Beaten by an Atlantic Storm! Contessa 26 up to the job?

[@markfarnell183]

I enjoyed the tell it like it is format. No sugar coating, no screaming headlines, just life at sea

[@contessa26-jim]

Thanks Mark, i'ts just an old acchool video diary really!

[@thomasescape3002]

Indeed, but I have all that much more respect for your nautical performance. Two years ago I sailed from A Caruna directly to Sao Miguel, even in heavy weather. Even with my boat, that was a challenging task. So, hats off to you!

[@jayknight850]

Heave too, one of the absolute best storm strategies ever. Sat hove too for 3 days in the Gulf of Mexico, quite comfortable, certainly better than the alternative!

[@contessa26-jim]

Yes, it's incredible how it all changes once the boat stops moving, and so easy to do..

[@D-B-Cooper]

Depends on the boat, mine was better running on storm sail with small drogue. Drogue from bow was too violent and hove too was on beam.

[@contessa26-jim]

@@D-B-Cooper I wouldnt have a drogue from the bow, Jordan series drogue from the stern is the best survival tactic I know of..

[@chrisholbrook141]

Is your tender's outboard a Seagull?

[@contessa26-jim]

@@chrisholbrook141 no, it's a Volvo penta without the cover!

[@dhouse-d5l]

U sir are what I call a real old school sailor. CO 26, basic everything, yet not afraid of the big journeys. Salute!

[@contessa26-jim]

@@dhouse-d5l it's true, no fridge, no satellite phone etc etc..

[@shawnlund]

I loved this video. I have spent most of my life working in aviation and what makes a good pilot is the ability to make the right decision even when it’s not necessarily the easiest one. From what I can see being the Captain of a boat seems to be identical. I would love to learn how to sail one day and let the wind blow me into all sorts of adventures. Thanks for sharing, this is one of my favorite channels on KZbin. You are doing a fantastic job.

[@contessa26-jim]

That's exactly it, making the right decision.. not made easier by being alone and having nobody to discuss the situation with.. I hope you do go filling and have a great time 🙂

[@shawnlund]

@@contessa26-jimthanks for the reply Jim, love the channel and what you are doing.

[@dm-2194]

I too, fly for a living and I love to watch videos like this to relax on overnight. The similarities between flying and sailing are mind blowing. I am not a sailor but I would love to learn how to sail.

[@jimbennett5391]

Real small boat sailing. Good to see how you are coping with all the stress of navigation, weather and day to day issues, and staying cheerful.

[@contessa26-jim]

@@jimbennett5391 yes you gotta laugh to stay sane!

[@mariajosemorenoguerrero8638]

You are a true sailor off blue waters! And your boat a true Cruiser blue waters Sorry from my English...❤

[@contessa26-jim]

Thanks for your support, I really appreciate it! :)

[@robp4037]

a pleasure and an education, as ever. thanks for your honesty and good company in sharing your decision making and rationale to improve the situation and future options, and the emotional toll and toils... 🙂

[@contessa26-jim]

Thank you, it's harder when one is alone and there is nobody to chew over the options with!

[@frankmerkle2500]

Thank you, just shared the link in our sailing forum. Your decision to turn back was probably a good one while it was still possible. Good seamanship!

[@contessa26-jim]

I've agonised over whether it was the right decision ever since! I'm still not sure, however it was the safest thing to do..

[@ticklefish4898]

@@contessa26-jim please don’t agonize. I say you made the right decision. You are to be congratulated for making the difficult decision, alone, to turn back. The ‘easy’ decision would be to not make a decision and keep going hoping for the best with disastrous consequences.

[@contessa26-jim]

@@ticklefish4898 Thanks!

[@chrisk1732]

If in any Doubt about decision then there no Doubt at all don’t proceed !!!?

[@EdHounsell]

I knew the Glanvilles who owned Green Tambourine when she was in Devon. Well done getting to the Azores in her. When I went in my Contessa 26 some years ago I would heave to and relax while I cooked a meal. Heaving to was not so good in really big seas as the Contessa lies beam on to the seas. I found the best solution was to sheet a storm jib hard amidships which kept her pointing downwind on one tack and making about 1 knot while I retired down below. My electric self steering packed up soon after I left Horta and I sailed the whole way back with a lashed tiller and adjusted the sails to balance the boat. The Contessa 26 is indeed a remarkable boat and I am very attached to mine.(Contessa Anna Louise)

[@contessa26-jim]

Good to hear your experiences with your CO26.. for me, electric tiller pilots are purely for getting stuff done as you motor into port, I've always found them perfectly unreliable and greedy on juic, and incapable of dealing wirth any sort of seway.. wind vane is simple and reliable. Good work on sailing with balanced sails, that must have been interesting. I didn't meet the Granvilles, as he was unwell and his daughter handled the sale.

[@zero_to_sailor]

Thank you for sharing your experience! Great to see some real sailing!

[@contessa26-jim]

Thanks, I'm glad you liked it😊

[@sailingwithmarguerite9080]

Very enjoyed your attempt to cross the Atlantic narrative. Wish you best of luck next time attempt. You did the correct thing on going back to Azores Island, it would have been a very terrible crossing with that low preassure system. Be safe. Naf from California USA.

[@contessa26-jim]

Thanks Naf, Im glad you enjoyed the video, you can see the next attempt here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iKnboZupm7lokM0

[@FranklinGray]

There is another way to heave-to that I like to use. Instead of tacking, you turn downwind and blanket the headsail with the main causing it to flutter. Then change sheets to pull the headsail to the other side, pull tight, then turn back up into the wind. When ready to continue on, just let the sheet out and pull in the other and off you go on the same tack as before. I like this because if you have any forward drift like most boats do, it will be in the direction you want to go.

[@contessa26-jim]

I like that, I shall try it, thanks!

[@gringoanon4550]

Why not just take everything down and throw out a sea anchor, and go and make a cuppa, and get some sleep?

[@contessa26-jim]

@@gringoanon4550 Good question: sometimes its best to move away from an approaching storm centre....

[@landprojects]

Well done, excellent video. The highs and lows of sailing. Hove to the best alternative in really heavy weather for sure. 👍

[@contessa26-jim]

Yeah, up to a certain point where one has to deploy the series drogue

[@windfall35]

Greatly enjoyed watching a resourceful and pragmatic sailor who tackles the sea as it comes and isn't whinging at tough choices. Well played sir!

[@contessa26-jim]

Thank you John!

[@HP-qj4gz]

Thank you for another interesting video. Very stoic and excellent seamanship. What a fine boat the C26 is!

[@contessa26-jim]

A fine boat indeed, I was very pleased to be on such a seaworthy vessel. It always amazes me how small she is when I get off and see her from a pontoon

[@jameshuntsman6046]

I have a Bayfeild 25. I added an inner stay and I have a 3rd reef in the main. She’s a foot less draft than your gal and yours has about 2000lbs more on her. I fly a storm type jib on the inner stay and with the 3rd reef she behaves herself well in a blow. She seems to heave to better as well with that set up. Fun video hope all went well.

[@contessa26-jim]

sounds like a lovely boat and great setup... I intend to get a 3rd reef put in the main.. she is often over canvassed with just the 2 reefs, more of a coastal setup I think.. Fair winds!

[@daverolstone5669]

Terrific story. you push the boat and yourself hard Jim. You will have some interesting meals out of those tins!

[@contessa26-jim]

Haha yes the roulette wheel of the unmarked tins! Actually I managed to mark them with a Sharpie before the labels fell off altogether..

[@MikeSantis]

Nice watching a small boat sailing big oceans. And it takes its man to take a decision and run 200 miles back. Well done. You did what you felt it was best for you and that is important. Subscribed

[@contessa26-jim]

Thanks for the subscription Mike :)

[@HotakaPeter]

I have heard it said that the best way to use roller furling in a blow is to bear away and provide blanketing from the main before trying to wind it in.

[@contessa26-jim]

Yes that's what I do when it's necessary, one of the nice things about a smaller boat is that I can always pull in the hernia by hand, never have to winch it..

[@stevieb5008]

Great videos! Thank you for sharing your adventures

[@contessa26-jim]

My pleasure!

[@bluemaxx2006]

Fantastic video. Thanks for allowing a land bound arm chair sailor a sight of true sea faring. Subscribed and am anxious to see more of your content.

[@contessa26-jim]

Thanks for the subscription, there will be more soon, the successful trip home in a few episodes is coming next!

[@joeltatham5673]

A Good voyage! Good decision making as well, you and the boat are both safely in port. You are the one there and only you understand the conditions, despite what the armchair sailors out there might think. 👌. Thanks for taking us along.

[@contessa26-jim]

@@joeltatham5673 agreed, although the conditions at the time were not life threatening it was pretty uncomfortable and it didn't seem wise to keep pushing towards the centre of the storm, there's no need to wait till the mast is gone before deciding on a wiser tactic!

[@billywhizz6483]

Wow, fantastic footage and great seamanship (in true Jester fashion). It did look a bit grim for a while there!

[@contessa26-jim]

Yes, it was, lucky me having such a tough little boat..

[@triggerfish999]

A great 'warts and all' vid about sailing. I think you've successfully put me off trying blue water sailing.

[@contessa26-jim]

Oh dear, it's not always like that!

[@vickipearce9332]

Happy to have "found" you! Looking forward to doing some "backward" viewing. Thanks for sharing.

[@contessa26-jim]

Thanks Vicki! I hope you enjoy the channel 😃

[@samsails9820]

Good effort Jim, an uncomfortable bit of sailing. Good to see you and GT back safe and sound 👌

[@contessa26-jim]

Thank you Sam, yes, we made it OK on the next attempt, video of that in preparation..

[@thecockneykayaker2239]

Not being a sailor or having any sailing knowledge, I watched this video with sweaty palms mesmerised by how the boat stays upright and how your not sick 😂 incredible. Can’t wait for the next one

[@contessa26-jim]

@@thecockneykayaker2239 If I'm going to get seasick, it's generally on the first day after a long layoff, as in this recent video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ooTVYq15jZJrh8U The next one is in preparation now!

[@rickyboy..andcaptinjack2532]

Brilliant seaman ship..love watching your adventures..i sail my self but haven't dont ang long passages for a couple of years..but still sail locally when i can ..your videos are makes me feel at sea again..fairwinds and following seas captain

[@contessa26-jim]

Thanks Ricky, the sea is a wonderful place to be

[@Anabsurdsuggestion]

Was a tremendous video diary account of small boat versus big weather. Serious bravery on show here. I wish you every success. Subscribed.

[@contessa26-jim]

@@Anabsurdsuggestion thank you, I really appreciate that!

[@Anabsurdsuggestion]

@@contessa26-jim you have guts, talent and skills - a rare combination these days. I look forward to following your adventures.

[@contessa26-jim]

@@Anabsurdsuggestion Thank you! Next chapter coming up before long..

[@sailingcorribeemwera]

Great video, real and pragmatic! It would've been tough sorting out all that on the go, looking forward to hearing about the second attempt

[@contessa26-jim]

I'm working on that now so keep an eye out for it soon 🙂

[@ianabbott751]

Ouch Jim. That looked really hard. Some great decision making under pressure. I hope your second attempt to get back was a bit easier.

[@contessa26-jim]

Hi Ian, yes it was, the experience was quite the opposite and it took 3 weeks! I see you got back PDQ but it looks like you had some lovely weather too?

[@ianabbott751]

14 days 1400 miles Praia to Dover. I had a good crew and weather information and burned 40 litres of diesel motoring across calms so a combination of good weather and grunt. 6 hours bare poles so some interesting stuff as well. Very glad your second attempt was better I look forward to the video.

[@contessa26-jim]

@@ianabbott751 Wow, an excellent sail, well done Ian!

[@ianabbott751]

​@@contessa26-jim thanks it was very enjoyable. And well done to you too. Calm can be very frustrating.

[@contessa26-jim]

@@ianabbott751 Oh yes... very fortunate I had a guitar with me!

[@sannebast]

I enjoyed your video. All the things that come with boat live. Its not easy. You did really well. Keep going.

[@contessa26-jim]

@@sannebast thank you very much

[@cliffrobins4985]

Hello and thank you for the videos. The sailing and the tips all from your experience. I'm in process of owning a Contessa 26. Who knows, maybe in 2025 I'll be up for the Jester Challenge?

[@contessa26-jim]

Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed them.. I have my name down for 2025 so hope to see you then 🙂

[@denise2169]

I'm glad you are safe!

[@contessa26-jim]

I am, thank you Denise!

[@kentgreenough75]

Hi Rotty, new to the channel, but since you asked, what would I do, I would probably just heave to, and wait it out. I say this having numerous crossings of the Pacific and one Atlantic crossing, along with single handling the Med in a 28 foot boat, with no motor. If there are no real problems with the boat, bobbing about for even a couple of days is better than adding 400 miles to the trip. Also, if the storm worsened I don’t want to be near any shore. Wet and cold trumps a rocky shore any day. Cheers.

[@contessa26-jim]

I think you're very probably correct, that's what I will do next time...

[@lorrainefarrell6470]

Clearly I’m not a sailor Jim but your videos are so interesting…and a tad scary, but what a fabulous boat ☺️😬 love watching. Glad you got back all in one piece and hope you enjoyed your get together. Sorry we missed it 🎸🎶🎶 xx

[@contessa26-jim]

@@lorrainefarrell6470 thanks Lorraine, the boat is great if a little tiny, but she is easy to handle.. hope to see you somewhere soon!

[@timevans8223]

Hi Jim. We met you in Terceira after you arrived. Tim and Gayle on Wild Bird. We are now back in the UK. We had a good trip to Ireland. A nice fast 7 day passage but a couple of days of F7 conditions fortunately on the beam, mostly. Love your videos

[@contessa26-jim]

Hi Tim, good to hear from you, and good work on the super fast passage! My return trip ended up being very slow as you'll see from the next batch of videos!

[@netrhyda8761]

Very nice! (of course it wasn't me out on the waves, it was You.....) The 26 Contessa is a very seaworthy little ship, I do know that because I owned a 26 Folkboat for a few years....A very tough vessel. She liked to heel a lot but then stiffened significantly. You did the right thing, veering off. Soon you can continue your trek home...;) Take care!

[@contessa26-jim]

Yes, she's proven to be a very tough little boat, staying together despite crashing of the waves.. there were times when I took the floorboards up to make sure the hull wasn't cracking..

[@kentgreenough75]

I have found the boat is usually the last thing to fail. Fiberglass is much tougher than most people. 😊

[@contessa26-jim]

@@kentgreenough75 Evidently this is true, my inspection under the floor after the most resounding and sickening crashes revealed no problem..

[@chrishamilton2527]

A good drogue makes a world of difference - I use a Jordan series drogue when in severe conditions …… especially when in need of rest. Little C26’s are great craft.

[@contessa26-jim]

I have a Jordan on board but haven't yet been in extreme enough conditions to use it, thankfully..

[@user-uf1cm3to7m]

A cozy little boat, very interesting life, may God richly bless you friend 🙏🌅🍁

[@contessa26-jim]

Thank you very much!

[@88rollins]

Smart decision and well played. 👍

[@contessa26-jim]

Thank you 😊

[@Nick-kn2os]

Brilliant sailing Jim and I've just realised it was Sally your other half keeping the Jester 2024 site updated.....I'm a little disappointed that you never got your guitar out throughout the journey seeing your part of the Mice duo 😀....You both seem to be so happy always, good luck to the both of you ....... Regards Nick

[@contessa26-jim]

@@Nick-kn2os hi Nick, the guitar does come out very regularly, but when the boat is like a washing machine it isn't safe or possible.. I've never thought it appropriate to put myself nicking the guitar into a sailing video, so you think I should? I played it a lot on the final return trip, yet to come, which was very slow and calm!

[@B_Ruphe]

Always remembered from my children's abridged edition of RKJ's circumnavigation on Suhaili that he varnished his larder of tins (with labelling of course) before setting off from Falmouth. Thanks for the interestnig episode.

[@contessa26-jim]

This is clearly a good idea and will be on my list of pre crossing jobs, thank you

[@rimasmeleshyus9486]

Congratulations, great sailor ⛵️ Cantesa 26 is better ,then a bigger sailboats .Solo is the best sailing, by myself always solo.

[@contessa26-jim]

Yes, very hard to find crew that one can get on with for a long time, I'm lucky to know one or two...

[@beorbeorian150]

Seems the Contessa 26 is a very seaworthy and safe boat. That plus sailing with caution and conservative choices is a great combination to sail another day in comfort.

[@contessa26-jim]

Yeah, Ive grown out of being a daft hero!

[@eagerv]

Only found you recently, really enjoying your channel. Thank you. My other favourite channel is Alan on ' Rover's Adventure'. Your Contessa 26 is large by comparison. 🙂 Very best wishes, stay safe. Nigel from Ireland.

[@contessa26-jim]

Hi Nigel, I'm glad you're enjoying the channel! My wind vane gear is based on Alan Mulholland's design, works great and not expensive or difficult to make!

[@eagerv]

@@contessa26-jim Bumped into Alan last week here in Ireland. Nice guy and a hell of a genius.😁

[@markthomasson5077]

Of course WR 1 was a Contessa 26

[@contessa26-jim]

@@markthomasson5077 Yew, thats right, modified her and made her rather ugly!

[@markthomasson5077]

@@contessa26-jim …eye of the beholder!

[@jcfgh]

Well done old chap. I suppose you could have hove to until the storm blew through but i think i would have made the same decision as you. Best wishes from Plymouth. James

[@contessa26-jim]

Yes, I agree, next time that will be the strategy!

[@bradleylaford1526]

I think a Contessa is perfect for Conditioning a Sailor. It's is difficult to manage due to it's Comparative weight. But I think a 26 Footer is perfect for a person interested in a larger vessel to train on awhile prior? Thanks for this new submission. Have you any information on predicting bad weather by looking at clouds & sky changes?

[@contessa26-jim]

Yes, the CO26 is a very tough boat and easy to handle, I would recommend! A good book on weather is written by Chris Tibbs and published by the RYA.. www.wob.com/en-gb/books/chris-tibbs/rya-weather-handbook/9781910017142?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_sq2BhCUARIsAIVqmQuqZFfEl-FkuFnGUIadP7ebzpMz_euauhRxUYETyQXMqhYWt-6eNZcaAiaoEALw_wcB#GOR009581674

[@paulreynolds3803]

Funny chap 😂 vegetables are having a great time 😂😂

[@contessa26-jim]

@@paulreynolds3803 yeah, veggies at the fun fair!

[@billfromgermany]

Excellent video. Most videos of heavy weather at sea don’t look like much, but some of your footage shows the reality of heavy weather in a small boat. The most frightening bits are when a wave hits the side of the boat like a hammer and you wonder whether the grp will hold. But providing the mast stays up, and you aren‘t caught by a heavy breaking wave you come through. The Contessa 26 is a marvellous boat and you are an excellent seaman. Might it have been advisable to have hove to earlier, and waited out the bad weather rather than turning back? Did you consider that and reject it?

[@contessa26-jim]

Yeah, with hindsight and on further reflection I think it would have been better to heave to and wait it out...unfortunetly there is no rewind button in life, but next time.. we live and learn! Yes, wondering if the boat is going to break up with the heavy pounding is the most worrying part..

[@Splash0921]

Thanks for keeping it real.

[@contessa26-jim]

Thank you!

[@davidalexander-watts6630]

Are you sharing this to inspire or to warn people? Probably a bit of both. It's certainly both interesting and instructive, thank you.

[@contessa26-jim]

Good question.. possibly a little of both, as you say. The sea is a powerful force, it's probably better not to challenge it!

[@davidalexander-watts6630]

@@contessa26-jim out of interest, did you consider heaving-to for, say, a few hours to let the weather pass by - rather than returning to Horta?

[@contessa26-jim]

@@davidalexander-watts6630 In hindsight that might hve been a good tactic, but at the time it seemed best to regroup and re supply...

[@nordseegler]

Well done (from Swantje, an Emka 29 sailing at the German Bight)

[@contessa26-jim]

@@nordseegler thank you!

[@squallyheiferadventures]

I have been liking the contessa 26 if one pops up in my neck of the woods I will like to get it. Great sailing. New sub.

[@contessa26-jim]

Thanks so much for the sub and comment, it really helps! Good luck with finding your boat, where are you located?

[@squallyheiferadventures]

@@contessa26-jim Southern United States. I currently have a compac 23. It's nice but not an ocean crosser .

[@contessa26-jim]

@@squallyheiferadventures Nice little boat and very strong!

[@ColinMill1]

I seem to recall David Lewis describing how he painted his food tins and used a colour code for the contents. I suspect he had experienced something of the same issue with tin storage.

[@contessa26-jim]

Yeah, I think its a common problem, the colour coding is a good idea!

[@ColinMill1]

@@contessa26-jim If I remember the full story the problem came when he lost the bit of paper with the code on. 😀

[@contessa26-jim]

@@ColinMill1 Ah yes, that would be the snag!

[@kentgreenough75]

Label each can with a permanent marker and get rid of the label before you store the tins. Soggy labels have fouled more than one bilge pump. Cockroaches often lay their eggs in the paper labels too. Same with cardboard, nice to carry things aboard, but get it off the boat as soon as possible.

[@contessa26-jim]

@@kentgreenough75 Yes, the permanent marker was what I used. Good point on the labels though, I will certainly keep that in mind, thank you. Fortunately UK is still fairly roach free, which is where the tins joined the boat, but point taken on that too, cheers!

[@Seacracker1]

Great Film❤

[@contessa26-jim]

I'm glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@stuartsutherland7664]

Exciting stuff!

[@contessa26-jim]

Thank you Stuart

[@shannondeconinck1146]

I’m planning on doing the same voyage solo next year. I’m currently hauled out near Lisbon, and want to sail back to the Uk. My boat makes almost no headway windward, so getting up the coast to Galicia and across the Biscay S to N could be a real pain in the ass, or impossible. So I’ve decided to go via the Azores. Lisbon to Azores I’m pretty confident about, should be on the beam all the way, but this video has made me more nervous about Azores to UK.

[@contessa26-jim]

I've done Azores - UK twice now and both times it's had it's challenges.. this time I was doing the wrong thing and trying to work too a bit of a timetable which is never a good idea when sailing.. it's best to have time to study the weather and go when a good window appears..

[@shannondeconinck1146]

Cheers, I’ve just subscribed. I’m probably going to be averaging less than 5 knots, so it’s going to be a couple of weeks. I’m looking into how to get weather updates offshore without it costing an arm and a leg. Any recommendations?

[@contessa26-jim]

@@shannondeconinck1146 absolutely! I've recently made a video on exactly that, weatherfaxes on short wave radio for few pennies, check it out here; kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIClomd_jLSHjMk

[@shannondeconinck1146]

Great! Good advice. I’ll get a short wave radio. I don’t think I’ll use the topping lift, especially in any weather, maybe I’ll run it up the mizzen on its own line. All the best and thanks for the tip.

[@mjcooke2sailingmostly]

People on KZbin seem to refer to gales or near gales as storms these days, the KZbin storm 30kn, it must up the video in the algorithm like people say 'abandoned' in car or house videos. I did like the video and owned and sailed thousands of miles in an Invicta, similar boat. You took it all in your stride, a good achievement regardless of terminology.

[@contessa26-jim]

Yes, technically you are right!

[@thomasescape3002]

The Contessa 26 is also a very seaworthy, small ship. Naturally less agile with its long keel and therefore easier to take off course. Well done, although I would rather do without the Jordan with my Contest 38s ketch. With the mizzen, the jib also heavily reefed, the ship holds its course perfectly under full control of the Windpilot Pacific.

[@contessa26-jim]

I think I'd rather be in your boat too! Bigger, faster, more comfortable..

[@o4pureh2o]

Starlink has been a great tool for passage weather updates. You can switch from plan to plan instantly so you only need to pay for the at sea plan while your at sea and can get on the roaming plan should you wish around land. doesn't mean we never get caught out. Got caught in 10m seas and gusts over 50kts coming into NZ from Fiji last year. Amazing experience but quite tiring.

[@contessa26-jim]

@@o4pureh2o yeah starlink is quite tempting; to me it has 2 downsides, firstly of course it's quite expensive (to my mind) and secondly it removes one of the best parts of blue water sailing which is totally getting away from every day life and all the noise and hassle of humanity.. I rather like the solitude and the sheer contrast with the day to day existence on land

[@o4pureh2o]

​@@contessa26-jim You're right on both counts. I sail the south Pacific. Around New Zealand and out to the islands. The Iridium has been a failure letting us down time and time again. Starlink has a roaming option (really for the campervan) which we're allowed to use in coastal areas both around NZ, Fiji and many other island groups. That is unlimited and very affordable. On passage we need to use the marine plan which you pay per gig. It's awesome for weather which uses very little data and the expense of mindless browsing is a great deterrent on passage. The other major safety advantage is being able to pull up google maps satellite photos of the many reef passes and anchorages as Navionics can less than perfect in remote places. Enjoy your sailing.

[@contessa26-jim]

@@o4pureh2o Thanks, that's certainly food for thought!

[@brucewebb2005]

Enjoying your videos ! Can you post something about night sailing? How you doing it and what's involved? Thanks Bruce

[@contessa26-jim]

That's a good idea Bruce, I'll have a think about that..

[@WightlinkUserGroup]

@@contessa26-jim No one seems to have made a video about it - probably because its a challenge to film !

[@sumobear2031]

Always wise to turn around opposed to foolishly continue if your in any doubt.

[@contessa26-jim]

That was the logic that made me decide on the end..

[@ronkirk5099]

Is that a homebuilt windvane autopilot? Well built small boats like the C26 are perfectly capable of handling heavy weather, it all comes down to degree of comfort. Motion can be quite violent in a small boat.

[@contessa26-jim]

You're quite right there, tough but uncomfortable!

[@MarchTwentyfour-t8z]

Trying to cross the Atlantic in a 26ft yacht, you're a braver man than I gungadin! I once sailed a 25ft yacht for a day in relative protected waters, the wind increased to 20 knots and it got extremely uncomfortable very fast indeed. I haven't sailed on a yacht under 40ft since hahaha, and doubt I ever will. Good luck to you! Not my cup of tea! 🍻

[@contessa26-jim]

@@MarchTwentyfour-t8z yeah I know what you mean.. The upside is a small boat is easy to handle and cheap to run!

[@MarchTwentyfour-t8z]

@@contessa26-jim Yes thats very true! Hahaha Still, you're a brave man in my books!

[@jeffrandolf5673]

Is your mainsheet traveler attached to the tops of the aft most lifeline stanchions? It looks very weak, very fragile... one jibe & it'd ripped right off , bent or dislogded.... no diagonal bracing.

[@contessa26-jim]

Yes it does look weak doesnt it, however I have had the occasional accidental crash gybe and it hasnt taken any notice at all.. in fact it seems very strong, I can stand on it and bounce and it doesnt flex.. the traveller itself is quite substantial and coupled with the stainless support it seems OK... I'm not worried about it!

[@Scoutforlife]

Great Video.!

[@contessa26-jim]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@johnhowley-zi6db]

Noted your self steering doesn’t attach to tiller: is it a direct drive design and do you reduce the wind vane size for gales? Great video too ! Johnh

[@contessa26-jim]

@@johnhowley-zi6db yes you are right, it's a trim tab system which operates a small auxiliary rudder attached to the rear of the main rudder , therefore no longer trailing around the cockpit! Yes I have 3 different vanes that cover most conditions

[@maesy6730]

It must have been the right decision as you're here to tell the tale.😁

[@contessa26-jim]

That's true of course, I often wonder if it actually would have been much worse if I'd carried on..

[@kevinobrien7360]

I see that you have a windvane like the one I built after downloading Alan Mulholland's MKIII plans. My installation was flawed by a shaft that bent shortly after its first use, so I haven't yet given it a fair test. I will fix it when the boat comes out of the water. Can you offer any tips and tricks you can share would be appreciated. Alan mentions initial frustrations, but does not give any detail. He just says in one video that he would have cancelled his voyage to the Azores if he had not be able to figure it out before leaving the cell phone covered water.

[@contessa26-jim]

Hi, yes it's a mk3, I've had no problems with it at all right from the first day.. I did use the best 316 stainless for all the metal parts, and generous dimensions, I don't know if that may have made a difference

[@contessa26-jim]

Great to see your MK3 performing on the water, I did notice the vane was leaning mostly to port... in a perfect world it should average upright.. it may be to do with boat balance, or adjusting the control lines on the MK3... happy sailing!

[@kevinobrien7360]

@@contessa26-jim Thanks for the tip. If its not averaging upright, something needs to be adjusted. The windvane will teach me how to sail better if I pay attention to its attitude.

[@contessa26-jim]

@@kevinobrien7360 Yes that's right, before setting the windvane its important to get the boat sailing with a neutral helm, ie you're not having to lean on it constantly to keep it going where you want. This is achieved by adjusting the sails...

[@michaelhamilton5571]

Great vid, dip your cans in shellac, wrksgreat.😅

[@contessa26-jim]

Good idea!

[@redwood1957]

Thank you sorry for your troubles. Could you tell what produce you keep in the air net. Thank you

[@contessa26-jim]

I keep most of my vegetables and fruit in it, apart from potatoes and onions which are happy in a cupboard; so tometoes, peppers, gourgettes, lemons, etc

[@Davidcallard]

Oops, shaken and stirred! 😢 Too bad, but you made all the right decisions! 😂 Just a tip about food tins; common practice is to remove all the labels and identify their contents with an indelible marker. Good luck!

[@contessa26-jim]

Yes, I did use a marker pen on the lid but the corrosion was bad, I will have to paint them next time..

[@grahamvincent]

Just aquired a boat rather like this with a transom hung rudder, anyone know where I can get plans for the type of wind vane self steering like that on Green Tambourine??

[@contessa26-jim]

Hi Graham, I got the plans from Alan Mulholland, you can find out all about it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZTHaoxrdrhpp6csi=dBYD-mOxg8ZNyAzi

[@grahamvincent]

@@contessa26-jim Fantastic, thanks for the info. Greatly enjoying the videos.

[@lagazettedesfrancais8155]

Keep well

[@contessa26-jim]

Thank you, I'll do my best!

[@andrew-rw2ku]

Good content

[@contessa26-jim]

Thanks Andrew

[@neilking]

Am enjoying this channel. I used to sail on a Westerly Centaur on the west coast of Scotland in the 70s but always just coastal day sailing. Sailed on a few Contessa 32s as well but never a 26. And by coincidence I now live in the Azores - on Flores but know Horta well. Looking forward to the next chapter.

[@contessa26-jim]

Thanks Neil, the next chapter is on the way soon!

[@FranklinGray]

Did heaving-to to ride out the storm on the way there instead of turning around cross your mind? Usually after the storm you have a few days of nice sailing.

[@contessa26-jim]

Yes, that could have been a good solution too, shame I can't go back and try a few different strategies..

[@kentgreenough75]

When crossing oceans heaving to is really nice when cooking, you don’t have to wait for a storm! You really don’t loose much distance and cooking on the nearly level is a joy, safer too, no hot pots leaping off the stove.

[@WilliamBell-t8k]

Does the lamp above the cooker not know that it should be leaning to port? Bill

[@contessa26-jim]

You're right, it doesn't seemn to have a lot of sense!

[@spanishflew]

wow. that was tense.

[@contessa26-jim]

Yes, that was how it felt!

[@gurrupijimenezperez2559]

Refran Español: a la mujer y al viento con mucho tiento. Buena suerte.

[@contessa26-jim]

Thank you, I like that!

[@fraserconnell21]

We'd of done same, chap😊. Great stuff and a lovely kept T'essa. 🫡🙏

[@contessa26-jim]

Thanks Frazer, difficult decisions!

[@jerrypolverino6025]

Thanks for a great video. As a pilot I recognized the clouds and front. Well done.

[@contessa26-jim]

Yes, its so important to read the weather clues!

[@mcallahan9060]

14:30 Those vegies really were having a great time!

[@contessa26-jim]

They were living their best life weren't they!

[@kentgreenough75]

Oh, I am currently sailing in the Baltic, the Finnish archipelago.

[@contessa26-jim]

Sounds great, I'd love to do that some day

[@xFD2x]

4:20 It's good you are wearing a life vest. But .... , once you are in the water and need it, who are you waiting for ?

[@contessa26-jim]

I use the life jacket as a harness to clip a line to, I don't really expect to survive if I go overboard..I do however carry a PLB in case a vessel does happen to be close by

[@SV_Try_Magic]

I would not ever go offshore sailing in a boat that small. My 50 foot trimaran still seems like it is on the small end of the safety net when you compare it to the environment.

[@contessa26-jim]

When I look at the boat at the pontoon she does look very small.. however all vessels are small in the vastness of the ocean..

[@WilliamBell-t8k]

What is your SSB radio? I'm assuming you are using SailMail? Bill

[@contessa26-jim]

Hi Bill, the SSB radio is a D808, on offer by several companies. However it wasnt too good and the fine tuning wheel stopped working after a few days. I sent it back for a refund. I dont use sailmail, I just get the SSB faxes direct from Northwood or Hamburg (on this side of the Atlantic). I did borrow a inreach device from a friend to send location etc to concerned friends and fmily..

[@gerhardusvanderpoll]

A yacht does not have a floor....it has a cabin sole.....

[@contessa26-jim]

Yes so I've heard, people tell me boats dont have ropes either, I must learn the proper boaty language and stop using pointy end instead of bow.. 😅

[@SAILBOATJACARANDA]

Cool stuff mate. You reckon my boat would be capable of similiar types of sailing?

[@contessa26-jim]

I would say so, she looks very similar, I think you got a bargain!

[@TroyaE117]

When sailing alone, it is easy to get melancholy. Your reaction is normal. Having to turn back is never good for morale and a 26 ft boat is not the biggest one around !

[@contessa26-jim]

It's true! Sounds like you've been there too..

[@perfstaas7188]

Did you have 41 knots of wind Sir?

[@contessa26-jim]

No, the point is that instead of ploughing into dangerous conditions I took the decision to be sensible and live to sail another day.. no point in having weather info and charging into a problem...

[@perfstaas7188]

@@contessa26-jim So WHY do you say a STORM then? Clickbait.

[@sailor67duilio27]

God Speed

[@contessa26-jim]

@@sailor67duilio27 thanks, just what I need!

[@doctorshawzy6477]

after the cirrus, the altocumulus

[@contessa26-jim]

Yes, and through the whole series till its cumulonimbus!

[@mikemckelvey7144]

Storm ?

[@contessa26-jim]

The point is, that by using the available information and a bit of common sense, it was possible not to blunder into the heart of a storm; but rather, by accepting one's fragility versus the ocean, to take the sensible course and live to fight another day. Therefore the worst part of the storm was avoided; this is known as seamanship!

[@unequivocaldao1728]

and sailing is supposed to be fun?

[@contessa26-jim]

Haha good point.. perhaps without the difficult times one doesn't appreciate the great sailing so much

[@pauljnolan1000]

Big light in sky scares minority groups in Sector R.

[@oceanscaper]

A nice sport if you do coastal or rivers like the Hudson. Crossing large bodies of water with the risk of large waves is tempting the Lord….a sin….not a sport.

[@contessa26-jim]

Not necessarily a sin, certainly a personal challenge which relies upon one using some common sense!

[@SevenRavens007]

Its a lovely video, but I feel it would be better with more views of the sea, the boat etc rather than your face most of the time.

[@contessa26-jim]

Yes, this has been said before, and Ive taken it on board... future videos should be noticeably better on this front, thanks!

[@SevenRavens007]

@ my pleasure. Im looking forward to some great videos!

With all the stabbings going on in England right now and a new tyrant Government letting out the murderers early out of jail to make room for facebook posts prisoners England is the last place I would want to go besides Gaza lol but loved your journey.

[@contessa26-jim]

Thank you I'm glad you enjoyed it

@@contessa26-jim I seen another sailor with a small boat that has his sail ropes coming inside the cabin from pulleys on the rear of his boat so he didnt have to leave the cabin in rough weather or in the middle of the night and i think he had a camera outside also .

[@nicksmith8227]

The Contessa design in 26 andc32ft dedigns will look after you.

[@contessa26-jim]

@@nicksmith8227 this is true of course! That's why I sail this boat, it compensates for my mistakes!