Thanks so much for the kind words Patrick. I absolutely adore your channel, you're one of the adventurers who inspire me to experience single handed sailing
I recall crossing Biscay circa 1950 in a destroyer and HMS Glory (aircraft carrier) passed us shipping water over her flightdeck and she reported us as being a submarine, gets a trifle rough at times.
I really enjoy watching your honest approach to making these videos. Confronting ones fears and lack of confidence in certain circumstances is refreshing to see. Good luck
These are the kinds of sailing videos that I have been looking for. Real content, about real sailing. I know that your single-handed, and so filming and working at the same time is not easy, but if you do get the chance to set your camera up so that we can see you trim your boat, that would definitely be worth doing.
Thanks so much for your kind words. I'll do my best to get some sail trim included next time. I'm guilty of being fairly non optimised when it comes to trim to be honest, my Genoa cars haven't been moved in a long time, I don't have an outhaul on my main and frequently don't set up a kicking strap (vang). I'll try though!
Thanks for the truly lovely comment, I've been blown away by the response but this is what I would want on the dvd cover if you know what I mean. Thanks Mark
Great example and description of the challenges of solo sailing. Resilient little boat as well. The nice thing is….your not alone. I just finished sailing Sydney to Tasmania with a circumnavigation of Tassi and then sailed back to Syd solo across the Bass a straight. What you felt I can remember and easily relate too. Well done on your journey and fair winds.
Hello,,what video are you commenting on? On this page he is still on route,,,but you are celebrating and are exhilarated on his sunny Spanish arrival.... What planet are you on? is it drug fuelled? Weirdo
Thanx a lot for these special impressions from Your trip across the Celtic Sea. It‘s great fun and entertainment, but also lessons learning watching this. Thank You very much and Good Luck all the way!
Great video, hats off doing solo, 15:30 -15:37 just sat pissing myself laughing as you commented all going well etc and the noise in the background of all your gear flying around the salon and you are calm. Brilliant. Definitely watching more, keep it up. Safe travels.
Very impressed thanks for keeping music to minimum. Your diary of events is far more important and very educational. I just cannot believe how calm you were below decks with the companion hatch shut and the boat lurching from side to side. I would be so concerned about a rogue wave flattening me over. Great courage. Well done.
Thanks for the comment Tam, delighted that people are finding my videos educational. Yes, before this trip I wouldn't have believed that I'd be more comfortable below decks in this sort of weather, but I developed a trust in the boat and self steering to ride out the weather without my input.
@@SoloSailingSapphira I think you just hit the nail on the head when you wrote “trust the boat and self steering”. I trust my boat but self steering……that’s where I have to overcome my fears.
@@SoloSailingSapphira Currently I’m going through my boat, system by system, replacing and/ or updating components. We installed a new battery bank this week with a modest solar arch for the few electronics I do have. I saw that you run both wind and solar, which has me thinking about this balanced approach since I’m operating out of the Chesapeake Bay which can be fickle with sunshine, depending on the season. Watching you and other solo sailors, there’s a definite physical and emotional component that can’t be over stated or ignored so I’m putting a lot of thought and consideration into my own strategies for dealing with these challenges. My goal currently is Bermuda, which will be the farthest point I’ve been on a single sail. Thanks again for sharing such a great video and all your ideas.
Excellent videos well done I envy your ability to sail offshore single handed I have just sailed around the UK single handed but only day sailing.Best wishes Mike
Just discovered your channel and subscribed. The Halmatic 30 is one of my fave boats! Crazy to see someone sailing one. Right up there with the Nic 31. From the looks of this vid, she’s a great sailing boat. Thanks, I’ll follow along.
Really excited for you! I hope all the best and good pleasant winds all the way. I will be waiting for your next video. I have small 21ft sailing boat and only started sailing not long ago in Lough Erne lake. Looking forward, maybe some time in the future I will try sailing in a wide waters with something slightly bigger. Good luck and keep us posted!
Thanks so much for the well wishes. Lough Erne is lovely, did a bit of J24 racing there a few years back. Boat ownership is so rewarding, always loads to learn
Great videos!! Just got into sailing having my first try tomorrow. Be great to know more about the boat and your background, these videos are making me want a boat !
I was at the helm overnight from St.Malo to Dartmouth when our skipper came on deck and asked if we were making good headway . Not sure , I answered but I'm sure I've seen that wave before .
A few Halmatic 30s have crossed the pond and back, she looks quite stable considering wind and waves. Good to listen to how you settled into the 15 min routine.
Great video(s), and I'm following along what looks like a great adventure. I'm out of Malahide myself and would love to start doing some solo stuff if/when I could find the time...
Thanks for posting, I am relatively new to sailing and have done short solo sails so can imagine a bigger trip like yours. I think Patrick Lane talked a little about sleep in one of his videos (from memory)
Yes, I think I remember seeing that one. I'm sure over the years I've picked up tips from some of the RUclips solo sailors, wasn't sure how the practical application of that would go!
Nicely done, I look forward to seeing more of your videos. I’ve got a Contest 31 that I love, seems to handle similarly to yours. I’m not inclined to make sailing videos myself but I enjoy watching them.
@@SoloSailingSapphira yeah I’m delighted with her. Sails beautifully. Sailing up from Cornwall to Cork last year was a joy. Are you aiming to cross the Atlantic alone too? That’s hardcore!
@@tracktionwaveformtips yeah that's the goal! I'm hoping that the relatively low volume of traffic and the trade winds conditions mean it shouldn't be any more challenging than Biscay, just longer. In theory!
Great video Mark. I am deducing that your boat is a Contessa 32….of which a friend of mine has just bought his second! I have a Dehler 37 based in Bangor, NI. Look forward to watching your voyages.
Sailed Biscay in Oct ,terrifying A sub popped up in middle on no where amazing. Never seen such big waves ,not ashamed to say praying for darknes to not see the sea
Thanks DreamTime! Alternator update, it's still overheating! New theory is that it's clogged with belt dust, going to dismantle and clean, after that it's going to have to go to an alternator shop. Don't know now if maybe it was always overheating.
@@SoloSailingSapphira thanks for update. As a result of your experience I measured the temperature of my new one a few days back after running engine in marina for 30 mins it’s was working charging but temp was not more than 30c so maybe as you say it’s time for a newbie best
Just stumbled across this. Excellent viewing and thank you for going to the trouble of sharing. How did you solve the single handed insurance conundrum?
Hi Paul, thanks for watching! I tried to get comprehensive cover but couldn't manage it. Ended up getting third party cover through Edward William. Fine for entry to marinas etc, covers my whole planned cruising range.
She's a halmatic 30, she looks quite like a couple of other British designs from the late 1970s. Thanks for the comment and I hope you're enjoying the videos
Yes just the one, plus the wind gen. 100w panel. It probably was enough just about for this passage. It was overcast a lot, and downwind. I needed to run the engine a bit at night to give the batteries a boost. I'm anticipating that heading west in lower latitudes I'll get more sun and it should be more on the port quarter, where the panel is hung. Crossing from Portugal to Madeira should be a better test.
I get where you are coming from, but I've got pretty limited room below decks, pushpit mounting for the sort of conditions I'm expecting should be ok. If breaking waves were sweeping the boat I would take it inside
Nicely sailed and nicely told. A challenging first multi-day solo sail..... Bravo.
Thanks so much for the kind words Patrick. I absolutely adore your channel, you're one of the adventurers who inspire me to experience single handed sailing
Yes indeed - u really relayed the experience and worries we all would have sailing and alone for the first time
Patrick is a legend. If you haven't already check out Bill Dunlop's story, 'One Man Alone'.
I recall crossing Biscay circa 1950 in a destroyer and HMS Glory (aircraft carrier) passed us shipping water over her flightdeck and she reported us as being a submarine, gets a trifle rough at times.
😁 amazing, i can picture it
I really enjoy watching your honest approach to making these videos. Confronting ones fears and lack of confidence in certain circumstances is refreshing to see. Good luck
Epic sir just incredibly epic you're doing what many people dream of doing bless you on your journey you're my hero
Thanks so much Alan! It's been a dream of mine for a long time, amazing to be finally doing it
These are the kinds of sailing videos that I have been looking for. Real content, about real sailing. I know that your single-handed, and so filming and working at the same time is not easy, but if you do get the chance to set your camera up so that we can see you trim your boat, that would definitely be worth doing.
Thanks so much for your kind words. I'll do my best to get some sail trim included next time. I'm guilty of being fairly non optimised when it comes to trim to be honest, my Genoa cars haven't been moved in a long time, I don't have an outhaul on my main and frequently don't set up a kicking strap (vang). I'll try though!
I'd be shit scared in them seas but nothing ventured nothing gained.just rewatched that again.love the genuine fear and excitement.
Grass roots sailing, no boat tour, no personal context, just a man on a boat on the deep. Slocum couldn’t have done it grittier. Ripper mate🤙⛵️
Thanks for the truly lovely comment, I've been blown away by the response but this is what I would want on the dvd cover if you know what I mean. Thanks Mark
I really enjoyed this first video, just a bit of chat and sailing then repeat. No nonsense.
"Listening to the noise of the boat"; absolutely!
Great example and description of the challenges of solo sailing. Resilient little boat as well. The nice thing is….your not alone. I just finished sailing Sydney to Tasmania with a circumnavigation of Tassi and then sailed back to Syd solo across the Bass a straight. What you felt I can remember and easily relate too. Well done on your journey and fair winds.
Wow that sounds full on, in your winter and everything. Thanks for the kind words!
Ah brilliant just found another Irish RUclips channel. Fair dues on a fantastic solo sail adventure
Been watching your channel since your meetup with the Salty Lass crew, great that there's more of us now! Thanks very much 😁
Pure exhilaration on that sunny Spanish arrival. Your emotions leapt right off our viewing screens … and made us a part of it all. 👍🇨🇦
Ah thanks so much! It was a very special moment for me, glad to share it!
Hello,,what video are you commenting on? On this page he is still on route,,,but you are celebrating and are exhilarated on his sunny Spanish arrival.... What planet are you on? is it drug fuelled? Weirdo
Thanx a lot for these special impressions from Your trip across the Celtic Sea. It‘s great fun and entertainment, but also lessons learning watching this. Thank You very much and Good Luck all the way!
Great video, hats off doing solo, 15:30 -15:37 just sat pissing myself laughing as you commented all going well etc and the noise in the background of all your gear flying around the salon and you are calm. Brilliant. Definitely watching more, keep it up. Safe travels.
Great sailing
Since I watched the Atlantic X’ing series I’ve been motivated to do more solo sailing. Inspirational, so thank you.
Thanks John that's lovely to hear!
Really enjoyed watching your travels. Looking forwards to part 2!
Loved watching your sail bud, gee I miss my westerly, still retirements just around the corner and maybe another sail boat,
Very impressed thanks for keeping music to minimum. Your diary of events is far more important and very educational. I just cannot believe how calm you were below decks with the companion hatch shut and the boat lurching from side to side. I would be so concerned about a rogue wave flattening me over. Great courage. Well done.
Thanks for the comment Tam, delighted that people are finding my videos educational. Yes, before this trip I wouldn't have believed that I'd be more comfortable below decks in this sort of weather, but I developed a trust in the boat and self steering to ride out the weather without my input.
@@SoloSailingSapphira I think you just hit the nail on the head when you wrote “trust the boat and self steering”. I trust my boat but self steering……that’s where I have to overcome my fears.
Thoroughly enjoyed this video. Really inspiring as I get ready for my own solo journey.
Thanks Jon! Hope your prep is going well. What's your plan if you don't mind me asking?
@@SoloSailingSapphira Currently I’m going through my boat, system by system, replacing and/ or updating components. We installed a new battery bank this week with a modest solar arch for the few electronics I do have. I saw that you run both wind and solar, which has me thinking about this balanced approach since I’m operating out of the Chesapeake Bay which can be fickle with sunshine, depending on the season. Watching you and other solo sailors, there’s a definite physical and emotional component that can’t be over stated or ignored so I’m putting a lot of thought and consideration into my own strategies for dealing with these challenges. My goal currently is Bermuda, which will be the farthest point I’ve been on a single sail. Thanks again for sharing such a great video and all your ideas.
Hi From Co Down Norniron..just discovered your Channel.. loving it. Travelling under sail vicariously 😁😁👍 Happy travels. Ian &Dee.
Well done, good to watch from a stable sofa and hot cup of tea. Keep them coming please.
Thanks Malcome, I appreciate the encouragement 😁
beautiful boat Halmatic is
Excellent videos well done I envy your ability to sail offshore single handed I have just sailed around the UK single handed but only day sailing.Best wishes Mike
Congrats on the UK circumnav, that's very tough too! At least at sea there's not so many tidal headaches
Great video Mark and very well done.
Well done great video looking forward to part 2 👏
This is one of real footage of sailing, not like others showing off girls' bikini lines. A true sailing experiences, you showed us thank you.
Thanks John! Glad you enjoyed it.
Very brave and puts my concerns around my boating in Leitrim into perspective. Best wishes for the remainder of the journey.
😁 thanks for the comment. Some lovely boating in Leitrim, had a nice week between Carrick, Leitrim village and Drumshambo a few summers ago
Well done, very lively conditions from the look of it. Looking forward to Part 2.
Thanks Chris, yep definitely lively!
Awesome mate! I really felt your worries and focus. Almost like being there. Well done and good luck.
Thank you very much Keith!
Brilliant that's good sailing the boats are designed from a lot of experience and trust in that is what we do as sailors
Just discovered your channel and subscribed. The Halmatic 30 is one of my fave boats! Crazy to see someone sailing one. Right up there with the Nic 31. From the looks of this vid, she’s a great sailing boat. Thanks, I’ll follow along.
Thanks so much! Yes they are great boats, for their size they sail really well and handle heavy weather brilliantly.
Well done! Good video. Thank you.
Hey mark well done. I’m so sorry as lost the piece of paper with you details. Great video. Well done brendan.
Thanks Brendan! No worries at all, hope you're having a good summer of sailing.
Good job...nice to find another solo sailor. Subbed.
Great video. Looking fwd to following your trip.
Well done Mark! Really great video!
Thanks Vanessa, delighted to have that one complete!
Great Job, what an adventure, very best of luck, I’ll be following you all the way
Thanks so much Henry!
Really excited for you! I hope all the best and good pleasant winds all the way. I will be waiting for your next video. I have small 21ft sailing boat and only started sailing not long ago in Lough Erne lake. Looking forward, maybe some time in the future I will try sailing in a wide waters with something slightly bigger.
Good luck and keep us posted!
Thanks so much for the well wishes. Lough Erne is lovely, did a bit of J24 racing there a few years back. Boat ownership is so rewarding, always loads to learn
Well done you & keep it going
Nice crossing very nice video as well. The boat performed very well.
Thanks very much! Yep I was delighted by how well the boat did.
Excellent work.
Thanks a million Niall!
Great videos!! Just got into sailing having my first try tomorrow. Be great to know more about the boat and your background, these videos are making me want a boat !
Enjoy your first time out! I'll have to do a boat tour at some stage before the next major offshore passage, thanks for watching!
I was at the helm overnight from St.Malo to Dartmouth when our skipper came on deck and asked if we were making good headway . Not sure , I answered but I'm sure I've seen that wave before .
😁
Well done good sailing.
A few Halmatic 30s have crossed the pond and back, she looks quite stable considering wind and waves. Good to listen to how you settled into the 15 min routine.
Yep there have been a few alright. Lovely boats. Thanks for the comment!
You make it real. Thanks for that.
Thanks for the kind words Hardy
Great video as always 😁😁😁
Thanks Paul ❣️
Nice video!!
Very brilliant sailing ⛵
Thanks 😁 was a good confidence booster
just bought a Halmatic 30 myself, would love a look around yours in an upcoming video..... thanks
Hi Warren, absolutely, was thinking of that. They're a great boat.
Great video(s), and I'm following along what looks like a great adventure. I'm out of Malahide myself and would love to start doing some solo stuff if/when I could find the time...
Thanks for following along! Single handing really is very rewarding, well worth trying a couple of times
Thanks for posting, I am relatively new to sailing and have done short solo sails so can imagine a bigger trip like yours. I think Patrick Lane talked a little about sleep in one of his videos (from memory)
Yes, I think I remember seeing that one. I'm sure over the years I've picked up tips from some of the RUclips solo sailors, wasn't sure how the practical application of that would go!
Nicely done, I look forward to seeing more of your videos. I’ve got a Contest 31 that I love, seems to handle similarly to yours. I’m not inclined to make sailing videos myself but I enjoy watching them.
Thanks for the kind words! I was berthed next to one of those last summer, look like great sea boats.
@@SoloSailingSapphira yeah I’m delighted with her. Sails beautifully. Sailing up from Cornwall to Cork last year was a joy. Are you aiming to cross the Atlantic alone too? That’s hardcore!
@@tracktionwaveformtips yeah that's the goal! I'm hoping that the relatively low volume of traffic and the trade winds conditions mean it shouldn't be any more challenging than Biscay, just longer. In theory!
Nice one .well done
Great video Mark. I am deducing that your boat is a Contessa 32….of which a friend of mine has just bought his second! I have a Dehler 37 based in Bangor, NI. Look forward to watching your voyages.
Thank you Hugh! She's a Halmatic 30, Contessa 32 also great boats, similar lines in some ways for sure.
Sailed Biscay in Oct ,terrifying A sub popped up in middle on no where amazing. Never seen such big waves ,not ashamed to say praying for darknes to not see the sea
I would have lost my life if a sub popped up near me!
Excellent sail, enjoy
Thanks DreamTime! Alternator update, it's still overheating! New theory is that it's clogged with belt dust, going to dismantle and clean, after that it's going to have to go to an alternator shop. Don't know now if maybe it was always overheating.
@@SoloSailingSapphira thanks for update. As a result of your experience I measured the temperature of my new one a few days back after running engine in marina for 30 mins it’s was working charging but temp was not more than 30c so maybe as you say it’s time for a newbie best
Fair Winds from Austria
Just stumbled across this. Excellent viewing and thank you for going to the trouble of sharing.
How did you solve the single handed insurance conundrum?
Hi Paul, thanks for watching! I tried to get comprehensive cover but couldn't manage it. Ended up getting third party cover through Edward William. Fine for entry to marinas etc, covers my whole planned cruising range.
Thsnks for great video.
Please tell - what is your sailing boat type and size?
She's a Halmatic 30, 9 metres long. Thanks for the comment!
Can I ask how you are steering the tiller bar? Have you attached to the wind rudder at the back?
Yes, the Aries wind vane is connected to the tiller and steers her via a servo pendulum rudder. They're really amazing devices, delighted with mine.
What an experience...There are a lot of folks out there doing this, but very different when it's YOU at the tiller. What boat are you sailing please?
Thanks Michael, yes it's been a dream for a good few years, magical to be finally doing it! She's a Halmatic 30
Enjoyed your video, thanks. Which month was it please, I may have missed it.
Hi, thanks very much! It was just last week, set off from Ireland 18th July, arrived Spain 23rd July.
Well done. Solo is challenging. What type of windvane is that?
Thanks very much Deb! It sure is. It's an Aries wind vane
Looks like my boat
She's a halmatic 30, she looks quite like a couple of other British designs from the late 1970s. Thanks for the comment and I hope you're enjoying the videos
Fair winds
Nice video and beautiful boat, great to see the flag! Learn to trust your ais alarm or you'll drive yourself mad!
Yep was well on the way to driving myself mad! Got some trust in it towards the end. Thanks for the comment!
When did you make this crossing? What month? Please
Hi Carole, I made this crossing in July 2022. Thanks for watching!
Did you only have the one solar panel? if so how many watts was it? And was it enough???
Yes just the one, plus the wind gen. 100w panel. It probably was enough just about for this passage. It was overcast a lot, and downwind. I needed to run the engine a bit at night to give the batteries a boost. I'm anticipating that heading west in lower latitudes I'll get more sun and it should be more on the port quarter, where the panel is hung. Crossing from Portugal to Madeira should be a better test.
@@SoloSailingSapphira Thanks. All the very best for the rest of your trip.
A cool head
When you say 20 past 6, its exactly 20 past 6 here
You Must have a Bullenstander (Preventer)
Yep rigged one up for this trip, essential really, wouldn't be without one now even for coastal sailing
Store the liferaft BELOW decks. So often, when a storm hits, if the liferaft is outside it is swept away? Fair winds.
I get where you are coming from, but I've got pretty limited room below decks, pushpit mounting for the sort of conditions I'm expecting should be ok. If breaking waves were sweeping the boat I would take it inside
Already tried to pick-up a 50 kg life raft in the cabin to get it on deck ? Even in port and with no stress it's quite a job...