I'm not a sailor, but I really enjoyed your book and thoroughly enjoy these videos.

After 50 years of sailing & 10 boats under my belt, I also have never had a dodger. Well said! I am now a subscriber.

Thank you. Light years more intelligent, more informative, more insightful than the thousands of wannabe sailor dorks who post their “adventures”.

You’re a treasure of knowledge sir. Thank you so much for sharing with we, the peanut gallery. My only complaint is that your video’s are infrequent. Makes them all the more special.

The 1976 boat I bought came with a dodger. I refitted the boat and towards the end put up the dodger. I took the boat for a sea trial with my wife. She is shorter than I am and was not able to look over the dodger and complained about the visibility when at the helm. When docking the boat, the dodger prevented me from properly gauge the entry into the slip and I needed at least a second, but would have preferred a third pair of eyes, to guide me in. Needless to say, the dodger came down and the waters opened up. Then I remembered that at some point I watched this video. I went back and watched it again. The commentary on the dodger well taken. I will try the umbrella next!

I find your state of mind to be quite pleasant, humble, kind, thoughtful and of an honorable nature. Your video's ensnare the mind and i find myself sitting there with you. I have no doubt that you are a delightful person to be around.

I have worked with varnish (and paint) daily since 1986. If it helps to know, all varnish is high gloss until a flattening agent is added to it. Going with a high gloss will be the most durable as nothing has been added to it. You will also have much better luck with a reapplication of high gloss over high gloss than you would reapplying over a lower sheen.

Of twelve targets on your ship alarm -- "Brings back memories." Sounds omenous. Regards.

Great post today! Somewhere we became disconnected with what sailing is all about. That connection with the sea is no longer quite as intimate for most ....insulated and encased in a "Sunbrella Womb". After 50 years as a professional sailor and captain, I too am looking for any dodger that does not impact on one ability to trim, maintain a proper watch , observe, and most importantly experience with full effect what draws us to the sea in the first place. LOL..As far as cold wet weather is concerned remember there is no such thing as bad weather, only poorly designed clothing. SPF 50 RULES! From one solo old goat sailor to another, thanks for the great content and high production value. " Beyond All Things Is The Sea" Seneca

Man. I'm hoping for a long voyage soon. You do the best writing and story telling during your voyages!. Thanks for sharing

I am going to the wrong dinner parties. The crowd I run with never serve brussel sprouts, and what a pity because I LOVE THEM. As for the dodger, I can’t live without it. My little Cape Dory 25 has minimal freeboard and I got sick and tired of being wet all the time. But that is ok, we can disagree on brussel sprouts and dodgers. I still think you are the cats meow. Keep up the great content. You’re the best!!

love you and your videos Christian, it gives me comfort and makes everything right with the world when you release a new video. I recently finished reading your book Alone Together for the second time, I also have the Philosophy of Sailing which I'll reread next. I have a 9m sailboat on which I've just started installing new instruments and tidying up the wiring and I've come the conclusion that working on a boat is just solving a never ending number of problems, it's a perfect environment for a DIYer. Great to see you back!

Hi Christian. Nice video and explanations as always. No Dodger might work at your latitudes. I am glad having a Dodger here i Scandinavia. Temperatures and winds here makes you seek shelter in the cockpit when on longer passages.

So nice to see you again, Mr. Williams.

I follow those youngsters on S.V. Uma, and their compact dodger seems to be a good addition to a smaller boat on an extended voyage in the north, through varied and extreme conditions. Keeps warmth from escaping the cabin as much and doesn't seem to interfere much with sailing with the view (and the elements in their teeth) and their eyes on the sails. A "soft" dodger easily removed in mellow climes.

First of all I'm a huge fan of all you say and do..usually :)....but where I sail (Baltic, UK, Ireland) a good "dodger " is absolutely needed, especially on longer short handed passages in cold weather. It provides much needed shelter from wind and spray for on-watch crew. In fact when I rebuilt my present 40' wooden sloop, I built a hard dodger which, IMHO, is the best thing since sliced bread! Last October we crossed the North sea from Norway to Shetland, just 2 of us, 40 hours.. wouldn't want to do it without my hard dodger! Keep up the good work! Dara BTW I also have an Eastport Pram (the nesting version) that I use as my tender. I also built mine, but a few months before you published your time lapse video of the building of yours. Great little boats! Back burner project is to make a mast, rudder and centreboard for mine as I've just been rowing her so far!

Love your wise and practical approach to your sailing exposure and visual attention to the sky and sails overhead. I have a 30 Laguna in Oceanside and love the freedom of jumping on deck, making some adjustments, collecting fenders, sitting on the bow and not having to climb back over what could be a dodger. Although having worked in Hollywood for many years in the biz, I do love those boys in blue, The Dodgers :) At this point, one of my dreams is to actually meet you, Christian, and if you don't think I'm crazy, take a little sail out to Malibu and talk war stories of working at Disney, Fox, Sony and the like. I love your writing and eloquence and minimal use of background music. You do know your craft of story telling :) Cheers from San Diego.

Hey Christian good to see you out again!

It is wonderful to see you again Mr. Williams!

Christian, old man, Enjoyed your prattle about equipment, some what, but truly look forward to your voyage to Nuku Hiva and seeing you rocking a great new tattoo. Lead the way!

Christian! good to see you! Long may you run!

I see dodgers on so many boats in my home port of seacoast NH and have never understood the need either... It's nice to see the sky, stars and most importantly the sails for the short season we have! Sail on friends!

Brussels sprouts indeed! I like them the same way I like asparagus - with so much other stuff on top you can't taste either of them. Hope my mom isn't reading this. BTW, your jacklines make sense - thanks for including them in the video. On the dodger. Just bought my first larger monohull (42 ft.) that came with the obligatory bimini, dodger, and cover that bridges between the two when wanted. After spending a half year getting the boat to the point where I was ready to splash it I left both bimini and dodger off so I could see everything the way I'm used to on my little 22 ft. daysailer. It was mid summer of 2023 on the Chesapeake just a tad north of Annapolis. I did get a bit uncomfortable after that first sail and added the bimini. It was a huge help and on my boat covered little of the view of the main, but the dodger was a different matter. I hated how it covered the view of everything - hiding the beauty of the foredeck and water ahead was the first thing I noticed, then the pain of winch access and having to move around to see the foot of the headsail and approaching crab pots (the Chesapeake!). Docking got harder for the same reason. I also enjoyed hitting my head on the dodger rail coming out of the companionway - but I conquered the companionway hatch earlier, I figure I can conquer that rail as well. TBA. The one thing I liked about the dodger was the port/strb grap rails as you go forward and return to the cockpit. Makes the transition much nicer and safer. My solution was to remove the dodger cover and sail with the frame. I been feeling like an idiot because every other boat I've seen has a covered dodger - but I hated it. Now I feel better. Maybe we'll meet someday at a place with soft walls and a nice staff with white coats. : ) God bless you and your precious family - Langston

Top. Grts from the belgium coast Brussels is our capital …where it is now blowing50kts. A dodger comes in handy over here. It has a great WAF. Wife aceptency factor . And when your wife is a lawyer a dodger is far cheaper then a divorce. But since I have been racing for 40 years, I understand your point to. Thanks for another great video.

Man I'd love to live close to you and learn a 10th of what you know

I am a sailor, and you are 'right on' about everything from dodgers to Thelonious Monk!

I.........must say............that...I enjoy your videos.........your....keen intellect......thee...clever turn of phrase.....and.............most especially...........the pentameter of....your...speech.............patterns. ;-) Awesome channel.

I am glad to see u back out and makingvideos always enjoy them.

Fantastic!!! I thought I was the only one who didn’t like Brussels sprouts!!! Cheerful talk and very entertaining and funny ! Fair winds and seas… cheers from Muros !!!!

Wonderful to hear your voice again. Loved the episode. You stay safe.

I always enjoy hearing your thoughts on sailing. Thanks for sharing 👍

Good afternoon Christian. I thoroughly enjoyed your book Alone Together and have followed your posts and KZfaq videos for quite some time now. I enjoyed your arguments on to Dodger or not to Dodger. I completely agree with you about being able to keep a close eye on sail trim. My previous boat was an Ericson 27 Without dodger or Bimini. I used a tarp with a couple of PVC pipes when anchor or on a mooring. I love that boat and the set up worked for me for 14 years. I sold “the pride of Cucamonga“ In the spring of 2016 to save up for my dream Cruising boat. I was able to acquire a 1981 pacific seacraft 37 in August 2020. Her name is “my fair lady“. She came equipped with a quality dodger and Bimini made by Harbor Canvas. I’ve got to tell you it’s been a real adjustment as to how I keep an eye on the Sails. The Bimini is somewhat easy to remove, essentially a zipper fore and aft. But I pretty much keep it on all the time because I am now a live aboard here at Cabrillo Marina and San Pedro. One real advantage I’ve noticed about the dodger is that it really cuts the wind chill and I rarely get splashed with spray. Nice for sailing during the colder months. It dawned on me that I don’t recall seeing any solar panels or talk of solar panels on your vessel Thelonius. One advantage to the Bimini frame is I have lots of room for solar panels which I’m planning to do. Possibly putting one on top of the dodger as well. Which brings me to the question what’s your routine to keep your batteries charged up if you don’t have solar or wind generator. I’m tentatively planning on joining the Baja ha ha in November of this year. I think solar panels will be an important upgrade to keeping my four AGM deep cycles charged up. See photo below.

I agree with you about dodgers, Mr. Williams. Good Sailing.

I just bought a sailboat without a cover on the dodger frame. I’ve sailed ~1200 miles so far this year and can’t say how many times I’ve hit my head coming up from below or tripped going to the mast but not once have I missed the canvas. I also caught mangrove snapper in Boot Key Harbor last evening and fried them for dinner with a side of Brussels sprouts.

You are my favorite sailing channel bar none. I built dodgers, really nice dodgers here in Stonington CT for 34 years, and I will say that there’s nothing that will ruin the look of a beautiful sailboat profile quicker than a dodger will. So I agree( but I still have one) Thank you for all your hard work putting together these videos. There a treasure!

Brilliant relatable expression of independent thinking as a resourse we all own but underutilized.

G'day Captain I too use only one sheet on the fore sail with a small knot...thanks so much for doing the same, as I have been asualted by many a friendly foe, for doing so...you are a wealth of knowledge and experience, I hope many young sailors can learn a thing or two from you as I have....you are one in a few million, can't tell you how much I have enjoyed watching you work at playing with your boat.. tks so much. P.S. have you ever spoken with Captain Q. Seems to me you would enjoy each other. Take care. Sail safety..

It's always a pleasure to be brought on board to join you good sir. May you stay in good health! Live long and prosper

Umbrellas are a great idea. I have two on my stern instead of a Bimini because the backstay interferes with a Bimini.. They are heavy duty Sunbrella canvas, fiberglass arms and stainless fasteners made by a company here in FL and tested to 65 knots. I love them and get a lot of comments and new friends from people who ask about them. The dodger issue I mostly agree with. I had one in California when the boat was there. Now in FL I don't and have done without it for 20 years. 90% of the time I prefer it without the dodger, BUT...I'm adding a dodger back again, better designed, because sometimes in this part of the world you need some shelter from the rain down the companionway and wind while on deck. But I've designed it to fold forward when at anchor with an awning above and from the companionway I can look upward at the sails through the front window. Thanks for the thoughtful videos Christian.

This video underlines the importance of regular maintenance and quality glues, varnishes, and paints. She is in tip top condition, and a credit to your patience and loving care. Well done, Captain.

You're back. Thank you Christian.

I really like the way you think sir. Love your videos. So very entertaining. Thank you for making them 🙏🏻. Stay well.

Interesting comments regarding spray hoods I must say. However, completely incomprehensible when it comes to cruising for someone who has sailed mainly in Scandinavia and the North Atlantic for the past sixty years. In the 1980s, I sailed two world championships in boats that will never ever be equipped with something that is not absolutely necessary, but cruising is another matter for me. After all, a spray hood provides protection for both crew and interior when needed, when it is not needed, you can always fold it down and enjoy the unobstructed view. It's another way of looking at it. However. I really like Christian Williams' channel and the philosophical reasoning that it offers.

So happy to see a new episode after a few months. Please keep posting videos.

I wish I could sail with you! Amazing insight and knowledge!

Sir i don't think you hate a dodger, you just enjoy the openness of sailing under the clear blue daylight sky, or a star studded evening sky.😊

I bought a small boat. It had a old dodger which I replaced. I sailed once with it and found it to be abominable. Never had one before, and never will from now on.. At mooring, I use a $10 tarp over the cabin and cockpit. Easy set and it takes no space. Happy!

In a soft, but direct voice, he proclaims, "I Hate Dodgers". Brilliant, old school and so honest. Yes, the whole point of going sailing is to feel the wind in your hair, sun on your face and sea spray. Anything that interferes with that is just 'Blah'.

We went north last fall on our J-133 from Southern California to SF. I can say that on the cold November evenings, especially the one with 25 knots on our nose off of point conception, we found ourselves sitting in the companion way looking out all bundled up and only our head sticking up above the mostly closed hatch, and at each shift change saying “maybe we should get a dodger...” I generally agree a dodger isn’t necessary (we did a ton of sailing in SoCal without one and never missed having one), but I also haven’t really met anyone who said more times than not “I sure wish I didn’t have a dodger!”

Always happy to see new content on this channel.

I too have an Ericson 38. Took my first voyage down the Chesapeake Bay in her this past October. I still have much to learn, but watching your videos have been an inspiration.Was a Laser sailor many moons ago as well lol. I look forward to reading your work! Keep doing what you’re doing. Life is far too short to not do the things you dream of doing. Best wishes on your next adventure!

The cabin sole looks fantastic. I'm looking forward to redoing mine this spring along with the companionway steps. Made new handrails last summer and cockpit coaming and taffrails. It sure looks spiffy with the new wood!

A well needed refit after a long journey is always a good thing. As well as an interesting insight into ‘To Dodger or to not Dodger’ that is the question!! Thanks for the update. All the best Richard

Good thoughts Christian but as the comments have already shown, the dodger question is also a matter of geography. We don't all sail in temperate year-round conditions. I am in Vancouver, Canada. I'll be heading out this weekend and the temps will be just nicely above freezing, so the protection of a dodger is nearly essential. One thing not talked about is the extra security a dodger offers in the way of vital hand-holds when moving forward and returning to the cockpit. Lastly, you kind of glossed over the role your "significant other" has in this question. For many of us, getting buy-in from "the Admiral" is not a luxury but a necessity and as you pointed out, the ladies like protection from the elements. Thanks as always for sharing your experience with us.

Phenomenal woodworking and upkeep. Some care goes a long way in keeping it a beauty! Thx for the post, always great to see one from you.

Brilliant and funny as ever Mr Williams. If you are ever over in Edinburgh, UK 🇬🇧, please let me buy you a pint and a dram 🍺🥃

This is one of the few older boats that looks spotless, and well cared for. Bravo!

I'm with you on the Brussel Sprouts but after sailing out of marina Del Rey for 50 years I finally got a dodger on my 40 Beneteau that I've owned for 18 years now. I have to say I like it. I can't sail with the bimini (took it off as soon as I bought the boat) I had a frame for the dodger and did some mods on it 3 years ago to strengthen it and then had it built. I really like having a place to duck when you get that spray coming at you on those days (you know the ones) I swore I didn't need or want a dodger but I do really like it now. Its a pain to take down but easy to open up the whole center and let air in. I see you out there a lot we've even waved ;-).

You are my new mentor love all your vids my son’s favorite part was on your sail to Hawaii and doing the games by yourself

Thanks Christian! Your wisdom is always appreciated. Where is the sailing dinghy? I missed it in the video. Regarding dodgers, or sprayhoods as we call them around here. Well, I probably wouldn't have one if I was sailing in CA. In fact, we have something we call "such a good summer day" that we put our sprayhood down. But for most days here in Scandinavia, specially early and late season, we really needed it. Even in the middle of the summer, we often have very cold days. Believe me, I had spent a season without one, and the next one when we got, it felt like luxury. With that said, and to give the whole picture, we also have a diesel heater on-board.😃 Please, enjoy the weather and the long season for us. And thanks for keeping us warm with your videos. All the best from Sweden, Carlos

Welcome back, looking forward to more excellent teaching videos like this one, add to that a superb narration that I enjoy. Be well 👍🇨🇦

Sir, you are a joy to listen to when navigating through a sea of noise. Thank you for your inspiration that is imparted through inflections of seasoned wisdom.

Ditto with everyone else on seeing you again. I have a yen to start sailing and living aboard rather late in life, and I thoroughly enjoy trying to learn from you. I just wish I could do a Vulcan mind meld with you and download it all. Lazy, I know, but your knowledge accumulated over so many years is enviable! Good wishes to you and your family! I'll be looking forward to the next video!

It has been a beautiful January in So. Cal. For sure. Thanks, always enjoyable to watch your videos.

Thanks for solving my dodger problem. It was going to be next on my to do or want list, mainly to keep rain out while at anchor.

My dodger very easily folds down flat by pulling two clevis pins and pushing it forward so it folds down in front of the companionway. This takes 2 minutes tops. It also has a pair of zipped-in side panels I can remove when I want to, which is most of the time. I put it up when a rain storm hits or the crew asks for it.......... So the best of both worlds. Its nice to have it when I need it. The bimini has a roll-up window so I can see the main sail when underway. Thanks for the content.

Awesome! Another Christian Williams video!

Amen on the position you espouse on dodgers. So far, out of three boats I've owned, only one had a dodger (my last) because it came with one. My fourth boat purchase (perhaps as soon as this April, 2022) does not come so equipped so it's not likely to ever have one. I too am constantly tweaking the sails...and you can't do that if you can't see them constantly and clearly.

This channel is so inspiring to me. Its pure gold.

As usual sir, another great episode of sailing adventures, thank you for sharing all that you do, sailing with you and learning 1st hand what you’ve been through and the knowledge you have to offer would be hard to beat I think take care sir and looking forward to your next video…

Very nice video. I had never heard of the name lark's head. Over here in Blighty we call it a cow hitch.

Always a pleasure to see your new videos. Always jam-packed with great tips. I kind of see you as 1) a sailing guru and 2) a real renaissance man. Whenever I'd listen to your videos, my uncle, who's also a sailor, would say that I found the best guys to learn really useful sailing tips. Thanks Mr. Williams.

Love your channel! You always have such great info and humor! This MN Lake Sailor can’t get enough! Thank you!!

Really enjoyed your latest video! Always a pleasure.💪👌

Ah, it’s been a long time between musings. Thanks for your wisdom and insights. Your Ericson looks absolutely mint, bravo, testament to the pursuit of excellence and devotion to the love of a beautiful vessel. Fair winds and following seas sir

Always a pleasure to see one of your video pop-up on my feed Christian. I am with you on the sprayhood and bimini, but I have to say one of our earlier boat had "full enclosure". On a small 32' boat it was like an entire extra room, with the Dickinson burning some pellets in the main cabin it extended our cruising in the PNW by at least 2 months. The spray hood had a 'sock' with a zipper to wrap the canvas around the frame and could be folded forward laying on the cabin top just behind the mainsheet traveler forward of the companionway, lashed down on either sides to the handrails. That is where it mostly lived during the summer. A simple camping tarp over the book providing cover at anchor. The full enclosure panels lived under the V-berth cushions, the frame and canvas folded just outside the aft pulpit and forward of the backstay with similar 'sock' arrangement. It was very clever. Putting everything up after some practice was a 30 minute affair. Keep those videos coming, they are so entertaining and educational... Single braid line for the main halyard hummm. :-)

I too am a dodger dodger. In my case there's only so much room for one on 20' 9" of sailboat and there is no solar arch, no bimini, no canvas around the cockpit to interrupt her curvy sheer (just don't mention the doghouse). I love your videos both short and long and may all your winds be fair but they ought to be with your sprout aversion. I hate the buggers!

You are so right about the dodger! My boat has one and since it obscures my view forward I always fold it down when sailing. It does protect the companionway from sun damage and minimizes rain intrusion while in the slip. Your videos are both entertaining and inspiring. You have a unique cadence of speech and combine words in a compelling manner. I look forward to your next annunciations!

Another SoCal sailor here, but with both a dodger and bimini. The shade is nice during the summer but it's generally an encumbrance and there are many times I wish I had a clear view of my sails from the helm. That being said, I appreciate the dodger during those times I'm bashing to windward. I expect I'll get more utility from it as I venture further away from SoCal and that bimini will be great in the tropics. If I based my decisions on how most local folks use their boats, I'd optimize around interior space, thrice-a-year sailing on Memorial Day, the 4th, and Labor Day.

I'm in the San Francisco Bay Area. When it gets 60-65 degrees F or higher with direct sunlight, I seek shade. The Sun wears me out and overheats me.

Thorough professionalism by you here. Thanks very much for all the details,so easily overlooked by a layman like meself. Will keep following with ever more eagerness to learn from 5he best!

I thoroughly enjoyed the latest installment of your peregrinations. I will take a hard look at my dodger, especially that it is on its last legs and a new one does cost a fair chunk of money. The dodgers purpose seems to be defined right in its name, though; when you are beating and there is spray coming over the bow and you are in the cockpit, you can dodge a salty mouthful by hiding behind it. Then you come off watch in slightly wet foulies, instead of being completely drenched; unless of course, you never sail upwind.

Such a great channel. Long format...great insights...connection with the sky and wind..isn't that the point of sailing. Thanks to Capt. Q for send me your way. I hope to sail the Pacific one day as well

Christian you are so cool. I've been watching your videos for years and it's given me such a great perspective as a relatively new sailor. Your knowledge and approach really engages me and I always wind up with a heart full of inspiration.

Thanks as always for sharing. You are an inspiration

I've bought my boat with a dodger, but then about 10 years ago made mounting legs extensions with a size smaller stainless steel pipes and converted it into a frame mount for a solar panel to create sun cover over the helm. It also works great as a rain water collection method. Re-purposing the dodger has overwhelmingly contributed to comfort, practicality and safety of the boat. Thank you for bring up this topic, as I get a lot of criticism for butchering a perfectly performing dodger.

Christian I could listen to you all day. You're full of wisdom and great insight. Very keen to read your next book!

Well done Christian. I like your idea for the "luggage knot" at the clew of the head sail. I am going to use that the next time I replace my jib sheets. As for sailing without a dodger.....not in the Strait of Georgia, aka Salish Sea anytime other than August. Thanks for sharing. AL Vancouver, Canada.

I have a dodger, but the aft supports are webbing, not SS tubes, therefore, I take it down forward when sailing or motoring, and pull it back to shape when anchored or rain. I live aboard, so I find it a good compromise. Love your series and humor. Fair winds.

I have spent the last few weeks training on the waters around your home port for work. I find myself looking for you, hoping to catch a glimpse of you passing by on your boat, so I can wave and give you a salute. I suppose I consider myself a long time fan at this point and always look forward to your new posts and hopefully reading a new book.

always good to see a new video.

Hey Christian It’s great to hear your voice again and listen to your wisdom. I fully agree with your dislike of dodgers (or spray hoods as we call them in UK). I have a dodger on my boat but always sail with it folded down except in extreme upwind sailing, or when the rain makes sitting in the cockpit less than pleasant. I guess that’s the difference between sailing in UK waters compared to California!

A wise man you are! Thanks for sharing!

We all need a little more Christian in our lives. Especially in these trying times.

Thanks for the video, always enjoyable and informative. I rent a s/y in the Greek Islands every summer and all have biminis. Since I always sailed w/o one I feel it takes the fun out of sailing i.e. you can't see what is going on with the sails and for me, sail trim is all the fun, trying to get that extra tenth of a knot out of your sails. On my own 34 foot s/y here in Cyprus it has a sprayhood (dodger) which needs replacing but now, after seeing your video, it will be reconsidered, thanks.

Lots of great tips and thoughts on dodgers. Thanks...

Great video as always Christian and now you have me rethinking dodgers.

Some authors worry about what the reader/viewer think of their work. Christian never has to ponder that, he is a real pro.

I hate brussell sprouts!! got scarred as a kid, but love the informative videos thanks Christian we Aussies get a little cooked !! over here if we dont have some form of shade protection. I suppose it all comes down to type of sailing, location and personal preferences, id hate to be on a live-aboard in Asia without one.

Caro amigo mais uma vez agradeço a sua disponibilidade ao desenvolver a palestra na questão da manutenção nautica para velejar e os cuidados a ter. É para mim um grande prazer e privilégio poder acompanhar as suas lindas aventuras nauticas e sua linda e longa vida nautica. Desejo que tenha muita saúde e paz e muita alegria como até agora. Um grande abraço caro amigo e que Deus abençoe. Até breve.