Probably the best 12 minutes I have spent in RUclips in the last 10 years! I learned to sail in the Boy Scouts. Had a terrific sailing instructor. On day one he threw me into a Flying Scot, put the tiller in my hand, hoisted the sail, and said, "Off you go boy. Figure it out." I literally had NO IDEA what did what. Well, I blundered around the lake until it clicked. It was the best sailing lesson I ever had. To this day when I am confronted with another sailing challenge, like single-handing a 40 footer, I hear Mr. Irwin's voice, "Off you go boy. Figure it out." Thank you Tom Cunliffe. Thank you Mr. Irwin. Those who have taught us live forever in our experiences as we live forever in those whom we teach.
It's a Wonderful Life! You wisely left out all the horrible wind and contrary tides and Gordian Knots but if we knew about that we never would have known the best part of Life On The Wind!
Fascinating! Back in 1967 my friends and I went to Horning on the Broads and hired a couple of those engineless ketches with the roof you lift up when moored. You learn quite a bit about sailing on those! Great story Tom.
Hi Tom. You're kindred spirit I started sailing when I was a kid and sailed with my dad on the Waveney at Beccles back in the 1950s in a little old luggage dinghy. We graduated to hired cabin yachts from Hunters of Ludham. Those gorgeous iconic Hustlers! I went on one from Ludham right through Yarmouth with a schoolmate in 1961, up to Bramerton near Norwich, great adventure. Since then I've crossed the Channel on an old Brixham trawler, and more lately sailed to Oban, Coll, Iona and Mull, now my favourite place. Thanks for precious memories!
I loved this story. You come from Stockport!!! My father's family came from Stockport too! Although by the time I came along they'd been in Bolton for 2 generations. I had a yearning to be on the water from my first years. I was determined to be on the water somehow from being small. "That magical thing. Converts flowing air into motion, and you can feel it under your hand. " I started in a dinghy. I was totally self-taught too.
I have read just about every magazine article & watched every video you have produced! This one was brilliant, and touching. I grew up on the Massachusetts sea shore and watched such notable sailing vessels as the "Yankee" skippered by Irvin Johnson, and numerous schooners cutting through the outer bay just wishing I could sail with them. My Grandfather left Nova Scotia at 13 on a fishing schooner and in turn skippered for 30+ years; maybe that's where the yearning started. Even though the diesel fishing boats were plentiful back in the early 1960's, it was sailing that I loved. You have made sailing come alive for me once again. We grew up in the same era but you were the one who sailed. Thank You!
What a lovely story. I think you should haul Martin out of his ivory tower for a sailing turn on the Broads. Captured on film for us of course and including the banter over a tawny port below decks afterwards.
Similarly i started young on lakes and rivers fishing and boating. But never sailed no one in my family has sailed but i decided at 32 yrs old im going to take sailing classes. I am at home on the water but what amazed me after 30yrs on boats was the SILENCE. Just wind pushing you through the water. Its great. Ill have a liveaboard boat someday till then ill be the one single guy out there taking sailing classes/renting 😃
Excellent. I feel exactly the same about the beautiful Norfolk Broads and those perfect gaff-rigged boats. There's not a person I've taken out who's not come back beaming from ear to ear. Even the nervous sceptics.
Also learned to sail on the broads. A wonderful place. My school had access to Barton broad. Coypu's Wayfarer's, Boatswans, and even a Fireball. Your so right about the power of wind through the tiller. Once it captures you..... Great Yarn Tom. Splashing tomorrow after two weeks of boat work on the hard in Tunisia. Sail Safe Guys, Ant, Cid & the pooch crew.
That's was great to listen to. Love your channel your enthusiasm for sailing and your vast knowledge would inspire anyone to get out sailing.. Keep the good work up
I confess I still find it amazing when the sails fill and the boat moves - and the silence! Fantastic. Would never have guessed that you read Law, can't help thinking that you were much wiser than me in running away to sea after university! What an amazing experience to go sailing on that schooner with a captain who'd sailled in that era! I'm sure your dad was actually very happy and proud of you! Great story Tom, thank you for sharing!
That's a fantastic story, almost the same as when me and my friend first went sailing although that was only 2 years ago. A reunion between the two of you hiring out the same type of boat would make an amazing video.
Tom as always its a pleasure to hear your story's, looking forward to hearing more. if you are ever short handed this year it would be an honor to help out (always learning )
Tom, compelling! What a beautiful explanation. The “hand on the tiller” while the wind drives the boat. Yes I can remember the first time I experienced that. (For me it was a Mirror on a Bromsgrove reservoir. Aren’t we lucky to have enjoyed these things.
Powered by nature! I tryed seiling and think i got my drug. As I do whith paragliding but that is more demanding. I came over your Y.T. and I am so pleased. My father was a mate in his young days, and I have been told his father did kravell boats. Yes all the tools trowed away. I no got a 18' "færing", a open klinker 3 par ore row boat, whit some seils. So I gess more bathing than seiling when i am going to try her. Like You I got a book. " Learn to seil". What can possibly go wrong?
Your stories always light a fire inside me Tom and make me smile. I see that fire still burns bright within you. I hope I get a chance to sail with you one day and share a yarn. All the best to you and yours.
Hello Tom. That was a great story and poignant to me. In my early days as an aspirant skipper, I once met a super skipper (also a yachtmaster examiner) who advised me to just keep sailing and not get too hung up on developing technology and gadgets. The chap had been giving a talk at a Ocean Youth Club - north west region weekend at Plas Menai in north Wales. It was in 1988 and I was about to start a job as an instructor at the Scottish Outward Bound centre (Loch Eil). I was to be part of a team running sailing expeditions for young people in open boats in the sound of Mull area. There were definitely no gadgets on those boats! Pure sailing. The wise words that shaped my thinking and development came from you Tom and I’ve never forgotten that meeting. You’ve always been a inspiration. Thank you. Fair winds, Peter
and this is why you are so interesting Tom, not sure why but I was feeling quite emotional listening to your life story. Hopefully we all have at least one moment in our lives when we can think back with fond memories. Kids around me today don't seem to do anything exciting except getting drunk and fighting. I loved my short time teaching outdoor pursuits but there wasn't any money in it and I had to give it up., however I will never forget sea kayaking from Kinsale to Dingle bay on the south coast of Ireland camping along the way with flat calm seas and sunny weather all week with an overnight stop on Clear Island and a lovely pint of Guiness
Thank you Tom, for putting the magic in to sailing, I love the details of your adventures . Thank you for putting your experiences so eloquently. I’ve only been sailing around the UK, I loved it, but at the same time , frightened stupid.Regards ChrisB
You can never tire of Tom's story telling, so much common sense is spoken. Many a quiet passage has been done to his Sailing, yachts and yarns on Audible.
Thank you for sharing this story from your life. I think men have lost the joy of simply living. Instead it is now about working, careers, achievements, power, wealth, domination, reaping. Where is the joy in that? Again, thank you and best regards from Palmetto, Florida.
A brilliant ambassador for sailing, the sea and joie de vivre. Yet another infectiously enthusiastic and affectionate missive from the wonderful Mr Tom Cunliffe. He makes you feel good to be alive. Thanks skipper.
Beautiful Tom. Give us some more. I had my first real yacht when I was 38 but loved every minute of my cruising life but had to earn a living on land. I have had to ‘swallow the anchor’ but still yearn to sail. Best regards.
Tom Cunliffe is one of the brilliant chroniclers of our times and his particular navigation and appreciation of things past and things lasting is a precious gift. I hope his genuine wisdom, expertise and joie de vivre will inspire future generations that discover his work.
This is a great story and I admire your tenacity. We need more of this kind of spirit in the world rather than people just wanting everything handed to them.
I just ordered a copy of Slocum's book, "Sailing Alone..." I read it first a long time ago. I know a bit more about boats and sailing, so I'm sure I'll appreciate it more this time. Thanks, Tom, for your great vids.
Tom: Thank you so much for these stories and memories. You remind us all of what sailing is ... it's a life experience that is so much more than the act of sailing itself.
Bless your heart. I'm watching this with tears in my eyes. It's a funny thing. How can one man get sucked into a life on the ocean waves...and another...(me) just get rebuttals and dead ends. How utterly strange. The doors opened for you Tom...and they closed for me...how on earth can I make sense of that? 5:25 that looks like a toy boat!!! God in his heavens that is insane. Tom...you are national treasure....I wish you every success and happiness. Your videos make me so happy.
My introduction was similar. Dad rowed at Cambridge in the 30's and as a 7 year old (in the 50's) he built a 'Cartop' Dingy, later to be known as the Heron. We sailed/rowed/outboard motored it for many years at Studland. When I went to school I joined the sailing club on the Thames at Pangborne and sailed GP 14's to learn on and then Firefies in the interschool competitions. During this time a friend acquired an ex-Prince of Wales Cup boat, International 14, called 'Devlin' and we sailed it together - a little quicker than the Firefly! Later I sailed on one of the first all fibreglass boats, a 'Wineglass' and the exciting Shearwater catamaran. When my children were old enough we built another Heron.
Thank you for sharing your early years and finding your destiny. You are really lucky in sense how very fortuitous your journey had been. One providential step to the next, meeting people who somewhat pointed the way. And how very wonderful the captain was who gave you a chance working on his yacht. You could very well named your first boat - Serendipity. I feel happy for the like of you, Sir. What a life!
Dear Mr. Cunliffe, I see your videos and am amazed. Thank you for showing us here in Brazil these wonderful vessels. Protecting its traditions and encouraging youth to love its entire history. Congratulations and thanks.
Thanks so much Tom; a beautiful father's day gift.
Probably the best 12 minutes I have spent in RUclips in the last 10 years! I learned to sail in the Boy Scouts. Had a terrific sailing instructor. On day one he threw me into a Flying Scot, put the tiller in my hand, hoisted the sail, and said, "Off you go boy. Figure it out." I literally had NO IDEA what did what. Well, I blundered around the lake until it clicked. It was the best sailing lesson I ever had. To this day when I am confronted with another sailing challenge, like single-handing a 40 footer, I hear Mr. Irwin's voice, "Off you go boy. Figure it out." Thank you Tom Cunliffe. Thank you Mr. Irwin. Those who have taught us live forever in our experiences as we live forever in those whom we teach.
Nobody on this planet can spin a yarn like Tom 👌🏼
The spark in your eyes. The enthusiasm in you voice and the storytelling skills. Wonderful video!!!! Thanks!
This man could read you your last rights and somehow make it warm and soothing.
Thank you. You are awesome. Please keep bringing us knowledge. Thank you.
It's a Wonderful Life! You wisely left out all the horrible wind and contrary tides and Gordian Knots but if we knew about that we never would have known the best part of Life On The Wind!
Ditto master storey teller by a master historian!
Brilliant, absolutely cracking tale, as usual. Man those little boats had a spread of canvas!
Entirely excellent!! Thanks Tom 😃
Fascinating! Back in 1967 my friends and I went to Horning on the Broads and hired a couple of those engineless ketches with the roof you lift up when moored. You learn quite a bit about sailing on those! Great story Tom.
Hi Tom. You're kindred spirit I started sailing when I was a kid and sailed with my dad on the Waveney at Beccles back in the 1950s in a little old luggage dinghy. We graduated to hired cabin yachts from Hunters of Ludham. Those gorgeous iconic Hustlers! I went on one from Ludham right through Yarmouth with a schoolmate in 1961, up to Bramerton near Norwich, great adventure. Since then I've crossed the Channel on an old Brixham trawler, and more lately sailed to Oban, Coll, Iona and Mull, now my favourite place. Thanks for precious memories!
Fantastic! inspiring....sail on!
Always good.
I loved this story. You come from Stockport!!! My father's family came from Stockport too! Although by the time I came along they'd been in Bolton for 2 generations. I had a yearning to be on the water from my first years. I was determined to be on the water somehow from being small. "That magical thing. Converts flowing air into motion, and you can feel it under your hand. " I started in a dinghy. I was totally self-taught too.
I have read just about every magazine article & watched every video you have produced! This one was brilliant, and touching. I grew up on the Massachusetts sea shore and watched such notable sailing vessels as the "Yankee" skippered by Irvin Johnson, and numerous schooners cutting through the outer bay just wishing I could sail with them. My Grandfather left Nova Scotia at 13 on a fishing schooner and in turn skippered for 30+ years; maybe that's where the yearning started. Even though the diesel fishing boats were plentiful back in the early 1960's, it was sailing that I loved. You have made sailing come alive for me once again. We grew up in the same era but you were the one who sailed. Thank You!
Such a lovely story. I’d happily be stuck in a pub listening to you for hours!
Thanks for sharing. It made me smile.
Love your stories Tom, many thanks.........
What a lovely story. I think you should haul Martin out of his ivory tower for a sailing turn on the Broads. Captured on film for us of course and including the banter over a tawny port below decks afterwards.
Really, really wonderful.
Beautiful Tom. Thanks!
Wonderfully enlightening Tom thank you very much for the inspiration.
Similarly i started young on lakes and rivers fishing and boating. But never sailed no one in my family has sailed but i decided at 32 yrs old im going to take sailing classes. I am at home on the water but what amazed me after 30yrs on boats was the SILENCE. Just wind pushing you through the water. Its great. Ill have a liveaboard boat someday till then ill be the one single guy out there taking sailing classes/renting 😃
Excellent. I feel exactly the same about the beautiful Norfolk Broads and those perfect gaff-rigged boats. There's not a person I've taken out who's not come back beaming from ear to ear. Even the nervous sceptics.
One of my favorite videos on RUclips. Thanks for sharing!!!
Thank God for history Tom. Thank you for sharing this with us and thanks to your Dad.
Pull up a stool and pull Tom a pint - then he can ‘swing the lamp’ 😀👍⛵️
Tom, what a lovely story, lump in the throat and all that!!
"And i've got to stop cause there's a lump in my throat." -the immortal Murray Walker.
(Yank here)
How many rounds of ale would I buy just to listen to this wonderful man tell stories of his sailing adventures at a good old sailor pub...
What an absolute treasure of a man. I could listen to his stories all day.
Great story.
Also learned to sail on the broads. A wonderful place. My school had access to Barton broad. Coypu's Wayfarer's, Boatswans, and even a Fireball. Your so right about the power of wind through the tiller. Once it captures you..... Great Yarn Tom. Splashing tomorrow after two weeks of boat work on the hard in Tunisia. Sail Safe Guys, Ant, Cid & the pooch crew.
Great story Tom.
The joy you feel for the water, and the boats that sail them, is contagious. Keep spreading it!!!
I just came across your channel a few days ago and am really enjoying all your stories and your knowledge. Great Channel.
That's was great to listen to. Love your channel your enthusiasm for sailing and your vast knowledge would inspire anyone to get out sailing.. Keep the good work up
Fantastic story glad you chose the right true path!
a fantastic story!! thank you!
Oh, what a story! Thanks a lot!
lovely history. thanks for share it with us.
A good old yarn from a good old sailor. Always a pleasure to listen to you.
I confess I still find it amazing when the sails fill and the boat moves - and the silence! Fantastic. Would never have guessed that you read Law, can't help thinking that you were much wiser than me in running away to sea after university! What an amazing experience to go sailing on that schooner with a captain who'd sailled in that era! I'm sure your dad was actually very happy and proud of you! Great story Tom, thank you for sharing!
Brilliant!!
That's a fantastic story, almost the same as when me and my friend first went sailing although that was only 2 years ago. A reunion between the two of you hiring out the same type of boat would make an amazing video.
Thanks so much Tom. Watching this gave me the best start to the day I've had in a long time. A wonderful story beautifully told.
That was like a familiar song Tom. Thanks!
That was marvelous. Thank you for sharing.
That was wonderful Tom. I always enjoy your posts, learning from you in your informal friendly way. Thank you for your time..
Most excellent! Very inspiring, am a sailor myself, absolutely love the life.
Just wonderful, thank you for sharing.
Tom, your a hell of a guy!
Tom Cunliffe: GREATEST storyteller anywhere!!
Yessir!
Tom as always its a pleasure to hear your story's, looking forward to hearing more. if you are ever short handed this year it would be an honor to help out (always learning )
I learned to sail on the broads, so did Nelson , I believe, the gaff rigs are best, great story
Tom Yes the Norfolk Broads has a lot to answer for. Cheers
You are an amazing story teller and a true inspiration! My experience getting into sailing was somewhat similar to yours.
My copy of "alone around the world" came in yesterday!
Tom, compelling! What a beautiful explanation.
The “hand on the tiller” while the wind drives the boat. Yes I can remember the first time I experienced that. (For me it was a Mirror on a Bromsgrove reservoir.
Aren’t we lucky to have enjoyed these things.
From the Isle of Man here, such a great environment for sailing and boating !
I think you picked wisely.
Great story Tom. Was that first sail at Hunters Yard near Ludham?
😊
Tom, is that your father in a Spitfire (?) in the picture behind you? Thank you for great posts..
Powered by nature! I tryed seiling and think i got my drug. As I do whith paragliding but that is more demanding. I came over your Y.T. and I am so pleased. My father was a mate in his young days, and I have been told his father did kravell boats. Yes all the tools trowed away. I no got a 18' "færing", a open klinker 3 par ore row boat, whit some seils. So I gess more bathing than seiling when i am going to try her. Like You I got a book. " Learn to seil". What can possibly go wrong?
I enjoyed that, much better than your singing :)
I sadly haven't the vocabulary to put into words how much I respect you as one of the most lovely, interesting men I've ever known ..
I couldn't have put it better myself.
Then buy his books :)
@@sailingmarie7097 I do, he signed one of them for me .
Adam ! You did well. Many of us feel exactly the same. Well said.
I think you just did!
Your stories always light a fire inside me Tom and make me smile. I see that fire still burns bright within you. I hope I get a chance to sail with you one day and share a yarn. All the best to you and yours.
Hello Tom. That was a great story and poignant to me. In my early days as an aspirant skipper, I once met a super skipper (also a yachtmaster examiner) who advised me to just keep sailing and not get too hung up on developing technology and gadgets. The chap had been giving a talk at a Ocean Youth Club - north west region weekend at Plas Menai in north Wales. It was in 1988 and I was about to start a job as an instructor at the Scottish Outward Bound centre (Loch Eil). I was to be part of a team running sailing expeditions for young people in open boats in the sound of Mull area. There were definitely no gadgets on those boats! Pure sailing. The wise words that shaped my thinking and development came from you Tom and I’ve never forgotten that meeting. You’ve always been a inspiration. Thank you. Fair winds, Peter
and this is why you are so interesting Tom, not sure why but I was feeling quite emotional listening to your life story. Hopefully we all have at least one moment in our lives when we can think back with fond memories. Kids around me today don't seem to do anything exciting except getting drunk and fighting. I loved my short time teaching outdoor pursuits but there wasn't any money in it and I had to give it up., however I will never forget sea kayaking from Kinsale to Dingle bay on the south coast of Ireland camping along the way with flat calm seas and sunny weather all week with an overnight stop on Clear Island and a lovely pint of Guiness
What a wonderful story... you friends across the pond
Rowing takes me back to Jimmies boat yard at port Bannatyne Isles of Bute. Terrific rowing boats happy days .
The magic of water and wind 👏😆
👍
Thank you Tom, for putting the magic in to sailing, I love the details of your adventures . Thank you for putting your experiences so eloquently. I’ve only been sailing around the UK, I loved it, but at the same time , frightened stupid.Regards ChrisB
You can never tire of Tom's story telling, so much common sense is spoken. Many a quiet passage has been done to his Sailing, yachts and yarns on Audible.
Fabulous video, Tom. Good for you!
Always nice to listen to you recalling the past. Very interesting as usual.
Great storey Tom, always a pleasure to hear from you, with very interesting anecdotes here and there. Great video too, spot on!
Thank you for sharing this story from your life. I think men have lost the joy of simply living. Instead it is now about working, careers, achievements, power, wealth, domination, reaping. Where is the joy in that? Again, thank you and best regards from Palmetto, Florida.
A brilliant ambassador for sailing, the sea and joie de vivre. Yet another infectiously enthusiastic and affectionate missive from the wonderful Mr Tom Cunliffe. He makes you feel good to be alive. Thanks skipper.
Beautiful Tom. Give us some more. I had my first real yacht when I was 38 but loved every minute of my cruising life but had to earn a living on land. I have had to ‘swallow the anchor’ but still yearn to sail. Best regards.
Awesome story. :)
Simply marvellous, Tom. A few more of these and you'll have your autobiography done!!
What a story! I hope you know how many others you’ve inspired and instructed.
Tom Cunliffe is one of the brilliant chroniclers of our times and his particular navigation and appreciation of things past and things lasting is a precious gift. I hope his genuine wisdom, expertise and joie de vivre will inspire future generations that discover his work.
A riveting, enjoyable recounting. The images added the third dimension.
Thanks lad.
This is a great story and I admire your tenacity. We need more of this kind of spirit in the world rather than people just wanting everything handed to them.
thank you for sharing this amazing story. Absolute legend.
I am absolutely absorbed by Tom. Just wonderful stuff! Currently binge watching the archive :)
I just ordered a copy of Slocum's book, "Sailing Alone..." I read it first a long time ago. I know a bit more about boats and sailing, so I'm sure I'll appreciate it more this time. Thanks, Tom, for your great vids.
Tom: Thank you so much for these stories and memories. You remind us all of what sailing is ... it's a life experience that is so much more than the act of sailing itself.
Bless your heart. I'm watching this with tears in my eyes. It's a funny thing. How can one man get sucked into a life on the ocean waves...and another...(me) just get rebuttals and dead ends. How utterly strange. The doors opened for you Tom...and they closed for me...how on earth can I make sense of that? 5:25 that looks like a toy boat!!! God in his heavens that is insane. Tom...you are national treasure....I wish you every success and happiness. Your videos make me so happy.
My introduction was similar. Dad rowed at Cambridge in the 30's and as a 7 year old (in the 50's) he built a 'Cartop' Dingy, later to be known as the Heron. We sailed/rowed/outboard motored it for many years at Studland. When I went to school I joined the sailing club on the Thames at Pangborne and sailed GP 14's to learn on and then Firefies in the interschool competitions. During this time a friend acquired an ex-Prince of Wales Cup boat, International 14, called 'Devlin' and we sailed it together - a little quicker than the Firefly! Later I sailed on one of the first all fibreglass boats, a 'Wineglass' and the exciting Shearwater catamaran. When my children were old enough we built another Heron.
Tom, you are such a great storyteller and educator. All this positive energy is exactly what I need now. A big thank you for everything! 🙏❤️🇸🇪⛵️
Thank you for sharing your early years and finding your destiny. You are really lucky in sense how very fortuitous your journey had been. One providential step to the next, meeting people who somewhat pointed the way. And how very wonderful the captain was who gave you a chance working on his yacht. You could very well named your first boat - Serendipity. I feel happy for the like of you, Sir. What a life!
Dear Mr. Cunliffe, I see your videos and am amazed. Thank you for showing us here in Brazil these wonderful vessels. Protecting its traditions and encouraging youth to love its entire history. Congratulations and thanks.
absolutely fantastic!
I just love this story. I’ve listened to it three times now and it always makes me smile. Very inspirational.
What a great story! Thanks for sharing.