First Day SAILING ALONE with NO EXPERIENCE - Will it be my last?

First Day Sailing Alone with NO EXPERIENCE - Will it be my last?
In this video, I depart Traverse City, Michigan on my way to Midland, Ontario aboard my 1963 Pearson Triton sailboat.
Video Chapters
00:01 Intro
00:30 Launching a Pearson Triton Sailboat
03:00 Raising the Mast
03:45 Organizing the Cabin Space
10:03 Setting Up Reefing Lines
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[@juwright1949]

WOW! You should be so proud of yourself! That was a HUGE step you took. Well done. Looking forward to next leg of your adventure.

[@TrailguidePictures]

Thank you so much! I feel good with what I’m doing and the speed that I’m learning. It’s difficult, but rewarding

[@Moe-ge6vv]

Great job. Not a failure, just experience under your belt. This was exciting to watch. It looks like a lot of work!

[@TrailguidePictures]

Thank you! I agree, I’m trying to be as patient as I can with myself. It’s a big learning curve, but the experience is very rewarding

[@kevinbachly905]

I noticed that you were doing a lot of jibing. Try changing direction by making a tack, turning into the wind and allowing the boat to sail through the turn. It’s a lot easier on the sails and back stay. Remember to watch your head when that boom comes around. Good luck and enjoy your adventure.

[@TrailguidePictures]

Thanks for the tips! On the first day I was trying to practice as much as I could to get used to the boat and how everything worked. I’m not quite sure what you’re describing (to tack instead of jibe)

[@kevinbachly905]

@@TrailguidePictures Your boat should want to turn into the wind whenever you let the tiller go. If you use this feature, the boat should be easier to turn in the other direction.

[@TOMVUTHEPIMP]

@@kevinbachly905 It s a full keel. Its not going to do much when you let go of the tiller.

[@EllisBrookTherapies]

This is 100% more sailing than 99% of the planet has ever done. Fair to say 78% of people watching this are envious. Everyone makes mistakes but on open water, on a beautiful day, with safety gear and a working motor, that risk is pretty limited. The Tugboat I learnt to on only did a max 12 knots and used bulk-loads of diesel. So 8 knots unpowered and free is a good speed to learn at, certainly the right price. The halyard is driving you nuts, but ropes break, even really expensive thick mooring lines break in storms. Do the best you can and plan for failure. Have extra rope and a plan to get home when bad weather or things break. You can always buy another. Do I have to call you Captain Jason now though?

[@TrailguidePictures]

Thank you. Yeah, it’s a big learning curve… every day. 🤔 Captain? Um, maybe 🤣

[@JerseyShorePirate]

Greetings! I just purchased a 1960 Triton, hull #75, here in St. Petersburg FL. I've enjoyed your videos and they've helped me to craft an action plan. Incidentally, the man who I bought the boat from has owned her since 1970! She's been well taken care of.

[@TrailguidePictures]

Very cool! There is a Pearson Triton group on Facebook. If you’re not already, it’s a good source of information and to connect with other Triton owners

[@JerseyShorePirate]

Thank you!

[@marineworldclassifieds9867]

Nice first sail Man. There are no mistakes, just lessons. I admire your spirit.

[@TrailguidePictures]

Thank you I have a lot to learn but open to learning

[@bobloblaw1720]

We all have to do it for the first time. Too many people wait for the perfect moment and end up never going. Good for you. See you on the water!

[@TrailguidePictures]

Thanks. I think there are a lot of different types of sailor but those who want to explore and cruise, learning to single hand is beneficial

[@TheWorldsprayer]

You're where i hope to be in a year. Awesome to watch.

[@TrailguidePictures]

Thanks. You’re probably where I was a year ago. Read and study everything you can, the theory will be worth knowing

[@Kimonha]

Great job. That motor sounds is bopping along.

[@TrailguidePictures]

Thank you. lol, yes it sure is

[@MichaelR58]

Wonderful video, interesting, you did good , thanks for sharing YAH bless !

[@TrailguidePictures]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you

[@BrianthatiscalledBrian]

I'm impressed. 🙂👍

[@TrailguidePictures]

Thanks. It’s not perfect but I’m learning

[@todddunn945]

A pointer when tacking. Let the bow go through the wind before you cast off the jib. You have a full keel boat that will not tack as fast as a fin keel boat like the ones you took your sailing courses on. If you cast off the jib before the bow is through the wind you may not make it around particularly in light air. If you let the sail back wind before casting the jib off you will always get through the wind even in light air. When jibing I suggest sheeting the main in before the jibe. That will minimize the shock loading of the main sheet and also control the boom. You don't have to sheet the main in all the way, but don't jibe with the main all the way out. Also when the wind is up a bit and you are single handing it is safer and easier to turn into the wind and tack rather than doing a jibe. Finally, take your time. Plan what you are going to do then do it. These are just a couple of pointers from someone who has been sailing for 60 years. I single hand my Allied 36 ketch on the Maine coast.

[@TrailguidePictures]

Thanks, good points.

[@ericshayer]

Dude, you did what 90% of the beginners actually don't, which is having the guts to take the solo maiden voyage. This is what separates the real sailors from the rest. The mistakes are actually part of the learning process and should be welcome. Fair winds

[@TrailguidePictures]

Thanks. I think there are a lot of different boat owners. For me, I bought it to use. I know I have a lot to learn and plan to be open minded as I continue.

[@Tonecaster]

Well done Jason!

[@TrailguidePictures]

Thank you. Lots to learn

[@ericbergdahl6971]

Go at your own pace. Stay near the shore if that makes you feel better. Be safe.

[@TrailguidePictures]

Yes, trying to go at my own pace but also trying not to rush. Seems most of my careless mistakes are from not being prepared and then rushing to do something

[@JamesKrouse]

Great job! One thing I would do is keep your hatch slid closed. When you're walking around on deck messing with the boom it's possible to misstep and take a nasty spill down below.

[@TrailguidePictures]

Great point! It’s definitely something I’m trying to remember. A few times I’ve been up there and realized it’s open, then close it before continuing. That could be a horrible fall

[@ShelaghsScintillatingShee]

Great job, mistakes are part of the learning process.

[@TrailguidePictures]

Absolutely! Thank you

[@PatriotCanadian]

I noticed a lot of play in the rudder handle. Best ya inspect ot!

[@angieguzman2325]

El primer dia de muchos, aprendiendo ⛵️ things happens sometimes, lo estás haciendo muy bien 😉 🙏 Con cuidado 💕

[@TrailguidePictures]

Thank you

[@johnwalker5938]

need to sheet the main in before you gibe the boat. This will reduce the rapid traverse of the boom that just missed your head. Keep practicing and good luck

[@loraineriddell7157]

Just look at the colour of that water .... Beautiful. By the time you reach your destination you'll be an experienced sailor in your yacht. Good on you for doing what you're doing 👏👏. Looking forward to joining you on your journey.

[@TrailguidePictures]

Thank you

[@teeheeteeheeish]

Just relax. Don't give up. You did a superb job. I have only ever single-handed on my Catalina 22. I was terrified the first time, but now it is easy. Also, dont be afraid of sailing genoa only when going downwind and main only when going upwind. I do that all that time. You're doing everything right and you're on the right heading.

[@TrailguidePictures]

Thanks. It’s getting a teeny bit easier as I continue to learn.

[@teeheeteeheeish]

@@TrailguidePictures you get exponentially better every time. Sailing gives back what you put into it, and I love it for its purity. There’s a reason coast guard certifications take a certain amount of days at sea. You won’t figure it out in one go!

[@russko118]

it's not good for the sail to let it flap for long

[@teeheeteeheeish]

@@russko118 who said anything about that

[@TOMVUTHEPIMP]

The way to learn is just go out like this on calm days, pull lines and see what happens. You will learn quick. . Based on what I see, Id bring in the mainsheet (center the boom) before you tack or jibe so you dont get wacked with the boom or mainsheet. Its one less thing to deal with. Your headsail sheet lines look too big for the winches. On a smaller boat like this you may be able to get away with it. Practice and see. There does not have to be a bunch of panic and hurry when you tack and jibe. You're just cruising, not racing. Relax.

[@TrailguidePictures]

Great suggestions, thanks. I was thinking about reducing the diameter of the jib lines too

[@beachcomberz]

This will be an interesting series. I have never sailed but stumble on some popular sailing channels about 5 years ago and have watched 1000’s of hours. I don’t think I could stand the tiller and/or the lines running to the floor in the cockpit. So cluttered!! Good for you tho. It’s not going to hold you back. From Toronto - B

[@bobloblaw1720]

Search highland yacht club fun race. Every other Monday at the bluffs. You don’t need to be a member or own a boat. Sign up, turn up and you can almost always hop on a boat as crew.

[@TrailguidePictures]

Thanks. Yes, the lines drive me a bit nuts but I’m getting used to them. I think it will be better organized

[@Anasta43]

You are very brave, based on your meticulousness from many videos back you will be of to a great adventure. All the best prayers go with you.

[@TrailguidePictures]

Thank you so much!

[@autobahnmensch]

Good effort, but I hope no one takes this as a thing to do. Sailing is a lot of fun, but you can get into trouble faster than you think. I would encourage anyone who wants to sail to take the recommended classes and certifications, then to get some sailing with someone who is more experienced before setting out alone. Sailing alone and inexperienced has three possible outcomes: nothing bad happens and you have a nice day on the water; something bad happens and you injure yourself or the boat; something bad happens and you put others in danger. Luck and hope are not planning factors.

[@TrailguidePictures]

Thanks

[@calmwatersailor1947]

Great video. You did very well for a first solo sail. A couple of little tips, when you unfurl your foresail pulling out the jib sheet keep the furling line in your hand. If the wind grabs the foresail and whips it out quickly you can end up with a birds nest of line around your furling drum ..... and often won’t realise it until you try and furl it back in and it won’t budge due to being jammed. I now have all my lines and halyards led back to the cockpit and it makes life so simple not having to go to the mast hardly ever. Another great help to me was buying a tiller Pilot. Brilliant for keeping the boat head to wind under engine while hoisting or lowering my sails. Good luck and look forward to more of your videos. Ps I have a 23 foot bilge keeler and am fairly novice still 👍

[@calmwatersailor1947]

Didn’t realise yours was 28ft. Thought it was smaller when I saw outboard motor in the well.

[@TrailguidePictures]

Definitely good advice. I’ve started to do exactly that. I had the headsail spill out quick once and now control it much better. I wish my lines came back to the cockpit. They will in the future. I don’t really care for leaving the cockpit to go up to the mast, leaving the tiller…

[@lanetatom2701]

Atom Voyager got some new mast and boom on an episode. Any plans like that some day?

[@TrailguidePictures]

I have plans for the boat but also need to be realistic and take my time to know if this is the right boat for me. I would like to replace and upgrade a lot of the standing rigging, not necessarily the mast. I’d need to have it assessed, but the boom, chain plates etc

[@cindyk3076]

Dang, sailing alone is so much work! It's good that the halyard problem came now when you were so close to shore and it was easily (but $$$) fixed. Whatever caused the problem, you found a solution and it is fixed, not bad for your first trip! Each day under sail is one more day of experience.

[@TrailguidePictures]

Thank you, yes, it is sooo much work. 😅 I need a nap

[@sarahwilson5820]

Everyone has to start somewhere. Keep your head down and away from the boom. Look at fitting a gybe preventer, an old halyard will do. Fit a life line down the centre of the boat and clip on. One hand for you and one for the boat.

[@TrailguidePictures]

Thanks. Ive set the height of my boom higher than my head but a preventer is definitely in the plans

[@sarahwilson5820]

​@@TrailguidePictures more sitting down would help, as soon as you stand on those side seats you become a target. The kicking strap/vang topping lift combo is to get better sail shape rather than a health and safety device. A rigid vang / strut is a worthwhile and modest investment to prevent boom crash. And a tiller pilot/tamer. One less thing to worry about.

[@bobbrown118]

Great job! I am sure the adrenaline was flowing during the first while!! Looking forward to the next adventure! Cheers BB

[@TrailguidePictures]

It was! Every morning I’m still nervous before heading out but it slowly calms and adrenaline kicks in… and from time to time a bit of fear

[@rogerdepretto440]

You need to step out of your safety zone to reap the rewards.

[@TrailguidePictures]

Yes, little by little

[@TrailguidePictures]

Yes, little by little

[@J.Paul2023]

Great to share but I would watch that boom and keep it tightened securely and watch it at all times!....(I don't think we needed to know what was missing though.)

[@TrailguidePictures]

Keep it tightened?

[@ShelaghsScintillatingShee]

How about a jibe preventer?

[@Woobieeee]

This is how i learned to sail.

[@TrailguidePictures]

It’s a tough way to learn but it also forces you to learn quickly

[@Woobieeee]

@@TrailguidePictures gotta do what you gotta do.

[@JM-yd9sm]

Well done. I would have to get rid of that bucket and extra rope, Il’d be tripping all over it!

[@TrailguidePictures]

Yep. The bucket is the anchor chain but now it’s stowed away if I’m not anchoring

[@hunterkellogg]

Im on a mooring ball at the Northport boat yard. When did you film this?

[@TrailguidePictures]

A few weeks ago. I was at Elmwood. You’re in a beautiful spot

[@edisonturner8218]

Great vid! How much headspace does the cabin have? Been looking at a boat near me, but I’m right around 6’3”

[@TrailguidePictures]

Thanks. I made a video about why I chose the Triton here 7 Characteristics making a Pearson Triton a GREAT Small Ocean Passage Maker for Solo Sailing kzbin.info/www/bejne/f3alaX6KqLl3aNk

[@TOMVUTHEPIMP]

You going to "Go ouuuut?"

[@russko118]

i'd say for a beginner solo not bad at all

[@TrailguidePictures]

Thanks. One things certain, I can only get better 😅

[@ericshayer]

sweet boat, which boat is this?

[@TrailguidePictures]

Thank you again. It’s a 1963 Pearson Triton, 28 ft with 4’6” draft, full keel and a fractional sloop. She’s a forgiving old girl and so far doesn’t mind my mistakes

[@user-sj9bh5tf7i]

Maybe get an auto pilot when sailing alone.

[@TrailguidePictures]

Would definitely be helpful but not sure if I could use it in the archipelago area I’m sailing through