E15: Your Burning Questions About Life Aboard, Solo Sailing Struggles, and Tricks of the Trade

[@drwebstercivet5540]

It's so refreshing to see just ONE person in a boat. Tired with the couples with kids and dogs. Oh, Solitude !

[@billmead5052]

I nearly spit out my beer when toothless Holly appeared! Too funny

[@Gardureth]

Its snus, a tabacco sort of thing.

[@WindHippieSailing]

Haha thanks! And thank you prunes

[@Gardureth]

@@WindHippieSailing You are really nice and down to earth. May i join you sometime for a weekend or so, im willing to travel to a near harbour, and share in all the work and provisions. I think i want to live on sea, but i would first want to try :)

[@specialty_k]

@@WindHippieSailing now that funny!

[@mortpacker8882]

Bill Mead, I got that too! Hilarious 😂

[@sal1305]

“People are just people everywhere.” ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️💎

[@gbunton]

Holly posts a wishlist of things you would like for the boat and rough pricing I think you'd be surprised how many people on here might fill those wishes.

[@michaeldismukes4439]

You're adorable and impressive. Your parents must be so proud!

[@jandtlivinglife3130]

Hi Holly. I've been following you from the beginning. My wife and I think you are fantastic. A couple of old hippies and ex cruisers can learn a lot from a Millennial. Who knew? Anyway, we have a basically brand new Simrad Tillerpilot sitting in our storage unit, which is of no use to us. I'm not sure of the model number but I'm sure it would be more than adequate for your boat. We would like to gift it to you if you are interested - if so, let me know and we can figure out how to get in contact with each other and how we can get it to you.

[@WindHippieSailing]

Oh wow! That would be so amazing! If you send me a personal message, we can work out details?

[@jandtlivinglife3130]

@@WindHippieSailing Hi Holly. Can you tell me how I go about sending you a personal message please?

[@jandtlivinglife3130]

@@WindHippieSailing Hi again Holly. I just found your website and sent you an email. Cheers.

[@oncesubtle]

@@jandtlivinglife3130 WTG J&T! You rock.

[@ninjababy1997]

Listening to so much wisdom expressed by a 27 year old gives me hope for humankind.

[@contentforcoaches]

I love what you said about people and other countries! Living as an ExPat, I encounter the same experiences, and have adopted the same philosophy. Now, to find a boat...

[@mikeanderson7019]

You are one of a kind… Thanks for the entertaining costume changes and all the insight. You are about as real as a gets. Glad you’re staying safe and I agree with the other guy about your parents are terribly proud of you… I know I am

[@tray8820]

I particularly liked your response to the comment about Dominica being best avoided... Love your attitude to life

[@budbuddybuddest]

True words re ok safety in Dominica. However Haiti may be seriously dangerous for foreigners, all of whom are perceived as affluent and gangs rule. Ask idk who knows for real re Haiti

[@orrinagney6809]

I love your positive attitude and zest for life! You truly are a beautiful person inside and out.

[@ERo1972]

You rock my dear. I always tune in on Tuesday, Australian time, for your updates. I have been following La Vagabond channel for a few years but yours is my new favourite. You always have a fun disposition and the information your convey highly beneficial. One day I will anchorage along side and share my journey with you. Keep safe and keep smiling. X

[@spinnaker5514]

OMG! Holly, all those characters....different hats, shirts and bandanas, you are one clever girl! I think you should come up with an "alter ego" character and have talk about you behind your back or vice versa! That would be so cool and only you could pull it off. I was so glad to hear you answered my question so thanks so much for that! Love love love this channel and all your antics! Please keep em coming you are so entertaining and I find I can't wait for Mondays!! Thanks, God Bless and Be Safe!

[@keithcope8113]

I was cracking up at all the wardrobe changes you're a real comediene. Lol.

[@darkerbrother1]

Congratulations Holly. You are a very special person. You have very good Karma And NO you can never be confused as a dude. They are just being fresh. If you haven’t done so already. You might want to do a video on what equipment you use to shoot your videos. You have the added challenge of doing everything yourself . Happy sailing

[@robinwells8879]

I really like the interior of Gecko! Very Scandinavian minimalist chic! Light and airy with a good sense of space. You have convinced me that I can do the same in old my Centaur.

[@Dvseire]

Hello Holly, Really appreciate your sense of humor and the effort you put into the costume changes! Regards Dave,

[@WindHippieSailing]

Thanks!! I had fun :p

[@Mahalo_83]

WindHippieSailing Holly Martin missing tooth was hilarious 🤙⛵️🍻

[@speteydog2260]

Yep fun outfits ! 😄

[@dynalix]

Thanks for sharing your experiences with us! Please know you are inspiring other women to become strong and confident solo sailors!

[@WindHippieSailing]

Wow this makes me so happy to hear. It's one of my greatest wishes that I can help empower more women to go sailing with or without a companion

[@mrhall9031]

Lovey lady! I wager that all the International Boat Shows are queuing to book you to speak ... please do not sell your soul and stay on the water ... inspiration!

[@jtaylor0727]

The boat looks so big inside in today's video angle.. comfy!!! I love the boat!!! You're nice too! Thank you!

[@daleyurk4369]

Hi Holly. You mentioned you had the boat hauled and prepared "blue water ready". I'd love to know some of the modifications you made. Safe travels, love your journey!

[@sails3538]

Hi Dave..... advice from an old off shore sailor..... buy an off shore rated boat. Then the first and best thing to do is new rigging. Second is an awesome, super heavy anchoring system. The anchors for my boat are 110lb each (Bruce ). Next is sails that have at least ..... at the minimum 70% life ..... new, over wieght sails are a must if you plan to sail around the world. Oh.... Lee sails work fine. There are a couple of great used sail lofts on the east coast of the US.... Bacon and Atlantic sails. Prepair to spend a min of 50k to get the boat ready. Good luck. ( And wish me luck crossing the Pacific next year. )

[@frankmc5021]

@@sails3538 all the best 👍

[@MissJudyJetson]

I like how you changed your look for each question! Very funny.

[@estrelladelmar6466]

Happy Monday! I can't think of anything clever to say here. Sigh.

[@danieldufresne1512]

I'm voting for the teacher look. Would love to know what did you have to do to prepare your boat for Blue Water

[@the-fiddling-fox]

Check out her first few videos.

[@tomwilliams8675]

Holly loved all the costume changes 👍 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@tedceelen2961]

I am pleased that you think that most people are good and just because some bad news about a place is not a reason not to go. I have sailed in the Canadian maritimes have stopped in remote fishing villages and always found people to be helpful and interested in what we are doing. I am enjoying the style of your videos and your joy of sailing.

[@elliowb2]

Feeding you peeled grapes, that's awesome. Made me laugh out loud! Thanks for another great video.

[@pojucanpaulucci9052]

Boa sorte Continue firme. Fair winds. From Brazil.

[@2902tina]

I dreamed of doing this since I was a child!! When I was your age/length of boat, I backpack into areas that most people wouldn’t by myself for weeks on end. Scary enough for most, but girl you navigating the ocean makes my adventures seem wimpy! I grew up in Montana so not a lot of sailing but now after watching you and many other sailing videos I am taking sailing lessons!! Maybe in the future we’ll see each other out on the big blue!!

[@davidkasday5484]

A few thoughts: A trim tab wind vane steering system would have cost you much less than your Monitor and they will work well when running. There are also a few videos on KZbin on using surgical tubing/bungee to self steer while sailing. You kill me by not having your harness on all the time, even in the cockpit. You go overboard, you die. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. You can build a hard dodger for a fraction of having a frame and cloth one built. Use cardboard and tape to figure out what you want then use that as a template, to cut the pieces from plywood epoxied together and cover with fiberglass. Cut out your windows and cover with lexan, or .... Lazy jacks can be made with longer lines that can be pulled back to the mast(where mast and boom connect), out of the way of your sail when hoisting. Hope you will consider a life raft for your long passages. Having a drifter would help you in very light airs. A one gallon garden sprayer can be filled with hot water, or painted black and left in the sun to heat up, for a comfortable shower. Solar powered garden lights (the kind you stick into the ground) are cheap and will provide light as extra visibility for others to see you, light up your cockpit at night and help deter thieves if you are anchored and ashore in the evening. David Kaye.

[@everythingreviewsandnews1229]

and I can hear the wind howling through the standing rigging. its soo cool

[@markthomasson5077]

Bow Hatch. Make a wave deflector in front, should vastly reduce the pressure of waves on the front seals. Dodger. How about a Hasler type prom hood? If you fit downhauls to your jib and main, and can reach the halyard cleats, you can can drop the sails without going on deck. Personally I would not cross oceans without a boat with all hatches that are watertight when the boat is inverted. A hatch should open inward so it won’t be blocked if dissmasted. Also I would have at least three, ideally five watertight bulkheads in case of being holed. But hey, what do I know, you have far more experience at sea than I ever will, all life is a risk, so best to get out there and enjoy

[@CaptKwame]

I think that the person who is concerned about people dying is thinking about the Dominican Republic. Dominica is a different country.

[@jtaylor0727]

I was thinking that same thing!

[@PatrioticTroll]

I was thinking Canada. Just kidding of coarse.

[@laurentfroggy6631]

Same thoughts here

[@clk278910]

@@PatrioticTroll those nadians are cray cray for sure...lol

[@Sharpiesailor31]

Holy, your just an amazing young lady so vibrant and full of good cheer and happy vibes. When that toothless smile occurred I grinned, smiled and laughed and your silly comedic shenanigans just kept flowing along with each new question which was hilarious and cute and so original. This has certainly been one of your most unique and fun vlogs to date I believe, but do miss your singing voice too. “Keep It Simple Sailor” girl, you truly seem to have a firm grasp of your life as a solo sailor and know what works for you. That Caribbean breeze was really funneling through the cabin! Be safe out there and may your next leg have fair winds and seas. Cheers from St. Petersburg FL.

[@Idahoprepper71]

I’m sure you wouldn’t have any problems finding a guy to feed you grapes while relaxing on a beach somewhere!!

[@jbsanger696]

Great video!.well done with all your answers! Looking forward to future videos. Toothless Holy was hilarious! Safe sailing and enjoy the spoondrifts!

[@spyglassfreowestaus2733]

Great vid Holly, Of the dozens of Q + A's - you did the best ever! I got a giggle every hat change, so you, so unique. Great attitude and brilliant aptitude. We love your posts Keep up the great vids!!

[@danmccollister4840]

I’m taken back by you awesome singing. I have a 66foot cement ketch almost ready to splash. My thing is flipping houses and they take a lot of time and work. Your knowledge is incredible, I’ll be praying for your safety, that’s what I do, but it’s mostly you that has to be careful! Ha!

[@mhansl]

Love the Bollywoodesque wardrobe changes.

[@bernysubbs8445]

I agree wind JandT LivingLife----- you are fantastic-- can't say more than that other than to wish you fair winds and safe travels. Berny

[@dbentley2195]

Loving all the wardrobe craziness. I enjoy watching people that love life and what there doing. Enjoy kiddo

[@osilva2367]

Holly! Thank you for another glimse into your amazing journey. Loved all the Q's & A's and outfit changes too! It really sounded stormy on this video. Be safe hon, looking forward to seeing your bright smile next week. Blessings, Olaina

[@joerossi8948]

You've made some great songs, beautiful covers, and every once in a while you treat us to one. A very underrated gift you've sprinkled into your videos. I can totally imagine you covering 'What A Wonderful World'. It would fit you and your sailing journey very well 🌎

[@14theroad1955]

Hi Holly....Trolling an artificial lure while under way could reward you with some nice Mahi...really like your videos.. Wishing you well from Florida...

[@briancliffordsteele188]

Once again great video\ comedy show stay safe Holly, fair winds.

[@williamralph5442]

WH, your a hoot..love your props. You’re so easy to understand. Thanks for a great video.

[@panamerican3016]

love your channel cant wait til you get to Panama highly suggest you stop at portobelo and sand blas

[@laurentfroggy6631]

Nice one young lady, now we know that you have "hats" on board.... Loved the "missing tooth" lol. best from HKG

[@shaneconner5659]

Sounds like the ideal situation for you would be to have another solo sailor buddy boat :)

[@navigator902]

Holly will be very exciting to see your vegan diet at sea w/ the possible addition of fish, if you become good at fishing which i think you will time at sea makes a good fisher/person. but the diet of greens root type grain and stuff will be interesting to see, since experience has taught me well. Cheers to you, and will love to see you cook at sea. Feel like you make everyone smile, w/ happy tears, floating out in space shinning the spirit of love and humanity, appreciating all the you float through... Thanks Captain H. .... including you in my sailors pray tonight, an addition to great sailors known and sailed,

[@martineyer5336]

Can’t wait to see you in Aus.... lunch is on me....

[@bluewaterpines8323]

Thank you and have the best day ever!🙋🏻‍♀️⛵☀️⚓🐟🌊

[@roscotakeson1128]

This was so funny!! You are very, very creative. Best to you!

[@rwess]

If/when you get a little tillerpilot don't attach it to your tiller. Do attach it to your Monitor's counterweight. Also, no fishing! You're a guest in their home. (You wouldn't want to become fish-food for them would you? So...) Also, good that you have no fridge. You don't need it, and it's the first thing that craps out anyway. Keep keeping it simple!

[@nickbernstein]

You should look into 'pypilot' you can build your own autopilot with a raspberry pi computer ($35ish) and a windshield wiper motor. You seem handy, so you could probably put it together.

[@WindHippieSailing]

Woah that's so cool!! I love that sort of project. I'll definitely look into that

[@shaneconner5659]

Won't be long before it'll be be cheaper just to ship the boat from the Texas coast to California and bypass the canal altogether

[@worminators1]

Nice Video, need to post list (wish list) things you would like or need.

[@hedynoble7712]

Hi Holly, really enjoy your video's. Thanks for taking me on your adventure.

[@alcooper944]

Where do you store all those hats?

[@terryknutson3202]

"That is what i wondered also."

[@kf1645]

I think the guy got Dominica confused with the Dominican Republic.

[@thomaschandler7820]

Yep its Dominican Republic.

[@glenntepe1]

Thanks for answering my question!!❤️ And you got my last name right!

[@gman9945]

Hat and question day!

[@bertski60]

you went from sailor to hockey player pretty quick there. :)

[@03d7b5g]

I love the outfit changes with every question!

[@sailingdreams7699]

I don't know I like to be by myself call it greedy I don't know but I like to be by myself I have no one to please but myself and I'm so easy to take care of but I love people too so great question. You are so cool I hope you get up to California or maybe I can make it down I've got a 64 3/4 ft catch that I haven't had out yet I'm too scared to get it from the doc I'm working on it but anyway you are the coolest take care of yourself.

[@johnvititoe6051]

Hey Holly, great video! Loved the costume changes. Very interesting. I definitely think you’re right about not trying to stick to a schedule. I gotta say though, those bolt ends sticking down through the ceiling worry me. An old guy like me would end up with a crease in my skull. Question: Do you check in with a friend or family member regularly so somebody is always keeping track of you?

[@sailingarista]

Thanks for answering questions!

[@dal8963]

Love you, and your humar, I'm secretly hoping you meet the love if your life who then sails the world with you like the story about your parents, so anything you could do on that frount would be great. 🤗🤞🤗

[@121dough]

Ugh, Jeez Holly....that Gandalf hat...hilarious. Underway, you might consider handlining for fish. It can have some great success. If you need a little info on how to set up your line, let me know.

[@brianholbrook6512]

I really dig your channel and your pluck! Look forward to seeing your videos every Monday. Couple things: that chain plate placement is unusual, and super beefy! Is that something you designed yourself during your refit? Seems practical for maintenance, but I'm pretty sure I'd bruise myself up on that bad boy a few times a week. Also, I note you don't have any insulation, are you just planning on avoiding high latitudes altogether? Love the videos, and your spirit is infectious! Buena suerte!

[@CarolSteinfeld]

There was so much we could have given you---such as a dodger--when you were passing through Cape Cod. From the boatyard.

[@mikes1172]

I was watching the channel Ran sailing and it was like $400 in Panama, so don't make the mistake and think your getting off cheap pulling in there.

[@palletwine]

I enjoy the comedy a great deal. Solo traveling for me was exploring how weird the mind can get. I also rely on old time radio over podcasts. Dramatizations of epic voyages compared to my own repetitive silly thoughts are entertaining. Yer the best.

[@tonydevenyi5287]

Recent convert to your posts and I love your style, sense of humour and attitude 😀❤️ looking forward to watching for hours more😍

[@chipw4622]

You're neat kiddo. Hold the course 😄

[@roy.actual]

I do enjoy watching your sailing adventures but this Q&A vid is the best. It's probably because I'm not a sailor and I have the same questions about your expereince that everyone else seems to have. Keep the vids coming.

[@kevinhildum9186]

You're funny being the quick-change artist

[@PatrioticTroll]

Thanks so much for answering my question! I love the funny bits you do as you commentate. Very entertaining. I hope you know how awesome you are. =)

[@paddledream3355]

Great sense of humour young lady

[@davidbuchanan7146]

I love how you pronouneate your "A's" Way cool. I guess that is a Northeast thing? Very proper and well done. Keep on keeping on...

[@IcyMidnight]

A lady of many hats!

[@davidharris8797]

Fishing tip small blue and white feather or pink and white feather with stainless steel 7/0 hook 50-100 lb test That’s good for most fish mAhi mahi or tuna That way you have fresh 🐠 fish 🎣

[@ImNotADeeJay]

...somebody who feed me grapes individually peeled while I lie in my back and watch the sunset... haha, you are so silly (in a good way)

[@shakyhandpictures2185]

Beautifully done, loved the teeth, loved the positive atmosphere you create in your videos, well done!

[@bestoflife9152]

You got me when you appeared toothless! Ah Ah! Brilliant video! Great idea to change something at each answer!

[@chrischapman2955]

You are hilarious. My wife and I chuckled with each new version of Holly. Tough to explain the tutu though, lol.

[@nlzaaf]

3:10 The motor bike driving by took me off guard. 😀

[@dmain6735]

Cloud you.... slip a line through the anchor that leads back to the boat. On the end of the line is fastened to some buoys. Haul on the line which sends the buoy cluster down to the anchor lifting the pick directly upwards from the bottom?

[@janiceworkman7144]

You look really good with hair pulled up and glasses on!👍 The very best to you!

[@chrisstephens1399]

Chris "pollygarter"you are an inspiration so lucky, the Bristol channel is just a cold mud bath!!

[@robertoingenitoiseppato6177]

Hi from Madrid. About raising anchor. It would be nice to have kind of a sistem to control the engine and the tiller from the front of the boat while you are doing the maneuver. It woulb be good. Or a sistem (a motor) to raise anchor from the cotpit. You know better than me, that´s sure, jajajaj.

[@apkdarter961]

You are a good person with a good spirit that is why you haven’t had a problem. Plus you smile, a lot. Which relaxes people. The fan that was referring to going some place safe will probably have a problem no matter where they go if the natives detect an uppity or “privileged” attitude. If you are pleasant and respectful of the local customs and people you shouldn’t have a problem. In my travels I have heard Americans who were visiting other countries telling citizens of those countries that they needed to learn how to speak English. In some cases the citizens spoke English and understood what they were saying. The citizens just wanted them to try to communicate and to try and speak their language. They wanted to learn English. They did not want to be insulted.

[@accobra7515]

Hey Holly :) love the Vid and all the hats lol. Great to hear all your answers to the questions. Happy sailing. Safe travels. :)

[@dilbyjones]

....I just turned your channel back on ! Your conventional wisdom is great!

[@sonnylange3051]

Very cool the changing looks! The black out teeth :) I laughed so hard.

[@Nimashet]

And a Wonderful Monday to you.

[@CliffTopp]

Very informative video once again. To the person, Dominica and Dominican Republic are two completely different countries. The one in the news is the much larger Spanish speaking Dominican Republic 🇩🇴. Where she is at currently is the island Dominica 🇩🇲. Thanks

[@thepowerwithinyouseries7584]

You are amazing

[@billschmitt9553]

I love your channel and enjoy following your journey. My question is, have you ever sailed the Great Lakes? If not, would you ever consider it?

[@peterjohnstaples]

To sail through Indonesia AIS transmission is a requirement. "Keep on Cruising".