12 | Sailing to Fatu Hiva, the Most Beautiful Island in the World

Our wildest cruising dreams have been realized as we sail our wooden Ingrid Ketch to the Bay of Virgins in Fatu Hiva. This spectacular island has to be one of the most beautiful in the entire world. Far off the beaten path, the people of Fatu Hiva live peaceful lives on their garden island. We were welcomed into thier homes, enjoying the local cuisine and even helping to harvest fruit from a jungle farm. We had gentle sailing between islands, vising Tahuata, the smallest inhabited island of the Marquesas, before ending up at Atuona to re-provision. With stunningly beautiful anchorages seperated by short day sails, generous local people, and unspoiled sea life, this will certainly be one of our favorite cruising desitnations anywhere.
Julia is a traditionally built wooden boat. Built in 1960 to Atkin's Ingrid design, she is planked in fir and cedar over oak frames. Our dinghy is skin-on-frame and was designed by Dave Gentry.
All music courtesy of Epidemic Sound
Start your free trial at share.epidemicsound.com/64frp3
Featured artists:
End of an Era by Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen
For What Is Right by Trevor Kowalski
Shipwrecked by At The End of Times, Nothing
Omnia by Helmut
Less Than Endless by At The End of Times, Nothing
Not Blue (Instrumental Version) by Kylie Dailey
Won’t You Stay (Instrumental Version) by The Eastern Plain

[@toddwoods582]

These videos remind me that there are places like this left in the world, free of all the unwelcome and unnecessary intrusions into our everyday lives. Thankyou for sharing.

[@Davidcallard]

I must thank you for bringing those beautiful islands to my living room where I sit in my wheelchair ♿️ day after day. Your video provided me with a most welcome interlude. BTW, I love your quiet gentle style of video making -.it comes across as genuine and unaffected and a pleasure to watch. May fair winds and calm seas smooth your way!

[@keithdmaust1854]

David, sorry you are confined to a wheelchair. Do you mind sharing what happened that you lost your mobility?

[@Davidcallard]

@@keithdmaust1854 sure, no problem. My handicap is a long and complicated tale, so I'll try to simplify my story by only listing the names of the ailments that bedevil me without embellishment. Here I should give full credit to my amazing life partner of 40 years Michelle who is a nursing specialist and infection control consultant. Michelle officially 'retired' from her career earlier this year after 50 years of nursing to care for my needs. I told her that I would give her 1 year to get used to retirement and that boredom would set in and that she would soon be back at work in some capacity. She lasted three months! Now she is back to work as a consultant for a huge multinational group of çompanies! We are both in our 70's. I had to abandon my career of professional photography when I could no longer walk to on-site assignments carrying my large format cameras and ancillary equipment. All of which brings me to that list of career-ending ailments! 1. Haemophilia A (from birth) 2. Chronic severe lower lumbar back problems causing immobilising pain 3. Severe damage to joints owing to Haemophilia. I have bilateral prosthetic shoulder joints + a recently failèd prosthetic left elbow joint (very painful) 4. Chronic heart disease (two stents) 5. Stroke - without deficits. 6. Bowel cancer (evidently cured) 7. Lymphoma (not cured) 8. Multiple very large skin cancers + one large melanoma. All in remission. 9. Opioid dependency owing to long term use for pain relief. With a rapsheet like mine it's nothing short of miraculous that I have survived to the ripe old age of 73!

[@Sonnell]

🤍

[@patricelanauze8301]

@@keithdmaust1854 There are so many wonderfull videos that we don' t eally need anymore to travel . Planes are destroying the planet . Powerful people ( deciders , politicians , big managers of big companies ) destroy the planet by global warming . example : Exxonmobil accepts thet they knew since 1978 that they create global warming . Read : ABCD , les 4 géants céréaliers tirent des superprofits records de la crise alimentaire . You will learn about Cargill and others how they create famines . It is explained by economy .

[@mattsherman1049]

I am a paraplegic, these videos give me an escape.

[@davidohman9211]

I learned to sail about 40 years ago out of Dana Point Harbor in South Orange County, Calif. It was one of the greatest experiences of my life. On one outing, we were becalmed about 15 miles from the harbor. Then, while sitting at the helm hoping for some wind, a California grey whale passed within 40ft from the transom. It's hard to imagine their size until you get that close. I'm nearly 80 years old now and living in on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, so I've not sailed in many years. But I have the memories. Thank you for reminding me of those wonderful memories.

[@SeanOLennon]

Hard to find these days but "Fatu-Hiva" by Thor Heyerdahl is a wonderful book about his time there in the late 30's. Well worth a read.

[@tlw8886]

Not a sailor of the oceans but of the skies for 47 years and I must say how impressed I am with your videography. Fair winds and following seas folks.

[@Queequeg61]

For the record, I’ve been in some terrifying following seas. Fair winds are always good though.

[@telamenais4409]

this video deserves more than 1 million views

[@MuthuKumar-fo3tp]

The way of filming was masterpiece🎉

[@sebsebleu7581]

This video reminds me a lot of memories when I was there in the late 90s, fortunately this little gem island still untouched and peaceful, thanks for sharing your Polynesian adventure

[@Trajectionable]

I have to say, this is some of the very best sailing film online. It's downright emotional at times. And Julia is a heroic ship!

[@fredericl6190]

Thank you really much to bring us with you on these magnificent islands. What a place on earth!

[@tedrogers7526]

Great adventure 😊

[@1corinthians15.1-4kjv]

What an incredible place on Earth. I also do rejoice to see, that on such remote islands, the word of Jesus Christ and His gospel for the world has been received. I actually had traveling, but love seeing new places and also sailing. If I could afford any usable boat, I would go in a heartbeat and that place would be high on my list of things to see.

[@stevejensen3471]

Without a doubt, the best presentation of this paradise on YT. Like you all, Fatu Hiva was my vision quest since I was a child and saw a picture of a young native boy on the bow of a dugout looking back at the camera with the incredible backdrop of the dissected volcanic cliffs of Fatu Hiva behind him. Crewing a sailboat for a wealthy benefactor, that quest came true for me decades ago now and I never have nor ever will forget the utterly soul-stirring first vision of Hanavave and the island paradise beyond. There is no other place like it on Earth! Thank you so much for doing it justice!!! Steve/Aberdeen, WA

[@ginnysimonds9670]

So true. One feels like you’re on the boat. Spectacular

[@jeanclaessens2442]

I wread the book off Thor Heyerdael when I was young

[@GM-cq6ez]

@@jeanclaessens2442 He spent 15 months on the island with his wife right before WWII.

[@captainandthelady]

One of the best sailing videos I've seen in a long time. Thankyou for posting.

[@dennismyersrosario3385]

By far one of the , if not best sailing video I’ve ever seen. A gem 💎 of a video. What a superb channel. Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful adventure with us. Many blessings to you both.

[@MadisonBoatworks]

Wow, thank you!

[@Chris.E.]

@Dennis Myers Rosario 100% agree. Beautiful film making and amazing island.

[@georgefuller280]

Just the most stunning video we have seen of these Islands yet, ... with the sailing images, Porpoise images, fruit harvest images, and native Islander images! Thank you very much for sharing this video, and many others with us!

[@richardrumplik7023]

You have a great ability to say what your seeing!

[@martindellagiacoma]

You manage to transport me to a place that only exists in my mind. Thank you.

[@chuckdavis6475]

We were left speechless by your wonderful video trip log… we live in Tucson and own a casita in Bahia de Kino and love the Sea of Cortez, but now like you we are “yearning to go south”!! The Marquesas Islands are definitely a life time event and your videos have now sparked that fire for us to follow thru to visit. Would love to to sailboat down but unfortunately we are past that time but not to old to sail thru the skies!! Making our plans now!! Thank you for all the time, effort and sleepless nights you dedicated yourselves to make this exotic gift for all the viewers!! You two are our heroes!! Chuck and Francisca.

[@patrickhopkins7594]

I never get tired of seeing Julia in her element. Thanks for another great episode!

[@robertnixon3816]

Life as it should be lived! What an amazing adventure you're on! Everywhere you turn there is beauty and you do the best job in capturing it. Thank you for taking me along on this journey! Safe passage to the Tuamotus!

[@bowmanlegacies]

Several times I had a lump in my throat. Not sure why. Just the freedom, and the ease by which the two of you carry yourselves in places foreign. Not certain if ever life will afford me such an adventure, but surely, I thank you for sharing yours with all of us. God speed and fair winds.

[@kevinbugden7995]

Thank you for living my dream and sharing yours with us. I’m no longer able to complete a voyage like this due to disability and age. You have let me see what I have missed in such an elegant way.

[@dianegenx]

That little doggie sitting on the wall, living his best life 🥰

[@maurenemorgan6512]

My partner and I sailed "Finisterre IV" to the Marquesas in 1983 (en route around the world). Back then, we were the only yacht sailing in the islands for several weeks. It was still the old South Pacific; a totally different world from what sailing videos show now. Your videos bring back visual memories of this incredible place that had become hazy with age. Thank you!

[@CCarioca]

Lovely to Sail ALL the word with you ..thank's Cabo Frio/Brazil

[@MrMichaelcurran]

Your exquisite filming of Hatu Hiva and previous islands are better detailed than others I've seen. Truly, your filming a dream, thanks for sharing your film.

[@joannamadon1254]

You guys are leaving my dream! I used to read all Thor Heyrdhall books from his travels to the Polynesian Islands and I was dreaming of visiting them. Unfortunately, my life took a different direction, but I still managed to visit Tikehaoo island on my 60th birthday! It’s such a beautiful and unspoiled part of the world! I would love to travel there again!

[@AndrewMoizer]

I have to echo the sentiment of so many other comments, your videos are the best sailing/cruising videos I've found anywhere. Thanks for sharing these amazing places, I am going to have to go back and re-read all the sailing books I read 40+ years ago. I'll be watching this again for sure.

[@chuy86]

Thanks so much for sharing your experience with all of us...beautiful and amazing Islands...!!❤❤❤ it!!

[@Anmeteor9663]

Absolutely the very best sailing videos anywhere. Thank you both so much for creating and sharing such great adventure and glorious art.

[@TrudyRank]

Watching your video gave me goosebumps . The beautiful music and scenery..what a good eye. Gorgeous wooden Boat…the best ! Thank you !

[@martinjalbert7630]

Thanks for sharing your views and admiration for both nature and people you encounter.

[@manfredhuth4937]

Thank you for showing us the beauty of your journey.I am an 80 year old german sailor, who now lives on a small island in Venezuela . I really love to see what you are doing, Love your boat!!🎉

[@thehighpriestess8431]

My mother land!!!

[@jth8399]

I love Madison Boatworks for so many reasons. What a sailing channel.

[@majoroldladyakamom6948]

Try Sailing la Vegabonde on yt. 1.8M subs.

[@jamessandman3708]

@@majoroldladyakamom6948 quite different

[@carlosthebee3527]

Not just a beautiful lady, but an absolutely beautiful sailing yacht, and great footage & music!! Really love it!

[@steveadams6010]

You seem to have a perfect sense for the right amount of dialogue, quiet time for us to visualize what is in your videos, and supplement it with some outstanding music! Not only that but you have longer videos which allows your viewers time to really settle in and become part of the video itself. So many others have 5 or 10 minute videos and by the time you get ready to really get into it...it's over. Keep those videos 20 minutes or longer. Truly an outstanding job, thank you.

[@jean-mariebergeal3458]

Speechless. Thank you.

[@michaeloliver1038]

Man Fatu Hiva looks amazing. Truly. Also - would love a proper boat tour of Julie / little bit of her history she is not only gorgeous but seems like she might have some interesting stories to tell 🙂

[@Odonanmarg]

One of the most peaceful channels that I watch.

[@laszlowagner5701]

I complement you for the most rewarding calmness in the presentation of your impressions, never loose the respect for silence in between your sharing the moment! Laszlo

[@brendanmurphy5530]

Truly amazing and beautiful video. I am very grateful as i recover in my sick bed.🎉

[@stratchoker8765]

My favorite sailing channel. Authentic sailing life. Thank you so much. Fair Winds & a Following Sea.

[@dougsrepair1060]

Such a beautiful place. Your story and video editing are spectacular. How fortunate you are to have visited these islands.

[@Hat6000]

So glad I found your videos. Love the wonderful photography and spectacular scenery and the lovely mood music that accompanies your adventures with us. Thank you.

[@user-retsailor]

I watch many sailing videos by couples seeking adventure and writing another chapter in their lives; your videos are epic. Thank you for the effort, not only with the sailing but with the making of the videos and for sharing. Take care.......

[@tickman165]

Just ran into this channel for the first time today and OMG, these videos feed the soul! I feel many of the popular sailing channels have lost their way to commercial endeavors. These videos are beautiful, soulful, enriching, and the choice of music is perfect. Please keep these journey alive. E pili mau nā pōmaikaʻi me ʻoe. Mahalo

[@Angie-in8wc]

I’ve been caught up in the “what boat to buy” videos and forgotten the “why do I want a boat” Thanks for reminding me.

[@brendanh8978]

I don't know a thing about videography, but you two have a gift for it. The Marquesas/ Fatu Hiva have fascinated me for years, and I soak up everything I can about them when I find it. This is some of the best footage I've seen. Absolutely beautiful, serene, and moving. You can understand viscerally from this footage why Thor and Liv Hayerdahl, after poring over maps of the world, decided Fatu Hiva was the best place in earth for their project of getting Back To Nature. I'm not sure how I will do it, but I have to get there some day. Thank you for the taste.

[@GM-cq6ez]

Do not hesitate!

[@mountaindweller9118]

Thank you for sharing your incredible journey with us!

[@blknblugrip]

Stunning scenery, friendly hosts, beautiful wooden boat. I enjoy your channel and look forward to every new episode.

[@anthonygillesse7242]

You are the best sailing KZbin enough to inspire me to get my cutter out for a long cruise on the east coast of North America 🇨🇦

[@cliveedharris1353]

My words will make the banono trees grow 🌈😄 thank use for being apart of your amazing journey 💯

[@MerrittW]

Outstanding, adore all of the art in this vlog even the wooden doors on the church all created by hand the designs of the bread plant rolls stunning, the landscapes heavenly. thank you so much for shooting all this beauty!

[@PpP-mo3if]

So beautiful. The only thing I can even fathom similar would be the Nā Pali Coast in Kauai… but no anchorages like those! I wish your family safe and more amazing travels like this. Thank you x infinity for sharing these adventures- it’s beyond immersive for us!

[@GloryDaze73]

21:57 ❤❤ My heart would just self combust if I saw a whole pod of dolphins like this!

[@sallyb3]

😊❤🎉wonderful exploring,,adventure sailing on a beautiful wooden ketch with great narrative.

[@alanmcclure9546]

Outstanding, I am just a simple Idaho Mountain man,, I have lived in the beautiful wilderness most my life, and this is such paradice. Beauty Extrodinare is our Dear Mother Goddess Earth... Thank You for Sharing Your View of Her to Me.

[@bfogel10]

Absolutely spectacular! You pull together a genuine sense of adventure and sailing of anyone that I have viewed. Enjoy

[@MiQBohlin]

C'mon folks and give these guys a thumbs up! 👍🏽 After all their efforts making and sharing videos, from remote places, they are worth a 👍🏽 don't ya think?

[@michaelbryant2071]

You do something most people only dream about.

[@bodysurfsooke]

I'm so excited to have stumbled across your channel. There's so many shallow, click-bait sailing channels out there that finding one of such high quality is like finding a gem in a puddle of mud.

[@jacques3819]

Beautiful,thanks to share. Fair wind.

[@hachimaru295]

There are not enough superlatives for this , so Thank you

[@hkm_865]

New favorite sailing channel. There’s something lackluster about modern cruising with incredible boats and technology, it takes the adventure and romance out of it. Something you guys have no shortage of. Smaller wooden boat like yours is my goal, back to the basics. I’m 22 and now realizing the sooner the better. You guys are living life to the fullest. Together. Fair winds & following seas

[@MadisonBoatworks]

Yes, the sooner the better! Best of luck on your adventure.

[@chris-yale]

Superb👌👌👌

[@tim8335]

Great work on putting this together. I enjoy the simple straightforward presentation that is informative, beautiful, and relaxing. Just what I needed. I will be spending a lot of time catching up. Thank you.

[@nixl3518]

Your videos of your visits are truly marvelous. They are elemental and provide a bare and honest look at what perhaps you are experiencing yourselves. For me, you create a thirst for more. You leave me with many questions I cannot ask for fear of intruding. I accept the gift that you offer the way it is and I thank you for filling a void in my life I would have preferred to fill the way you have.

[@marilynmurray1712]

Amazing parts of gods beautiful creation blessings for sharing your adventure with all of us protection and glory from God to you all ! 🙏

[@stanparsonstreeinc]

Amazing how god blessed the land , the indigenous Indians are thriving

[@symphonyfarm2009]

This is the BEST! - sailing channels are so saturated. This is so GOOD! Please keep up the quality videos and format. We will watch along through the winter in Vermont till we can get our boat in the water and get out there!

[@ashutoshavasekar2260]

I was just zooming out on Google maps when I saw this island truly magnificent ❤

[@robertlee8042]

I’m 76. I was diving as a boy. The reefs in the 1950s were so much more colorful and alive than today. It’s good you never saw it.

[@user-bf3kw9pp5k]

Лодка прекрасная!

[@gordonipock9385]

I look forward to each new video. I hope you never stop your voyages and making recording your adventures. When you do stop I will return to the first one and start the journey over again.

[@jbh1983]

My most favorite sailing channel, thank you for sharing your adventures with us. Look foward to seeing you come into NZ 🥰

[@HG23456]

Superb editing, , music, scenery, couple and boat 👌🏻💯just all magical and one of the best sailing channels I’ve come accross indeed. A true gem on YT …. Its all so serene and well done that its just beyond imagination. As a Tayana 37 owner I am also hugely impressed by the beauty of your vessel. Overall my biggest compliments for all including your personalities ☺️ authentic boat …..authentic people 🙏

[@flyship]

Beautiful beyond words.

[@jeffmacdonald9863]

I love that you mention the pamplemousse. We sailed there back in the late 70s when I was a kid and I've wanted to have one again ever since. :)

[@robertmcdonald1419]

I needed a getaway, and you guys delivered. I could say a bunch of accolades that everyone else has covered, and you two deserve. Thanks! Great Narration! You two must be very comfortable with each other and it's great to see. Another rum and another video! Love your work!

[@MarcelaR-dh1ok]

The most beautiful island....we'll be the judge of that

[@imdawolfman2698]

I'm in love again, I thought I was too jaded to ever feel this again. You, please, carry my spirit. Wherever you go.

[@jasperjohns5956]

Lovely videos guys, thank you so much for the beautiful glimpses, and happy sailing!

[@pinkstuff5502]

Maybe 1 day ill visit this paradise on earth inshallah

[@walkerkermode9575]

So beautiful and peaceful! Your videos really deliver the feeling of being immersed in mother ocean and all that nature offers. Thank you!

[@martijnvanbeek4387]

Such beautiful islands and a beautiful wooden classic ship! Love these videos guys. Much appreciated;

[@ricorichmond8214]

The video log of your adventures truly remarkable! Thank you for sharing such a unforgettable sailing time.

[@judyeverett4553]

such beauty. places I would never have seen if you hadn't shared them. thank you.

[@mihovilgattin3074]

Very beautifull nature!!!!! And very beautifull wood sailngboat!!!!! I wish you ,good sea!!!!!!!!

[@Ratcliffal]

I know I will never see this in person so Thank you for showing us these beautiful islands. Edit…just binged watched your adventure so far and WOW!!! I’m so amazed at all the beautiful scenery. I even got a little anxious watching the waves hit, and could almost smell the air as you came closer to the Marquesas Islands. Great narration. I hope you have many more adventures in your lovely boat!

[@andrewrichey7374]

I’ll be here watching for the next one, this is just so beautiful wow, well until the next time peace and chicken grease 😁👍👍😎

[@driftless1870]

Absolutely breathtaking.

[@Wanderglobe]

Thanks for all the effort you put into making these vids for those of us who aren't underway yet. Love your videography, writing, boat and you guys are alright too.

[@jasonmacneil2256]

I mean no disrespect when I say Julia is SO beautiful. Also, she has some triceps!! That young lady is not only beautiful but STRONG! One day, I hope to sail to the Azures on a 42 ft Hunter center cockpit!

[@jhouse770]

Your shots, editing and music are marvelous…for a few brief moments. I am with you and Whitney, along for the ride…thanks, and godspeed.

[@swim2kill]

Absolutely stunning. Beautiful Island, beautiful people, beautiful content. This was a marvelous video I love it.

[@donnaanderson5669]

Is Paradise ❤️😊 I love it good old-fashioned bartering

[@jwrappuhn71]

Fantastic vid guys.

[@jamessandman3708]

You provide simply breathtaking beauty from Julia to Whitney to the flora and fauna of majestic places all wrapped up in a most peaceful and professional production. When I saw a new video my blood pressure immediately lowered and I went into a peaceful and meditative state as I settled in for what I knew would be another beautiful and hypnotic excursion. Thank You both so very much. 💞⛵⛵⛵

[@sailormarttiki3197]

Your boat is a beauty amongst all those modern floating condos

[@earthman3000]

One of the very few true Sailing channels. Thank you.

[@scottlanesimpson]

Thanks for sharing your amazing sailing to some of them beautiful places on earth. I love your simplicity and the stories of your wandering.

[@djrusodcuba6963]

Thanks a lot!!! Gracias , gracias , gracias!!!!