How I became a member of the Prince William Sound Rock Club

[@welewisiii]

venture has been in some precarious situation all over the world and that is the first damage below water line. all the submerged rocks and trees we have seen in your videos. a true testament to the skill of all aboard

[@ronaldsimmons8346]

I can't tell you how much I enjoy these videos. The best single word I can think of is grace. The narration, the graphics, the videography, the editing and the beauty of the subject. In a very selfish way, I hope you continue documenting your wonderful engaging experiences forever. God speed.

[@oliver.siegen]

Thanks god nobody was hurt. And thank you for another Film which is again so wonderful…

[@jamespenrose5278]

I can imagine the pain you must have felt in the grounding, but glad to see that you were able to effect repairs. Thank you for your wonderful videos.

[@gregsage1605]

Fortunate that Venture was designed and built well enough to survive that rock and that there was a lift that could accommodate you. The area is stunningly beautiful. Thank you for sharing.

[@jmsask]

I’m always amazed at the quality of your videos.

[@apennell3575]

A masterpiece

[@stevehelliwell9101]

No matter your predicament, your filming and editing skills never take a tumble. Excellent work Sir.

[@peterlocke5204]

Knowing how much care you take with navigation Tony, this must have been a very shocking incident, so glad it all turned out well in the end. Thanks for your wonderful insights into the beauty, trials and tribulations of cruising in these amazing places you are so fortunate to visit.Cheers and safe passage in the future, warmest wishes, Peter.

[@shirleyboy8859]

"The Man that has never made a mistake has never made Anything"... So my Dear Old Dad used to say........ Learn and move on...... I am very glad it was only a "Flesh Wound" Tony..... Stay safe and Fair Winds for you........ :-))) xx

[@bami-73]

Thank you for sharing! Amazing beauty and great videos!

[@hobbsy4261]

So, it’s not all plain sailing !! But another inspiring video- Thankyou Tony. I don’t feel so bad now after scraping my Chrysler voyager against my wall recently !!! Thankyou for this, another look at everyday life afloat. Also thanks for the Southampton to Scotland Iceland film which I still find so interesting to watch. In fact it inspired me to take that beach landing flight to Barra just recently (Sept 24). Was hoping you might have been at the Southampton Boat show this year but my friends said not. Best regards Alan (it would be nice to have a date reference to this your latest film. )Thankyou.

[@FlemingYachts]

The video was completed today. We hit the rock July 6th 2024

[@JeffHubbel]

Thank you for another beautiful video and such a candid reporting of your incident. We, too, joined the club this year in SE Alaska and though our wounds were superficial and we were able to wait until our return, we are currently in the yard and in the repair process. We look at our experience as the reminder you mentioned, against complacency. Thank you, again.

[@apennell3575]

Tony. thank you so much for another wonderful Video.Lucky that you were close to the boat repair company.

[@randygiles845]

I love your videos, thank you for sharing your adventures.

[@DaddyForeverYess]

Newcomer here…sorry to hear about Venture. I was once trained by the US Navy to employ a box patch in case of hull damage. Fortunately I never had to use that knowledge. I’m glad Venture didn’t need such repairs. Appreciate the content!

[@FLGurl]

🙏 and grateful all were safe on the mishap and that you were close enough to get the repairs needed. 🤗

[@cindykendall6934]

OMG ! Thankfully there wasn’t a leak and you’re all ok. A bit of a heart thumper - but all is well thank goodness. Love your films Tony we’re always looking out for them. We wish you & Louisa good health and many more years of filming. Cindy & Col NSW Australia

[@jameshamre8778]

Glad you were at the helm. Always best for owner to be the responsible party. As always, it's a great story! Sail on!

[@Teresafromtheyarnshop]

I have been waiting since the cliff hanger from the last video....but I did not expect that! I'm glad no one was injured. I'm sorry for your experience.

[@grindene]

Thank you for the great film. Your comments are so good!

[@gc1914]

probably unavailable ? and you kept on , smart thinking after the misshape, true seamen.

[@ettoreproductscompanyemea7031]

Glad to see Venture back in the water🙏.

[@chriskiwi2601]

That is a shocking surprise to such a beautiful boat. Every time I watch your videos, I long for a boat like yours. Great videos. Cheers from New Zealand.

[@dannettepeters1507]

Oh no!! This was most unexpected and heartwrenching!

[@PGodin54]

Thank you for sharing all your good adventures and this one-time incident with us all. 👍🙂🇨🇦

[@McBigFisher]

I've been to Cordova on a silver salmon trip. The rain forest atmosphere is nice in warmer weather.

[@philipo9624]

You were lucky to be looked after and repaired so quickly, great video Tony.

[@HelpatHomeJim]

I'm so sorry this happened to you, but it shows how sturdy the Fleming yacht is. Best of luck on your travels.

[@cantinhopaz3873]

Tony, thank you for this vídeo. It is amazing how a yacht is repaired!

[@martinbowers852]

1 bump in over 100,000 miles, your doing a dam fine job, forward looking sonar pricey but worth it ya, love your videos the best there is, seen them all

[@nutteringski]

All your movies are a delight. Thanks!

[@kfeltenberger]

Wow! Forget "built Ford tough", think "Built Fleming Tough!" Some time back I had to do a paper on a suggestion for a yacht to use on the Great Loop. Anything was allowed, but had to be handled routinely by two people and if necessary, three or so. I knew the professor had a passion for both modern and classic yachts, so my first thought was a Hinckley Talaria 57; it had the downeast classic lines and polished wood interior that called back to an earlier day. I needed some additional information so I called Hinckley (IIRC, it was the Annapolis office) and when I explained the reason for my call the man I spoke with didn't hesitate when he said, "I love our boats, but for your scenario there's only one I'd consider...the Fleming 65." That is an endorsement!

[@FlemingYachts]

That is indeed a great endorsement. Many thanks for passing it along.

[@robinowen3058]

When I wish for you to have great adventures, this isn’t what I have in mind! I’m so glad the damage wasn’t worse, and that you were able to get repairs fairly close and quickly. Fair winds!

[@sailortristan]

The title had me worried! Seemed like you were proceeding at a safe speed for the low tide, and that combined with floating off limited the damage. Excellent video, thanks.

[@nigelbarton7433]

I bet Chris was relieved you were in charge Tony at the time of grounding!! It was interesting to see again the underwater profile of Venture I haven't seen since the original video of her construction. Venture has certainly brought you much enjoyment Tony over all those miles and of course through your camera lenses we have been thoroughly spoilt with wonderful vistas, fascinating facts and relaxing music soundtracks. You are a Star !!

[@patmahoney3120]

I admire the Fleming 65. I have watched many of your videos including the one in which you mentioned that you designed the GB 49. I’ll guess 35 years ago a former employer and yachtsman had a great run of luck and bought his gently used GB 49 as his reward. Twin Lehman, galley down, exactly what he was looking for. I loved that boat. Her ride and her impressive lines endeared me to her. Keep off the rocks and sail on.

[@Jeff527]

Tony, I saw you in Taku Harbor several years ago tied up at the cannery dock. I wish I would have said hello as I have been a huge fan of you and your yachts for many years. I'm glad everything worked out in Cordova. Smooth sailing.

[@SimonJeffery-g9b]

Thankfully Tony, Venture wasn't too badly damaged. Just goes to show how precarious navigating in those waters can be. I really appreciate your video's, thank you for posting. Simon

[@marktaylor8263]

Glad and thank you for sharing. Great video none the less.

[@jasonshull3106]

Great video, as always, Sir. Thank you. JDS in AZ usa

[@grahamsmith8122]

It happens to the best of us. Made for an interesting interlude.

[@sheepdog1102]

Wow, even though you had some damage you were still very lucky and to get it repaired even more so.😊

[@steveprice4779]

Ouch! Hate it when that happens. Cordova is a Great little town. I had the opportunity to help bring a 70' Custom Canadian Yacht back to Seattle from Cordova. It was my first time crossing the Gulf of Alaska. My good friend and 25 year Alaska Captain taught me alot. I also got to join the 60 Degrees North Club....quite an Honor.

[@Dixcus-zp7om]

Glad to see Venture ship-shape again and her captain no worse for wear. You can be a Captain ... but not an Adventurer ... until you've driven her aground! Welcome to the Club.

[@dorflonnigan4413]

Excellant video. Thank you for sharing

[@Andre-yu3qs]

Fantastic, thanks for sharing.

[@roloaddict]

Your experience is thought provoking. Contingency planning for locations like these. While not small, you had more options in the 65 than if you were in a larger vessel. Makes me wonder if you “revisited” design decisions, made years prior and pondered those some. I enjoy your videos immensely.

[@robertgrant1837]

another good video Tony I think there would be a few of us who would like to be traveling on Venture with you and your crew, once again thank you

[@CALTECH007]

WOW that was a shock. How do you protect yourself from hitting a rock like that? Does that location of the rock now go on a chart to protect others?

[@FlemingYachts]

We reported the location to NOAA Coast Survey and they add it to the relevant charts. This is the second uncharted rock we have found and reported. We did not hit the first one. It just popped up overnight when the tide went out!

[@CALTECH007]

Thanks I knew you would do the right thing!

[@Noll9037]

@@FlemingYachts I just found your channel yesterday and appreciate the areas you've visited. I was part of the surveying of Dangerous Passage on NOAA Ship Rainier in 1996. We found A LOT of rocks....the reason it earned its name! See paragraphs 869-875 in Coast Pilot #9 nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/publications/coast-pilot/xml2html.html?book=9. Chart 16705 historicalcharts.noaa.gov/pdfs/16705.pdf 1:80k is not large enough scale to show them all, and the navigation view you show in the video does not show any rocks (do you have them turned off?) If you'd like to see the survey report and other artifacts, you can find it here: www.ngdc.noaa.gov/nos/H10001-H12000/H10726.html

[@freedomfreedom6544]

Particularly enjoyable watch.

[@mmburgess11]

I hit an uncharted rock in Foggy Bay last summer and hauled out in Ketchikan. Your video brought back so many memories. We subsequently installed a forward-looking sonar....does Venture have one?

[@christopherforster6555]

Love you're video's thanks.

[@brucemitchell553]

Glad for your happy ending...!!! (you held us in suspense last time!!!)

[@boattguyafloat]

It happens. I think I've struck every dock on the West Coast! The trailing lip of the tunnel really took a swat... possibly the most troubling part of the damage?

[@georgeemeny6123]

Tough way to get to spend time in Cordova. Interesting little town even for Alaska. I guess every little town in Ak. is interesting, in their own unique way. As a retired diesel mechanic spent time in places from Dutch Harbor to Ketchikan and every where in between.

[@apologiamixer]

Ouch! I have run aground in Prince William Sound as well. Our damage was very minor, however.

[@LanceBrown-jz8hn]

I'm very surprised you don't have forward sonar.

[@magdazanchetta]

Thanks Mr Fleming, I was anxious... is there an insurance coverage for these mishaps? Hopeso!!

[@FlemingYachts]

It is currently almost impossible to get any insurance on any boat even after 75,000nm of flawless, claimless boating. One claim and they drop you instantly.

[@steveswann8448]

Tony, Thank you for sharing this. This must have been a difficult video for you to produce - but you certainly aren't alone in this misfortune. Are you going to describe the damage in a future video that explains how VENTURE was built, or not built, to withstand a rock collision? Was there any water incursion? How was this held in check in a FLEMING yacht? If this is even a valid question, how much more damage could VENTURE have endured and still kept her and crew relatively secure due to her design? How, if anything, has this accident changed your thinking about yacht design. Are you going to modify VENTURE as a result of this grounding? Ah, the list goes on...... I don't think anyone thinks any less of FLEMING yachts as a result of this grounding. I may be way out of line here, but your yachts are so exquisitely built, I think some of us would like to learn a bit more about your yacht from a very different point of view. Thoughts?

[@eremite2693]

For a moment I thought you joined some rock band.

[@bmiller7710]

I always go into masked bay in the north channel which is tight but deeper. I will mark this on my Garmin!

[@chuckmyntti]

Hi Tony. I am wondering if you kept the lat/longs of that rock and will upload them to ?? so others can update their own charts?

[@FlemingYachts]

The position was: 60 degrees 22.02 secs N by 148 degrees 02.86 secs W. The position was reported to NOAA. The important thing is not to use that channel at a negative tide. That was our error. We must have passed over that rock on the way in.

[@chuckmyntti]

@@FlemingYachts Ahhh. Yes. Thanks.

[@glengullickson6538]

Forward-looking sonar on your Christmas wish list! 😂

[@richardperkins3460]

Sorry for your troubles.😮

[@simon9070]

can I ask how much the haul-out and repair cost?

[@simonhantler8062]

do they upgrade charts from your experience?

[@johnmackenzie7487]

Sounder, depth alarm?

[@FlemingYachts]

The depth sounder showed that we had 7ft of water under the keel when the bow hit the rock. Only a forward looking depth device could have spotted the rock. These themselves have to stick down below the bottom of the boat and most do not work that well because they create turbulence.

[@paulkersey2179]

I was wondering why they could not get the original hull form of the hull whilst making repairs?

[@FlemingYachts]

This only applied to the actual stem. That was the part that took the main impact and finessing the exact shape would have taken several more days and they had work on other boats backing up and we were spending a fortune on hotel rooms and anxious to get back on the water.

[@Jim.Thunda]

Steel hull for me. I've been on the rocks too. But just lost some paint and got a dent.

[@MrMurraymanson]

Was it very expensive to repair the damage?😊

[@FlemingYachts]

In a word. YES!!!

[@N330AA]

Would a steel impact plate (not sure what the correct term would be) at the bow help here?

[@war3scecfang]

how are you going to mount the plate? steel is much stronger than fiberglass, it will help with minor scratches. But it would cause more damage in bigger accidents.

[@N330AA]

@@war3scecfang Marine steel is nowhere near as strong as fibreglass. But it's more durable and abrasive resistant.

[@simonwron6496]

Greetings from the Royal City of Przemyśl

[@mrfofff]

that's a fast 14 minutes.

[@richardperkins3460]

Sorry for your troubles.

[@patriciarussell1177]

How much does something like that cost to get fixed?

[@FlemingYachts]

The costs for correcting the keel profile at the yard on Vancouver Island are still coming in but the final total will be an amount I don't even want to think about or admit to. It will be more than you could reckon on paying for a reasonably decent automobile. It is what it is and, at least, we can be thankful that the result was not worse and we were able to to get it fixed in a relatively remote location by competent and diligent people.

[@johnparker3065]

It is plainly evident that you are from the generation of yacht builders that never viewed a pound of fiberglass below the waterline they did not like! A six knot grounding at thruster tube and not a crack. It is Alaska after all and just a minor video log entry that allowed you to show Cordova life in your inimitable manner. Wishing many more miles under the keel, all with a tad more water under it.

[@jaquigreenlees]

I would say the anchor getting ruined when you were visiting the channel islands off the California coast a few years back would count as an incident, the first one. I have to admit though, your "drama" is not manufactured to increase views like many boating channels do, it's a real incident that can happen through lack of knowledge or just plain bad luck. The offshore winds at night that caused the anchor to drag and get ruined was a lack of knowledge about those winds.

[@Shrek765]

Ouch.!

[@trezndawg4240]

Dang! However, your boat didn't sink, and it can be repaired!

[@jameshobbs6092]

Wow.

[@dennismalcolm6620]

REALY, LAYING IN THE GUTTER !!!!...😂😢😅😊😮🎉...YOU ARE A MASTER OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE 👏 👌..LOVE THE FLEMING BRAND...

[@rmhanseniii]

Another outstanding video. My only suggestion, change up the music to something a little more inspiring not so depressing

[@bradolsen8629]

I hope nobody was hurt doesn’t sound like it, but I bet a lot of you had an extra pair of shorts handy

[@stevenwright6573]

I was curious as to what the title meant. 1:33 in, I understand. F!!!!

[@FlemingYachts]

I am not sure I understand your question. Hitting rocks is not uncommon in Prince William Sound. If you do so, it sounds better to be a "member of the Rock Club" than just someone who hit a rock.