Channel Information
Initially sailing single-handed on a Bavaria 40 sailboat in the Atlantic. Based in La Rochelle, France. Sold the Bavaria in early 2021, and bought a Bongo 8.70 meter (28 foot) made in France in 2009 (much smaller and faster than the Bavaria, but also, much less comfortable). After a circuit of the Atlantic during the Spring/Summer of 2022, I sold the Bongo and bought a new RM 890+. Adventures in the North Atlantic will continue.
Recent Videos
I do a quick back and forth across the Bay of Biscay -- once in 'normal' (acceptable) conditions, and 2nd in unexpected Gale conditions. I demonstrate 'scandalising the main' as well as putting in a reef in challenging conditions. I also show/discuss problems with Volvo Penta engine mounts, my Lewmar...
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Nothing too exciting in this passage: just basic sailing for 550 NM from Ireland to France to close out my "3 Body Problem" adventure. I demo putting a reef in, test a 'sheet to tiller' steerage system, explain crossing a tidal race, discuss entering a port at night, show the range of AIS receivers...
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I sail 250 NM to an isolated rock (Sula Sgeir) off the north coast of Scotland, and then turn south for a 350 NM non-stop passage to Dun Laoghaire Ireland (near Dublin). The objective is to see if the tides in the Hebrides / North Channel are too strong to sail against. While I was slowed to 1.8 knots...
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I do a bit of pre-departure maintenance, and then cast off my lines for Rockall -- an isolated Atlantic rock 250 NM Northwest of Ireland. A few maneuver demos (hove to, docking), the Volvo MDI bypass, a sad bird story, reefing strategy and some musical references to test your cultural depth. :-) 1030...
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I take an unusual passage route to sail solo directly to Northern Norway from Iceland. Conditions are tough, but by sailing further North than planned, I was able to turn downwind when winds of 30-35 arrived. I unfurl and furl the 'gennaker', deal with an engine issue, mistake a lighthouse for an aircraft...
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I sail from Iceland's west coast (Isafjordur) to Siglufjordur, Husavik and Raufarhofn on Iceland's rugged North Coast. The challenge of sailing the fjords, with their constantly changing winds is met, and the reward is numerous sightings of whales. (I realize the order of port visits is out of correct...
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I leave the island port off the SW coast of Iceland and proceed up the West Coast, visiting 6 ports in the majestic Western Fjords. Nothing 'dramatic' happened along this passage (good news), so I took the opportunity to demo in some detail my (imperfect) gybing and tacking procedures. I also show...
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I leave Dingle Ireland for the southern coast of Iceland, a passage of 830 nm. I spend too much explaining my new toy: a top down furler, but then am repaid by near gale conditions for 3 days. Lots of fun.
Remember: Alessia in Atlantis by Nathalie Laine :-) She is ignoring all labor rules and...
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I provide a tour of my new boat, an RM 890+ named 'Jenna' after my two daughters. I cast off lines for destinations North, and cross some AIS equipped fishing buoys along the way, before reaching my first intermediate destination of Dingle Ireland.
I provide a tour of my new boat, an RM 890+ named 'Jenna' after my two daughters. I cast off lines for destinations North, and cross some AIS equipped fishing buoys along the way, before reaching my first intermediate destination of Dingle Ireland.
I complete my 8600 NM circuit of the North Atlantic with the final leg between Dingle Ireland and La Rochelle France. The entire circuit (2x Atlantic crossings with 6 short port calls) took exactly 3months. I discuss why this boat, though 20% faster than my Bavaria, should have been 50-70% faster....
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I sail across the North Atlantic from Newfoundland to Ireland in early July 2022. I am very fortunate in my selection of wx window, as the passage is almost like a Trade Wind passage (except the cold and fog). I discuss the issues of "seaworthiness" and the pros and cons of removeable forestays....
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I sail a 1000 NM passage in fairly sporty conditions from Bermuda to two small French islands off the southern coast of Newfoundland (St Pierre et Miquelon). I discuss/demo my technique for putting in a reef while headed downwind (and welcome ways to improve). As I approach Newfoundland, an aggressive...
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