Every sailor’s nightmare: a CAT-5 CYCLONE hits us. [🎥68🇫🇯]

Рет қаралды 78,363

Күн бұрын

By the time Cyclone Yasa hit us, it was the 2nd largest in South Pacific history and a "Strong Category-Five" storm. It was as harrowing experience we would rather not have again...
This video covers the month of December, 2020. We should be all caught up in the next two months. Thanks for watching!
We are posting live updates on our social channels:
www.the-sailing-family.com/
/ the_sailing_family
/ the-sailing-family-voyage
0:00 - Intro
0:32 - Credits
0:47 - A Cyclone is coming
2:18 - Our Plan
2:49 - Prepping the boat
4:08 - Tying Archer Down
5:01 - Final forecast
5:34 - The Rats escape
6:32 - We're as ready as we will ever be
11:51 - Heading to the hotel
13:41 - The Storm Hits
14:38 - The Closest We Get To The Eye
15:56 - The Morning After
18:15 - Preparing for an off-shore passage
18:51 - Admitting our mistake
19:37 - The aftermath
20:51 - Saying Goodbye
24:01 - Ni sa moce, Fiji!
-----------------
ABOUT US: We are a family of five sailing around the world on a performance catamaran named "Archer" and sharing our adventures in family-friendly episodes every Tuesday!
OUR ROUTE: We departed the Boston area of the United States and sailed south to the Caribbean and then west through the Panama Canal. We have dealt with massive repairs in the South Pacific, the Coronavirus lock down in New Zealand, a Category 5 Cyclone in Fiji, and now we are cruising in Australia.
OUR PAST: You may remember us as "SV Honeymoon?" Ten years ago ("before kids"), we sailed a Lagoon 380 named Honeymoon halfway around the world to Sydney, Australia. Along the way we shared our experiences via KZfaq and, by happenstance, created one of the very first "sailing channels." We also realized what an incredible experience we were having and that someday we wanted to do it again, only this time with kids.
FAQ: More questions? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions page on our website or answers to many of your questions in this 40 minute episode:
www.the-sailing-family.com/faq
• Everything you've ever...
PLEASE COMMENT!: As a channel with kids on-board, we are required to actively monitor all comments, but we still want to hear from you. Tell us what you think!
THANKS for watching all. Subscribe and never miss an episode!

Пікірлер: 115

@donnakawana 2 жыл бұрын

Awww geeze my heart broke for the boy's... The tears got me!! Hugs an more hugs kiddos .. I love your brave hearts,an kind souls...... ✌🏻💗😊❣️

@wolfpack514 2 жыл бұрын

I feel for the kids, meeting new friends and saying good bye. But always keep in mind, we will see them again someday. Be safe all of you, may the winds blow you to a safe haven. ( Quebec, Canada )

@lifeofpu4269 2 жыл бұрын

Fiji is not the same without Archer. We miss our sister ship and beautiful friends...

@jrrains 2 жыл бұрын

I know he hated to leave fiji only to be in the way of a cat 5

@elizabethludden7182 2 жыл бұрын

Your son's sweet tears. I moved a lot as a kid, I loved the adventure of it all but it's always so hard to leave good freinds. ❤

@NhelFuentes 2 жыл бұрын

it made me cry at the last part. The idea that you had attachments to your friend and youre needed to leave them💔💔💔 Hale cried😥.

@chuckbass3641 2 жыл бұрын

Leaving behind newly acquired friends can be a daunting proposition. It hurts but knowing that you will meet again with plenty of stories to share can be a bright spot in an otherwise dismal goodbye.

@JackHartland 2 жыл бұрын

I enjoyed seeing the other side of this moment in time (after the Sailing Zatara episode). Knowing that you guys made it - awesome. Thank you for sharing.

@owenbreward4974 2 жыл бұрын

Me too Jack. Having a different perspective is always nice to see. As they're sailing with Zatara to Oz, I'm hoping to see more of the same.

@MrCyan26 2 жыл бұрын

Well done on the preping for the storm good choice to use that cyclone proof marina,also sad to leave good friends. I've just been tested positive for covid so I'm stuck on my boat for 10 days isolating so stay safe guys.

@jorgeborrell81 2 жыл бұрын

Beautiful video, thank you so much for giving us fresh air every week!!

@daisypugcodes 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing your perspective in a very real and unique way. We appreciate you.

@timtrinkaus7072 2 жыл бұрын

Amazing video so glad you all escaped the storm unscathed!!

@ianspencer8109 2 жыл бұрын

Cool, the cross over is complete, Wynns, Zatara and you guys.

@caromarco6315 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for taking us through the whole process to se what it was really like. So pleased you were all okay!

@johnhall942 2 жыл бұрын

As we have endured Hurricane Harvey here on the Texas Gulf Coast, we can appreciate the ordeal that which you endured. Glad to see you and the family were prepared and came out safely and your plea to help your host country in recovery. With every episode, our resolve is steeled to take the same tack, hoist our sails and plot a course to a point over the horizon. My recent contraction of COVID only emphasizes the fragility of life and the days we have that are unknowingly numbered. next year we will be in the BVI on a chartered 45' cat and taking that experience to decide if we come to the dark side (y'all have cookies, right?) or stay in a monohull, only a tad larger than we currently sail. What is determined is our resolve to take the family out, salty spray on our faces, weary bones and muscles holding fast and explore as you have. Thank you for your dedication to share and know you are making a difference from behind the lens.

@northernguyytt9882 2 жыл бұрын

Saying good bye to friends is a life lesson of cherishing every moment with them. Well done on the prep, you were all lucky tho! Safe travels, fair winds and following seas!

@petetjaarda5112 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome! Glad everyone was safe. Safe travels & fair winds. 👍😎👍💕

@roywirick9854 2 жыл бұрын

aww you can see how hard it is for the boys to say goodbye to friends. well the entire family really! cyclone wise…talk about dodging a bullet! another fine episode! 🦩

@franktartan6808 2 жыл бұрын

Such emotions!! Hurricane Charley went right over my house and boat (the eye). Thank you, again, for sharing your amazing life!!

@BohemianBeatster 2 жыл бұрын

Thank God you guys made it through the storm safely. Very lucky that it passed you by. I live in Florida and have been through two hurricanes, so know first hand what strong winds and what those winds bring can do to everything around them. The screaming sounds alone of a hurricane are enough to scare you to death.

@loobylooroden6176 Жыл бұрын

New to these videos and reading your comment just after hurricane Ian , I hope you are ok?

@MrDbeatty52003 2 жыл бұрын

Glad you guys and Archer made it thru safely. Another great video.thanks

@TheSailingFamily 2 жыл бұрын

Our pleasure!

@rickemmet1104 2 жыл бұрын

Wow, what a bunch of life lessons for the kids to learn! Like the prep for the cyclone, that's the most impressive setup I've ever seen. Ben thought it all for naught getting the boats prepared, but if the cyclone had wobbled just a tiny bit...

@SigisTravelVideos 2 жыл бұрын

Another tearful goodby, but I'm glad you made it through the cyclone unharmed.

@theaftdeck4728 2 жыл бұрын

you guys did a great job preparing! Loved the ingenious dry dock storage of the boats! When Irma hit us in 2017 in SXM we weren't half as prepared as you guys! our company boat was badly damaged but she's up and running again! We're now working in BVI but it's so good to see what you guys did, we definitely know for next time to be more prepared! :)

@chrisophercheshire6176 2 жыл бұрын

So pleased you are all safe, have a pleasent voyage to Australia.

@n3clar 2 жыл бұрын

You guys are amazing !!! thanks for sharing

@TheSailingFamily 2 жыл бұрын

Our pleasure!

@rickg1403 2 жыл бұрын

Another great episode from the Sailing Family Chronicles with master narrator and camera operator extraordinaire-Seth! Thanks for sharing. (Man! I need a boat!!). LOL.

@TheSailingFamily 2 жыл бұрын

If this episode makes you want a boat then you are one tough sailor, friend! Haha. ~Seth

@rainbowrainbow9687 2 жыл бұрын

What a great family ❤️

@juans3728 2 жыл бұрын

You made it through a scary moment, sailing community really look after each other, Peace.

@TheSailingFamily 2 жыл бұрын

It's great, isn't it? What a relief! ~Seth

@djy0025 2 жыл бұрын

Love the vids👍

@sukierusso5738 2 жыл бұрын

Great video. Glad everyone was safe.

@TheSailingFamily 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Thanks for watching. ~S

@zzzxxzzz3248 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing !

@bethlef5168 2 жыл бұрын

Love your videos!!!!!

@linf525 2 жыл бұрын

I just discovered your channel, and have spent the past several days watching your beautiful family beginning with your departure from the Cape. Not only are your videos magnificent, you both are fantastic parents to your 3 very special kids. They will grow up to be accomplished sailors and responsible citizens of the world. Thank you for sharing your journey! Where are you now?

@TheSailingFamily 2 жыл бұрын

Welcome aboard! Thanks for letting us know!!! ~Seth & crew!

@calvingarrett3245 2 жыл бұрын

Thank God everything was ok during the storm.

@crismoore6811 2 жыл бұрын

I know how you feel prepping for hurricane. I live in FL. I can tell by your breathing how anxious you were. We always feel feel the same anxiousness. The whole town vibrates with a hurricane energy. We are lucky when it only clips us. Such power 160 mph winds. As to departure. The shades of blue are STUNNING once more. Clear water and unpolluted sky. WOW. I am breathing in the colors. Departures are " see ya later" not " farwell". Thank you.

@ThoughtfulWander 2 жыл бұрын

Be safe Sailing Family!!

@user-uu3xp1ps5n 2 жыл бұрын

God is good, Hafez, and he is the most merciful, and I wish you safety

@johannjohannsson3272 2 жыл бұрын

👍 great video

@owenbreward4974 2 жыл бұрын

Elizabeth the chameleon eh?! Nice look! ;) Sad to see the tears though. (Brought a tear to my eye as well ... and I'm a 51 year old man!) Goodbyes are always sad and difficult. But it makes another meet up all that more special later on. All the best in Australia to all of you!

@bradmack8953 2 жыл бұрын

Mother nature can be such a beast, sometimes. xx

@davidsteben5953 2 жыл бұрын

You guys r the best

@shaunreid5898 2 жыл бұрын

Well done hope you enjoy Australia

@waynevetrone 2 жыл бұрын

another great video

@TheSailingFamily 2 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

@MichaelBuck 2 жыл бұрын

Most don't realize this all happened 8 months ago, its a bit strange to see the past and know we are all well into the future from these events. I and some others already knew the outcomes for several channels that were there such as you all and Zatara. Fortunately, the storm missed your location and all the boats came through just fine. But certainly, other parts of the island chain were hit hard and are continuing to recover and our prayers are with them. Hopefully, they have recovered and are preparing for another season. Blessings to you and your family and look forward to seeing more of your adventures.

@TheSailingFamily 2 жыл бұрын

We should be call caught up in two months!

@GarethTiedt 2 жыл бұрын

Oh man, seeing Hale so sad really pulled on my heart strings! It's got to be really tough leaving great friends like that. Are you guys close to meeting up with Pu again? Another amazing video as usual!

@trevhedges 2 жыл бұрын

Very cool

@KandiSueTheBlue 2 жыл бұрын

What a well documented episode showing your preparations and thoughts. We've been through 2 hurricanes and know the anxiety and boat preps required and the role luck plays. How happy we are that you are safely in Australia. Your music choice of Yellow for the closing scene was just perfect. 👏😎🌬⛵🌴

@privatesecurityafrica4129 2 жыл бұрын

Stay safe!

@sherreeharris419 2 жыл бұрын

Well...the goodbye with kids really got me. I'm 64 and am still horrible at saying goodbye. Soo love your family

@TheSailingFamily 2 жыл бұрын

It got us too. Sweet kids...

@daltonpoole4106 2 жыл бұрын

Seth, don't let him get under your skin. As the Captain of a 20m commercial fishing boat with 20 man crew I went through 5 cyclones in the Mozambique channel over a 4 year period. From the weakest at 30kts passing 200nm south of us to the strongest where the anometer cups seizing and getting blown off the mast so wind speed unknown, lifting the top 2 to 3m off the waves and driving it down wind as a wall of water. That trip Our snubber was a truck tyre on the anchor rode that got ripped in half and parted the 40mm rode we had had out. After that I held the bow into the wind by motor(300bhp @ 1800 rpm ) flat out being blown 2knts astern og, waiting for the eye to pass over us so we can run down wind with it to duck in behind Bazaruto island out of the onslaught. Its all in the prep and then up to Neptune not wanting your vessel and the life of your crew. You stay prepared and keep your family safe to sail another day. Fair winds.

@carolgoergens9275 2 жыл бұрын

Damn Seth the videos are really good

@TheSailingFamily 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Carol!!! ~Seth

@easternsuneasternsun171 2 жыл бұрын

I was in marsh harbour on a boat for hurricana Dorian , cat 5 , 200 plus mph winds . Yeah you got off super easy guys .

@TheSailingFamily 2 жыл бұрын

Yikes, that sounds like quite a story. Hope we run into you somewhere!

@easternsuneasternsun171 2 жыл бұрын

@@TheSailingFamily Easternsun is my channel ,theres 3 videos of that event , check it out

@ChristySandhoff 2 жыл бұрын

In 1979 we sat out Cyclone Meli in Suva.

@Cptstokes 2 жыл бұрын

Had a Typhoon blow to the west of Bora Bora while on the hook on Huahine with winds 60+. Then Gales at 40+ for 2 weeks. Then, once I delivered the boat boat to Oahu, another! friggin Hurricane with wind 120+! Crap seems they were following me that year. Good news I was in a berth in Pearl at the military marina. Way in the back end but still windy and very wet.

@josefavusoniua4612 2 жыл бұрын

Hope you will have time to visit Fiji again.

@TheSailingFamily 2 жыл бұрын

We will definitely be back someday!!!

@donnakawana 2 жыл бұрын

Y'all are such a fun family.. I love when momma layed on the table an blended in.. y'all were sooooo lucky an that's a blessing in spots.. my prayers for the ppl to your North are in full effect. That whole place is full of completely good loving ppl...Fare winds an following sea's ✌🏻💗😊❣️

@raiskari8439 2 жыл бұрын

'Moce' (goodbye) and as always 'sota tale' (till we meet again).

@martinc6987 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome experience,nice to be cared from experienced people,the system is genius. I still would have stayed...... : ) And it was not by luck,do you have an Idea how many people all around the world and on Fidji itself are praying for the best possible outcome???(i know its not real time,but we always pray for people in hurricane regions). Were there any casualties??? Did Zatara leave also with this weather window? GOD bless you all and your families.

@SV-DEDICATED 2 жыл бұрын

We kept track of your progress near real time over at "KZfaq Sailing Channels" Facebook Group. Lucky.

@TheSailingFamily 2 жыл бұрын

I remember! It was a crazy week for many boaters in Fiji. Some not as fortunate as us too... ~Seth

@lets_go_see_ 2 жыл бұрын

Fijii's preparatio at that harbor bay was second to none. My opinion, you should had stayed in your spot till after the season.

@TheSailingFamily 2 жыл бұрын

It was a pretty good setup, that's for sure! But Australia has been great too (as you will see)! ~Seth

@sharonmelzer4018 2 жыл бұрын

Love your videos. Where are you currently?

@TheSailingFamily 2 жыл бұрын

In the next episode we sail to Australia, which is where we are now. :)

@imscanon 2 жыл бұрын

You and Zatara and also the Wynns who left not long before for NZ I think really dodged a bullet as you aren't insured during cyclone season there so a loss would have been a full out of pocket loss. Yikes. Hope you got outta there shortly after.

@TheSailingFamily 2 жыл бұрын

Lucky for sure!

@waynefederico9396 2 жыл бұрын

What would be fun for the boys to try.. Making a movie on their own or creating a scavenger hunt for mom and dad.. Have them start with a script or storyboard then let them help with the edit.

@TheSailingFamily 2 жыл бұрын

They've made two lego movies, actually! Not quite ready for prime time yet. :)

@johndeveaux7670 2 жыл бұрын

Spoiler alert: Zatara featured Archer in that marina months ago when they published their video of cyclone season events. You better have a chat with Keith lol.

@CatGreatcircle 2 жыл бұрын

I know it’s not ok but it almost feels like an anticlimax after having the idea for over a year that you were in the middle of a cat 5 cyclone. Of course it’s great that it just passed you.

@TheSailingFamily 2 жыл бұрын

Such a relief!!!

@Mikinct 2 жыл бұрын

If only there was a way to know what months are hurricane months at certain locations one could potentially be clear of harms way lol

@TheSailingFamily 2 жыл бұрын

Due to Covid we were stuck with nowhere to go. ~Seth

@jcoghill2 2 жыл бұрын

Everyone makes mention of dynema line. I've seen it and I'm not impressed. It stretches like rubber band. I don't like double braided nylon for the same reason. All your synthetic lines stretch and break without warning. Instead, use hemp. Hemp doesn't stretch and it will begin to smoke before it breaks giving ample warning. They aren't pretty to look at when used but if you want real security and safety for the crew use hemp especially for a towing hauser.

@janszkop8681 2 жыл бұрын

👍🇵🇱🙋⛵🌞

@ifereimiwaqainabete7437 2 жыл бұрын

Vinakavakalevu

@TheSailingFamily 2 жыл бұрын

Miss Fiji so much!

@psystealth 2 жыл бұрын

stow the dingy and outboard engine !!

@TheSailingFamily 2 жыл бұрын

Where?! We thought about strapping it to the roof, but then it's MORE in the wind than under the solar panels. We strapped it to the davits instead, which seemed to be what most people did. Ideally you could deflate it and fold it away, but with our RIB we cannot. Not sure what would be best! ~Seth

@MichaelrennieG 2 жыл бұрын

These are last years videos in December, I don’t think many here know,,,,

@TheSailingFamily 2 жыл бұрын

Yes, that's right. We are just catching up but didn't want to skip the crazy stuff... As for getting into Aus, we were the first boat to get accepted and sadly the rules changed on us (no longer counting time at sea). That's why we applied for the exemption. In the end, it wasn't worth the risk and we should have gone. But hindsight is always 20/20! Thanks for watching. ~Seth

@eduardodelagarza4787 2 жыл бұрын

I am a man of constant sorrow, lol I have 3 boys your wife and you must be really stressed as a hurricane lmao

@BarracudaHawk 2 жыл бұрын

So confused about the timeline until I saw Zatara.

@richardlawrence4676 2 жыл бұрын

isn`t Zatara cruising Oz right now? Just saw their video.

@BarracudaHawk 2 жыл бұрын

@@richardlawrence4676 yes indeed which is how I realised these guys are months and months behind.

@mohamedabderrahmani5949 2 жыл бұрын

🍃😱👲👏👍

@billdomb 2 жыл бұрын

Timelines get confusing. Might be helpful putting DATES on the clips.

@TheSailingFamily 2 жыл бұрын

There is a date on the opening scene, plus we talk about the timeline in the description. We're about 8 months behind but will be caught up in two months time. Thanks for watching! ~Seth

@ERICWAGNERSLUCID 2 жыл бұрын

…

@gavinmarshall9950 2 жыл бұрын

You didn’t feel the need to send your kids out kite boarding?

@TheSailingFamily 2 жыл бұрын

😂🤣😂

@rogerramjet4797 2 жыл бұрын

I actually REALLY enjoyed watching your videos after discovering your channel a few months back. However, now that I realise you are uploading videos 8 months in arrears, its lost its appeal. Im not sure about others, but I dont want to watch something that is ancient history. So far out of whack with a quickly changing world, that complaining about a cyclone season that has been and gone seems like watching The News from early 2021. I hope you catch up and are uploading more like a month or 2 in arrears. Have some relevance to current events. Until then, I wont be back. Good luck!

@TheSailingFamily 2 жыл бұрын

No worries. We make these videos primarily for ourselves. If you happen to like them, great. If not, that’s fine too. It’s your time - watch what you like! ~Seth

@rogerramjet4797 2 жыл бұрын

@@TheSailingFamily thanks for the reply. I look forward to being a little more updated. Welcome to Australia mate.