ocean. Kudos to you for helping them as there is a 100% certainty they would have never made it without you. However, as you correctly pointed out in the end you are ultimately responsible only for your self first!
I am an older gir:l 63, and I have been sailing local. Lots. Sailed to the keys.I have Sailed 2000 miles. I will be Leaving St. Andrews Bay Fl to the Bahamas soon. My comment is THANKS, I loved your video.
Glad to see you safe Thomas, I think you went above and beyond, looking forward to seeing more of your passages.
Well done. Id like to say I'd have had the same patience. I wouldn't. You're a decent chap Thomas.
Jesus Thomas, thuis situation must have been a steep learning curve for all parties involved. Good luck buddy
There are no pills for stupidity. Well done Thomas on trying to help. You are more than just a solo sailor.
I would have quit long before you did, you are a very patient man. There is so much you can do to help someone but when that person is not cooperating, it's time to go. You have your own life and boat to save. Cheers
Excellent video Thomas. I learned about you on the Capt Rick Moore channel. And you’re right. Some people just don’t get it
Thanks for sharing this episode. I'm sure it's difficult to be in that situation and also to be critical of another boat and captain but it's important for experiences to be shared so that others can learn lessons before facing similar situations. There's an old saying to describe frustrating situations that "it's like herding cats". Sounds like you were in a super frustrating situation by herding a 3 legged and half blind cat!
Take care and stay safe and healthy. Looking forward to your next video.
Very much respect how you handdled this Thomas. In the future maybe check out what kind of systems people have on board and the fuel supply. As you are putting your own life at risk taking them under your wings very reasonable to check them out. Big hug from the Netherlands.
Thomas this is the first video of yours that I have watched . I must say you have a lot more patience than I . Understandably you were concerned for their safety but there comes a time when your safety should be your most concern . Sounds like the boat they were on should have never left the mooring and they were crazy to charter such a poorly maintained vessel . I salute you for making sure their passage was a safe one and I will be subscribing to your channel 👍
Your patience are over the top.
Yet another great vlog Thomas.
Tak fordi du deler
This is one of the better Videos, and actually showing the problems that people can occure. You had ALOT of patience, and deffently showed good will to help them. Cheers..
Du är alldeles för snäll Thomas. Jag hade kanske vänt om en gång och försökt få dom åt rätt håll, men aldrig fyra gånger. Tur för dom att det finns supersnälla människor som du. Hoppas allt är bra och ha en fortsatt underbar tid i Bockas. Själv har jag tagit upp våran båt för vintern, så nu njuter jag av att titta på dina filmer.
Med vänlig hälsning, Tomas
Han gjorde det som var rätt.
Thanks for your prompt reply and action Thomas . I can watch the video now and am sure to enjoy it. Quality pal .
Thank you so much 🙏🏻
You were in a tough situation and I a glad it worked out. No AIS, non- functional VHF, no Sat email, no Sat phone and then they delayed you a day! They should not be at sea!!! Did they tell you this before setting out as the reason they needed your help with a hurricane bearing down on you??? If not, I would not have had so much patience.
Learned a lot with this video. Thanks a million for posting.
Had it been me I would have left a note on their hatch the morning you were suppose to leave that you were leaving and good luck to them on getting out of harms way. Like you said, the ocean does not care.
Big up, you're a man amongst men. Big lesson to be learned here, thanks for sharing your knowledge. All the best. 👍
I was stressed out for you! Wow, you should get a good citizen award!
Well done, you gave your best advice to the other crew, turned about 4 times, if they do not respond or realise the danger they are in, then its every man for himself.. fair winds.
I'm convinced that a poor skipper will always blame bad luck for their accidents. It's just poor maintenance and/or preparation.
Take Peter on Sailing into freedom for instance. First motors his cat into a reef at night and loses his boat. Buys a monohull - engine fails first passage. Doesn't equip it with enough batteries or instruments after refit, anchors in stormy weather and gets hit by lightning - blowing a hole through the stuffing box. Entertaining to watch but it takes a long list of dumb errors to arrive at an "accident".
Thomas, you are a man of your word and a good sailor.
Of the thousands of sailing videos i have watched, this might could have been the best, and most important for any sailor, or want to be sailor.
Thank you for sharing.
It is also a testement to your superior charactor. You, sir. Are a damned good man.
Thank you for that
Hi Thomas, I can understand you! You have saved the life of those idiots and they even didn’t realize it. Great job! Stay safe.
Some folks just don't deserve the type of help that you provided. I'm sure they still don't grasp what could have happened if you were not persistent with them. Its a sign of your integrity that you stayed with them until they were safe enough. I feel your frustration. They had no business being out there for sure.
Thomas, thumbs up, I am impressed how much passion you put in these guys obviously not capable to hold themselves out of disaster.
As a sailboat captain myself I probably would have left them earlier after the failed second attempt to put them out of danger, but you never know how far you feel a responsibility for a buddy boat when you did not experience the same situation.
What is clear here is that not only their boat was not seaworthy, but the captain / navigator would need as well some improvements about seamanship, navigation and weather routing. The ocean sailing knowledge of the captain was for sure not enough for blue water cruising, not even for coastal cruising.
I hope to meet you some day somewhere and share a beer with you, to tell you personally that I have the greatest respect how professional you handled this dangerous situation! Cheers!
You don’t have to feel guilty for leaving them alone, I’m sure they are adults and they should behave in a good way, thanks for sharing your experience, safe sail
You sir are a bigger man than I am. I would of have let them on their own after 3 warnings.
Although while typing this I might not have, who knows. What I do know is if a seasoned skipper is willing to help you, you (I would) listen.
Cheers 🍻
You have the patience of a saint. As a solo sailor I have been in similar situation waiting on others to catch up and putting myself in a very bad way, I will not do it again. I won't even wait for a guests to arrive if they are not on time. Was painful to watch you go through this. Take good care of yourself and continue to do what you do. Peace🌺
sitting in y chair watching this. Gotta say you did a Great Job Trying to help people that either wont or dont listen to good advice. Thank You for this Real Life example. 😎
There is a confirmed problem with some videos on this platform at the moment. TH-cam is working on it and promised me a feedback. Quite impressed with fast access to a chat with support.
So if you get the message can’t play this video in your browser it’s a problem that hopefully will be fixed soon.
Hi Thomas really interesting dilemma. I guess the warning signs were their relaxed attitude to actually leaving in the first place. You have your margin of safety for depature, especially as a solo sailor. I think when they started to jeopardise that, the deal is off the table. Good on you for dealing with their situation though.
Damn Thomas, give yourself lots of credit for probably saving peoples lives that should not be sailing in the first place. Man, you deserve a lot of credit, those people owe you a lot, quite possibly their lives. Big Salute for hanging with them after all the warnings.
Thomas, mate, what a super stressful experience and maybe even a costly one with the electrical fry up you’ve experienced. I’m sorry for you when you selflessly helped these people out only to be dealt everything which happened. You’re a big heart, a real legend and understand the unspoken code of the sea to help your fellow seafarers out wherever possible. Great break down of the things to ask any boat who you are accepting or offering safe passage from or to. I’ve saved that video. You have the best sailing channel on TH-cam, real experience, real lessons and information, real people you meet. And well crafted and edited. Are you selling the boat and closing this sailing chapter?
Your sarcasm has me doubled over laughing.
That was stressful to watch. I can't imagine feeling responsible for the other boat and getting what seemed like no cooperation. All while evading an approaching hurricane. I learned you need to assess the other boats seaworthiness as well as the crews capabilities before agreeing to such a responsibility. Thanks for the many sailing lessons Thomas.
Thomas and excellent episode and a wake up call to many out there. Kudos to you and for keeping your cool more than most. Hope to see you here one day. André in Sydney
That’s the problem when you tried to help other people I had the same problem years ago travelling a long distance on a motorbike having a holiday I find it is better to travel by yourself and you can do whatever you need to do love your videos first time I come across you I’m subscribed now Cliff from Logan city Queensland Australia From the big island
I can’t run with another truck driver every time I’ve tried it becomes a even bigger disaster than the time before. I’ve come to realize the only people that want to travel together usually only want to travel together because they can’t do it themselves alone. I feel your pain but please don’t put yourself and your beautiful vessel in jeopardy for people that won’t listen and refuse to keep pace and stay on course
You did everything you could to let the other boat know about the seriousness of the situation. Thanks for showing us how to be prepared and how serious hurricanes are. Also for showing us you can sail to safety. Keep up the great work.
Wow. This shows you care, aside from the big danger factor. You really came close to the edge in your helping them.
Years of learning in half an hour, thank you Thomas!
Love ya Bro. Good job on doing your best! It was a real learning experience for us and most especially you. I hope those folks understood the seriousness of their in experience. Glad you are safe. You deserve a medal. 🏅 Cheers my friend.
I'd say you handled that very professionally. We do have a responsibility to others when at sea, but only if our own safety isn't compromised. You helped them out of danger without overly endangering yourself, that was very well managed and all credit to you.
again showing what a decent person you are. good show
Thank God you were there to teach them some common sense! Live and learn!💖
I would like to have a friend like you. You are a some Thomas. Next time.e you come to Vienna or for skiing to Styria you are my guest. Stay save and thanks for great videos and allow me to follow your adventures. I love it 😀
Well done Thomas! You have a good heart. I'm not sure that I'd let another boat put me at such risk. You remained calm and you were firm as you needed to be. Great points about having a boat that is seaworthy for such a passage. You da man!! Cheers.
Allways nice to look at your videos and learn from the knowledge you sharing, greetings from Sweden! I think you were very generous when taking risks to help a crew not moving according to the advice you were giving them. Good on you to abandon the project, even if it was "in the last minute".
Very frustrating… you try to help , but some folks grrrrrr
You are a better person than I am. I would have bailed on them at the paper work delay
IKR!
Hey Thomas! You're doing a great job out there! Really nice to see you keep those sailing friends under your more experienced wing.
Be safe! Fair winds!
Cheers Jeff
Patience of a saint have a new meaning to me.
People talk about the importance of having a fast enough boat to get out of a storm's path and now I can see it is important. With modern weather forecasting, you get often enough advanced warning to be able to clear out of the danger zone quickly.
Great job Thomas. Sure you didn’t get what little rest a solo sailer’s get…
Wondering how the arrival conversation went down?? Thx, Andrew
Bra det gikk bra! Skummelt at båteier og utleier ikke tar større ansvar for livene til de som leier båten! Cheers and safe travel🍻😎
Thomas your what I call an Ocean Angel!! Thanks for doing what needed to be done.. Your a class human . I am grateful you made it to Boca's safely..... Hurricanes are no dang joke on Land or at Sea... Thanks for sharing your life with us grateful for the opportunity to learn from you ✌🏼💗😊❣️
I hear your pssion, brother. You have a very good heart.
I hope that the people understand you saved their asses, what you did shows the great person you are.
I would sail with you. Safety First! Your an excellent sailor Thomas.
This video should be the introduction of any sailing course. Well done. A great example of why training, safety and working equipment is worth every penny. Thank you for taking the time to share this lesson.
Good job…you have allot of patience…..learning so much about the sailing lifestyle 😊
Thomas, I hope that you sailing buddies watch this episode. You worked very hard to help them stay safe.
En tålmodig samaritan er du Thomas. Du skulle mer enn gjerne kasta drengen din på mitt fordekk, en må kjenne sin besøkelsestid. Ikke lett å være redningsmann for de som ikke vil reddes, eller enda verre - ikke skjønner sitt eget beste. Stolt av å ha vært kollega. Stay safe👍😀
You cared and did all you could. No one could ask for anything more. Fair winds and following seas!
Great seamanship Thomas, it's also very educational for many people. Sad to see other people can put you into trouble when you actually go so far to help them. Sometimes there is a lack of knowledge about nature and own skills. It's amazing to see how patient you was in this situation. Thanks for another great video 😊
Wooow man thats not normal.. bud you are en expert… greetings from Swizerland😊
Some people just should own a yacht, well done for persisting with them as long as you did. Plus you'd think being a charter boat there would be some laws to keep the boats electronics up to date and engine maintained
Thanks for being such a caring human
You’ve got more patience than me mate. 🙂
You saved their lives! I hope they realize this. i find it unbelievable that people go out on the ocean with a boat that's not up to it.
Thomas I’m drinking a beer with you🍺man you deserved one!!!You are a good man to go out of your way more then once to help them so their life is no longer your responsibility!I really like your channel a lot and I have to say I like listening to to you 😊we just missed hurricane Ian here in south Alabama,US. Boy did it destroy south Florida as cat 4 hurricane.I grew up on the coast and know you can’t play around when it’s time to go!!!Thanks for sharing this and I am sure it will save some lives one day.👍👍👍👍👍
Hi, Thomas! Thank you so much for sharing your experience in this situation -- and thank you, also, for helping the crew of this buddy boat! You are a gem! It is good to see this episode on boating/yachting/sailing readyness/preparedness and safety -- all extremely vital and important matters! Thank you, again! Fair winds!⛵🙏
well done Thomas. Patience of a saint.
All that stress, and so unnecessary because the charter boat owner failed in his duty of care to ensure that his charter boat was seaworthy. That willful neglect by the charter boat owner, could have cost four lives in this instance, if that charter boat had started taking on water that would have placed you all in a very serious situation. A BIG well done to you Thomas, for your perseverance,and commitment to your duty of care.
Follow your instincts and experience Thomas. No buddy boats!
if they want help then give them the route and speed required and let them sort it out. Your responsibility ended. If they are serious ocean sailors this will not be a problem.
Your conscious is clear, but it still leaves an impression on you.
And yes, the strain was quite visible on your demeanor and left your quite drained.
But could see most of that left as you set Be Free loose to run as she can do so well.
Me, as an arm chair sailor I have learnt so much of your skills and commend your attitude in sharing...so, thanks again for sharing so much....Beers & Cheers.
Perfect mate. One should thrive on the seven P's (proper planning and preparation prevents piss poor performance) as it is the key, to safely undertaking these endeavors, with fruitful outcomes. Thank-you Thomas 🤙
Hi Thomas!
Definitely there is people out there who don't understand that sailing is not a game and a boat is not a toy, specially under some circumstances. Of course it's also right that the owner must have the boat ready to sail or just don't rent it. Anyway, I'm happy to see you and your boat are safe, in beautiful Bocas and also happy for the other guys, because they didn't succeed to kill themselves.
Enjoy Bocas and take care.
Cheers!
great video Thomas! you made me feel like I was with on Be Free feeling the stress of the situation! Your big heart, patience and professionalism are amazing, Well done!
Do keep us updated about what happened to your friends who stayed at anchor in San Andres, are they safe?
Glad to hear that you got Dumb and Dumber out of harms way. I wonder what their next crusade will be.
Excellent episode. This is real. So many other Ytbrs only show the sun & bikinis.
This guy is a sailor.
You cannot risk your own life & boat you would only make it more difficult for the rescue teams...
You have a good soul Thomas and I can see that in good conscience, there would be no way you'd abandon someone you agreed to help. I think the lesson you've shared here is that you will probably never again agree to buddy boat with someone in that situation. If you absolutely had to though.... what would you do differently? Set up different expectations at the beginning? Tell them that you're not circling back for them or that if they fall out of communication range they get 1 circle back but that's it? Tell them that they need to meet min standards for boat equipment before you would buddy boat with them? something else?
Do you know if these people that you offered to help eventually made it to a safe port after escaping the hurricane? Maybe they reached out to you to let you know that they made it safely? I of course am very relieved that you made it to your destination safely (and selfishly I'm happy to see more videos from your channel as a result. hah hah :) lol ).
Thanks for another good video. You always manage to educate even if you are sharing a dramatic situation too. 😄
It appears that the crew was not capable, as well as the boat. You were very pastiest! Your videos are very enjoyable to listen to! Thank you Thomas!
You can’t help stupid, the unprepared or the unwilling. Don’t risk your life or your boat. Nuff said.
You're a good guy, It sounds like they got into sailing without knowing about sailing, How does one knows that their engines wouldn't go more than 2 knots? Or how would they know that their VHS can only goes up to 2 miles or their instruments wasn't up to par? I guess they didn't read up on equipment.