We have been on a full Atlantic circuit, starting from Scotland over a year ago. We were SO keen to close the loop before this winter came. We can't sail full time, and until now we've just been extraordinarily lucky that we've had just enough flexibility to wait for crew and for weather on each leg. This time we sat on the boat, the clock kept ticking, and we kept discussing how to just make SOMETHING work. But in the end we admitted that we had just run out of time and options, this time. An individual choice, and a close one either way. I can't complain about the glorious year we've had though! 😄
I rely enjoy seeing these vids - thank you and well done to you both. I am contemplating buying a V34 - classic or even pilot house. May I ask why you are not using the self tacking track with the staysail?
@@russab2001 We do use it, especially when short tacking (inshore). But for long periods on the same tack (offshore) we generally get better sheeting angles using the sliding cars on the coach roof. I also find (could be me) that the self tacker doesn't tack smoothly when it's sheeted hard, so I usually have to release the sheet and sheet in again anyway. I have sometimes rigged both options before we head out, but it's really messy 😂
@@theoddvoyage thank you. Have you any comments or experience of the sailing qualities of the pilot house version? Its the same hull, keel. rudder of course- but I guess its the weight above deck and the windage of the pilot house?.... anything else I should consider?
@@russab2001 I've only hear positives, to be honest. I'm not sure the windage is even enough to matter much. So I guess it's just the premium on price. I think I prefer the silhouette of the standard hull, and the slightly larger cockpit space that comes with that, but it could just be sour grapes.
Good pragmatic decision I'd say... As hang gliders say, "It's better to be on the ground wishing you were in the air, rather than being in the air and wishing you were on the ground..."
"When boredom outweighs fear you'll be off". That is a phrase I heard in Terceira more than once while I was waiting for a weather window to return to the UK.
Mindful that we are not predictors. When many variables, decision quality has nothing to do with the immediate outcome. It comes from properly weighting up risks and gain expectations and make sure you re winning long term. We are surfing the waves of probablilities. Same with deciding on a reef. Never blame yourself when you put in a reef and wind drops or you reef out and wind picks up. Pointless. If we were out there to maximize comfort, we would not be there at all. Its just a physical exercise to enjoy, part of boat life. 2/3 of your reefing decisions will end up being worth anyway and that is more than enough. Very lovely videos, thank you for yr content, and keep up the good work. Greetings and best of wishes from a sailor / professional gambler
Hoy Captain, as a lifetime crew member of sailing vessels, I think you are making the correct decision. Being at sea dodging storms is no fun at all. I appreciate your concern about the crew, rarely does a Captain take into account the thoughts of the crew. I.E. The HMS Bounty replica ship and Hurricane Sandy. The Captain put to sea with inexperienced small crew and a ship that had no business being at sea much less fighting a cat 4 or 5 Hurricane. A complete disaster to the ship and crew. Relax where you are, enjoy your safety in a harbor with the longest docks I think I have ever seen! Let your crew rest and your ship heal. From the crew, Thank you Captain for thinking of us. We cant wait to sail under your command again. Aye Sir.
Nice! -- QUESTION -- regarding a hanked-on storm sail.. how do you lower or furl a honked-on storm sail if the weather keeps getting worse? The winds hit say 40knotts with 55 or 60 gusts.. Do you simply let the sail rip and tear apart or what do you do? there is no furl and no way to lower it other than going up on the deck during horrible weather???
It's a tough question. If things had gotten any worse, I think we would have let out the drogue before doing anything else. Then judged it again once we saw how the boat steadied. There's no way of getting the storm sail in without a trip to the foredeck. Maybe the judgement call on doing that would be believing the sail put the boat itself at risk?
So nice! -- QUESTION -- I have watched and loved your sailing and, of course, your impeccable sailboat. Your Vancouver 34c is perfect and I can't find one as nice. So I must ask, is there any chance that you would depart with it either completely or, if you are not gong to use it for some time, on a two year basis?
Yes I'm with you, my boats trashed, nearly died at sea and there's no hope to fix it here but i have to go again asap with a trashed boat beating against it yet again. Im tired and bored of living and travelling on a boat its the worst thing to travel with minimal to nothing to just arrive at your destination and your treated like crap and disrespected by the land dwellers everywhere you go. I hate sailing and visiting new countries due to this fact. Fair winds and i hope you make it safe and sound take care.
@@theoddvoyage Thank you for saying this it means alot. I will keep going if my boat doesn't sink here. I would not recommend visiting Cape Verde it's the worst place I've visited.
We have been on a full Atlantic circuit, starting from Scotland over a year ago. We were SO keen to close the loop before this winter came. We can't sail full time, and until now we've just been extraordinarily lucky that we've had just enough flexibility to wait for crew and for weather on each leg.
This time we sat on the boat, the clock kept ticking, and we kept discussing how to just make SOMETHING work. But in the end we admitted that we had just run out of time and options, this time. An individual choice, and a close one either way.
I can't complain about the glorious year we've had though! 😄
I rely enjoy seeing these vids - thank you and well done to you both. I am contemplating buying a V34 - classic or even pilot house. May I ask why you are not using the self tacking track with the staysail?
@@russab2001 We do use it, especially when short tacking (inshore). But for long periods on the same tack (offshore) we generally get better sheeting angles using the sliding cars on the coach roof.
I also find (could be me) that the self tacker doesn't tack smoothly when it's sheeted hard, so I usually have to release the sheet and sheet in again anyway.
I have sometimes rigged both options before we head out, but it's really messy 😂
@@theoddvoyage thank you. Have you any comments or experience of the sailing qualities of the pilot house version? Its the same hull, keel. rudder of course- but I guess its the weight above deck and the windage of the pilot house?.... anything else I should consider?
@@russab2001 I've only hear positives, to be honest. I'm not sure the windage is even enough to matter much. So I guess it's just the premium on price.
I think I prefer the silhouette of the standard hull, and the slightly larger cockpit space that comes with that, but it could just be sour grapes.
Thanks for the reply. I think I will have a look at the Vancouver Yachts Association :-) 🙂
Good pragmatic decision I'd say...
As hang gliders say, "It's better to be on the ground wishing you were in the air, rather than being in the air and wishing you were on the ground..."
Wisdom vs pride. Sometimes the "180" is the very best move.
"When boredom outweighs fear you'll be off". That is a phrase I heard in Terceira more than once while I was waiting for a weather window to return to the UK.
😂 that's such a good phrase - I'll have to use that
Gotta listen to that little voice. ✌️
Things will be fine. Enjoy your winter stay!
Mindful that we are not predictors. When many variables, decision quality has nothing to do with the immediate outcome. It comes from properly weighting up risks and gain expectations and make sure you re winning long term. We are surfing the waves of probablilities.
Same with deciding on a reef. Never blame yourself when you put in a reef and wind drops or you reef out and wind picks up. Pointless. If we were out there to maximize comfort, we would not be there at all. Its just a physical exercise to enjoy, part of boat life. 2/3 of your reefing decisions will end up being worth anyway and that is more than enough.
Very lovely videos, thank you for yr content, and keep up the good work.
Greetings and best of wishes from a sailor / professional gambler
Thank you - this is a great perspective
Yes it was..have a nice winter stay in the 'lovely' Azores..👍😎
Make the decision skipper and don’t belt yourself up with hindsight 👍
Spend the winter exploring the Azores! Sao Jorge, Pico and Flores are beautiful! Can easily spend a month at each of the western islands.
Can't complain 😁
Lovely to get an update
I hear Cork is a negative vortex very hard to leave
Hoy Captain, as a lifetime crew member of sailing vessels, I think you are making the correct decision. Being at sea dodging storms is no fun at all. I appreciate your concern about the crew, rarely does a Captain take into account the thoughts of the crew. I.E. The HMS Bounty replica ship and Hurricane Sandy. The Captain put to sea with inexperienced small crew and a ship that had no business being at sea much less fighting a cat 4 or 5 Hurricane. A complete disaster to the ship and crew.
Relax where you are, enjoy your safety in a harbor with the longest docks I think I have ever seen! Let your crew rest and your ship heal. From the crew, Thank you Captain for thinking of us. We cant wait to sail under your command again. Aye Sir.
Don't beat yourself with hindsight.
Nice! -- QUESTION -- regarding a hanked-on storm sail.. how do you lower or furl a honked-on storm sail if the weather keeps getting worse? The winds hit say 40knotts with 55 or 60 gusts.. Do you simply let the sail rip and tear apart or what do you do? there is no furl and no way to lower it other than going up on the deck during horrible weather???
It's a tough question. If things had gotten any worse, I think we would have let out the drogue before doing anything else. Then judged it again once we saw how the boat steadied. There's no way of getting the storm sail in without a trip to the foredeck. Maybe the judgement call on doing that would be believing the sail put the boat itself at risk?
So nice! -- QUESTION -- I have watched and loved your sailing and, of course, your impeccable sailboat. Your Vancouver 34c is perfect and I can't find one as nice. So I must ask, is there any chance that you would depart with it either completely or, if you are not gong to use it for some time, on a two year basis?
Sadly, no. I can understand the attraction though 🙂
@@theoddvoyage ,,,fair enough. Just thought that I would put it out there. If you happen upon a good condition one please email me..
Yes I'm with you, my boats trashed, nearly died at sea and there's no hope to fix it here but i have to go again asap with a trashed boat beating against it yet again. Im tired and bored of living and travelling on a boat its the worst thing to travel with minimal to nothing to just arrive at your destination and your treated like crap and disrespected by the land dwellers everywhere you go. I hate sailing and visiting new countries due to this fact. Fair winds and i hope you make it safe and sound take care.
Oh dear, that doesn't sound good. At all. Here's hoping something improves for you 🤞
@@theoddvoyage Thank you for saying this it means alot. I will keep going if my boat doesn't sink here. I would not recommend visiting Cape Verde it's the worst place I've visited.
Don't do it. The risks far outweight the benefits. Wait for spring. It can be done but it's extremely unpleasant and extremely dangerous.