Anchoring in the Helford River : Fixing what broke after our roughest sail yet

[@christeague7596]

Helford river is my favourite in the whole of the UK.... absolutely stunning....thanks for the great footage....could stay there for weeks on the boat.....

[@Parknest]

The wisdom of making the short skaedown hops has been demonstrated. It is better to have these sort of failures on the shakedown rather than when you're out at sea. Melissa, it is good that you're tacking engine jobs. The late Queen Elizabeth II was a mechanic during WW2 so if she could do spannering so can you.

[@kharakim]

So much to admire in this episode, even Ollie, but especially Jack-what a wonderful young human being, who promises to be all anyone could want in their children. He's such a reflection and credit to his parents. Melissa's moxie and unflappability is a wonder to behold. And given Andy's versatility and strength to handle every challenge while simultaneously showing the family how to live righteously and compassionately, thankfully looks for places of quiet contentment and family love to meet his own needs. What a family!

[@jackdale9249]

agree! great parents ! why the gaps in the protective side netting ?

[@sailingmoonshadow3169]

​@@jackdale9249the gaps are in the gates. The netting is tied to the top wire and the toe rail so difficult to do that at a gate. Er, I think 🤔🤷🏻‍♂️

[@rolandtb3]

Not a race, no need to push the limits. Flat, calm, tranquil. Yes, rest, fix, recover.

[@StephenJones-x7g]

Great video. Makes me miss the UK and racing my laser on the Hamble, Stephen from Phoenix Arizona USA

[@davidnichols147]

Melissa, as a US Merchant Marine chief engineer, I must just say; "YOU GO GIRL"! Notice the engine trouble disappeared after you stopped the primer leak. Marvelous episode, enjoy the wedding.

[@megaman-hi1jl]

Just a quick word… As I was watching today’s episode, I needed to pause for a moment to answer the phone. When I came back to the video, I looked at the picture where it had paused. Andy had such a look of love on his face.(beard and all). He was looking at his beautiful bride. And it left no doubt of his feelings for her. You guys are awesome. Thank you.

[@SailingMelody]

🥰

[@GRANMotherH3N]

Wtg Melissa, sorting the engine issue 🎉 Definitely no beard. It takes years off you, Andy 👍🏻 you scrub up well, my lovely 😅

[@older-wiser-better]

Wow, Melissa got herself a new and ten years younger version of Andy ! Well done,Melissa ❤😅

[@wesleyshorse]

As someone who only started sailing in my mid-60s I am totally with the 'not in it for the adrenaline rush' comment. I deeply admire the Robin Knox-Johnstones of this world, but I have no ambition to emulate him. Quiet creeks, calm seas, moderate wind and moored up for an end-of sail cider. Perfect for me. (PS you made my son's day when he met you at The Boat Show last weekend!).

[@petertownsend1195]

Andy you look so much younger take care all of you have fun together.

[@paulwalker9423]

Another great episode I expected nothing less really one of the best channels I watch variety of sailing boat jobs scenery it’s just lovely and as I’ve repeatedly said moving slowly steadily great videos with information overlaid where you are truly fabulous other channels it’s all bang sailing sailing arrive set off absolutely nothing in the content of interest to me Hopefully you will get the cockpit and closure done before winter otherwise it’s gonna be blooming chilly 🥶

[@WimvdBrink]

Melissa looks perfectly happy 'salty hair but i don't care I had a wonderful trip' wow .. I love you 2 :-)

[@PaulBKal]

Well done Mechanic Melissa! I always wondered about that primer bulb in a diesel system. They are often the problem with outboards that won’t keep running. I guess they’re just not terribly robust. Our boat has a little electric pump up the line, between the primary Racor filter and the mechanical lift pump that can be used to prime it after filter changes or running out of fuel, etc. It seems to work fine, as a system. Oh, and 10 years younger Andy

[@barrynewbould2274]

Another great video,thanks for sharing it with us.

[@pmacgowan]

Captain Jack is becoming a invaluable crew member

[@jenateer2518]

It’s great Melissa that you know how to work on the basics on engines. Captain Jack is at an age where he could start learning the basics too like how to change fluids. Hopefully y’all get him trained quickly so that you will have a back up helper.

[@bobcornwell403]

I really like how Melissa and Jack are learning the boat systems and how to use and maintain them. I think that this is absolutely vital for successful voyaging.

[@usabayermicha6178]

after watching you guys for years, it' s nice to see you finally enjoying sailing and living on board. Also love how you did the doghouse. It will sure keep you out of the wind on passages, including solar and rainwater collection. Fair sails!

[@davideve6947]

Lovely video. Good to see the mizzen sail being hoisted! 😂❤️

[@SailingMelody]

😂🙈

[@karendunn4140]

You are awesome Melissa ! I could have cried on your behalf when all that washing and bedding got wet ! I don’t know how you do it with a youngster ! It’s bad enough with just the 2 of us ! You turn your hand to anything and are pretty successful ! Well done you!

[@SailingMelody]

Awh thanks!! It's definitely a challenge!

[@gking5522]

Plus 1 for the clean look! And Yes, you do look younger. I tried the beard look 30 years ago. After six months, I uncovered due to the itch. No matter what I washed or conditioned it with, it itched. Now that I'm a pensioner, I let it grow for a week or so, just to save on blades! Bloody expensive those. G King, SV Intuition

[@radicalradiotech4944]

Magical magical pictures of the anchorage love it! been there and done that so good!!

[@markchodroff250]

You look much younger without the beard!👍🏻👍🏻

[@johnowen8380]

Andy you should change the rubber fuel primer for an electric lift pump. There not expensive and it makes priming the system much easier. We have also found it help when starting as you are not waiting for the mechanical lift pump to work with the first few rotations of the engine. You can also keep the old lift pump as a backup if you want.

[@davidrichardson5163]

There's no rush, Andy, go with the flow - boats are for enjoying, and it's great to see that both Melissa and Jack are enjoying learning the ropes. Incidentally, you look fifteen years younger without the beard ........ although shaving when you're sailing is an unnecessary risk!!

[@Chris-be1fo]

Those few minutes in the bathroom took about 10 years of you 😊

[@rexmyers991]

Oh, gosh. I don’t know what it is about beards but I have always found them off putting. SO relived to see your smiling (younger looking) face again. Happy sailing, family.

[@FionsMcCormick-ox8tb]

You are both lovely do Not listen to the those people who Criticize. You are learning all the time and enjoying your adventures no matter where you are that is what counts. And teaching people like me lots of stuff.

[@jasonchamberlin1532]

Also - Good taste in Music Andy. Who doesn’t love a bit of Brad !!

[@UKvet246]

Those are ridiculous mooring buoy fees, that anchorage looked superb. With you 💯% regarding your comments about heavy weather sailing, that flat calm setting was idyllic.

[@Kathleensailorgirl]

Thanks for sharing such a lovely video, stunning scenery 🤩 , perfect sailing weather ⛵️⛵️⛵️🥰

[@kevinmartin3859]

Well done Andy for taking leap of faith and shaving the beard off does make you look younger I had a moustache once everyone said the same get it off so I did make you feel younger that was a lovely anchorage peaceful and tranquil I can see why you wanted to stay there you can always come back there one day the world is your oyster 😊😊😊

[@bishopkinlyside8477]

Hi Andy, Melissa, lightning Jack and Little Oliver wow £30 a night and you get nothing for it except a mooring ball. Harsh what happens if you want to stay there for a week costume fortune about $440 Australian a week absolutely craziness anyway keep up the good work. Good to see out and about lightning Jack looks like he’s having a good time little Oliver is growing up fast is so cute. Really appreciate you all Cliff from Australia

[@sailingelleray]

Hi Cliff, yes it is craziness. Mind you, I wanted to get a job done on my boat in Sydney and was offered a 'work berth' at a marina for $400 a day!?!?

[@NeilRedburn]

Don't know if i forgot to click "comment" yesterday...but good picture of the back of the Aig. du Midi and Mont Blanc in the head...

[@PMMM9]

Wonderful ❤

[@robert07787183]

Beautiful video. God bless you all 🙏

[@markchodroff250]

Just a little advice don’t use the starter battery for anything but starting , everything gets wired off the house batteries, your starter battery is for the engine only! Or you will be left with nothing but your sails in the worse of times ! Think about it !

[@SailingMelody]

Agreed 👍

[@stevebecker8389]

I spent a night on those balls a few years ago,they said i had to leave at 10am.Other sailors reckon it is normal to stay at least till 12noon.They really are an odd lot and i am glad i gave them a hard time.[good move, moving on] steve from Dartmouth.

[@keithwignall1428]

Not going to shave mine off, either! The very idea!

[@MarcelEling]

So beautiful and quite, very nice indeed🎉

[@Andy-gb4yr]

£30 for a swinging mooring 😮, totally agree, I was paying £15 in Oban or £100 for the week. Interesting to know what you have to pay in the Marina's. All the best.

[@СергейДеркач-у7ю]

Nice to see you again,Andy and Melissa, of course, and rest of the childish gang)))

[@sarahwilson5820]

Feeling your pain. We accidentally ran down our engine starter battery because we had (foolishly) commoned it with the house batteries and then not paid attention to the drain caused by radar, auto pilot, icebox etc. V expensive mistake, 3 new batteries and happily now got a proper battery monitor. Good luck!

[@cherjohnson5807]

Melissa, you’re awesome‼️

[@SailingMelody]

Thank you 🥰

[@medic_ray415]

Hi Guys didn’t Andy paint all the engine a short while ago only it looks like it needs another lick of paint. Anywho congratulations to you both on your wedding anniversary 🎉

[@SailingMelody]

Not that side 🙈🙈

[@medic_ray415]

@@SailingMelody Oh yes I remember now, My bad 🥴 enjoying watching your passages so far 👍🏼

[@Bill-482]

Have to say I agree with Mellisa you do look younger and I think Ollie was happy no more prickles lol 😂

[@solskengroupllp2758]

Actual sunshine! Helford is a beautiful spot. Yes, the gouging is off the charts these days. Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh, fishing. Andy, do you have room for more batteries or plans for a windmill power thingy?

[@trevhedges]

Thanks guys! 😊

[@SailingMelody]

Cheers Trev me old mate

[@normanboyes4983]

Well done to the diesel mechanic for sorting out the fuel issue.😉£30 for a moooring ball in the Helford is pretty outrageous - but I guess they have enough people paying it so they have no incentive to reduce the price. While you were in Helford - did you manage to hook up with Drake and Mo (from Drake Paragon on YT)? BTW when you were chatting about the alternator issue prior to the successful repair you menitioned connecting the autopilot to the engine start battery - please rethink that it is not the best idea. 😀👍⛵️

[@SailingMelody]

No we are not going to do that. Sometimes we accidentally say stupid stuff we don't mean 🙈

[@edithecrocker3421]

Hi there, I have a suggestion for you, with your cleaned clothes put them into a vacuum bag when storing. You could also plan your weeks worth of clothes at a time which are not vacuum packed. This would keep them clean and dry and being vacuum packed they won’t take up nearly as much space in the fore-hold either.

[@darrenjohnson4482]

As a diesel mechanic I cringed when that primer bulb was put on. Glad it is gone now, please may it never return.

[@jonathanscott550]

nice one

[@SailingMelody]

Thanks

[@mloret6745]

The music the music the music.

[@jackdale9249]

OMG ! another fine view ! thx ! wonder why sailboats do not have a smaller donkey, emergency engine like trawler yacht ? how big would it need to be to be able to power the boat in emergencies? would you want separate output shaft ? i suppose ideally ?

[@jasonchamberlin1532]

Sailing boats can sail so have two independent sources of propulsion. Any experienced sailor can anchor under sail in any situation and can moor to a quay/ pontoon in the right conditions. Given the reliability of modern diesel, there is no need for a third engine

[@jackdale9249]

@@jasonchamberlin1532 i said a 2nd engine ! clearly his engine died due to fuel issues ! would have been handy to have another ! to instantly come on line provide thrust ! to motor sail whilst repairing the first, main engine ! diesels die often enough i will have 2 engines in my boat ! you cannot depend on sails clearly you are at mercy of wind and they do NOT count as an engine ! look at all the times he is motor sailing NOT using sails alone ( or at all ) !

[@jasonchamberlin1532]

@@jackdale9249 - no sailing boats of normal size can fit a second engine without major surgery. And if you did, you would destroy the sailing performance from the extra drag - even a folding prop knocks about 1/2 knot off the speed. The cost would also go up. Probably another £10k to install a second engine and stern gear for something that would be rarely needed. The most likely reason for engine problems now is diesel bug so a second engine would be knocked out if you had that, better to spend the money on effective maintenance- even something like a diesel dipper for example. You could get one of those in for maybe £1500. The reality is that out at sea, there is no problem if the engine dies. You either drift or sail. If it gets close to danger you anchor it still drifting. Whilst many people motor sail, that’s convenient, not a must have so having the engine out of action is then just an inconvenience. Look at all the voyages undertaken by people with no engine or just an unreliable Stuart Turner in the bilge. You’re also very optimistic about the ability to repair it whilst underway. Something simple like a filter change is fair enough and many people will be able do that under sail. But anything more complicated- who would have the parts? All in all, an expensive solution to a non existent problem

[@sangcoeurs]

I think you guys got a lot of credit to sail with your kids…now I might be out of context but I am wondering when you are going to leave England to start visiting the world and make wonderful souvenirs and experiences.

[@SailingMelody]

The plan changes all the while but currently we have a few things to sort out and then we will be off but before then we want to do a few more bits to the boat and also do some heavy weather sail training while Ollie gets some time in kindergarten and playgroups with other toddlers

[@classicjaglover7438]

I can't believe you shaved the beard! the beard was great! I hope my captain fabulous comment wasn't a contributing factor. on the other hand nice for Oli to see your face clearly when he's so young (and for everyone else,I'm sure) I'll bet your pleased he won't be swinging off it either!

[@hansscholten5781]

Thirty pound for just a mooring buoy is insane indeed!

[@69spook]

I can't believe someone stood on your hatch (& broke it) while crossing your deck. What ever happened to sailing etiquette?

[@SailingMelody]

I know 😔

[@jackdale9249]

guess you need a removable wooden hatch over guard ! you would have a spare one if world cruising and or an emergency one of wood at ready ?

[@jaygee5693]

My thoughts too. Whoever did it would have felt, or heard, something snap, but decided to say nothing. Reprehensible behaviour. I hope the repair isn't too expensive, on top of the water ingress!

[@Chr.U.Cas1622]

Dear 69spook. Simply the same that happened to all etiquette respectively decency all around the world! Unfortunately it vanishes bit by bit and gets replaced by dumb brazenly and often even aggressive behaviour. Additionally there are way too many egomaniacs and narcissists on this planet nowadays. This is at least what my experience is. Nevertheless the boating community is usually good and kind folks (my opinion after watching lots and lots of sailing channel videos). Best regards, luck and health in particular.

[@charleshurst1311]

FYI there are good facilities ( showers, toilets ,restaurant and bar ) available to all visiting boats at Helford sailing club which is a short (5mins) dinghy ride from the visitor bouys

[@SailingMelody]

Oh!!! Nobody told us that. The guy who came round to take the money was very pleasant but didn’t offer that information

[@simonmills9427]

Not a race Andy and the beard does look good on you and my word 30 quid for a buoy no access to any facilities thats a true rip off may the waters be calm and the winds in favour great video and Mel will make a great mechanic adding to her already exceptional skills

[@gbthecamper458]

Andy I can not agree with you more. 30£ a night for a mooring ball is nuts when there is not an amenity in sight. It was a beautiful place where you anchored. Nice video.

[@SailingMelody]

Nuts isn’t it. Just a shame that people shrug and pay it because they will just keep racking the price up every year if nobody complains

[@spindlespringsranch3108]

Melissa…you go girl! It’s great that you are learning the mechanical systems.

[@carltontweedle5724]

Remember when you leave the UK you should always dive a mooring. But for 30 quid I would have dove it just to check if worth the cash. But like you said no water no electric rip off.

[@arwenevenstar9843]

Looking at your cockpit enclosure, it's not great looking. BUT, it is good looking! And I would absolutely choose that over a more sleek one. Having solar panels is so much a part of sailing today, that what you did was close to perfect. Having a good, solid lip on the edge, both for hand holds and water capture makes a difference. Most sail boats, like Ocean Melody before, have those canvas with light weight poles that if you fall on them, you could bend or even break them. Using light weight materials makes sense on a sail boat. But, on an ocean cruising sail boat what you have is so much better. I do miss the rear extension you planned into the enclosure. But, use of the boat by you and your family will determine if that was desired or needed. Good luck as always.

[@jenniferdavis8088]

I agree with Melissa you look younger without the beard

[@Turleyswheels]

what a great place beautiful that’s our coastline i do agree the beard makes you look like you want to catch whales lol it’s up to you ha ha can’t life be so good sometimes with a bit of nice weather no wind and nice and comfy with the family ❤ great to see time we shouldn’t rush injoy the times when you can 😜

[@markchodroff250]

You said you don’t like bad weather or rough seas just flat calm waves , we’ll let me tell you this is not your first boat is it ? And being a sailer everyone loves the nice smooth sails but life is a road of many hazards and for sailors is always the bad weather or tuff sails , you don’t have to test your self with weather but always be ready for,it and deal with it just like anything else the more experience you have with that bad weather the less it will bother you and before you know it it won’t be as bad to you as it is now . I had a 35’ sailboat for years and anything above 10 knots of wind was frightening but after sometime the wind and the waves became just a sight not a fear anymore and that made a better sail for me and everyone aboard!

[@MrSychnant]

Sailing is 10% reading about in and 90% experience.

[@jasonchamberlin1532]

Re the primer bulb. I only use one instead of the manual lift pump on the engine. - just connect to the primary filter after changing that and suck t( fuel through- saves so much time.

[@sailingarista]

No please keep nothing extra on starter battery

[@SailingMelody]

Agreed 👍

[@russgrant512]

There's way too much positivity without that beard!

[@SailingMelody]

😂

[@livingsimplytosimplylive6817]

You do you but I love you without the beard. You do look younger just like Melissa said. I’m not that much of a beard guy personally but what does my opinion matter. I love your videos. You have a wonderful family and you do whatever you want to do with your facial hair, young man.

[@SailingMelody]

Thank you ☺️

[@anchormanrps]

If you had an RNSA member aboard there's an RNSA mooring up on the first branch off on the north shore. Íf you ever have again it'll be free just keep an eye out for the burger.

[@SailingMelody]

Wow thank you so much that’s so kind :)

[@davepersich3035]

Can't believe the mooring and marina fees in the UK, for average people trying to get and keep a boat is getting more expensive every year. The average marina cost is more than what you would pay in Portugal and you can sail all year round there . There are a couple of exceptions, Cascais and Lagos are similar to UK rates. The only thing with Portugal is the waiting list.

[@christyhanlon554]

Andy, it takes 10 years off your age buddy, I am not one who comments on people’s looks but it really works without the beard. Personally speaking, and it is personally speaking, I think it’s a great improvement, not that you could improve on perfection 😃 Wheather you have a beard or not not is immaterial, but good move👍❤️👍👍🇮🇪 Bye the way, I have a goatee, but I am 61 and male😂😂😂

[@SailingMelody]

Lmao. 🤣 I thought I’d pulled then

[@clivestainlesssteelwomble7665]

Helford estuary is pretty but agree that for a night and no access to anything isnt encouraging. It can get worse the further E. you go but at least theres usually facillities available. Had to have a purile chuckle about Melissa going on about picking up a bouy for the night ...What dear lady you already have two and a perfectly servicible husband ... 😂🤣🤭🧙🏻‍♂️ Carry on sailing. If i remember correctly the Estuary is defined as the zone of Saline and freshwater tidal mixing ...

[@SailingMelody]

Don't mind so much if there are facilities. 😃

[@FranklinNewhart]

30 quid a ball. You have found the Pirates of Penzance.

[@paulthompson5892]

I am still waiting to hear your music in the back ground...and when are you going to write a theme song for Ocean Melody?

[@jaguar901000]

The end of this episode will be a golden moment in your life seeing Ollie’s reaction to you removing your beard.

[@redshifttrucking4537]

I liked the beard, but whatever Melissa prefers. As I gaze into my crystal ball, I see Jack becoming an expert spear fisherman, killing and eating selectively, given his great respect for wildlife... he becomes a a lobster tickling guru, enjoying his private time snorkeling the underwater crevices, and forests of kelp, happy to view and appreciate, but always on the lookout for a well foraged delicacy of the deep.

[@pauldolman7487]

I bet its really hard being a cautious person and living on a sail boat.

[@rcboatlife4907]

I didn't realise how expensive helford River is .. i keep my boat im Falmouth. Are you guys still in helford River?

[@SailingMelody]

We aren’t no we’ve moved along to Portland now. The videos are a few weeks behind realtime

[@patrickjones5682]

yes better! Mr no beard

[@Heiersjo]

😮 @ 24:50

[@SailingMelody]

Hahahaha cheers

[@lynnbulger9707]

Took about 20 years off you Andy

[@andrewthomasfinney752]

Nearly £11k for a year's buoy mooring. Cheap at half the... facilities! Sounds like the fuel problem could be that air is getting into the suction side of the lift pump. Check that any copper or Dowty washers aren't compromised and in particular are still round. Oval washers can have a small gap at one side, allowing air to be drawn in. If in doubt, change them all.

[@SailingMelody]

It was the primer bulb. Last time we had a problem and I was installing new pipes we were inundated with advice to install a primer bulb. Which we did. We purchased a “good quality” one and that’s when the problems started with air leaking into the system. Have removed it now and it’s been fine since.

[@andrewthomasfinney752]

@@SailingMelody I'm not too familiar with Yanmar engines however, it has to have a lift pump for it to run as the fuel tank is below decks. That should remove the need for a primer pump anyway, and to be honest in all my years as a diesel engine specialist I never came across an engine that needed an addition to its fuel injection system! If it's difficult to primer the air from the system, the diaphragm in the lift pump should be changed or a service exchange unit fitted.

[@michaelvanwinkle7919]

You look much younger without the beard.

[@SailingMelody]

You think? I’m not sure. 🤔

[@malteasing]

How funny, you are very handsome without the beard, watch out for the mermaids. 😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆

[@SailingMelody]

😂

[@JayPerrypersonal]

Don’t run the autopilot off the starter battery, crazy idea

[@SailingMelody]

Don’t worry I won’t. Don’t know why I said that

[@sailingmoonshadow3169]

I shaved mine off today. I look a good ten minutes younger 😅

[@SailingMelody]

😁

[@charleshurst1311]

If you are going to spend more time anchoring in places like the Helford river you seriously need to fit a holding tank. The grim reality of a family of four ( plus guests) pumping out raw sewage into such pristine environments where people are swimming, paddle boarding and generally having fun on the water doesn’t bear thinking about. You should make this a top priority especially if you head for the Med where tidal flows are weak.

[@SailingMelody]

Definitely. It’s VERY high on our priority list now. Along with a few other things we’ve identified as critical priorities

[@sinansahin2754]

Plus it is mandatory in some med countries anyway . But do fit a macerator . Gravity fed is just asking for trouble ...

[@JohnStapleton1]

Is it even allowable to captain a boat clean shaven ?😀

[@SailingMelody]

I’ll ask ChatGPT 😂

[@andrewcolquhoun4007]

Moorings are cheaper away fro the Uand pleanty of anchourages

[@andrewcolquhoun4007]

To create your tranquility and show the viewer I suggest much less fast forwarding

[@daniellawson9302]

Negativity???!! Someone's been pulling your whiskers brother! It also protects your face on those cold days at the helm!

[@maryjnorwood3962]

Absolutely gorgeous video. Beautiful! (Beards help protect the skin from harmful UV rays.) 😎😎😎❤️❤️❤️🥰🥰🥰🤗🤗🤗

[@haroldhorseposture9435]

Beard of negativity ? Cripes, who knew, eh ? Good job you lost it , mate ! That's also the last of your opportunities for work as a Barney Rubble lookalike, but you'll find other opportunities !

[@alangurman3961]

Starting battery for starting only.

[@SailingMelody]

Agreed 👍

[@СергейДеркач-у7ю]

Andy became ten years younger with no beard!!!)))

[@seal28halic90]

No no no. Always start from the fuel tank first then work your way towards the engine

[@SailingMelody]

Fair enough, I did except I did the filters first just in case.

[@seal28halic90]

Fair play for sorting the issue though. Well done. I always check the pre filter first because that's the first port of call then the fine filter on the engine. And so on. 9 times out of 10 it's the pre filter that needs changing. Good work 👍

[@FranklinNewhart]

You played a trick on us. You just had a video walking around the marina and you had a shortened beard and now you are here with a full bear and blink you have it shaved clean. There seems to be a missing period where you did the shave in two steps.