I did give him a thumbs-up, but once I realized the kind of nonsense he was dealing with, I stopped the video, wrote this comment, and left. I have little tolerance for people who exploit others' kindness.
You went above and beyond to help these horrible sailors (not even sure they’re sailors).don’t feel bad ! You did a great job of trying to help Thomas! look out for yourself and your boat.another great and especially learning video!!! Fair winds ⛵️
I felt so bad for you knowing how torn you were with the commitment and your extensive experience screaming in your ear to get the hell out of there. Combined with the friend you lost to the sea this must have been horrific. Glad you made it safe and hope they learned a lesson from all this pain and aren't just oblivious.
tbh, they didn't sound like the type that learns from lessons to me. I've had Self Sufficiency Organic growing types as neighbours with Smallholdings like mine, and they will stay deaf to reason even after losing homes, husbands, wives, and children breaking up, because they were so superior, they wouldn't listen to good advice on how to make things work, from neighbours who had generations of successfully working the land they were living on, but they were just ignorant Country Bumpkins who obviously weren't as smart as they were, so pointless paying attention to what they were saying, and their time was better spent rolling another joint. Well unlike them, the Country Bumpkins are still there, and getting on with what needs to be done. A terrible Waste of good opportunities, thanks to refusing to learn the Real Stuff, and get stuck in. ☹️
Another great observation Thomas. You gave a really good explanation of the situation (potentially a disastrous one) while still being respectful to the other crew. That takes a lot of courage and grace. You made the right calls and you honoured your commitment to see them to safety. Full credit it to you once again as a capable and sensible seaman. I hope the other crew recognise the respect you gave them despite the circumstances, and they take your advice onboard for future passages.
Wow, Thomas! What a great demonstration of seamanship! Thank you for creating this video - it is an important one that many should watch and learn from!
I would have quit long before you did, you are a very patient man. There is so much you can do to help someone but when that person is not cooperating, it's time to go. You have your own life and boat to save. Cheers
What a stressful situation! I have learned from your sailing channel so much, and this lesson is about being responsible. You are top-of-the-line responsible and super-patient. I am glad that you can give such a detailed account of these, and other situations. It is a good warning. A very risky one this time! Be well, and cheers to you, for documenting, on top of babysitting, all this situation!!
Great video Thomas. Everyone, do be careful judging others before hearing their side of it. If they were very inexperienced sailors, or had some ignorance of the danger, they may have been paralyzed by poor decision making, panic, worry, denial, or all kinds of other psychological traps we can all fall victim to. However, it IS their responsibility to make sure they are trained and experienced enough to manage this risk. Risk can compound very quickly when you have unexpected troubles, a tired crew, fear of an oncoming storm, and a lack of tools and knowledge. Just like someone with hypothermia making crap decisions, they need to be snapped out of it and given clear and calm direction (along with a big talking to after everyone is safe). Well done Thomas for sticking with them. They may have needed a lot more forceful and direct instruction too (but you know them better than I do).
You are a great man, Sir Thomas. I truly admire you for your Patience, Experience and Respect for the sea. Your goodness shines through always. You clearly have a conscience and wear your heart on your sleeve. I think this experience will be a great lesson for you. Of course, you would always rescue anyone in distress, but don't so willingly give your services, to others. We want you to take good care of yourself always. Stay happy and healthy, and always "Be Free".
A tight line between compassion and self-care, walked well by you. If those sailors failed to acknowledge your concern, shame on them. Lesson I take away is to make certain all agree who is in charge of the voyage and that your "buddy" is ship shape. Always been impressed and learned lots from your examples of skilled, safe sailing. Thank you Thomas!
Thanks for posting this video Thomas, it is amazing how many people do not respect the power of the ocean. Kudos to you for helping them as there is a 100% certainty they would have never made it without you. However, as you correctly pointed out in the end you are ultimately responsible only for your self first!
I am an older gir:l 63, and I have been sailing local. Lots. Sailed to the keys.I have Sailed 2000 miles. I will be Leaving St. Andrews Bay Fl to the Bahamas soon. My comment is THANKS, I loved your video.
Very much respect how you handdled this Thomas. In the future maybe check out what kind of systems people have on board and the fuel supply. As you are putting your own life at risk taking them under your wings very reasonable to check them out. Big hug from the Netherlands.
You have the patience of a saint. As a solo sailor I have been in similar situation waiting on others to catch up and putting myself in a very bad way, I will not do it again. I won't even wait for a guests to arrive if they are not on time. Was painful to watch you go through this. Take good care of yourself and continue to do what you do. Peace🌺
You are a Better Man than I! I have sailed on when racing past small fishing boats 30+ miles from shore knowing big storms are coming. I have watched boaters drive themselves up a reef that is on every navigational chart. I have done my share of helping, towing, sharing fuel, providing battery jumps, giving directions… but as I get older, I am much more hesitant to offer help unless it is Life Saving. I boat solo and my first Priority is Me, then my Boat, then Others. This video was stressing to watch. Well done! Be well.
Thank you so much for watching and for your interesting snd kind comment. I was in a situation I could not just leave them as we all know what the outcome would been. So for me the takeaway was to never accept buddy boating again, and if so make sure the other boat is seaworthy with a competent crew. Fair winds ⛵️
You did everything you could short of boarding them and forcing the tow. You went back putting yourself and your vessel at some risk 4x from the look of things which is a lot more than many would do. There are just some people who should not own a boat even for personal use, let alone a vessel they charter. As you said the Sea doesn't care and will take a life or vessel in a heartbeat, especially those who don't respect it. I'm glad you were able to get them thru it and also sad that should I eventually get out there you've been soured on buddy boating from this experience. I can tell you if I was ever lucky enough to buddy boat with you I'd follow your plans as if my life depended on them because they very well could. Great job on dealing with a very stressful situation brought on by people who should probably not have been out there no matter how nice they are. Yes, idiocy comes to mind because to not follow the direction of an experienced sailor such as yourself after asking for your help, takes a special kind of idiot... Fair winds, following seas, safe travels and God Bless...
I don't think they own the sailboat, they rented it. But the captan is in charge of making sure the boat is sea wordy. They were close to be in a hurricane. Wow.
Of the thousands of sailing videos i have watched, this might could have been the best, and most important for any sailor, or want to be sailor. Thank you for sharing. It is also a testement to your superior charactor. You, sir. Are a damned good man. Thank you for that
Thanks for sharing this episode. I'm sure it's difficult to be in that situation and also to be critical of another boat and captain but it's important for experiences to be shared so that others can learn lessons before facing similar situations. There's an old saying to describe frustrating situations that "it's like herding cats". Sounds like you were in a super frustrating situation by herding a 3 legged and half blind cat! Take care and stay safe and healthy. Looking forward to your next video.
Thomas, thumbs up, I am impressed how much passion you put in these guys obviously not capable to hold themselves out of disaster. As a sailboat captain myself I probably would have left them earlier after the failed second attempt to put them out of danger, but you never know how far you feel a responsibility for a buddy boat when you did not experience the same situation. What is clear here is that not only their boat was not seaworthy, but the captain / navigator would need as well some improvements about seamanship, navigation and weather routing. The ocean sailing knowledge of the captain was for sure not enough for blue water cruising, not even for coastal cruising. I hope to meet you some day somewhere and share a beer with you, to tell you personally that I have the greatest respect how professional you handled this dangerous situation! Cheers!
You did everything you could to let the other boat know about the seriousness of the situation. Thanks for showing us how to be prepared and how serious hurricanes are. Also for showing us you can sail to safety. Keep up the great work.
Some folks just don't deserve the type of help that you provided. I'm sure they still don't grasp what could have happened if you were not persistent with them. Its a sign of your integrity that you stayed with them until they were safe enough. I feel your frustration. They had no business being out there for sure.
Damn Thomas, give yourself lots of credit for probably saving peoples lives that should not be sailing in the first place. Man, you deserve a lot of credit, those people owe you a lot, quite possibly their lives. Big Salute for hanging with them after all the warnings.
You don’t have to feel guilty for leaving them alone, I’m sure they are adults and they should behave in a good way, thanks for sharing your experience, safe sail
A few thoughts: First, the time to reef is when you first begin considering it. Second, regarding sailing without an engine, Ferdinand Magellin, Sir Francis Drake, Captain Cook, Captain Slocum, Captain Hilgendorf, Sir Francis Chichester & many, MANY others would like a word. Of course, they all sailed with whatever charts were available, but the early guys were all EXPLORERS, sailing beyond the charts. Finally, cruising the Caribbean in hurricane season? Not "my cup of tea"...but good on ya for helping the newbies "above & beyond the call of duty". -Angelika's Husband
First cars did not have ABS breaks, no AIR bags, no seat belts, no deformation zones and so on. But the first cars was also almost alone on the roads. Many died and the evolution has made it safer even though the numbers of cars have skyrocketed ever since. Your point is? Sailing in the Caribbean is perfectly safe during the hurricane season, depending on where you are. Being in San Andres is normally pretty safe and outside the paths. Predictions are very good and accurate for the Caribbean, and you will know if it’s time to run even 7-10 days before you are in danger. Panama is south of 10 degrees north and safe from hurricanes, still it’s the Caribbean ocean. The mistake here was to wait one day for this clowns, and for me not to check their vessel was seaworthy with adequate engine and safety equipment. Not to forget being competent crew for offshore sailing. This is all on me. Lesson learned after ending up in a situation of no return. We all know what the outcome would been if I had just left them. Believe me I wanted to just say help yourself! But I knew I would not been able to live with this later. Because I knew what was waiting for them. With today’s tools, equipment and knowledge about safety it seems not to smart defending being stupid? At least not from my perspective and experience. I have lost several sailors with this kind of attitude. That’s why I might sound a bit harsh and tough about this topic. Only last 4 years 4 solo sailing friends are no longer out here sailing around and doing what they loved the most. Never found, and never had the chance to tell their stories. Andreas was one of those.
sitting in y chair watching this. Gotta say you did a Great Job Trying to help people that either wont or dont listen to good advice. Thank You for this Real Life example. 😎
That was stressful to watch. I can't imagine feeling responsible for the other boat and getting what seemed like no cooperation. All while evading an approaching hurricane. I learned you need to assess the other boats seaworthiness as well as the crews capabilities before agreeing to such a responsibility. Thanks for the many sailing lessons Thomas.
Love ya Bro. Good job on doing your best! It was a real learning experience for us and most especially you. I hope those folks understood the seriousness of their in experience. Glad you are safe. You deserve a medal. 🏅 Cheers my friend.
Well done Thomas! You have a good heart. I'm not sure that I'd let another boat put me at such risk. You remained calm and you were firm as you needed to be. Great points about having a boat that is seaworthy for such a passage. You da man!! Cheers.
Wow! This is an amazing segment. Thanks for posting, and kudos for your bravery, empathy, and patience in helping these inexperienced "sailors" avoid disaster at sea! Likely saved three lives, which makes you a true hero, in my book. Just SUBSCRIBED.
This is one of the better Videos, and actually showing the problems that people can occure. You had ALOT of patience, and deffently showed good will to help them. Cheers..
I'd say you handled that very professionally. We do have a responsibility to others when at sea, but only if our own safety isn't compromised. You helped them out of danger without overly endangering yourself, that was very well managed and all credit to you.
I'm convinced that a poor skipper will always blame bad luck for their accidents. It's just poor maintenance and/or preparation. Take Peter on Sailing into freedom for instance. First motors his cat into a reef at night and loses his boat. Buys a monohull - engine fails first passage. Doesn't equip it with enough batteries or instruments after refit, anchors in stormy weather and gets hit by lightning - blowing a hole through the stuffing box. Entertaining to watch but it takes a long list of dumb errors to arrive at an "accident". Thomas, you are a man of your word and a good sailor.
I have watched a few of your videos. I really appreciate the safety knowledge that you have provided. I am new to sailing, and I am striving to learn safe seamanship and good sailing practices. I have watched a couple of UA-cam sailing videos from other channels, but have found your video to be most informative. Keep up the great work.
People talk about the importance of having a fast enough boat to get out of a storm's path and now I can see it is important. With modern weather forecasting, you get often enough advanced warning to be able to clear out of the danger zone quickly.
Thomas your what I call an Ocean Angel!! Thanks for doing what needed to be done.. Your a class human . I am grateful you made it to Boca's safely..... Hurricanes are no dang joke on Land or at Sea... Thanks for sharing your life with us grateful for the opportunity to learn from you ✌🏼💗😊❣️
Thomas this is the first video of yours that I have watched . I must say you have a lot more patience than I . Understandably you were concerned for their safety but there comes a time when your safety should be your most concern . Sounds like the boat they were on should have never left the mooring and they were crazy to charter such a poorly maintained vessel . I salute you for making sure their passage was a safe one and I will be subscribing to your channel 👍
Hey Thomas! You're doing a great job out there! Really nice to see you keep those sailing friends under your more experienced wing. Be safe! Fair winds! Cheers Jeff
Thomas and excellent episode and a wake up call to many out there. Kudos to you and for keeping your cool more than most. Hope to see you here one day. André in Sydney
Allways nice to look at your videos and learn from the knowledge you sharing, greetings from Sweden! I think you were very generous when taking risks to help a crew not moving according to the advice you were giving them. Good on you to abandon the project, even if it was "in the last minute".
Well done, you gave your best advice to the other crew, turned about 4 times, if they do not respond or realise the danger they are in, then its every man for himself.. fair winds.
You sir are a bigger man than I am. I would of have let them on their own after 3 warnings. Although while typing this I might not have, who knows. What I do know is if a seasoned skipper is willing to help you, you (I would) listen. Cheers 🍻
Du är alldeles för snäll Thomas. Jag hade kanske vänt om en gång och försökt få dom åt rätt håll, men aldrig fyra gånger. Tur för dom att det finns supersnälla människor som du. Hoppas allt är bra och ha en fortsatt underbar tid i Bockas. Själv har jag tagit upp våran båt för vintern, så nu njuter jag av att titta på dina filmer. Med vänlig hälsning, Tomas
My mom was sailing with her husband on their 43' Pan Oceanic SV Swedes Dream in the Caribbean and they were struck by lightning. Knocked out all their electronics but they were okay otherwise.
@@juliandrake3159 Thank you so much for watching and for sharing this story🙏🏻 It’s a scary experience and expensive. I’m glad to hear they where okay. I have seen a boat sinking after a direct hit. ⛵️
@@SailingwithThomas I wonder if that charter boat just had so much crap attached to the hull that it was slowing it down that much or were they just too inexperienced to get the boat to sail as fast as she was capable of... or maybe both? You did the right thing trying to help them. Sucks that you had to put yourself in danger though to be a good Samaritan.
Thomas, I Thank you for this video , you could see the pain in your face and the languish in your Voice as you attempted time and time again to relay a very serious message to a group of individuals that truly had no reason or ability to be out there sailing , let alone sailing in very challenging conditions and detracting conditions by the hour. I do wonder if you had any words with the captain ( I use that word loosely ) of that vessel prion to taking on such a generous task. It has been a very very long time sense I have seen such a lack of command and ability in the crew of the following boat. I have serious reservation if the vessel even had a working compass ( Hence , when they were heading in the wrong direction . Nicaragua . Thomas I simply Commend you on your Long Patients with that crew . And wow , taking the time to go back and find them and offer a tow... I am afraid I would have not offered that to them and wished the best of luck ... after so many tries to keep them moving... For me I just turned down an offer to Captain a boat from Galveston to Isla Mujeres Mexico because of the boat owners lack of safety gear and lacks attitude towards any safety gear at all . I found out latter several other Captains all told him the same thing.. I sadly feel that individuals such as that are a ... Mishap and tragedy waiting to happen . Robert North Star
This video should be the introduction of any sailing course. Well done. A great example of why training, safety and working equipment is worth every penny. Thank you for taking the time to share this lesson.
Wow... You really had the patience of a saint Thomas. Not only were they risking their own lives with poor decisions but putting you in danger. I don't know if I would have stayed with them.
I can’t run with another truck driver every time I’ve tried it becomes a even bigger disaster than the time before. I’ve come to realize the only people that want to travel together usually only want to travel together because they can’t do it themselves alone. I feel your pain but please don’t put yourself and your beautiful vessel in jeopardy for people that won’t listen and refuse to keep pace and stay on course
Hi Thomas really interesting dilemma. I guess the warning signs were their relaxed attitude to actually leaving in the first place. You have your margin of safety for depature, especially as a solo sailor. I think when they started to jeopardise that, the deal is off the table. Good on you for dealing with their situation though.
You even offered a tow, so no guilt needed. We charter, but only for a week or so, a few hours from marina facilities and with realistic expectations. We closely watch the weather. I don’t trust the maintenance… There is always something that breaks early in the charter, then also later.
Thank you so much for watching and for being here! I was totally wrong about my expectations from this yacht and its crew. I was assuming they knew what they where doing given the fact they were paid crew to opereate this yacht, and had been doing charters around the island whilst I was there. The owner of the yacht have no money to keep up with maintanance, nor to make sure the crew had enough diesel. Its just a long series of totally crazy things here.... The key takeaway here is to make sure everything is up to standard before accepting buddy boating. Because the consequenses is a way of no return. If I left them alone before being safe they would not make it. All the best
Had it been me I would have left a note on their hatch the morning you were suppose to leave that you were leaving and good luck to them on getting out of harms way. Like you said, the ocean does not care.
Great seamanship Thomas, it's also very educational for many people. Sad to see other people can put you into trouble when you actually go so far to help them. Sometimes there is a lack of knowledge about nature and own skills. It's amazing to see how patient you was in this situation. Thanks for another great video 😊
Hi, Thomas! Thank you so much for sharing your experience in this situation -- and thank you, also, for helping the crew of this buddy boat! You are a gem! It is good to see this episode on boating/yachting/sailing readyness/preparedness and safety -- all extremely vital and important matters! Thank you, again! Fair winds!⛵🙏
Your conscious is clear, but it still leaves an impression on you. And yes, the strain was quite visible on your demeanor and left your quite drained. But could see most of that left as you set Be Free loose to run as she can do so well. Me, as an arm chair sailor I have learnt so much of your skills and commend your attitude in sharing...so, thanks again for sharing so much....Beers & Cheers.
Perfect mate. One should thrive on the seven P's (proper planning and preparation prevents piss poor performance) as it is the key, to safely undertaking these endeavors, with fruitful outcomes. Thank-you Thomas 🤙
Thomas, kudos to your sound technical skill, your dedicated perseverance, you have the patience of a saint, and all the extensive work you do to “Be Free” to keep her sea worthy. This video is not small for those who are keen on blue water sailing. Thank you for the time you took to educate us all concerning each stage of this blunt reality. Keep up the great work - your adventure is inspiring. Cheers to you sir - I know you will sleep well. Sincerely Thank you Thomas!
That’s the problem when you tried to help other people I had the same problem years ago travelling a long distance on a motorbike having a holiday I find it is better to travel by yourself and you can do whatever you need to do love your videos first time I come across you I’m subscribed now Cliff from Logan city Queensland Australia From the big island
Hi Thomas! Definitely there is people out there who don't understand that sailing is not a game and a boat is not a toy, specially under some circumstances. Of course it's also right that the owner must have the boat ready to sail or just don't rent it. Anyway, I'm happy to see you and your boat are safe, in beautiful Bocas and also happy for the other guys, because they didn't succeed to kill themselves. Enjoy Bocas and take care. Cheers!
Thomas, mate, what a super stressful experience and maybe even a costly one with the electrical fry up you’ve experienced. I’m sorry for you when you selflessly helped these people out only to be dealt everything which happened. You’re a big heart, a real legend and understand the unspoken code of the sea to help your fellow seafarers out wherever possible. Great break down of the things to ask any boat who you are accepting or offering safe passage from or to. I’ve saved that video. You have the best sailing channel on UA-cam, real experience, real lessons and information, real people you meet. And well crafted and edited. Are you selling the boat and closing this sailing chapter?
I would like to have a friend like you. You are a some Thomas. Next time.e you come to Vienna or for skiing to Styria you are my guest. Stay save and thanks for great videos and allow me to follow your adventures. I love it 😀
En tålmodig samaritan er du Thomas. Du skulle mer enn gjerne kasta drengen din på mitt fordekk, en må kjenne sin besøkelsestid. Ikke lett å være redningsmann for de som ikke vil reddes, eller enda verre - ikke skjønner sitt eget beste. Stolt av å ha vært kollega. Stay safe👍😀
C'mon folks and give Thomas at least a thumbs up! 👍🏽This is a serious lesson about seamanship and Thomas is lecturing it very well.
I did give him a thumbs-up, but once I realized the kind of nonsense he was dealing with, I stopped the video, wrote this comment, and left. I have little tolerance for people who exploit others' kindness.
You went above and beyond to help these horrible sailors (not even sure they’re sailors).don’t feel bad ! You did a great job of trying to help Thomas! look out for yourself and your boat.another great and especially learning video!!!
Fair winds ⛵️
This would be so frustrating.
I must admit I am indeed impressed about how well you handled all this Thomas 🙏
I felt so bad for you knowing how torn you were with the commitment and your extensive experience screaming in your ear to get the hell out of there. Combined with the friend you lost to the sea this must have been horrific. Glad you made it safe and hope they learned a lesson from all this pain and aren't just oblivious.
tbh, they didn't sound like the type that learns from lessons to me. I've had Self Sufficiency Organic growing types as neighbours with Smallholdings like mine, and they will stay deaf to reason even after losing homes, husbands, wives, and children breaking up, because they were so superior, they wouldn't listen to good advice on how to make things work, from neighbours who had generations of successfully working the land they were living on, but they were just ignorant Country Bumpkins who obviously weren't as smart as they were, so pointless paying attention to what they were saying, and their time was better spent rolling another joint. Well unlike them, the Country Bumpkins are still there, and getting on with what needs to be done. A terrible Waste of good opportunities, thanks to refusing to learn the Real Stuff, and get stuck in. ☹️
There are no pills for stupidity. Well done Thomas on trying to help. You are more than just a solo sailor.
This people had no business on been at sea handling a boat. How naive the captain was. Stupid hurts. Great job Thomas as usual.
Another great observation Thomas. You gave a really good explanation of the situation (potentially a disastrous one) while still being respectful to the other crew. That takes a lot of courage and grace. You made the right calls and you honoured your commitment to see them to safety. Full credit it to you once again as a capable and sensible seaman. I hope the other crew recognise the respect you gave them despite the circumstances, and they take your advice onboard for future passages.
Learned a lot with this video. Thanks a million for posting.
Thank you so much for watching 🙏🏻
Wow, Thomas! What a great demonstration of seamanship! Thank you for creating this video - it is an important one that many should watch and learn from!
I would have quit long before you did, you are a very patient man. There is so much you can do to help someone but when that person is not cooperating, it's time to go. You have your own life and boat to save. Cheers
What a stressful situation! I have learned from your sailing channel so much, and this lesson is about being responsible. You are top-of-the-line responsible and super-patient. I am glad that you can give such a detailed account of these, and other situations. It is a good warning. A very risky one this time! Be well, and cheers to you, for documenting, on top of babysitting, all this situation!!
Great video Thomas. Everyone, do be careful judging others before hearing their side of it. If they were very inexperienced sailors, or had some ignorance of the danger, they may have been paralyzed by poor decision making, panic, worry, denial, or all kinds of other psychological traps we can all fall victim to. However, it IS their responsibility to make sure they are trained and experienced enough to manage this risk. Risk can compound very quickly when you have unexpected troubles, a tired crew, fear of an oncoming storm, and a lack of tools and knowledge. Just like someone with hypothermia making crap decisions, they need to be snapped out of it and given clear and calm direction (along with a big talking to after everyone is safe). Well done Thomas for sticking with them. They may have needed a lot more forceful and direct instruction too (but you know them better than I do).
You are a great man, Sir Thomas. I truly admire you for your Patience, Experience and Respect for the sea. Your goodness shines through always. You clearly have a conscience and wear your heart on your sleeve. I think this experience will be a great lesson for you. Of course, you would always rescue anyone in distress, but don't so willingly give your services, to others. We want you to take good care of yourself always. Stay happy and healthy, and always "Be Free".
Bra jobba ,🙂
A tight line between compassion and self-care, walked well by you. If those sailors failed to acknowledge your concern, shame on them. Lesson I take away is to make certain all agree who is in charge of the voyage and that your "buddy" is ship shape.
Always been impressed and learned lots from your examples of skilled, safe sailing. Thank you Thomas!
Years of learning in half an hour, thank you Thomas!
Thanks for posting this video Thomas, it is amazing how many people do not respect the power of the ocean. Kudos to you for helping them as there is a 100% certainty they would have never made it without you. However, as you correctly pointed out in the end you are ultimately responsible only for your self first!
I am an older gir:l 63, and I have been sailing local. Lots. Sailed to the keys.I have Sailed 2000 miles. I will be Leaving St. Andrews Bay Fl to the Bahamas soon. My comment is THANKS, I loved your video.
Thanks for your prompt reply and action Thomas . I can watch the video now and am sure to enjoy it. Quality pal .
Thank you so much 🙏🏻
Glad to see you safe Thomas, I think you went above and beyond, looking forward to seeing more of your passages.
Very much respect how you handdled this Thomas. In the future maybe check out what kind of systems people have on board and the fuel supply. As you are putting your own life at risk taking them under your wings very reasonable to check them out. Big hug from the Netherlands.
Well done. Id like to say I'd have had the same patience. I wouldn't. You're a decent chap Thomas.
You have the patience of a saint. As a solo sailor I have been in similar situation waiting on others to catch up and putting myself in a very bad way, I will not do it again. I won't even wait for a guests to arrive if they are not on time. Was painful to watch you go through this. Take good care of yourself and continue to do what you do. Peace🌺
Jesus Thomas, thuis situation must have been a steep learning curve for all parties involved. Good luck buddy
You are a Better Man than I!
I have sailed on when racing past small fishing boats 30+ miles from shore knowing big storms are coming.
I have watched boaters drive themselves up a reef that is on every navigational chart.
I have done my share of helping, towing, sharing fuel, providing battery jumps, giving directions… but as I get older, I am much more hesitant to offer help unless it is Life Saving. I boat solo and my first Priority is Me, then my Boat, then Others.
This video was stressing to watch. Well done!
Be well.
Thank you so much for watching and for your interesting snd kind comment. I was in a situation I could not just leave them as we all know what the outcome would been. So for me the takeaway was to never accept buddy boating again, and if so make sure the other boat is seaworthy with a competent crew.
Fair winds ⛵️
You did everything you could short of boarding them and forcing the tow. You went back putting yourself and your vessel at some risk 4x from the look of things which is a lot more than many would do. There are just some people who should not own a boat even for personal use, let alone a vessel they charter. As you said the Sea doesn't care and will take a life or vessel in a heartbeat, especially those who don't respect it. I'm glad you were able to get them thru it and also sad that should I eventually get out there you've been soured on buddy boating from this experience. I can tell you if I was ever lucky enough to buddy boat with you I'd follow your plans as if my life depended on them because they very well could. Great job on dealing with a very stressful situation brought on by people who should probably not have been out there no matter how nice they are. Yes, idiocy comes to mind because to not follow the direction of an experienced sailor such as yourself after asking for your help, takes a special kind of idiot...
Fair winds, following seas, safe travels and God Bless...
I don't think they own the sailboat, they rented it. But the captan is in charge of making sure the boat is sea wordy. They were close to be in a hurricane. Wow.
I was stressed out for you! Wow, you should get a good citizen award!
Hi Thomas, I can understand you! You have saved the life of those idiots and they even didn’t realize it. Great job! Stay safe.
Big up, you're a man amongst men. Big lesson to be learned here, thanks for sharing your knowledge. All the best. 👍
Of the thousands of sailing videos i have watched, this might could have been the best, and most important for any sailor, or want to be sailor.
Thank you for sharing.
It is also a testement to your superior charactor. You, sir. Are a damned good man.
Thank you for that
Thanks for sharing this episode. I'm sure it's difficult to be in that situation and also to be critical of another boat and captain but it's important for experiences to be shared so that others can learn lessons before facing similar situations. There's an old saying to describe frustrating situations that "it's like herding cats". Sounds like you were in a super frustrating situation by herding a 3 legged and half blind cat!
Take care and stay safe and healthy. Looking forward to your next video.
Your patience are over the top.
Yet another great vlog Thomas.
Tak fordi du deler
Thomas, thumbs up, I am impressed how much passion you put in these guys obviously not capable to hold themselves out of disaster.
As a sailboat captain myself I probably would have left them earlier after the failed second attempt to put them out of danger, but you never know how far you feel a responsibility for a buddy boat when you did not experience the same situation.
What is clear here is that not only their boat was not seaworthy, but the captain / navigator would need as well some improvements about seamanship, navigation and weather routing. The ocean sailing knowledge of the captain was for sure not enough for blue water cruising, not even for coastal cruising.
I hope to meet you some day somewhere and share a beer with you, to tell you personally that I have the greatest respect how professional you handled this dangerous situation! Cheers!
You did everything you could to let the other boat know about the seriousness of the situation. Thanks for showing us how to be prepared and how serious hurricanes are. Also for showing us you can sail to safety. Keep up the great work.
Some folks just don't deserve the type of help that you provided. I'm sure they still don't grasp what could have happened if you were not persistent with them. Its a sign of your integrity that you stayed with them until they were safe enough. I feel your frustration. They had no business being out there for sure.
I hope that the people understand you saved their asses, what you did shows the great person you are.
Damn Thomas, give yourself lots of credit for probably saving peoples lives that should not be sailing in the first place. Man, you deserve a lot of credit, those people owe you a lot, quite possibly their lives. Big Salute for hanging with them after all the warnings.
Excellent episode. This is real. So many other Ytbrs only show the sun & bikinis.
This guy is a sailor.
Patience of a saint have a new meaning to me.
You don’t have to feel guilty for leaving them alone, I’m sure they are adults and they should behave in a good way, thanks for sharing your experience, safe sail
Above and beyond with those folks…. And thanks for pushing what I thought boundaries of solo sailing were (35’ full keel. Food for thought 😎)
Thank you so much for watching and for your kind comment as well. Fair winds with your full keel ⛵️
Enjoy life and keep sailing
A few thoughts: First, the time to reef is when you first begin considering it. Second, regarding sailing without an engine, Ferdinand Magellin, Sir Francis Drake, Captain Cook, Captain Slocum, Captain Hilgendorf, Sir Francis Chichester & many, MANY others would like a word. Of course, they all sailed with whatever charts were available, but the early guys were all EXPLORERS, sailing beyond the charts. Finally, cruising the Caribbean in hurricane season? Not "my cup of tea"...but good on ya for helping the newbies "above & beyond the call of duty". -Angelika's Husband
First cars did not have ABS breaks, no AIR bags, no seat belts, no deformation zones and so on. But the first cars was also almost alone on the roads. Many died and the evolution has made it safer even though the numbers of cars have skyrocketed ever since. Your point is?
Sailing in the Caribbean is perfectly safe during the hurricane season, depending on where you are. Being in San Andres is normally pretty safe and outside the paths. Predictions are very good and accurate for the Caribbean, and you will know if it’s time to run even 7-10 days before you are in danger. Panama is south of 10 degrees north and safe from hurricanes, still it’s the Caribbean ocean. The mistake here was to wait one day for this clowns, and for me not to check their vessel was seaworthy with adequate engine and safety equipment. Not to forget being competent crew for offshore sailing. This is all on me. Lesson learned after ending up in a situation of no return. We all know what the outcome would been if I had just left them. Believe me I wanted to just say help yourself! But I knew I would not been able to live with this later. Because I knew what was waiting for them.
With today’s tools, equipment and knowledge about safety it seems not to smart defending being stupid? At least not from my perspective and experience. I have lost several sailors with this kind of attitude. That’s why I might sound a bit harsh and tough about this topic. Only last 4 years 4 solo sailing friends are no longer out here sailing around and doing what they loved the most. Never found, and never had the chance to tell their stories. Andreas was one of those.
sitting in y chair watching this. Gotta say you did a Great Job Trying to help people that either wont or dont listen to good advice. Thank You for this Real Life example. 😎
That was stressful to watch. I can't imagine feeling responsible for the other boat and getting what seemed like no cooperation. All while evading an approaching hurricane. I learned you need to assess the other boats seaworthiness as well as the crews capabilities before agreeing to such a responsibility. Thanks for the many sailing lessons Thomas.
Excellent video Thomas. I learned about you on the Capt Rick Moore channel. And you’re right. Some people just don’t get it
Love ya Bro. Good job on doing your best! It was a real learning experience for us and most especially you. I hope those folks understood the seriousness of their in experience. Glad you are safe. You deserve a medal. 🏅 Cheers my friend.
Well done Thomas! You have a good heart. I'm not sure that I'd let another boat put me at such risk. You remained calm and you were firm as you needed to be. Great points about having a boat that is seaworthy for such a passage. You da man!! Cheers.
Cheers Thomas, another great episode. Those guys just shouldn't be out there in the ocean, for sure. Not them and certainly not that boat.
Wow! This is an amazing segment. Thanks for posting, and kudos for your bravery, empathy, and patience in helping these inexperienced "sailors" avoid disaster at sea! Likely saved three lives, which makes you a true hero, in my book. Just SUBSCRIBED.
Thank you so much for watching and for your kind words🙏🏻 Also thank you for subscribing! Much appreciated
Thomas, I hope that you sailing buddies watch this episode. You worked very hard to help them stay safe.
This is one of the better Videos, and actually showing the problems that people can occure. You had ALOT of patience, and deffently showed good will to help them. Cheers..
I'd say you handled that very professionally. We do have a responsibility to others when at sea, but only if our own safety isn't compromised. You helped them out of danger without overly endangering yourself, that was very well managed and all credit to you.
I'm convinced that a poor skipper will always blame bad luck for their accidents. It's just poor maintenance and/or preparation.
Take Peter on Sailing into freedom for instance. First motors his cat into a reef at night and loses his boat. Buys a monohull - engine fails first passage. Doesn't equip it with enough batteries or instruments after refit, anchors in stormy weather and gets hit by lightning - blowing a hole through the stuffing box. Entertaining to watch but it takes a long list of dumb errors to arrive at an "accident".
Thomas, you are a man of your word and a good sailor.
well done Thomas. Patience of a saint.
I have watched a few of your videos. I really appreciate the safety knowledge that you have provided.
I am new to sailing, and I am striving to learn safe seamanship and good sailing practices.
I have watched a couple of UA-cam sailing videos from other channels, but have found your video to be most informative.
Keep up the great work.
again showing what a decent person you are. good show
People talk about the importance of having a fast enough boat to get out of a storm's path and now I can see it is important. With modern weather forecasting, you get often enough advanced warning to be able to clear out of the danger zone quickly.
Thomas your what I call an Ocean Angel!! Thanks for doing what needed to be done.. Your a class human . I am grateful you made it to Boca's safely..... Hurricanes are no dang joke on Land or at Sea... Thanks for sharing your life with us grateful for the opportunity to learn from you ✌🏼💗😊❣️
Thomas this is the first video of yours that I have watched . I must say you have a lot more patience than I . Understandably you were concerned for their safety but there comes a time when your safety should be your most concern . Sounds like the boat they were on should have never left the mooring and they were crazy to charter such a poorly maintained vessel . I salute you for making sure their passage was a safe one and I will be subscribing to your channel 👍
Hey Thomas! You're doing a great job out there! Really nice to see you keep those sailing friends under your more experienced wing.
Be safe! Fair winds!
Cheers Jeff
Thomas and excellent episode and a wake up call to many out there. Kudos to you and for keeping your cool more than most. Hope to see you here one day. André in Sydney
Allways nice to look at your videos and learn from the knowledge you sharing, greetings from Sweden! I think you were very generous when taking risks to help a crew not moving according to the advice you were giving them. Good on you to abandon the project, even if it was "in the last minute".
Well done, you gave your best advice to the other crew, turned about 4 times, if they do not respond or realise the danger they are in, then its every man for himself.. fair winds.
You sir are a bigger man than I am. I would of have let them on their own after 3 warnings.
Although while typing this I might not have, who knows. What I do know is if a seasoned skipper is willing to help you, you (I would) listen.
Cheers 🍻
Du är alldeles för snäll Thomas. Jag hade kanske vänt om en gång och försökt få dom åt rätt håll, men aldrig fyra gånger. Tur för dom att det finns supersnälla människor som du. Hoppas allt är bra och ha en fortsatt underbar tid i Bockas. Själv har jag tagit upp våran båt för vintern, så nu njuter jag av att titta på dina filmer.
Med vänlig hälsning, Tomas
Han gjorde det som var rätt.
My mom was sailing with her husband on their 43' Pan Oceanic SV Swedes Dream in the Caribbean and they were struck by lightning. Knocked out all their electronics but they were okay otherwise.
@@juliandrake3159 Thank you so much for watching and for sharing this story🙏🏻
It’s a scary experience and expensive. I’m glad to hear they where okay. I have seen a boat sinking after a direct hit. ⛵️
@@SailingwithThomas I wonder if that charter boat just had so much crap attached to the hull that it was slowing it down that much or were they just too inexperienced to get the boat to sail as fast as she was capable of... or maybe both? You did the right thing trying to help them. Sucks that you had to put yourself in danger though to be a good Samaritan.
Thank God you were there to teach them some common sense! Live and learn!💖
Thomas,
I Thank you for this video , you could see the pain in your face and the languish in your Voice as you attempted time and time again to relay a very serious message to a group of individuals that truly had no reason or ability to be out there sailing , let alone sailing in very challenging conditions and detracting conditions by the hour. I do wonder if you had any words with the captain ( I use that word loosely ) of that vessel prion to taking on such a generous task. It has been a very very long time sense I have seen such a lack of command and ability in the crew of the following boat. I have serious reservation if the vessel even had a working compass ( Hence , when they were heading in the wrong direction . Nicaragua . Thomas I simply Commend you on your Long Patients with that crew . And wow , taking the time to go back and find them and offer a tow... I am afraid I would have not offered that to them and wished the best of luck ... after so many tries to keep them moving... For me I just turned down an offer to Captain a boat from Galveston to Isla Mujeres Mexico because of the boat owners lack of safety gear and lacks attitude towards any safety gear at all . I found out latter several other Captains all told him the same thing.. I sadly feel that individuals such as that are a ... Mishap and tragedy waiting to happen .
Robert
North Star
This video should be the introduction of any sailing course. Well done. A great example of why training, safety and working equipment is worth every penny. Thank you for taking the time to share this lesson.
Wow... You really had the patience of a saint Thomas. Not only were they risking their own lives with poor decisions but putting you in danger. I don't know if I would have stayed with them.
Thanks for being such a caring human
I can’t run with another truck driver every time I’ve tried it becomes a even bigger disaster than the time before. I’ve come to realize the only people that want to travel together usually only want to travel together because they can’t do it themselves alone. I feel your pain but please don’t put yourself and your beautiful vessel in jeopardy for people that won’t listen and refuse to keep pace and stay on course
Wow. This shows you care, aside from the big danger factor. You really came close to the edge in your helping them.
Hi Thomas really interesting dilemma. I guess the warning signs were their relaxed attitude to actually leaving in the first place. You have your margin of safety for depature, especially as a solo sailor. I think when they started to jeopardise that, the deal is off the table. Good on you for dealing with their situation though.
I hear your pssion, brother. You have a very good heart.
I would sail with you. Safety First! Your an excellent sailor Thomas.
You even offered a tow, so no guilt needed. We charter, but only for a week or so, a few hours from marina facilities and with realistic expectations. We closely watch the weather. I don’t trust the maintenance… There is always something that breaks early in the charter, then also later.
Thank you so much for watching and for being here! I was totally wrong about my expectations from this yacht and its crew. I was assuming they knew what they where doing given the fact they were paid crew to opereate this yacht, and had been doing charters around the island whilst I was there. The owner of the yacht have no money to keep up with maintanance, nor to make sure the crew had enough diesel. Its just a long series of totally crazy things here....
The key takeaway here is to make sure everything is up to standard before accepting buddy boating.
Because the consequenses is a way of no return. If I left them alone before being safe they would not make it.
All the best
You're a good man Thomas!
Had it been me I would have left a note on their hatch the morning you were suppose to leave that you were leaving and good luck to them on getting out of harms way. Like you said, the ocean does not care.
You saved their lives! I hope they realize this. i find it unbelievable that people go out on the ocean with a boat that's not up to it.
Good job…you have allot of patience…..learning so much about the sailing lifestyle 😊
You are a good man Mr. Thomas.
Great seamanship Thomas, it's also very educational for many people. Sad to see other people can put you into trouble when you actually go so far to help them. Sometimes there is a lack of knowledge about nature and own skills. It's amazing to see how patient you was in this situation. Thanks for another great video 😊
Your sarcasm has me doubled over laughing.
You cared and did all you could. No one could ask for anything more. Fair winds and following seas!
Hi, Thomas! Thank you so much for sharing your experience in this situation -- and thank you, also, for helping the crew of this buddy boat! You are a gem! It is good to see this episode on boating/yachting/sailing readyness/preparedness and safety -- all extremely vital and important matters! Thank you, again! Fair winds!⛵🙏
Thomas, you are a better man than most. Someday I hope I get to meet you. 🙏
Your conscious is clear, but it still leaves an impression on you.
And yes, the strain was quite visible on your demeanor and left your quite drained.
But could see most of that left as you set Be Free loose to run as she can do so well.
Me, as an arm chair sailor I have learnt so much of your skills and commend your attitude in sharing...so, thanks again for sharing so much....Beers & Cheers.
Perfect mate. One should thrive on the seven P's (proper planning and preparation prevents piss poor performance) as it is the key, to safely undertaking these endeavors, with fruitful outcomes. Thank-you Thomas 🤙
Thomas, there is great power in goodness and you have it.
Cheers!
Thomas, kudos to your sound technical skill, your dedicated perseverance, you have the patience of a saint, and all the extensive work you do to “Be Free” to keep her sea worthy.
This video is not small for those who are keen on blue water sailing. Thank you for the time you took to educate us all concerning each stage of this blunt reality.
Keep up the great work - your adventure is inspiring.
Cheers to you sir - I know you will sleep well. Sincerely Thank you Thomas!
Bra det gikk bra! Skummelt at båteier og utleier ikke tar større ansvar for livene til de som leier båten! Cheers and safe travel🍻😎
That’s the problem when you tried to help other people I had the same problem years ago travelling a long distance on a motorbike having a holiday I find it is better to travel by yourself and you can do whatever you need to do love your videos first time I come across you I’m subscribed now Cliff from Logan city Queensland Australia From the big island
Very frustrating… you try to help , but some folks grrrrrr
You're good man Thomas! I feel your pain. Really crappy situation, but you saved their lives.. 👍
Good job Thomas !!!
Hi Thomas!
Definitely there is people out there who don't understand that sailing is not a game and a boat is not a toy, specially under some circumstances. Of course it's also right that the owner must have the boat ready to sail or just don't rent it. Anyway, I'm happy to see you and your boat are safe, in beautiful Bocas and also happy for the other guys, because they didn't succeed to kill themselves.
Enjoy Bocas and take care.
Cheers!
Thomas, mate, what a super stressful experience and maybe even a costly one with the electrical fry up you’ve experienced. I’m sorry for you when you selflessly helped these people out only to be dealt everything which happened. You’re a big heart, a real legend and understand the unspoken code of the sea to help your fellow seafarers out wherever possible. Great break down of the things to ask any boat who you are accepting or offering safe passage from or to. I’ve saved that video. You have the best sailing channel on UA-cam, real experience, real lessons and information, real people you meet. And well crafted and edited. Are you selling the boat and closing this sailing chapter?
I would like to have a friend like you. You are a some Thomas. Next time.e you come to Vienna or for skiing to Styria you are my guest. Stay save and thanks for great videos and allow me to follow your adventures. I love it 😀
En tålmodig samaritan er du Thomas. Du skulle mer enn gjerne kasta drengen din på mitt fordekk, en må kjenne sin besøkelsestid. Ikke lett å være redningsmann for de som ikke vil reddes, eller enda verre - ikke skjønner sitt eget beste. Stolt av å ha vært kollega. Stay safe👍😀
Well done Thomas! Happy you are safe and that your friends are as well. You earned that cold one..