Ep 65 Sailing Solo to 2 Rocks and an Emerald; Part 1: Rockall

I do a bit of pre-departure maintenance, and then cast off my lines for Rockall -- an isolated Atlantic rock 250 NM Northwest of Ireland. A few maneuver demos (hove to, docking), the Volvo MDI bypass, a sad bird story, reefing strategy and some musical references to test your cultural depth. :-) 1030 NM sailed from La Rochelle to Rockall. Part 1 of two part series.

[@JamesAnderson-zq7re]

Hurrah! Good to see you back Patrick.

[@tomfortner3023]

Ditto

[@aaammm1606]

Hurrah indeed. One of the best channels ever - plain-speaking and with pinches of humour. Phew...!

[@michaelwachter1658]

100%

[@patricklaine6958]

Much appreciated. Fair winds to you.

[@brettharrison2237]

What he said!

[@moatfarmsuffolks4471]

I spent 2 hours last evening watching old episodes from Patrick only to be surprised and delighted by a new episode this evening. Fair Winds and Following Seas Patrick!

[@stefanolo2]

Me too 😂 Last night I was thinking to myself, when is Patrick going to post the next video? 😅

[@Luigi_Vaz]

you should buy a lotto ticket this week :)

[@flinstone59]

Welcome back dear Patrick. It's really a pleasure to have good news from you. All the best!!!

[@MattESchmidt]

Great to see you again Patrick

[@tsurdyk]

Welcome back, Patrick. Always a joy to see you with a tilted horizon behind.

[@garrett3751]

Happy to have you back Patrick!

[@selimbilgisin9049]

Dear Patrick , love watching yr videos , thank you

[@darren5472]

Welcome back, Phantom Captain! Missed your content and looking forwards to more adventures!

[@Chris-bl5fs]

Some of the most enjoyable sailing content on YT! Thanks for taking us along Patrick!

[@janjansenvanrensburg9516]

Welcome back Patrick, fantastic to sail with you again!

[@davecoleman6855]

Patrick happy to see you sailing again! As an old sailor with a bald head and grey beard I appreciate your music references from my early years. Sail true and looking forward to the next episode.

[@kla1109]

Excellent! Patrick is back with a full on video and with everything; in and out the water, wonderful :)

[@SamHutchings-hv7xo]

Amazing to see you back - you inspired me to sail the English Channel solo last summer. Doing it again this year from Portsmouth - Roscoff and back. You've been a real inspiration so thanks so much.

[@patricklaine6958]

Great. That's a pretty challenging first solo crossing of the Channel. Bravo.

[@ObnoxiousPlayer]

Very happy to see you back, Patrick.

[@tifdruk34]

Finally glad to see you back Patrick, wish you fair winds and following seas.

[@SnowGladiators]

Great to see you back sailing Patrick!! ⛵⛵

[@jej-uy4yh]

gentleman, humble et (trop) rare, et pourtant oh combien efficace !! le John Paul Jones de la voile est de retour pour notre plus grand plaisir. bon vent pour cette saison Patrick.

[@patricklaine6958]

Beaucoup trop gentil. Bonne nav à vous.

[@danieldesormeau7334]

Great to see you in great spirits Patrick. Looking forward to this season's adventures. You bring something unique that makes us feel we are sailing with you like no other YT channels. Thank you ! 😊

[@bradshore6099]

Great to have you back Sir!

[@samingosailing]

Fascinating backups with the engine Patrick. Ghastly MDI failures. Still terrified by your speed machine! Another terrific video. A benign day off Rockall! Fabulous.

[@patricklaine6958]

Many thanks James. This was a lot of fun --- and boring in the good sense of that world!

[@samingosailing]

@@patricklaine6958 An uneventful passage is how we like them. It means its been a safe passage ... it is never ever boring doing things right

[@dimitrijovanovic5475]

dear Patrick, a big THANK YOU for all the videos you are posting! Very inspirtional and helpful with great learnings!

[@sailingsheriff3349]

Great to have you back Patrick. Looking forward to watching your progress. Enjoy as much as I enjoy your channel

[@iantyler3398]

Welcome back and fun to see Rockall. I last saw it in the late 70's on board RRS Challenger when I was part of a team doing oceanographic stuff in the area!

[@patricklaine6958]

I wonder what the depth of Helen's Reef was back then...... My charts show 17 meters, so I don't know how the ship ran aground there.

[@_pocketsand]

So happy to see another episode! Thank You Patrick!

[@dag_andersen]

Thank you Patrick, fantastic to have you back with more episodes!

[@DennisMacdonald-r7d]

Happy ur back, Patrick Fair Winds

[@davidbowen9492]

Great to have you back on KZbin, looking forward to your travels in 2024 all the best from Kirkwall in Orkney

[@patricklaine6958]

I'm angry with myself for not having stopped there a few years ago, and now I have by-passed them again-- so close, but yet so far. Still on my bucket list.

[@javierechevarria1548]

Hello dearest Patrick!!! I was checking regularly your channel because I wanted to hear about your 2024 adventures. Really happy to see you that you are well. Thank you for entertaining and educating all of us on how to sail, music and geography. I love your sense of humor. Seriously, it is a pleasure watching your episodes. Your secret fan !!!

[@patricklaine6958]

Far too kind. Thanks.

[@philipwright7186]

There's something very classy - and French - about sailing hove-to so you can cook a good meal. A pleasure to be accompanying your travels again.

[@eoincierans3212]

Great to see you Patrick , love your videos

[@WavedancerWesterlyfulmar]

Ah brilliant to see you back at the helm for another great episode

[@patricklaine6958]

And welcome back for the ride!

[@TheDude-jp6yz]

You sandbagged us! Great to see you back! Can’t wait to watch this newest video!

[@Luzt.]

Sir, you are a class act. It's a pleasure to have, even this one sided, interaction with you. Being a pilot might have given you some polish. From a few flights I had, I was never disappointed with BA pilots. Lufthansa ones also have this "class". Fair winds and good luck!

[@patricklaine6958]

Far too kind. Many thanks.

[@normanboyes4983]

Thank you so much for sharing this and can I tell you - I smiled all the way through it.😀👍⛵️

[@mlefeber4227]

You and Christian are my heroes and inspiration to keep on sailing!

[@DavidIke07]

.........Throw in Sam holmes just for kicks. Another really cool young man.

[@patricklaine6958]

I'd love to meet Christian some day --- but he is a far more accomplished sailor than I am. He is in a class by himself. Fair winds to you.

[@s.v.corycia5643]

You are a modest Gentleman sailor! I enjoy your adventures, thank you. I also sail 'The Boothby way', and I am heading to Rockall, but have to run the gauntlet of the Med and then the orcas. I miss the North Atlantic. Fair winds!

[@patricklaine6958]

Good luck with the Orcas. They seem to be quite active this season. :-(

[@robertmathews2514]

Nice one Patrick, fair winds.

[@johngilchrist1224]

Hi Patrick, its great to have you back, looking forward to more episodes 👍

[@raymcerlean55]

Great to see you back again.

[@tonycoldwell5418]

"the French Neil Diamond"... another surprise quote from you. 😂👏

[@patricklaine6958]

Ha! Probably not the best comparison.....but it came to mind spontaneously.

[@dominiquepajot2148]

Oops! I am late but to catch your 2024 adventures but as always it is such a pleasure to spend some time with you Patrick and as a bonus learn so many useful, interesting and/or fun things. I am looking forward to the nest two chapters...

[@ruaraidhmcdonald-walker9524]

Fantastique!! Season starts here! Bonjour Patrick! Phantom shipmate reporting for duty! No jankers for me! You’ll need a good press or press tool to remove the bearing and seal.

[@samss356]

Finally!!! Good to see you’re doing well sir 🫶🏼

[@brucebrown9604]

As a French-American living in France and sailing in Brittany, your videos always strike a chord and are a source of inspiration! What a great idea to go to Rockall, an amazing rock in the midst of the Atlantic! Many thanks for your time and effort to film and share 😎

[@patricklaine6958]

Welcome compatriot. I lived in Landivisiau for a while -- and loved Bretagne, even with its rude weather.

[@jamesfullerton-hp8nk]

Welcome back Patrick. Great to see you on the water and looking so well. Fair winds.

[@matthewlawson884]

Always a pleasure to follow your adventures. Thank you for sharing

[@ooweesaler]

So good to see you back Patrick one of my favourite channels. Fair winds.

[@ericmees1242]

Good to see you again Patrick, we missed you and Jenna. She must be happy now, back on the sea.

[@stevelawrie9115]

🙂 I like you're avid fanbase are more than happy to see you're videos, whenever you're happy to post them.

[@jeffb.140]

He's alive!

[@davidbroman8391]

Fantastic to see you back on the water Patrick. Looking forward to being your phantom shipmate again!

[@edwardmalthouse973]

I'm happy to see that you're back on the water and off on another adventure. You've inspired me since your trip to the Azores and I thank you! Have a great trip.

[@andrewkenny4633]

Great to see you back I will be following your travels with interest as I can't sail this year medical team won't let me begin treated for cancer hopefully I will have my boat back in the water for next season I also follow JSNB on his travels. Fair winds and safe sailing Patrick

[@patricklaine6958]

I too have done the cancer thing. Best wishes to you for a complete recovery and getting back out on the water soon.

[@kevinworth7739]

Thats not a rock,its a stone. Great to see you still flying high Patrick.

[@patricklaine6958]

Well, who does this 'elevation' belong to? ;-)

[@StephenJones-x7g]

Happy to see you back. Always enjoyed following along with you.

[@christophermelling]

You have made my day! Just fantastic to see you again. Jim in NZ.

[@DinoSilva-ly6gr]

Hi Patrick, Thanks for your videos. I had the same problem to start engine sometimes - had to use the screwdriver. A couple years ago, I removed that part and connected wires directely, and works perfectelly. Birds problem: these year will try with a cage and free them next harbour. All the best, dino

[@patricklaine6958]

Yeah, I think putting them in a cage and releasing them at the next port is a good idea, if logistically a little bit difficult. That said, while I wouldn't hesitate transplanting a bird from Scotland to Ireland, to take an Irish bird and transplant it to the Caribbean is probably not a good idea (invasive species, etc.). Tough call.

[@peterostrom6271]

I was missing you! Great that you are back. Peter from Helsinki, Finland.

[@unirapide7726]

Great to see you’re back at it! Just got home from a nice weekend at and on the water and your video was the icing on the cake!

[@edwardfinn4141]

Another good one Patrick!

[@patricklaine6958]

Many thanks Edward. You staying local this year or heading into blue water?

[@edwardfinn4141]

@@patricklaine6958 We lifted out in Freeport Bahamas in April, we will return next year and slowly cruise up the east coast of the USA. We will just do some local cruising with friends this summer.

[@henrikmadsen6100]

Great to have you back, Patrick! Have fun!

[@davidv.2050]

Haven’t seen new episodes lately and then all of a sudden, POW! I like Jenna’s color scheme .

[@gregoryfrancisjames5071]

Welcome back Patrick. Most entertaining as per ....

[@4x4ROADTRIP]

You are such a cool guy. Informed, intelligent, versatile. Thx for your content. 😊

[@patricklaine6958]

Far too kind with your feedback 4X4. Many thanks.

[@marlin140]

Good to see you back Patrickand with the song titles👍

[@Mezig34976]

On n'est peut être pas obligé de trouver quelque chose, mais juste se contenter de naviguer.. En ce qui me concerne, cela me conviendrait parfaitement... Content de vous retrouver sur l'eau et merci pour le partage! Bon vent!

[@patricklaine6958]

Voyage, voyage, éternellement. Regarde l'océan. :-)

[@gustavomedellin1466]

I was thinking about you just last night! Then, this popped up! So glad to see you sailing.

[@mikesimpson5959]

So glad to see you again. Enjoy your videos!

[@bethehokies]

Lovely subtle pan to the Irish Tricolour when speaking about rockall. Rock on - Rockall 😂

[@patricklaine6958]

You noticed! ;-)

[@p.c.h.6721]

Good to see you again, we've been missing you!

[@goodq]

I am not kidding. I checked on your KZbin channel maybe an hour before you posted this and I was telling myself I should comment on a KZbin video saying we miss you. Then I wake up this morning and I see this video how lovely I’m about to watch this thank you very much❤❤❤

[@goodq]

Just finished watching. so lovely to see you back posting! Also lovely to see HTSO and NBJS mentioned in your video =) Fair winds skip

[@patricklaine6958]

Many thanks Skip. Much appreciated.

[@pauljohns-oh7lx]

Hey Patrick. So happy to see that you are back at this! We do enjoy being phantom shipmates!

[@freekvermeulen2222]

Mo godverdomme, Patrick ! C'est un plaisir de vous revoir.

[@vingreensill]

Good to see you again Patrick. Thanks for sharing your interesting journey. That MDI thing is interesting to know about, can’t be long before someone either OEM or otherwise, engineers a better solution. Watching your heave to drill was quite good. The boat size, drill, explanation, and camera position during the drill helped improve the understanding. Thank you. I am also a fan of Kevin’s too. Safe travels.

[@patricklaine6958]

Thanks for the kind feedback. Much appreciated.

[@365Tim]

Thanks Patrick you are an inspiration! Done lots of sailing but your videos give me inspiration to get back out there! Next for me is the Melbourne to Osaka two handed!

[@patricklaine6958]

Excellent. I'd love to see that. Very few attempt going to Japan. Have a great adventure.

[@bhodson7954]

Single malt and a new video after so long. Good to see you back!

[@johnmaclean1322]

Good to see you Patrick, very good video, your usual quality😊

[@Duartechamps]

I was missing your videos. I am glad to find you well!

[@soggybottom3463]

Wonderful to see you Skipper Patrick. I assumed you were busy helming a foiling trimaran with your toes off the Gulf of Thailand whilst being fed exotic treats by scantily clad nymphets. So pleased (eh????) to find you beating into a northerly off the W coast of Ireland with no sirens or CNDP within a 100 clicks. What a relief! x👍😅🤗🤗

[@patricklaine6958]

Yeah, I'll always be old school. :-) Thanks for following along.

[@darz3]

Great to see you on your adventures again

[@philipfauchon197]

So glad to see you back.

[@hallgeirholthe9071]

Good to see you back. You are an inspiration. Just watched this one in our 41` Bavaria with my daughter heading out for small adventuers.

[@patricklaine6958]

I loved my Bavaria and after 18 hours of pitching and rolling in 'performance' boats, wonder why I ever sold it. Fair winds.

[@hallgeirholthe9071]

Fair Winds!

[@jesusbeiro6113]

Call me the breeze.. seems to me the right tune Patrick !! Fair winds in your present adventure!!! And ,as always, Cheers from Muros !

[@patricklaine6958]

Welcome back Jésus. Call Me The Breeze. A great song by the master JJ Cale.

[@ahmadfarrall2097]

Way to go, wow Patrick is back. Fantastic

[@Nerd3927]

Very happy to see a video from you, and also the prommise of a part 2!

[@robertmathews2514]

Thanks for reminding me of that album by Traffic

[@patricklaine6958]

Steve Winwood is a genius, and the most under-rated rocker ever!

[@davidi4306]

Greetings from South Australia! Good to see you posting again. Looks like you got your topsides paint damage fixed. Your boat looks great. Chatting to a friend and discovered he had sailed on a larger RM boat across the Pacific. Looking forward to Part 2.

[@patricklaine6958]

Yeah, I should have flashed on the paint touch-up. I ordered the original RAL number color spec, and then did a very light wet sanding in the area concerned, taped it off, and sprayed it on. The color did not match all that well (due to UV fading on the original), but it is close enough to not stick out too much, and much better than the scratches.

[@garryparkes9121]

What you are looking for is in the Big Pond. Good to see you back!

[@patricklaine6958]

I'll keep searching. :-)

[@kevinokane4141]

Good to see you back!

[@royballantine6788]

Great to hear from you again!

[@robertomartinez.8609]

you are amaizing, all inspiration....keep sailing and enjoy...

[@paulthew2]

You're back, fantastic! Great video, too!

[@finastrofs]

I’m happy to see you again, sir!

[@cbrusharmy]

I'm enjoying your storytelling.

[@KennyJacobs]

Great to see more sailing from you!

[@geoffcampbell5681]

Great to see you back at sea!

[@lexvantwater5417]

Good to see you back again

[@kevinmills5293]

Always a pleasure to watch.

[@Crowscratch_HauntedLibrary]

Wonderful to have you back, Monsieur Laine! I cannot tell you how much I have missed being a phantom shipmate! Your videos are always such a delight. Thank you so very much!

[@rafaellago3480]

Good to see you back afloat Pat!! Enjoy the ride and remember the invite to sail the Med together is still on! Yeah... I know you don't like the Med, but it can be as challenging as the Atlantic 😊 Thanks for sharing and godspeed!

[@patricklaine6958]

Oh I know the wx in the Med can be very challenging, and changes very, very rapidly. I lived on the coast near Toulon for 2 years. Great memories. My family wants me to stop the polar expeditions, so I may head south int he future. :-)