The Night of the Knockdown
Vložit
- čas přidán 20. 12. 2022
- Part 3
This is the raw footage taken before and after Sparrow was hit by a massive wave that turned us almost completely upside down. I was very lucky to have been down below when the wave came and also that we did not get hit again.
Support Getting Sparrow back together by joining Patreon or picking up some of the Sailing Into Oblivion Merch!
Support the Channel via Paypal/Venmo
www.paypal.com/paypalme/Jerom...
account.venmo.com/u/sailingin...
www.gofundme.com/f/help-sparr...
I am 76 years old . Been on the water most of my adult life. Have been in 70 knot winds with my wife and at the time my 6 year old daughter. I built a deep draft marina catering to sail boats. Everybody thought I was crazy for my business and sailing venturies .
HOWEVER, you Sir are CRAZY!! Ha ha!
I have watched your videos from day one
I’ve always thought you were a true sailer, not like the glossed over sailing CZcamsrs
that use click/chick bait to keep their channel
going. I didn’t say you were perfect, but you are “real”. My hats off to you sir. Hope are paths cross some day out there
Oh, by the way. My boat is a Westsail 32
Beers are on me my friend!
I wouldn't want to ruin the moment... but... When I do get my boat... mind if I join the party, I'll bring Whisky.
Just what I needed to try talk some sense into my plazztik fantasstik-sailing friends here in the Med who snigger at me and my long-held dream to buy a WS 32. Thank you for the amazing content, Jerome!
Don't listen to the naysayers and clever people who snigger. Westsail is a great boat, in my opinion. She might not be the fastest girl in the race, but she will get you through some hectic seas in one piece. I fell in love with the Westsail 42, awesome boat.
Very glad I watched this video. As an "armchair" sailor dreaming of a pretty tough solo (NW Europe to Patagonia and back), I fully realise I've got to accept that this type of near-fatal accident is part of the overall risk. Rogue waves eh.. bummer. Glad you weren't washed overboard!
Amazing. I owned W32 for a season. Was a bit stout for local sailing in LI Sound but needed a boat and it was available a a good price. Sold her and I now have a Beneteau 34 coastal cruiser that wouldn’t survive what you went through, and as I near the horizon of going further offshore I’m thinking I may want be back in the W32 or something similar to an M1A1 tank. I also realize mental preparation from experience is what kept you going. I see I have a ton to learn and I’ve been coastal sailing for almost 30 years. Some racing and a lot solo. Glad you made it back in one piece and able to share this video. Funny I was watching your live track and was wondering wtf is he doing. Now I get it.
What mean M1A1
@@nachowind1683 Sherman tank
@@hagaiabeliovich4276 M1A1 is actually the first variation of an Abrams tank. Not to be argumentative, I just like tanks.
Only had one knockdown and that was daylight which was bad enough but at night must be an absolute nightmare. Glad your OK mate 👍
Wow what a video. I cannot even imagine the terrifyingness of this situation. And the fact that you had the presence of mind to film during this is nothing short of incredible. Thank you so much for sharing and so glad you are back home and safe ole J-rome
Dumb luck that I had the camara in my pocket, never would have thought to grab it! Glad I did
Dude very intense! 😮 I just made it through the storm my life and know how you feel right at these moments! I hit 15’ seas and gale force winds in my 24 1/2 ft sailboat in the Philippines. When I reached the marina I learned that 20 other people did not make it! I am 59 and a new sailor who wishes never to go through that again!
I hear that, but for some reason I'm glad to have been through it.
At last a channel which shows it what its really like great footage glad your safe and well it always amazes me how these vessels make it through these kind of conditions..would be cool if they could design them so when the doors are shut it makes the living area water tight..
Some designed do I believe.
You handled that like the pro you are. Merry Christmas
WOW! I did not think that a WS 32 could ever be subjected to a knock-down. YIKES!
OMG! I am so glad you are ok. That was some ugly seas. I just happened across your video. Man what a ride. You kept your great attitude & made it through till Dawn. I'll subscribe to your channel & watch more of your videos. I would sew you a new dodger if I was there. Keep smiling & sailing on. May you have fair winds & following seas.
Thanks Mighty Sparrow. Amazing footage and incredible courage and attitude. Good on ya. It is great to see that the damage was more or less `superficial', you were able to continue unassisted and especially that you were not hurt.
Those waves looked huge in the video so they must have been humongous in real life!
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, now it's all about getting things back together one piece at a time.
Bruh .. your a legend. The way you handled all that was inspiring to say the least
Thanks, better than being all mad I guess! Thanks
THE WOLDS GREATEST SAILOR MY GREAT FRIEND JARON RAND LEGENDARY
I’ve been in those exact same seas in a 28ft on my very first sail, solo, with zero experience. Very very very scary. I could sense your fear.
Not fun for sure. It was way worse in the southern Ocean but that night was just one in a million.
Merry Christmas Jerome! So glad you shared your experience- its really nice to follow along- keep safe and hope to see you in Rockland next year! Leif
Glad you Sparrow made it through! Great video thanks for sharing!
Amazing video and so glad you're ok!! It happened to us at almost the exact same time except the mast step collapsed and then the mast broke in 2 places. The next few days were interesting your spirit is what makes times like this the most amazing memories and the strength to carry on. Really glad you and your yacht are ok!!
Sounds like a nightmare! I was very lucky that night. I still wonder just how big that one wave really was?!?
Wow! Crazy sea! Thanks a lot for taking us along!🙏🏻
Happy to share the experience!
Excellent! Thanks for sharing! Merry Christmas!
Wow. What an experience! Just came up on my feed. You have a new subscriber.
Dude! Keeping the attitude positive. Good on you mate.
Good looking out, my brother. It's always out there and you can never be too careful. Wear your lifeline.
“Jack line” & safety harness
I am looking at buying a boat in the next couple years so im watching and learning all I can man that ocean is no joke and pretty unforgiving. Thanks for sharing your journey and adventure. Glad you made it ok be safe out there.
Happy to share, it can get pretty bad on the ocean but for the most part it is good weather and happy days!
I used to skipper lovely Westsail 32 in South Africa many years called "aries".
I was only doing very easy sailing taking timesharers out in Port Owen St. Helena Bay.
I would love to go sailing again but I think only on a Westsail.
They are so safe! Best wishes from london
Dude I just stumbled upon your channel definitely got a new subscriber man! Thank you for the upload. Awesome channel! 🤙
My pleasure, love sharing the experience, at some point I won't be able to do this stuff, live every moment!
You look pretty young. Webb Chiles/Sven Yrvind are 80+ And still making voyages.
Same here!
When I sailed knocked e few times, 10 years ago ,thanks for sharing.
Maann. If waves look big on video, that means they were REALY big. Thais is when you know you have a real boat. You showed a great spirit. I hope I'll never be in your shoes.
Great video.
Love your spirit brother!! Thanks for keeping it real for us newbies.
Thanks, no point in being upset right!?!
@@SailingIntoOblivion Exactly! I just bought an old boat and I find your adventures very inspiring.
Great footage, total respect 👍
I lived aboard a 165 ft. gaff rigged schooner called TeVega that is now called DEVA. We hit the tail end of the perfect storm in 1985. It was pitch black for 3 1/2 days. During the height of the storm, I was at the helm on the chariot when a wave hit. Our keel came out of the water and the boat laid over and the mast hit the water but no damage. One of the guys went overboard when that happened but was thrown back aboard and survived. He was inside the deck house and flew across the room, hit the port side door that opened because he busted the door lock and said that he felt the bottom of the keel. One other guy and myself were the only two aboard that didn't get sea sick and were taking turns at the help all night.
Couldn't even imagine! I have some friends up in Maine that were out in that storm on a Scallop boat, 100 foot steel vessel. The stories are Epic! Thanks for sharing
@@SailingIntoOblivion We were in Leningrad, USSR on our way west to Rhonne Bornholm, Denmark when it hit. We had taken all the sails down except for the 2,000 square foot gaff main. That sail ended up shredding. The waves were as tall as the mast. We had no modern navigation equipment since it was 1985. We used paper charts, stars and dead reckoning to navigate.
@@robertlaird6746 Epic, we ever get in the same place I would love to sit down for a podcast!
@@SailingIntoOblivion James of Sailing Zingaro and Peter of Sailing into Freedom both said the same thing but I'm not so much of a public type of guy. I'm looking at getting the same catamaran that Peter is designing right now. I might end up breaking down and sharing my story at some point on video but we shall see. One of my goals is to find my friend that fell overboard and talk to him. His name is Santiago from Quito, Ecuador. I haven't seen him since the the boat.
great, I mean really great video
Bro , that was wild not even being there, Westsail and those full keels, it's like " Weebles wobble but they don't ,,,, well ,,,, stay upside down"
Epic to see the post view of the mess , not many would share that look. I'll bet you have a new love for your vessel now knowing how she can take care of you in almost anything. Those swells were 20ft backs from what it looked like in you video, can't imagine what some of the faces were.
And knock downs at night man, WHY ??!!?? Why does Neptune always put us there at night. It just makes the mental recovery so much more difficult. Well glad you handled it with grace and you have a new subscriber now. Peace !
Thanks Chris, it was a beating out there this time. Not going to wait so long if I head out next year from the same place. Glad I was in a Westsail
Reminds me why we need to stow everything before passages and why i always immagine my boat upside down before i go to sea. . Looks like a pretty hard knock. Good thing youre boat is a brick house.
I was definitely caught off guard on this occasion, lesson learned. I think back how Sparrow was prepared for the Southern Ocean, back then it was bulletproof!
mighty familiar... i'm landlocked deep in western north carolina these days. it's tough to keep a positive outlook when you're by yourself and been through a knockdown. glad it worked out!
Hi,
Under such conditions, I run with the foresail alone. Under main sail, your boat is more prone to come up and sideways to the swell, and to be rolled if a big wave comes at the same time. I know lowering the main sail while runing downwind in big seas isn't always easy, but you have a full batten main so you may be able to do it even without changing course.
Fair winds
Thanks for the tip!
Good to see you and Sparrow make it through a knock-down and still be able to make it back. Ever thought about signing up for the 2026 GGR? You already have more offshore experience than many of the current skippers.
I doubt it, I go to sea for other reasons than racing. I like following it though, maybe if some sponsors hit me up but Sparrow would need a lot to qualify
Now that my friend is the sign of a true sailor. Calm as a cucumber, in the midst of a tragic situation, at night mind you. What an experience you shared. Thanks for the details and glad you made it back to sell us your book, sir. Can't wait to meet up again in a few months on lake Michigan! Fair winds!
Glad you liked the video, I’m enjoying watching the RV action. The beach!!! Definitely stay in touch! See you this summer.
Holy shit this is terrifying my friend
Just popped onto your channel after some time away, damn that was some ride. Praise the Lord you made it through the night relatively unscathed. That Westsail sure has heart. Glad you are safe and the boat in one piece. Love your videos, they gritty and real. great job.
One of the stormiest trips I have had, Sparrow kept me safe though
@@SailingIntoOblivion You chose really well when buying her, in my opinion. I would love to own one, hopefully I shall be that blessed. I hope the repairs to Mighty Sparrow don't take too long and you be able to get back out on the water soon
your amazing mate ..if that were me there would be a brown slick noticeable by the International Space station ! Great work
Great video, I've done a lot of coastal sailing but to cross oceans signal handed you are truly a man among men.haha
Love it out there! It gets a little crazy from time to time but when the weather is nice nothing beats it!
Great craic. well done on surviving this terror!
Nice man! Great footage of grey beards creeping up behind you!
Mighty waves there! No wonder they flipped you over. Maybe next time use storm jib instead of mainsail? Anyhow, great footage 👍👍
By far the best video
An old sailor taught me Always be prepared for a knock down. That means nothing left lose inside. Radios, electronics should be in water proof boxes. Get rid of the companion way and add water tight door. Amongst other precautions. In others words, race ready for southern oceans even if you never go near them. Your life is worth it.
Wow, thanks for documenting this! Real weather!!
Great spirit an addittude you have ,
Thanks, got to be positive in this world, no matter what
Proper boat, competent captain, sorry wrong way round. Captains and boats of calibre are becoming rare now.
You are a brave man. That was a bad one. I sailed the North Atlantic but that ocean was kind to the boat, a USC Union Polaris 36. We didn't suffer a broach. Fair winds.
Whoa man. Ride ‘m Jerome. Stay safe out there. Peter
Thanks!
Appreciate it!
Amazing video, Jerome…. And Mongo just kept on trucking….!,
Mongo gets the credit on that night!
Awesome stuff
Thanks more from the trip coming soon
After seeing this, I'll take slow and steady all day, every day. Lots of other boats (and captains) wouldn't have persevered as well as you did...
I would much rather have nice warm trade winds in my sails for sure
Well....how interesting. Good to be alive and kicking, huh? Sail on!
what would you do different ? Would you change your sail configuration? thanks, great video
Wow! Great video! Thanks for sharing it sailing into Oblivion!
Quick question for anyone who can help me understand something. Firstly, total newbee to sailing, I know only the bare basics. Would it have been wise to go into a heave to at any point but certainly after possibly bending the boom?
With his boat yes Hove-too is a option, it looked like he was running with the weather which is good to if you have sea room. If you start surfing though you could start to lose steering and broach/pitch pole turning to hove too in those conditions is very risky as you expose the boat to broadside hits rom waves (not good) towing warps to slow down is good to a point but if it gets reeeeaaaaly bad I do and would deploy my Jordan Series drouge the last card to be played and a very good one at that. I would not go offshore without one and make sure your system (chain plate/hardware lines ATC) is bombproof !
*Heave-Too early or run with it. Once you make your decision your committed in storm conditions. For 45+ winds predicted and sea
room I’m deploying JSD and chilling! Check our Roger Taylor’s fantastic videos voyaging the high Arctic in
Just cooking my eggs on the stove now when I watch you skrape your eggs off from your hullinside. Very good you made it. You have a good sence of humour that helps when the going gets though. I did roll my 20” foot double ender 360 dgrs outside Lisbon Portugal and hade stuff and provisions every place they shouldn’t be. Note to self. Moore looks on everything before high seas. The accident we had was in an area outside Lisbon river entrence and we hit the mast in a sandbar. Huge waves went over the mast top 8 meters up. I was sitting steering the boat we were sailing nicely and then got into this shallow area with breakers. We had two to three wave coming over the boat and I could see and feel that on the third wave we were going to roll completely. And then we did. My friend was inside the boat and me on the outside. I was thrown overboardand had to swim back and get onboard again. We were ok both of us no injuries of big concern. But the boat was a total mess. But the hull was like a tank, no damages at all. So that incident changed the plans a bit.
I heard some of your talks with Matt R on his channel. Keep up the spirits. I’ll keep following. Just waiting out the winter here in Sweden. Then off fore some longer trip in may. Stay safe! And better pack the eggs safer place. Might happen again😮.
your lee board was most likely particle board good for cabinets doors but don't hold 200lbs impact very well, great video
Westsail made some damn fine boats. :)
It’s sailing like this that keep me on terra firma.
You know, I’ve been watching sailing videos for a few years now. I am not a sailor, but I find it intriguing and have considered seriously jumping in with both feet. would love to do it. Out of all the videos I’ve seen I have never known of anyone to download the not so pleasant reality of sailing. I Only see the nice sunny days, hundred pound tuna as getting caught, sandy beaches, etc. Anyone with half a brain must realize that this type of situation must occur more often than depicted on videos. I for one would like to see more of this. Glad to see you’re OK. Thanks for the video.
You have it! Not always a nice day out but this was also the Atlantic in November, no joke kind of sailing. Still better than the Southern Ocean!
Appreciate the comment!
Wauw, serious business 😮 what kind of boat are You sailing in?
I love sailing. To me sailboats are a thing of beauty. But I'm really new to the learning part of sailing. Usually I'm just a lucky passenger but I'm now trying to learn to sail properly. A really good friend has a 32' sloop and I have the luxury of getting to go sailing with him. He was my late brothers best friend and now little sister gets to take his place on the boat. Our last trip was for three days which isn't long but it was fun. But I could never sail in the conditions you do. I'm too much of a wimp lol I've lived on the ocean my whole life but I'm never 100% comfortable on the water. Maybe the more I learn the more comfortable I'll feel. I took this picture of the boat from the skiff one evening. We had the most beautiful sunsets on that trip. I did nothing to the photo as I didn't have to, it really was just this beautiful outside. This was taken just off Vancouver Island in amongst the smaller islands.
Cheers and may you have fair winds and following seas ⚓️
It won't let me post the picture here so I'm going to try and post it in a separate comment. If I still can't I'll try sending it via Messenger. It's a beautiful picture and I think worth seeing.
It a beautiful place, the sea. I never know what got me addicted to it but I figure it’s at least a healthy one! All the best with your adventures
Thats some serious sea state captain
That was intense, just looking can't even imagine. But was awesome!! none the less. You wrote you would never want to sail the Southern Ocean again and might be sounding naive but bro, I can see you in GGR 2026..Eliot Smith's ( Second Wind) Manager signed up. You and Sparrow got what it takes
Hoping Eliot is doing ok out there, I know he is in a tough place right now.
Nice job buddy🤙 that gulf stream tho
it's a dangerous place for sure!
Bro. Glad you and sparrow are ok. Bought some shirts and sending love.
Appreciate the support, this was an expensive trip!
How'd ya get the shirts?
@@rodparish9264 there’s a link in the video description.
Late in the year, North Atlantic, small boat, single hander, CZcams sensationalist = this.
Sensational!
Why did I discover this channel only now???
Whats being knocked down like??? If you had to describe it
After taking in your incredible account of a knock down. I was very curious as to how you had your stern bridge secured. It looks like you put screws through your cap-rails into the gunwhales. I hate to be a Monday morning quarterback, but I'm not surprised that the bridge ripped away. Next time run bolts either through the deck or the hull. (I saw some folks mount their bridge on the hull since they lacked deck space similar to your boat.) I've seen similar happen to another captain who had those economy solar panels that mount on the rails. (The panels seem to be commonly stored in the vertical.) That Captain got side swiped by a wave as well. The solar panel caught the force of the wave and that part of the rail was demolished.
Much more luck than sense to survive the night in this weather with the mainsail than with a storm jib, which would certainly have been the right decision here.
Didn't know they made 32' foot boats that could hold the weight of your balls and still sail anywhere.
geez Louise bro! you dont seem phased at all
Nice way to wake up in the morning 👍😂
No coffee needed. More like strong drink!
Wow, that was scary. How often have you got knocked down ? Thanks for the videos.
Had three big knockdowns, Indian Ocean, Pacific and now this one. This was the worst
@@SailingIntoOblivion Wow!
Thanks so much for posting this! You have a new subscriber. The waves you caught on video were pretty significant - can only imagine what the one that rolled you must have been like. I am planning on a Bermuda to Europe crossing in my CAL34 (no WS!) in the next two years (currently in Panama) and was thinking I have to avoid conditions like this!!!. What would you advise to a fellow cruiser? Go earlier in the season? Use a forecasting service and avoid confused (edddie vs wind) seas? Can such local conditions be reliably forecasted? Keep hatchboards in at all times? Remove bimini + bimjni mounted solar panels before a crossing? Also, would be interested to learn how quickly your cockpit drains? I have enlarged my original two plus added two new but still worried that in those sort of seas i might get swamped. Appreciate any insights you are able to share.
Lots of questions here, I might have to do a Podcast about this one. I have crossed over the Atlantic from the Caribbean many times, but I am no expert. Let me think on this one...
@@SailingIntoOblivion I would appreciate that. Thanks
Don’t sail N Atlantic in November (unless your mad “in a good way”)
Scary. Good old W32.
Good that you had your hatches closed, you could easily have sunk had the hatch been open!
OK ... this is the best solo sailing content I think I've seen in any CZcams channel ... for years. I'm glad you and Sparrow are OK. Thank you for sharing this candid report, without the usual hyperbole! Definitely NOT second-guessing your seamanship ... just trying to learn ... how would your boat behave in those same conditions with just a reefed jib (pulling you along), instead of having the mail up too?
It took many years to figure out different sail configurations for different winds and seas. Unless I pole out the staysail, I can't keep the sail full on a dead run. Essentially, I have the storm jib ready if the winds get way up and overpower the triple reefed main. Then I take in the main and run with the storm jib sheeted hard to mid-ship. Then I'm good well into the 50 knot range with the wind. Still moving fast but not out of control. Maybe I should do a Podcast episode on it?
@@SailingIntoOblivion podcast episode on that would be great
Check out No bullshit just sailing-Erik Andera-sailing in 50 knt on a 40 year old boat in the North Sea
Great video, u got a new subscriber for it. Where were you coming from and where did that occur?✌️
@@theoldsailmaker6408 been following NBJS since the beginnings - great content and presentation, but not my sailing area so a bit harder to identify with, … but all respect for his determination. But, I’m loving this new (to me) channel!
thank you for getting this footage...it's rare
Is there a lesson to take away from this?
Avoid the Gulf Stream and its eddies when the weather gets bad.
I'm subscribing to help you out. Just curious if/when you are better situated. what were you set up with during? deployed any draugh, or storm anchor?
Just running with the wind and waves. The big wave was an oddball that came from the North. Just a random wave with perfect timing. I think I will do a podcast/livestream about some of the questions like yours to really explain my thinking on this. Thanks
I'm so glad you were in a W32 when the rogue wave hit. In a lesser boat, you probably would have been dismasted. People forget how brutal the sea can be when choosing a vessel to take on long high seas passages. Rogue waves have been known to rip the bows off of large ships. In these situations, an "overbuilt" boat suddenly becomes "just good enough". Glad you made it through and kept up that amazing, inspiring spirit you are known for. Thanks Jerome for taking us along on these incredible adventures!
epic
Do you think having your main up rather than the jib was a part of this? Do you think you rounded up a little before the knockdown?
I think the wave that hit was much larger than the rest and from an odd direction. I have run out many gales much worse and never had a problem. This was a unique circumstance for sure.
Dang good footage. Great video. Remind me to NOT show it to my wifey.
Skipper, what was the wind speed during the impressive sea state you managed to film? What would you estimate were the wave heights? The conditions remind me of the sea state during our crossing of the stream this summer. Glad you made it through safe!
Hard to say I don't have wind instruments but during the night 30-35 knot winds, the following day when the waves heaped up, 25-30. It's amazing what a strong counter current can do to the waves.
@@SailingIntoOblivion so waves topping 25’?
Ouch!
Wow! Sir, you are the real deal.
Thanks, but it's all the boat!
I had a westsail for 4 years. But never had a knockdown.
Wishing you fair winds!
I would have just have a storm jib up in those conditions . God speed
I don't know anything about sailing. But I do know cast iron balls when I see and listen to them. Holy god .wow.
Not many sailors left that have true Bluewater boats anymore. I see a lot of people going to catamarans for the mansion house feel but don't realize they wouldn't survive in a knock down like that! True, with technology you can weather route around storms mostly but still I think you need a good boat also.
I chose the Westsail for the non-stop around the world trip, I knew I was going to get into some rough weather and speed/comfort was not the main concern. She has taken care of me well over the years. Hope you enjoy the content!
For my own learning, it may not have stopped a knock down. But when I’m in strong following winds I tend to run behind a staysail/storm sail. My understanding is that puts the centre of drag behind centre of effort. And makes crash/Chinese gybes less of an issue.
Never had any issues with that. In 70,000 miles it's only happened about 4 times. Mostly in light wind
@@SailingIntoOblivion Yikes! You’ve been knocked down four times?
Tough hit, but you stayed intact. Rogue waves are no fun, but in the dark? No thanks. I've got over half a century written on me on the Gulf of Alaska, Bering Sea and Arctic Ocean, no more offshore for me but transits across the GOA with only the finest of forecasts. Let me just say "Ya done good, son."
Thanks!
You are one brave dude 😂
When you were running did you have a drogue out?
I don't have one, with the windvane I worry about the lines getting tangled. I been told a few horror stories about that.
Just curious , why were you in the stream na north wind?
Lots of factors at play with that one. I think I will do a podcast soon about the whole situation.