Challenges of being a solo sailbboat owner. I need to step up my game and stop hiding on my boat!

[@itsjojo4]

Nike, I see a big difference in you. I think you've come full circle. You are the Captain now, you know what has to be done, you know how to do it, you do it! Back in August, I remember you seemed overwhelmed and almost burdened, Now your efforts seem fluent and orchestrated giving way to your results. I have made a play list of all your videos and play them continuous through many days and many nights. I'm inspired by your work in my own way. If you haven't already, watch your videos again! See how far you have come and the work you have done! The struggles you have faced and captured on video are truly building your fan-base!! For such hard work, there may be an even bigger reward for you than anyone knows. You may end up being a sailing icon some day. When I think of your future I see there being WhiteSpotPirate "grandchildren" who will watch your voyages and want to be just like you and perhaps inspired to follow in your foot steps. If I were you I'd pat myself on the back more than once! What your doing is huge! Original! And amazing!!

[@stuartmcmichael5250]

I’ve been watching you videos from the beginning, and I realise it’s only episode 20 and it’s now 2019, I have loved your determination and tenacity. I love the honesty with your videos all your highs and lows. It isn’t easy to do what you’ve done, with loneliness at times and dealing with problems on board, I am a 60year old Scotsman who sailed on my own throughout the late 70’s and early 80’s, when having a depth sounder was great. I’m so glad that you came to the conclusion that you couldn’t trust your Karl. You are going to rely on Karl’s seaworthiness before the the big adventure back to Germany. I’m not alone I’m sure in backing your adventures thank you so much for sharing. I will continue to watch each episode as it comes up and I’m sure at the end of it all you’ll make us all proud.

[@fa7842]

How did you navigate in the 70`s with nnss ?

[@robertbennett6180]

Stay strong, keep your spirits up. There are a lot of us out here cheering you on. Don't leave until you feel confident with yourself and you trust your boat to keep you safe. Have a nice weekend yourself. It does look beautiful there!

[@OneBigPappa]

all great advice from others, but as someone who has been through (and still going through) similar bits of trials (cars, home, work, kids, etc), all I can say is enjoy it. I know and understand it can sometimes being extremely frustrating and downright joy killing, but what your doing is living the dream. Enjoy the ride your on, do your best to make sensible and safe actions and don't beat yourself up when things don't go according to plan, learn to remember what YOU have accomplished.

[@GeneRossano]

Really very wise words .

[@tesa642]

Great video, I admire your motivation. I built a 31ft sailboat from scratch when I was young, it took 5 years before I launched it. I found the best way to approach a big job is break it down to small steps and celebrate when each step is completed. I also approached it as a job, you work some hours then you stop, you don't think about how many days till retirement. Set a goal of like 40 hrs a week and then give yourself time off.

[@pswank68]

The important thing here was you trusted your gut feeling. It wasn't about the boat or you, it was you together. Ultimately, everything is up to you, the captain. Rescue may be a call away, or not in time. It was smart of you to address the problems you felt necessary. You will know when it is time to go and when it is, you will enjoy it more.

[@garygardens]

It's funny how you become attuned to the boat noises and know instantly when something isn't right. Your list doesn't sound all that long, one project at a time will see it all done. I'm sure you will prevail. The more you actually get out there the better you're confidence will be... All the Best, Gary

[@crashkahuna]

I think you made great progress. Just figuring out priorities is important. I think your list is right on the money - sails, anchors, windvane. Maybe just do a bunch of day sails or overnighters so you can enjoy the boat and boost your confidence in Karl and your abilities. Just push yourself and Karl a little more each time.

[@bentwireman4380]

you have come along way on your boat,,make sure your decisions are your own and do not let others cloud your zest for life and adventure.. those that worry and stress never get off the dock,, adventure is always conquering the unknown

[@billstokes9645]

Been following your efforts to untie the lines. Just re-watched #7. Be safe and follow your instincts about when Karl is really ready. Trusting your boat is utterly essential. You'll do it.

[@daviddewitt4107]

Watching you work so hard to accomplish your goals is an inspiration. Karl has become a living entity, slowly becoming the traveling companion that you will trust in as your journey continues. Dont lose faith.

[@jeffreyrichard6229]

I came across your videos today and just finished watching them all.....thanks for sharing all this. You are very special and an inspiration I'm sure for many!! We are in the middle of a refit in preparation for our next adventure leaving this Fall. The ups and downs of getting an old boat ready for blue water adventures can be trying (and expensive) as you obviously know. You sure have come a long way from those first few videos of Karl. I see your down with having to put leaving off for awhile but until you feel good in your gut about "him" it's the right decision. My wife and I support you and your decision very much....it's all part of it. Wish we still lived in Panama...(it is beautiful) we would love to give you a hand .....you obviously have plenty of skills of your own for sure!! My wife is Colombiana and I'm American. Part of our plan is to get down where you are now....Cartagena CO etc. Well...I'll stop now....you give so much by sharing the way you do....we enjoy and appreciate it very much....will stay tuned for sure.....hang in there....wishing you all the best. Hope your having a great weekend!! Jeff on s/v Brisa

[@BuckInfinidy]

Hang in there Nike. You are inspiring.

[@WhiteSpotPirates]

The ups and downs of refitting a boat to go and sail the world :). But I know it will bring me closer to being out there eventually, so I will chin up and go back to work! Have a nice weekend everyone!

[@kenmerrifield233]

I am very impressed with your honesty and drive (which I know is sometimes hard to find especially when you are faced with all the work on Karl), but as a wise person once said "How do you eat an elephant...one bite at a time!" which is the same for a large 'work to do list'. I am sure that you will be able to "eat this elephant" from the videos I have watched so far. One thought after seeing your friend and sister come down to Panama to help you... why don't you offer that same offer to others who can give you that extra set of hands and maybe treat it as a mutual learning/work experience/holiday. It would also give you some company when you need it. I am sure some able bodied sailors would jump at the chance! Fair winds.

[@Tanymsun]

I just found your videos on KZbin! Don't give up. I guess I'm living vicariously through you. I am debating quitting the rat race and untie the lines like you. We'll see. Hope to see you on the tides someday.

[@WhiteSpotPirates]

go for it, William. I can only tell you that much: It was THE BEST decision in my life to do this and I have not regretted it so far. Of course there are moments, where I struggle, but that's just as much part of it as the joy when things go well. I have my fingers crossed for you that you will untie the lines soon :)!

[@Tanymsun]

So I was wondering if you could tell us what your motivation was to do this? Also, how did your friends and family react when you decided to do this?

[@WhiteSpotPirates]

I always had the idea that being out at sea / travelling with your own boat was the ultimate liberty of travelling or even living. And I wanted to give it a try because I thought it would be something that would really fulfill me. You learn so many new things, you have to reduce urself / ur consumption in many ways and there are so many challenges you have to deal with. I had the idea that it would make me feel truly alive. So I gave it a try...

[@GrowFishEatTV]

Don't be discouraged Nike :) You're just really smart! Trust your instincts, they seem to always be right where Karl is concerned. Really good to see you on board again (even if it is just reading). x

[@petterlamas968]

Have just seen all your videos, so great! I did almost the same three years ago, bought a boat and decided to live on in, witch I still do. I had the same problem as you with bad diesel the first summer and every time I went out sailing new problems seemed to show up... But, after a lot of work, the time between the accidents is getting longer. This summer I was sailing for three weeks without any problems at all. And even if I still don’t trust my engine to 100% I learned to trust my ability how to handle the situation.

[@birchmarc]

This week I will looking forward to Friday! It's interesting reading all the comments - some good advice and support for sure. This is getting larger everyday and I can imagine - so will some pressures. I have been impressed by your pragmatism and tenacity. Having restored some sailboats I know there are many things to think about and do - and at times it can be overwhelming. I am enjoying the process you are going through and I think you are fortunate that many people will continue to comment and you can absorb the collective wisdom. You are smart and you are not alone!

[@seayak]

You are not alone in not trusting the boat until you have got everything working to the point where you have confidence that things will not go sideways at the worst possible moment, which of course they will if you are not fully prepared. Also not alone in finding "the list" too much to deal with some days. Some days to decompress help to restore your motivation to get back to work. Your resourcefulness throughout the refit is an inspiration to all of us. Hang in there, and remember to have fun!

[@raywaterman1679]

When my parents decided to buy a boat and live on it, they talked their best friends into doing the same. For two years they followed us around. It was good for them to get use to, but nice for us too because we were pushed to "show them around". I wish you could hook up with another boat or boats, who want to share the safety in #s. But, you can still be your own captain.

[@Skipperskraa]

That sounds like wisdom words to me. Never sail when your not sure of the boat. Wish you all luck and fair winds

[@ightwoman]

I was a little concerned at first, when you mentioned you were feeling down; silly me! Of course you rebounded, defined the problem, outlined what you had to do to resolve the issues, and started working on the list. You have such an indomitable spirit, and approach life with such verve. Trust your instincts when they say Karl isn't ready, then do everything you can to make her ready. It really is so much fun to watch you grow in confidence and abilities.

[@terryzootzash3675]

Thanks for sharing… what I love most about your videos are the insights you give us while looking directly into the lens as if we were close friends. Thank you for that… your apprehension to trust Karl is understandable; as you complete your list of priorities and make successful voyages you and Karl will become “we” and the love affair will begin. But, I have a feeling you already know that. Thanks for letting us in… Fresh winds…

[@alexandreguidetti]

This was the most engaging episode yet. Your confession to the camera was intense yet calm. Something really emotionally alive came through the lifeless computer screen. If you were an actress, I'd say brilliant performance!

[@californiakayaker]

I like the way you tell us what is bothering you, just the fact that you do it. Helps us greatly to understand....

[@generossano2800]

Here it is Nike, almost 10 years to the month since you published this video. I have been with you for maybe 2 or 3 years. I have watched your ups and downs. At times, they have been incredibly upbeat and later the downs have caught up with, and, sometimes overtaken you. But we, your silent crew, have always believed in you, your inner strength, love of Karl, dedication to your dream, determination, and the incredible number of skills that you have developed from scratch. Every time that you left Karl for a while, you came back with renewed vigor and confidence. I think by now that I have watched every video many a few maybe even several times. You are one of the best sailors ands captains that i have ever met either in person or from afar. I say that from my observations of you over this time and those videos from the beginning of your relationship with Karl and the ocean and my 20 years of living on my Used 1969 Cal29, to my years from 1976 till 1974, living and sailing with 2 boys 7 and 11 at the onset and my wife, on Lake Ontario, New York and Canada, on my new 1976 Challenger Ketch, from April 1st - November 1st every year. Never doubt yourself. Yes be careful and you always are. Sail on Captain. Enjoy you newer companion, the dog that loves you, and enjoy Karl. You have made him seaworthy with your own hands. God bless, guide, and protect you Karl, and your dog. PS, I am 87 years old.

[@BobLinton]

Let no one push you before you feel its time. You are the captain.

[@MrNewcast]

Hang in there girl ( I mean CAPTAIN). A lot of us are amazed at what you have already accomplished.

[@mandostudent]

Hey! Just found yr vids and i'm binging up to this point. What you are experiencing is EXPERIENCE. You are learning the truth and making all the newbie mistakes we all do. I bet you are even more experienced by now. I gotta hand it to you. You have such tenacity, focus and guts. I'm impressed. Love the vids! hope you are still sailing.

[@MrZoliP]

Love your video diary , admire the carriage you have for this project . You never really got into, where you acquired all the sailing skills and knowledge that you obviously have lots of .

[@christiancowboy100]

Love your vulnerability. Very honest.

[@bmanlooksat46]

Just keep chipping away! You'll get there. We're all pulling for you!

[@magnusarvidsson4447]

Im am looking forward to each new episode of your adventure, thanks for sharing this with us. I must admit that I have been a little worried about you sailing alone with Karl. I am happy to hear that you put safety first. Even though it will take longer before you get out there, I am sure you will not regret it. Again, its awesome to be able to follow you. Good luck.

[@CurtisWestsail]

Lots of projects and there always will be lots of projects. # 1 address all things to do with safety .That will give you piece of mind. Once those are done you will feel more confident. I look at some of my projects on my Westsail and some times get over whelmed. Then I think hey I have a life

[@mikeskor6230]

I understand completely. After my old boat's engine let me down a few times, I didn't trust it to go anywhere either. Felt better just using it as a refuge for hanging out while it was tied to the dock. I now think if I was to buy an old boat, I would put in a new engine to at least have one thing I could rely on.

[@alinthekeys]

The best things in life are the ones we work the hardest to acheive. Keep living the dream and it will come true. looking forward to next friday.

[@miamitreasurehunter]

I can't thank you enough for sharing your dream with us. I'm restoring a 32 foot sailboat and soon hope to be just like you! I should have her sailing in March 2014 and it will be the proudest of my life Thank you so much for inspiring my Dream!

[@reddog1230555]

You're doing the right thing, i.e., listening to yourself. Good for you. I also am in the middle of a refit. Best wishes.

[@paulwilson3274]

Thank you so much for sharing! It takes a stronger person to known when to hold back then it does one that just jumps.

[@GeneRossano]

Hey Nike, What great introspection and you found the answer. Bravo! It wasn't you, it was KARL! Good for you. Always, safety first. So I could better understand both you and Karl, I have been trying to get back to your beginning. I am getting there. You are absolutely on the right track. Stick with it. You can do it.

[@pocketchange1951]

Behind you all the way, you will know when the time is right

[@sneakywan]

you are awesome for sharing your feelings about such an important aspect

[@svbluehighway]

I second the "love the parting shot from the dinghy" that was a great touch, especially how the dingy had some drift movement. Very creative indeed! It's a journey for sure even if your not ticking the miles and smiles away. Enjoy the ride and thanks for letting us in on it too!

[@phetinsixiengmay9027]

I want to commend you for your bravery and hard work. I too someday will begin this journey. Great videos, thank you for sharing.

[@W4ABN]

Sounds like you were more productive than you realize. Sometimes, it's good to sit back and do nothing, or reading like you did, and it puts thinks into perspective. Some people, I've heard, will spend so much time working on their boats that they don't really ever leave. You know what needs to be done. Having the list will be good for you now that you have written down your goals and what you want to achieve. A boat is nice in that you can do whatever you want to do, or do nothing at all and it's perfectly fine. :-)

[@windage]

you have a Windpilot steering vane! Nice...just found your channel and love your tenacity. I am rebuilding an old wooden schooner and have another few years until I get out.

[@craign9548]

I love watching your journey with Karl, its inspirational. Know there are people sending you lots of luck in your journey. Also if there are some questions you have relating to anything shipwright ask away in your video upload each week, maybe we can help. Anyway, good luck, Karl has come a long way since you stated. :)

[@jinksto]

Good show making a list of essentials and working on it. Don't keep adding to the list though. Create a second list of "next steps", finish your essentials list and then go.

[@ANDYTOMMY]

small steps are what you should take until you are ready. only when both you and the boat are sorted should you go into the sunset, maybe go out and sail with other people on your boat or a club boat, or ask people to sail legs with you. but keep on going not many people get the chance to do what you are doing. all the best Andy

[@cpobyrne1]

Enjoying your videos, very well produced. Totally agree that you need to have confidence in your boat - but you have to be sailing it regularly to find out what the weaknesses are...its a bit of a chicken and egg scenario!

[@nosay2930]

You'll get there!! You are not allowed to fail. You inspire too many people to let that happen. Little by little, pokito a poko...

[@john3Lee]

That was an extremely good plan to write out the list.. Thanks for the video... And best wishes to you :D

[@CheersWarren]

Nike glad to see you getting on with your refitting process, there is a good adage 'Cruising is just fixing boat in Exotic places' Your are really lucky to have you boat , Karl, in the water and somewhere exotic. I have a boat that need too much work sitting on a big trailer alongside my house and I've done less work on it in 3 years than you in 3-4 months! The bones of you boat look really good Great Alum hull and rigging, nice design especially the twin keels and 'deck house' design 20 years ahead of the Plastic fantastic. (i wish you had thicker windows though). everything else is just what you get with partly owner built boat. Enjoy it. Warren in USA

[@CaptainJohnmaddux]

I can't stop watching you! lol thank you for making my life better. John the limo driver in Kansas city Usa

[@alexandreguidetti]

Great last shot of the bow from the dinghy!

[@TheJackMac909]

Take you time to work on everything you need to work on, get each thing working as they should, when the time is right and everything is set for you to journey out to sea you will know and be confident to go. Don't force it or cut any corners in a hurry to go out, don't stress about it, everything will come together before you know it. It will all be worth it in the end. Just remember "Rome wasn't built in a day!"

[@joez9839]

Awesome. Lived aboard for 15 years and know exactly where you were coming from.

[@iman80skid91]

Hi young lady,,,,i had the same things going on in my head,,,,my boat needed work to make me feel safe and continue after 6 years of sailing in the medso, im out of the water making those fixings and adjustments here in Greece, and feeling a whole lot better about the next step at launch time,,,,, woooo wooooo

[@gchapman4855]

Nike, Like the bird who leaves the nest- they start with many small solo flights, have set backs and gain confidence, one day they just don't come back to the nest. I would recommend short solo day sails, enjoy the equipment failures, figure out the work arounds, learn to sail klein Karl so the engine is less important and come back to the nest for a beer. One day you will leave that nest for good. You will know when your ready. No rush

[@deweyhenry6543]

lass,your doing the right things.it can get you down some times,,,,,but as in the movie galaxy quest says,,,never give up,,,never surrender.you'll get out there and all the hard work will seem small compares to cruising YOUR OWN BOAT..fair wimds and following seas.

[@gypsea1671]

Hang in there Nike. Everyone gets the blues once in a while. I think you're on the right track now. Don't feel rushed. If it don't feel right, it probably isn't. Also, don't feel you have to post every week. If you're occupied with something, skip a week or two. But, not longer, I'll have withdrawals.....Happy Sailing.

[@svfreespirit]

Nike, You are doing great, one project at a time. You are treating Karl right, he will treat you right.....no worries!

[@w4447]

Don't sweat it Nikka. I broke a seacock nipple off on my boat it scared the (well you know) out of me. Nothing like having water pour into your boat. Since then I don't trust any of the seacocks or thruhulls, So I am pulling it out soon to change all the seacocks and check the thruhulls. I will change anythruhulls that I feel are bad. I feel your pain. Don't do anything or go anywhere if you feel it is unsafe. Trust your gut!

[@StormWilliams1]

this young lady has the tenacity and 'gonads' of a bull elephant! good on ya girl!!!

[@gregswamp4244]

From what I remember Nike, all your frustration with the engine was because of that little piece of plastic within the fuel line that CONSTANTLY reared its head before hiding again. Time to start putting some HOURS on that motor so you get comfortable with him. Give him a 2 hour workout everyday. Force him to prove himself to you. After getting 3/4's of your list accomplished, maybe consider tagging along with some other cruisers to a different marina? Change of latitude might give you a change of attitude; and a new set of friends... Life = Movement, Death = Stagnation. Just keep trying to move forward with positive dreams of the future. Best wishes.

[@stanczyzon8587]

Haven't watched these earlier video's, but This video right here says it! Trust Your Instintincts! The ignorance to what we are walking into is often what gives us the courage to do so. Later, once we are fully into whatever that was is when the wisdom and Smarts come into play. later video's show you were right! Good luck to you :) People love these video's. Look on my page and you will see three folks I am following and they are all doing similar things. Hopefully you can learn from each other or at least enjoy ......

[@captainjim9382]

oldschool5858- you are right on with your decison ...keep trusting your instincts

[@jonnymac1505]

Love the shot at the end from the Dingy

[@MrTeneric]

Nike, very nice to see you back. Someone here said that they noticed a change. You have become the Captain. I know this feeling and I understand. It also could be that you are just back from your other life in Deutschland. Being low can be expected. Be patient with yourself and savor the journey. It sounds odd, but take some joy in being low. You have a lot of supporters out here pulling for your success. By the way, would you mind sharing your list?

[@BEARMANNN]

you know, the more you work on your boat, not only do you understand the Systems better, you become 'One" with your boat. So, take your time, do what needs to be done so you are comfortable with it and you have no doubts about it's reliability in keeping and it safe and comfortable :)

[@alsadler4013]

Nike you remind me so much of myself, (except you are much more beautiful :-D), I guess we all go through the same thoughts when we are alone. Even when it comes to fixing things, you seem to do most of it yourself. Just keep moving along, there are always the ups and downs in life.

[@ChristopherYoung5977]

I do a lot of single handling and have some advice: always keep an anchor ready to go from the cockpit. I have an emergency anchor mounted on my stern rail that I can deploy if my steering or engine fails when I'm navigating close to rocks. It will buy me time to get on the bow to deploy the primary anchor. Here is a picture of my setup: plus.google.com/u/0/photos?pid=5919615613717787762&oid=103023617413569252482

[@WhiteSpotPirates]

great, thanks. Sounds like a good idea. Since that engine failure I am always worried about this situation when I am close to land. For some reason I cannot see the picture you posted. But might be because of bad internet connection...

[@ChristopherYoung5977]

It is an unholy nightmare trying to publicly share a photo with Google Plus. Try this link: picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8W0al2A-H2neq64kOTKvSdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=email

[@tumbler305]

I have never actually been on a sailboat but always wanted to. But I have always envied, and respected sailors. The whole thing seems super Zen to me.

[@ChristopherYoung5977]

You don't use chain with an emergency anchor. It's just there to hold the boat for a few minutes until I can get the primary anchor out. If you can zoom in on the photo you can see the 60' of rope coiled around the anchor. Most folks keep their emergency anchor in a lazarette.

[@ChristopherYoung5977]

carl arrogante Join the Seattle Sailing Club or Windworks. They'll teach you how to sail and you can rent boats from their fleet.

[@Paradigm2012Shift]

thanks for sharing

[@MerrittW]

Nike, rule number 1 always listen to your gut, rule number 2 plan to fix, rule number 3 homework, repair, maintenance - fix to be safe (a must), rule number 4 enjoy the progress and the journey.

[@jrhamp]

You are a long way from Germany. Back from Croatia mid-July 2016. I keep my Volks T5 at Ramstein Air Base, Kaiserlautern, Germany Have trawler in Key West..if you get that way, best dinner in town. Take care and good luck/Randall

[@nickdemos8805]

Hey love your videos!there is a lot of people who dream of doing what your doing now and one of their main concerns is are how much is it going to cost them!can you give everyone a heads up and tell us roughly how much has it cost you up till now,buying the boat,fixing it up etc.it would be helpfull

[@WhiteSpotPirates]

Hey Nick. I spent 8.000€ on the boat and will probably have to put another 20.000€ into it. Now with the hole, things are getting a little out of hand...but well. For the boat, I think it is good to plan 30.000 - 40.000 € (I know some people will say that it is far too little, but I think it is possible...). That is, if you are willing to work yourself...And obviously always depends on the deal, the boat and what there is to do. There is also people who do it for less. If you get an old fiberglass or steel around 9m, I guess you can go much cheaper. Especially round here, there are quite a lot of abandoned boats that are for sale for around 10.000$ and they "just" need some TLC. And how much you need to live on the boat and go cruising, well, everyone has their own budget and likings for that, I think.

[@bobbyjohnnascar]

Hello WSP is your boat a motorsailor? Looks like it's metal is it? Your feeling of not being ready is good , double / triple redundancy was my mindset when I was going to sea. List making in terms of priority / safety etc. What kind of motor does your boat have , do know basic mechanics ? Good luck

[@dkenny]

ah..where it start? your doing what I want to be doing in less than 5yrs.. I'd mind fixing things..its what I do..just mostly around a house. I'm good at anything mechanical..so boats aren't a problem.. maybe we'll see on the seas or in a port.. soon we'll be there..just not soon enough

[@ecclesheat]

If their is an Anchor id recommend it would be a Rocna or a Mantus. We have one on my fathers yacht and its always held. Plow (CQR type) anchor tested

[@WhiteSpotPirates]

I use a Rocna anchor as my main anchor. Thanks for the test video link.

[@Floridificator]

You didn't mention rigging and I don't recall if any of your episodes showed you looking at it already. You've probably already done so but if not, please validate your standing and or running rigging is sound. Chain plates, shrouds, stays... all of it.

[@jimbrown8719]

Preparing an older boat for bluewater is a huge undertaking ......to coin a phrase "how do you eat an elephant"......of coarse one bite at a time ......most of it will get done and you will go when you are ready .....stay the coarse

[@SVSecondChance]

you must trust your boat but even more than that you must trust your self.. what i mean by that is if you have a problem at sea and you will, even with a new boat. you must ask your self... can i fix it and go on? from what i have seen on your videos that answer is YES.. you can do you remember the fuel problem you had.. is was a stick in the tank if i remember right you fixed it . its no fun doing that at see but sometimes you have to. here is someone with a new boat. Four lives saved you might have to copy and past it. it is a ruder prob. but you can do it i know you can get your boat right and go. you have impressed me with your ability to fix your boat. just do it...

[@GdyniaJack]

Safety Safety Safety as #1 should be on your list . I've been sailing all my life , I love your guts , good luck to you , I'm sure you will make it ! J

[@blueskyredkite]

Learn to trust your head! If you're not happy you shouldn't go. When there's nothing more you can fix on the boat (apart from cosmetics - paint, upholstery, etc) then you'll be happy to go. Good luck.

[@dogsportbg]

I don't have personal experience with sailing yachts, just have a sailing kayak yet, but once you are sure that your sails are 100% OK, then you are READY do go to meet the Mermaids in the open Ocean. I saw a documentary on youtube few days ago, about some pals living on a sailing yacht who even don't use the engine! And they was doing it pretty well! ... :) Hold Fast 2007 Full Documentry

[@boland10]

Do not let us rush you. We would rather see you safe.

[@stormy9770]

while surfing you tube i have listed to others (buy some post it pads .first divide a wall into three sections second, post your to do list next section post your work in progress ,and in the last section post completed. you should go to San Francisco Calif . there are over 40 cathedrals there it over flows with help. god bless.

[@ayesalsa]

The windvane is very important, however consider taking extra parts. I have known many sailors that have have there windvanes break 1500 miles from land.

[@leosorbello7732]

I understand, iv had the same experience my self and I built my yacht from scratch, and found that the yacht I built was not for me to sail off shore and it was a van de stat 34 db2 rocket ship , it was only till I started sailing on other yachts I found my way to another boat that I felt I was safe and comfortable sailing anywhere, maybe this is something you need to understand, no list will make you feel this understanding, my yacht was new and spartan.

[@stephenbarfield2173]

It is getting pretty busy in Panama with all the ARC racer in your marina soon huh?

[@WhiteSpotPirates]

In Panamarina not so much, but Shelter Bay is surely packed because they all need to go through the canal...

[@артёмагеев-щ1д]

just beautiful

[@tomharrell1954]

Knowing this is 3 years old i hope things have changed but maybe a little insight. Along with the things you don't trust, the sails, engine, and on is your self. You are questioning your own ability. Some of this is good, it's a way of protecting yourself. Any machine can be operated beyond its capability. Racing sailboats frequently break. A wise person learns to operate the equipment within its capability. That is exactly what you are doing. You are questioning the boats limits and your own. This is wisdom. Just don't over do it. Too much questioning causes hesitation, indecision and inaction.

[@lobsterman1969]

i also have a windpilot.pacific plus

[@serge470]

I Love You!!

[@tedpainter]

Hope this doesn't add sour grapes, but from the first video I watched till number 20 I've been thinking that "this boat isn't for the open ocean"! I've sailed 35 years now on the Great Lakes, and spent time in the Navy in the North Sea; a place you eventually intend to traverse. I really, really don't think this boat is up to the conditions you'll experience out there. The primary reason are those "windows". Can't call them ports as they are as large as a window. They look like something that would collapse inward at the first large boarding wave. The boat would likely sink before you could get into survival gear. I've seen waves tear off a steel housing surrounding a 5 inch gun mount on the bow of a Destroyer. Ripped it right out of the deck. Nobody would ever go out in those conditions, but you can easily be out there when conditions deteriorate, and there's nothing for it but to sail through it. I would be terrified to go out into the open ocean with such large expanses of glass/plastic so exposed. There's a reason "ports" are so small on sailboats after all. That boat should be OK in shallow water that can't support the huge waves you might experience at sea, but very dangerous in the wrong conditions. One more thing: spend more time sailing and less in motoring. Motors are notorious for failing so you need to have the experience to handle any situation strictly with sails. You may also be forced to sail into the wind for days to weeks at a time if you plan on getting anywhere. The wind does it's own thing.You wouldn't likely be able to carry enough fuel for such long distances anyhow. Good luck, and I hope this simply makes you look at your boat differently. I wouldn't want you to quit. You just may need a different boat. Ted

[@WhiteSpotPirates]

Hi Ted, thanks for your long comment. Honestly, I never worried about those windows much before, but I think you are probaly right. Don't you think that there is a way to protect those windows when in harsher weather? Do you have any suggestion (apart from getting another boat)? I will talk to the shipyard that built the boat if they know anything about this topic. Nike

[@ChristopherYoung5977]

WhiteSpotPirates Ted has a good point, but keep in mind that just about any sailboat made of metal is designed to cross oceans and the Reinke is no exception. I've never seen your boat, but I would imagine that the windows are very well built. Some cruisers carry thick poly carbonate panels that they bolt on over the windows in a storm, but that is usually with more lightly built boats with bigger windows, like the Cal 46. Everything is a trade off. Karl's windows are a weak point in a catastrophic storm, but they will keep the crew safe and warm in bad weather because you can stand watch while inside the boat. Anywho before I spent any time worrying about the windows I would focus on getting an SSB and weatherfax up and running so you can avoid the storm in the first place.

[@WhiteSpotPirates]

Christopher Young I was not really worried that my boat is not made for crossing oceans in general cause I think it is a very strong boat considering the casko and the rig. But I actually never thought about the windows...And I think that Ted might be right about the danger of them if you get into really bad weather. But I totally agree with you, that preventing from getting into bad weather is defenitely extremely important, too. But I think even though you try to evade bad weather, it is always good to be prepared for the worst, right? Setting up the SSB and pactor is defenitely first on my list :). And I think that the window question will be more of a later topic when / if I really get offshore.

[@robertbarnes1989]

WhiteSpotPirates A possible solution- rather than changing boats, would be simple pieces of plywood cut to go over the windows. You could install easy to clip latches to hold them in place when the weather gets nasty. Keep them in the bag with your storm sails or your para anchor so you don't forget them. You can use the same latches to hold screens on those window the other 99% of the time. People have crossed oceans on far less solid craft. Read this one when you have time. It's inspiring. manybooks.net/titles/vossjother10voss-venturesomevoyages-00-t.html

[@tedpainter]

Yes, that might work, but a more permanent solution would be to weld a plate over those areas and install portholes. It seems to be a steel boat though I don't think she's said as much. She would certainly lose the bright interior whatever she did, but safety comes first.

[@YaniT991]

This message not meant to be malicious but.... The real reason is more likely to be inactivity brought on by depression. Otherwise you would be dealing with the items are in your way instead of procrastinating. It's can be hard to find motivation when you're on your own. Chin up, soldier on!! ;)

[@onsdag2k]

you had no probs earlier with the boath ,, but now you are learning ,, becoming a true mariner ,, you newer trust your boat ! it's a dead thing , it's not going to do anything YOU haven't made it do ,so ?? get it fixed , so you now it will make the distanse :-)

[@hunsteven]

Why did you choose Karl all the way in Panama? Surely there are boats closer to your home similar to Karl?

[@ericsydney9687]

I can understand your mistrust in your boat ........ it has let you down a couple of times.

[@WhiteSpotPirates]

Hm, maybe more the other way round...I have let him down...or did not understand him enough, yet, and was not able to fix the things that he needed to have fixed. Still learning :) Ahoy, Nike & Karl

[@legend343]

I see you attaching your wind vane.. What is the make?? Never go out if you don't trust your boat, I think you've already learned that, but sort the problems then she'll/he'll keep you safe :-) Warren s/y Legend

[@WhiteSpotPirates]

It's a Windpilot Pacific.

[@legend343]

WhiteSpotPirates I have asked other Q's on your other videos...Since finding your channel I'm addicted to your adventure;-) Why are you doing it alone.and not with your boyfriend?

[@veleroalbatross]

I have not seen you've lifted your boat of water for inspection ...