Very nice job - I sail the larger version of your boat the Pearson Vanguard and learning the boat will come with seat time. You will get exponentially better very quickly. I enjoy the perspective you bring seeing the first few steps in real time. Keep up the good spirit and Sail On!
I noticed that you were doing a lot of jibing. Try changing direction by making a tack, turning into the wind and allowing the boat to sail through the turn. It’s a lot easier on the sails and back stay. Remember to watch your head when that boom comes around. Good luck and enjoy your adventure.
Thanks for the tips! On the first day I was trying to practice as much as I could to get used to the boat and how everything worked. I’m not quite sure what you’re describing (to tack instead of jibe)
@@TrailguidePictures Your boat should want to turn into the wind whenever you let the tiller go. If you use this feature, the boat should be easier to turn in the other direction.
Great video! Brings back memories of my first sail a few years ago. The day I turned 50 I sailed home a 27 ft boat 60 nautical miles solo. No previous sailing experience, no courses, just based on a few books and UA-cam videos, as well as years of sea kayaking experience in the area. It was quite exciting, but went well. Your previous boat project videos inspired me enough to get going with the winter boat projects, starting with the new heater.
I am also a solo sailor learning from mistakes I recommend you to check how to have a boom break so when you jibe the boom swing slowly and more controlled and don' go over and rip the sail with the spreaders. Ask me how I know.😢
I would sheet in your main completely before jibing, so that you don't get an unnecessary boom swing. I only have a small 13 foot sloop that I sail on our local lake, but this is the order in which I jibe: I release the jibsheet; I start to pinch into the wind as I haul in the main sheet; I come about on the tiller, just enough to fill the main on the other side without coming broad enough to heel over; set the jibsheet; continue to fall off toward the reach I want, as I trim the main sheet out.
Greetings! I just purchased a 1960 Triton, hull #75, here in St. Petersburg FL. I've enjoyed your videos and they've helped me to craft an action plan. Incidentally, the man who I bought the boat from has owned her since 1970! She's been well taken care of.
Very cool! There is a Pearson Triton group on Facebook. If you’re not already, it’s a good source of information and to connect with other Triton owners
Headsail furl. Controlled single handed... release the furler in sections by cleating off a 1 or 2 foot bite , then sheet that out and secure sheet. Repeat until happy with all or your required reefed sail. Helpful - Two cleats or a clutch/camcleat and a cleat. This is good in wind. In and out.
need to sheet the main in before you gibe the boat. This will reduce the rapid traverse of the boom that just missed your head. Keep practicing and good luck
Just relax. Don't give up. You did a superb job. I have only ever single-handed on my Catalina 22. I was terrified the first time, but now it is easy. Also, dont be afraid of sailing genoa only when going downwind and main only when going upwind. I do that all that time. You're doing everything right and you're on the right heading.
@@TrailguidePictures you get exponentially better every time. Sailing gives back what you put into it, and I love it for its purity. There’s a reason coast guard certifications take a certain amount of days at sea. You won’t figure it out in one go!
A pointer when tacking. Let the bow go through the wind before you cast off the jib. You have a full keel boat that will not tack as fast as a fin keel boat like the ones you took your sailing courses on. If you cast off the jib before the bow is through the wind you may not make it around particularly in light air. If you let the sail back wind before casting the jib off you will always get through the wind even in light air. When jibing I suggest sheeting the main in before the jibe. That will minimize the shock loading of the main sheet and also control the boom. You don't have to sheet the main in all the way, but don't jibe with the main all the way out. Also when the wind is up a bit and you are single handing it is safer and easier to turn into the wind and tack rather than doing a jibe. Finally, take your time. Plan what you are going to do then do it. These are just a couple of pointers from someone who has been sailing for 60 years. I single hand my Allied 36 ketch on the Maine coast.
Just look at the colour of that water .... Beautiful. By the time you reach your destination you'll be an experienced sailor in your yacht. Good on you for doing what you're doing 👏👏. Looking forward to joining you on your journey.
Great video. You did very well for a first solo sail. A couple of little tips, when you unfurl your foresail pulling out the jib sheet keep the furling line in your hand. If the wind grabs the foresail and whips it out quickly you can end up with a birds nest of line around your furling drum ..... and often won’t realise it until you try and furl it back in and it won’t budge due to being jammed. I now have all my lines and halyards led back to the cockpit and it makes life so simple not having to go to the mast hardly ever. Another great help to me was buying a tiller Pilot. Brilliant for keeping the boat head to wind under engine while hoisting or lowering my sails. Good luck and look forward to more of your videos. Ps I have a 23 foot bilge keeler and am fairly novice still 👍
Definitely good advice. I’ve started to do exactly that. I had the headsail spill out quick once and now control it much better. I wish my lines came back to the cockpit. They will in the future. I don’t really care for leaving the cockpit to go up to the mast, leaving the tiller…
At 65 I bought my first boat - a 27-footer - last year. Did a (in retrospect) wasteful 'competent crew' course here in UK then solo sailing on my own boat. TBH I think I've learned most from reading books and watching YT videos. I'm probably behind your learning curve . . . . . but I find a length of what you call shockcord (strung across the cockpit and looped around the tiller to hold it) is like an extra pair of hands when you're also handling the sail sheets.
This is 100% more sailing than 99% of the planet has ever done. Fair to say 78% of people watching this are envious. Everyone makes mistakes but on open water, on a beautiful day, with safety gear and a working motor, that risk is pretty limited. The Tugboat I learnt to on only did a max 12 knots and used bulk-loads of diesel. So 8 knots unpowered and free is a good speed to learn at, certainly the right price. The halyard is driving you nuts, but ropes break, even really expensive thick mooring lines break in storms. Do the best you can and plan for failure. Have extra rope and a plan to get home when bad weather or things break. You can always buy another. Do I have to call you Captain Jason now though?
The way to learn is just go out like this on calm days, pull lines and see what happens. You will learn quick. . Based on what I see, Id bring in the mainsheet (center the boom) before you tack or jibe so you dont get wacked with the boom or mainsheet. Its one less thing to deal with. Your headsail sheet lines look too big for the winches. On a smaller boat like this you may be able to get away with it. Practice and see. There does not have to be a bunch of panic and hurry when you tack and jibe. You're just cruising, not racing. Relax.
Everyone has to start somewhere. Keep your head down and away from the boom. Look at fitting a gybe preventer, an old halyard will do. Fit a life line down the centre of the boat and clip on. One hand for you and one for the boat.
@@TrailguidePictures more sitting down would help, as soon as you stand on those side seats you become a target. The kicking strap/vang topping lift combo is to get better sail shape rather than a health and safety device. A rigid vang / strut is a worthwhile and modest investment to prevent boom crash. And a tiller pilot/tamer. One less thing to worry about.
Dang, sailing alone is so much work! It's good that the halyard problem came now when you were so close to shore and it was easily (but $$$) fixed. Whatever caused the problem, you found a solution and it is fixed, not bad for your first trip! Each day under sail is one more day of experience.
Yes, trying to go at my own pace but also trying not to rush. Seems most of my careless mistakes are from not being prepared and then rushing to do something
Great job! One thing I would do is keep your hatch slid closed. When you're walking around on deck messing with the boom it's possible to misstep and take a nasty spill down below.
Great point! It’s definitely something I’m trying to remember. A few times I’ve been up there and realized it’s open, then close it before continuing. That could be a horrible fall
This will be an interesting series. I have never sailed but stumble on some popular sailing channels about 5 years ago and have watched 1000’s of hours. I don’t think I could stand the tiller and/or the lines running to the floor in the cockpit. So cluttered!! Good for you tho. It’s not going to hold you back. From Toronto - B
Search highland yacht club fun race. Every other Monday at the bluffs. You don’t need to be a member or own a boat. Sign up, turn up and you can almost always hop on a boat as crew.
Great to share but I would watch that boom and keep it tightened securely and watch it at all times!....(I don't think we needed to know what was missing though.)
Good effort, but I hope no one takes this as a thing to do. Sailing is a lot of fun, but you can get into trouble faster than you think. I would encourage anyone who wants to sail to take the recommended classes and certifications, then to get some sailing with someone who is more experienced before setting out alone. Sailing alone and inexperienced has three possible outcomes: nothing bad happens and you have a nice day on the water; something bad happens and you injure yourself or the boat; something bad happens and you put others in danger. Luck and hope are not planning factors.
I have plans for the boat but also need to be realistic and take my time to know if this is the right boat for me. I would like to replace and upgrade a lot of the standing rigging, not necessarily the mast. I’d need to have it assessed, but the boom, chain plates etc
Thank you again. It’s a 1963 Pearson Triton, 28 ft with 4’6” draft, full keel and a fractional sloop. She’s a forgiving old girl and so far doesn’t mind my mistakes
Thanks. I made a video about why I chose the Triton here 7 Characteristics making a Pearson Triton a GREAT Small Ocean Passage Maker for Solo Sailing ua-cam.com/video/IEB8KTsTD2w/v-deo.html
Dude, you did what 90% of the beginners actually don't, which is having the guts to take the solo maiden voyage. This is what separates the real sailors from the rest. The mistakes are actually part of the learning process and should be welcome. Fair winds
Thanks. I think there are a lot of different boat owners. For me, I bought it to use. I know I have a lot to learn and plan to be open minded as I continue.
@@TrailguidePictures RayMarine makes a nice one easy to install on a tiller. It can keep you motoring on course into the wind when lowering the mainsail for one thing. And is great for grabbing a snack while sailing, etc. I love mine. Even if you just have it on for a few minutes, it can make life much easier, especially for single handing.
Great job. Not a failure, just experience under your belt. This was exciting to watch. It looks like a lot of work!
Thank you! I agree, I’m trying to be as patient as I can with myself. It’s a big learning curve, but the experience is very rewarding
Fantastic mate! Brave and exhilarating - lessons learned too, we learn best from our little hiccups! Good on you 👍👍👍
Thanks 👍 glad you enjoyed it. A lot of mistakes, um lessons, learned on this adventure
WOW! You should be so proud of yourself! That was a HUGE step you took. Well done. Looking forward to next leg of your adventure.
Thank you so much! I feel good with what I’m doing and the speed that I’m learning. It’s difficult, but rewarding
Thanks for documenting your experiences so we can all learn and reflect on the initial solo sailing process with you!
Very nice job - I sail the larger version of your boat the Pearson Vanguard and learning the boat will come with seat time. You will get exponentially better very quickly. I enjoy the perspective you bring seeing the first few steps in real time. Keep up the good spirit and Sail On!
I noticed that you were doing a lot of jibing. Try changing direction by making a tack, turning into the wind and allowing the boat to sail through the turn. It’s a lot easier on the sails and back stay. Remember to watch your head when that boom comes around. Good luck and enjoy your adventure.
Thanks for the tips! On the first day I was trying to practice as much as I could to get used to the boat and how everything worked. I’m not quite sure what you’re describing (to tack instead of jibe)
@@TrailguidePictures Your boat should want to turn into the wind whenever you let the tiller go. If you use this feature, the boat should be easier to turn in the other direction.
@@kevinbachly905 It s a full keel. Its not going to do much when you let go of the tiller.
You're where i hope to be in a year. Awesome to watch.
Thanks. You’re probably where I was a year ago.
Read and study everything you can, the theory will be worth knowing
Great video! Brings back memories of my first sail a few years ago. The day I turned 50 I sailed home a 27 ft boat 60 nautical miles solo. No previous sailing experience, no courses, just based on a few books and UA-cam videos, as well as years of sea kayaking experience in the area. It was quite exciting, but went well.
Your previous boat project videos inspired me enough to get going with the winter boat projects, starting with the new heater.
Sounds great!
Very similar to what I’m doing. My only sailing experience was a five day ASA course.
Lots to learn
We all have to do it for the first time. Too many people wait for the perfect moment and end up never going. Good for you. See you on the water!
Thanks. I think there are a lot of different types of sailor but those who want to explore and cruise, learning to single hand is beneficial
Nice first sail Man. There are no mistakes, just lessons. I admire your spirit.
Thank you
I have a lot to learn but open to learning
I am also a solo sailor learning from mistakes I recommend you to check how to have a boom break so when you jibe the boom swing slowly and more controlled and don' go over and rip the sail with the spreaders. Ask me how I know.😢
I would sheet in your main completely before jibing, so that you don't get an unnecessary boom swing. I only have a small 13 foot sloop that I sail on our local lake, but this is the order in which I jibe: I release the jibsheet; I start to pinch into the wind as I haul in the main sheet; I come about on the tiller, just enough to fill the main on the other side without coming broad enough to heel over; set the jibsheet; continue to fall off toward the reach I want, as I trim the main sheet out.
Greetings! I just purchased a 1960 Triton, hull #75, here in St. Petersburg FL. I've enjoyed your videos and they've helped me to craft an action plan. Incidentally, the man who I bought the boat from has owned her since 1970! She's been well taken care of.
Very cool! There is a Pearson Triton group on Facebook. If you’re not already, it’s a good source of information and to connect with other Triton owners
Thank you!
Headsail furl.
Controlled single handed... release the furler in sections by cleating off a 1 or 2 foot bite , then sheet that out and secure sheet. Repeat until happy with all or your required reefed sail.
Helpful - Two cleats or a clutch/camcleat and a cleat.
This is good in wind. In and out.
need to sheet the main in before you gibe the boat. This will reduce the rapid traverse of the boom that just missed your head. Keep practicing and good luck
Just relax. Don't give up. You did a superb job. I have only ever single-handed on my Catalina 22. I was terrified the first time, but now it is easy. Also, dont be afraid of sailing genoa only when going downwind and main only when going upwind. I do that all that time. You're doing everything right and you're on the right heading.
Thanks. It’s getting a teeny bit easier as I continue to learn.
@@TrailguidePictures you get exponentially better every time. Sailing gives back what you put into it, and I love it for its purity. There’s a reason coast guard certifications take a certain amount of days at sea. You won’t figure it out in one go!
it's not good for the sail to let it flap for long
@@russko118 who said anything about that
Well done Jason!
Thank you. Lots to learn
Great job!!
Wonderful video, interesting, you did good , thanks for sharing YAH bless !
Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you
A pointer when tacking. Let the bow go through the wind before you cast off the jib. You have a full keel boat that will not tack as fast as a fin keel boat like the ones you took your sailing courses on. If you cast off the jib before the bow is through the wind you may not make it around particularly in light air. If you let the sail back wind before casting the jib off you will always get through the wind even in light air. When jibing I suggest sheeting the main in before the jibe. That will minimize the shock loading of the main sheet and also control the boom. You don't have to sheet the main in all the way, but don't jibe with the main all the way out. Also when the wind is up a bit and you are single handing it is safer and easier to turn into the wind and tack rather than doing a jibe. Finally, take your time. Plan what you are going to do then do it. These are just a couple of pointers from someone who has been sailing for 60 years. I single hand my Allied 36 ketch on the Maine coast.
Thanks, good points.
Just look at the colour of that water .... Beautiful.
By the time you reach your destination you'll be an experienced sailor in your yacht. Good on you for doing what you're doing 👏👏.
Looking forward to joining you on your journey.
Thank you
Great video. You did very well for a first solo sail. A couple of little tips, when you unfurl your foresail pulling out the jib sheet keep the furling line in your hand. If the wind grabs the foresail and whips it out quickly you can end up with a birds nest of line around your furling drum ..... and often won’t realise it until you try and furl it back in and it won’t budge due to being jammed. I now have all my lines and halyards led back to the cockpit and it makes life so simple not having to go to the mast hardly ever. Another great help to me was buying a tiller Pilot. Brilliant for keeping the boat head to wind under engine while hoisting or lowering my sails. Good luck and look forward to more of your videos.
Ps I have a 23 foot bilge keeler and am fairly novice still 👍
Didn’t realise yours was 28ft. Thought it was smaller when I saw outboard motor in the well.
Definitely good advice. I’ve started to do exactly that. I had the headsail spill out quick once and now control it much better. I wish my lines came back to the cockpit. They will in the future. I don’t really care for leaving the cockpit to go up to the mast, leaving the tiller…
You are very brave, based on your meticulousness from many videos back you will be of to a great adventure. All the best prayers go with you.
Thank you so much!
At 65 I bought my first boat - a 27-footer - last year. Did a (in retrospect) wasteful 'competent crew' course here in UK then solo sailing on my own boat. TBH I think I've learned most from reading books and watching YT videos. I'm probably behind your learning curve . . . . . but I find a length of what you call shockcord (strung across the cockpit and looped around the tiller to hold it) is like an extra pair of hands when you're also handling the sail sheets.
This is 100% more sailing than 99% of the planet has ever done. Fair to say 78% of people watching this are envious. Everyone makes mistakes but on open water, on a beautiful day, with safety gear and a working motor, that risk is pretty limited. The Tugboat I learnt to on only did a max 12 knots and used bulk-loads of diesel. So 8 knots unpowered and free is a good speed to learn at, certainly the right price. The halyard is driving you nuts, but ropes break, even really expensive thick mooring lines break in storms. Do the best you can and plan for failure. Have extra rope and a plan to get home when bad weather or things break. You can always buy another.
Do I have to call you Captain Jason now though?
Thank you. Yeah, it’s a big learning curve… every day.
🤔 Captain? Um, maybe 🤣
That's badass man. Just out there doing it.
Thank you. Yup, just giving it and learning from the experience.
Great job. That motor sounds is bopping along.
Thank you. lol, yes it sure is
The way to learn is just go out like this on calm days, pull lines and see what happens. You will learn quick. . Based on what I see, Id bring in the mainsheet (center the boom) before you tack or jibe so you dont get wacked with the boom or mainsheet. Its one less thing to deal with. Your headsail sheet lines look too big for the winches. On a smaller boat like this you may be able to get away with it. Practice and see. There does not have to be a bunch of panic and hurry when you tack and jibe. You're just cruising, not racing. Relax.
Great suggestions, thanks. I was thinking about reducing the diameter of the jib lines too
Everyone has to start somewhere. Keep your head down and away from the boom. Look at fitting a gybe preventer, an old halyard will do. Fit a life line down the centre of the boat and clip on. One hand for you and one for the boat.
Thanks. Ive set the height of my boom higher than my head but a preventer is definitely in the plans
@@TrailguidePictures more sitting down would help, as soon as you stand on those side seats you become a target. The kicking strap/vang topping lift combo is to get better sail shape rather than a health and safety device. A rigid vang / strut is a worthwhile and modest investment to prevent boom crash. And a tiller pilot/tamer. One less thing to worry about.
Dang, sailing alone is so much work! It's good that the halyard problem came now when you were so close to shore and it was easily (but $$$) fixed. Whatever caused the problem, you found a solution and it is fixed, not bad for your first trip! Each day under sail is one more day of experience.
Thank you, yes, it is sooo much work. 😅 I need a nap
Go at your own pace. Stay near the shore if that makes you feel better. Be safe.
Yes, trying to go at my own pace but also trying not to rush. Seems most of my careless mistakes are from not being prepared and then rushing to do something
I noticed a lot of play in the rudder handle. Best ya inspect ot!
Great job! One thing I would do is keep your hatch slid closed. When you're walking around on deck messing with the boom it's possible to misstep and take a nasty spill down below.
Great point! It’s definitely something I’m trying to remember. A few times I’ve been up there and realized it’s open, then close it before continuing. That could be a horrible fall
This will be an interesting series. I have never sailed but stumble on some popular sailing channels about 5 years ago and have watched 1000’s of hours.
I don’t think I could stand the tiller and/or the lines running to the floor in the cockpit. So cluttered!! Good for you tho. It’s not going to hold you back. From Toronto - B
Search highland yacht club fun race. Every other Monday at the bluffs. You don’t need to be a member or own a boat. Sign up, turn up and you can almost always hop on a boat as crew.
Thanks.
Yes, the lines drive me a bit nuts but I’m getting used to them. I think it will be better organized
Great to share but I would watch that boom and keep it tightened securely and watch it at all times!....(I don't think we needed to know what was missing though.)
Keep it tightened?
How about a jibe preventer?
Funny our halyard has never done that…I think it’s because it’s longer and the free end can’t get pull through the masthead due to its own weight.
Good effort, but I hope no one takes this as a thing to do. Sailing is a lot of fun, but you can get into trouble faster than you think. I would encourage anyone who wants to sail to take the recommended classes and certifications, then to get some sailing with someone who is more experienced before setting out alone.
Sailing alone and inexperienced has three possible outcomes: nothing bad happens and you have a nice day on the water; something bad happens and you injure yourself or the boat; something bad happens and you put others in danger.
Luck and hope are not planning factors.
Thanks
El primer dia de muchos, aprendiendo ⛵️ things happens sometimes, lo estás haciendo muy bien 😉 🙏
Con cuidado 💕
Thank you
Great job, mistakes are part of the learning process.
Absolutely! Thank you
I'm impressed. 🙂👍
Thanks. It’s not perfect but I’m learning
Atom Voyager got some new mast and boom on an episode. Any plans like that some day?
I have plans for the boat but also need to be realistic and take my time to know if this is the right boat for me. I would like to replace and upgrade a lot of the standing rigging, not necessarily the mast. I’d need to have it assessed, but the boom, chain plates etc
Well done. I would have to get rid of that bucket and extra rope, Il’d be tripping all over it!
Yep. The bucket is the anchor chain but now it’s stowed away if I’m not anchoring
Im on a mooring ball at the Northport boat yard. When did you film this?
A few weeks ago. I was at Elmwood. You’re in a beautiful spot
sweet boat, which boat is this?
Thank you again. It’s a 1963 Pearson Triton, 28 ft with 4’6” draft, full keel and a fractional sloop. She’s a forgiving old girl and so far doesn’t mind my mistakes
Great vid! How much headspace does the cabin have? Been looking at a boat near me, but I’m right around 6’3”
Thanks. I made a video about why I chose the Triton here 7 Characteristics making a Pearson Triton a GREAT Small Ocean Passage Maker for Solo Sailing
ua-cam.com/video/IEB8KTsTD2w/v-deo.html
Great job! I am sure the adrenaline was flowing during the first while!! Looking forward to the next adventure!
Cheers
BB
It was! Every morning I’m still nervous before heading out but it slowly calms and adrenaline kicks in… and from time to time a bit of fear
This is how i learned to sail.
It’s a tough way to learn but it also forces you to learn quickly
@@TrailguidePictures gotta do what you gotta do.
Dude, you did what 90% of the beginners actually don't, which is having the guts to take the solo maiden voyage. This is what separates the real sailors from the rest. The mistakes are actually part of the learning process and should be welcome. Fair winds
Thanks. I think there are a lot of different boat owners. For me, I bought it to use. I know I have a lot to learn and plan to be open minded as I continue.
You need to step out of your safety zone to reap the rewards.
Yes, little by little
Yes, little by little
i'd say for a beginner solo not bad at all
Thanks.
One things certain, I can only get better 😅
You going to "Go ouuuut?"
Maybe get an auto pilot when sailing alone.
Would definitely be helpful but not sure if I could use it in the archipelago area I’m sailing through
@@TrailguidePictures RayMarine makes a nice one easy to install on a tiller. It can keep you motoring on course into the wind when lowering the mainsail for one thing. And is great for grabbing a snack while sailing, etc. I love mine. Even if you just have it on for a few minutes, it can make life much easier, especially for single handing.