Ep 61 Sailing Solo to Iceland fm Ireland

[@gustavomedellin1466]

Since you asked... MY experience with top down furling an A2 spinnaker: 1. PITA as a solo sailor 2. locking the furling line will NOT keep the sail from unfurling in big wind- the continuous line does not have enough friction to keep the drum from spinning 3. when unfurling use the furling line to unfurl- OTW if you only pull on the sheet the furling drum will wrap the loose furling line around itself 4. In low to moderate wind (6-10 kts) OK to hoist with genoa furled 5. when furling - have the TWA at about 160 with the main fully out. The kite will be collapsed mostly. Run the acitve sheet once around the winch and take it with you to in front of the mast. Keep some tension on the active sheet with your hand or foot while you furl it in. Watch the foot of the sail to notice when the tack has grabbed the sail and started furling it backwards. If you see this stop and unfurl some then try again. The mid girth will only furl in unison with the top when there is enough tension at the right angle. As soon as the sheet starts to turn around the torsion line stop furling- don't put multiple wraps of sheet around the torsion line- that will only make it harder to unfurl next time. As soon as it's furled release the halyard and drop the furled kite on to the deck ( before you bring in the tack) . OTW it will start to unfurl pretty quickly. 6. Gybing- not more difficult than conventionally hoisted kite. I prefer inside gybes- I turn down to 160 TWA and let the main out. - completely release the active sheet and pull quickly on the new sheet to bring the clew around the forestay . Once on the new side I head up to 140 TWA and adjust as needed. No worry of lines under the boat- the sprit prevents that. Outside gybing is also possible provided you have a short batten attached to the luff to catch the sheet. Timing is critical though- the gybe has to be initially fast after releasing the active sheet so the sail flies out in front then slow through the turn to have time to bring in the new sheet before the sail fills. Given all this as I stated previously I have gone back to no furlers on my A2 or A5 but bottom up continuous line furlers on my staysail and Code 0. The fixes for problems with conventionally hoisted A2 are easier than the fixes for partially or improperly furled kites with top down furler. I think some sailmakers are now offering specially cut gennakers which address some of the issues with top down furlers. another tip- tie a snatch block to the end of the continuous furling line with a bungee and fix so that there is always tension on the furling line

[@patricklaine6958]

Terrific advice. I'll be experimenting with all of this to learn which techniques work best with the personality of my boat. Many thanks.

[@michaellahrkamp9755]

To afirm: Top down furlers will make a mess rolling up any spinnaker that has a midgirth length greater than 75% of the sail's foot length. A2 with it's big shoulders is typically 100% range. If you are not racing and the definitIon of a spinnaker doesn't matter, then go with 66% and get a much cleaner wrap. One last point: the torsion rope does require tension to transmit rotation. Not enough and they can candycane. Had it happen and only way out was to 'shrimp' the spinnaker.

[@jyveborg]

I do solo and DH racing only and use a top down furler for my A2 without any issues - I use a ratchet block at the end of the continuous furling line and add a line to that block that you can tighten aftwards. This way you will have no accidental unfurls and you can tighten the furling line so you will have no slippage on the drum and will not have to worry about keeping the other end tight when furling. You will also only be able to furl the same direction every time. I also always do inside jibes to not have any issues with the sheet getting stuck under the boat.

[@michaellahrkamp9755]

@@jyveborg Perhaps you could share the boat size you sail on and your A2 midgirth length. You are fortunate to not have an issue and I am interested as to what you have. Also, inside gybes will never see a sheet go under the boat due to the fact the sheet runs between the headstay and endless spinnaker furler. However, if you do not have a generous sprit extension, tangles with the headstay will be inevitable. Would be good to know your bowsprit's extension length?

[@jyveborg]

@@michaellahrkamp9755 I'd be happy to! My boat is a 1989 Contrast 36 with an added bowsprit that extends 1.2m from the headstay. My A2 has these measurements SLU=14.32m, SLE=12.42m, SFL=7.97, SHW=7.72. Not sure SHW (half width) is the same as mid girth but if we take that measurement it's 96% of SFL.

[@erikaanderaa]

That was incredible Patrick! Thank you for keeping the viking spirit alive and well around the North Atlantic. I will copy you on that spinnaker technique. Ive done all the wrongs possible with that thing😅

[@philgray1023]

I'm heading for a record on how many incorrect ways to rig a spinnaker pole. I didn't know there were so many wrong ways.

[@polcarrasco]

Patrick does real NBJS

[@patricklaine6958]

Many thanks Erik. I'm not sure I'll try to jump to Greenland (my two exposed rudders will not like ice), but I remain inspired by your adventures in trying to get there! Fair winds Viking.

[@pmgear]

Erik, I have seen your battles with the Code sail, it made me abandon my plans for a code sail a 51 foot sailboat despite being 2 on the boat. When things go wrong with that thing, it is just too much stress.

[@stefanolo2]

Patrick, you’re such an inspiration to us older single-handers 😊 I’m looking forward to do that same route some time.

[@simonblackwell4273]

A brave man goes to sea around Ireland in April in a 30ft boat. 👍

[@sigascosailing6787]

I’ll second that and my thoughts entirely

[@SailingYachtSaltyLass]

We will "third" that since teh weather beat us back in a 37ft boat 😆

[@saturday7]

A man in his element, casually chuckling as he talks of increments of fear. Inspirational sailing, well done Patrick.

[@tsurdyk]

“Waves are not measured in feet and inches; they are measured in increments of fear.” It's a quote from Buzzy Trent, one of the first big wave surfers, back in the early-1960s. Patrick might be the most well-read man in [present location here].

[@Crowscratch_HauntedLibrary]

Bikinis or not, yours is one of the best damn sailing channels around! Thank you, sir - an excellent episode!

[@Capitaine.Albator]

Pas de bikini ou de clickbait… Simplement magnifique et inspirant. Merci 👍🏻✌🏻🇨🇦

[@patricklaine6958]

Tout le plaisir est pour moi.

[@DavidIke07]

I obsoletely love your videos, especially your honesty and humor, I wish you'd put out more, but this is better than nothing. Safe sails sir.

[@Karma-fp7ho]

I’m absolutely in agreement

[@allsearpw3829]

Hi, another very informative video , thank you Patrick , fair winds my friend .👍👍

[@jscottfree]

Yours are my favorite sailing videos. They really give me a sense of what it might be like to sail in open water. Thank you and stay safe.

[@hrmacdonald4471]

Boat & Master performed at 100% ... well done Patrick...stay safe!

[@jackdunn3235]

Patrick you are spoiling us. Two videos in as many weeks. ❤

[@sigascosailing6787]

Arguably THE BEST Sailing vlogger and genuine no faff/ proficient sailor anywhere on you tube

[@clickireland1113]

Patrick, Always good to see a sailor going on, and always good and informative to hear your very abbreived and edited thoughts. Well done on the trip and harbours. Raining heavy here tonight but its a lovely sound.

[@henrikmadsen6100]

You are a brave and adventurous man, Patrick. It is a pleasure to follow you!

[@sololon]

Congratulations, sir. What a great and sincere sailor you are. Don't worry for the lack of bikinis. We very much prefer to see you dressed with your weather clothes.

[@jh-rg9dc]

I felt an increment of fear just watching!

[@bejay69]

You sir, are an inspiration.

[@papounet4842]

A skipper just like his boat : simple, efficient, elegant, inspiring. Period.

[@SailorChic]

I love it when you quote poetry and song lyrics. Makes me feel terribly intellectual.

[@dugpuck]

I love your sailing videos. I watch other sailors but there is something about the way you explain things; I just like it and almost feel like I am there even though I would be too much of a chicken to venture out onto the high seas as you casually do. Doug from almost landlocked Manitoba, Canada.

[@svoutcasts701]

My Grandmother was the last person to leave the Blasket islands. Every book or video you see of the Blasket islands has the remains of her childhood home in it.

[@Kelpie119]

Oh great , they were an amazing community - enjoyed reading the books 😊

[@williamlongyard5887]

I wonder if you know how important your videos are to many of us who are not on board with you? ALWAYS a fresh breeze when a new one is posted. Thank-you for taking the trouble to make them. BTW: I continue to enjoy your sly rock lyrics references. : )

[@patricklaine6958]

Very kind William. Much appreciated.

[@liyachts]

I like hearing a sailor speaking in favour of "little" boats! In today's world the advantage is also that smaller boats are more sustainable as well. Thanks a lot for your videos!

[@patricklaine6958]

Much appreciated. Yeah, I have logged quite a few miles in small boats. I think serious blue water sailing (crossing oceans) would be a bit more comfortable in a longer boat (than my 8.9 m), but I certainly feel safe. Seaworthiness of shorter boats is a non-issue (if they are well-maintained). Fair winds.

[@liyachts]

Thanks a lot for your answer! Greetings from Finland.​

[@javierechevarria1548]

Patrick, with your daughters is impossible to negotiate. They stole your heart ❤ Wiating to see your 2024 adventures I watched this episode twice. I love your boat and I learn a lot with your ‘lessons’. Please, keep educating us. WE WANT MORE !!! Merci beaucoup.

[@davidbroman8391]

Great episode. Enjoyed the explanation of your sails. Really like how bright and open the cabin is.

[@SantiagogranadosR]

Thank you, amazing always!

[@TheDude-jp6yz]

Patrick, just love the videos. Admittedly I’ve never sailed a day in my life and stumbled on this channel by accident, and I don’t actually know you. But as I approach 40 and think about where I want to be in 30 years or so (apologies if I’ve added a few years to your actual age) you’re an inspiration. You seem like a guy who has lived a fulfilling and interesting life and continues to keep the adventure alive (and yourself young in the process). Please keep it up, and “fair winds” as you nautical types seem to say to one another!

[@patricklaine6958]

You missed my age by 1 yr. Pretty good eye. 😮

[@billywhizz6483]

A great passage, I love the way that you film and narrate, very down to earth and no made up drama for the clicks!

[@windonwater3895]

Another great video. Thank You!

[@omig5108]

It is always nice to see your clips, because i like your gentle style, your humour and your choices for safe handling. Stay safe and always fair winds.

[@sailingturtle2836]

Btw, I enjoy your channel. Thanks for putting out the content.

[@TheGdel]

Patrick watching your videos is always light, inspiring, rich and sooo cool. Merci, vraiment merci for sharing these with us. God bless

[@4x4ROADTRIP]

Sponsor of this episode: Love it 🙂🙂. Thx for your content.

[@rimasmeleshyus9486]

Welcome to Ireland 🇮🇪, good episode. Thanks 📸 for sharing. ⛵️ Greetings from beautiful tropical paradise island Kauai 🏝 Hawaii

[@patricklaine6958]

Thanks Rimas and welcome back.

[@ExpatMoe]

Elegantly making a hardcore adventure look like philosophical transportation. Excellent seamanship.

[@scottwilson7835]

BZ , Skipper, Wow! No dilly-dallying, here she is, new vessel on a shakedowns cruise to ICELAND!! Thank you again for sharing this new adventure! Fair Winds

[@caragibson]

Patrick you are amazing Sir! As us Welsh would say ‘Un o’r Werin’ which is special, you are ‘One of the people’ you have the true love of what you do and do it so well. Always a pleasure to watch your incredible journeys. Diolch Cariad. Safe travels always, you are a true gentleman of the seas 🌊 😊

[@patricklaine6958]

As an ex from Cardiff, I can say in all honesty, that there is a special place reserved in my heart for Wales. 😊

[@caragibson]

@@patricklaine6958 there is a special welcome always for you in Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 Patrick, you are an inspiration to so many! Never forget it 🙂 Fair winds & safe travels always and thank you 🙏🏻 so much for bringing us all along in your incredible journeys! ⛵️

[@Vivoanda-w1l]

Patrick, I generally sit down with glass of wine to relax and enjoy your videos. This time I'm exhausted just watching the amount of effort involved in furling and unfurling all that knitting. :) Great show.

[@samingosailing]

Patrick Ep 60 and Ep 61 are your best to date in my humble opinion. La Rochelle to Ireland in one hit is a hell of an undertaking with all the traffic and lack of rest. I would have to break that one up into manageable passages. I don't think I've ever been far so soon after buying a new boat. Again ... not an easy thing to do. Talking about ideal lengths for the open ocean, Joshua Slocum decided that 38 feet was about right for the ocean. Close friends of mine who have circumnavigated the thick end of twice, did so first in a 30 foot boat. With that experience they decided on a 41 foot Koopmans 41. You would be hard pressed to find something better for making very long voyages. But she's just a tad bit hard work for us solo sailors. We need to remind folk that when the weather gets really severe the sea will toss anything about. Provided you're a cork you stand a chance. And again a reminder ... folk just can't think they can buy a boat and set off. It takes a lot of miles to become part of a good crew and a lot of miles and work to understand what is required to sail alone. It is no more skilled than being part of a crew but it is a completely different discipline. And it works for very few. So folks, don't be lured just because Patrick makes it look easy. Fair winds and stay safe. James

[@patricklaine6958]

Thanks James. Confirms my estimate that 38-42 ft is a good length for blue water sailing. :-) Which also explains why I bought a 29 ft boat. :-? You are absolutely spot on ---- no one should buy a boat and set sail for distant shores. While this boat is 'new' to me, I have sailed approximately 700 nm in it prior to this major passage to Iceland. It would be foolish/dangerous to go to sea in a boat you don't know well. Fair winds my friend.

[@samingosailing]

Oh gosh! I was not suggesting you were under prepared. My uselessness just requires a couple of years getting to know a new ship. The ideal ocean length, make of boat etc is based on weeks and sometimes months at sea rather than shorter passages with the added luxury of the lovely Iridium Go.

[@georgepeat5269iearth]

Very fine woolly sail…Patrick…good health to you. Thank you for your video.

[@richardhall7822]

Just the best! Love the measuring scale for waves! Very true

[@Joe.Blow1]

Thank you very much Mr. Laine for your instructive video. Cheers,

[@jasonb.3902]

New inspiration because of you. Not sure what you're motivations are but seeing an..."Older gentleman", for lack of a better word, do what you just did, makes me reconsider a LOT of things.

[@leeinnes7127]

Nice to see you back Skipper. Safe journey. Great yacht btw

[@helenvojtko9673]

“Increments of fear”! I love it

[@chrishill9715]

Fabulous - thank you for taking us along Patrick!

[@Rittlesleo]

I had to laugh when you talked about the best length for ocean sailing and immediately followed with your current purchase of a 29 foot boat. That's a jet jockey for you! You and Eric are kindred spirits!

[@drewr34skyline18]

This is the second time i have watched this. Still in owe of your calm and collected manner in big seas and big breeze. We had an unforecast 41knts in the cyclades, it got to use 6 nm from our bad weather option. It took us 2 hours to sail into the wind. The sea state was 2-3m short and steep at 3 seconds period. Motoring was useless as the prop was getting so much air time. After this sail we felt a different connection with our boat for getting us through Safe and sound. I can only imagine getting acquainted with jenna in such conditions has set the scenes for a wonderful relationship. ⛵💨💨💨💨💨💨⛵💨👌

[@patricklaine6958]

Yeah, I don't mind the combination of big seas/long period, but short period waves --- big or small make sailing miserable. You have my sympathies! 🙂

[@drewr34skyline18]

@@patricklaine6958 thank you for taking the time to reply. It certainly does make you appreciate the conditions when they are kind. The ying and Yang of the work applies to all things especially boats. Happy sailing Patric looking forward to the next episode.

[@stephenconway4976]

Wonderful passage to witness. A chuckle meets the fear/ wave height index. 🇮🇪

[@paulcrane2010]

Great to see your steady hand back on the tiller Patrick

[@michaellahrkamp9755]

Great vid. Love the real stuff! Regarding top down furler: the two sheets can get a different number of turns if not properly stored in the sail bag. What happens is that the head or tack inadvertently is allowed to go through a sheet thus adding or removing a wrap. Solution is simple: use a soft shackle to attach the sheets just prior to hoisting. I use 2 soft shackles, one on each sheet, but a single for both does work. Store the sheets in the sailbag if you want, but not attached. And restringing a single sheet while underway is a PITA. I suspect you will find two are easier to manage. When I race shorthanded, I always put the jib out. This prevents the spinnaker from wrapping around and getting tangled in the headstay. A top down furler only works on spinnakers without big shoulders. An A2 has a midgirth that is sometimes greater than the sail's foot length and therefore won't furl cleanly. An A3 can work as does the code 0, both of which should have midgirths at about 75% of the foot. I do both inside and outside gybes. For outside, just release the sheet and let it fly like a flag, turn the boat and when on the new heading, haul in on the other side. Inside gybes are easier if the jib is partially deployed (to prevent the aformentioned headstay wrap). Overall, a top down furler is a game changer when shorthanded sailing - once everthing is figured out on how to work with it, I suspect you will never want to go back to a sock. Keep those videos coming. You are an inspiration!

[@patricklaine6958]

Great write-up. Many thanks.

[@jyveborg]

Nicely done! Tip on the assymetric on the profurl spinex furler (I have the same for my A2) - add a longer extension line in between the sheets and the clew so that you can attach the sheets just before hoisting and not have them attached when in the sailbag . This way you can avoid the sheets from fouling (which always tends to happen if the stay attached when in storage). The longer extension line (ca 1.5m) will be enough to keep the sail neat when in the bag. This way you can leave the spinnaker sheets on deck prepared (attached to the pultpit) to be used when on passage if you want to avoid having to do that part of setting the sail when under way. Keep it up!

[@theresnobodyhere5778]

oh yeh smart move 👏👏👏👍

[@patricklaine6958]

Great suggestion.

[@jyveborg]

@@patricklaine6958 another suggestion that works really well for me is to use a ratchet block at the end of the continuous furling line and add a line to that block that you can tighten aftwards. This way you will have no accidental unfurls and you can tighten the furling line so you will have no slippage on the drum and will not have to worry about keeping the other end tight when furling. You will also only be able to furl the same direction every time. All you have to do to unfurl is to give the line to the ratchet block a little slack and the tighten it again to be ready for the next furl. I do a lot of solo and doublehanded sailing (recreational and racing) in Sweden and this setup works really great with fast setup times and minimizing time out of the cockpit.

[@MJGruskin]

Glad you know what you’re doing - this sail, that sail, inside, outside ??? OMG - my brain hurts - always love your posts - would sure like to know what you do when you’re not sailing - be safe out there and look forward to your future posts 👍👏🌹

[@emmamutimer]

“No bikinis!”- Thank God. Great to see you back Patrick. Lots to learn along with you again. 👍👍

[@ArcticSeaCamel]

Your calm attitude makes that kind of weather almost gentle. Thanks for these!

[@lorenzoward946]

A zen master was asked how he teaches his novice monks: “make it look easy but not too easy”. He meant easy enough so they thought they could do it but not so easy that they think they can foregoing the training. Your videos are in the same spirit. Bravo

[@patricklaine6958]

Absolutely. I certainly and forcefully suggest all beginners to learn first with a pro. That is what I did. These boats, and the sea, can be very dangerous for the unaware.

[@stephon4661]

😀Glad to see a new video from you Mr. Laine. You make great sailing entertainment and learning. It's a THUMBS UP for me👍👍

[@FunsongsMusicByPeterRahill]

767th subscriber LIKE; 3,664th desktop phantom shipmate view - envious that you got to spend time in Ireland.

[@SuperSpeedMonkey]

This guy keeps getting younger.

[@patricklaine6958]

Rage, rage against the dieing of the light.......or go have a nice glass of wine somewhere. :-)

[@ivok496]

Great to seen another video Patrick. I really very much enjoy them and congratulations on the new boat! She looks beautiful and sporty. I wish to see many more videos. Fair winds and following seas.

[@davidgreen40]

I saw that fin and thought “You’re going to need a bigger boat.”

[@HomeroBarros-q4s]

Yes, you should have negotiated the commission…Just ordered the second book. My granddaughter liked the first one very much. Thank you so much for these very inspirational videos. Cheers Patrick.

[@patricklaine6958]

Much appreciated Homero. 😊

[@WeWe-sk9ye]

Patrick you are a straight BOSS. God bless you and keep rocking brother

[@gazza0209]

I am not into sailing but watch all of your videos, I find them bizarrely relaxing and very informative, thanks to your videos I know so many terms for a sport that I have never taken part in and probably could hold my own in a discussion on the technicalities of the sport.

[@tonystephens1311]

Hi Patrick your almost home after an epic journey.Tony in Galway still being inspired with your incredible tenacity Safe sailing my friend

[@patricklaine6958]

Tony my friend. Great to hear from you. I had planned to stop in Galway again but then a near-perfect window to Iceland popped up. Thanks again for the wonderful assistance last time through. :-)

[@bobthesnobscotland2821]

You are amazing big man.Thank you very much.

[@randyclere2330]

My prayers of joy, happiness and clear sailing with ya!!

[@flashfictionsTD]

I enjoyed your sail in the North Atlantic. Looking forward to the next one. I'm glad to be a phantom shipmate.

[@drdecco1]

Bravo Patrick, your videos are a treasure…🥇

[@andyl-d6633]

Thanks Patrick … loved it as usual!! Look forward to the next episode best wishes 👍😃

[@RobertLarsonSF]

Thanks for having us aboard once again. I'll be certain to get a copy of volume II of Alessia in Atlantis for my granddaughter who enjoyed volume I.

[@DirkJacobsz]

Patrick - you make it look so easy- imoressive - thank you.

[@mryarrow2532]

Very much enjoy your videos. Thank you Patrick!

[@philclough]

great sailing. Nice to see you back.

[@rabukan5842]

Sailing vicariously through your journey... Patrick, you are the epitome of the adventurous man. I want to be like you when I grow up, and I'm 64. :)

[@patricklaine6958]

Hello youngster. 69. :-)

[@rabukan5842]

@@patricklaine6958 An elder brother :)

[@andypennybrown6848]

Love the quotes Patrick especially the measurement of waves, very true!

[@Anmeteor9663]

A passage well sailed Captain. Thanks for sharing the truth of singlehanded ocean sailing. No bikini required with quality adventure like yours.

[@ianbritton_UK]

Love your video thanks Patrick, I was watching it and thinking, wouldn't it be nicer to go to somewhere warmer! Then I had a laugh when the final comment appeared at the end 🙂 Sail safe.

[@chrismostert4394]

Thank you very much, REAL sailing! Keep it up please, Brilliant!!

[@edfrhes]

Thanks for bringing us along. I love your videos. Thumbs up.

[@johndagher9321]

Thanks for sharing Patrick!

[@Duartechamps]

Love your passages. Great energy.

[@dansiebens9441]

Really enjoy your travels and tales.. Thanks for sharing...

[@voilierlarigadelle2515]

only one word , BRAVO ! and it is a good lesson , always have the configuration which suit with the weather !!! You always follows your original path ! Good journey Patrick. Portez vous bien .Tonio

[@yb8080]

You and Erik are the 2 best sailors, an inspiration and a dream for some of us too old to attempt this.

[@SteveCuts]

Wow what an episode. Three great quotes in one episode, Oh Captain Oh Captain, a Whitman take off my favorite. ALSO the “How to Sail Oceans” refference was a killer. I had no idea you watched my pal Boothby. He and I have crossed paths many times with joyious times had by all. One day sir I’d be honored to meet you and whatever your current boat is. Join us this summer in the Narragasett Bay. this was one of my top episodes ever, well done.

[@patricklaine6958]

Far too kind Steve. Kevin is 'the sailor' when it comes to knowing the sea, and how to expertly operate a boat in all conditions, even without motor!

[@SteveCuts]

@@patricklaine6958 Boothby is a strict devotee of Lin and Larry Parday. However, I believe you both share the top title of Adventurer extraordinaire. As a professional editor and storyteller, I tease him often about his story arcs and sudden terminations. To each their own, but I like your graceful hand.

[@centermid7mb]

He waxes poetic . . . Love it

[@dennismacdonald2003]

❤❤❤ love your sailing videos. Cheers from Squamish BC Canada 🇨🇦

[@mitch8226]

Glad to see your back ,Captain

[@briancunningham2250]

Great video, as always, Patrick. Congratulations on yet another successful passage. I sailed to Iceland from Northern Ireland in1967 in a Vertue and although almost everything else has changed, the north Atlantic ocean and the weather remain the same.🙂

[@patricklaine6958]

Oh yes. She remains the master.

[@lancehowetravels]

Good to see you back in the saddle..err, cockpit, Patrick! Cheers for another great sail!

[@gariursic4778]

Patrick, I love to see your ocean crossings, I miss seeing the places you visit once you dock the ship even if it's just a quick glance where you dine or where you go once you get to port.... hahaha a little gossip The truth is that you inspire a lot ...

[@patricklaine6958]

Yeah, many people have made that remark, but the videos are already too long, and I have terrible camera equipment for travel log type stuff...... (For info, average viewing time of my videos is 8 minutes, and has not changed in 4 years.)

[@gerloczyek]

Yes, agree with everything Gistavo said. I usually just used the main fully let out to ease the spinnaker in or out. Also full tension on the torsion line is paramount when furling or unfurling, just dont forget to loosen it afterwards so you get a natural shape for your spinakker. Enjoy, you will soon get the hang of it! I may have just bought a Slotta 30 myself. It is a Polish made boat with a swing keel. Wish me luck bringing it Hungary from Oslo, Norway...

[@anthonyhammond3004]

Hello Patrick, I have two ideas for you. The lazy jack lines along your main sail are hanging around. Open the system, put the lines around a clamp at the mast and tighten them. No more hanging around, no more noisy sounds from them…… when you need them just open them again. Second safety Idea for all solo sailors. The furler line stowed over the safety rail, do it always the other way around, so when you grab it not from the outside, no from the inside from the cockpit. You donˋt have to lean over. Cheers Anthony

[@patricklaine6958]

I do that with the lazy Jack's sometimes, but having them 8n place sure helps when reading or dropping the sail in high winds. Completely agree on bringing the furling line into the cockpit. Most racing boats do that. It's not straight-forward on my boat due to technical constraints, but I'm going to give a lot of that to that.

[@truenorthhousedesign]

Hi Patrick I just recently came across your channel and I am really enjoying your content. You explain life on board as an older single hander with great detail and clarity. I am going back to your first post and work my way through the series. A great contribution! Cheers.

[@jej-uy4yh]

Très content de vous retrouver "à la barre" Patrick. Vos vidéos sont toujours intéressantes, tout comme vous. Grâce (ou à cause...) de gens comme vous je viens de me lancer moi aussi dans l'aventure de la voile. J'ai acheté un voilier (ne quid nimis) et je suis actuellement en train de faire mon premier voyage avec. Je n'étais jamais monté sur un voilier avant... so thanks for all the tips you give, and fair winds.

[@patricklaine6958]

J'ai commencé à l'age de 62....... bonnes navs !

[@evrenbayoglu5698]

your experiences keeping my spirits up, thank you

[@sigascosailing6787]

Another great offering from a proper sailor! Thank you Patrick really enjoyed that and the incremental fear (which was tangible). I’m looking forward to the next instalment already …fair winds and following seas Amigo! Be lucky be safe

[@sailingsheriff3349]

Great journey, explanation on the genaker, and video as usual. Such quality, education and experiences to learn from. Thank you. Look forward to the next video.

[@davydsmith2402]

Good to see you back in Ireland 🇮🇪Patrick ! Safe travels 👏👏