My First Ever Destination Sail | Blaine, Washington, USA

Рет қаралды 1,291

Күн бұрын

Here we go...every grand adventure begins with one small step. This is mine, a short 12 mile passage from Point Roberts to Blaine, WA. My first attempt at sailing somewhere with a purpose. I am, after all, still learning to sail! This is only my second time ever solo-sailing.
I made it safe and sound to Blaine though, and have been enjoying this wonderful little border town. There's ice cream and coffee and cinnamon buns and Indian food!
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In this episode, I get the sailboat out into the blue water and am surprised at how easily I settle into the trip. Everything went smoothly until the very last few seconds! Still though...a lesson learned and no damage done.
“I am looking for someone to share in an adventure that I am arranging, and it's very difficult to find anyone.' J.R.R. Tolkien - The Hobbit
I am in Blaine to meet up with a friend. Her name is Dana. Dana wants to sail, and live on a boat, so she got my attention right there. We've been chatting for almost two weeks now and it is time to see how we get along in person, and on the boat. The beginnings of things are fun and interesting, and a little scary.
For this week though, it is simply about that first step towards the huge voyage of sailing to Scotland. One small passage will lead to progressively longer ones, until we get to where we're going.
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John
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00:00 Getting underway - preparing to set sail
09:55 Losing my iphone
12:00 Sailing preparations
17:55 Dowsing the foresail in Blaine Harbor
21:24 Stowing the sail

Пікірлер: 95

@user-gr2sv9rd7m 2 ай бұрын

Hey John, the opening shot with you sailing, I said to myself…boy is he Mr. Confident (of course in a good way) then you started saying how nervous you are…looks like mild conditions😊 I have been a captain (100 ton master) since the early 90’s, and this week I ran aground hard…just took 1 second of looking the wrong way (I was in the channel) I tried everything to free the boat, but I ended up having to call for a tow..the tow captain was so nice and in about half an hour I was free! I was about 300 yards to turning in my next Anchorage…the tow boat was so nice, without even asking, he towed me into where I was going to anchor and waited until my anchor was down, and had started my engine to be sure it was ok! A beautiful night, steak on the grill and all was right with the world. Anyway, just wanted to share even someone with tons of experience can have a challenging day! You are doing an awesome job!😊⛵

@JohnSchneidersWildLife 2 ай бұрын

oh man...thank you for this. Sometimes I feel like such a newb and other times I'm feeling like I got this. It is both reassuring, and unsettling, to know that these bad things can happen...even to folks like you. Thank you for sharing that.

@richardcook4007 2 ай бұрын

Congratulations 🎉! Nicely done John. From one novice to another, you are getting it figured out and thinking about the right things while preparing before, during and after the journey. I would say all you need is more experience and that is exactly what you are getting! Look forward to seeing Blaine for myself, thanks for sharing.

@JohnSchneidersWildLife 2 ай бұрын

See you in a few hours now Rick!

@richardcook4007 2 ай бұрын

The boat has a pretty versatile furler setup as you can hank on as you are and also add the furler head (if you can replace the bearings) and have a furler. We can chat about that and look at the other sails to clarify the options. Basically you have a dual setup.

@JohnSchneidersWildLife 2 ай бұрын

Right? I do love that ability to fall back on a system should something go sideways with the main (furler) system.

@user-bh8th9hz8k 2 ай бұрын

Congratulations, you did it.....hats off to you!!

@JohnSchneidersWildLife 2 ай бұрын

I did to it!

@DanielWolfsong 2 ай бұрын

"One sail at a time. Little wins all the time." Mega inspiring following your adventure, John. And hearing the stories and wisdom you're sharing with us along the way.

@JohnSchneidersWildLife 2 ай бұрын

Thanks buddy. I feel the same way about your content btw!

@LuckBALady333 2 ай бұрын

I love watching this, the beginning of our story.

@user-lx4sn9im2k 2 ай бұрын

Hint no. 3: Definitely do jacklines and a tether for going forward! I'm 86 and still sailing. My first relatively open water trip was Port Townsend to Victoria, some 30 years ago! Another John!

@JohnSchneidersWildLife 2 ай бұрын

A tether is most definitely in the near future. I was looking at them yesterday as a matter of fact.

@JohnSchneidersWildLife 2 ай бұрын

86 and still sailing!?! Wow...I definitely want to be like you, John! Congrats.

@user-lx4sn9im2k 2 ай бұрын

A great first cruise! Hints: Raise sail with halyard until luff wrinkles disappear, sheet in just enough to keep sail off of spreader and shrouds! How we learn, eh!

@JohnSchneidersWildLife 2 ай бұрын

Sheet-in...you mean with the Boom Vang?

@sailingmare6563 2 ай бұрын

With the mainsheet

@JohnSchneidersWildLife 2 ай бұрын

@@sailingmare6563 Sail was up as far as it goes...so still a little confused about this I'm afraid.

@driftstone 2 ай бұрын

Super awesome, it totally changes things when you can actually go somewhere. Must be liberating!

@JohnSchneidersWildLife 2 ай бұрын

I will sail back to Point Roberts on Monday. I'm hopeful that that will be another successful passage under my belt. But then the skies the limit as far as where and when Vie Sauvage can start adventuring!

@untamedfeast 2 ай бұрын

First solo destination, that's great!

@JohnSchneidersWildLife 2 ай бұрын

Hey Eric! Ya, it was pretty cool. I was pretty proud of myself.

@denisdennehy346 2 ай бұрын

Thanks for the entertainment! Please hook up your starboard lifeline - might just keep you in the boat!

@JohnSchneidersWildLife 2 ай бұрын

Thank you, yes...that is a habit now!

@lukewardle3515 2 ай бұрын

Congratulations on your first voyage!

@JohnSchneidersWildLife 2 ай бұрын

Thanks man...it was a huge breakthrough.

@christiehuffman3823 2 ай бұрын

Wow!!! You are truly amazing!!! Everytime I watch a video I am praying you never fall or slip off or on the boat. 🛐 I actually get nervous watching the videos even though I know that you posted this so you made it back and you did your editing I still get nervous. That's just me!! You have a blast their you deserve it!!😊 Can't wait to hear all you did next week!!💪🤸 You did it!!

@JohnSchneidersWildLife 2 ай бұрын

So I am adding a little drama and suspense to your viewing experience?! LOL. I will try to keep that to a minimum. 😀

@christiehuffman3823 2 ай бұрын

@@JohnSchneidersWildLife 🤣

@Coyotehello 2 ай бұрын

Hi John, nice video and the sense of accomplishment when you arrive at your destination. Did you feel that? You are developing some good habits there: The companionway closed while on passage, flaking the sails and making "Vie Sauvage" shipshape before venturing to town, for example. I love that you mustered the courage to raise the genoa! I have to say: You HAVE to wear a tether line when you sail alone, at all time. Especially if you venture out of the cockpit. Especially if you are going to the foredeck for some maneuver. It is a MUST! Furthermore with an autopilot that will steer a compass course, if the wind changes while you are on deck you can get in real trouble. I think the outhaul was lose on the mainsail and that is why it was so baggy. You might want to rig a preventer while going downwind. Nothing fancy, just an extra line (!). When I got "Laysan" there was no headsails and the furler was buggered-up, in the end I fixed the furler. When racing, some decades ago, we would carry up to seven headsails to have "just the right one" for all conditions, + spinnakers. There is no way I would dedicate such space and effort to that today, a simple furler and the job is done. I have a 120 genoa that can carry me from 5-7knt to 20-25knt, I also have a gennaker with its own dynema forestay that I raise with a spare halyard for very light wind. Finally three reaches in a big heavy roach mainsail. I am just missing a little storm headsail. The next big project is: caphorn.com/en/welcome/ Cheers, a.

@JohnSchneidersWildLife 2 ай бұрын

Such great advice...I get what you are saying about a tether. I agree completely. I will get on that asap. Also, I am understanding all of your other points on sails, etc. so thank you!

@hallbergrassy352 2 ай бұрын

Hi John! Good to see you sail, also now with a DESTINATION! Regarding the headsail, I agree with you about keeping things simple. However, choosing system probably depends on the type of sailing that you are going to do. If one only does day sailing, and perhaps performance is important, then I would think the hanked-on type is a good choice. However, as in my case, I plan to sail far, and will hence need to handle the genoa frequently and safely. Single handed sailing is safer with a furling system in my opinion. You can handle it all safely from the cockpit, even in rough seas. By the way, I envy your beautiful weather, in Sweden we have rain and snow still! But spring is soon here I hope. Best wishes, Christofer

@JohnSchneidersWildLife 2 ай бұрын

Ok...I get what you are saying. I would agree with you completely. I have not deleted the furler yet...I have an open mind about all of this too. Time will tell what happens. Thank you for your great input!

@larrynohr4886 2 ай бұрын

I have said the pacific north west since I was 6 years old. I am 60 now and I am enjoying your quest. Say the course.

@JohnSchneidersWildLife 2 ай бұрын

Wow! Ok....I would really appreciate any of your advice that you would every be willing to share.

@fgb3126 2 ай бұрын

"said"?

@fgb3126 2 ай бұрын

Well John, you picked a good time. Here's what's for the next days... Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Seattle WA 914 AM PDT Sat Apr 27 2024 .SYNOPSIS...The active weather pattern will continue into early next week as a series of fronts pass through the region. Snow is expected in the passes on Monday. A gradual warming and drying pattern will develop late next week.

@JohnSchneidersWildLife 2 ай бұрын

Thanks Breck...I am planning a return trip to PR on Monday, but as always will triple check the weather before I leave.

@karenkruichak1149 2 ай бұрын

Wow that’s so cool. You’re sailing awesome.

@JohnSchneidersWildLife 2 ай бұрын

Thanks Karen!

@Hendiron 2 ай бұрын

First time watching! Love it! I know nothing about the sea, or sailing. But this was calming and interesting. I sure will be back for more.

@JohnSchneidersWildLife 2 ай бұрын

I hope you do come back...this channel will soon be about so much more. Simple living. Wild food and...travel adventure!

@lory2622 2 ай бұрын

I didn’t watch on Patreon because I want that 4,000 hours almost as much as you do, and it’s a nice way to spend a Friday morning.

@JohnSchneidersWildLife 2 ай бұрын

Thanks buddy! And thank you for the very kind note. Your words of encouragement are appreciated. Very much.

@jmkenny 2 ай бұрын

Glad to see you're monetized! 🙏

@JohnSchneidersWildLife 2 ай бұрын

It is another step forward. That $5 per month will come in handy! lol

@JohnSchneidersWildLife 2 ай бұрын

I still have to just eat what I kill so to speak.

@dressler37 2 ай бұрын

After 3 years I’m still nervous. You’re on the ocean, be nervous. It’s a good thing. I’d stick with a furler.

@JohnSchneidersWildLife 2 ай бұрын

Right? I get that. I think nervousness is a valuable tool.

@rodneywroten2994 2 ай бұрын

Don't care who it is first time doing something you will feel terrible . the more you do you will teach your self

@JohnSchneidersWildLife 2 ай бұрын

I am feeling great about so many of the choices I made. I know it will get better Rodney. Thanks for all of your support!

@lory2622 2 ай бұрын

You should put a whisker pole on your wish list.

@JohnSchneidersWildLife 2 ай бұрын

I've been looking, with admiring eyes, at boats with whisker poles!

@Andrew_dasilva 2 ай бұрын

what a great video

@JohnSchneidersWildLife 2 ай бұрын

Thank you Andrew. As always, I hope you follow along and chip in now and again with any questions or suggestions!

@williamclay 2 ай бұрын

Nice work. You can convert to tiller steering and then be able to use a line to wrap around the tiller and tying each end to a port and a starboard cleat, with a couple wraps around the tiller when centered. Then you can do your sail management and adjustments, then return to your helm duties.

@williamclay 2 ай бұрын

You also have an option to get yourself to the Atlantic side of the world from Point Roberts. This I cannot do, but you can. You have an inboard engine(which I do not) which allows you to transit The Loop. When I see you on the 8th I will show you my The Loop book that I purchased from Amazon awhile back.

@JohnSchneidersWildLife 2 ай бұрын

@@williamclay ok...interesting!

@AWBepi 2 ай бұрын

i use a tiller clutch and If everything is adjusted well you can hold course for a few minutes.

@JohnSchneidersWildLife 2 ай бұрын

I do have a clutch on the helm that I use frequently...but I'm still not feeling confident with the time it takes me to get sails set and dowsed. I'll get quicker I suppose.

@lory2622 2 ай бұрын

The story about the iPhone and associated badness… look at it like this, you manage to find great weather sailing because you create and live through “perfect storms” with your technology instead.

@JohnSchneidersWildLife 2 ай бұрын

Very true, Lory.

@yored8853 2 ай бұрын

How exciting, you did it! 12 miles is 12 miles you gotta start somewhere right? I feel really fortunate that I get to watch this journey, and I’m here right at the beginning! Good luck with Dana ❤ I wish you all the luck in the world, and I look forward to the next video

@JohnSchneidersWildLife 2 ай бұрын

awww...thank you. I am very happy that you are here with me as well. Very grateful.

@fgb3126 2 ай бұрын

Semiahmoo has a great sand bar for birding. I've been meaning to get up there for over a year now.

@JohnSchneidersWildLife 2 ай бұрын

That is one thing I've noticed here. The birds are everywhere here. More so than in PR.

@fgb3126 2 ай бұрын

@@JohnSchneidersWildLife Pursuing pelagic birds would be the only reason I'd contemplate getting on a boat.

@roxannepearson8313 2 ай бұрын

Oh don't be too hard on yourself John about the whole password things it's utterly ridiculous you know they tell you not to use the same one for everything but it doesn't make any sense not to because everybody wants a damn password I totally relate!😂❤ Congrats on the solo Venture I'm so excited for you and it was a beautiful day I've never seen it from that point of view so thanks for letting me tag along🧜‍♀️💦

@JohnSchneidersWildLife 2 ай бұрын

Oh, thank you for being here with us Roxanne! Me and Vie Sauvage had a great trip here. Life is really great right now!

@roxannepearson8313 2 ай бұрын

@@JohnSchneidersWildLife Sail on ,Sailor!!

@JohnSchneidersWildLife 2 ай бұрын

@@roxannepearson8313 I'm ready for Cape Horn now I think. 🤔

@lory2622 2 ай бұрын

Man, you nailed the weather eh?

@JohnSchneidersWildLife 2 ай бұрын

I am proud of that decision. I looked at weather and made a good call to leave when I did. I'll always remember the advice someone gave me "the best way to die on a sailboat is to have a schedule."

@EdwardSeatonSailings 2 ай бұрын

I'm a fellow newb too! Great channel! Look forward to watching the adventure. My boat is currently down in SF Bay. Perhaps you'll be passing through?

@JohnSchneidersWildLife 2 ай бұрын

Yes...we absolutely will be passing through. We'll announce ahead of time when we're coming into different cities. It would be really cool to meet up with folks.

@williamclay 2 ай бұрын

I know I am late with this comment. I do have some different views than alot of others that have commented on your new adventures. For one different opinion that I have is that you said trying to sail on a schedule and timeline leads to a sunk boat. I don't agree with that view. Taking your time to learn and do things correctly I do agree with. I watch sailboat videos on KZfaq all the time. What is the most common thing I observe the most? At least 75 percent of these sailors have a cluttered and unkept boat topside and they seem to wonder why their boat does not perform. I believe that to get the most performance, the boat needs to be both hydrodynamic and aerodynamic as well. There is nothing wrong with wanting to get from point A to point B on a timeline. It means you will be alert and paying attention to what you are doing. Hey and guess what lengths I am going to go to on my pocket cruiser on my extended trip around the Horn? I will be stowing the anchor in a locker and placing all the 12 6 gallon fresh water containers inside the boat. I will only have the upside down dingy topside. I too thou will learn in a slow deliberate fashion as you are doing. The flacking business with putting away the sails in that folded manner.. I will not be doing, I want to avoid putting in any repetitive defined creases in my sails...thus avoiding ripped and torn sails, due to a weakened sail from any creases. I will be neat and tidy with my boat tho. Thanks for letting me share my views and I look forward to seeing you on the 8th. 0:02 0:02 0:02

@JohnSchneidersWildLife 2 ай бұрын

Ya man...everyone will form their own opinions and have their boat exactly how they want. That is the beauty of this lifestyle! I am cheering for you!

@JohnSchneidersWildLife 2 ай бұрын

With regards to "Flaking" a sail...I have read that this greatly reduces the stress and wear and tear on a sail while being store. Fewer creases in fewer places on the sail. So...? I'm not sure, but it makes sense to me.

@sailingmare6563 2 ай бұрын

Just found your channel and im really enjoying your journey. It wasnt that long ago i was in the same position "learning the ropes" of solo sailing. One thing that helps me deal with unknown situations is to play "What if..." as im sailing. Just being able to come up with any answer lessons anxiety. Fair winds.

@JohnSchneidersWildLife 2 ай бұрын

absolutely! I am having fun with some in-depth conversations with a new friend. He is about to go through a major life change and we're kind of coaching each other a bit. I was just talking about this process of asking "what if" questions. Great advice...thank you.

@JohnSchneidersWildLife 2 ай бұрын

I am subbed to you now too. Can't wait to get into your videos!

@lory2622 2 ай бұрын

My last comment, I promise. 😉 you will like the self furling foresail a lot more after you have lost the halyard up the mast when hooking up your sail. Ask me how I know.

@JohnSchneidersWildLife 2 ай бұрын

😆🤣 Duly noted.

@fgb3126 2 ай бұрын

I suggest you get a "crew cut". There's a reason it's called that. Man! it is SO much easier to live with! And trim that beard and mustache shorter! It might make you more attractive to the opposite sex. 🙂And would take a least 10 years off your age look. As for your auto pilot problem, what would be wrong with just rigging up some way of securing the wheel temporarily? just holding it in one place almost as if it was you holding the wheel in one position? Even a bungee cord would work it seems like to me. At the end: OK, "all ship shape and Bristol fashion", as Jack Aubrey would say.

@JohnSchneidersWildLife 2 ай бұрын

I am getting a little desperate to sink into the Jack Aubrey series of books by Patrick O'Brian! ...and as always, you aren't afraid to hold back on your opinion....which I love! Never change, bud.

@fgb3126 2 ай бұрын

@@JohnSchneidersWildLife I had this clear mental image of you all clean-cut and thinking how good you looked!

@JohnSchneidersWildLife 2 ай бұрын

@@fgb3126 I get you bud...always looking out for me!

@danweeks9127 2 ай бұрын

Adjust the vang

@JohnSchneidersWildLife 2 ай бұрын

Ok. Thank you. But in what way? I had the traveller to starboard as far as possible...and with a following wind I wanted the sail extended as far out as possible. No? Therefore the vang was extended. Any advice is appreciated.

@danweeks9127 2 ай бұрын

@@JohnSchneidersWildLife my apologies for not being clear. Generally as you go more downwind you ease the vang. However, think about the shape of the sail … if the wind is light, snug it up just a bit to get a better shape … these are subtle adjustments but never let the vang go slack. If the vang goes slack then you’re letting the leech blow and you will loose boat speed.

@JohnSchneidersWildLife 2 ай бұрын

@@danweeks9127 ok...I understand now what you are saying. Thank you for the advice.

@jerryshort2021 2 ай бұрын

Blonde or Redhead great video that looks fun

@SimplyLogistics Ай бұрын

Whata the procedure if i want to sail from vancouver to blaine. Do we have to report when we arrive or before we leave?

@JohnSchneidersWildLife Ай бұрын

I believe that Blaine has a customs clearance dock. I know that Point Roberts does. Just a phone call…and there’s an app too for US customs. Call Point Roberts marina and ask…

@JohnSchneidersWildLife Ай бұрын

Report when you arrive. Don’t leave the boat.