100% correct. With those flat hull sections forward of the keel that promote surfing modern boats are not ‘sea kindly’ whatsoever and with the added factor that modern composites/construction methods are much more sonorous than traditional vessels, the scene is set for a really miserable crew experience when beating to windward. I would say however, that whilst this was my first proper beat on this boat - I have since completed 1000Nm beat to windward through very heavy seas (coming soon on this channel) and have decided this is the best boat on the beat that I have ever sailed - in terms of performance + crew comfort. You’ll see what I mean when we get to that part of the story :)!!

@@CSMtheMariner I must have a screw loose but I actually love beating to windward. Used to love beating with a Kevlar No. 3 and full or one reef in main, helming was very exciting. Plus crew on the rail kept me pretty dry most of the time!

@@AndyUK-Corrival "I actually love beating to windward" Me too! My favourite point of sail. I don't have a ton of recent experience sailing but I'd rather be close-hauled than running downwind any day. Perhaps I'd change my mind after a long passage, but at this point I don't think so. Greetings from Newfoundland. (Going for a sail tomorrow or Friday, actually! 🙂)

Yep- I agree with Harbour Dog- I love beating-!! always have since I first sailed on a Challenge 67 from Hong Kong to Japan during the North East monsoon period in about December 2005. I can be that specific because the experience was so impactful. To finally be on a boat that provided me (as the mate) a 100% sense of security that she could 'take' what the Taiwan straits was dealing out was a magical experience. Once you are able to move beyond worrying about is this boat about to fold in half- beating is an extremely thrilling point of sail without the gut wrenching nerves that accompany flying spinnakers in heavy weather. I think you are going to really like the footage from further on in this voyage :)

Hey Simon! I feel very lucky indeed that this is my ‘job’, and I am even happier now I have found a way to share my experiences with other people! Thanks so much for your support as one of my first members here on KZfaq - it really means a lot to me :)👍

Thanks Bruce! Lots to come in this story and while this is playing out in YT land- in the real world I have started filming the preparation for the upcoming Global Solo Challenge so you will have that to sink your teeth into once this tale reaches it's conclusion !

absolutely right and as someone who has suffered a mental breakdown at sea, due to the physical stress and mental pressure of the situation I was in- I am extremely keen that sailors learn about this key safety concern and take measures to mitigate it.

yeah.. or 12 more crew ;)!

It's a work in motion trying to understand how to best display the data but with the support I am getting here from KZfaq members like yourself and the same over on Patreon, I am sure I can develop a style over time that will be able to communicate in some way the 'full experience'! The mainsail did not fair very well after this episode and you are going to see a lot more concerning that in future episodes :)!

I’m trying to learn from Erik Aanderaa after reviewing his video last time! - may take me a little time to achieve the correct balance ;)

Somebody knows me VERY well :) I am sure there were a few yummy gummy candies close by... I can't believe I went to sea without at least a few pounds!!