I’ve sailed close to 50k miles, crossed oceans and been shipwrecked, and I found nothing in this video I disagree with. Can’t say that about 9 out of 10 sailing RUclipsrs . Liked and subscribed.
I found his channel 2.5 years ago and had always planned on sailing and saved money for years and years while in the army. 2 years later I own a boat and have sailed all over the Pacific Northwest and eventually will take off to Hawaii and beyond
Hey Brother...Mark here I want to thank you for helping me through a rough time tonight. I love the long videos ..I was able to sail with you and forget the shaky ground I was on . Thank you. I mean it.
Just wanna say that you are the real Top G for learning old school navigation. Technology is too unreliable to rely on it for something your life depends on.
Funny how many things we have in common as solo sailors James. For example, I see many sailors playing music while sailing, even coastal sailing, or using headphones. I will never do that. Firstly I'm out there to be in contact with the nature. And I wanna hear it and feel it! Secondly, I want to be able to hear every little sound that my boat makes. The sails, the water, the wind, lines, halyards, sheets, the engine. I also say that the boat speaks to me and I want to be able to listen when it needs me. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Appreciate your honesty, all good advice. One possible addition to the content might be sail handling/set up. An old single handler taught me to always,, whatever point of sailing the boat is on, have a preventer on the boom when offshore alone. I have a relatively small mainsail (70s IOR boat) and find I can reef that on a run if I centre the boom first to take the power out of it (simple slab reefing, standard battens). A small jib pulled in tight amidships and a prevented main also works well running downwind, the jib acts to keep the boat on course.
The Cruisers' Handbook of Fishing is THE fishing for cruisers AND for those of us who don't cruise but fish in the tropics. I'm in the UK but have used techniques from it in Florida and Australia. Great video round up of your epic cruise. Well done and thank you.
I can relate to carelessness. I took all my reefing line at once, lowering my main from none to 3 reefs, and then pulled on the reefing lines, one huge pull at once. Suddenly I was across the cockpit, on my arse, luckily without hurting my back or breaking bones. So easy to do! Everything must be done without hurry, and deliberately. Slow and easy...
Great advice. One thing we learned the hard way was to make sure the anchor is SECURE. It slipped down in big seas and my husband had to go out the v-berth hatch to pull it back up. What a nightmare!
Love your channel. Excellent tips, I took notes. Tip: In the military we hv checklists and binders for EVERYTHING. Before an aircraft is launched and after it lands...check check check. A binder with checklists for everything including redundancy checklists. Stowed in waterproof bag. Fair Winds
Love watching/ hearing from a sailor who sails 'close to the wind'. Moreover, I always get the feeling you're a past sailing soul sailing in the presence. Love your work.
James, I just want to say how much I’ve enjoyed your content. I’ve never been interested in sailing and I stumbled upon your ocean crossing video about 2 months ago. It woke something up inside me I never knew I was missing. I’ve been obsessed with anything sailing lately and I have you to thank for that. Maybe one day I’ll be able to do what you do.
Me too! I am buying a sailboat in two years and selling everything I own and heading out to the seas to go wherever the wind blows my sails and I am never coming back
Go sign up for young cruisers association (age doesn’t matter) and you will be even more excited. It’s a community of 10’s of thousands of sailors who when your sails cross in marinas or even during crossings, you lend a helping hand if it’s ever needed, and offer a cold drink, coffee or fish etc. It’s a community who has created their own on the water world society. People who live their life on the sea
Dave from Hawaii here, following along with your fun journey after meeting you here. I think this is my favorite video of yours - thanks for sharing your experience.
Without a doubt ALL facts about getting injured... I developed sailors (tennis) elbow on my strong arm with 18 days left (ended up being 22 days) and you need each limb! The burning pain on my elbow from just lifting my coffee cup was unbearable, let alone pulling up the Anchor, Halyard, or working the Jib and Genoa lines. To this day, it still acts up and once in a while turning a door knob reminds me of that journey.
I certainly can relate to the one cable and charger for your navigation device. I have been in the same position when a blue one come over the top and landed salt water directly on the cable and charger where it was plugged in. fortunately I was in semi familiar waters but not the harbor I was entering. It was an interesting night. Cant wait to see you visit New Zealand, fair winds.
I appreciate the brutal honesty of your perspectives. The truth is what people need to hear. Neither sugar-coated nor all gloom and doom. Thanks to you, I've joined the ASA and will go to a yacht club next season to learn to sail. Please keep up the videos. Thank you.
Thanks for this video-very interesting to hear your points. What you said about "entertainment" is true for me also when travelling on land, no matter if it's by car or by bike. Will never understand people who block their sense of hearing while driving, riding or hiking.
So happy to hear about your use of paper charts and non-electric abilities to navigate, IE sextant. I spent quite a bit of time on the ocean in the Navy. One of the favorite parts of my job was the use of charts. I was also fascinated when I would see others using the sextant. I don't even think they teach that anymore in the navy and the charts are electronic. Thanks so much for your efforts to put out these videos.
A nice video that of course fits well to watch after the long video where you sail to Hawaii. I think that apart from the safety perspective, as you also point out, it is important to listen to the sounds from the elements and the boat. This is definitely an important part of the whole experience and clearly underestimated. It's a bit like going for a walk in the woods with your earplugs on and listening to Spotify. The natural sounds are gone and with it a big and important part of the whole experience. Sailing is fantastic. I only have experience from the Norwegian skerries and think that crossing a large sea and especially alone must be a really great experience. Keep up the god work :)
Thanks so much. Really useful information. I have far less experience, only one solo passage from the South coast UK up to the North Atlantic and Norway and back. On a24ft Trident. I’ve now bought a Nicholson 31 and am planning to cross the Atlantic and on into the Pacific. I hope to have one other person on board from UK to the Azores and then on my own from there. Your travels and especially this video ( that I’ve just found) are little pieces of gold!!! Thanks. Guy.
Your solo passage on a Nicholson 31 across the Atlantic will be a cakewalk compared to sailing across the North Sea to Norway on a 24ft boat 💪🏻 You got this no problem 👍🏻
Very good points. Something extremely useful to have in first Aid Kits aboard for Bad Cuts etc, is after using an antiseptic wipe, use Superglue on the Cut, then hit the Superglue with accelerator spray which sets it in a few seconds, then you can build up Superglue layers for extra protection each layer getting accelerator sprayed . luckily I had both plus antiseptic wipes in my truck in a Hurricane Onshore as a Roofing slate got blown off a roof and I glimpsed it headingbto my head at high speed from my left and threw my hand up to deflect it over my head. It hit the index finger on my left hand, and almost severed it. Phoned the local Hospital ER, and they said there were so many injuries, it would be at least 3 hours to get in. Luckily I had a young Apprentice with me, and after cleaning everything up, stuck some Superglue in the gash and got him to hold it all together while Accelerator zsprayed it, then he applied the Superglue I sprayed, and we built it up enough to make a a solid finger stool (I think that's what it's called). I was a bit worried about getting the Superglue off, but as it turned out it all held together fine and after about a day or so, started coming off on its own, leaving a shiny line holding things together. Years later, you can barely see where the Cut was. Bonus the young apprentice stopped being squeamish about blood (a great kid, he turned out to be a top notch roofer, and did exhibition work at shows. Yes, potentially difficult to do single handed, but with care and taking your time, even that should be doable, when necessity comes knocking on the door. The trouble with playing music, is you do lose connection. At one time I was a professional long distance driver, and I stopped even listening to the radio in the Cab. For Naximum Safety on the Road your observation and thinking distance has to be much further ahead than most people have their attention. It's pretty much the same when Afloat. I used to work on 12 minute naps in the Cockpit at night in comfortable warm gear, then wake up, look around, set the alarm 12 minutes again, and right back to sleep. During the day, after a meal, Mostly it was possible to get a couple of 2 hour sleeps during Daylight. When I was in the USA in 2016 buying a boat, I tested Walmart Powdered Milk, found it was as good as the best in the World, so stocked up with it Porridge in sealed plastic bags is good for breakfast, so I'd mix the Powdered Milk in, add Sugar (which gets an undeserved bad press, as our bodies can handle sugar no problem) then just add hot water (nb, confession, I prefer nice honey in Porridge). I can go a half a day on that, but later in the morning, I have some chocolate, as my Dietician friend said Chocolate is brilliant for us in the Morning, but don't have any after lunch - so far, so good. It's also easy to make different types of bread Afloat - look for Navajo Fry Bread Recipes and Hillbilly Jitchen on RUclips for easy starter recipes. Stews, Chillies, things like that are easy and fast in a pressure cooker, and fresh bread goes nice with them, plus there's Pasta. Fishing. For round bodied Fish, if they aren't too big, Cut the belly from head to tail, clean out and rinse, cutbthe head off for bait, then on the firm galley worktop lay it out belly down and opened out, then with your fist bang down where the head was to the tail on the back from tail to head, head to tail a few times, then you should be able to grab the head end of the spine, and pull the spine and all the attached bones out of the body. If it's a Scaled Fish, you want to descale it before you start over a tray or something in the Cockpit, and throw them overboard or you'll get Fish scales everywhere and you'll be finding them for weeks. All,ofbthe Fish you now have left is edible. Some people eat fish Raw, but Avoid, as they can have very nasty Parasites, which you definitely don't want. A big problem in Scandinavia, where a lot of people like eating Raw Fish. Thebmorevfishbyouncatch, the better at catching them you get, and the better you get at preparing them when you catch them. Best Wishes and Fair Winds. Bob. 👍🙂🏴
Thanks for mentioning the “heave to” offshore to come in safely the following day. I’ve watched many RUclips sailors who head in when it’s pitch dark and dangerous conditions. I’m always yelling at the screen saying, “why are you doing this?”
Great info James. Thank God it was a cable, and not the ipad or tablet. Can't have enough rachet straps. Rachet straps are the complement of duct/Gorilla tapes for the title of fixall of the universe. Also top shelf are Saddle wire cable clamps I would add.
I am an experienced power boater but alas, not sailing. It was always my dream to sail to far off places but now that I am 70, That doesn't seem likely. If I ever do manage it, I would consider a Wharram 38 ft catamaran with a crew. Last thing on my bucket list. Great videos, I am living my dream through you. Thanks.
James, Love your videos, especially your willingness to share your mistakes and what you have learned from them so that others can learn. I know that I have certainly changed what I bring in my dinghy after your dinghy accident posting! I want to add another reason for having a helmet in your gear list. Going up the mast in any kind of sea state. Keep up the good work!
I haven't seen all of your videos, but I haven't seen one that wasn't very informative , inspiring, or entertaining. I forget what I initially typed in the search bar. You popped up with some others but when I saw the size of your boat (I'm at the earliest stages of learning what all this about and adequate) , you looking like a pirate, and doing it solo; I thought this guy has to know his shit or he wouldn't have all these videos and still be alive. Thank you for having the courage to chase your dreams and not being a douche bag. I love music, all types of music but I found it extremely interesting and couldn't agree more with your radio policy. I try to spend as much time in nature as possible. One of my favorite parts (especially after a stressful day or week) is when you finally get centered in the moment of being and not thinking. For me, that's the part where all I hear is birds chirping, the wind blowing and whisping through the grass, trees, or carrying in the waves. It truly fascinates me how loud and interactive this wonderful planet is but also how much me tune out and drown out in a busy american city or with are minds. I sincerely have a 2yr plan for buying my first vessel and can not wait to hear all the things mother nature and my first lady have to tell me. Thank for the inspiration, knowledge, and your outlook on life. I really appreciate your perspective and genuine-ness (if that is a word). Take care and safe sailing.
Nice follow-up video to the passage. I keep a running list of things to have on the boat for long passages...just added a dozen gadget charging cables and a helmet. Thanks. I only follow solo sailors these days...can't take the fake "whoooo hoooo!!! / "we almost sank our boat!!!!!!" drama of the other channels. -cheers.
This was really interesting. I don't see many videos like this on people's channels. Once they've finished whatever challenge they did, they move on to the next one, and I'm left with tons of questions. I like knowing what could have been done differently. No matter how experienced one is, there's always something that could have gone more smoothly. I figure, why not learn from the best on how to be even better. Thanks for sharing your experiences.
I learned a lot from your video's about sailing! I've operated medium sized open motor boat but never a sailboat and I really want to try sailing once! Thank you for sharing!
Awesome video. I love that boat and I'm thinking of getting one. The Alberg seems very nice. Never been sailing and so wanting this for my life. Gonna be on a budget and I know it's gonna take alot. But absolutely seems so worth it.
Using cut up shiners for bait (the bait to get shiners is cut up chicken gizzard's on a tiny hook& rod) is good for deep sea fishing/trolling off the back w/ a hook or big spoon hook &sinkers, the triangle kind are good. a Rod holder & a net & a gaffs your friends when alone.If you get a shark just cut the line. Always wear gloves to get the hook out & hold them. If your keeping them & hit them in the head (cause you dont have a cooler)w/ something big & heavy.
Great Information... even for those that have not yet made ocean passage. The information about the navigation was so uplifting... we get lost in the array of must have electronics and often forget the beauty of old way navigation. You and Christian Williams have very similar approach to the philosophy of sailing and I love Christian Williams! Great Job and Thank You!!
Thank you Captain James for sharing your journey and passing along all the important information and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Not only are you extremely talented of a sailor, you’re also very good at creating content. Keep up the great work.
Thanks, useful info. I would like to see a video about what its like to reef solo and also other regular functions, like dealing with running backstays and heaving to
Really enjoy watching the channel, when it comes to advice from a budget minded single handed sailor your channel is the one with the best advice from someone with years of experience at sea. Looking forward to more! There are other channels out there with higher production values and very expensive boats but yours is the one for 'real sailors'.
Thank You for this excellent content. I thought I was just going to listen to a bit here and there but was really taken in by the details and your story telling. Watched everything to the end and subscribed. Hope to make a mainland to Hawaii passage someday so all this info was so very practical. Thanks again & stay safe 👍
Thanks for sharing all this info. Regarding the PFD when solo sailing, I always wear mine, but always have by personal Epirb attached to it. My next purchase will be some personal AIS beacons. I feel this new tech is simply a must for the price.
The personal AIS and Epirb will be great for alerting people to where your body is floating. If you fall overboard solo in the middle of the ocean you are dead 👍🏻
Right on James, this was an excellent episode and topic and I’m betting you could put together a couple more like this one from all your travels as well all the knowledge you’ve attained through the years can’t be replaced or bought by someone thinking it’ll be easy with it and is why I like your channel it’s informative backed by trial and error from your hard work, attitude and effort with being down to earth it doesn’t get any more real than this… thank you for sharing all that you do and looking forward to seeing your next episodes… take care friend and everyone else…
I'm slipped in Wilmington. This was excellent, and very useful for us coastal cruisers who dream of going offshore. I've followed your So Cal videos, but until today had no idea your pre-crossing résumé went beyond trips to Cat Harbor and the Channel Islands. You, Sam Holmes, and Christian Williams show us we can, too.
Thank you! I love these videos that just get to the point. I am preparing for my next phase of life with sailing abroad and love your videos. I couldn't have done that trip you did after what happened to you personally but that solo trip probably set you free in a lot of ways.
This is a brilliant video, not just because of the information imparted, but the honesty, thanks. I'm not a sailor, but I relate somewhat because I live in my van, and just recently I was stranded in a winter storm for 6 days. I love this channel, by the way, the last time I was on a boat was about 30 years ago, a ferry from Dover to Calais 😂😂
James, I never comment on any video. But, this one was just so good, so informative. Kudos bro. I actually viewed the whole thing twice. Taking notes for the future. Fair winds buddy. LD
I appreciate your honest sharing of your experience! It's all valuable. Funny, after 20 000nm+ I still feel inexperienced... To do a solo crossing like yours is not on my horizon but I still learn a lot from your video.
Just as a matter of personal experience with fishing, you should always use a gaff or net to get the fish out of the water once it is in reach of the boat and a mallet to kock it out before it can cause anyone injury. I have lost so many fish, poles, gear, time, gas, blood, and respect at the rail trying to pull the fish out and onto the deck that way. Sail on!
I’ve sailed close to 50k miles, crossed oceans and been shipwrecked, and I found nothing in this video I disagree with. Can’t say that about 9 out of 10 sailing RUclipsrs . Liked and subscribed.
I’m not a sailor or even a boater, but I am fascinated by your channel and am loving your videos.
Thanks. 👍🌞
Yet... your not a sailor or a boater, yet.
I found his channel 2.5 years ago and had always planned on sailing and saved money for years and years while in the army. 2 years later I own a boat and have sailed all over the Pacific Northwest and eventually will take off to Hawaii and beyond
As a new sailor who wants to make crossings, I must say that video is worth it's weight in gold. Thank you so much
glad it helped 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
But how could a video weight anything?
Hey Brother...Mark here
I want to thank you for helping me through a rough time tonight. I love the long videos ..I was able to sail with you and forget the shaky ground I was on . Thank you. I mean it.
Just wanna say that you are the real Top G for learning old school navigation. Technology is too unreliable to rely on it for something your life depends on.
Funny how many things we have in common as solo sailors James. For example, I see many sailors playing music while sailing, even coastal sailing, or using headphones. I will never do that. Firstly I'm out there to be in contact with the nature. And I wanna hear it and feel it! Secondly, I want to be able to hear every little sound that my boat makes. The sails, the water, the wind, lines, halyards, sheets, the engine. I also say that the boat speaks to me and I want to be able to listen when it needs me. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Look at your confidence now compared to when you left. Two thumbs up man, great to see!
Appreciate your honesty, all good advice. One possible addition to the content might be sail handling/set up. An old single handler taught me to always,, whatever point of sailing the boat is on, have a preventer on the boom when offshore alone. I have a relatively small mainsail (70s IOR boat) and find I can reef that on a run if I centre the boom first to take the power out of it (simple slab reefing, standard battens). A small jib pulled in tight amidships and a prevented main also works well running downwind, the jib acts to keep the boat on course.
The Cruisers' Handbook of Fishing is THE fishing for cruisers AND for those of us who don't cruise but fish in the tropics. I'm in the UK but have used techniques from it in Florida and Australia. Great video round up of your epic cruise. Well done and thank you.
I can relate to carelessness. I took all my reefing line at once, lowering my main from none to 3 reefs, and then pulled on the reefing lines, one huge pull at once. Suddenly I was across the cockpit, on my arse, luckily without hurting my back or breaking bones. So easy to do!
Everything must be done without hurry, and deliberately. Slow and easy...
Great advice. One thing we learned the hard way was to make sure the anchor is SECURE. It slipped down in big seas and my husband had to go out the v-berth hatch to pull it back up. What a nightmare!
Love your channel. Excellent tips, I took notes.
Tip:
In the military we hv checklists and binders for EVERYTHING. Before an aircraft is launched and after it lands...check check check. A binder with checklists for everything including redundancy checklists. Stowed in waterproof bag.
Fair Winds
Love watching/ hearing from a sailor who sails 'close to the wind'. Moreover, I always get the feeling you're a past sailing soul sailing in the presence. Love your work.
James, I just want to say how much I’ve enjoyed your content. I’ve never been interested in sailing and I stumbled upon your ocean crossing video about 2 months ago. It woke something up inside me I never knew I was missing. I’ve been obsessed with anything sailing lately and I have you to thank for that. Maybe one day I’ll be able to do what you do.
Thank you for this comment! its wonderful to hear 🙏🏻
Brilliant. No nonsense. Keep adding to this please ! Thank you.
Me too! I am buying a sailboat in two years and selling everything I own and heading out to the seas to go wherever the wind blows my sails and I am never coming back
Go sign up for young cruisers association (age doesn’t matter) and you will be even more excited. It’s a community of 10’s of thousands of sailors who when your sails cross in marinas or even during crossings, you lend a helping hand if it’s ever needed, and offer a cold drink, coffee or fish etc. It’s a community who has created their own on the water world society. People who live their life on the sea
Dave from Hawaii here, following along with your fun journey after meeting you here. I think this is my favorite video of yours - thanks for sharing your experience.
Wonderful info James. Thank you for putting this together.
Same here ! I watched your video sailing to Hawaii - I prayed for you! Even right now - let there always be peace when you sail
Without a doubt ALL facts about getting injured... I developed sailors (tennis) elbow on my strong arm with 18 days left (ended up being 22 days) and you need each limb! The burning pain on my elbow from just lifting my coffee cup was unbearable, let alone pulling up the Anchor, Halyard, or working the Jib and Genoa lines. To this day, it still acts up and once in a while turning a door knob reminds me of that journey.
Really enjoy your videos. Personally the sea scares the shit out of me so anybody who can cross an ocean solo is amazing in my book.
I certainly can relate to the one cable and charger for your navigation device. I have been in the same position when a blue one come over the top and landed salt water directly on the cable and charger where it was plugged in. fortunately I was in semi familiar waters but not the harbor I was entering. It was an interesting night. Cant wait to see you visit New Zealand, fair winds.
I remember the first solo passage. I found it so ridiculous that no one would help you knowing you had no steering. I will never forget that.
I appreciate the brutal honesty of your perspectives. The truth is what people need to hear. Neither sugar-coated nor all gloom and doom. Thanks to you, I've joined the ASA and will go to a yacht club next season to learn to sail. Please keep up the videos. Thank you.
Thanks for this video-very interesting to hear your points. What you said about "entertainment" is true for me also when travelling on land, no matter if it's by car or by bike. Will never understand people who block their sense of hearing while driving, riding or hiking.
So happy to hear about your use of paper charts and non-electric abilities to navigate, IE sextant. I spent quite a bit of time on the ocean in the Navy. One of the favorite parts of my job was the use of charts. I was also fascinated when I would see others using the sextant. I don't even think they teach that anymore in the navy and the charts are electronic. Thanks so much for your efforts to put out these videos.
I only came across your channel last night in the UK. I watched your video with you sailing and losing your rudder. Very impressive.
A nice video that of course fits well to watch after the long video where you sail to Hawaii. I think that apart from the safety perspective, as you also point out, it is important to listen to the sounds from the elements and the boat. This is definitely an important part of the whole experience and clearly underestimated. It's a bit like going for a walk in the woods with your earplugs on and listening to Spotify. The natural sounds are gone and with it a big and important part of the whole experience. Sailing is fantastic. I only have experience from the Norwegian skerries and think that crossing a large sea and especially alone must be a really great experience. Keep up the god work :)
One of the best sailing videos that I've seen in a long time.
I couldn't agree with you more. With regards to spares: "Two is one, one is none."
Thanks so much. Really useful information. I have far less experience, only one solo passage from the South coast UK up to the North Atlantic and Norway and back. On a24ft Trident. I’ve now bought a Nicholson 31 and am planning to cross the Atlantic and on into the Pacific. I hope to have one other person on board from UK to the Azores and then on my own from there. Your travels and especially this video ( that I’ve just found) are little pieces of gold!!! Thanks. Guy.
Your solo passage on a Nicholson 31 across the Atlantic will be a cakewalk compared to sailing across the North Sea to Norway on a 24ft boat 💪🏻 You got this no problem 👍🏻
Very good points. Something extremely useful to have in first Aid Kits aboard for Bad Cuts etc, is after using an antiseptic wipe, use Superglue on the Cut, then hit the Superglue with accelerator spray which sets it in a few seconds, then you can build up Superglue layers for extra protection each layer getting accelerator sprayed . luckily I had both plus antiseptic wipes in my truck in a Hurricane Onshore as a Roofing slate got blown off a roof and I glimpsed it headingbto my head at high speed from my left and threw my hand up to deflect it over my head. It hit the index finger on my left hand, and almost severed it. Phoned the local Hospital ER, and they said there were so many injuries, it would be at least 3 hours to get in. Luckily I had a young Apprentice with me, and after cleaning everything up, stuck some Superglue in the gash and got him to hold it all together while Accelerator zsprayed it, then he applied the Superglue I sprayed, and we built it up enough to make a a solid finger stool (I think that's what it's called). I was a bit worried about getting the Superglue off, but as it turned out it all held together fine and after about a day or so, started coming off on its own, leaving a shiny line holding things together. Years later, you can barely see where the Cut was. Bonus the young apprentice stopped being squeamish about blood (a great kid, he turned out to be a top notch roofer, and did exhibition work at shows. Yes, potentially difficult to do single handed, but with care and taking your time, even that should be doable, when necessity comes knocking on the door. The trouble with playing music, is you do lose connection. At one time I was a professional long distance driver, and I stopped even listening to the radio in the Cab. For Naximum Safety on the Road your observation and thinking distance has to be much further ahead than most people have their attention. It's pretty much the same when Afloat. I used to work on 12 minute naps in the Cockpit at night in comfortable warm gear, then wake up, look around, set the alarm 12 minutes again, and right back to sleep. During the day, after a meal, Mostly it was possible to get a couple of 2 hour sleeps during Daylight. When I was in the USA in 2016 buying a boat, I tested Walmart Powdered Milk, found it was as good as the best in the World, so stocked up with it Porridge in sealed plastic bags is good for breakfast, so I'd mix the Powdered Milk in, add Sugar (which gets an undeserved bad press, as our bodies can handle sugar no problem) then just add hot water (nb, confession, I prefer nice honey in Porridge). I can go a half a day on that, but later in the morning, I have some chocolate, as my Dietician friend said Chocolate is brilliant for us in the Morning, but don't have any after lunch - so far, so good. It's also easy to make different types of bread Afloat - look for Navajo Fry Bread Recipes and Hillbilly Jitchen on RUclips for easy starter recipes. Stews, Chillies, things like that are easy and fast in a pressure cooker, and fresh bread goes nice with them, plus there's Pasta. Fishing. For round bodied Fish, if they aren't too big, Cut the belly from head to tail, clean out and rinse, cutbthe head off for bait, then on the firm galley worktop lay it out belly down and opened out, then with your fist bang down where the head was to the tail on the back from tail to head, head to tail a few times, then you should be able to grab the head end of the spine, and pull the spine and all the attached bones out of the body. If it's a Scaled Fish, you want to descale it before you start over a tray or something in the Cockpit, and throw them overboard or you'll get Fish scales everywhere and you'll be finding them for weeks. All,ofbthe Fish you now have left is edible. Some people eat fish Raw, but Avoid, as they can have very nasty Parasites, which you definitely don't want. A big problem in Scandinavia, where a lot of people like eating Raw Fish. Thebmorevfishbyouncatch, the better at catching them you get, and the better you get at preparing them when you catch them. Best Wishes and Fair Winds. Bob. 👍🙂🏴
Absolutely top notch. Thank you James.
Learning is life’s journey… Nice to hear tidbits that helps or hinders… Thanks a bunch…
Very interesting…Some of these practices you can also apply to life on land too. Having back up plans, awareness and so on…Much enjoyed watching 😎👍
Another really good episode you’re giving tips and warnings to sailors. Thank you for this, I’ll keep this one in my head
Thanks for mentioning the “heave to” offshore to come in safely the following day. I’ve watched many RUclips sailors who head in when it’s pitch dark and dangerous conditions. I’m always yelling at the screen saying, “why are you doing this?”
Poor seamanship
Thank you for sharing. I am a beginner in sailing. In my opinion one of the best channels I know. Keep going!
Great info James. Thank God it was a cable, and not the ipad or tablet. Can't have enough rachet straps. Rachet straps are the complement of duct/Gorilla tapes for the title of fixall of the universe. Also top shelf are Saddle wire cable clamps I would add.
I am an experienced power boater but alas, not sailing. It was always my dream to sail to far off places but now that I am 70, That doesn't seem likely. If I ever do manage it, I would consider a Wharram 38 ft catamaran with a crew. Last thing on my bucket list.
Great videos, I am living my dream through you. Thanks.
Wharrams are super cool boats, I had never seen them until I was sailing in Polynesia. You could totally still make that happen
Absolutely brilliant James really worth listening too I enjoyed that well worth it,take care out there.🎉
James,
Love your videos, especially your willingness to share your mistakes and what you have learned from them so that others can learn. I know that I have certainly changed what I bring in my dinghy after your dinghy accident posting!
I want to add another reason for having a helmet in your gear list. Going up the mast in any kind of sea state.
Keep up the good work!
I may have never thought about it, but the skateboard helmet is a really good idea 👍
Easily my favorite sailing channel
This is very informative for sailing solo and educating the modern sailor. Thanks brother James
I haven't seen all of your videos, but I haven't seen one that wasn't very informative , inspiring, or entertaining. I forget what I initially typed in the search bar. You popped up with some others but when I saw the size of your boat (I'm at the earliest stages of learning what all this about and adequate) , you looking like a pirate, and doing it solo; I thought this guy has to know his shit or he wouldn't have all these videos and still be alive. Thank you for having the courage to chase your dreams and not being a douche bag. I love music, all types of music but I found it extremely interesting and couldn't agree more with your radio policy. I try to spend as much time in nature as possible. One of my favorite parts (especially after a stressful day or week) is when you finally get centered in the moment of being and not thinking. For me, that's the part where all I hear is birds chirping, the wind blowing and whisping through the grass, trees, or carrying in the waves. It truly fascinates me how loud and interactive this wonderful planet is but also how much me tune out and drown out in a busy american city or with are minds. I sincerely have a 2yr plan for buying my first vessel and can not wait to hear all the things mother nature and my first lady have to tell me. Thank for the inspiration, knowledge, and your outlook on life. I really appreciate your perspective and genuine-ness (if that is a word). Take care and safe sailing.
Suits behind desks… brilliant
Ty
Nice follow-up video to the passage. I keep a running list of things to have on the boat for long passages...just added a dozen gadget charging cables and a helmet. Thanks.
I only follow solo sailors these days...can't take the fake "whoooo hoooo!!! / "we almost sank our boat!!!!!!" drama of the other channels. -cheers.
I find the worse it is filmed and edited the more i enjoy the vid. After a while the slick ones with the click bait titles really annoy me.
This was really interesting. I don't see many videos like this on people's channels. Once they've finished whatever challenge they did, they move on to the next one, and I'm left with tons of questions. I like knowing what could have been done differently. No matter how experienced one is, there's always something that could have gone more smoothly. I figure, why not learn from the best on how to be even better. Thanks for sharing your experiences.
I learned a lot from your video's about sailing! I've operated medium sized open motor boat but never a sailboat and I really want to try sailing once! Thank you for sharing!
Awesome video. I love that boat and I'm thinking of getting one. The Alberg seems very nice. Never been sailing and so wanting this for my life. Gonna be on a budget and I know it's gonna take alot. But absolutely seems so worth it.
Using cut up shiners for bait (the bait to get shiners is cut up chicken gizzard's on a tiny hook& rod) is good for deep sea fishing/trolling off the back w/ a hook or big spoon hook &sinkers, the triangle kind are good. a Rod holder & a net & a gaffs your friends when alone.If you get a shark just cut the line. Always wear gloves to get the hook out & hold them. If your keeping them & hit them in the head (cause you dont have a cooler)w/ something big & heavy.
Great Information... even for those that have not yet made ocean passage. The information about the navigation was so uplifting... we get lost in the array of must have electronics and often forget the beauty of old way navigation. You and Christian Williams have very similar approach to the philosophy of sailing and I love Christian Williams! Great Job and Thank You!!
Thank you Captain James for sharing your journey and passing along all the important information and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Not only are you extremely talented of a sailor, you’re also very good at creating content. Keep up the great work.
Thank you 🙏🏻
Good ole’ paper charts w/ squares! My meaning of redundancy! Along with a Farmer’s Almanac!
Awsome Information!
Thanks, useful info. I would like to see a video about what its like to reef solo and also other regular functions, like dealing with running backstays and heaving to
Really honest and informative. Thanks James.
Captivating Captain!! Fair winds ☮️❤️
Good to know. Thank you for your candor.
I wish I could like this video twice. Thanks James 👍
Really enjoy watching the channel, when it comes to advice from a budget minded single handed sailor your channel is the one with the best advice from someone with years of experience at sea. Looking forward to more!
There are other channels out there with higher production values and very expensive boats but yours is the one for 'real sailors'.
Thank You for this excellent content. I thought I was just going to listen to a bit here and there but was really taken in by the details and your story telling. Watched everything to the end and subscribed.
Hope to make a mainland to Hawaii passage someday so all this info was so very practical.
Thanks again & stay safe 👍
Thanks for sharing all this info. Regarding the PFD when solo sailing, I always wear mine, but always have by personal Epirb attached to it. My next purchase will be some personal AIS beacons. I feel this new tech is simply a must for the price.
The personal AIS and Epirb will be great for alerting people to where your body is floating. If you fall overboard solo in the middle of the ocean you are dead 👍🏻
Right on James, this was an excellent episode and topic and I’m betting you could put together a couple more like this one from all your travels as well all the knowledge you’ve attained through the years can’t be replaced or bought by someone thinking it’ll be easy with it and is why I like your channel it’s informative backed by trial and error from your hard work, attitude and effort with being down to earth it doesn’t get any more real than this… thank you for sharing all that you do and looking forward to seeing your next episodes… take care friend and everyone else…
I'm slipped in Wilmington. This was excellent, and very useful for us coastal cruisers who dream of going offshore. I've followed your So Cal videos, but until today had no idea your pre-crossing résumé went beyond trips to Cat Harbor and the Channel Islands. You, Sam Holmes, and Christian Williams show us we can, too.
I'm a land lubber and really enjoyed your vid! Thanks for sharing your experiences.
You really know you're stuff James..be safe
Thank you! I love these videos that just get to the point. I am preparing for my next phase of life with sailing abroad and love your videos. I couldn't have done that trip you did after what happened to you personally but that solo trip probably set you free in a lot of ways.
It's very good to see your adventure so please have more of them stay safe
This is a brilliant video, not just because of the information imparted, but the honesty, thanks.
I'm not a sailor, but I relate somewhat because I live in my van, and just recently I was stranded in a winter storm for 6 days.
I love this channel, by the way, the last time I was on a boat was about 30 years ago, a ferry from Dover to Calais 😂😂
Will be watching this several times. Hoping to set sail sometime this year! Not single handed, but short handed. Good advice.
Awesome James thanks for the great information, Steve, NZ.
Fantastic trip, love watching your journeys
As an experienced sailor myself, I agree with everything you said.
Great stuff James more of these :)
Thank you for all thèse informations.
Have a good Luck.
James, I never comment on any video. But, this one was just so good, so informative. Kudos bro.
I actually viewed the whole thing twice.
Taking notes for the future.
Fair winds buddy.
LD
Great video. Lots to learn here. Thank you for sharing 👍
brother, excellent episode. Nice job explaining it all. Right on! \m/
Yep. . .enjoyed it!
Outstanding video, thanks for sharing. Great to have a sailing channel that deals with actual sailing and cruising.
Thanks!
Enjoyed that chat. A lot of useful observations there and well worth listening to.
Nice video! I'm currently prepping now, so very timely!
I appreciate your honest sharing of your experience! It's all valuable. Funny, after 20 000nm+ I still feel inexperienced... To do a solo crossing like yours is not on my horizon but I still learn a lot from your video.
Thank you for this crucial info. I learned a ton. Thanks Captain
Legend! Great Intel 👊🏾
Youre an inspiration bro, im saving for my first Alberg 30 :)
Great vid with lots of info. Can't wait for more
👍🏻
Outstanding video! This is a great look into the real world of solo sailing. Continued success in all you do!
Brilliant, interesting, informative, lessons learned and listed for future reference. Many thanks
You are such a beneficent soul. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and wisdom gained from hard earned experience. Keep giving back brother.
Very pleasant and informative. Thx
Fantastic. Thanks. When u remember the next 12 things pls make another vid of them.
Another great video of yours, thank you for shearing your adventure with us. Stay safe man, stay safe :)
Thank you for the knowledge and insight, very informative
Well done. Some very helpful, pragmatic information based on real experience.
Thanks for sharing.
AL
Vancouver.
Such great information. Thank you James.
Happy to help 👍🏻
Just as a matter of personal experience with fishing, you should always use a gaff or net to get the fish out of the water once it is in reach of the boat and a mallet to kock it out before it can cause anyone injury. I have lost so many fish, poles, gear, time, gas, blood, and respect at the rail trying to pull the fish out and onto the deck that way. Sail on!
Looking forward to see you sailing again
Liked and subscribed. Very straightforward.