After 5 years sailing and cruising, this deserves Warren a slap upside the head! Thanks! Andrew

Warren, we have all made rash, unrealistic decisions that have put ourselves and possibly others in harms way. It comes down to the correction of that very rash thinking that will allow you to live many more revolutions on this earth. Now the rough adult talk. What you also need to face and be humbled by is how selfish of an act it was. You placed yourself and many other fellow sailors into a precarious position to possibly risk their own lives for you and a cushion. Also, what about ERICA!!! Stop and think how the rest of her life would have been if she had to live it alone. Love you both and glad you are safe. Fair winds and cheers

Not only do you put your whole livelihood in danger you put everyone else in danger by having to save you. This goes for any natural storm. Hurricane, flooding, etc. Stay safe until the storm has passed!

WOW what a show. Need to make a movie of this episode. Been telling you guys that you are the best sailing show out there, and once again you have proven me to be correct. Praise GOD ya'll came out of this only a little battered and bruised. Love to you both.

This is an amazing example of many things. Yes, Warren made a mistake and thankfully no one else got hurt. They lived to tell about it so all other sailors or future sailors can all learn from their mistakes. Bravo for that! There was a lot to learn from this experience, so everyone else that is criticizing take notes and learn from it. It also takes guts to film during these moments if you can't do anything, which Erica couldn't AND she is putting the episode out for everyone else to learn knowing that people are going to eat them alive in the comment section. Way to go you too and happily, they are safe and sound. Oh, and just a side note, our own dinghy scares the crap out of me. We bought it used and its unstable because someone swapped out an old outboard for a new one and remived the center counsole, but not so obviously until the seas get crazy. We are currently working out issues with it, but anyone can get trapped in unstable seastates and if they are by themselves, the dinghy can become unstabel, because two people are not there to balance it out. It's not always obvious until it's too late.

We are glad that everyone is safe and nothing happened. We all make mistakes in everyday life and are constantly learning. Thank you for sharing your most horrible moments. Stay safe.

So relieved that Warren is OK when things could have gone sooo wrong. Mother nature is kind with you even in times of fury! As Erica said… we all learn. Take good care of yourselves and keep sharing your adventures with us. Lots of love your way. Bruno

What a beautiful illustration of the closness of a like minded sailing community.

very intense episode and so happy yall are both safe and sound.

You had me tearing up, so scary. This is what happens when you just react without thinking it through. I get it. I just react. That's how I've always been. Although now in my later years in life I just don't move as fast😂. Thankfully, no one got hurt.

A very scary episode, very glad it was no worse. It reminds us that Mother Nature is in charge and we humans are just passing through. Stay safe!

Fellow Helia cruiser here... I certainly empathize with your situation. Our lifestyle requires us to make thousands of split second decisions when things go wrong and we get it wrong sometimes. I certainly do. I admire your courage in sharing this story so we all can learn from each other's mistakes. I could easily see us making the same series of cascading decisions, starting with that ill placed cushion. What I'm impressed with is Warren not only managed to save himself, but also saved the dinghy. Not an easy feat in such conditions. I also saw Erica able to calmly communicate on the radio. I would sail with you two anywhere knowing you both can effectively manage a crisis under extreme duress.

Isn’t it fascinating how the smallest things can turn into our greatest challenges or even to our end? It’s why every moment is precious.

Glad God was on vacation out in the middle of the ocean! God Bless you all - please be safe.

Happy to hear you both are safe!! I'm also grateful that you have a community that supports each other. It is the real life 'loving your neighbor' put into practice. ♥

This video brings back lots of memories we had from that crazy storm. I am so glad Sea Bella was where she was to get you!! Captain Scott is a life saver he has done so much for us also. They will always be in our hearts.

Wow, glad it all worked out ok! It was great that other sailors were there to assist!

That was close !!!! 😮😮😮 now I’m thrilled! 😮‍💨 puh

I think with enough wind ,anything can fly, and your dad will agree. So kiddos on getting that dinghy back back up right… In my line of work…we call it unusual attitude….push, roll, thrust, stabilize and I will remember to forget about the cushion…probably can recover it on the beach in a couple of days. Cheers.

Had me on the edge of my seat! Glad everyone is ok.

So glad Warren is safe and ok!

OMG you two. That was intense and scary. I learnt from that experience, so I am sure you both did massively. Lives are more important than things like cushions. So glad your anchor held right through all that, especially while Warren was off VA. I love your channel. A Helia 44 is on my shortlist of cats to buy. Stay safe. Look forward to the next update. Hope you get the Honda going again. I am sure Warren will. Freaking genius at mending things!!!

Rule number 8… don’t do dumb things. “ i never thought this could happen”,, but now you know. What a wonderful lesson that will temper every decision you make from now on. Congratulations on your survival. We will selfishly wait for the next step.

Thanks for sharing - I was in the dinghy circle of death for about 3 min a few years ago off Petit St Vincent..l always where the leash in any conditions now. Lessons learned.

Praying we have had a very windy year up here. Be safe I flew in a plane near Andrew long time ago then moved to Mtns

very happy it's all good......

was a cushionn really worth a life! you guys are very lucky!!!!

This was a valuable experience that may prevent a similar thing happening where there is no help. Highest Blessings

We're glad Warren is safe, and all is well. Thanks for sharing.

So sorry this happened 2 U! Safe travels ❤️

Hi guys, these are the kind of incidents that make the best moments even better, and remind us how much we need to live in community, no matter how small. waiting to see you again.

So happy for your safety, thanks for sharing, I think a lot of people can learn from your experience

Well dang that didn't work out as planned glad he's safe an back with you thought I was going to be an orphan again hope that wasn't too soon again glad it wasn't bad as could have been hang in there guys sunny days are ahead

GOOD JOB

Simply wow....glad you're both safe

The de-brief is the most important part of the event. Ok… maybe second most important. It allows different viewpoints to be shared and (hopefully) honest opinions. Fourty five years flying airplanes I insisted on a thorough, open, honest, de-brief after an incident. And the occasional smack upside the head. A great learning moment. Thanks for being brave enough to share it.

I cannot imagine!! Thank the good Lord Warren is safe!

Thanks for providing the real life, I understand your decision to go after the cushions🎉

I have to say Warren, dont ever do that again. A cushion can be replaced, you, however, cannot.

So glad Warren was safe after such a scary experience!

So glad that everyone is safe -- it could have been so much worse. While I was watching, it felt like it might be a cyclone. Wind, then calm(ish), and then wind. Whew.

Wow, I felt the tension, unbelievable. As you say it was a damn cushion but as long as we learn from one’s mistakes.

A real life training video - screw the cushion ❤

blimey - that was edge of seat stuff! So glad Warren is safe and what an awesome way to demonstrate how the community pulls together. Looking forward to icebergs in the next episode! :-) (only kidding right)!!!!!

The tension created by your video is thick and tough to watch. Real life! Happy that everything turned out OK.

WOW! what an incredible episode. Thanks again to share that with us.

If you weren’t there it is not for you to judge. Learnings are so important. My question, from a learnings perspective, is no PFD? You may say to recover dinghy and retrieve painter, it would have been in the way, but I’m just interested in your thoughts on the question. Fair winds going forward!

I just can’t believe you did that.for a cushion you leave your wife,your boat and risk your life in force 10 conditions.your lucky as hell nothing worse happened considering you weren’t even wearing your PDF.someone was watching over you that day!!

Reminds me of my crazy windsurfing trips into Fiji in my younger years. Blowing 40-50 knots and we’d be out in it amongst lightning and big big swells. Exciting but also a bit edgy.

Glad everyones safe after the ordeal person 🙏🙏

Erica, sorry kid.....I know he's okay because I've seen other videos that have posted since this one, with that said I was absolutely tearing up for you in this stressful moment.

Jeszus People!! What a salutary lession! I too would not have thought the dinghy would capsize in that... I've done 60 knots at anchor for 10 hours but nothing like what you went through... Great video!

You two are brave to put out this video. Hopefully in the next video you will list all of the mistakes that rapidly escalated into a life theatening situation. What happened is the perfect definition of a cascade failure. Losing a cushion that should have been put away as the storm developed caused you to make mistakes you normally wouldnt make. Leaving the boat in a storm, motor lanyard, life jacket, radio. It would be helpful to have a what we did right what we did wrong video. Your videos are always real cruising footage. Your video may save someone elses life. Thanks.

Holy ****! Glad you're both ok. And you both kept your cool!! (But... But for a cushion...?!)

So glad you are both safe.

Man that was insane, glad you are both ok, so cool to see throughout the video how the community looks out for each other 👍😄 And for all the keyboard warriors throwing criticisms, get a life, everybody makes mistakes, they owned it and were good enough to share that with us which was really brave, they didn’t have to. Keep the videos coming, you are both awesome 👍

Holy shit. Can happen to anyone. In hindsight, a cushion isn’t worth it. But at the time it doesn’t seem like a big risk. Glad you are ok and a good lesson for all us boaters.

I have to know, did you get the seat cushion?!? Glad you’re safe!!

Respect Mother Nature. I learned that myself when taking my 16' Hobie Cat out of Emerald Bay in Laguna Beach with my brother and a friend in the winter with amazing force winds. We went out without the jib and somehow got headed straight into the wind, and without the jib we were just being blown backwards, and we couldn't move starboard or port. We were just being blown back into the reef. I was up on the front of the starboard hull trying to kick with my fins on and turn the boat; the swells we were in topped the mast by at least 10 feet (Hobie 16 has a mast of 16' 6"). Somehow we got the cat turned and headed to Shaw's Cove, and with the speed we had, we almost pitch-pulled the cat a few times before landing on the beach. A homeowner in Emerald Bay called the coast guard when we disappeared around the south reef and said friend had hypothermia and went to the hospital. Gotta ask, did you get the cushion back?

❤❤❤❤❤❤

Looks a lot like last winter in Montenegro… ☺️

Wow

Every captain should see how a silly mistake can compound so fast.

❤

So glad you’re safe!! Did the cushion survive?

OMG 😱 WOW, guys ‼️ z that was quite the storm. Almost got to cyclone status. I have had my dinghy flip in a storm before.....twice m but never while I was in it. Has to be a unique experience. Happy all is well. Hope the outboard can be saved. One time for me it could, the other it could not. See you next time.✨ 🌊 💨 ⛵️ 🏝️ 👙 🌞 ✨

Did Warren retrieve the Cushion... in the end ?...... Over a Cushion ...!!

Whoopsi cushions

In my part of the World, 40 knots wind is the norm for close to 4 months of the year. If one need to go on the water and alone, tie two 20 liter cans filled with water in the bow of the duck to keep the bow down unless there is two people onboard.

❤❤🥰🥰

did you get the run away cushion 🤣🤣 be safe man

I was very emotional watching what you went through, Erica. I'm sure you needed to slap him for scaring you so much. You did stay strong during this whole ordeal, Erica. I'm so glad that everyone is okay

WHAT WERE YOU THINKING - A SEAT CUSHION? So very glad you both are safe, and that you had fellow boaters to save Warren. Please don't do anything like that again. A very upsetting and scary episode.

So glad things worked out for the best, yet one question remains, was the cushion recovered.

Yes, yes, but did Warren get the cushions back?

@1:26 The ocean still ceases to amaze you? Odd.

It must be Wednesday. Thank you.

I need to know...did we save the cushion!!? lol

oh lordie, scary stuff

That was hard to watch. Don’t forget you can replace a cushion but not Warren. Keep him safe!

Meraki's latest vid is about a storm in Fakarava. Is this the same atoll and storm? No, Makemo. But possibly the same storm.

Well that was your one bad allowed....chasing a cushion in a storm of that magnitude .....what the heck were you thinking....

One reason while all aboard has to know all workings of a boat for this reason psst it's just a cushion

I would like to know what anchor you were using?

Erica, Warren, we are all thankful that Warren and you too, Erica are well and safe. Please note that we ALL have done stupid things.. Accidents happen and we can't plan on them. You got my BP elevated. Be blessed.

Which VHF handheld radio do you own? What's a good brand vhf handheld radio?

No kill cord...????

All’s well that ends well. So, did Warren get the damned cushion?

Yeah that was scary, booooyyyyy never again....the cushion was recovered BTW ???

As a 20+ year USCG vet who worked a large part of my career as an operator of SAR vessels. My first question is WHY??? Why would you jump into a sm boat and go after a Freaking cushion, or anything else for that matter? If it's not a matter of life just stay put! You are anchored in a lagoon; the cushion would have eventually drifted ashore. You also put others in jeopardy by having to come to your aid. a quick recap, At 0800 you appeared to be just fine. You were able to cook and the hanging items you have around the cabin weren't swinging dramatically, so your boat was riding just fine. Anyone able to cook and move around enough to cook in 30-50 kts of wind aren't in to unfordable conditions. I am pleased to see you had a discussion about this incident, once things calmed down. Lastly, I will add some food for thought that I hope you and others take into consideration moving forward. I believe the root cause of this was a "Fatigue driven decision." Meaning you'd been in these conditions since 1500 the previous day. It's reasonable to believe you didn't rest much that night either. You also said you got up at 0500, (who knows how long you'd actually been awake before deciding to get out of bed). So, you were up for the day with very little rest and the storm continues while you were continuing to be stressed with little to no rest. All that leads to bad decision making. Decision you wouldn't normally make under different circumstances. It's things like this that can get crews put in harm’s way and possibly resulting in very bad outcomes. Please keep this in mind going forward, don't risk anyone life for anything other than another life, especially not a cushion. BE SAFE, PLEASE!

Yeah, okay, but what about the cushion?

Thats cruising = Think

I`m sure 1/2 the people watching this made some dumb azz mistake as well at some point including myself. Thanks for sharing your experience.

Am I going to be nice here? Hell no. You never get off the boat in a storm. A cushion? What were you thinking?

This is in poor form, but I find it Ironic, that Warren almost got Suicided by Hurricane Hillary... ;) I am so Glad they recovered him... Giant Protective Hugs

I noticed you were the only boat there with three buoys in the water. Shouldn't you have reminded them about protecting to ocean bottom

did anyone put some computers and navigtion aids in the oven as a Farraday (spelling?) cage.?

Warren just needs to bite the bullet and admit he fucked up, if he tries making any excuses…. Well that would be a dick move, because other people could’ve been hurt or worse trying to help. Glad everything turned out ok, be safe out there guys.

Glad to see ya'll are safe out there. You will look back on this and laugh one day. Here in Hawaii there has ben some very sad news. On Maui it's ben very Bad. The fire that was kicked up by 40 to 60 knots of winds took out all of Lahaina! There is nothing left. The death toll is over a 100 now and climbing.There are over a 800 people Not Accounted for.They have only Searched about 3% of the town so far. The fire came though so fast that people where running into to ocean to try and get away from the flames. It is so said. I don't know if ya'll got to go to Lahaina or not. It was a very Beautiful and very old town. With it's History in Whaleing and was at one time the capital of the Hawaiian Islands. The people of Hawaii are trying to help on Maui. But still haven't gotten any help from the Biden Administration yet. ( And it has ben over a week) Biden is on vacation and has nothing to say about it. So send your Prayers for the folks of Maui. Ok sorry for the sad letter here. Just thought ya'll would want to know. Ok until next time, Aloha from the Big Island of Hawaii!

And after all that still no cushion