Hey Britalians! We hope this finds you well and that this video was is a nice break from everything that is happening in the world at the moment. Here are some Questions & Answers: *Where are you now and is everyone ok?* ---------- We are in Italy in quite an isolated house in the mountains. We have been here in self-isolation then lockdown for 59 days so far. We are blessed that none of our immediate family members have contracted 'it'. Britaly is in Belgium and we obviously don't know when we will be able to go back yet. *When was this video filmed?* ---------- October 2019 *Where were Rossella & Emma and why weren't they on board with you?*** ---------- We decided that the most efficient thing for us to do was for me to 'finish' the refit on my own and sail over to mainland Europe ASAP, so that we would be set up for our journey to the Med... I would never have done this crossing with Rossella & Emma on board in the unsettled October weather. *Why didn't you take crew with you?* ---------- This was something I felt that I had to do alone. There were several different reasons for this: 1) To push my boundaries and learn a lot - quickly. 2) The weather was always going to be dodgy in October, and I didn't want to put anyone else in a situation where they may not have been comfortable. 3) I could do whatever I wanted and whatever I felt comfortable doing, without having to consider other people (i.e. I'm going to anchor off Deal Pier, go to bed at 00:30 and wake up at 03:30 to set off across the channel for the first time ever on a sailing boat, on a day when a Force 9 is forecast as being inbound... I would never have done this if I had crew on board, whatever their experience level, as this would have been far too Captain Blye-esque. What this would have meant was my one week solo trip would have taken about 3 weeks with crew, waiting in ports for decent weather windows. I was in a rush to get home to hug my wife & daughter so single-handing was far more convenient. 4) I only had myself, the boat and the world around us to worry about. As soon as there is another human in the mix, there is a whole extra layer of things to think about. *Why didn't you get someone with lots of experience to skipper the boat for you?* ---------- Because I'm the skipper, and the best way to learn to do anything in life is to just get stuck in and start doing it. I am not completely inexperienced: I have worked offshore on ships & platforms since 2006, I was a boat importer & dealer for 3 years (I learnt a LOT during this time but had very little time for sailing), we've owned about a dozen used boats over the years (having never paid for a survey on any of them and having never sold one for less than we paid for it), we sailed our last boat in the Med for 4 years, I have completed the RYA Yachtmaster theory exam, but this trip was my first proper experience of tidal sailing. *If you could go back and do this again, would you go solo?* ---------- Absoflippinglutely yes! I loved every minute of this little adventure and I probably learned more in a week on my own than I would have in a year of sailing with crew. *Will you still be making sailing videos in the current climate?* ---------- We really, really hope that we can continue making our videos... Footage isn't a problem as we have lots of videos which we have already recorded but haven't had a chance to edit yet, plus we have a whole series of Financial Freedom videos to film where we will explain exactly how we have arranged our lives to allow us to afford Britaly and give us the freedom to go cruising several consecutive months each year - without having to give up our lives on land. If you want to go cruising, this is crucial information, as this is almost universally the biggest hurdle to people who would like to go off sailing the world. We have (understandably) lost some Patrons recently, but we have had existing Patrons jump up a tier, and have welcomed some new Patrons aboard recently too, so for now we can keep dedicating our time to keeping these videos coming. We sincerely hope that this will continue, in which case you can expect our videos to keep coming. If you enjoy our videos or find them informative and you'd like us to keep making them, we have set things up in such a way that anyone can sign up to join our 🌟Patreon Crew🌟 for just $1 per month. We don't need a lot of funds to keep this channel going, we just need enough so that we're not left too much out of pocket for the time we spend making them. If you want to get exclusive rewards from us [some of which can save you a lot of money!] and at the same time help ensure we keep our videos coming, you can sign up here: www.patreon.com/SailingBritaly If not, don't worry, we really appreciate each and every one of our viewers. If the videos stop at some point, you'll know we just had to concentrate on the other things we do in life which may not be our number one passion, but which pay much better than making sailing videos. If the status quo remains, the videos will keep coming, so fingers crossed!... *I've got a problem I think you can help me solve, how do I get in touch with you you?* ---------- We would love to help you and we are now offering one-to-one paid videocalls here: sailingbritaly.com/videocalls You only pay for the minutes we spend together on the videocall, and we can achieve a lot in a very short call, so this can work out to be very cost-effective compared to other options. (Our $5 + per month Patrons get a huge 50% off these videocalls). *Do you have some free goodies for me?* ---------- Yes we do: Get a FREE PDF ebook with details of over 3500 knots & Splices here: bit.ly/knotsPDF Be first in line to receive a FREE Financial Freedom PDF which explains how we can afford to go cruising, and how YOU can too! (We are writing this right now): bit.ly/FinancialFreedomPDF Watch this solo sailing mini-series from the beginning here: kzfaq.info/sun/PL_iyMbUuKBT7BtcQSIyZwLpddrIapkaAo Watch our sailing adventures from the beginning here: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/qddln6aQv9-seIU.html Watch our technical videos here: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/pcVyqZqQ2aeziWg.html *Why is "abbreviation" such a long word?* ---------- Good question. If anyone knows the answer please feel free to let us know. Ok then, that's it for this video. We read each and every comment so please keep them coming. We may not be able to reply to all of them, but we try our best to. Wherever you are in the world, stay safe, look after your family and we're thinking of you all. Fair winds! Chris, Rossella & Emma 😊

Possibly the most genuine smile of satisfaction I've seen in a while! Flipping Nora 😂😜 Well done there matey, can't wait to get across ourselves and hopefully we'll cross paths so we can buy you a beer for the amazingly helpful videos you've shared! Stay safe. 👌🏻⛵️🐾

Great job Chris! Your spirit, honesty, humility and animation is truely a breath of fresh air. Thank you so much for sharing your adventures with us. Stay safe and God bless

Félicitations Chris. You've achieved a great accomplishment. Not only have you learned a lot on this trip, but you have also taught and entertained many people. You and Britaly are an amazing team. Thanks for sharing your experiences.

As I mentioned when joining as a Patron at the Crew level, yours is the only "sailing video" (and there are hundreds of them) that I decided to support because you are so honest and straightforward. Most are unrealistic, or are by people so sophisticated that I cannot relate. Your greatest gift, in my opinion, is that you are relatable. I would be there with you celebrating crossing the channel and beating the weather with or without sails! I can relate. And as a Father of five children, I am partial to any Father. Please keep it up, and I'll keep supporting!

When approaching a ship in the manner that you did. Point at its stern and follow it around until you are back on course. An trawlerman friend taught me that and it works every time. Very simple.

Chris, I really appreciate you showing the raw footage of your tasks of the passage, entering harbours and mooring. It is very inspiring to those of us who are starting out and to know the reality is that you will not always be perfect.

Well done Chris. Great to see you made it to France and you’re closer to your family. It has made my day seeing the sea, hearing the wind and feeling closer to nature. Fair winds and enjoy your next hop!

Great work Chris mate, rightfully proud and pleased!

A cracking single handed pickup of that buoy. I always make a flask of hot water when single handed, but usually drink coffee as tea need a pot to be made properly.

Ah that was amazing! You were so chuffed and rightly so. Well deserved too! Great to see!! Boy you made that mooring look so easy after a long day as well!!

Looked like great seamanship... know your limits and experiment safely to expand the seamanship envelope. You are living my dream! Well done!

Love watching you on your boat it’s a shame you haven’t done any proper sailing in your crossing. However I know where your coming from first crossing and a solo crossing as well you’ve done fantastic hopefully your confidence will now grow and you can start solo sailing. Keep up the great work and sail safe

Well done Chris, you looked well chuffed and rightly so. Great job and no stress mooring. Look forward to the next episode. Hope you and the family are all well in Italy. Andy UK

Sense of achievment written all over that big smile of yours Chris. Well done, it's a great feeling.

Great video keep up the good work and keep on sailing

Great work, cheers!

Riviting video. Excellently edited and narrated. Lovely, candid sailing series with a wonderful family.

Well done Chris, you should be very happy with a safe and successful passage to France, all the best and look forward to your future videos, cheers Brian

Well done Chris. That is truly an achievement to be proud of. That is a very busy bit of sea. Great idea with the mooring. I have never thought of reversing up to the buoy - probably why it usually takes me 3 or 4 attempts on my own. Cheers, Paul

Great job 👍

Bravo Chris, crossing the Channel is a lot, mooring a buoy alone meanwhile filming is super extra cool, bravo 2times! Buon Vento ;-)

Well done Chris 👍

Well edited, a great sense of being there with you. Mission accomplished. A nice Ben-Hur moment in there.

Thank you very much for sharing the maneuvering with the buoy: very educating! Good luck Hans From Holland

Hi Chris, really enjoying this series, to be honest, the highlight of the video was seeing your smile and sense of satisfaction once you were successfully moored up in Calais, a big well-done sir, hats off to you, a great result, Steve

Great video! I have always enjoyed the original content you put on KZfaq and your candour. I just found a video on your other channel on turbo core replacement, thanks for that!

Great to enjoy a successful voyage and a smiling skipper :-)) I was taught upwind reversing to a pick up a mooring single handed by a professional ferry captain and have used it over the years - very re-assuring when you are single handed, the breeze is up and the mooring field is crowded. FWAFS

Good job Chris.

Nicely done Chris, that was tricky weather in the late autumn 2019, no necessarily the way I would have done it but you were there and you arrived safe and sound . Cheers Warren

Well done Chris a real achievement!

Well done Chris.... Brilliant with the mooring ball...

Good to see some mooring techniques. Bravo.

Well done! I like the genuinity of your videos. Very real. I can totally identify with your feelings. Thanks for sharing

Well done Chris. Do it your own way.

Well done Chris. Especially doing it on your own 👍👍👍👍🍺

Wow... well done I was really excited watching you cross the channel. I think you were correct using the engine. This is my wife's lap top and she loves yorkshire tea. Hope everyone is safe and well.

I share your sense of achievement. Another brick in the confidence bank. Well done.

We are currently sailing down the Mexican Pacific coast. No seals this far south but lots of dolphins. We always talk to them too and we have convinced ourselves that they understand us and respond.

Hi Chris, I have been following you for some time and I appreciate your videos that tell a beautiful solo adventure. In my life I have sailed a lot and almost always alone, and in your trip I have relived many "interesting" situations ... Thanks for sharing with us. About your motorized navigation: only those who have never sailed alone in the canal do not understand. A little mainsail could help you even before the minute 15:45 but the important thing is the result. You arrived before the bad weather, healthy and happy as a child. Good boy!

Brilliant! Well done old chap.

Glad to share your voyage Chris, Brought a lot of memories of the Calais Rally when I started to go in the seventys and onward. Leaving Oare creek in the early hours and then with a favourable wind round North Foreland, Goodwin Knoll, East Goodwin light ship, and onward to Calais. Every time I made that crossing I felt a sense of acheivement. The average trip was about nine to ten hours. The trip back always took at least fourteen hours or so due to foul tide at the Foreland. I keep my boat in the Netherlands now and at times still miss the channel dash whatever the weather. The only thing I suggest to anyone thinking of a similar trip on that route would to consider the tide because when it starts running NE it can take no time at all to get to Dunkerque, by the time you tried to make Calais you would be well on your way to Dunkerque, sorry I am rambling, cant wait for the next one Chris keep them coming, regards Tony

Hi Chris, I enjoyed your videos of your solo trip, well done mate! I think that you made the right choice crossing the channel using mostly the motor. You were aware of some heavy weather coming in and you thought it through. Your boat, you are the skipper, your choice! I'm quite jealous of how well your boat handles astern. Stay safe.

Total respect my friend

hi chris , the smile on your face says it all well done mate love to all

Well done Chris... I have crosswed the channel twice, the first time on a 24fter. I was basically Sh*t scared the whole way across the TSS, but the joy of arriving wipes all bad memories away!!

Well done! Nice honest raw video👏👏

Well done, good stuff.

Well done Chris. Really enjoyed this. I am waiting for my first sail solo but stuck due to the lockdown. So the boat is in bits 😂😂😂😂😂

Brilliant video!

My first watch on your channel - love your spirit! - and great video - I'must subscribe and look forward to your adventures -thank you for sharing -

Hey Chris! What a wonderful time l had Sailing and motoring a bit to France, You are a Brave Man. l am happy to hear you are all safe and sound. Fair Winds, Peace and Love. :)

Well done Great achievement!!

Nice videos. Love a trip like that. Stay safe.

Genuinely don't mean to sound cheeky but I saw the camera clunk and my one bit of seafaring wisdom ( acquired from a kayaking friend ) was "If you don't want to lose it, make sure its attached to the boat, or to you. " To give that some context it was delivered just after a loud 'plop as my brand new handheld slid off the deck. Keep up the great videos. I have very little experience myself - you are the Ancient Mariner by comparison - and I will be solo sailing from April this year 😧.

Congratulations very good video and passage. Deciding to use the engine was the sensible thing to do, I worked on coasters when I was younger and was always told 'respect the sea and you did just that sir!

Well done mate

Great video Chris, for those of us that have done a solo English Channel/North Sea crossing you captured the real sense of achievement. Mine is always tempered with the reality of.....shit I've got to get back 😀😀. My first crossing was with my wife...bless her she was sick most if the way from Harwich to Oostende. But once we got there and then up to Holland she loved it. I've since done solo. Harwich to Oostende and the next day Oostende to Ipswich 😂. Long way to get to Ipswich but it made the Bank holiday weekend one to remember. I've also done Harwich to Oostende and then onto Dunkirk Ramsgate, Harwich...purely because of wind direction. Always terrified but loving the adrenaline. I'm the same as you, use the Gonk to maintain a good speed. This ensures I meet all my key tides and lock times etc...what's 30 litres of diesel 😊. Anyway take care in isolation and stay safe. Mark

Great video well done

Congratulations on your first channel crossing. My first was in 1974 as a 14 year old with my dad in a Moody - was sick all the way.

Well done Mr Chirs..!!!

I liked your technique for picking up the buoy.👍🏻

Congratulations on your first solo channel crossing 👍

Excellent edit mate, well done! Would love to see the passage plan at some stage.

You are the first person I’ve ever seen put up a motoring come on a sailing channel.

Brilliant!!!!

Great achievement mate, i know this feeling i use to felt it when i was still an OOW, i need to get back to sea and yacht sailing currently seems the only option Cheers

Well done Chris, yes it is a special achievement on your own particularly with the big weather chasing you. Not sure I would have prioritised going forward just to hoist a flag and cone! But sometimes having lots of time to think about it and nothing else to do you just want to get things done even if there is an element of risk.

You are doing great kid!

When ever sailing alway do what in your faver. High winds short sails. Use engine. You get there when you get there this what sailing all about play it safe at all times. And you cannot go wrong. You did well mate thank you for this video we need more videos like this sail safe

Hi Chris, nice video as usual. "Je suis tres jolie" (35'30") as you must already knows, hehehehehe. Hope all you 3 are safe and health.

Good video. Love to swinging mooring pick up in reverse.

Well done 👍🏻

Nice video! Question though, Chris how did you know that there are buoys there (navionics?)and you could use them? They could be also for private use, for X types of vessels etc. I always go to marinas just because I'm not sure whether they are for public use.

Nice job , makes me smile too. I think the tomato soup taste best ever.

I would not have bothered with the courtesy flag until I had arrived! Thanks for the videos!

the eagle has landed ..well done Chris

well done

Nice, video mate. I miss my boat when I watch this. May the corona-hell soon be over so we can set sail again

Hi Chris, like you I use Navionics on an old Android tablet. When using it at night though even on the lowest brightness setting it's still too bright but if you go into settings > accessibility and invert colours then it's much better. Give it a try...

Hello Chris. Great videos always. learning a lot from them. Just a point to note. I lost a sailing boat to the rocks years ago. I tied on a mooring just like you did. Threading the line through the loop and back to the boat. Wave action on boat and buoy caused a sawing effect between line and ring even though i thought the ring was smooth. Double loop through or a fixed line only i am told. Insurance company queried my method of securing line at the time. Best wishes always.

Well done. Would have been nice had you sailed. Looked like a nice beam reach as well. One of my best passages crossing the channel was on a beam reach from Thames Estuary to Zeebrugge on a moonlit sea. Stiil no gain without pain.

Hi Chris, Great video. What do you think of the Imax gear you are wearing? I have only just found your channel, so if you have done a review on the gear my apologies for asking. Cheers, Paul.

That Yorkshire Tea is the "proper job" Cheers Eric

Really good footage , especially while filming picking up the buoy, not easy . Assuming you will tell us your planning and timing etc.

I’ve climbed mt Shasta 14179’ and experienced the same feeling, takes your breath away. Amazing achievement salty sailor. Lol

Ameziiiiing footage CriIs Well Done Lupone di Mare Ciao.

please tell the maker/model of the clever mooring line clip fitting on the end of your boathook. BTW - nice seamanship solution (approach by stern) for solo sailors when picking up a mooring !

If necessary, when we can travel to the coast again, I'll have a look at your boat if everything is OK. I hope they let us travel after the 3rd of May. Greetings

félicitations Chris

tres bein !!

Waving at the seal like a excited child, I would do the same and call to it as if it could understand me. "Seaaall, come aboard and say hi" I would be shouting.

haha good job chris, welcome's to our board funny to see you "riding" your main sail @ 18min :D how much time to cross with engine ? steph (Belgium)

*_ Hi Chris, trust you're all well and Safe? Tell me that the Creaking at the beginning of the video goes away or tell me that you've NEVER got used to it.... it would drive me insane and I'm hard of hearing as well!! Oh, and can I suggest that when filming in the dark you wear a Head torch so that we can follow you without being in the dark, Thanks and congratulations on your crossing!! _*

What kind of anchor do you have?

Can you show / explain how you used the boat hook to get the mooring line through the eye of the mooring buoy - couldn’t see how you did it

The boat tracks better under sail! Good wind and you did not take advantage, sad😁

Bonjovi!

Subsequently subscribed soldier. ... sailor . The miles between both continents are small leaving to believe simplicity in crossing, however the milestone is NOT EASY . The English Channel is VERY unpredictable . Congratulations... was the passage home Uneventful? Viva la france

Good video again. Seeing your safety measures is comforting. Got me thinking if you have ever tested a man overboard situation with full wet wet weather gear and your safety harness and lines being dragged. Would make for an impressive video provided you didn't do it solo. I don't think I've ever seen anyone do that, I was watching the safety lines and wondering how that would work or would it catch on something or break with the load of human + clothes. Thankfully you didn't find out in the channel. Keep up your good work and stay safe in this time of turmoil.