Becalmed at sea - Sailing Uma [Step 109]

[@deegee6477]

ill probably end up divorced because your videos (since day 1) have consumed me and I'm to the point now where I'm gonna throw the towel in on MY corporate life and take the plunge into sailing myself. so peaceful and rewarding your journey has been for us! Your by far the most legit and realistic series on you-tube I've seen, and there are many that i watch.

[@nlSpiller]

Did you do it?

[@The5thChapter]

Had the same want. But my wife doesn’t want to sail. Compromise is my job I get a lot of time off with vacation days. So I’m getting a smaller boat and going to travel a few times a year.

[@stopthephilosophicalzombie9017]

It's so amazing going back to watch episodes from past years of your adventure and being reminded of the state your boat was in (though what you had accomplished by this point was still impressive in its own right). Now your boat is ultra-modern, with all cutting-edge tech and amenities. Even your clothes are top-shelf. It's so inspiring. I think you two are unstoppable. : )

[@hamburking]

Most boats would have started a big noisy diesel when the wind died. You have the right idea. Less is more. Thanks for the great videos! Your spirit of adventure and minimalist attitude is an inspiration to us all. I'm reading all the comments with people trying to solve your "problems"...more solar panels, more batteries, more hp....they need to chillax. Sailing is not for up tight people who have a schedule or can't stand going slow. Getting there is more than half the fun! Can't wait for your next video!

[@jwal1037]

Why mess up a good thing. 1 day at a time, enjoy every day. They've got it right....James

[@marlo2303]

They don't have a diesel, they run on electric. No charge, no moving. I bet they wouldn't hesitate a second to get last 10 miles on diesel if it was there.

[@michellesims1139]

I watched all of your adventures in the England and Norway so now I’m going back and watching some of the older videos! love your channel safe journeys!

[@leeswett5504]

Thank you for not hitting pause during your passage. To often the sailing blogs leave during those periods of no wind. I can learn much from the experiences you don’t leave out. Loved your video, congrats on a great Blog. Lee

[@TheKuijpers]

Sorry to say but I am in a very bad mood, because I started watching Uma a month ago, I could watch 3 to 4 episodes per day, 5 days a week. Now I have ended up in a very bad situation. I have to wait a whole week for the latest new one. But okay it is worth the wait. Keep on going you two are great and making super nice interesting video's.

[@deadbrokeracingchannel-2197]

Karel Kuijpers I feel your pain ... it's the only thing helping with my sailing bug !!!

[@robfraley4210]

Haha, yes, I started about 11 days ago an Watch around 10 per day, So now on 109 I am way closer the their last one than the First one and Am starting to worry about getting to the End and having to WAIT a week myself 🥴😳😣

[@betyar]

you guys are straight-up awesome. if you ever wonder whether or not you're actually motivating some of us out here in "traditional life land" - well know that you are!! no more delaying adventure; I'm off to buy a boat after 15 years of not having a boat. can't wait - thanks for providing the push...

[@SailingUma]

wow, that is so awesome! congratulations on making that step towards your new journey. We wish you the best of adventures. 😃

[@billb.6109]

We loved your solution to crossing the bars,...so glad you arrived safely. Take care.

[@katherinemaas6712]

One of your best videos yet. Loved the sea chanties.

[@DYoung-vt8pq]

That hammock looks great. Watch out for rogue waves! Safe travels ❤️

[@rocko10169]

almost three years late, but great choice on the Sense *8 video , very underacted series that just gets under your skin and gnaws at the feels!

[@MrFritzzz666]

Mr Pumpkin, I would like to thank you for putting on a harness and clipping in

[@peterfrebold]

,,,,, something about the footage at the end with all the birds near the end .... I just about ducked .... way cool ..... have been binge watching UMA of the last little while .... excellent job capturing and sharing your adventures, up and downs ... love your approach to time .... have fun, be safe you two .... guess it is you three now ......

[@peternorton7665]

I like that saying no hurry to go anywhere ......depending on that wind..love it guys

[@JuanPerez-qe3qn]

Thank you Mercury...ingenious way to get in

[@mikecichy]

I know Sev was really trying to say hi to me at the end there. Hi back!! Also I loved that you guys incorporated David Coffin's rendition of Roll the Old Chariot into this step!!! I've listened to every version on KZbin and that one is by far the best. And I think the song is about you guys... wind or no wind you always roll your old chariot along.

[@sailingsvmica4138]

Your patience when becalmed is admirable and I hope to be able to emulate this important characteristic when I am becalmed. Good on ya!

[@scottmaschino1927]

Really enjoyed this one. A good amount of sailing. Something about seeing full sails, big waves, with the boat heeled over. And smiles. Can't forget those!

[@PiperEMcDermot]

Can relate to this so much! Our last 30 miles of crossing from Seychelles to Mauritius took us 48hrs - one 24hr period we achieved a total of 3 nm in the right direction, tacking up and down trying to get into the coast, or wallowing between occasional cloud-farts. After 19 days of pretty much the same, just two of us hand steering and no engine, even if we wanted to cave in and motor. It got to be surreal - I was convinced we would never actually make the island, even though I could see the buildings on shore. A friend of mine came to meet us at the dock - I kind of had a little break down and sobbed in her arms :) Great to see you still smiling - long passages are a different beast altogether! Looking forward to your next episode. x

[@bayareablues2255]

I loved Guatemala! I was there a long time ago (1991), but it's still my second favorite country that I've been to. Enjoy!

[@fxpthl]

Wow kids, never a dull moment on the good ship Uma! Glad you got over that bar but sad that you had issue's with your visa!

[@popsoldboats3406]

I likebtge way you guys video. From the point of view as if we were part of the crew. And we just woke up from a binder so you catch us up on the past few days 😀

[@lancedaniels]

Thanks for posting. Nice problem solving w/Dory.

[@JamesNewsomeCaiLeighAnna]

Interesting video. Shows the importance of solving all those topside leaks. A dry cabin is a lot better than a wet one. I like the way you used your tender to supplement your auxiliary power. I think it's often overlooked that a dinghy with a small motor will move a much larger boat assuming there's minimal current.

[@calvinh.8882]

That was AWESOME!! I love how you used the dinghy.. I'v used a smaller boat to push a larger one before, but never hooked it to the side and got onto the bigger one.. lol.. I'v learnt something very cool today, thank you.. Peace!!

[@7376282]

Der Deutcher has his harness on and he's clipped in. With no lifelines, that'd be me too. I'm a strong swimmer but I have no desire to go schwimmen auf dem see accidentally. I have a tip for you. Pam and I run Patuxent River Canvas. We always wrap the foam in thin plastic (like the stuff that your dry cleaning comes in. It serves two important functions: 1. It makes the foam slip into the cover and keeps the foam from binding in use. 2. it prevents the foam from becoming a sponge when the cushion gets water on it.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Hammock in companionway is genius. Cannot wait to try it ourselves!

[@EpicBikingAdventures]

I binge watched your first 90 something steps and have been faithfully watching each step as it comes out since. Thanks for sharing your adventures with us.

[@RiggingDoctor]

OMG! We can relate to this episode so much! This has been our entire cruising life over the past 5 months. (We're also electric)

[@SailingUma]

That's awesome, feel free to send us an email, we would love to hear more about your journey :)

[@SailingSisu]

I would so like to go electric motors..

[@tomriley5790]

Can see why you put a heater in! Your comment on the smell reminds me about what someone once told me about submarines (apparently people have refused to go on tours of them due to the smell!). Thanks again for the video love them, slowly catching up! You guys have created an amazing story! Nice Gybe :-)! So sorry for your visa troubles Kika! Those Dinghy seats were still going okay! Was slightly nervous that Dory might set off on her own! Crazy entrance to that anchorage! Well done!

[@normanboyes4983]

Nicely done on the ‘integral tug assist’ - very useful to be able to do that.👍

[@MiQBohlin]

Superb to first give it a try your own way! There’s always a plan B, but as long as you can manage yourself, you’re the winner! 🏆

[@leonidas7080]

I have see all the steps.I love it . Congrats .I am waiting for a new step! You are amazing guys,especialy Kika !

[@waynefederico9396]

WOW what a trip, gotta hand it to all 3 of you that was crazy good..

[@RykovskyA]

Love how relaxed about the time you are. So rear and so cool 😎

[@terryharms235]

That is priceless thank you so much for sharing

[@greathornedowl3644]

Great channel, good mental escape from landlocked Minnesota. Was thinking about "camping hammocks" for on deck. Thought you could put together music downloads, Come Sail Away, Beyond the Sea, Sailing, Kokomo, or the soundtrack of Pirates of Penzance.

[@appick01]

Sounds like you've figured out your next sewing project! Some weather cloths for the cockpit!

[@JoshPostVlogs]

Like the song at beginning. Can you give song titles in description? Great videos!

[@raygoodwin17]

I would like to know the name and band that sang the chantey in the background.

[@philiprisacher7375]

Don't know what choir was singing but it's "Drop of Nelson's Blood" www.shanty.org.uk/archive_songs/nelson-s-blood.html

[@mikecichy]

Ray Goodwin It's a chanty that was sung live and recorded in public at the 2010 Portsmouth Maritime Festival. The group was led by David Coffin. The song is called Roll the Old Chariot. Here's a link to the video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/amqpiKNtjLGMgdk

[@peggycook2648]

You need to look up Thieves essential oil concentrated cleaner! Dilute in a spray bottle to wipe things clean with, good on everything, counters bathroom, mirrors, anything that you want to clean!. And leaves a wonderful smell as well as being totally antibacterial. Also a battery powered diffuser with a couple of drops of purification oil...takes any bad smell away quickly! Just a thought that you would be so thankful for using!

[@SailingUma]

I'll make sure to look that up :) thanks

[@peggycook2648]

The Thieves is a bit pricey but it seriously lasts forever since it is concentrated. I use a quart squirt bottle with mine and add like 2 ounces Thieves to fill with water! Also another idea for colds is Sil verbiotics with a little spray bottle. It is awesome up nose for stuffy nose, spray in throat for sore throat, and on cuts and scrapes. It also last a long time! Amazon carries these things. I use the Young living products. And I am not affiliated in any way at all. Just the ones I use on recommendation from a friend. CAn you order things from Amazon and get them where you are? I will send them if you tell me how.

[@SailingUma]

Hey Peggy, Send us a private email so we can chat. sailinguma(at)gmail(dot)com

[@onthebeaches]

Peggy Cook + I too use Thieves on everything. It's a wonderful product for so many things. If I spill something on my shirt that really stains....a drop full strength, a few drops of water, a fingernail to work it around and BINGO! IT'S GONE as fast as it came. I wish more people would discover the power of essential oils. They use them in France for everything and even their doctors use them in the medical system. The right brands are very powerful.

[@joesims407]

I enjoy your videos. On a future becalmed sea since you are good with your tutorials, could you demonstrate your person overboard retrieval?

[@svzigzag5898]

When everything is wet inside rinsing with fresh water and drying in the sun for all cushions is in order. What do you do to the inside of the boat? Spray with fresh water? Nothing? Wash with fresh? Hose down? Wipe off? Lysol?

[@w00dbutcher50]

Always a thumbs up!

[@cptblack5705]

People have commented to pull from bow, think about it your pulling the bow down = keel is deeper as well. What ever draft Dan had he kept, plus they had more control. Haha at 14:38 the look on those crew members faces of that tug boat. priceless Thank you Kika for the plotter briefing. Cheers Uma crew.

[@SailingUma]

We've tried both, pulling from the bow and side tie. The side tie works much, MUCH better and we can get Uma going a bit faster that way too.

[@robertbosman5398]

Hi guys te renmen Episode bon gou sa a se sa ki navige, krwazyèr vle di pou epi yo pa tankou pifò isit la fè navige motè si gen ti oswa van pa gen okenn. Mèsi livrezon Top. Hi guys enjoyed delicious episode this is what sailing, cruising is meant for and not like most here do motor sailing if there is little or no wind. Top delivery thanks

[@unclebob6728]

Getting the motor was a genius call.

[@bertski60]

thnx for another great production. cheers and best wishes from thailand.

[@spiritualinsight]

So as I am researching RV Reno I am finding that putty tape or rather butyl tape for dealing and then either self leveling sealant it it's not self leveling counter part caulking that's not silicone. This may help with the window and vent leaks for you guys... It's a bummer to hear you guys got all soggy wet but yeah. Ok

[@seanmulligan1339]

Nice times its amazing what a little outboard will tow my little mariner 2hp has been a life saver🐋hammocks a great tip🐋the spinny halyard attached to the dory would tip you over to gain rhe bar happy days🐋

[@garolopez887]

Thinking when I reach the end of the videos I will start from the beginning all over again. This beats soap operas , and most other shows hands down any day ! Just stating my humble opinion !

[@michaeltillman1147]

Awesome day in the life kind of video. I really wat to know what it's really like out there. All the bad and uncomfortable stuff. At least before I spend all my money getting set up myself. 😎

[@tiborkiss9186]

HI, thanx for the update - great to see that you are sailing comfortably! I have two questions, watching this latest episode: 1. once is a similar situation, we pulled our boat by the dinghy, so that the dinghy was in front of the boat. Why did you choose "pushing"the boat, instead of pulling? 2. I noticed that at anchoring you attach a rope to the anchoring chain - that rope is connected to the anchor to help recovering it in case it stucks? Great videos - thank you for publishing them!

[@donaldfafard]

good question but I just saw a video of sailing delos doing the exact same thing.

[@SailingUma]

Hey there. We've pulled the boat using the dinghy before as a test, but this time we attached it on the side mainly for the comparison and experiment since we never did that before, but the result was that the boat was more manoeuvrable with Dory strapped on the side, with the throttle all the way up, and helming normally with Uma. The rope we put on the chain after anchoring is our snubber line. It basically acts like a shock absorber and reduces the load on the windlass.

[@thelittledojo]

Love it.

[@KnotVikings]

haha! Love the pumpkin man! great episode guys!

[@kevinswanson3910]

you two are a lovely couple

[@eriksuomela6882]

Kevin Swanson i

[@JustMe-pp1mp]

Now I know "What to do with drunken sailor", let him at the helm of Uma,:-), that was quite the trail on your plotter. AND i know it wasn't your fault (I didn't see Kika's wine glass anywhere). Thanks for showing that sailing isn't all fair winds and sunshine. Mr Dan - really, a leaky portlight?!! Let me reiterate what has been written below - you guys are awesome, thanks for letting us come along.

[@trevorward9680]

Can you turn your electric engine on? How far would it get you on a full battery charge? And how long would it take to recharge the batteries if you consumed them?

[@joshmosley5864]

Pretty sure I would be looking at getting an outboard mount for Uma. I understand not being in a hurry to get anywhere, but after a long rainy passage, I would have fired up the motor instead of being becalmed. lol

[@fatboy1164]

I love the UMA hot chocolate cheer! and Crew ! Aloha hope to be out there one day.

[@appick01]

Just curious why you guys don't like to use your boom brake you've had dangling from the boom?

[@SailingUma]

We only use it when we're jibing downwind. Which is practically never. When running, we tie the boom off to a midship cleat which works much better.

[@np939427a]

Looks like a Damper boat :( Hope the sun stays out for you! I think you guys need a 15bhp motor on that ding for safety sake! Try doing that in a storm i think you would have a big problem with big waves peaking on them sand bars could of been bad for the boat keel in bad weather. Baliza A" Sounds like a good plan to me ;)

[@FreeRangeLiving]

Shaun Sim the transoms on portabotes can only support a 5hp engine or less. So that's not really an option...

[@davidc6510]

Nice video - Thanks! Cheers!

[@edhespen7538]

When becalmed slow deep water jigging could be arewardig past time. You can catch fish at various debth than when trolling Many different species. Buy a few or you could make your own jigs out of things like butter knife large spoons old wrenchs etc.

[@SailingUma]

That sounds fun. We'll have to try that next time.

[@AlsinoFerreira]

hi guys nice video, nice idea about the hammock, now i see what you where saying about the waves, Sev the pumpkin men haha, lots of rain at least the water tanks are kept full, hahaha dory to the rescue good idea, haha Mic the microphone have fun guys

[@chilihntr]

How do you like the wooden bowls and plates?

[@everettpadgett4432]

It's a long day; when things don't go your way.. It's a long day,' when things don't go your way It's a long day when the wind won't die away and we'll all have a run when the wind will go our way.

[@aleblanc3547]

Brilliant dinghy work.

[@nwdreamhomes4u]

Just a quick personal question, is there a particular reason why you use wooden plates, bowls etc? I get that they are from Haiti, I like that, but am just wondering why you choose to use the wood.

[@SailingUma]

They were a gift from Kika’s grandma.

[@bartofilms]

Great work. Why not use a hydraulic motor mount for the outboard motor? Cheers.

[@SailingSisu]

Long rainy passage... You should have a "should be there tomorrow" counter :-D

[@ExileCinema]

Omg!!!! Cliffhanger, damn youuuuuu Kika!!! :-D Its moment like this that i'm glad i'm a patreon... early access BAMM!! By the way im still in shock at 3 knots via dinghy rig. #Brilliant

[@UweBehrendt]

Thank You

[@MJSailing]

Do I get a Kika friendship bracelet?! 😍 I'm so excited for you guys to reach Guatemala! I know, it's silly how excited I am on behalf of you, haha. I just hope you love it as much as we do, it it was one of our all time favorites, it really became home for us for awhile. 😀

[@SailingUma]

I'll have to make you one :)

[@calvinh.8882]

Hello MJ Sailing!! I just go through watching your last upload.. Don't forget to get some covers for those switches.. lol.. Peace!!

[@Jakfilm]

the Porta-bote goes into the cockpit locker?! That makes it even more amazing.

[@SailingUma]

haha no, the stern part does but the dinghy itself when folded is strapped on deck with the oar and the seats tucked in between.

[@Jakfilm]

Oh, I just looked again. The edit was a bit quick and I got the impression the boat came out of the locker. Um, Nevermind.

[@zzzxxzzz4797]

Guatamala has a high rate of tuberculosis ! Hope you don't get infected ! Thanks for sharing 😎

[@joahyoga1995]

Looks like it might be good to have an outboard bracket on the transom :)

[@G11713]

Do you collect drinkable rain water? How easy would it be to double your battery size?

[@JCrook1028]

No, the water they collect is not for drinking or cooking.

[@ZZWeity88]

You guys need a heater to dry your boat and stuff out, otherwise mold and mildew.

[@spencerdevries929]

You went to my favorite country 😁😁😁

[@cvtucker]

Time to crank up the engine yes!

[@timk4944]

Install a kicker mount bracket on the back of Uma so you can use your outboard without compromising the integrity of your light weight dingy.

[@rob4831]

us a lifting bracket no storage problems

[@alpollak6917]

Any thoughts of usuing a small generator to power the drive system?

[@SailingUma]

We're working on a hybrid set up for next year when we plan on exploring some of the canals in Europe.

[@alpollak6917]

I look forward to seeing that, I hope to be in your shoes in two years. Being able to see your experience will benefit me greatly. Are planning to make the entire trip thru? going from north in the baltic to the black sea?

[@youpeng100]

On my electric bike I use both electric current and pedal power. Why can't you do the same on the boat? It is also good exercise, as it is limited how much you can move around on a boat.

[@user-kb1ir7dy8j]

How do u charge your batteries for the motor ... Didn't see any solar panels ..... Or do I need glasses already ,lol 🤓

[@Peter-ov9bf]

13:59

[@led8541]

Great video

[@TonyAnschutz]

Nice work on the dinghy tug! You nailed it! How long with good sun will it take to get your batts topped up? DO you have to be super conservative with power to get them topped?

[@SailingUma]

+ScubaTony Anschutz Yes. For now, when they're low, we shut everything off the next day, which hets them back up in yhe 80's. Soon we'll have wind gen and hopefully regen while sailing.

[@jwal1037]

I admire how you just went for i. Enjoying the moments, adding as you can. Always the best, love your "just do it" attitude. Regen, can't wait to see how "you" make it happen....James

[@Christmoore155655]

consider making a bracket of some sort to attach the outboard directly to the yacht when needed, could be much simpler.

[@darrenwatson1539]

ENO hammocks are the bomb.

[@drgraham33]

Here is question I have that I've seen other young sailors do. Why sit out on the ocean bobbing around when there is no wind? I'm very curious why you don't fire up the engine and at least make a few knots toward your destination, if nothing else but to do than and provide some stability to the boat instead of sloshing around in the rididual sea swell/waves. Lastly enjoy your videos very much you two are a good team, TY. S/V Double D sends.

[@StormWilliams1]

they have an electric motor so they're very cautious using it depending on how much 'charge' they are producing.

[@SailingUma]

To that I'd say... "why not?" Some of our most memorable moments where when we were becalmed. Swimming with dolphins comes to mind. For us, it's no different than being on anchor. If we're a day or two later to our next port, o'well. Like we've said before "we're in no hurry to go anywhere, ever."

[@drgraham33]

Please, I hope you don't/didn't take my question as an insult or judgement it was just a question. Which was answer by the initial reply. TY

[@niniononousmak2877]

i keep coming back to this mindset,,,everyday im like i dont wanna be here lol

[@stevefontanna7160]

Do you guys cary a life raft on board at all?

[@SailingUma]

Nope! Not yet any way. We really don't feel they're necessary in the Caribbean.

[@greggronemeier1256]

How many additional hours if you had to only sail without the dingy tug ?

[@SailingUma]

Well, the point of the dinghy push was because the sails alone cannot push Uma thru the sand bar.

[@mickmccrohon]

Howdy, what range do you have on your electric motor?

[@JCrook1028]

little to none...

[@everettpadgett4432]

Ahhh....sea chanties!

[@dholtman5977]

You guys just need to get a generator to drive your electric motor for when the batteries are not up to the task.... Great video guys!

[@DaDude999]

D Holtman who are you to tell them what they should do? They know of motors of course and if that is what they wanted, they would. I think what you mean is that you want different things, or would live differently, and by all means do.

[@carolinabeacher1558]

if you dont like a suggestion you could have just moved along, no need to be a jerk.. people like you make me want to stop watching videos all together.

[@garysouza2277]

Lighten up, Garret. Go eat a Snickers....

[@MrCalifornia1234]

Could you rig that mercruiser to attach to Uma?

[@SailingUma]

No, She would need a longer shaft outboard

[@jakeyaboi6824]

So the navionics app works offshore?

[@SailingUma]

Yes , once you have the charts, they work anywhere.

[@34Merlin]

febreeze stock up

[@ctndiaye1]

Whatever happened to Sev? Maybe a reunion?

[@SailingUma]

He made it back to Germany. I am sure we will meet again someday :)

[@bethells86]

Well done, hook the outboard directly to the big boat avoid dragging the dinghy as well.

[@timthomas4046]

you have a small outboard, you can use it.