They say, there are bold sailors and old sailors, but there are no old bold sailors. Enjoying your videos.

Hey Britalians! Subscribe & hit the 🔔 if you haven't already! ➜ bit.ly/Subscribe⛵ Here are some Questions & Answers and some links to *FREE* downloads you don't want to miss: *Where are you now and is everyone ok?* ---------- We are in Italy in a fairly isolated house in the mountains. We have been here in self-isolation then lockdown for three months. Britaly is in Belgium and we 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 after midnight and wake up three hours later 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. *How long did it take to make this video?* ---------- The filming is the easy part, and I say that after not getting to bed until 4am on the day I filmed this video, because once I was tied up I made the Passage Planning video released recently and then I had a nightmare (again) transferring video files instead of being able to get a good night's sleep. The editing time which is the real killer. This video, for example, has taken over 40 hours of my time to make. I know that seems impossible but that really is how long it takes for us to produce a video like this. That is 40 hours of time that I cannot: A) Work on the other things I do in life which are far more financially productive; and B) Spend doing other things with my time such as spending quality time Rossella and Emma. I have made single car repair videos on my other KZfaq Channel - which reach a far wider viewership than the oversaturated niche of sailing - which have paid out more in ad revenue than it cost me to buy the car I was repairing... This is despite the fact that those kind of videos take about 90% - 95% less time for me to make than our sailing videos take. *So why on earth do you continue to spend so much time making sailing videos then?* ---------- 1) Because we have a wonderful 🌟Patreon Crew🌟 of 106 fantastic people who help us cover our costs in making these videos (Without our Patrons there is no way we could justify the time we spend making these videos and we will be eternally grateful to them for allowing us to continue pursue our passion of making sailing videos). 2) Because I am passionate about this channel and we love the community which it has created. 3) Because we have tons of very valuable knowledge to share with people which can help them get our there cruising (DIY [I have worked as a technician on aircraft and underwater robots for 20 years], boat buying [we used to be boat dealers], Financial Freedom... Practical knowledge which our unique path through life has brought to us). We haven't even scratched the surface yet... We know we can help people do what we have done and get out there cruising every year in a sustainable way. *Will you still be making your 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 the time 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 quite a few 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 technical 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). I can diagnose problems with you in real time and we can fix whatever problem you have together. Here is my LinkedIn profile for an outline of my technical experience ➜ linkedin.com/in/christopherbarruk *I'm buying a boat and want to save over 30% off the asking price, just like you did on your last two boats, can you help me do this?* ---------- Yes, provided there are plenty of photo's of the boat in question. See above and book a videocall for more details. It doesn't matter if it is a $3,000 boat or a $3,000,000 boat, we can help you save money when you buy. We have bought and sold many boats (we're in double figures now) and we have never sold a boat for less than we paid for it, despite having never paid for a survey on any of them. Our technique allows you to negotiate the price down before you travel to see the boat (saving you time and money) and before a survey (giving you two opportunities to negotiate on the purchase price). Get in touch for more info. FREE STUFF! 👇👇👇 Get a FREE PDF ebook with details of over 3,500 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 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 😊

Aloha from beautiful Hawaii islands. Fantastic work skills Chris. You know a French language , impressive . The episode is super awesome .Keep going Chris .

You have acquitted yourself very well. Don't be too hard on yourself. Better to walk before you can run. Well done.

Hallo Chris ! Another phantastic Video, as all of your Otter Videos. Cańt Wait to See your next one! Fair Winds and all the best for you three! Christian from Austria!

Very nice video footage. Inspiring and informative! Maybe consider keeping text on screen a couple seconds longer. Thank you Chris!

your very honest about yourself which is good. i was taught when going in to dock, no matter the info given to you prepare for the worse, i always have lines ready on all four corners of the boat, things change and people can give you duff info. once i was with someone else and they convinced me not to worry about the starboard side, when we got in the info supplied on radio was wrong and we needed the starboard side, at least there was two of us but it looks bad messing around with lines , if the wind or tidal streams are strong it can cause big problems. i sail alone alot now in a 38ft and i take control of my decisions. same as you would passage planning, having somewhere else to go in emergencies etc, things change on a boat sometimes very quickly and its all about plan B, plan C etc. good luck x

Absolutely love your channel. Very encouraging and wish you the best blessing

Well done Chris - another great video sharing the detail of sailing

Nice multi tasking. Sail Safe Guys, Ant, Cid & the pooch crew.

I really enjoy your travels mate. It is so very refreshing to see, that other Sailors have the same cuisine as me and much more. Many Thanks for your great enthusiasm and joy.

Nice docking skills while handing over the card! Cool video again

Another informative, down to earth episode, thank you :)

Good effort mate, I enjoy your vlogs. Keep them coming.

Very enjoyable and informative. Keep up the good work

Haha... forgetting the marina card is something I would do... I have 4 doorcards for the same hotel! Really enjoying catching up with this channel :-) Stay safe!

Yay! I love that there's always someone willing to help! I'm sure he appreciated your French. 😉

Great video thanks for making it.

Very familiar bit of coast as I land yacht and De Panne is an excellent spot. I have raced the land yacht from De Panne to Dunkirk and back in 30min. Not bad as it take longer than to drive. Safe travels

loving the channel fairplay to you mate keep safe

Another great video! I'm envious of your boat's ability to go astern in a predictable fashion. (My boat's hull design -full keel - makes reverse an unpredictable adventure every time). Well done.

well done chris, proud to see my flag on your boat ;) Niewpoort is a very peaceful place to live (last WE, we was 10km away from here)

Just watched all your videos. Lots to learn for me. Thank you. .Hope that you’re finally made it safely to your family. Noticing the dates. Four & half months to cross the English Channel!! What an ordeal!!

Good one again thanks

Well done Chris. Fantastic video as always mate :)

Great work Chris. Felt like it was the two of us on board making that trip. Pure escapism. Your channel is one of the best, practical knowledge passed on along with real sailing. Not bikini clad soap operas! Looking forward to the next episode.

Nice one Chris, all looked good to me. I have forgotten those marina cards before, I think they cancel them anyway but always nice to hand back. I am a big fan of the mid cleat mooring line when solo or short handed. Once secure the boat can’t really go anywhere and it is easy to sort other lines. Perhaps I’m a bit reckless but I bring the boat to a standstill then jump ashore with the mid cleat line. Bet you were glad to see the family and hope you are out of lockdown now and looking forward to the next chapter of cruising life. Oh and btw, my nephew has been in the RAF a couple of years now and is a Squiper on Chinooks but currently in Africa for 3 months helping out the Frogs. He is based at Odiham. Cheers Andy UK

Great video Chris. You are quickly becoming an expert at docking. This entire mini-series has showcased some difficult sailing conditions that have been handled perfectly. Your confidence has improved greatly during this series. Thanks for sharing your adventure. Since it is easier to contact you here than email I want to leave a quick note to say I am flying to Plön, Germany soon to pick up a Sirius 40 DS. I'll be assisting the owner bringing his new yacht to North Cove Marina in New York. I'll be offline for roughly the next 30-40 days. The first thing I'll do when I get back is watch your videos to see what I missed. Take care.

Very well done

Neat idea with the toerail carabiner midships cleat and your methodical approach to parking the boat in a marina sets a good example, looked like a nice spot too. Your good lady might have something to say on the matter of whether beef ravioli in a can counts as Italian cuisine though ;-)

Well done!

Another great video chris,that pizza was it stored in your shoe🤣

@6:42..... 🤣 Priceless Chris....

I did the same thing when I was in the Mob. I was doing some paperwork on the line, as I put down the date I thought the 27th that's the anniversary of something?? then I thought F me it was my birthday yesterday. Later that day a few cards turned up in my mail slot (Monday). I've also had to sit down and work out how old I am on more than one occasion. Keep safe mate this isn't over by a long chalk.

Fantastic video as always! :) Gotta love it when a plan works out....even if you had to turn around to return the card. Was that a "cracker"crust pizza? lol

Could you please share your pizza recipe. If I get a hole in the boat I could always nail the pizza over it! Great passage video, more please! There are too few videos like this. I like the way you show your thinking behind the steps you take.

Well done sir

Well done! Another good leg.

Loved this episode Chris. This will make you laugh..but If you've ever got some spare cash get some bear grylls video glasses. I bought some for the fastnet and the quality was great.. it will give you an extra hand!

First view of you're channel! Was great, will be back ....

Hi Chris another fine passage well done. My understanding is that engines go in forward or reverse gear and boats move forward or astern so when directing or describing the movement you use astern but you put the engine in reverse.

Checking in, seeing if you are well.

Hey Chris don`t worry they where not calling for you, I can hear them say all ships 3x. It`s probably the notices to mariners they repeat them all the time in front of our coast.

Sailing Britaly... Ma I ravioli in scatola no eh... 😂 😂 😂 Buon vento!!! 😊💪

Very great video again ⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵⚓⚓⚓⚓⚓⚓

I couldn't motor astern to save my life. Too much precession from the prop. I went to port very quickly. Fortunately, I moored to the dock bow in, so leaving meant giving it a quick bit of throttle to back out, then a burst forward to straighten it out and proceed up through the narrow passage past the other boats. It was ugly the first couple of times, but I figured it out. I only scraped my neighbor boat (to port) the first time, but it was a trash boat anyway. No damage, just bumped it with my port stern. Absolutely no helm control at all (though I tried it every time!).

Fab Chris, perfect viewing whilst I munch on a cheese & pickle sandwich lol. I was fortunate to have a little stay with my mate at RAF Benson and I had a few tours around the heli's there. The airshow the Chinook pilots put on was stunning. Hope you and family are all good and enjoying a bit more freedom :)

Hi there, thanks for the vids.I will be installing the fridge compressor based on your previous video. One question on this one, is that App on your iPad Navionics or is it mirrored from your Chartplotter.

Hi Chris, thanks for another passage video. I'm sure your wonderful wife will have plenty of time to improve on your cousin onboard, ;-)

👏

Hello Chris. Are you ok?, please take care, everything pass.

Ha the best part of that video was the hose pipe too short but at just the right angle and right pressure to line up with the hole. Full marks for holding camera while going into the berth and tying up. The travel hoist at the end looks horrendous, long concrete wall to try and stay off but close enough to get into position. Rather you than me.

Nicely done Chris! I'm sure that you have already said how your intend ing to take your boat back home but I must've missed it. So what's your plan? Keep the videos coming there great, honest and very informitive. Thanks.

I can't count the number of times I have left with an access card but unlike you I always remember when I am an hour out. In the med you have to leave a deposit so over the years this has cost me best part of a 1,000 of euros. Easily done.

Well when you live up here in Newcastle its a party everyday lol

Im sure you have mentioned this somewhere in your videos or comments which android tablet are you using for navionics? struggling to find one that says specifically that it has gps.

Hey. I do not see, are you fastened? How do you protect yourself from falling into the water?

Don t give that ravioli to Rosella u will be in trouble.

You should be proud of your self....

*_ MMmmm, time to get yourself a SSD drive. _*

really? you rather be a chicken living too 100 hundred - than a hero dying at 39? I think you need to do some thinking on that one because it doesnt sound right..