Cold Weather Sailing - We're Not in the Tropics Anymore! (MJ Sailing -Episode 93)

[@walkerb1734]

Great stuff, guys! Just watching those choppy seas made me sick. Can't imagine how you both felt. But you always look so calm and collected. Question for you.... Has there ever been a time where you were scared? Perhaps due to sea conditions, personal safety, pirates (or other unsavory characters), etc. Would love to know the stories behind that. Thanks again for the great work!

[@MJSailing]

I had to cut this scene due to issues with the microphone, but after prepping that meal I talked a little bit about the seasickness medication we were both taking an hour before departure....which did help to keep our stomachs settled. There was one time we were scared during our 2015 Atlantic crossing from the Canary Islands to St. Martin. We had a sudden storm come up on us with 50 knot winds and 15 ft breaking seas. We had to drag lines and fenders to keep the boat on a straight course as it wanted to round into the wind in the trough of waves....a dangerous thing because then we could be rolled. To make matters worse we were on a collision course with a 600 ft cargo ship, who was having trouble keeping upright themselves. After some talk on the radio they were able to adjust course a few degrees to where we passed 1/2 mile from each other, but when they went by we could see the containers on deck sliding from one side to the other.

[@bugmantim]

MJ Sailing a lot of people have no idea how big a 15’ breaker is. I used to live in Daytona and there was a tsunami hit and it was only an 18’ inside breaker. Now I say only because of comparing it to what you went through. It didn’t do any real damage because it hit during the night but you guys crossing 15 footers I bet you were scared. Wow.....

[@dabrte]

Could you use a sea anchor? I know nothing about sailing but I have seen these on power boats to keep them oriented to the seas when the engine quits.

[@mattjohnson6716]

Tim, it was the cross sea that was the issue at that point. We could hold the primary set on the stern, but the secondary was almost as large and on the Starboard beam. We would have set the drogue instead of dragging just fenders, but in my wisdom -before we left the Canary Islands, I took the drogue out and stored it in an easy to access location on the boat.... which I couldn't find when it was needed. It wasn't until we were safe in St. Martin that I found that I laid it under the mattress of the v-berth (for some reason). Lesson learned. Matt

[@marcelbenicio2596]

you probably dont care but if you're stoned like me atm then you can watch all of the latest movies and series on Instaflixxer. Been watching with my girlfriend recently =)

[@chuckborghoff8443]

You definitely made the right decision to winter there. And, all of us viewers appreciate it.

[@mattjohnson6716]

Thanks Chuck. We're going to be sad to leave them this spring. But, we know that we'll be back someday. Matt

[@netpackrat]

Nice to see you realizing the dream of northern sailing that kept you in the yard for so long.

[@mattjohnson6716]

Thanks. The dream has become reality. Now, we just need to get further North once the weather clears. Matt

[@TheEggMan2000]

As soon as a thief sees that you only have 4mm plexiglas... all your priceless belongings, gone! 🤪🤣😋 Love you videos, Matt from Grand Haven

[@garysouza2277]

Locks only keep honest people honest...

[@kimyoung230]

Beautiful island! Loved the drone views of the waterfall! I trust you two stayed warm and safe over the winter. Happy first day of spring from Dearborn, Michigan!

[@MJSailing]

Is spring actually on the way? It's always hard to tell there. 🙂

[@chriskrebs47]

Great camera work! Y’all are so easy in front of the camera. Thanks for your hard work in putting these episodes together do the rest of us can live our dream(s) through your adventures.

[@MJSailing]

Thank you for following along Chris!

[@michaelpowers5143]

I love that you are sail boat people like I am. It is great that you travel around the world with your cat, and come from Michigan, like I do. In hockey we call that a hat trick. You are three for three. I greatly enjoy your KZbin channel. Matt is techey enough for me to learn something, I like that...

[@TheAtma50]

Matt you got it 100% right ... Life is for living !.. Fabulous aerial footage ! You Guys are really good at your job... Keep them coming and Stay Safe ! Nice shoes btw !! lol

[@mattjohnson6716]

It's nice to finally have a pair of hiking shoes. Now if I can only remember how to tie them...It's been awhile since I've owned anything with laces :) Matt

[@rickchollett]

That is a very beautiful island!

[@TurbaFilm]

GEORGIEous episode!

[@jimcooper1790]

WOW !! What fantastic pictures. Your drone adds so much - priceless !!

[@bogusjimrd]

A new follower after watching a video you were in with Bobby and Laura, Sailing Doodles. Looking forward to watching your adventures. Take care and be safe..

[@MJSailing]

Thanks for dropping by Ken, we look forward to have you along on the adventure!

[@bogusjimrd]

Thank you, looking forward to it.@@MJSailing

[@megrier]

Road less traveled 👍 very cool drone shots!

[@mikeashburn4866]

Thank you for what you guys do for all of us who can’t, for one reason or another!

[@AliasJimWirth]

Simply awesome...awesome. What a beautiful place. So glad you appreciate it and are enjoying it. Thanks for sharing the beauty.

[@mattjohnson6716]

Thanks. Yes, we're extremely fortunate to be able to do what we do. Matt

[@mattlevins6754]

Sick Luma-fade at 9:27! You guys are getting better and better. Keep up the good work. You all are a key part of wearing down my wife's concerns about trying this lifestyle!

[@aquablushgirl]

Beautiful footage - think I am hooked on your channel after stumbling across it. I don't sail, I don't even like being out on the water when I cannot see the shore, but I love watching you both do things I could never do.

[@mattjohnson6716]

Wow. That's sure an endorsement! I really appreciate the kind words. Matt

[@Nerd3927]

That is just breathtaking....

[@kimtaylor6149]

Thanks for taking the "Road Less Traveled" that is a beautiful waterfall, beautiful island, beautiful couple! Sail on!

[@scottdavidson2383]

Amazing drone shots of a secret waterfall! Great video as always.

[@danknox9986]

Very nice video. You guys seems to be having a great time and that comes though on your video. Thanks for sharing.

[@MJSailing]

Thank you so much for following Dan!

[@cfig8]

Just love seeing the world through your lenses! Jessica, you have the most soothing voice to listen to. What a thrilling and relaxing trip I got to take with the two of you.

[@paulyh4531]

Superb video , amazing scenes . Keeps you both fit must of walked loads. 👍

[@DobDog151]

Th footage of the waterfall is the best advertising for getting a drone! Great stuff getting those shots.

[@DiogenesofSinope1]

What a unique couple and what a unique life. Living the dream. And Georgie is remaining in seclusion.

[@tomshively5419]

Glad your getting permanent residency!!🥂

[@geraldtonjjeeper]

You present such a wonderful picture of the Azores that even I am thinking of packing and moving there! Great video again! Thanks!

[@gregoryshaffer6016]

beautiful place, thanks for your travels to places I may not ever visit

[@mikemcnamara1986]

What a lovely episode. Thank you very much.

[@MyGlobe2025]

Wow! Living life to its fullest for real. What amazing drone and ground footage. It is unreal! Welcome, to the newest "Permanent Residents of the Azores" !

[@mattjohnson6716]

Don't go calling us Residents :) We like the VAT free that being just a tourist brings. Matt

[@stevebaker4303]

Thanks for another great video!

[@corysherman6087]

Be-A-Utiful !!!!!!! The drone shots of the waterfall were spectacular. Thanks for sharing

[@yeelinli1]

Brilliant video , what a gorgeous scenic island , you two are doing an awesome job, keep the videos coming thanks

[@chrismcgann8448]

The green of those trees around the waterfall was absolutely stunning. Thanks for the little tease of the kitty kat!

[@davidcoleman4800]

What has been amazing to me is how you have changed my whole concept of the Azores. I think that sailors think of the Azores as just a waypoint, a place to reprovision, repair and take a break before continuing on to Europe. But with each episode, I am stunned by the diversity, the architecture and the people. PS. I really liked the dish you shared. In my recipe book, I have a whole section on "sailboat friendly" meals... easy, practical, low consumption of propane etc. If you have any more to share I would love to see them.

[@AliasJimWirth]

Waterfall worth the time; yes. Love the footage.

[@andrewb4556]

Hi you guys Amazing country! Love you're work and vlogs Australia

[@arqcm]

I will live here when I retire!! :)

[@mattjohnson6716]

Cost of living is so low.... maybe an slightly earlier retirement can be had :) Matt

[@kooglehoffer6401]

Awesome!

[@jrogers7628]

That was some seriously good drone flying to get that close to the waterfall from what appears to be a long distance from you.

[@kjelpeterson5236]

Awesome waterfall footage

[@friarfox]

I could absolutely see you two with your own docks and beach bar marina. Even starting really small it would be worth the shot. So many distributorship opportunities and a captive boating crowd with little competition. Hobbit harbor for sure. Fair winds and happy trails.

[@deesandiego]

that waterfall was just magic ! great video

[@NAvionguy460]

You guys are awesome!! Thanks for letting us be there with you!

[@glassman51]

Another great video guys the Azores are absolutely stunning and I hope I’m lucky enough to find myself there someday, cheers

[@MJSailing]

We really hope you do! Although we want to make sure the Azores stay as unspoiled as they currently are, we also hope that as many people as possible are able to experience them and their beauty!!

[@pkimbel]

One of the best videos you’ve made! Great drone shots, footage and editing. Thanks for sharing your adventures.

[@Viral_Squad]

I'm glad you liked my island São Miguel !

[@MJSailing]

We LOVE São Miguel!!! If we could put down roots there for three to four months every year, we would be in heaven!!!

[@bourquebuiltful]

Gorgeous place

[@sherrycoady2491]

Great drone footage of falls, Matt is a great pilot a bit risky though

[@garysouza2277]

Second that. Great footage!

[@1972erdnaxela]

If you can visit Lagoa do Congro, for me it's the most peaceful place in the island. Breath taking... 😉

[@MJSailing]

We did stop there too! Very beautiful and tranquil place. 🙂 Unfortunately the video was getting too long and I had to cut the footage.

[@bugmantim]

Stunningly beautiful. What I keep thinking about is if this was in the states there would be “do not” signs, trash, fences and barriers everywhere. This looks almost like virgin territory. You guys need one of those cute puppies to be a pal with Georgie.

[@mattjohnson6716]

I'm a dog person, so it was hard to convince me to a get a cat. But, they are so much easier to have aboard than a dog. From the litter box, their balance, and bringing them into a country, cats are much easier to have on a boat. Matt

[@CheersWarren]

The great color at the water fall was like spring not fall! This makes me think what Hawaii would be like with out the crazy development and Americanism. ( not a McMansion in site) It's also just a few hours from the us east coast....... Cheers Warren

[@mattjohnson6716]

I don't know about Hawaii, but one of the things the Azores have done is implement zoning laws preventing the building of structures after a certain altitude. It has done a great job keeping the mountains clear and the view beautiful. Matt

[@bandulasri]

Gorgeous place ~

[@tomshively5419]

That pasto looks Marvelous!!😁 I love your innovative door fix Matt..well done..lovely scenery as always wonderful! Please wish me luck guys..flying out to England for a Treasure Hunt tonight!!

[@mystafied]

I'm always thoroughly entertained when I watch your beautiful videos

[@cozydram1]

wicked landscape thank you for sharing

[@DreadDoctor]

Love the video guys. Next video, I want to know about the Code 0 jacket your wearing. Where did yo get it and how much. I really liked it. Anyway, keep up the good work.

[@MJSailing]

We happen to be ambassadors for Code Zero and love their products!! We both have the Gibe jacket, but they've come out with a new line, the Waypoint, which is very similar. You should definitely check out their stuff!

[@BastienKoert]

You guys got some sweet drone footage on that hike. Awesome!

[@findus11111]

Looks like such a cool place

[@dougmc666]

Beautiful video, thanks!

[@kazooBob]

Thank you so much for this video!

[@worich24]

The more I watch the more I want to visit the Azores .... amazing hike and views! Also, where did you get your nesting cookware?

[@MJSailing]

Ours was actually gifted to us (used) from a couple in our boatyard back in Florida. You should be able to find many sets available on Amazon.

[@stephenrward2714]

Brilliant ... good to see some true sailing adventure ... quality and content is tops. Thanks.

[@christorrance2876]

Beautiful..

[@leslieholmes2899]

Amazing scenery!

[@roadie3124]

Really good episode. Beautiful scenery. Was that aqueduct part of an irrigation system? How old, etc? I like the pot with the removable handle. I need at least one. You do know that you can make a tomato based pasta sauce with raw ingredients e.g. tomatoes, garlic (lots), capers, anchovies? Not a criticism, just a friendly hint (and a bit of a tease :-)). You should taste the pizzas I make using packaged pizza sauce from the supermarket. Some years ago, we had a young, American doctor doing an exchange year. He explained to his parents that Australian supermarkets "don't have food. They just have ingredients." Well ... that was too tempting :-)

[@nataliesmith6114]

Absolutely correct - definitely better to be rescued & embarrassed, rather than death by exposure...nobody ever died of embarrassment...lol! Great vlog guys!

[@Bradley_Clark]

Excellent as always. Thanks again! Thumbed.

[@Grottolova]

Such a great feel to your vlogs. It's like Globe Trekker meets modern day Bohemian couple. And Jessica....So easy on the eyes. Yeesh. My wife is only one I could think of easier on them lol.

[@rickandrews968]

That hike was so beautiful. Thanks for sharing that with us!

[@scable-eq7bp]

Really good stuff, the drone footage was excellent.....

[@MajTom-wd2yt]

Glad you are in such a Beautiful Place... Ventos justos e mar calmo ⛵️

[@stephanboatin3949]

Your imagery and storytelling keep getting better and better! I'm sure it's a bit work. i'm just glad you're willing to do it.

[@megrier]

Wow what a great hike! Great video guys! Speechless!

[@clayfarnet970]

Absolutely breathtaking. Always top notch work. 👍✌️

[@gumshoe5365]

Beautiful!

[@skflyfish]

Just stunning! Also I don't think I had seen the galley after your rebuild. Love the Shaker look. Your West Michigan roots are showing. ;-) The local Amish would be proud of your work. Thx and cheers!

[@mattjohnson6716]

If we ever actually finish the interior, we'll have to do a walk through. Currently, half the white paint is still primer, and the plugs in the wood are only 1/3rd the way done.... we wanted to sail it a bit to make sure there were no noise from loose panels before we finished it off. It's now been tested and will be finished soon. Matt

[@michaelclarke5150]

@@mattjohnson6716 The day all projects on board a boat are finished is the day you just sold it :-) Current boat have had it since 2006 and still working on it every time I think its just done I start doing something else onboard. I do most of the work like you fit it in between trips or during a quite anchor stop.

[@bobbates6642]

Nice drone footage

[@mattjohnson6716]

Thanks Sandy.... but it's really the drone that makes it look good. These things are incredible! Matt

[@Chillwabbitt]

Nice hike. Fantastic looking place.

[@brianmoore5498]

that was some of the nicest drone waterfall footage i have ever seen. like nature on pbs quality. if your drone went far into that waterfall crevass and you lost line of sight would it come back to you on its own?

[@mattjohnson6716]

I think it would attempt to return to us, but I haven't tried it, so don't know how successful it would be. It's a great tool to inspect the places we physically can't get to. Matt

[@klouism1]

: Such a great video. Beautiful landscape. Wishing you well. Thank you for taking us along.

[@garysilver718]

Great hike. You wore me out. That’s hard on a 79 yr. old.

[@hnd450]

Drone footage is epic!

[@bobswezey7452]

enjoyed, awesome water fall drome shots ….

[@alaskafun522]

Always enjoy watching your adventures. When are you going to make your way up to Alaska?

[@stevebendelack3935]

What an absorbing set of islands they are to explore.So beautiful.They are very adept at building those irrigation and freshwater canals.Seen a lot of them on Madeira. San Miguel is magical.Cant wait to visit.

[@MJSailing]

Madeira has them too? We were there in 2014, I wish we'd gone to see them.

[@garysouza2277]

C'mon Matt. you know better. Cotton kills. Get a pair of zip off poly/nylon/Goretex pants for hiking. Fast dry, light, convertible, compact on the boat. Good all around. :-)

[@mattjohnson6716]

Don't mock my jeans! They make my butt look great.... and isn't that the most important thing? :) Matt

[@danieloliver20]

Terrific vid again guys, the Azores are definitely on my bucket list! Btw, how does the cat fair in 2-3 meter seas, Kitty Dramamine?

[@MJSailing]

In the 5 years that Georgie has sailed with us, she has only gotten sick twice. Usually she deals with the motion pretty well, and is quick to put herself on the low side of the boat. 😉

[@danieloliver20]

I figured she must be doing ok somehow or your microphone would pick up her crying!

[@mykinchesapeek]

Your vlog just gets better and better. Felt like I was along for the ride at points, did a great job making an otherwise boring passage interesting, and I thought that drone footage was damn well done. I kept thinking that if something happened you were never getting that thing back LOL!!! Nice job, guys...

[@MJSailing]

Which is why we're still too scared to fly it while underway, lol.

[@bird718]

amazing island and that waterfall

[@coopw101]

Killer vid guys your making those islands look totally amazing. dinner didn't look to shabby either. Peace and be safe out there. Question .. If thats what you go through for a beer what the hell do you got to do for a whisky.

[@MJSailing]

Hmmmm, whiskey? Nah, You'd have to ask Jessica what she'd do for tequila, or Matt what he would do for vodka. 😉

[@super_slo]

W o w .

[@DD-Aerial-Photography]

Another Great video

[@jonnorousseau3096]

Cool video, beautiful scenery and some really cool hikes. I'm stealing loads of info from your videos as I will be traveling to the UK later this year (UK summer '19) to have look at a few Moody's and if all goes well to purchase, refit and sail "Amazing Grace" across the Atlantic to the Caribbean, obviously this would only stopovers in the Azores, Madeira and the Canaries, and as a South African you can imagine how poor our exchange rate is. Keep them coming, and if you one day happen to see a navy blue mid 30's Moody centre cockpit called "Amazing Grace" then I came right😂😂

[@mattjohnson6716]

We love the Moodys. Which model are you looking at? They aren't well known in the US, so you can typically get them at a discount right on the East Coast. Matt

[@billdomb]

OK, I give up. Drone shot of waterfall: how did you get the waterfall sound? Stripped in? Appreciate all the hard work in putting these out. Would love to hear some comments on how things SMELL from time to time.

[@MJSailing]

Yes, the waterfall sound was layered in. 😉 It came from a Patron Only episode (still in the editing stages) of where we did a tour of Sao Miguel with our original buddy boat from 2012 that happened to be in Ponta Delgada at the same time as us. Will definitely work on describing smells in the future!

[@basiaboy]

The lake on San Miguel is used for hydroelectricity. Power is made as the water flows downhill from the crater and the same water is pumped back up to the reservoir using only 20% of the power it originally produced.... it allows the island to be net zero with no fossil fuels used to produce electricity.... you can find a great documentary about it on KZbin ... just an FYI for anyone interested

[@peddlerr]

Thanks for sharing..great channel and happy for your journey and vision. I'm going to apply with some vessels that could use a good chef-) DC, Naples Florida

[@jastark22181]

Hey, I have the same Garlic powder and Black pepper grinder as you guys. That black pepper is good stuff. You should try the McCormick's Grill Mates SmokeHouse Maple seasoning... I love that stuff and i put it on everything!!

[@MJSailing]

Mmmmm, that does sound good. I'll have to check the grocery store to see if they carry it.

[@TeemarkConvair]

quite awesome.. thanks.. btw, whos the guy in the sneakers? i didn't see Mr Flip_Flop

[@mattjohnson6716]

I can be taught! Matt

[@keandric2765]

MAN, Sao Miguel just continues to AMAZE