A great first cruise! Hints: Raise sail with halyard until luff wrinkles disappear, sheet in just enough to keep sail off of spreader and shrouds! How we learn, eh!
Congratulations 🎉! Nicely done John. From one novice to another, you are getting it figured out and thinking about the right things while preparing before, during and after the journey. I would say all you need is more experience and that is exactly what you are getting! Look forward to seeing Blaine for myself, thanks for sharing.
The boat has a pretty versatile furler setup as you can hank on as you are and also add the furler head (if you can replace the bearings) and have a furler. We can chat about that and look at the other sails to clarify the options. Basically you have a dual setup.
Hi John, nice video and the sense of accomplishment when you arrive at your destination. Did you feel that? You are developing some good habits there: The companionway closed while on passage, flaking the sails and making "Vie Sauvage" shipshape before venturing to town, for example. I love that you mustered the courage to raise the genoa! I have to say: You HAVE to wear a tether line when you sail alone, at all time. Especially if you venture out of the cockpit. Especially if you are going to the foredeck for some maneuver. It is a MUST! Furthermore with an autopilot that will steer a compass course, if the wind changes while you are on deck you can get in real trouble. I think the outhaul was lose on the mainsail and that is why it was so baggy. You might want to rig a preventer while going downwind. Nothing fancy, just an extra line (!). When I got "Laysan" there was no headsails and the furler was buggered-up, in the end I fixed the furler. When racing, some decades ago, we would carry up to seven headsails to have "just the right one" for all conditions, + spinnakers. There is no way I would dedicate such space and effort to that today, a simple furler and the job is done. I have a 120 genoa that can carry me from 5-7knt to 20-25knt, I also have a gennaker with its own dynema forestay that I raise with a spare halyard for very light wind. Finally three reaches in a big heavy roach mainsail. I am just missing a little storm headsail. The next big project is: caphorn.com/en/welcome/ Cheers, a.
Such great advice...I get what you are saying about a tether. I agree completely. I will get on that asap. Also, I am understanding all of your other points on sails, etc. so thank you!
Hey John, the opening shot with you sailing, I said to myself…boy is he Mr. Confident (of course in a good way) then you started saying how nervous you are…looks like mild conditions😊 I have been a captain (100 ton master) since the early 90’s, and this week I ran aground hard…just took 1 second of looking the wrong way (I was in the channel) I tried everything to free the boat, but I ended up having to call for a tow..the tow captain was so nice and in about half an hour I was free! I was about 300 yards to turning in my next Anchorage…the tow boat was so nice, without even asking, he towed me into where I was going to anchor and waited until my anchor was down, and had started my engine to be sure it was ok! A beautiful night, steak on the grill and all was right with the world. Anyway, just wanted to share even someone with tons of experience can have a challenging day! You are doing an awesome job!😊⛵
oh man...thank you for this. Sometimes I feel like such a newb and other times I'm feeling like I got this. It is both reassuring, and unsettling, to know that these bad things can happen...even to folks like you. Thank you for sharing that.
Hi John! Good to see you sail, also now with a DESTINATION! Regarding the headsail, I agree with you about keeping things simple. However, choosing system probably depends on the type of sailing that you are going to do. If one only does day sailing, and perhaps performance is important, then I would think the hanked-on type is a good choice. However, as in my case, I plan to sail far, and will hence need to handle the genoa frequently and safely. Single handed sailing is safer with a furling system in my opinion. You can handle it all safely from the cockpit, even in rough seas. By the way, I envy your beautiful weather, in Sweden we have rain and snow still! But spring is soon here I hope. Best wishes, Christofer
Ok...I get what you are saying. I would agree with you completely. I have not deleted the furler yet...I have an open mind about all of this too. Time will tell what happens. Thank you for your great input!
Well John, you picked a good time. Here's what's for the next days... Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Seattle WA 914 AM PDT Sat Apr 27 2024 .SYNOPSIS...The active weather pattern will continue into early next week as a series of fronts pass through the region. Snow is expected in the passes on Monday. A gradual warming and drying pattern will develop late next week.
"One sail at a time. Little wins all the time." Mega inspiring following your adventure, John. And hearing the stories and wisdom you're sharing with us along the way.
Hint no. 3: Definitely do jacklines and a tether for going forward! I'm 86 and still sailing. My first relatively open water trip was Port Townsend to Victoria, some 30 years ago! Another John!
Ok. Thank you. But in what way? I had the traveller to starboard as far as possible...and with a following wind I wanted the sail extended as far out as possible. No? Therefore the vang was extended. Any advice is appreciated.
@@JohnFrasersWildLife my apologies for not being clear. Generally as you go more downwind you ease the vang. However, think about the shape of the sail … if the wind is light, snug it up just a bit to get a better shape … these are subtle adjustments but never let the vang go slack. If the vang goes slack then you’re letting the leech blow and you will loose boat speed.
I know I am late with this comment. I do have some different views than alot of others that have commented on your new adventures. For one different opinion that I have is that you said trying to sail on a schedule and timeline leads to a sunk boat. I don't agree with that view. Taking your time to learn and do things correctly I do agree with. I watch sailboat videos on UA-cam all the time. What is the most common thing I observe the most? At least 75 percent of these sailors have a cluttered and unkept boat topside and they seem to wonder why their boat does not perform. I believe that to get the most performance, the boat needs to be both hydrodynamic and aerodynamic as well. There is nothing wrong with wanting to get from point A to point B on a timeline. It means you will be alert and paying attention to what you are doing. Hey and guess what lengths I am going to go to on my pocket cruiser on my extended trip around the Horn? I will be stowing the anchor in a locker and placing all the 12 6 gallon fresh water containers inside the boat. I will only have the upside down dingy topside. I too thou will learn in a slow deliberate fashion as you are doing. The flacking business with putting away the sails in that folded manner.. I will not be doing, I want to avoid putting in any repetitive defined creases in my sails...thus avoiding ripped and torn sails, due to a weakened sail from any creases. I will be neat and tidy with my boat tho. Thanks for letting me share my views and I look forward to seeing you on the 8th. 0:020:020:02
With regards to "Flaking" a sail...I have read that this greatly reduces the stress and wear and tear on a sail while being store. Fewer creases in fewer places on the sail. So...? I'm not sure, but it makes sense to me.
I do have a clutch on the helm that I use frequently...but I'm still not feeling confident with the time it takes me to get sails set and dowsed. I'll get quicker I suppose.
I will sail back to Point Roberts on Monday. I'm hopeful that that will be another successful passage under my belt. But then the skies the limit as far as where and when Vie Sauvage can start adventuring!
Wow!!! You are truly amazing!!! Everytime I watch a video I am praying you never fall or slip off or on the boat. 🛐 I actually get nervous watching the videos even though I know that you posted this so you made it back and you did your editing I still get nervous. That's just me!! You have a blast their you deserve it!!😊 Can't wait to hear all you did next week!!💪🤸 You did it!!
Oh don't be too hard on yourself John about the whole password things it's utterly ridiculous you know they tell you not to use the same one for everything but it doesn't make any sense not to because everybody wants a damn password I totally relate!😂❤ Congrats on the solo Venture I'm so excited for you and it was a beautiful day I've never seen it from that point of view so thanks for letting me tag along🧜♀️💦
Yes...we absolutely will be passing through. We'll announce ahead of time when we're coming into different cities. It would be really cool to meet up with folks.
How exciting, you did it! 12 miles is 12 miles you gotta start somewhere right? I feel really fortunate that I get to watch this journey, and I’m here right at the beginning! Good luck with Dana ❤ I wish you all the luck in the world, and I look forward to the next video
Nice work. You can convert to tiller steering and then be able to use a line to wrap around the tiller and tying each end to a port and a starboard cleat, with a couple wraps around the tiller when centered. Then you can do your sail management and adjustments, then return to your helm duties.
You also have an option to get yourself to the Atlantic side of the world from Point Roberts. This I cannot do, but you can. You have an inboard engine(which I do not) which allows you to transit The Loop. When I see you on the 8th I will show you my The Loop book that I purchased from Amazon awhile back.
I am proud of that decision. I looked at weather and made a good call to leave when I did. I'll always remember the advice someone gave me "the best way to die on a sailboat is to have a schedule."
Just found your channel and im really enjoying your journey. It wasnt that long ago i was in the same position "learning the ropes" of solo sailing. One thing that helps me deal with unknown situations is to play "What if..." as im sailing. Just being able to come up with any answer lessons anxiety. Fair winds.
absolutely! I am having fun with some in-depth conversations with a new friend. He is about to go through a major life change and we're kind of coaching each other a bit. I was just talking about this process of asking "what if" questions. Great advice...thank you.
The story about the iPhone and associated badness… look at it like this, you manage to find great weather sailing because you create and live through “perfect storms” with your technology instead.
My last comment, I promise. 😉 you will like the self furling foresail a lot more after you have lost the halyard up the mast when hooking up your sail. Ask me how I know.
I believe that Blaine has a customs clearance dock. I know that Point Roberts does. Just a phone call…and there’s an app too for US customs. Call Point Roberts marina and ask…
I suggest you get a "crew cut". There's a reason it's called that. Man! it is SO much easier to live with! And trim that beard and mustache shorter! It might make you more attractive to the opposite sex. 🙂And would take a least 10 years off your age look. As for your auto pilot problem, what would be wrong with just rigging up some way of securing the wheel temporarily? just holding it in one place almost as if it was you holding the wheel in one position? Even a bungee cord would work it seems like to me. At the end: OK, "all ship shape and Bristol fashion", as Jack Aubrey would say.
I am getting a little desperate to sink into the Jack Aubrey series of books by Patrick O'Brian! ...and as always, you aren't afraid to hold back on your opinion....which I love! Never change, bud.
A great first cruise! Hints: Raise sail with halyard until luff wrinkles disappear, sheet in just enough to keep sail off of spreader and shrouds! How we learn, eh!
Sheet-in...you mean with the Boom Vang?
With the mainsheet
@@sailingmare6563 Sail was up as far as it goes...so still a little confused about this I'm afraid.
Congratulations 🎉! Nicely done John. From one novice to another, you are getting it figured out and thinking about the right things while preparing before, during and after the journey. I would say all you need is more experience and that is exactly what you are getting! Look forward to seeing Blaine for myself, thanks for sharing.
See you in a few hours now Rick!
The boat has a pretty versatile furler setup as you can hank on as you are and also add the furler head (if you can replace the bearings) and have a furler. We can chat about that and look at the other sails to clarify the options. Basically you have a dual setup.
Right? I do love that ability to fall back on a system should something go sideways with the main (furler) system.
Hi John, nice video and the sense of accomplishment when you arrive at your destination.
Did you feel that?
You are developing some good habits there:
The companionway closed while on passage, flaking the sails and making "Vie Sauvage" shipshape before venturing to town, for example.
I love that you mustered the courage to raise the genoa!
I have to say:
You HAVE to wear a tether line when you sail alone, at all time.
Especially if you venture out of the cockpit.
Especially if you are going to the foredeck for some maneuver.
It is a MUST!
Furthermore with an autopilot that will steer a compass course, if the wind changes while you are on deck you can get in real trouble.
I think the outhaul was lose on the mainsail and that is why it was so baggy.
You might want to rig a preventer while going downwind. Nothing fancy, just an extra line (!).
When I got "Laysan" there was no headsails and the furler was buggered-up, in the end I fixed the furler.
When racing, some decades ago, we would carry up to seven headsails to have "just the right one" for all conditions, + spinnakers. There is no way I would dedicate such space and effort to that today, a simple furler and the job is done. I have a 120 genoa that can carry me from 5-7knt to 20-25knt, I also have a gennaker with its own dynema forestay that I raise with a spare halyard for very light wind. Finally three reaches in a big heavy roach mainsail. I am just missing a little storm headsail.
The next big project is:
caphorn.com/en/welcome/
Cheers,
a.
Such great advice...I get what you are saying about a tether. I agree completely. I will get on that asap. Also, I am understanding all of your other points on sails, etc. so thank you!
Thanks for the entertainment! Please hook up your starboard lifeline - might just keep you in the boat!
Thank you, yes...that is a habit now!
I have said the pacific north west since I was 6 years old. I am 60 now and I am enjoying your quest. Say the course.
Wow! Ok....I would really appreciate any of your advice that you would every be willing to share.
"said"?
Hey John, the opening shot with you sailing, I said to myself…boy is he Mr. Confident (of course in a good way) then you started saying how nervous you are…looks like mild conditions😊 I have been a captain (100 ton master) since the early 90’s, and this week I ran aground hard…just took 1 second of looking the wrong way (I was in the channel) I tried everything to free the boat, but I ended up having to call for a tow..the tow captain was so nice and in about half an hour I was free! I was about 300 yards to turning in my next Anchorage…the tow boat was so nice, without even asking, he towed me into where I was going to anchor and waited until my anchor was down, and had started my engine to be sure it was ok! A beautiful night, steak on the grill and all was right with the world. Anyway, just wanted to share even someone with tons of experience can have a challenging day! You are doing an awesome job!😊⛵
oh man...thank you for this. Sometimes I feel like such a newb and other times I'm feeling like I got this. It is both reassuring, and unsettling, to know that these bad things can happen...even to folks like you. Thank you for sharing that.
Congratulations, you did it.....hats off to you!!
I did to it!
Hi John! Good to see you sail, also now with a DESTINATION! Regarding the headsail, I agree with you about keeping things simple. However, choosing system probably depends on the type of sailing that you are going to do. If one only does day sailing, and perhaps performance is important, then I would think the hanked-on type is a good choice. However, as in my case, I plan to sail far, and will hence need to handle the genoa frequently and safely. Single handed sailing is safer with a furling system in my opinion. You can handle it all safely from the cockpit, even in rough seas.
By the way, I envy your beautiful weather, in Sweden we have rain and snow still! But spring is soon here I hope.
Best wishes,
Christofer
Ok...I get what you are saying. I would agree with you completely. I have not deleted the furler yet...I have an open mind about all of this too. Time will tell what happens. Thank you for your great input!
Glad to see you're monetized! 🙏
It is another step forward. That $5 per month will come in handy! lol
I still have to just eat what I kill so to speak.
First solo destination, that's great!
Hey Eric! Ya, it was pretty cool. I was pretty proud of myself.
After 3 years I’m still nervous. You’re on the ocean, be nervous. It’s a good thing. I’d stick with a furler.
Right? I get that. I think nervousness is a valuable tool.
I love watching this, the beginning of our story.
I didn’t watch on Patreon because I want that 4,000 hours almost as much as you do, and it’s a nice way to spend a Friday morning.
Thanks buddy! And thank you for the very kind note. Your words of encouragement are appreciated. Very much.
Well John, you picked a good time. Here's what's for the next days...
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Seattle WA
914 AM PDT Sat Apr 27 2024
.SYNOPSIS...The active weather pattern will continue into early next
week as a series of fronts pass through the region. Snow is expected
in the passes on Monday. A gradual warming and drying pattern will
develop late next week.
Thanks Breck...I am planning a return trip to PR on Monday, but as always will triple check the weather before I leave.
"One sail at a time. Little wins all the time."
Mega inspiring following your adventure, John. And hearing the stories and wisdom you're sharing with us along the way.
Thanks buddy. I feel the same way about your content btw!
Hint no. 3: Definitely do jacklines and a tether for going forward! I'm 86 and still sailing. My first relatively open water trip was Port Townsend to Victoria, some 30 years ago! Another John!
A tether is most definitely in the near future. I was looking at them yesterday as a matter of fact.
86 and still sailing!?! Wow...I definitely want to be like you, John! Congrats.
Adjust the vang
Ok. Thank you. But in what way? I had the traveller to starboard as far as possible...and with a following wind I wanted the sail extended as far out as possible. No? Therefore the vang was extended. Any advice is appreciated.
@@JohnFrasersWildLife my apologies for not being clear. Generally as you go more downwind you ease the vang. However, think about the shape of the sail … if the wind is light, snug it up just a bit to get a better shape … these are subtle adjustments but never let the vang go slack. If the vang goes slack then you’re letting the leech blow and you will loose boat speed.
@@danweeks9127 ok...I understand now what you are saying. Thank you for the advice.
First time watching! Love it! I know nothing about the sea, or sailing. But this was calming and interesting. I sure will be back for more.
I hope you do come back...this channel will soon be about so much more. Simple living. Wild food and...travel adventure!
I know I am late with this comment. I do have some different views than alot of others that have commented on your new adventures. For one different opinion that I have is that you said trying to sail on a schedule and timeline leads to a sunk boat. I don't agree with that view. Taking your time to learn and do things correctly I do agree with. I watch sailboat videos on UA-cam all the time. What is the most common thing I observe the most? At least 75 percent of these sailors have a cluttered and unkept boat topside and they seem to wonder why their boat does not perform. I believe that to get the most performance, the boat needs to be both hydrodynamic and aerodynamic as well. There is nothing wrong with wanting to get from point A to point B on a timeline. It means you will be alert and paying attention to what you are doing. Hey and guess what lengths I am going to go to on my pocket cruiser on my extended trip around the Horn? I will be stowing the anchor in a locker and placing all the 12 6 gallon fresh water containers inside the boat. I will only have the upside down dingy topside. I too thou will learn in a slow deliberate fashion as you are doing. The flacking business with putting away the sails in that folded manner.. I will not be doing, I want to avoid putting in any repetitive defined creases in my sails...thus avoiding ripped and torn sails, due to a weakened sail from any creases. I will be neat and tidy with my boat tho. Thanks for letting me share my views and I look forward to seeing you on the 8th. 0:02 0:02 0:02
Ya man...everyone will form their own opinions and have their boat exactly how they want. That is the beauty of this lifestyle! I am cheering for you!
With regards to "Flaking" a sail...I have read that this greatly reduces the stress and wear and tear on a sail while being store. Fewer creases in fewer places on the sail. So...? I'm not sure, but it makes sense to me.
You should put a whisker pole on your wish list.
I've been looking, with admiring eyes, at boats with whisker poles!
i use a tiller clutch and If everything is adjusted well you can hold course for a few minutes.
I do have a clutch on the helm that I use frequently...but I'm still not feeling confident with the time it takes me to get sails set and dowsed. I'll get quicker I suppose.
Super awesome, it totally changes things when you can actually go somewhere. Must be liberating!
I will sail back to Point Roberts on Monday. I'm hopeful that that will be another successful passage under my belt. But then the skies the limit as far as where and when Vie Sauvage can start adventuring!
Wow!!! You are truly amazing!!! Everytime I watch a video I am praying you never fall or slip off or on the boat. 🛐 I actually get nervous watching the videos even though I know that you posted this so you made it back and you did your editing I still get nervous. That's just me!! You have a blast their you deserve it!!😊 Can't wait to hear all you did next week!!💪🤸 You did it!!
So I am adding a little drama and suspense to your viewing experience?! LOL. I will try to keep that to a minimum. 😀
@@JohnFrasersWildLife 🤣
Oh don't be too hard on yourself John about the whole password things it's utterly ridiculous you know they tell you not to use the same one for everything but it doesn't make any sense not to because everybody wants a damn password I totally relate!😂❤
Congrats on the solo Venture I'm so excited for you and it was a beautiful day I've never seen it from that point of view so thanks for letting me tag along🧜♀️💦
Oh, thank you for being here with us Roxanne! Me and Vie Sauvage had a great trip here. Life is really great right now!
@@JohnFrasersWildLife Sail on ,Sailor!!
@@roxannepearson8313 I'm ready for Cape Horn now I think. 🤔
I'm a fellow newb too! Great channel! Look forward to watching the adventure. My boat is currently down in SF Bay. Perhaps you'll be passing through?
Yes...we absolutely will be passing through. We'll announce ahead of time when we're coming into different cities. It would be really cool to meet up with folks.
Semiahmoo has a great sand bar for birding. I've been meaning to get up there for over a year now.
That is one thing I've noticed here. The birds are everywhere here. More so than in PR.
@@JohnFrasersWildLife Pursuing pelagic birds would be the only reason I'd contemplate getting on a boat.
How exciting, you did it! 12 miles is 12 miles you gotta start somewhere right? I feel really fortunate that I get to watch this journey, and I’m here right at the beginning! Good luck with Dana ❤ I wish you all the luck in the world, and I look forward to the next video
awww...thank you. I am very happy that you are here with me as well. Very grateful.
Wow that’s so cool. You’re sailing awesome.
Thanks Karen!
Nice work. You can convert to tiller steering and then be able to use a line to wrap around the tiller and tying each end to a port and a starboard cleat, with a couple wraps around the tiller when centered. Then you can do your sail management and adjustments, then return to your helm duties.
You also have an option to get yourself to the Atlantic side of the world from Point Roberts. This I cannot do, but you can. You have an inboard engine(which I do not) which allows you to transit The Loop. When I see you on the 8th I will show you my The Loop book that I purchased from Amazon awhile back.
@@williamclay ok...interesting!
what a great video
Thank you Andrew. As always, I hope you follow along and chip in now and again with any questions or suggestions!
Man, you nailed the weather eh?
I am proud of that decision. I looked at weather and made a good call to leave when I did. I'll always remember the advice someone gave me "the best way to die on a sailboat is to have a schedule."
Just found your channel and im really enjoying your journey. It wasnt that long ago i was in the same position "learning the ropes" of solo sailing. One thing that helps me deal with unknown situations is to play "What if..." as im sailing. Just being able to come up with any answer lessons anxiety. Fair winds.
absolutely! I am having fun with some in-depth conversations with a new friend. He is about to go through a major life change and we're kind of coaching each other a bit. I was just talking about this process of asking "what if" questions. Great advice...thank you.
I am subbed to you now too. Can't wait to get into your videos!
Congratulations on your first voyage!
Thanks man...it was a huge breakthrough.
Dragging fenders and a dinghy. Not a race.
The story about the iPhone and associated badness… look at it like this, you manage to find great weather sailing because you create and live through “perfect storms” with your technology instead.
Very true, Lory.
My last comment, I promise. 😉 you will like the self furling foresail a lot more after you have lost the halyard up the mast when hooking up your sail. Ask me how I know.
😆🤣 Duly noted.
Don't care who it is first time doing something you will feel terrible . the more you do you will teach your self
I am feeling great about so many of the choices I made. I know it will get better Rodney. Thanks for all of your support!
Whata the procedure if i want to sail from vancouver to blaine. Do we have to report when we arrive or before we leave?
I believe that Blaine has a customs clearance dock. I know that Point Roberts does. Just a phone call…and there’s an app too for US customs. Call Point Roberts marina and ask…
Report when you arrive. Don’t leave the boat.
Blonde or Redhead great video that looks fun
I suggest you get a "crew cut". There's a reason it's called that. Man! it is SO much easier to live with! And trim that beard and mustache shorter! It might make you more attractive to the opposite sex. 🙂And would take a least 10 years off your age look.
As for your auto pilot problem, what would be wrong with just rigging up some way of securing the wheel temporarily? just holding it in one place almost as if it was you holding the wheel in one position? Even a bungee cord would work it seems like to me.
At the end: OK, "all ship shape and Bristol fashion", as Jack Aubrey would say.
I am getting a little desperate to sink into the Jack Aubrey series of books by Patrick O'Brian! ...and as always, you aren't afraid to hold back on your opinion....which I love! Never change, bud.
@@JohnFrasersWildLife I had this clear mental image of you all clean-cut and thinking how good you looked!
@@fgb3126 I get you bud...always looking out for me!