A Year of Solo Sailing at 20 y/o

[@mcledinnewsman2586]

An incredible journey that keeps going and going. You’re a brave soul who can take on any challenge that comes at you 💪🏻. Thanks for taking us along for the ride.

[@FranklinGray]

Great video. A few tips: -- The more the boat heels, the more stable it becomes. The boat was rollie because you didn't have enough sail up. Your boat should create it's best speed around 20 degrees heel. Most don't like that and try to keep it at 15 degrees, which isn't bad, but it will be more rollie at 15. Don't exceed 20 degrees though. It's hard on the boat and you will start to slow down due to overworked rudder acting as a break. -- I never liked having a rod and reel on the boat for fishing. I much prefer just a hand reel....just a piece of wood to wrap the line around as I pull the line in. Put a nice handle on the wood to give you something to pull with and wrap with the other hand. The hand reel works best as a circle but it can just be a board you wrap around. Sure beats having line all over the cockpit when pulling by hand. -- Those wheel AP housings are made of plastic that tend to get brittle in the sun. Get something to cover it when not in use or it will break on you at the wrong time. Also, hand steer as much as possible to save wear and tear on the AP. Not much more important for a single handler than a good working AP so you can sleep. If it does break on a trip and you need to get some sleep, heave-to, get some sleep, then get a good meal in and setup snacks and water around the helm before resuming sailing. Sheet to wheel can be a cheap backup plan but you will need to make a drum to bolt onto the wheel to wrap the line around. It takes a lot of practice to make that work. Preferably, get a new AP of the same make and model to keep as a spare so if it does break, just swap out the broken part. Those wheel APs are easy to work on. -- Hunters have a lot of creaking noises and it's mostly due to poor work. I had 18 defects in my boat where sections of the bulkheads were not caulked between it and the deck liner. There were also 3 spots where the fiberglass for the deck liner exceeded where it was supposed to be. It took me a long long time to get them all fixed. I would fix 1 or 2 and then find others. Look for places where there is no caulking between bulkheads and the deck or deck liner. Jam something like a screw driver between and then caulk it. -- On longer trips, get some good noise cancelling headphones and a tablet loaded up with movies or TV shows to watch along with a good music play list. Boredom is a problem for single handlers on extended trips. -- When sleeping, ways sleep stern to bow, even on downwind sails where it's really rollie. Sideways is too jerky on the body. On your crossing to the Bahamas, you will not be able to sleep but 10 - 15 minutes at a time as there is a lot of ship traffic on the other side, however, you do have AIS so turn on some alarms to wake you up if they get close and heading crossing yours within 1/4 mile. They will see you on AIS and radar but they don't mind getting close and most will not change course in that area like they are supposed to. Don't bother trying to reach them on the radio. At night most ships don't even have somebody in the bridge who speaks English. There are going to be stressful times and fun times. Soak it all up because when the time comes to move on to something else, you'll miss these days.

[@damonrust]

As always great advice Franklin, I was pretty surprised just how much my boat creaked after taking off. Your caulking idea is a great one and I will take a look and see if I can track down those spots that need caulked. I've been thinking I should grab a solid pair of noise cancelling headphones before taking off again for that very reason. Would be nice to "escape" from the boat for a bit with some music while underway. My current plan is to try and time the hop to the Bahamas with a early departure so hopefully I'll have a bit of daylight left upon arrival. I have heard from many folks that crossing is very busy and they all recommend as well to refrain from sleep if possible as hitting a tanker is bound to end badly. I have yet to try your heave to method yet but on my shakedown trip to the Tortuga's I'll have to give it a try and learn how to heave to on my boat

[@kenlynch6332]

Wow! An excellent compilation of the past years journey. The voice of the 2nd person narrating was a good choice. Well done. Wishing you Happiness, Good Health, and much Success in 2025. ⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵

[@mikerust3366]

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A SAFE NEW YEAR!!

[@damonrust]

Thanks! I thought it'd be fun to bring back the narration for the recap. A little nostalgic touch. Merry Christmas!

[@damonrust]

Thanks Uncle Mike!

[@7728abbott]

Great recap! Many accomplishments! Merry Christmas.

[@damonrust]

Thanks! Merry Christmas

[@perryconnor697]

Merry Christmas 🎅 love your journeys. Very few people do what they love.

[@damonrust]

Thanks Perry, Merry Christmas

[@goodson77784]

Merry Christmas man!

[@damonrust]

Merry Christmas!

[@davidholland2180]

Great recap seems like a great Dad also for supporting Damon, way to go. Hello from Center Point Texas, he is doing something that I would love to do but health issues say no way so I will live thru his adventures. Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year, may all your travels be filled with joy and great times. And please be safe.

[@damonrust]

Merry Christmas! He sure is a great guy. Glad to have him as extra crew every now and then

[@pchhcp7509]

Pretty cool - the journey continues.

[@SailPlanB]

Great video keep it up, you've got a bright future.

[@MIA_DaDe]

Nice to see the BBC has made a documentary of your early years.. adventures. 😉... So many more interesting stories await! Merry Christmas and catch ya on your future posts.

[@damonrust]

Haha thanks, thought that'd be a fun touch for this video. Merry Christmas to you

[@YomamaPVT]

Thanks for the Christmas gift! Merry Christmas!

[@damonrust]

Of course! Merry Christmas

[@ElectroRiderSN]

Thanks Damon, a really enjoyable wrap-up of the first year of your great adventure. Brilliant videography and narration, all delivered with a perpetual smile. Wishing you all the very best in 2025. ❤👍⚓⛵

[@damonrust]

Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it. Merry Christmas and looking forward to what 2025 has in store

[@Sunnyhill32]

Hey Damon, Another great video Keep up the good work Be safe

[@damonrust]

Thanks Sunny!

[@peterkrauss735]

What a great video! Congratulations on all your accomplishments so far and good luck with the up coming year of adventure.

[@damonrust]

Thank you Peter!

[@bensteyn1974]

Fairly new here. It was good to get a bit of background and to get to know of you better! Looking forward to the Bahamas trip! Love to watch the boatwork.

[@damonrust]

Thanks! I thought it'd be nice to do a little recap for everyone. Merry Christmas

[@coreyhudson1282]

Love your videos, love what you’re doing!! ❤

[@damonrust]

Thanks Corey!

[@RyOrDie85]

Merry Christmas! Watching from North Port Florida. I love watching your journey so far.

[@damonrust]

Thanks! Merry Christmas

[@brucew2866]

Love the video. The voice is great. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year. Wishing you much success and fun adventures.

[@BonnieVolkle]

Happy Holidays! Great BBC content

[@damonrust]

Haha thanks! Merry Christmas

[@markbradley5873]

What an amazing well done video will be watching numerous times over it gave me goosebumps at times with the narration and such wonderful camera work. Merry Christmas 🎅 with much love ❤️

[@damonrust]

Thanks Mark! I'm glad you enjoyed. I usually just watch my videos once after posting but I've been watching this one a few times as well. It's nice to be able to relive the year and all of the adventures it held

[@d2ndborn]

Loved the quick look of your travels. Keep it up. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

[@damonrust]

Thanks, Merry Christmas to you and yours as well!

[@Useless_Knowledge07]

It's good to see you being safe and well. Many good tips in the comments..people looking out for you.. Stay safe, Stay sharp!

[@damonrust]

Thanks! The comments have been a great help, lots of advice from experienced folks

[@jeffreylee9799]

Merry Christmas Damon!

[@damonrust]

Thank you Jeff! I really appreciate it!!! Merry Christmas :)

[@jc1829b]

🎅 Christmas Greetings From Saint Louis, Missouri! Hoping You Enjoy A Safe Holiday! 🤶

[@damonrust]

Merry Christmas to you up there in St Louis!

[@nigelw512]

Wow what a year and a great recap. Thanks for sharing and all the best for the ew Year.

[@damonrust]

Thank you Nigel, Happy New Year to you as well

[@davidstickney2866]

Thanks!

[@damonrust]

Thank you! I greatly appreciate it!

[@Bill_Russell_aka_Coolbreeze]

Merry Christmas Damon! Looking forward to seeing your adventures in the year to come. Glad youre doing well.

[@damonrust]

Merry Christmas Bill!

[@gregoryeastman6804]

That was a great video. I'm so jealous I wish I had done something like you're doing when I was your age. It's great you're doing it while you're Young and healthy. I definitely enjoy seeing your progress, keep it up! I'll keep watching

[@damonrust]

Thanks Greg!

[@farmhandluke5182]

Doing what you enjoy and makes you happy ! That’s how life’s meant to be lived! Thank you Damon for taking us along for the ride! Merry Christmas 🎄cheers 🍻 my friend! 👋

[@damonrust]

I couldn't agree more. Thanks Luke! Merry Christmas

[@kenlynch6332]

⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵

[@Useless_Knowledge07]

Hopefully 2025 will quadruple or more your subscribers. There coming!

[@stanleybest8833]

Your boat is so clean. Encouraging. Stock up before you try the Caribbean. Always have extra limes and some for needy boats you bump into. Carry lots of hacksaws and files. You never know when you have to make a boat part. Some sailboats are having problems with mosquitoes on islands. Deep Woods Off.

[@damonrust]

Thanks Stanley, I've been doing my best to stock up on parts and tools to hopefully be ready for anything. I'll be sure to bring plenty of provisions for myself and others ;)

[@stanleybest8833]

@damonrust Proven sailboats like Ryan and Sophie have string nets for carrying fruits and vegetables out in the shade. Don't even try to freeze milk. You'll run out. If you have a Setpower SJ series by now, use that for freezing in ECO mode, and turn your boat fridge extra warm, like 50 55 degrees for potatoes and veggies. Dairy ? Butter. Carry brown paper wrap or wax paper for caught fish and conch, frozen, and avoid the plastic wrap nightmare entirely. Your solar panels and battery have to be working flawlessly. Some boats push the diesel way too hard like a tractor plowing a field. Just swish that prop, charge batteries, and make light motor progress when you need it. Spinning 2650 RPM is BS.

[@SOLDOZER]

No insurance company would insure him for the Caribbean so he wont be going there.

[@stanleybest8833]

@SOLDOZER That's a good thing. Insurance is a bloodsucker scam.

[@SOLDOZER]

@@stanleybest8833 I agree it sucks, but no boatyard or marina is going to let you in with out it. You have mechanical issues or want to use a marina for any reason, you're in trouble.

[@larryboekeloo5514]

Great video Damon! Merry Christmas!

[@damonrust]

Merry Christmas!

[@sailingdijan9128]

Very Awesome Video! Look forward to your next episode. Happy Holidays and see you out there! 84H34 "Sir Vival"

[@damonrust]

Thanks! Merry Christmas to you SV Sir Vival

[@utahjag]

Awesome filming and editing! Great story and video. Not a fan of the English voice-over guy, you would sound better but don't listen to me, I'd watch anyway. Hope to see more from you! Thanks for all the hard work.

[@damonrust]

Thank you, don't worry the English man won't be around for long. I just enjoy adding that touch to the videos every now and then

[@utahjag]

@@damonrust Hey, I'll watch anyway, listen to those folks that really liked it or not. Did sound all professional, but I just think you would have done a better job and sounded better.

[@flightbug2902]

10:07 ngl I thought you were faded until you said you'd been sleeping 😅

[@damonrust]

That's why I had to clarify lol. My dad thought the same thing too

[@dj33036]

Ditch the British narration next time.

[@SOLDOZER]

Your mama wants you to come out of your room and help with the meatloaf.