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Welcome to the club! I'm 71, been sailing since 11 years old. I love it. I will always be a sailor. Thanks so much for watching and for your kind comment. I truly appreciate it.

Thank you so much!

Thank you for watching. And thank you for your service! Yes, as we said in the video, we intended to donate her in Hawaii. That’s very easy to do where we live in Southern California. But in Hawaii, the rent was $1,100 per month. No Charity could afford it, as it would quickly consume any profit they might make. So we listed her with a broker. Then Covid hit. The broker wasn’t allowed to show the boat. We did find another marina for $500 per month. We finally sold her a year later, having spent about $10,000 in rent. On the brighter side, she now belongs to a young man who sails and surfs and is refurbishing her to like new condition. My wife and I saw her this past May when we were on vacation there. Thank you again for watching.

@@daleabowman1747 You're welcome! The highlight of my lifetime was being able to wear a United States Navy uniform, That video was outstanding, and pretty scary at times. Thank you for sharing that adventure will all of us!

And thank you so much for watching😊

Hi Filip. Thank you for your comment. I'm not sure what you are referring to. I have never seen the forestay 'wiggle'. If you could send me the time in the video, I will take a look. The backstay, however, was loose and under no tension after the halyards and mainsheet were attached. It does move around due to the lack of tension. It was completely 'out of service' after the fix and had no effect on the rig for the last 1,800 miles. This repair was not perfect, for sure, but it worked, and allowed me to complete my crossing. I kept sail area as small as practical so as not to risk the rig. My goal was to keep the mast up, and it worked. I appreciate you watching.

Filip, I think I saw what you were referring to with the wiggling. I had a backstay adjuster on the backstay just above the tiller. After the strands of the wire broke, I could not use the backstay, nor the adjuster. The adjuster tensions the forestay and would reduce almost all the sag, or movement. The temporary fix with halyards did not prevent the sag. Thanks again for watching.

@@daleabowman1747 Hey thanks for responding. I think it's noticeable at, for instance, czcams.com/video/Mn9QO84cDhg/video.html . It's probably no big deal, it's just something I noticed that I assumed was due to the reduced tension in the rig. But then again it could also be me being used to a different kind of boat than yours. I've never been at sail on a trimaran or a cat, my boat is a monohull (a 1982 Wasa 410) so quite different. Really appreciate the video, super inspirational for me. I've never done any big crossings but am dreaming about taking my boat across the atlantic some day, but just finding time for bringing the boat to the canaries seems like an insurmountable project at this stage in life with small kids and all. It'll have to be later...

@@filiphaglund7817 Yes, it's very clear at that point. I'm sure the backstay adjuster would have stopped most of that. Without it, I was just concerned about putting too much pressure on the halyards, as there were so many points for those to fail, such as entry and exit blocks to the mast, lead blocks, etc. Thanks for taking the time to mark it for me. Life can definitely get in the way. I couldn't do my trip until I retired. Our kids are grown, so that helped. Just keep it on the back burner until you're ready. Then go for it! I am so glad I made the trip when I did. My circumstances have changed now, and I couldn't do it now if I wanted to. Everything in its time. I hope your dream comes true someday. I'll watch for the video:)

Thank you so much for your heart-felt comment. I'm confident you will achieve your goals. For me, this was probably my greatest accomplishment. I still think about it often. My health has turned a little; nothing serious, but enough to keep me from sailing to Hawaii if I had not done it at the time. I am grateful I had the opportunity, a wife to support me, and a boat that was not designed for crossing oceans, but still fully capable. Thank you sir for watching and for your kind words.

Hi Shawn. Thank you for watching and commenting. Very much appreciated! I had two 100 amp batteries. The 25 watts of solar were very insufficient. I supplemented by running the outboard every other day or so. No regular schedule. I was very frugal with electricity. All my radios and GPS' were battery operated, and I brought a healthy supply of them. Anything rechargeable I waited until the motor was running and connected them to the inverter. Running lights, auto bilge pump in rough weather, and only occasional cabin lights were the main draw, as was the VHF/AIS. It was a bit of a struggle. The auto pilot was a priority, and I was always able to use it. Given a 'redo', I would have had another hundred watts of solar.

Thank you so much Joe!

Thank you SO MUCH! And I loved your comment! Thank you for watching!

Wow thank you for appreciating my comment. I just returned from Maui this week and told my wife I want to attempt the voyage from Los Angeles to Hawaii on a sailboat. I am in my 50’s and stay fit so just need to learn to sail. Thank you again

@@oei301 That sounds great! Let me know when you go, or if you have any questions I could help you with!

Thank you so much Roger! Yes, we did arrive safely. It was an exciting trip. Thank you for watching!

Hi Alan (my middle name:) That's such great news! I'm excited for you. It's a long time coming, but that makes it all the sweeter! This next year will fly by. 39 is young. You'll have tons of time to enjoy your new life! Please post some videos as you go; I would love to hear about it. Thank you for watching and for your kind comment. Truly appreciated! And thank you so much for your service!!! Also, truly appreciated! Best luck always, Dale

Hi Dennis. 20 mpg? I'm jealous. I've had five outboards over the 39 years that I had the boat. In order; 7.5 hp Honda 10 hp Honda 18 hp Suzuki two stroke (I hit 11 knots at full throttle in calm water with this motor, but fuel consumption was terrible at that rate) 10 hp Merc 10 hp Tohatsu Except for the Suzuki, fuel consumption was very consistent. At 6.5 knots in the ocean, with or without chop, about 6 mpg. Slightly more in calm water, like inside Newport Harbor, CA. The speed limit there is 5 mph. I used a small 3.5 hp Tohatsu four stroke (from my inflatable) for a couple of weeks in between motors. It worked great in smooth water. I never measured the consumption with that motor on the trimaran. Your theory about wetted surface may be accurate. I don't have a better one. The boats have similar weight. Thank you for watching, and for your interesting question. Dale

@@daleabowman1747 Hey Dale. Hull Speed for my 19-foot water line is about 5.84 knots. If I slow down to 4.6 knots (5.3 mph), then I get 20 mpg. I did not realize you were pushing it at 6.5 knots (as you stated above). If I tried going 6.5 knots (7.5 mph), I have no doubt my fuel economy would be cut in half to 10 mpg. Here is a theoretical video I did on the subject: czcams.com/video/g4InJlMcGBs/video.html

@@dennis6325 Thanks Dennis! I'll check out your video!

@@dennis6325 Hi Dennis. I just watched your video on motor sizes. It's very good. If I get a new boat, I'll refer to this. Thanks very much!

Thank you so much. I glad you enjoyed it, and for your kind comment. Good luck to you in the future. Never give up on your dreams!

Hi! Thank you for watching and commenting. I truly appreciate it. I had two 12 volt batteries. One was deep cycle storage battery, the other was a dual purpose starter/storage. It may have been sufficient if I had had a LOT more solar. I only had 25 watts. So I had to supplement solar with running the motor periodically. If I did it again, I would use gel batteries and much more solar. Thanks for asking.

@@daleabowman1747 ❤️ Last year I bought a beautiful Italian sailing boat. It's a Comar Comet 850. It has fourthy three years. A little at a time I am preparing it for solo sailing. I love sailing single handed. By. Michael

@@mikkktm512Hi Michael. Congratulations on your new boat. I share your love for sailing, and singlehanding. I hope you have some adventures in your future. My boat was 38 years old when I sailed her to Hawaii. She has a new owner-a young man with sailing experience and fiberglass expertise. He is refurbishing her to be like new. She is now 43 years old, like your boat. I believe she has many more years of life left. I wish you the best of luck always. Please keep in touch. Dale

Thank you so much! That means a lot to me.

No argument from me. She was not designed for crossing oceans. After 30,000 miles and three Mexico trips however, I had enough confidence in her to make this voyage. I appreciate you watching and commenting!

Thank you so much! Top speed I ever achieved was on this Hawaii crossing, 18.6 knots. We were surfing down a huge wave with almost no sail up. I was trying NOT to surf, but we fell over the crest and down we went! Prior to that, I hit 16.4 knots in the Sea of Cortez, again surfing, and in about 35 knots of wind. Top speed non-surf was 15.5 knots, which I hit several times. Once, in Newport Harbor. Speed limit is 5mph, but nobody saw me:). This was beam reaching. She can do 12-13 knots pretty easily. Above that it takes a lot. I once averaged 10 knots returning from Catalina (26 nm). She's not a racing boat, but fast enough for some adrenaline rushes. I appreciate your comments!

Note taken. Thanks for watching.

Thank you so much for watching and commenting. I'm glad you enjoyed the video.

Thank you so much! I appreciate your comment!

Thank you so much. Yes, I still get an occasional allergy attack when I watch the video. A lot of emotions still run through my mind (and my wife's). The rainbows, sunsets when I was lucky enough to get them, as well as sunrises were spectacular. Definitely highlights. Thank you for watching, and for your kind comments. Take care.

Hi Marie! Thank you for watching! Yes, I was never alone out there. It was so nice meeting you and Naiala! We'll keep in touch!

Christopher, thank you so much for watching! I had just gotten the main reshaped and it was working great...for two days! I fought off the temptation to hoist it again, as the consequences were too great if it failed. I had to be patient and accept the longer trip. I appreciate you taking the time to comment, and your kind words.

Thanks so much Rick!!!

Thank you so much Curtis. I appreciate the kind words very much. I learned a lot on the trip as well. I had sailed most of my life, but never crossed an ocean. It was a challenge I needed to take on while I still could. One of the highlights of my life. Thank you for watching!

Thanks for watching Roger. I’ve had hives before. Terrible. I’ll do better next time.

Yes:) 22 day trip. Thank you for watching.

Thank you so much Hector!

Thank you sir for watching and commenting! For sure, it was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but the most gratifying.

Thanks so much Rottingboards! I apreciate that very much.

Thank you so much! I appreciate that very much. We went to the Big Island last year for the first time. We love it! We even talked about moving there someday. Thank you for watching, and for the kind words! You made my day.

Thanks so much!

Thank you so much for watching. And many thanks for the kind words. Truly appreciated.

Thank you so much. That means a lot to me.

I'm so glad to hear that. I appreciate you very much.

Ha Ha Ha! I had never heard that. If I had, I think I would have been saying it all the way across! You made my day! Thanks so much for watching and commenting. Much appreciated:)

What a beautiful comment! You touched on so many things that were a part of the trip. Thank you. I designed her in 1976. I had sailed most of my life, but on small boats. The largest was an 18' Unicorn 'A' class catamaran. I had only been on one trimaran, which was dry-docked. It was an old Piver, about 25'. I loved it. Of course, as my interest in building a small tri grew, I learned about the other boats, like Crowther's Buccaneer and Farrier's F designs. I think Farrier was a genius. So I took a little from each boat. When I lofted Free Spirit and then built the frames, stringers, etc. for the molds, I had only one error of 1/4", Like you, a very proud moment that I still remember. It was very gratifying to sail her to Hawaii. I was comfortable with her, and knew every inch like the back of my hand. Thank you for acknowledging so many factors. I truly appreciate it. Dale

Hi Scott! Thanks so much for watching and for your kind words. Greatly appreciated! This was my first video edit, and it took longer than sailing to Hawaii! Thank you for mentioning it (and the flag shot!), Best wishes to you sir!

Best wishes to you as well!👍✨

Thank you so much! I appreciate you watching. Yes, it would have been more convenient with another sailor. And more fun! But I enjoy singlehanding, and the additional challenges you face. It is hard, but gratifying to be responsible for everything, and to accomplish it on your own. Thank you for your comment!

Aloha Thom. First off, I want to thank you for watching the video and for taking the time to write such a heart felt comment. I truly appreciate it. Thank you for your Law Enforcement service. What a difficult job it is, and something that most people take for granted. I do not. I'm so sorry to hear about the cancer. I wish you the very best always. My wife said to tell you we will pray for you. I planned this trip for a year, even though I dreamt of it for many years. My wife was very supportive, as were our kids. in spite of all the planning, I forgot my pillow! That was a huge omission for me. The 'bunk' is tolerable with a pillow. And my sea boots. They never made it into the boat. But overall I had all I needed. I'm so grateful and glad to have made the trip when I did. I've had some health issues since (nothing like yours Thom), that would have prevented me from doing it later. It's definitely the greatest experience of my life, even though it was filled with every emotion you can imagine. I love sailing; have since my first boat at 11 years old. I sailed that little 9' boat ten miles out to sea once! Then the wind died, and I was fortunate that a large sailboat happened by and towed me in. It was a little embarrassing, but what a great sail! I remember it like it was yesterday. You're right about the shore. It was so nice to have my wife meet me. She had rented a room at the Ilikai Hotel, 25th floor, overlooking the marina and our boat. A quick dinner and Mai Tai, then I went to sleep for twelve hours! I do have some ideas for a few more videos. I'll start in the spring. I saw your channel and subscribed. You're amazing! That's a lot of videos. I'll check them out. But I must say, I'm a little (lot) afraid of snakes. Thank you again for writing me. Mahalo!

Thank you Paul! Yes, we sold her in Hawaii and are still looking for a replacement. Hopefully by summer. I appreciate you watching!

Ha! Thanks so much for that, and for watching! I appreciate it very much.

Thanks again Beren. I would LOVE to do it again. Wife and I are looking for a possible next boat. Then who knows?

Hi Beren! I hope you're okay out there! Thanks for watching and the kind words! I wish I had internet on my trip. But I guess you can't have everything. I wish you the best. Stay safe my friend.

Very kind of you Todd. I truly appreciate that. She's the only boat I ever fully designed.

@@daleabowman1747 I'm an amateur boat design geek myself, I never had the guts to build one of my own larger than 16' though, kudos! I have a similarly sized mono, and I go through all the same shuffle with gear and provisions at times, but for me smaller is indeed better. Again, beautiful boat. I'm happy you had the guts I didn't

@@toddlong8672 Thanks again Todd. Even a 16-footer is a great accomplishment. When I designed her, I was 23 and weighed 140 pounds. My wife was 5' 2" and 100 pounds. I had a three-year-old son, probably 30 or 40 pounds (I don't re- member). She was perfect for us at the time. Over the years, she got smaller (or we got bigger!). She's been a great boat. Super strong and seaworthy. She far exceeded my expectations. Take care.

Wow, that's amazing! Where is she now? They charged me for two slips😏. $1,100 per month. We tried to donate her, but no one would take her due to the high rent. Finally moved her to Keehi for $500 per month. I love that marina. Took a year to sell. Sold her for $3,000. Not a good business transaction, but it was all worth it. It was a great experience. Awesome hearing from you!

I appreciate that! Thanks so much for watching!

Thank you so much piknick! Yes, I still think about them at times. Very strong memories for me.