Just started watching your channel as I'm preparing for a trip to the Broads in July. Very inspired by your Independence project. Incredibly brave to take the challenge on, chase your dream and make the most of life. Many of us could learn from you!
Thank you. Kind words. My next challenge is to ditching ‘desk driving’ and offices which has featured in my life since I was 19 to learning class 2 and 1 HGV driving and jumping into this which was something I always wanted as a kid but parents and anyone else told me to avoid (along with anything in retail) lol. Well with no kids to worry about raising and a new found love for driving it feels time for a new path in life to jump into.
What an exciting voyage in an amazing boat. I take my hat off to you for the difficult decision you made in stepping down on the final leg of the journey and the courage in taking on such a project in the first place. Well done to both you and your crew.
This was truly epic, thank you for frankness. Making good decisions are wise decisions. Congratulations Robin you have a lovely vessel. May you have many wonderful times with Independence. Finally you a had a trerrific crew. Congratulations to you all.
Oh man! Cant believe that I actually welled up when she entered Great Yarmouth!!! Fantastic! Im so thrilled for you all! Better than any blockbuster movie! What a example of true friends all working together to achieve a mutual goal. 👍👍👍👍👍
Thanks Rachel, it was a bit hard to edit this because there was not as much footage as I had wanted, brought back a mixed bunch of emotions too but overall I felt the feeling of pride.
Well done to you all you are a very lucky man Robin to have good friends like you have, I know you are aware of that fact. Also well done you for such an honest and open account of your emotions, that is not easy. There are times in life when we have to face up to things and push ourselves to see what we are capable of, I admire you for what you have done. I look forward to more adventures and updates soon. Best wishes to you and the crew, many thanks, Bob.
Great video series Robin, well done on making the decision to not carry on instead of pushing yourself to do it. Hopefully, seeing all the support you have will convince you that it's through no fault of your own and it is a lesson that will keep you safe in the future. Hope you enjoy the new boat and have many hours of fun pottering around in a beautiful part of the country.
I have been following you for many years and I am so proud to see what you now have. Well done on your passage and I look forward to seeing continued blog updates. Rich
Many congratulations. I have followed your journey keenly and was looking forward to the final delivery video. It brought back many memories and emotions as I suffered an anxiety attack. It is difficult to explain to those who have not suffered one.
What a wonderful thank you to your crew who did a fantastic job.i think you made the right decision too.it looked a very long and hard work of a journey . she's a beautiful boat very well done to all of you and looking forward to the upgrades
You & all the lads did an amazing job with getting her to Norfolk & ready for the sea run. I look forward to the many more vlogs via BA & independence.
Although this happened months ago, it’s the first time I have been brave enough to watch it - I knew the back story at the time and frankly was very worried. But what a challenge, what a story. Thanks to the crew, and after other stuff happened thanks to even more people helping Robin out once he was back on board, Independence made it. Robin showed that being man enough to step up and admit his fears and concerns about safety -even though two crew members were ex-navy - he had never encountered that situation before he made a decision based on what he believed was right. But the star is Independence; seeing that famous Trader roll as she came into harbour at Great Yarmouth and the high seas off Dungeness, shows what a great girl she is!
Bit late in the day I know but just caught up with your Independence series. Brilliant! If it's any consolation I am sure the locals at my berth think I am a bit crazy as well. Buying boats, doing a load of work on them and selling them on - I love it! Brought a Nimbus 350 down from Shotley to Poole non-stop May 2017 - around 10 hours, including a quick stop for diesel at Yarmouth. Went without a hitch but we were both totally out of it at the end - should have had a break at Eastbourne or Brighton. Good to see people who are realistic and know their limits, but more importantly, act on them. Keep it up.
Great set of videos robin the independence delivery wad fantastic and took a brave straight up guy to admit defeat. I've only watched a handful of vids of your channel i actually stumbled on it as I'm coming down to the broads at the beginning of July with the family hiring a boat of summercraft. If I see you Id love to have a chat can't wait to see more on independence.
I can only say what others who have followed your adventure have probably already said - well done indeed! You have a fine sea boat, who has proved herself to you (if you needed it?) And that she will take you safely to wherever you want to go. I was sorry to hear of your anxiety-attack but you made the right call to seek refuge in Dover, rather than continue, in worsening conditions, on to Ramsgate. Your crew did you proud. You have some good solid mates there. No one will think any the less of you for making the decision to leave the vessel upon arrival at Dover. The video provided by Lord Paul was very good - I admit to a teary eye when Indy turned for home and entered Yarmouth harbour. It's almost the stuff that Nelson was made of! So, what's next - a venture across the North Sea? A trip the up the UK East Coast? Small beer for Indy. And for you and your crew. Really enjoyed the series. Well put together. And it tells a good story. One final note Rob - you've proved all the doubters and nay-sayers on the MBY Forum wrong. I look forward to your next vlog!
Thanks Darren - it has been hard at times, but I never went into it with my eyes shut - it is a shame that there have been some less than happy people on Forums, but maybe it is because they wish it was them when they were a bit younger doing this sort of thing and taking a leap - I also note how so many get so unhappy she has been brought to the Broads - still everyone has their opinions. She is a very capable boat, hours of hard seas - I wish I had some footage of the bad stuff when we would go deep into a wave, and bury the anchor and half the front of the grab rails on the bow - my bird spikes were a loss, but the rest of the boat well one loose mid-cleat starboard side, two broken wine glasses and that is it. The fuel leaks have been caused by Espar in Plymouth doing a shocking install for £1,200 - Norfolk Yacht Agency called to say the heater (and its bracket) ALL the fasteners were finger tight, ducting not secured correctly either. So Traders might not appeal to everyone in the traditional looks inside and their odd lines outside but you could not have done as we did with a Princess or Fairline of the same cost/size.
The main thing is the boat and crew made it safely to Lowestoft, It can be difficult being a skipper with all that's been invested leaving it to others, no matter how highly trained and skilled they are. But I think you did the right thing and the lads won through for you. We'll done the lads. Hope to catch with you in May. Had a similar trip down from Vissingen to Oostende on Lazy Days in company with Mary Jane, we were delayed and should have put into a marina for the night but carried on. With a wind from the North it was pushing us on shore so we had to tack in a motor yacht!!! Anyway we called it a day and put into Zeebrugge, after tidying up the boats we went into town for a meal and several beers. The next day it was mill pond all the way to Oostende and a lot more beers.
Great stuff...well done everyone & wish I could have been on that adventure.. Anxiety is a bastard I get it sometimes & I feel like I can't drive my car let alone a great big boat in harsh weather.. Next time your out at sea it will feel more natural as you have been there & done that & you'll be able to choose the weather you go out in so less stresses.... Lots of people don't understand Anxiety but it's just something that comes sometimes it's not just feeling stressed or needing cheering up its the cost of all the stress that's built up & it effects people differently but it's debilitating & worse than a physical sickness as physical can be summed up or understood. It doesn't matter how brave you are your mind stops you when it has to & everyone else that's been on that boat myself included is under much less stress as its not our home floating about costing money & bits breaking... You all did great & should all be pleased....Especially Robin who was under so much pressure & as a team you got the job done..
It's been an amazing trip and fascinating to watch. You've done really well, how many people do you know Robin who have bought a sea going vessel and sailed her around the British coast (actually you probably do know a few in your terrific crew - but you get my point). Don't be down on yourself I've been out in rough seas and it's pretty scary. You never know how you'll react in a situation until your in it. You are now older and wiser and survived it. You've got a great bunch of pals and you did the right thing talking it over and you made a decision. You live and learn. It's really been terrific viewing thanks you for sharing it. I'd be really interested to know what your crew think of the boat now you've had her out to sea. Not sure how or if you even want to do that but you make good video's, I think you are in the wrong industry personally, so if anyone can do it you can. Congratulations to you all.
Well, congratulations on navigating to the Broads. Yes, it can be tough out on the seas, it can wear you down, mentally and physically, especially if you've not done a lot of coastal navigation. Suggest you don't embark on a major trip too soon! Try some short legs first, especially if you're on your own, build your confidence again and get used to home waters. Enjoy!
Great video, and what a journey, the question unless I may have missed it, as you are going to Brundell what next. Is it to be a live on board or a place to journey from, look forward to your next adventure, regards Mark Cromer. Norfolk with a mooring on Wroxham
For the time being just sat on her mooring - so much work is going on and I keep adding to the list but no she won't be lived on and won't make that many river trips but things can change, I wanted her as a decent sea boat and that she has proved.
So will she be a boat you take out or more a boat you leave moored and live on ? ..... I'm surprised you didn't go for a state of the art broads vessel ....... you was a brave man on those seas something you can't fully appreciate unless you are there it can be quite daunting .
She is going to be used but not as much because she is not a 'sensible' river type boat, for that I have Broad Ambition that was out on last weekend which was nice and I don't much like modern boats, they lack the good old fashion strong workmanship and joinery even if they come with fancy engine controls and tech you can see where new boat builds save money on materials used and how they are made during construction.
There will be the usual update Blogs, just like before she came up to Norfolk in Plymouth. I need to cover the work being done by Norfolk Yacht Agency and getting her fit for passing the Boat Safety Scheme all inland waterways boats need.
Very well actually, she does 6MPH at 1,000RPM. This is handy because that is the speed limit on the Yare in the most part, and where 5MPH is the limit, tick over will give me that - that is in slack water over ground. When in tight spaces the bow and stern thrusters are very nice as I generally moor or depart 'sideways'.
In Maritime Law the Captain is responsible for his Ship and his crew. Abandoning a Ship has legal consequences. A Sea Captain should never abandon his Ship.
"...The Captain is responsible for his Ship" Well that is so, but I am not a Captain and did not abandon it - I merely passed responsibly over to another - a bit like someone insured to drive your car being given permission to by the cars owner.
In short, you bottled it. There`s no shame in finding out at an inopportune time that you are way out of your comfort zone and got scared. We`ve all done it, but the adult thing is to admit it, and not come out with claims of anxiety and feeling strange. Had you said something to the words of "i got scared and realised i was way out of my depth, so had to pull out", i would`nt have made this comment. That said, why on earth do you want a 53ft boat on the Broads if you are not comfortable being offshore on it?.
I won’t comment on your assumptions but you’re welcome to share them. However, why did I buy a big boat like this and then bring it to the Broads..? Simply to live on, as I have been since she arrived.
I used to like your videos on the broads but your videos just lately have been so up your own backside they have become totally boring with the new boat
I am sorry you feel that way, but thanks for the input none the less. This has nothing to do with 'being up my own backside' but you must appreciate that I am sharing a journey of my own self discover and independence - not just a boat. However, I have had a few people say they miss the old hire boat reviews etc so I am going to continue to do some of those as before. At the end of the day, these Blogs are just a record of the places I go, the boats I am on and so on 'as it happens'.
Just started watching your channel as I'm preparing for a trip to the Broads in July. Very inspired by your Independence project. Incredibly brave to take the challenge on, chase your dream and make the most of life. Many of us could learn from you!
Thank you. Kind words. My next challenge is to ditching ‘desk driving’ and offices which has featured in my life since I was 19 to learning class 2 and 1 HGV driving and jumping into this which was something I always wanted as a kid but parents and anyone else told me to avoid (along with anything in retail) lol. Well with no kids to worry about raising and a new found love for driving it feels time for a new path in life to jump into.
Good on you for being so honest Robin, you're a brave man
That looked great steaming into Yarmouth. Well done all of you. Loved watching this Adventure.
Fantastic feel as if we are on the boat
What an exciting voyage in an amazing boat. I take my hat off to you for the difficult decision you made in stepping down on the final leg of the journey and the courage in taking on such a project in the first place. Well done to both you and your crew.
This was truly epic, thank you for frankness. Making good decisions are wise decisions. Congratulations Robin you have a lovely vessel. May you have many wonderful times with Independence. Finally you a had a trerrific crew. Congratulations to you all.
It takes a man to know when to leave it to others, he made the right call.
What it takes a man to run and leave it to others
Far easier to do that though and leave the choice to others. If they wish to carry on themselves or not, they wanted to carry on so I let them.
Oh man! Cant believe that I actually welled up when she entered Great Yarmouth!!! Fantastic! Im so thrilled for you all! Better than any blockbuster movie! What a example of true friends all working together to achieve a mutual goal. 👍👍👍👍👍
Thanks Rachel, it was a bit hard to edit this because there was not as much footage as I had wanted, brought back a mixed bunch of emotions too but overall I felt the feeling of pride.
Well done to you all you are a very lucky man Robin to have good friends like you have, I know you are aware of that fact. Also well done you for such an honest and open account of your emotions, that is not easy. There are times in life when we have to face up to things and push ourselves to see what we are capable of, I admire you for what you have done. I look forward to more adventures and updates soon. Best wishes to you and the crew, many thanks, Bob.
Great video series Robin, well done on making the decision to not carry on instead of pushing yourself to do it. Hopefully, seeing all the support you have will convince you that it's through no fault of your own and it is a lesson that will keep you safe in the future. Hope you enjoy the new boat and have many hours of fun pottering around in a beautiful part of the country.
I have been following you for many years and I am so proud to see what you now have. Well done on your passage and I look forward to seeing continued blog updates. Rich
Many congratulations. I have followed your journey keenly and was looking forward to the final delivery video. It brought back many memories and emotions as I suffered an anxiety attack. It is difficult to explain to those who have not suffered one.
What a wonderful thank you to your crew who did a fantastic job.i think you made the right decision too.it looked a very long and hard work of a journey . she's a beautiful boat very well done to all of you and looking forward to the upgrades
You & all the lads did an amazing job with getting her to Norfolk & ready for the sea run. I look forward to the many more vlogs via BA & independence.
Although this happened months ago, it’s the first time I have been brave enough to watch it - I knew the back story at the time and frankly was very worried. But what a challenge, what a story. Thanks to the crew, and after other stuff happened thanks to even more people helping Robin out once he was back on board, Independence made it. Robin showed that being man enough to step up and admit his fears and concerns about safety -even though two crew members were ex-navy - he had never encountered that situation before he made a decision based on what he believed was right. But the star is Independence; seeing that famous Trader roll as she came into harbour at Great Yarmouth and the high seas off Dungeness, shows what a great girl she is!
Bit late in the day I know but just caught up with your Independence series. Brilliant! If it's any consolation I am sure the locals at my berth think I am a bit crazy as well. Buying boats, doing a load of work on them and selling them on - I love it! Brought a Nimbus 350 down from Shotley to Poole non-stop May 2017 - around 10 hours, including a quick stop for diesel at Yarmouth. Went without a hitch but we were both totally out of it at the end - should have had a break at Eastbourne or Brighton. Good to see people who are realistic and know their limits, but more importantly, act on them. Keep it up.
Great video and very honest. You had a great crew. Looking forward to the updates.
You had a great crew, what a mini adventure.
Great set of videos robin the independence delivery wad fantastic and took a brave straight up guy to admit defeat.
I've only watched a handful of vids of your channel i actually stumbled on it as I'm coming down to the broads at the beginning of July with the family hiring a boat of summercraft.
If I see you Id love to have a chat can't wait to see more on independence.
I can only say what others who have followed your adventure have probably already said - well done indeed!
You have a fine sea boat, who has proved herself to you (if you needed it?) And that she will take you safely to wherever you want to go.
I was sorry to hear of your anxiety-attack but you made the right call to seek refuge in Dover, rather than continue, in worsening conditions, on to Ramsgate. Your crew did you proud. You have some good solid mates there. No one will think any the less of you for making the decision to leave the vessel upon arrival at Dover.
The video provided by Lord Paul was very good - I admit to a teary eye when Indy turned for home and entered Yarmouth harbour. It's almost the stuff that Nelson was made of!
So, what's next - a venture across the North Sea? A trip the up the UK East Coast? Small beer for Indy. And for you and your crew.
Really enjoyed the series. Well put together. And it tells a good story.
One final note Rob - you've proved all the doubters and nay-sayers on the MBY Forum wrong.
I look forward to your next vlog!
Thanks Darren - it has been hard at times, but I never went into it with my eyes shut - it is a shame that there have been some less than happy people on Forums, but maybe it is because they wish it was them when they were a bit younger doing this sort of thing and taking a leap - I also note how so many get so unhappy she has been brought to the Broads - still everyone has their opinions.
She is a very capable boat, hours of hard seas - I wish I had some footage of the bad stuff when we would go deep into a wave, and bury the anchor and half the front of the grab rails on the bow - my bird spikes were a loss, but the rest of the boat well one loose mid-cleat starboard side, two broken wine glasses and that is it. The fuel leaks have been caused by Espar in Plymouth doing a shocking install for £1,200 - Norfolk Yacht Agency called to say the heater (and its bracket) ALL the fasteners were finger tight, ducting not secured correctly either. So Traders might not appeal to everyone in the traditional looks inside and their odd lines outside but you could not have done as we did with a Princess or Fairline of the same cost/size.
The main thing is the boat and crew made it safely to Lowestoft, It can be difficult being a skipper with all that's been invested leaving it to others, no matter how highly trained and skilled they are. But I think you did the right thing and the lads won through for you. We'll done the lads. Hope to catch with you in May.
Had a similar trip down from Vissingen to Oostende on Lazy Days in company with Mary Jane, we were delayed and should have put into a marina for the night but carried on. With a wind from the North it was pushing us on shore so we had to tack in a motor yacht!!! Anyway we called it a day and put into Zeebrugge, after tidying up the boats we went into town for a meal and several beers. The next day it was mill pond all the way to Oostende and a lot more beers.
Great stuff...well done everyone & wish I could have been on that adventure..
Anxiety is a bastard I get it sometimes & I feel like I can't drive my car let alone a great big boat in harsh weather..
Next time your out at sea it will feel more natural as you have been there & done that & you'll be able to choose the weather you go out in so less stresses....
Lots of people don't understand Anxiety but it's just something that comes sometimes it's not just feeling stressed or needing cheering up its the cost of all the stress that's built up & it effects people differently but it's debilitating & worse than a physical sickness as physical can be summed up or understood.
It doesn't matter how brave you are your mind stops you when it has to & everyone else that's been on that boat myself included is under much less stress as its not our home floating about costing money & bits breaking...
You all did great & should all be pleased....Especially Robin who was under so much pressure & as a team you got the job done..
Hey Dan thanks for your kind words. It was hard but got there in the end and now can look back at it and have a real sense of pride.
It's been an amazing trip and fascinating to watch. You've done really well, how many people do you know Robin who have bought a sea going vessel and sailed her around the British coast (actually you probably do know a few in your terrific crew - but you get my point). Don't be down on yourself I've been out in rough seas and it's pretty scary. You never know how you'll react in a situation until your in it. You are now older and wiser and survived it. You've got a great bunch of pals and you did the right thing talking it over and you made a decision. You live and learn. It's really been terrific viewing thanks you for sharing it. I'd be really interested to know what your crew think of the boat now you've had her out to sea. Not sure how or if you even want to do that but you make good video's, I think you are in the wrong industry personally, so if anyone can do it you can. Congratulations to you all.
Well, congratulations on navigating to the Broads. Yes, it can be tough out on the seas, it can wear you down, mentally and physically, especially if you've not done a lot of coastal navigation. Suggest you don't embark on a major trip too soon! Try some short legs first, especially if you're on your own, build your confidence again and get used to home waters. Enjoy!
That harbour entry really showed the yaw roll effect. That would make most people off it.
Great video, and what a journey, the question unless I may have missed it, as you are going to Brundell what next. Is it to be a live on board or a place to journey from, look forward to your next adventure, regards Mark Cromer. Norfolk with a mooring on Wroxham
For the time being just sat on her mooring - so much work is going on and I keep adding to the list but no she won't be lived on and won't make that many river trips but things can change, I wanted her as a decent sea boat and that she has proved.
Inspiring.
Nice one mate! 👍
Thanks mate :)
Did i see you in ludham not 5 mins ago, came past in clear horizon 2, thought i recognized you
You did, I was delivering another new boat I have just bought to Ludham Bridge Boatyard for some works to be carried out.
Wow!
So will she be a boat you take out or more a boat you leave moored and live on ? ..... I'm surprised you didn't go for a state of the art broads vessel ....... you was a brave man on those seas something you can't fully appreciate unless you are there it can be quite daunting .
She is going to be used but not as much because she is not a 'sensible' river type boat, for that I have Broad Ambition that was out on last weekend which was nice and I don't much like modern boats, they lack the good old fashion strong workmanship and joinery even if they come with fancy engine controls and tech you can see where new boat builds save money on materials used and how they are made during construction.
will there be anymore videos to follow now that shes finally home
There will be the usual update Blogs, just like before she came up to Norfolk in Plymouth. I need to cover the work being done by Norfolk Yacht Agency and getting her fit for passing the Boat Safety Scheme all inland waterways boats need.
@@TheCaptainsBlog Robin that's a beautiful boat you have their.Will u be going out to sea again?
How does the trader handle within the speed restricted waters of the broads ?
Very well actually, she does 6MPH at 1,000RPM. This is handy because that is the speed limit on the Yare in the most part, and where 5MPH is the limit, tick over will give me that - that is in slack water over ground. When in tight spaces the bow and stern thrusters are very nice as I generally moor or depart 'sideways'.
im thinking of buying a 535, would appreciate your contact
Well mine may be on the market in the next couple of months since I am moving. I’ll try and send a message to you
In Maritime Law the Captain is responsible for his Ship and his crew. Abandoning a Ship has legal consequences. A Sea Captain should never abandon his Ship.
"...The Captain is responsible for his Ship" Well that is so, but I am not a Captain and did not abandon it - I merely passed responsibly over to another - a bit like someone insured to drive your car being given permission to by the cars owner.
In short, you bottled it. There`s no shame in finding out at an inopportune time that you are way out of your comfort zone and got scared. We`ve all done it, but the adult thing is to admit it, and not come out with claims of anxiety and feeling strange. Had you said something to the words of "i got scared and realised i was way out of my depth, so had to pull out", i would`nt have made this comment. That said, why on earth do you want a 53ft boat on the Broads if you are not comfortable being offshore on it?.
I won’t comment on your assumptions but you’re welcome to share them. However, why did I buy a big boat like this and then bring it to the Broads..? Simply to live on, as I have been since she arrived.
I used to like your videos on the broads but your videos just lately have been so up your own backside they have become totally boring with the new boat
I am sorry you feel that way, but thanks for the input none the less. This has nothing to do with 'being up my own backside' but you must appreciate that I am sharing a journey of my own self discover and independence - not just a boat. However, I have had a few people say they miss the old hire boat reviews etc so I am going to continue to do some of those as before. At the end of the day, these Blogs are just a record of the places I go, the boats I am on and so on 'as it happens'.