Messing about in boats. Done it all my life. Started at 12, 70 now. No motors, only paddles. Camping days at a time, easing downriver quietly, many times alone. Wonderful experiences. I love how the scenery changes slowly, giving one time to really see river, sky, wildlife. Often caught those mystical, full moon nights out there, far from lights and noise and any sign of civilization. It's a wonderful world there.
My ancestors went up the Thames in a small wooden boat once upon a time. They had a great time by all accounts. Norway and Britain - Friends forever. Rule Britannia.
Loveland Properties and Appraisal me too, its absolutely calming and inspiring. After this whole world pandemic I’m going to explore the possibilities of doing the same.
The world is full of people, living lives I've never experienced but which seems enormously pleasant. Thanks for the insight Mr. Barnes, my horizon's expanded just a smidge more now. All the best.
Agree with your philosophical interlude, doing is better than having. We've been living aboard an old ketch since 2006, sailing east from Turkey to Thailand. While others might scramble to circumnavigate in two years, it''s taking us a long time to get anywhere because we keep being distracted by places and people. Marinas are anathema, best for boat maintenance; anchorages are experiences you treasure. It's time to sail across an ocean again. Peace and fair winds. Liz
@@Zildorn They did in the 60s in the north of England when I was a kid - the difference from keel boata tended to be that they had centreboards and not keels, were smaller, and generally used for day trips, pottering and racing.
The camera work - done solo? was superb / peaceful existence / well presented / great voice to listen to. Some people are so irritating / this was a quietly spoken yet enthusiastic style / have subscribed.
The joy on your face as your food cooks, cracking open a beer, just enjoying life... this is why I now own two small sailboats... 8ft dinghy for solo weekends, 16ft for when I want to take trips with someone else... the world makes sense on the water, love these videos!!!
I never even imagined a camping dinghy on the river, I love narrowboats but this was excellent. What impressed me was his organisation and attention to detail, camping was always such good fun, this was as said below 'Wholesome'
Roger, An ex-Pat Brit, now Canadian /American , I found your video reminiscent of my camping days. For instance your routine preparing for the night and, likewise, for the new day is so totally familiar. I was an avid hiker in the mid ‘60’s when I braved a horrific Force 7 gale mid-Atlantic with a shipload of fellow emigrants bound for Montreal. The memories of many of my central- British-Columbian (as you said ‘experiences’ ) are stirred by your ideas and camping processes. Later I hit the highways and hitchhiked back and forth across Canada, especially the east coast , the ocean environments especially, also canoe camping in Algonguin Park and, finally (married with two nippers) settling into the gorgeous mountains of Vermont. My point being that , now approaching 76, I have a memory crammed with lucid stories, something I am sure you have too. This is the first of your videos I have come across so will definitely subscribe and look forward to many more. Cheers and have one for me. Jim
So good I have watched this three times. I know that part of the river extremely well. I owned a 22 ft cabin cruiser and this was my holiday destination from Hurley for many years. I have been lured by your videos into canvas sailing and am in process of finding a sailing dinghy to explore further afield. Spurred on by your excellent book I have set a target of sailing as many rivers and waterways as I can fit my boat into. Thank you Roger.
My daughter of 35 yrs passed away 4 months ago She wanted experiences not possessions. Following her way definitely the way for me now, yes being free like you to go places meet people and being able to get on the sea/rivers etc is what its all abt not impressive boats no one really cares abt Live your best life ❤
“Let your boat of life be light, packed with only what you need - a homely home and simple pleasures, one or two friends, worth the name, someone to love and someone to love you, a cat, a dog, and a pipe or two, enough to eat and enough to wear, and a little more than enough to drink; for thirst is a dangerous thing. ” ― Jerome K. Jerome, Three Men in a Boat
I really wanted the camera to Pan around to the bank when the piano music was playing at the start. To see a pianist playing in a field like a Monty python sketch.
@@RogerRoving Hello Sir! I have been researching boat after boat after boat for months on end trying to address my needs for a first boat. I must say, your videos, your lovely videos have clinched it! I truly dig the Ilur and so many of the other gorgeous boats you mention. The lifestyle of a dinghy sailor is for me!! Thank you so much for sharing your incredible experiences and for inspiring the "non-mega yachters" we, who want to get out there and explore! Triple thumbs up and some jazz hands to you, sir!
I've just come across this little Gem of yours Roger. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and adventures. I often find your videos thought provoking.... thank you
get an aluminium boat. beleive me. I've owned and upkept many types of boats. Aluminium wins. Unless of course you want to spend hours upon end wood working or seeing your boat rot underneath your feet. Or you are willing to pay a boat yard to upkeep it for you. Trust me on this. This man's view on yachting is no doubt correct for a vast majority of boat owners, but if you enjoy sailing, you don't get it done in a small dinghy ...
Great video! I actually live on a 38' narrowboat, in a marina, on the Bristol Avon. It is my plan to become a continuous cruiser over the next year, but I really miss sailing too. Chugging along to the sound of my Lister diesel does not hold the romance of silent sailing, so I'll combine the two somehow. One thing is for sure - I'll never live on the land again. At 65, my life's dream is finally fulfilled, living aboard my own floating home :-)
I'm not a boater (I live far from the sea or any huge bodies of water), but I love to backpack, and lately I've been doing some bikepacking, and keeping the equipment on the simple side, does, as you've said, allow for more and better immersive experiences. For me, if there's enough equipment, and it's adequate to the time and place your in, you feel much more engaged in that location, instead of being more isolated and cut off from it. Your philosophy is, I think, the right approach to having the 'experiences' that you go out looking for. Thanks for the video.
Your videos are so natural an enjoyable. Thank you so much for not ruining the experience with distracting music. 8 of the best years of my life were spent living on a small, wooden, centerboad sloop and sailing really a lot.
I believe this is one of my very favorite videos. I've watched it a dozen times because it harkens to a calm and peaceful state of mind. Your comments (Philosophical) are spot on. In my life, while my colleagues were buying fancy cars and huge homes I was buying a second hand utilitarian vehicle like a truck, and a small comfortable home I could pay off quickly. I owned a small boat to fish with when they owned motor yachts. I've not been about the bling, but about what gives me life. Thank you Roger for this video and others you make. They are brilliant.
Watched this video for the first time around about a month ago!! Discovered it by chance!! I was so mesmerised!! I have never sailed!! Yet it spoke to me deeply!! a week later I had found my own little boat a 1969 Mirrior Dingy, a week after that, we collected her!! I truly love the approach and philosophy to Dingy Cruising!! It’s all about the adventure!! Stripping it all back!! Simple and uncomplicated!! So special!! And today with my Dad and my little One we attended The RYA Dingy show!! Just brilliant seeing Roger and Mary and her wonderful Mirrior Dingy!! With a Decathlon Pop up Tent sitting on her boat!! Really inspired!! Showing you what’s possible with these little boats!! Over the coming months, We will be joining our local club and start learning to sail!! Alongside restoring our Mirrior back to her formal glory!!! Our little boat has taken us on quite a journey and she’s not even in the water yet!! Thanks Roger snd Mary for the heartfelt inspiration!! Happy Sailing Guys!! To Journeys Long and Short!! ⛵️
@@RogerRoving Thank You Roger... Love what you guys do.. Truly Inspiring.. and has placed me my Dad and my little one on a wonderful path... Happy Sailing with the greatest of thanks...
These are the adventures I dreamed of going on as a young lad. Now that I have the means I sadly find myself distracted by easier things, worries or talking myself out of getting started. My boat hasn't even been out in over 6 years. Thanks for sharing.
Some years ago I took my son and his friend who were young teenagers, all our camping gear my two black labs in a big Canadian canoe for a trip down the upper reaches of the Thames. It was a great adventure enjoyed by all. It's a lovely way to travel and see the countryside passing by. I was concerned how I was going to entertain these lads in the evening but after eating supper they were asleep as it got dark, all the fresh air and paddling did the job. Many thanks for sharing you brought back some great memories. We got used to wet conditions as the dogs spent all day hopping in to the river only to soak us on their return and obviously it rained a bit, I returned home with a couple of hardier lads who surprisingly did not miss the internet.
Lovely video, tranquil, philosophical and informative. She really is a beautiful boat. Many years ago, before I ever got my first sailing dinghy (although I was already on my second inflatable boat) I was at Chichester Harbour with a friend. I looked out at all the yachts and big boats and remarked glumly that I could never aspire to a boat like that. My friend replied, "Yes, but every single one of them is moored." Fast forward a few years and I now have a nice little lugsail dinghy and every time I take her to my usual launch spot, I recognise all the bigger boats standing forlorn in the boat park, many of them covered in lichen from extended disuse. Roger, you're absolutely right that many people buy yachts to impress, but I think many others buy yachts in the hope that one day they'll find time to use them. Smaller boats get used more, and cost less when they're not being used.
You should also note that the fun to be had from boating is in inverse proportion to the size of the vessel and some would say, the number of the crew. For some years I lived in the back cabin of a motor narrow boat. That is small, but it was a very happy time.
I disagree size of boat is unrelated its the bite off more than you can chew problem that keeps most boats moored same with allot of dinghy's that sit in the garden or back shed just not as obvious. My boat is 28ft long it goes out twice a month and I love it. Its manageable for me but one day I see myself going smaller once my energy and pocketbook shrink with age. Granted I do travel further afield with the knowledge that one day I may not be able too so save the close water for retirement, the same area I started cruising in as an 8yr old half a century ago.
Growing up in Lancaster, I was blessed to have access to a 19ft wooden dory. Weekends were spent as a child, sailing the River with friends. I still dream of those quiet nights! Enjoyed this video on the proper storage aboard Roger's craft.
Simplicity,simplicity,simplicity! Those takes were like oil paintings, I turned 76 this summer i had outfitted my outrigger canoe with a new sail , boards and a winnegin box and was ready to set off about then i was struck with ( it's done) i believe it's something that infects old people at some point but thanks to tech i can live my experiences through people like you and the canoe sits in the garagethank you for a beautiful video.
frank atstarisland hi frank I am beginning to understand your experience, but am still fighting on to keep doing things. Would love to see your canoe all setup, any pictures please?
Thanks Roger. Having owned boats and kayaks all my life, I agree with your comments about larger boats. Most here in Cornwall are on the water for 3 months tops. The bigger they are the less they are used. It's all about the adventure and keeping it simple.
William Morris died 122 years ago today -- how cool to see the house, and what a way to see it! Thanks for the video, I enjoy your expeditions so much.
I miss living on the river. I had a freeman cabin cruiser that I lived on for three years on the lower thames that sunk and I gave up, crumbled and reclused. This has given me a new idea of how one could go about finding the authenticity I once knew well, except in the example provided, no motor. This is beautiful. Thank you.
I love your perspective, Roger. As a yacht owner myself I can absolutely confirm that for many, yachting is about the thing. I have a very old 23ft yacht that has provided 4 families thus far excluding my own, but it should 100% be about the memories you build and the experiences you have. If it is about anything else for you, I think you are missing the best part. Like you, I go out when the weather is miserable, because it is about the sailing and adventure. What I love most about your channel is that it slows the rush down and it makes it so easy to appreciate the beauty when you slow things down. Love your work.
Oh man this was truly wonderful! Loved to see your gentleman camping in a classic boat, everything about this was beautiful. Always wanted to spend a yr on a canal boat in the UK one day ...Now i have to add a bit of boat camping too, minimalist living!. But i use two thermarests these days when out ha ha. So lucky to live in a time and place where you can safely camp in yr boat, not get charged, fined, told where you can go, or get mugged. And leave it and walk off to see world heritage architecture without worry. Pretty dam good. Enjoy the doing...not the having. Love it! I might tell my kids that - regularly, from now on. Ill have to look over your other vids, thanks for sharing. I can feel the serenity, the beauty and culture in the countryside. Loved the history lesson too. Keep it coming.😂⛵
The best thing about it is I'm free I'm free in my mind and I'm so happy even though I'm alone the whole time I'm so happy put down social media put your phones up the smart phones and computers put them down and go for sale come back in 2 or 3 days you're a new man try it you'll like it I love your videos please keep it up PS power to you
Zen and the Art of Sailing. Thanks ever so much for this new video. From chilly winter sledding to glowing sunny days. Must of been exciting to touch the liquid waters again. Beautiful depth and richness enjoyed. In your heartfelt words, and thoughts, as well as your camera work. The film like quality is amazing with this camera. Plus your photos from France, wow, totally National Geographic. I could smell the morning grasses warming in the sunrise, with my eyes. You speak true, less is more. Buy quality, enjoy a simple meal and savour a cup of tea while smiling good morning. Life is good. Ah, life is good. It's the little things that make a big difference. You speak truth. You live honestly. You respect the moments. You enjoy life's blessing. Your smile of contentment made me smile, my smile made others smile, their smile's caused more smiling, the world is a better place. Thank you for the time and effort you put into creating these lovely intelligently simple organically spiritual moments of natural bliss. Seriously, big thanks, we need more of your videos please. Hope you are having an excellent day.
Thank you for sharing your experiences with dinghy cruising. This, coming from someone that sails an older but sturdy ocean going yacht. While I love voyaging to far away places on our boat, I find that when we arrive in a remote anchorage, I tend to spend most of my time exploring the area in our tender. It is a small hard dinghy that rows beautifully and has a sailing rig that works quite nicely. When I'm out sailing the dinghy and exploring nearby creeks or mangroves, I feel the excitement of a child. Your videos remind me of that feeling. Thanks again. PS, you can never go wrong with curry and rice!
Extrañaba tus videos, Roger. Disfruto de conocer los paisajes que recorres en cada aventura. Además, tu Ilur me da ideas para mejorar mi homemade dinghy! Saludos desde Argentina!
Roger just found you and have now purchased the book and have called on the authorities for your knighthood and everything to celebrate your wonderfulness and warmth and good nature .You have rekindled my love of all things simple as they should be ,I doff my cap to you Sir!!!!!
I’d have to think hard about whether I could accept a knighthood, considering the current state of the nation, but I thank you profoundly for your support!
The bigger the boat the less it goes out. Much better to do with small then to have big and not do. To get out and enjoy nature, the river, the quiet wonderful smells and reflection of the water in the morning...Man, you are so right. Texas
Far to many people own a boat for status and never enjoy the boating. My first boats were all second hand fixers but the fun we had was priceless. Dinghy’s may not be able to cross oceans but there are not many other places you can’t explore with them. Sail, row and push come shove an outboard. Experience is everything. The break downs and fixes, the capsizes, the occasional race win was nice too. But my favourite memories were the catastrophic broaches downwind and broken rudders in a stiff choppy force 4 off weymouth harbour. Its embracing the madness of it, the danger of it, the silliness of it. There were times when you would be in tears of laughter after being thrown out of the boat. Moments of shear joy and peace. Romance too. Never a dull moment though. Marriage and kids took me away from all that for quite a while but its time to get back on the water.
Cheers Roger. A good reminder. Experiences first. And speaking from experience I quite agree. The most active I've been in boating always coincides with owning a small and easy boat. Beer o'clock to you, from NZ.
Hi Roger. Just discovered your amazing channel. Ended up binge watching 7-8 episodes from your French adventures. I cannot explain how chilling and relaxing watching you travel around in your lovely dingy. What a way to spend quality time and enjoy life. I have never wanted a boat but like interesting and independent travel and spent the last 40yrs exploring France,Spain and Switzerland by motorbike, caravan and 4x4, that’s all been great but from what I see of your travels nothing as easy going or enjoyable as you share with your audience. So looking forward to your future episodes and adventures.👍👍
WOW! What an awesome human being you are. I loved this and want to do this very thing with my family. You are so very special my beautiful brother. Thank you!
Phil Bolger said "The best boats are either small enough to carry home or big enough to live on". Bolger was a beloved naval architect and writer. Nonetheless, I believe that you have demonstrated that the best boat is that which suits one's life style.
Got a boat this spring. Spend 300,- euro's on it. Had a blast, and now gonna replace it after a succesfull year with a dinghy thats "just" a little bigger. But on all accounts you dont need to spend capital on a boat to have an awesome year. Especially during the corona crisis!
It was a captivating video of yours that opened my eyes to dinghy sailing and camping, and your beautiful book was a joy to read and an invaluable source of information! I hope to discover some inland waterways in a Portland Pudgy dinghy outfitted for camping, which for travelling by road will fit on the roof, eliminating the need for a trailer. The thought of relaxing on a summer evening with your book in hand, on a peaceful waterway, in my own little camping dinghy is something I look forward to. Thank you for inspiring me to try dinghy camping.
Thank you Roger! A lovely philosophical musing on the importance of experiences over things. My friend and I built a small skiff and look forward to adventures like this.
Very good and interesting. Not all folk buy a boat to impress, some are out and out racers. However the smaller the ship, the happier the crew. I've had a small 19' gaff cutter for 14 years and certainly have no intention of upgrading her (unlike the X wife!) Just for you information, my boom tent is also in need of renewal and I've chosen to use "hydrotex polycotton" material, used in expensive large type tents. Traditional appearance with modern material benefits. I've also opted to use flexible poles which will slot into my gun whales, to creat a "tunnel type tent" with more head room as opposed to the boom tent. My boom will fit immediately below, from which I can sling a hammock. Hope this helps.
This was a wonderful trip, evocative and memorable. I grew up in the States around boats and the water. I even converted an old rowboat to a sailboat and had great adventures up and down the Hudson River in New York - also in local creeks, streams, lakes and ponds. Agreed that waking up in the morning surrounded by the mist on a calm fall morning is a great feeling. When I moved to the Boston area I continued to find sailing / motoring / rowing in coastal waters great fun as well. I just found these videos on UA-cam and find them quite enjoyable. Just bought your book and can't wait to read it. Likewise, can't wait to see the next video - keep them coming!
I imagine the early 18th century before the advent of roads this was how people mainly lived along the Hudson.Little villages like Poughkeepsie receiving mariners looking for a new place to settle the land.
Geordie, from your comment and Roger's reply I looked up Mr. Ransome and bought 6 of the twelve Swallows and Amazons books - Here in Lewes, Sussex USA there are three Grand children that will grow up reading them and possibly more. Thank you for your mention. Hoping to build and ILUR and either in it or my Melonseed (Crawford) they too will go on great adventures! thanks once again for your above comment - His peace to you. - R
wow that first shot is absolute gold, an almost mirror finish on the water yet enough wind to sail with. Awesome, totally worth what ever effort you went to to get it Roger. Nice work. Thanks at least in part to you, I'm off to view a dinghy this weekend. Also I've just recently purchased a down 'quilt' from Enlightened Equipment rated to -6 degrees C (-20F) and weighing in at 530gm (18.7oz)! I shall be interested to see how it compares to a synthetic 'Mummy bag'. Really appreciate your videos, thank you for taking the time to make them.
How wonderfully you are organized onboard. I own a yacht, and I should be entiteled to give you right. I used however, in my younger years, to sail in modest -down to reality- boats like your boat. Just a tent over the boom, and a sleeping bag on the tiles of the boat. Simple, affordable and practic, no motor. I had one after the other 3 such simple sailing boats, then I vgot married and I found it was time to move up in boat size. Larger boats, bigger challenges, not neccesarily bettr, for I have often thought that I owe my best sailing experiences from those years in small boats without motor.
Sharing your wisdom that reflects on the following of your passions is gift to people watching your vlogs. Great advice for those younger in years and comforting for those of us with a few years behind us…inspirational, thanks Roger!
Thank you Rodger, this is a perfect episode for a lazy March Sunday afternoon while i wait for the sea to melt and our 2019 dinghy sailing season begins. Love your videos and have your really good book. Happy sailing experiences !
There's nothing like a simple and affordable boat, and as you say: it's all about living the life you can live aboard it, rather than about the 'thing' itself. Seven years, singlehanded, on a trimaran at sea, until a hurricane ended it, and nearly me too :) Sure glad my life included those years. Always a sailor, boat or no boat. Glad you're happy doing what you're doing.
fascinating, having made many journeys by bicycle with tent around Europe I've often thought of a soujourn by boat such as bronze age mariners must have done along the coasts and rivers. I recall cycling through that bit of France and what a different perspective your travels must engender.
Best video I've seen on UA-cam in a long time, possibly ever, and I've watched thousands. Very enjoyable, very interesting, and came with the added bonus of a very powerful philosophical insight. Yes, the world would be a better and happier place if people understod that it's not acquisitions but experiences that enrichen us. I've ordered your book! What is the excellent accompanying music?
Excellent point regarding owning a yacht. I lived on my Downeast 38 for 5 years because it was very inexpensive compared to renting a house. But, I sold it as soon as I moved out. Dinghy sailing is inexpensive, fun and very available.
Raymond Yadusky you are the first person that I came across who’s mentioned that since 1993. I had that book in my 7th grade. Didn’t understand anything. It might be a good book, but without a cultural context I just couldn’t fathom why 3 guys would get on a boat and float around
Messing about in boats. Done it all my life. Started at 12, 70 now. No motors, only paddles. Camping days at a time, easing downriver quietly, many times alone. Wonderful experiences. I love how the scenery changes slowly, giving one time to really see river, sky, wildlife. Often caught those mystical, full moon nights out there, far from lights and noise and any sign of civilization. It's a wonderful world there.
I've spent my whole life sailing for my measly 13 years but I love it and this type of life is what I look forward to.
Nice. Thank you for expressing that. Inspiring.
My ancestors went up the Thames in a small wooden boat once upon a time.
They had a great time by all accounts.
Norway and Britain - Friends forever.
Rule Britannia.
rofl
Can we have some of our good looking women back please ??
@@mrwilsonwilson9599 After Covidiot season is over you're welcome to come and take a few.
This is one of the most civilised things I've ever seen.
Agreed
Watching this lowered my blood presure. Beautiful!
Loveland Properties and Appraisal me too, its absolutely calming and inspiring. After this whole world pandemic I’m going to explore the possibilities of doing the same.
Loveland Properties and Appraisal I often watch this one for the same reason
The world is full of people, living lives I've never experienced but which seems enormously pleasant.
Thanks for the insight Mr. Barnes, my horizon's expanded just a smidge more now.
All the best.
Being on the water anywhere, any size ship with a brew in hand, best thing ever.
I would exclude the coast of Somalia.
@Blank Man. Yea, an Assult Rifle might be a-little more comforting over there!
@@petej8556 I didnt specify what was in the other hand!
How incredibly peaceful this video was to watch.
Hi Roger. I really appreciate the philosophical part of your video. A gentle sail, coffee, beer, quiet...It truly is all about experiences. Cheers!
Agree with your philosophical interlude, doing is better than having.
We've been living aboard an old ketch since 2006, sailing east from Turkey to Thailand. While others might scramble to circumnavigate in two years, it''s taking us a long time to get anywhere because we keep being distracted by places and people.
Marinas are anathema, best for boat maintenance; anchorages are experiences you treasure.
It's time to sail across an ocean again.
Peace and fair winds. Liz
Safe travels
since you seem to know about sailing, maybe you could tell him that dinghys do not have sails.
@@Zildorn They did in the 60s in the north of England when I was a kid - the difference from keel boata tended to be that they had centreboards and not keels, were smaller, and generally used for day trips, pottering and racing.
@@Zildorn what do you know? There are hairs need splitting elsewhere
@@Zildorn sailing dinghys do.
The camera work - done solo? was superb / peaceful existence / well presented / great voice to listen to. Some people are so irritating / this was a quietly spoken yet enthusiastic style / have subscribed.
The joy on your face as your food cooks, cracking open a beer, just enjoying life... this is why I now own two small sailboats... 8ft dinghy for solo weekends, 16ft for when I want to take trips with someone else... the world makes sense on the water, love these videos!!!
Roger this popped up into my feed and I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed it in all respects. You produced a very beautiful film.👍⛵️
I never even imagined a camping dinghy on the river, I love narrowboats but this was excellent. What impressed me was his organisation and attention to detail, camping was always such good fun, this was as said below 'Wholesome'
Brilliant Roger as always
Roger, An ex-Pat Brit, now Canadian /American , I found your video reminiscent of my camping days. For instance your routine preparing for the night and, likewise, for the new day is so totally familiar. I was an avid hiker in the mid ‘60’s when I braved a horrific Force 7 gale mid-Atlantic with a shipload of fellow emigrants bound for Montreal. The memories of many of my central- British-Columbian (as you said ‘experiences’ ) are stirred by your ideas and camping processes. Later I hit the highways and hitchhiked back and forth across Canada, especially the east coast , the ocean environments especially, also canoe camping in Algonguin Park and, finally (married with two nippers) settling into the gorgeous mountains of Vermont. My point being that , now approaching 76, I have a memory crammed with lucid stories, something I am sure you have too. This is the first of your videos I have come across so will definitely subscribe and look forward to many more. Cheers and have one for me.
Jim
There is still some England left. Thank you for sharing this with us all.
So good I have watched this three times. I know that part of the river extremely well. I owned a 22 ft cabin cruiser and this was my holiday destination from Hurley for many years. I have been lured by your videos into canvas sailing and am in process of finding a sailing dinghy to explore further afield. Spurred on by your excellent book I have set a target of sailing as many rivers and waterways as I can fit my boat into.
Thank you Roger.
My daughter of 35 yrs passed away 4 months ago
She wanted experiences not possessions.
Following her way definitely the way for me now, yes being free like you to go places meet people and being able to get on the sea/rivers etc is what its all abt not impressive boats no one really cares abt
Live your best life ❤
Please upload more it really makes my day
I am trying! I am trying!
An American boating writer, Robb White Jr, gave me this quote:
"The more stuff you have in your boat, the less room there is for fun."
I don't think that just applies to boats 👍🤗😁
And everything stowed away 'Ship shape and Bristol fashion. '
“Let your boat of life be light, packed with only what you need - a homely home and simple pleasures, one or two friends, worth the name, someone to love and someone to love you, a cat, a dog, and a pipe or two, enough to eat and enough to wear, and a little more than enough to drink; for thirst is a dangerous thing. ” ― Jerome K. Jerome, Three Men in a Boat
I love that quote. I will have to borrow it sooner or later. it is a metaphor for how I would like my life to be
thank- you
That is going to be my life motto as it makes such sense. Thank you Mr R White Jr and a nod to TomFefersonWasRight.
I really wanted the camera to Pan around to the bank when the piano music was playing at the start. To see a pianist playing in a field like a Monty python sketch.
Digital Nomad & then explodes
@@dischargesummary8794 yes that would be fitting 😄
Digital Nomad Perhaps I should set up a Patreon account to pay for live music?
@@RogerRoving
Hello Sir!
I have been researching boat after boat after boat for months on end trying to address my needs for a first boat. I must say, your videos, your lovely videos have clinched it! I truly dig the Ilur and so many of the other gorgeous boats you mention. The lifestyle of a dinghy sailor is for me!! Thank you so much for sharing your incredible experiences and for inspiring the "non-mega yachters" we, who want to get out there and explore! Triple thumbs up and some jazz hands to you, sir!
So right you are - Piano in the field LOLx2 - R
I've just come across this little Gem of yours Roger. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and adventures. I often find your videos thought provoking.... thank you
I think a small wooden boat on a river or estuary creek would be my ideal sailing experience, so full marks to you Roger, a lovely gentle video.
get an aluminium boat. beleive me. I've owned and upkept many types of boats. Aluminium wins.
Unless of course you want to spend hours upon end wood working or seeing your boat rot underneath your feet.
Or you are willing to pay a boat yard to upkeep it for you.
Trust me on this.
This man's view on yachting is no doubt correct for a vast majority of boat owners, but if you enjoy sailing, you don't get it done in a small dinghy ...
I'd live on it
I learned long ago that it is about the journey, not the destination. I absolutely enjoy my trips in my kayak and dinghy.
Well done, sir!
Great video! I actually live on a 38' narrowboat, in a marina, on the Bristol Avon. It is my plan to become a continuous cruiser over the next year, but I really miss sailing too. Chugging along to the sound of my Lister diesel does not hold the romance of silent sailing, so I'll combine the two somehow. One thing is for sure - I'll never live on the land again. At 65, my life's dream is finally fulfilled, living aboard my own floating home :-)
hands down, one of my all-time favorite RB videos... simply sublime!
I'm not a boater (I live far from the sea or any huge bodies of water), but I love to backpack, and lately I've been doing some bikepacking, and keeping the equipment on the simple side, does, as you've said, allow for more and better immersive experiences. For me, if there's enough equipment, and it's adequate to the time and place your in, you feel much more engaged in that location, instead of being more isolated and cut off from it. Your philosophy is, I think, the right approach to having the 'experiences' that you go out looking for. Thanks for the video.
Your videos are so natural an enjoyable. Thank you so much for not ruining the experience with distracting music. 8 of the best years of my life were spent living on a small, wooden, centerboad sloop and sailing really a lot.
Holy shit this is the most wholesome thing I've ever seen on UA-cam
This is how we live and what is intended for humans. Not castles in the sky.
This is the best use of UA-cam I have seen as of today, December 10, 2019.
yes it's very nice to chill out
I believe this is one of my very favorite videos. I've watched it a dozen times because it harkens to a calm and peaceful state of mind. Your comments (Philosophical) are spot on. In my life, while my colleagues were buying fancy cars and huge homes I was buying a second hand utilitarian vehicle like a truck, and a small comfortable home I could pay off quickly. I owned a small boat to fish with when they owned motor yachts. I've not been about the bling, but about what gives me life. Thank you Roger for this video and others you make. They are brilliant.
my favorite story is Wind in the Willows. I get the same feeling watching this. thanks
Watched this video for the first time around about a month ago!! Discovered it by chance!! I was so mesmerised!! I have never sailed!! Yet it spoke to me deeply!! a week later I had found my own little boat a 1969 Mirrior Dingy, a week after that, we collected her!! I truly love the approach and philosophy to Dingy Cruising!! It’s all about the adventure!! Stripping it all back!! Simple and uncomplicated!! So special!! And today with my Dad and my little One we attended The RYA Dingy show!! Just brilliant seeing Roger and Mary and her wonderful Mirrior Dingy!! With a Decathlon Pop up Tent sitting on her boat!! Really inspired!! Showing you what’s possible with these little boats!! Over the coming months, We will be joining our local club and start learning to sail!! Alongside restoring our Mirrior back to her formal glory!!! Our little boat has taken us on quite a journey and she’s not even in the water yet!! Thanks Roger snd Mary for the heartfelt inspiration!! Happy Sailing Guys!! To Journeys Long and Short!! ⛵️
Shane Gadd Thank you Shane. It is really pleasing to get messages like this. All the best wishes with your sailing in the future.
@@RogerRoving Thank You Roger... Love what you guys do.. Truly Inspiring.. and has placed me my Dad and my little one on a wonderful path... Happy Sailing with the greatest of thanks...
The philosophical part, isn't that a lesson for life, it's not what you have it's what you do. Thumbs Up.
The Turner-esque intro from 00:35 to 00:50 is truly astonishing, even all these years later - thank you! (both your sailing and art)
These are the adventures I dreamed of going on as a young lad. Now that I have the means I sadly find myself distracted by easier things, worries or talking myself out of getting started. My boat hasn't even been out in over 6 years. Thanks for sharing.
Some years ago I took my son and his friend who were young teenagers, all our camping gear my two black labs in a big Canadian canoe for a trip down the upper reaches of the Thames. It was a great adventure enjoyed by all. It's a lovely way to travel and see the countryside passing by. I was concerned how I was going to entertain these lads in the evening but after eating supper they were asleep as it got dark, all the fresh air and paddling did the job. Many thanks for sharing you brought back some great memories.
We got used to wet conditions as the dogs spent all day hopping in to the river only to soak us on their return and obviously it rained a bit, I returned home with a couple of hardier lads who surprisingly did not miss the internet.
Lovely video, tranquil, philosophical and informative. She really is a beautiful boat. Many years ago, before I ever got my first sailing dinghy (although I was already on my second inflatable boat) I was at Chichester Harbour with a friend. I looked out at all the yachts and big boats and remarked glumly that I could never aspire to a boat like that. My friend replied, "Yes, but every single one of them is moored." Fast forward a few years and I now have a nice little lugsail dinghy and every time I take her to my usual launch spot, I recognise all the bigger boats standing forlorn in the boat park, many of them covered in lichen from extended disuse. Roger, you're absolutely right that many people buy yachts to impress, but I think many others buy yachts in the hope that one day they'll find time to use them. Smaller boats get used more, and cost less when they're not being used.
You should also note that the fun to be had from boating is in inverse proportion to the size of the vessel and some would say, the number of the crew. For some years I lived in the back cabin of a motor narrow boat. That is small, but it was a very happy time.
Michael Wilkinson The smaller the boat the bigger the fun
I disagree size of boat is unrelated its the bite off more than you can chew problem that keeps most boats moored same with allot of dinghy's that sit in the garden or back shed just not as obvious. My boat is 28ft long it goes out twice a month and I love it. Its manageable for me but one day I see myself going smaller once my energy and pocketbook shrink with age. Granted I do travel further afield with the knowledge that one day I may not be able too so save the close water for retirement, the same area I started cruising in as an 8yr old half a century ago.
You're probably right that the trailable dinghies that are never used are less obvious than the big boats rotting in boat parks. Fair point well made.
Michael Wilkinson so well said. I work in a marina, and absolutely smaller boats get used more.
Growing up in Lancaster, I was blessed to have access to a 19ft wooden dory. Weekends were spent as a child, sailing the River with friends. I still dream of those quiet nights! Enjoyed this video on the proper storage aboard Roger's craft.
The Lune? Yes, lovely.
Simplicity,simplicity,simplicity! Those takes were like oil paintings, I turned 76 this summer i had outfitted my outrigger canoe with a new sail , boards and a winnegin box and was ready to set off about then i was struck with ( it's done) i believe it's something that infects old people at some point but thanks to tech i can live my experiences through people like you and the canoe sits in the garagethank you for a beautiful video.
frank atstarisland hi frank I am beginning to understand your experience, but am still fighting on to keep doing things. Would love to see your canoe all setup, any pictures please?
Thanks Roger. Having owned boats and kayaks all my life, I agree with your comments about larger boats. Most here in Cornwall are on the water for 3 months tops. The bigger they are the less they are used. It's all about the adventure and keeping it simple.
I've been camping all my life and never have a thought about "dingy camping" but I am now. Keep your powder dry Thank you.
I watch this about once a week. What a masterpiece.
William Morris died 122 years ago today -- how cool to see the house, and what a way to see it! Thanks for the video, I enjoy your expeditions so much.
You got the right way with this philisophy. I agree with you. Thanks a lot from France.
Roger that was excellent, a real experience to watch. Thank you so much. Memorable
You Sir are the Bob Ross of sailing wonderful video thank you for sharing.
I miss living on the river. I had a freeman cabin cruiser that I lived on for three years on the lower thames that sunk and I gave up, crumbled and reclused. This has given me a new idea of how one could go about finding the authenticity I once knew well, except in the example provided, no motor. This is beautiful. Thank you.
I wish you luck on that voyage, friend.
I love your perspective, Roger. As a yacht owner myself I can absolutely confirm that for many, yachting is about the thing. I have a very old 23ft yacht that has provided 4 families thus far excluding my own, but it should 100% be about the memories you build and the experiences you have. If it is about anything else for you, I think you are missing the best part. Like you, I go out when the weather is miserable, because it is about the sailing and adventure. What I love most about your channel is that it slows the rush down and it makes it so easy to appreciate the beauty when you slow things down. Love your work.
Oh man this was truly wonderful!
Loved to see your gentleman camping in a classic boat, everything about this was beautiful. Always wanted to spend a yr on a canal boat in the UK one day ...Now i have to add a bit of boat camping too, minimalist living!. But i use two thermarests these days when out ha ha.
So lucky to live in a time and place where you can safely camp in yr boat, not get charged, fined, told where you can go, or get mugged. And leave it and walk off to see world heritage architecture without worry.
Pretty dam good.
Enjoy the doing...not the having. Love it! I might tell my kids that - regularly, from now on.
Ill have to look over your other vids, thanks for sharing. I can feel the serenity, the beauty and culture in the countryside. Loved the history lesson too. Keep it coming.😂⛵
Nice video Roger thanks for showing us, I love your camping set up in your dingy. 👍🇬🇧
There is no other water way I’d like to explore than the Thames. You’re so privileged Sir 🇦🇺
Lovely! I hope your friend enjoys it as much as you do. Such serenity is even better when it’s shared.
The best thing about it is I'm free I'm free in my mind and I'm so happy even though I'm alone the whole time I'm so happy put down social media put your phones up the smart phones and computers put them down and go for sale come back in 2 or 3 days you're a new man try it you'll like it I love your videos please keep it up PS power to you
j m
I would find going for a sale quite stressful. A sail however is a different matter. 😉
Nice to hear another man voice my own life opinions. Experiences and adventures, are a priceless commodity.
Thank you.
Zen and the Art of Sailing. Thanks ever so much for this new video. From chilly winter sledding to glowing sunny days. Must of been exciting to touch the liquid waters again. Beautiful depth and richness enjoyed. In your heartfelt words, and thoughts, as well as your camera work. The film like quality is amazing with this camera. Plus your photos from France, wow, totally National Geographic. I could smell the morning grasses warming in the sunrise, with my eyes. You speak true, less is more. Buy quality, enjoy a simple meal and savour a cup of tea while smiling good morning.
Life is good.
Ah, life is good. It's the little things that make a big difference.
You speak truth. You live honestly. You respect the moments. You enjoy life's blessing.
Your smile of contentment made me smile, my smile made others smile, their smile's caused more smiling, the world is a better place. Thank you for the time and effort you put into creating these lovely intelligently simple organically spiritual moments of natural bliss. Seriously, big thanks, we need more of your videos please. Hope you are having an excellent day.
Thank you for sharing your experiences with dinghy cruising. This, coming from someone that sails an older but sturdy ocean going yacht. While I love voyaging to far away places on our boat, I find that when we arrive in a remote anchorage, I tend to spend most of my time exploring the area in our tender. It is a small hard dinghy that rows beautifully and has a sailing rig that works quite nicely. When I'm out sailing the dinghy and exploring nearby creeks or mangroves, I feel the excitement of a child. Your videos remind me of that feeling. Thanks again. PS, you can never go wrong with curry and rice!
Extrañaba tus videos, Roger. Disfruto de conocer los paisajes que recorres en cada aventura. Además, tu Ilur me da ideas para mejorar mi homemade dinghy! Saludos desde Argentina!
That philosophical bit put a smile in my face. Thanks
I was re-watching videos on your channel this morning and a new video pops up. I’ll save it for later
Roger just found you and have now purchased the book and have called on the authorities for your knighthood and everything to celebrate your wonderfulness and warmth and good nature .You have rekindled my love of all things simple as they should be ,I doff my cap to you Sir!!!!!
I’d have to think hard about whether I could accept a knighthood, considering the current state of the nation, but I thank you profoundly for your support!
Like your 'why rush getting from A to B?' Savour each moment & enjoy life.
Yes, more fun per mile, as the saying goes. We rush about most of our lives, to work and back, etc. Why rush when we don't have to?
The bigger the boat the less it goes out. Much better to do with small then to have big and not do. To get out and enjoy nature, the river, the quiet wonderful smells and reflection of the water in the morning...Man, you are so right. Texas
I keep expecting to see rat and mole and maybe a glimpse of Toad Hall n the background.
Wind in the willows was awesome dude!!!!!! Nice👊
Brilliant minds think alike!
Stephen Bishop Funnily enough, there were some animals in a gypsy caravan in the distance...
Such beautiful country.. very relaxing state of mind. Thank you for sharing.
What a wonderful way to go camping/boating. I really like that boat.
Far to many people own a boat for status and never enjoy the boating. My first boats were all second hand fixers but the fun we had was priceless. Dinghy’s may not be able to cross oceans but there are not many other places you can’t explore with them. Sail, row and push come shove an outboard.
Experience is everything. The break downs and fixes, the capsizes, the occasional race win was nice too. But my favourite memories were the catastrophic broaches downwind and broken rudders in a stiff choppy force 4 off weymouth harbour. Its embracing the madness of it, the danger of it, the silliness of it. There were times when you would be in tears of laughter after being thrown out of the boat. Moments of shear joy and peace. Romance too. Never a dull moment though.
Marriage and kids took me away from all that for quite a while but its time to get back on the water.
Cheers Roger. A good reminder. Experiences first. And speaking from experience I quite agree. The most active I've been in boating always coincides with owning a small and easy boat. Beer o'clock to you, from NZ.
What a lovely thing to do...so simple, yet so enjoyable. Thank you!
I dabble a bit with watercolor paintings and I really like the scenery. It gives me a lot of inspiration for some new paintings.
Hi Roger. Just discovered your amazing channel. Ended up binge watching 7-8 episodes from your French adventures. I cannot explain how chilling and relaxing watching you travel around in your lovely dingy. What a way to spend quality time and enjoy life. I have never wanted a boat but like interesting and independent travel and spent the last 40yrs exploring France,Spain and Switzerland by motorbike, caravan and 4x4, that’s all been great but from what I see of your travels nothing as easy going or enjoyable as you share with your audience. So looking forward to your future episodes and adventures.👍👍
What a beautifully made film, regards from Perth Australia.
WOW! What an awesome human being you are. I loved this and want to do this very thing with my family. You are so very special my beautiful brother. Thank you!
Phil Bolger said "The best boats are either small enough to carry home or big enough to live on". Bolger was a beloved naval architect and writer. Nonetheless, I believe that you have demonstrated that the best boat is that which suits one's life style.
while I live on my 24' full keeler, I have recently fallen in love with dinghy sailing too, get lots of great ideas from you
great vids
God damn what am I doing with my life right now,Rather be doing what this guys doing!!!
You just do it.
Star Gazer, I figured that out more than 50 years ago. It works best if you marry someone with a car, a house, and a job.
Got a boat this spring. Spend 300,- euro's on it. Had a blast, and now gonna replace it after a succesfull year with a dinghy thats "just" a little bigger. But on all accounts you dont need to spend capital on a boat to have an awesome year. Especially during the corona crisis!
What an incredibly peaceful video. Thank you.
It was a captivating video of yours that opened my eyes to dinghy sailing and camping, and your beautiful book was a joy to read and an invaluable source of information!
I hope to discover some inland waterways in a Portland Pudgy dinghy outfitted for camping, which for travelling by road will fit on the roof, eliminating the need for a trailer.
The thought of relaxing on a summer evening with your book in hand, on a peaceful waterway, in my own little camping dinghy is something I look forward to.
Thank you for inspiring me to try dinghy camping.
Thank you Roger! A lovely philosophical musing on the importance of experiences over things. My friend and I built a small skiff and look forward to adventures like this.
Very good and interesting.
Not all folk buy a boat to impress, some are out and out racers. However the smaller the ship, the happier the crew. I've had a small 19' gaff cutter for 14 years and certainly have no intention of upgrading her (unlike the X wife!)
Just for you information, my boom tent is also in need of renewal and I've chosen to use "hydrotex polycotton" material, used in expensive large type tents. Traditional appearance with modern material benefits. I've also opted to use flexible poles which will slot into my gun whales, to creat a "tunnel type tent" with more head room as opposed to the boom tent. My boom will fit immediately below, from which I can sling a hammock. Hope this helps.
This was a wonderful trip, evocative and memorable. I grew up in the States around boats and the water. I even converted an old rowboat to a sailboat and had great adventures up and down the Hudson River in New York - also in local creeks, streams, lakes and ponds. Agreed that waking up in the morning surrounded by the mist on a calm fall morning is a great feeling. When I moved to the Boston area I continued to find sailing / motoring / rowing in coastal waters great fun as well.
I just found these videos on UA-cam and find them quite enjoyable.
Just bought your book and can't wait to read it. Likewise, can't wait to see the next video - keep them coming!
I imagine the early 18th century before the advent of roads this was how people mainly lived along the Hudson.Little villages like Poughkeepsie receiving mariners looking for a new place to settle the land.
Absolutely brilliant, thank you for sharing your adventures. I'm back in the pages of Arthur Ransome.
Totally 😊
Can't beat Arthur Ransome!
Exactly! First thing that came on my mind, books of my youth, Arthur Ransome. Thanks for this video!
Top man/ top craft. Miss my boating days. Keep on keeping on.
Geordie, from your comment and Roger's reply I looked up Mr. Ransome and bought 6 of the twelve Swallows and Amazons books - Here in Lewes, Sussex USA there are three Grand children that will grow up reading them and possibly more. Thank you for your mention. Hoping to build and ILUR and either in it or my Melonseed (Crawford) they too will go on great adventures! thanks once again for your above comment - His peace to you. - R
Beautiful video! You are a gentleman and a gentle man - there's a serene beauty to your lifestyle.
Lovely video Roger - thank you!
Dead calm water and so green; I have never seen anything like it. Beautiful!
wow that first shot is absolute gold, an almost mirror finish on the water yet enough wind to sail with. Awesome, totally worth what ever effort you went to to get it Roger. Nice work. Thanks at least in part to you, I'm off to view a dinghy this weekend. Also I've just recently purchased a down 'quilt' from Enlightened Equipment rated to -6 degrees C (-20F) and weighing in at 530gm (18.7oz)! I shall be interested to see how it compares to a synthetic 'Mummy bag'. Really appreciate your videos, thank you for taking the time to make them.
Brett Sandford I agree, completely, about that opening shot! Thanks for pointing it out.
How wonderfully you are organized onboard.
I own a yacht, and I should be entiteled to give you right.
I used however, in my younger years, to sail in modest -down to reality- boats like your boat.
Just a tent over the boom, and a sleeping bag on the tiles of the boat.
Simple, affordable and practic, no motor.
I had one after the other 3 such simple sailing boats, then I vgot married and I found it was time to move up in boat size.
Larger boats, bigger challenges, not neccesarily bettr, for I have often thought that I owe my best sailing experiences from those years in small boats without motor.
This reminds me of how much I enjoy reading "3 Men in a Boat" by Jerome K. Jerome.
Sharing your wisdom that reflects on the following of your passions is gift to people watching your vlogs. Great advice for those younger in years and comforting for those of us with a few years behind us…inspirational, thanks Roger!
Человек и природа - это прекрасно! Желаю Вам удачи в ваших путешествиях.
Да, но только без еды из супермаркета.
Thank you Rodger, this is a perfect episode for a lazy March Sunday afternoon while i wait for the sea to melt and our 2019 dinghy sailing season begins. Love your videos and have your really good book. Happy sailing experiences !
What an interesting video.a relaxing watch!
There's nothing like a simple and affordable boat, and as you say: it's all about living the life you can live aboard it, rather than about the 'thing' itself.
Seven years, singlehanded, on a trimaran at sea, until a hurricane ended it, and nearly me too :)
Sure glad my life included those years.
Always a sailor, boat or no boat.
Glad you're happy doing what you're doing.
fascinating, having made many journeys by bicycle with tent around Europe I've often thought of a soujourn by boat such as bronze age mariners must have done along the coasts and rivers. I recall cycling through that bit of France and what a different perspective your travels must engender.
Make sure you have experiences in life! Fantastic, beautiful philosophy ! Many thanks Roger😎
Best video I've seen on UA-cam in a long time, possibly ever, and I've watched thousands. Very enjoyable, very interesting, and came with the added bonus of a very powerful philosophical insight. Yes, the world would be a better and happier place if people understod that it's not acquisitions but experiences that enrichen us. I've ordered your book!
What is the excellent accompanying music?
Decent quality video that makes all the difference. Thank's for your efforts, much appreciated.
Excellent point regarding owning a yacht. I lived on my Downeast 38 for 5 years because it was very inexpensive compared to renting a house. But, I sold it as soon as I moved out. Dinghy sailing is inexpensive, fun and very available.
.... all the best from Germany for you 👍🏻
Well - you capture the enjoyment of boat/camping in our lovely England brilliantly - thank you Roger !!
How wonderful to see your video, having recently finished the book "Three Men and a Boat".
Raymond Yadusky you are the first person that I came across who’s mentioned that since 1993. I had that book in my 7th grade. Didn’t understand anything. It might be a good book, but without a cultural context I just couldn’t fathom why 3 guys would get on a boat and float around
Lovely music. This is so reminiscent of Swallows and Amazons. Love it.
20:57 that shot..... that shot is everything. if i had a soul, it would give it peace.
You're right, it's not about the 'thing', it's about the freedom! I for one *am* impressed by your lovely dinghy; jealous even :D