Ep. 100 - First Off-Shore Passage; Halifax to St. John's

[@joestockton76]

At about 20:00 maybe the word you were looking for your feeling was sublime.

[@TheDigitalMermaid]

YES!! THIS IS THE WORD! Thank you!

[@patrickdk77]

No matter how hard and how long it takes, it gives you a lot of experience and knowledge into what needs to be done when something breaks offshore, and the confidence to fix it and not panic.

[@TheDigitalMermaid]

OMG YES. Each year that goes by, I look back at how much I've learned and how much it could help me out there someday. I still yearn to get MR on the water sooner than later, but it'll happen when it happens.

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

Congratulations to 💯

[@TheDigitalMermaid]

Thanks Andy!! ^_^

[@knight8873]

Congrats on the big 100!!!! Been watching your build for about a year or so, proud how far you have come!

[@TheDigitalMermaid]

Awe, thanks Knight!!

[@rydenclancy9519]

Incredible the paradise you have found. May we all find our own someday.

[@TheDigitalMermaid]

It was surreal...

[@erickvond6825]

I get the same feeling that you describe on the island every time I'm out in the wilds of any place where there's none of the rush of any large settlement. I've actually been to Ireland for music festivals but never really had the chance to explore much. Nothing beats the serenity of nature though. it's a truly beautiful thing and I really wish more people respected it the way I do. I suspect you do as well but I don't want to be presumptuous.

[@markk4285]

Hi Mads. Love the Irish tricolour. Greetings from Dublin, Ireland. And as I watch further - enjoy greatly the shots of Kinsale where I learnt to sail. Thanks.

[@fs7453-il]

You’ve come a long way. You’ll get there.

[@Browneye2566]

I'm an Aussie, and spent 2 years on a working trip in St Johns NFLD. I saw all those places, and more. Interesting part of the world, and so different to Australia.

[@TheDigitalMermaid]

I've not been down under yet, but it's high on my list. I can imagine it's got to be very different from the maritimes!

[@indeedgrasshopper]

My hook to sailing came in much the same way as you described. I've lived here in Maryland for about 15 years. I'm 7 miles from the Chesapeake Bay and had never been out on the water. Never even thought about it. My dad and uncle had a speedboats when I was a kid and they were fun to go out on the lake (California and New Hampshire) and zoom around for the day but I never felt compelled to get one for myself. About a month ago, my grandma came to visit and said she wanted to do a sailing cruise. I looked around, found an outfit in Annapolis that does 2 hour tours and got tickets. That was probably the most expensive 2 hours of my life. The tickets were entirely reasonable but as soon as the sails went up and the engine shut off I knew I needed a sailboat in my life. One of these days. Congratulations on 100 videos! -Matt

[@TheDigitalMermaid]

"That was probably the most expensive 2 hours of my life." - ahahaha! That's my trip to Kinsale. It's mad how sailing bites people like us, but it's just another passing experience for so many others. Congrats on getting bit by the bug! Have you gotten far enough to have a dream "money's no object" boat yet?

[@indeedgrasshopper]

​@@TheDigitalMermaid Oh, so many dreams. Haha! If money was truly no object, I'd probably just go buy a Kraken and sail the world. Down the list from there would probably be a catamaran, even though my heart is firmly monohull. It's not the luxury I'm after; my engineer's brain just can't overlook the practical benefits of a cat like lots of internal space and lots of square footage on or above the deck. That gives plenty of space for batteries and solar panels because I would also prefer a fully electric boat. I have an electric car (just a basic Chevy Bolt) and can't imagine going back to a combustion car. I don't know what it is about marine diesels that makes them so loud but combine the noise with the smell of the exhaust (I once got pretty sick from diesel exhaust... long story but now I can't stand the smell) and my general dislike of oil companies overall... yeah, electric seems the way to go. Plus, in a cat you'd get two motors which would make maneuvering in a marina a dream. But, dream is right as even used cats are well outside my budget. More realistically, I'd like to find a boat in decent condition (hull, rig, motor) in the 32-38 foot class and enjoy her as-is. Haha! Just kidding. I'd start upgrading immediately. Air conditioning would be great. Maryland gets stupid-hot during the summer and I'll want something to help cool off at night and sleep. I'd want lots of solar and lots of battery capacity. I'm not 100% certain I'd be committing to an electric propulsion conversion immediately. That's definitely where I want to be eventually but I'd have to see how I end up using the boat. Like to see if I could do an induction range with electric oven (though a toaster oven is probably big enough for any baking I'd be doing. A fresh water maker would be nice and some form of hot water system as I do like to shower daily. Speaking of showers, I really like the layouts with a head at the front instead of a v-berth. Putting the anchor chain locker in a bedroom always seemed a little odd to me. Putting it in a room that already gets wet and can drain to the shower sump seems super logical. I don't really have a cohesive plan just yet... just lots of happy little ideas. 😁

[@TheDigitalMermaid]

@@indeedgrasshopper One thing to keep in mind wrt electrifying cats is that they're much more weight sensitive that monos, so be mindful of the battery weight if you're going for any real range. For me, the difficulty of pointing cats into the wind/tacking is another big reason I'd not go for 'em, personally. Also, slapping under the deck between the hulls, and the fact they don't self-right in the unlikely chance they flips scares me, too. That said, there's no denying their space benefits, and that you can mount a lot of solar (though again, weight...). Kraken look like skookum boats, though I think I'd prefer the Bestavaers given they make smaller boats.

[@indeedgrasshopper]

@@TheDigitalMermaid Excellent points about the cats. I was aware of the stability and slapping issues but was unaware of the weight sensitivity and poor upwind performance. I'll freely admit haven't really researched them much as they just don't seem as "boaty" to me... if that makes any sense. They're cool in their own way but I'm definitely team monohull at heart. I hadn't come across Bestevaer yet but WOW those are nice. I really like the entryway/interior watch area and the retractable keel. Being able to reduce draft to less than 2 feet would be incredibly handy. I live at the northern end of the Chesapeake Bay and large portions of that are very shallow if you stray out of the channel at low tide... and sometimes even if you stay in the channel.

[@KeritechElectronics]

Hey, nice to see you back! I'm so glad that all your work ended in a lovely voyage.

[@TheDigitalMermaid]

Thanks Keri! It was on my friend's boat, but I'm remotivated to get mine out there again.

[@SalingSamantas]

Your doing great Digi wow 100! I think I'm just over 50 and I've been lazy about getting them out and it's been couple years. Since the lady one. Keep it up!

[@TheDigitalMermaid]

Have you been making progress off the camera? I'd love to see a progress update video!

[@andrewmuir7938]

Newfoundland looks insane! What a strong way to end the trip 😎

[@TheDigitalMermaid]

I had high expectations, but it still blew me away. It's an underrated gem.

[@ritchycamaro]

Keep it up Maddy!

[@michaelseitz8938]

Wow! Thanks for sharing this. Talking about "peaceful and nature", could it be interesting to have a kayak on board with you? 😁 Maybe one of those smaller ones that are wide and slow but easy and safe. Sorry, I just imagined it would be cool to set anchor some place and then go exploring the coast in a kayak. Sitting "directly" on the water, completely silent, is an awesome way to experience nature 💖

[@TheDigitalMermaid]

If I could fit one on there, maybe. I'll probably use the dinghy to explore though, as it'll be electric (so quiet) and I have to have it anyway. :)

[@michaelseitz8938]

@@TheDigitalMermaid Oh, alright, that sounds good enough 😁

[@GenXPats]

I am from NL and enjoyed seeing Da Rock again. I look forward to sailing Maverick up that way sometime. Subscribed to see what else you have in store.

[@TheDigitalMermaid]

First, "GenXPats" is a flipping brilliant name! Where abouts were ya from? Growing up, one of my closest friends was from the rock. He was in a wheelchair, so our friend group spent most of our summers at his place being setup for that. It took me a solid six months before I could understand his father's thick accent. I always knew Newfoundland was pretty, but I kinda just assumed it was more or less like New Brunswick, where I grew up. Oh how I was wrong! NB is amazing too, but in a different way. I so can't wait to get back there with Mermaid's Rest and take more time to explore around the island!

[@GenXPats]

@@TheDigitalMermaid So I grew up in Flower's Cove which is right near the top of The Northern Pen. I spent some time in Halifax when I was in the NAVY. We just sailed a Catamaran from Louisiana to Guatemala and sailed our boat Maverick(and Goose the digyny of course) back to Louisiana. We are putting those videos out right now... An AWESOME trip both ways!

[@TheDigitalMermaid]

@@GenXPats Ah! Checked your channel and subbed :). Also, "Maverick and Goose", dude, y'all are leaning IN to GenX! Haha.

[@GenXPats]

@@TheDigitalMermaid Anything worth doing is worth doing all the way! Right? lol

[@matthewsellers82]

I worked on charter yachts for several years. My favourite Skipper used to talk about the destination and the journey. Enjoy and appreciate both.

[@TheDigitalMermaid]

Yup, exactly. If you have to do something, find joy in it.

[@MYNautiGirl]

Congrats on a safe passage, glad it went well. The scenery looks beautiful. I just got to do some sailing in Halifax, amazing.

[@HanWechgelaer]

thank you, nice footage!

[@linneasailing]

Really good work with the video :) It was nice to see and remember the beautiful places we explored :D

[@TheDigitalMermaid]

@@linneasailing Awe thanks! Looking forward to seeing your video!

[@doug1olson]

Thanks, that was fun. Enjoyed seeing Newfoundland again. We drove there this spring, 15,000 miles roundtrip from California.

[@jounik]

100 posts? Congrats! Good choice for content material, too.

[@tastiger91]

Very nice indeed.

[@tonyleverett1483]

Been to NA several times, as parents moved there some years ago, and every time I see video like this I'm blown away by the scenery - no amount of video is going to do it justice. Felt the same with Calgary and The Rockies some years earlier, that I went to one New Year.

[@TheDigitalMermaid]

Growing up in Canada, it's far too easy to take the staggering beauty of this country for granted. We're so so lucky to live in a country that isn't just beautiful, but beautiful in so many different ways as you travel through it. Hope you make it back up!

[@tonyleverett1483]

@@TheDigitalMermaid one day; hopefully.

[@Mme.Swisstella]

Where is 'NA'?

[@tonyleverett1483]

@@Mme.Swisstella North America

[@ithome-d7t]

wonderful video, thank you

[@karinwilson5449]

Very nice video! You absolutely need a Monitor or other self steering system. We just did a double handed crossing of the Gulf of Maine in slightly rough conditions. Half of the crew unexpectedly got seasick. Our Monitor “Eileen” did all of the steering. And don’t be intimidated by crossing to Newfoundland. From Ingonish on the Northern end of Nova Scotia to Rose Blanch or Grand Bruit on the south shore is just a long day sail of 15 to 18 hours.

[@vishalbagade1272]

Thank you for such an amazing journey. You are an inspiration. One fine day you inspired me to convert my favourite bike electric and I'm very close to completion. Thank you so much, keep inspiring 🤩

[@TheDigitalMermaid]

That's awesome to hear!! Let me know how the bike works when you finish!

[@AmyMrsR]

❤❤❤🥰 btw, if no one else noticed it, the large thing next to the crab in the beginning of the video was a huge antler :) What a beautiful trip and awe inspiring video 🥰 Im so happy you were able to go and I love living vicariously through you :) everything was breathtaking💕

[@TheDigitalMermaid]

Aye! I figured right after mentioning that it was a good place for deer, I shouldn't draw attention to the dear antler. Haha!

[@textickulartrauma8287]

We just moved to Nova Scotia from Ontario (were sailing there in the north/Lake Huron on a 34 catalina).. bought a 79 41' Island Trader/Transworld CC beauty during covid sight unseen- moved unexpectedly to the east.. she's just been brought over from R.I last year and is on the hard getting some sandin'.. your video was beautiful- so happy to see the places we will likely be sailing! How cool of an adventure!

[@TheDigitalMermaid]

You're going to love it so much down east!

[@BillCarlson]

So lovely and peaceful!

[@TheDigitalMermaid]

Dude, it really was...

[@upnorthandpersonal]

Nice!

[@TheDigitalMermaid]

Howdy! I've still got travelling around Finland high on my list of destinations!

[@MarkRose1337]

The North Atlantic starts at the equator, but I know what you mean: it feels there should be be a "north" part. The Wikipedia article on the Atlantic Ocean has a map showing the northern extent.

[@lonnymoore2622]

awesome your getting a unforgetable experence and a selft taught education .

[@TheDigitalMermaid]

Self taught, but with the help of many wonderful people. :)

[@lonnymoore2622]

@@TheDigitalMermaid thats awesome . it looked amazing out there . stay safe out there .

[@WiSeNhEiMeR-1369]

HOWdy T-D-M, ... Very peaceful VOYAGE thank YOU for Sharing I replaced my broken 1993 Mazda MIATA for a TOYOTA PRIUS COOP the WiSeNhEiMeR from Richmond, INDIANA ...

[@TheDigitalMermaid]

I hope the Prius is treating you well!

[@harbourdogNL]

This just showed up in my feed. Looks like you had a good passage. It's a pity that so many sailor go straight to the yacht club in CBS and bypass tying up in Petty Harbour. Much more quaint (and much cheaper in terms of fees), tho harder to get into town it's a great place to just chill and experience life in an actual fishing village.

[@TheDigitalMermaid]

This is the kind of travel I want to do. I mean, of course there's great things to see in the popular destinations, but for me the real interest is going to the off-the-path places. I so can't wait to get back to NL, it really blew me away...

[@MarkRose1337]

Were the raspberries in fruit at Cape Spear? There was a big wild patch of them when I visited many years ago.

[@TheDigitalMermaid]

Not that I saw. I flipping LOVE wild raspberries, so I'm going to pretend they weren't. :P

[@WiSeNhEiMeR-1369]

I was chased by a Hurricane from FLORIDA to Saint Johns once in the 1970's while in the U.S. NAVY we kept running North ahead of the Storm to find SAFE Harbor ... I got to patrol with the local Saint Johns POLICE DEPARTMENT looking for Misbehavior & Miscreant SAILORS on Shore Leave ... I was a RADIOMAN while in the Military & Got to visit the spot where the very 1st RADIO Transmission was broadcast in Saint Johns ( in the WORLD ) ... COOP ...

[@TheDigitalMermaid]

Haha, I bet that made you very popular amoung the sailors. :P

[@MarkRose1337]

Greenland is a good 30° further east than Cape Spear. Greenland gets no respect lol

[@Mme.Swisstella]

Which model of boat is it

[@barrytucker1561]

a very minor point. Newfoundland is not part of the maritimes :) we are on our own time zone and are a distinct culture :)

[@TheDigitalMermaid]

Of course I knew about the time zone different, "..9 o'clock, 9:30 in Newfoundland...", but I didn't realise it was considered separate from the maritimes. Well, I can understand that I suppose, now that I've been there, but hopefully it's OK to still think of you folks as our cousins at least. :)