How to sail across the Gulf Stream to the Bahamas Ep.48

[@jenniferlawrence1372]

This is so informative. I believe you have a lot of fans who aren't sailors and have no real plans to be ever, but just follow you because it's interesting and because we like you. I'm grateful for these videos that explain the basics of what you do.

[@ralfnorenberg3130]

same like me,,,,,,,,,,,,

[@bippitybopitybooty1127]

Someday I want a sailboat, but I'm gonna start with a really small dingy sailboat then take classes, then get a blue water sailboat, or as close to blue water as possible. Lots of stuff to learn in the meantime

[@stevenrung5990]

Good stuff. Keep up the geeky stuff from time to time. Us wannabes eat that up.

[@waynefederico9396]

All the hype about going from A-B you guys nailed it.. timing is everything.. you can't fake it..

[@Sailing13Winds]

Excellent! I especially liked " your" passage planning it good to see how others do it...Thumbs up!

[@woodskid4ever]

Very nice! The music after mid stream was excellent btw! Fair winds!

[@corujariousa]

The instructions for the crossing are very useful! Thanks a lot. Stay safe.

[@Springermom2]

So interesting seeing what goes into planning a crossing. Thanks for sharing that with us!

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks for posting this overview. We plan to do this crossing in a few months. Cheers!

[@paterson00]

And now you have. You must have been cruising down the Mississppi when you watched this episode. Looking forward to watching your crossing. I am few videos off of your latest. You just restepped in my world.

[@Frostgecko7]

Seeking any and all motivation for my C&C36 to cross. I'm excited to make the crossing but scared. Never sailed so far before.

[@bgauthi1]

Great stuff Nick. I think most people who haven't had to deal with currents or tides learn a lot from vids like this. I know I did. I grew up sailing on Lake Ontario and while I have crossed it more times than I can count it isn't the same as crossing the Gulf Stream. The north wind fact was something that I had never heard of before. I loved it. Happy to see Teresa back too. You two are a great couple. Looking forward to the next vid. Stay safe.

[@davidmcclaughry7598]

its nice to see a sailing ch talk about sailing its not all about the good times there is a lot of work to do to get to that point an I think a lot of all are fav ch have started to skip to just the good times good work and nice to see thanks

[@edwardwerthner7717]

You simple directions , thoughts and suggestions make clear safe passage. Hope you continue on to describe the great sailing I have heard about in the Abacos, and the northern Bahamas thx

[@TERRIBLYBRITISH]

Brilliant! more geek passage planning please. I did the yachtmaster offshore exams 25 years ago in my teens. Was worried I would be lost when i started sailing again not having paper charts, it seems just a tad easier now!! ;)

[@jimmyjohnstone7258]

I still carry paper charts even though I have a chart plotter. GPS can fail.

[@JamesNewsomeCaiLeighAnna]

Very good video. You made planning a crossing as simple as possible.

[@mtotof85]

Great video, thanks for the details on passage planning!

[@darrebell3086]

Was handed off to you by the Wynns, been following you on the benge watch, after benge watching them, love the geeky episodes and ENJOYED all of the CHEEKY color & ßANTER 😂 you provide 🌊 ⛵️ 🌊!.... being American 🇺🇸 of course I loved your AMERICAN STUFF! Britain 🇬🇧/ Australia 🇦🇺 ... 😉 one ☝️ of my new favorite 🤩 KZbin couples, to enhance my VISIONS OF DREAMING AGAIN 🌬 🌊 ⛵️ 🌊 💨

[@sailingrubyrose]

Ah thanks very much Mate. Welcome to our channel

[@judd_s5643]

Nick, I like the structure of your videos, increasingly informative in a easy to understand format. Perhaps video is your calling!

[@tartansailor]

Thanks for having shared your gulf stream passage plan. It is very useful. Cheers, Richard

[@bjasoncrew]

The nerdier the better. Thanks for this.

[@bjasoncrew]

A lot of vapid sailing vlogs out there....

[@terranborn56]

Thanks for the info. Not too technical at all. Appreciate it.

[@SailingShaggySeas]

Great video! We are getting ready to cross the Gulf Stream in the next few days. So excited to be in the Bahamas! :)

[@bayareablues2255]

Another great video. Thanks for the look at your passage planning - not too geeky at all!

[@sailingsummatime2800]

Good advice for when we make our journey south in a few years! Happy Sailing ⛵️

[@simoncousin3241]

I enjoyed the nerdy as well ,so thank you sometimes easier to understand when its actually being done rather than just explanation :):)

[@flooptydoo1178]

Very good info! Thanks, Nick!

[@SailingPauHana]

Hey, we like the nerdy stuff. 😎

[@davef1852]

Agree, talk nerdy to us...

[@jrp616]

Very good stuff. I go through a similar process. My recent GS crossing Palm Beach to West End was 11 hrs going over and 10 hrs coming back. I sail solo, so after that long of a day, I choose to stay at the Marina for a night to recover before moving on.

[@seanmchughnt]

I live in Darwin and we know all about those kinds of storms through out the wet season. Great info for those sailing over to The Bahamas.

[@snakeplisken4278]

Thanks for a simple method on planning.

[@dalste2]

@Nick great video!!!! One of your best in a while. I really enjoyed seeing you plan your sail. Nothing nerdy about that at all great info, techniques, attention to detail, etc. Thank you!

[@neptunesfancy]

Passage plan was an excellent feature Please make it a regular!!

[@danielculpepper8772]

Well done. Informative and right to the point. I do really enjoy the techie stuff! Keep up the great videos and thanks!

[@sailingcarat4054]

Very helpful as I am planning my adventure in the future.

[@RobnKath]

Hey guys back here again watching your vids probably remember me talking to you about my back surgery’s and cross referencing with you having the same injury’s well what can I say I was thinking my long life dreams of sailing the globe was up in the wind for a while as my surgery I had never quite worked but I have recently had a double fusion of my L4 to S1 has worked big time besides a little bit of restriction it worked big time no more back pain for me yyyyewww so full steam ahead I’m just about to start bing watching your vids again catching up to this vid I’ve currently watched well have fun guys keep up the good vibes and vids oh and cheers for the vid you’s did on the cost of sailing I must say it’s the best cost of sailing vid on here really puts things into prospective cheers.

[@Connor_WK]

I like this content, it's well put together and I like more technical stuff

[@daveoverton2095]

Hey, I like nerdy! That means there's good information. And too much is always better than too little!

[@bowwave59]

At least the rain will rinse away the salt spray. 😎👍👍👍

[@Richdudevids]

Nick This one good show on the map apps,, you just keep make Nerdy show ,, thanks for sharing

[@BetweenSunandSea]

We will be heading to the Bahamas after we get off the ICW in Florida this upcoming week! thanks for making the video, keep up the geeky planning- it definitely helped! :)

[@marioracicot3699]

keep up with the nerdy stuff! it s super useful for a sailor like me that will take that route next fall...

[@TheSwampdoggydog]

Great video back to showing us places we go in our dreams, well for most of us. Keep it up guys it’s hard work being the best sailing channel in the, (pause) WORLD

[@jeffreysearle2996]

Very informative video , that wind app will come in handy around Newport this season. 😎😎

[@Bravo21]

Very true avoiding any wind from the north. Past that though there is nothing to worry about if you understand the difference between a Course and Track.

[@np939427a]

It's a bit like a pissed person on a friday night trying to stagger home? Sometime they can get 4 steps forward but end up 3 back, Just like the tide does with a sailboat sometimes in the doldrums, Or if you have had a good bucket you think there has been some kind of magnetic reversal or pole shift. or was that just a good bottle of whisky that does that?

[@paulkennedy477]

Your camera work is so much better Nick. Terysa will be impressed by your solo efforts when she gets back; that's of course if her media career hasn't gone to her head! Looking forward to seeing you both together again. Cheers mate.

[@sk4256]

Thanks so much! That was really helpful for me. Sk in the UK.

[@toddtraynor3558]

Absolutely brilliant 👌

[@MarieA787]

That passage is beautiful !

[@simonf9723]

Great video. Looking forward to more nerdy technical stuff..

[@ontiltsailingdalehudson7170]

Keep up the nerdy stuff!! All of us sailer's need all the info we can get to better plan or trips!! S/V On Tilt

[@MrCbass1234]

I like how you described how to do a passage.

[@jasontemco3831]

FYI..CAPE is a index that measures rising air... It measures the instability in the air.. Love your vids

[@douglasmontgomery6315]

Nick, love the nerdy stuff and appreciate it. A couple of questions: 1. I understand planning the course to steer to adjust for the gulf stream. How does that differ or stay the same when using a wind vane or more importantly an autopilot? 2. During an electric storm, I've read differing opinions on strategies to try and minimize damage if struck. Can you elaborate on what your beliefs are and if you have anything installed on Ruby Rose?3. Would opening your main breakers on the A/C & D/C panels protest your devices if struck by lightning? (You could still do anchor watch with your tablet using many apps.Thanks and again, great stuff !

[@RobFomenko]

The voltage is to high in a lightning strike for that to work. From what I have heard, and read, it's a crapshoot what would happen if struck by lightning. From blowing out fuses to frying all your electrical devices to blowing a hole in the bottom of your boat. Really you just have to hope for the best. putting your phone and small gps and vhf radio in the oven might protect it, but then again, if it blows a thru hull out and the boat sinks, maybe not. Bigger boats, cats are more prone, while smaller monohulls are less likely to be struck. And you can have damage by a near miss as well. Its one of the dirty little secrets of cruising that can happen. Pretty scary being out on the open water in a lightning storm, especially at night.

[@glasshalffull2930]

Answer 1. IMHO, it’s actually better to use an autopilot and use a ‘compass heading’ after you make your calculation regarding heading to get to southernly point. You just let autopilot stay on that compass heading and you’ll make a nice arc as the Stream pushes you north. It’s not an exact science as the Stream is faster in the middle and less on either side, but you end up in about the right place. I’ve made the crossing a few times and that’s exactly what we did re navigation. We left at night as it was pretty warm and we didn’t want to get cook by the sun. Are problem was we were on a tight schedule and could not wait for the Stream to calm down after a north wind and so it was a “nasty” crossing with a horrendous chop of about 6 to 8 ft with a short period. Imagine sailing in a washing machine.

[@whyme8068]

Great info! I never knew what CAPE was until now lol.

[@garyt2005]

Anchor watch??? set your anchor drag alarm...plenty of scope...and sleep deep... not a problem with the new anchor you have...Please film dropping the hook whenever possible and discuss depth, scope out, bottom conditions for the uninitiated.... Excellent instructional video for U.S. to bahamas..I would totally use your run across if I was making the passage. I follow abandon Comfort alot...If I was them I would look to do some buddy boating with you...Your knowledge of ports, anchorages, and undeveloped hade-aways is strong...They would just need to watch there budget like I would ( You two live a high life) Best Wishes Gary...S/V Silver fantasy..Beautiful Friday harbor, Wa.

[@rogers53]

That was very informative thanks very much.

[@Josef_R]

Excellent breakdown on the planning. Did you say you use something to determine the electrical activity? I couldn’t tell if I missed something.

[@hughnorman5869]

You gotta love the rain..

[@mauriceharvey2840]

nice video , good planning ect ., my first yacht had a swing keel and when I was inside and lightning hit I could see the odd tiny spark coming from the compression post even with the post sitting on the keel pivot and my back stay had a isolated block to slow the hits from getting me at the steering wheel when sailing ....happy sailing ...cheers

[@brianswanland5466]

Really liked the trip planning explanation. Perhaps you could make it a regular part of your videos?

[@onlyvoigtlander]

I found myself drawn to your cups of morning tea before the crossing. I am great at preparing, choosing and brewing amazing coffee but clueless on tea. Perhaps a true Brit can teach a Southern American RVer/Sailor the proper way to prepare and enjoy tea.

[@tysoncutler8747]

did you have to do anchor watch because you were in a storm and were worried about dragging your anchor? or is it because there was lighting? thanks good video

[@loadstogojo9516]

Be safe out there x

[@murrat]

Great episode.

[@mizvisionaireproductions4302]

You guys rock!!

[@entropicdoom8018]

Great educational video

[@brettjeffery1972]

New subscriber here. Hello from Sydney Australia. 👋👋 Learning how you plotted your course was awesome to see as I’m not a sailor but trying to learn as much as I can. So far this video has been the most informative for me. In another video I think I saw you mention you brought your boat new. Curious as to where you got the name for your boat.? Loving the videos and travel safely! 🐳☀️🍺⚓️

[@jeffhardiman3957]

Great info!

[@ralfnorenberg3130]

wowww,this video is what i needed,,,,,,,,,thanks,,,,,,,,,,,,,

[@hendrenell4378]

Love it!!

[@SuperBullyone]

very nice work.

[@sobrutt]

Thanks Nick, great help for us novices in DFJ. Cheers. Could you explain why you need to do anchor watch when there is an electrical storm?

[@glasshalffull2930]

Thunderstorms come with heavy winds and he was afraid of dragging the anchor.

[@jimmyjohnstone7258]

Is the Bahamas a stop off on the way somewhere or will spend a significant amount of time there?

[@ToastandJam52]

I really enjoyed the geeky bits. More please!!! BTW, do you disconnect electrical equipment when you are in an electrical storm? (I have actually seen someone do this and thought, if the boat is properly set up, there should be no need.)

[@regressmenot]

Found you with the help of Tula's Endless Summer. :-)

[@Quakeboy02]

Nick, what was your water speed for this crossing? Or failing that, what's your hull speed?

[@Quakeboy02]

Thanks. And thanks for collecting this all in one place. I may try the crossing this Sunday.

[@TraneFrancks]

Question about GPS tracking + autopilot: I've watched a tonne of aviation videos and aviation GPS + autopilot automatically adjusts for the shifts in wind to maintain the GPS track. Does the GPS + autopilot on your boat offer the same ability to stick to the track or do you need to adjust your heading vs wind/current manually? (I assume that sailing off the hydrovane would always mean manual track adjustments.)

[@sailingrubyrose]

Hey mate, it adjusts the track to compensate.

[@TraneFrancks]

@@sailingrubyrose Cheers!

[@richardwinn8221]

Love you guys. Not really a criticism but encourage others to go beyond the internet sources. As example, the Waterway Guide Bahamas (Dosier's) and Skipper Bob's Bahamas Bound are excellent sources compiled by Old Salts on advice. There is not as much of a dearth of information as you present. Skipper Bob's advice for an "S" curve navigation is quite enlightening and instructive in the GPS age. Cheers

[@richardwinn8221]

You are a true gentleman sailor. Best to you.

[@glenpeters955]

Nerdy stuff is nice, it helps to keep your posts real. I hope you enjoyed the anchor watch - what are the two alarms that you use ??

[@sm6909]

Did u say active or anchor watch. And something about two alarms?

[@goboats]

Nick why didn't you pull into a marina at west end ?

[@davidmalone9022]

Windy.com - thanks for that. Good sailing, Ruby Rose.

[@svcarlinabyandlarge1134]

I was curious what paperwork you had to do in the states before leaving West Palm the next morning at 5am?? I need to look through noonsite and other web pages to learn that process.

[@robertwebb2721]

Great video! I’m going to buy a house in the Florida Keys soon and look forward to making this trip. My hope is the passage to the Bahamas will be a reasonable start to leaning to cruise and will hopefully build confidence. I’m new to all this so this may be a dumb question, but does it really take an hour to raise and an hour to lower the anchor? I’ve been assuming with an electric winch (windlass?) it would raise and lower quickly.

[@hugohernandez2362]

Question. if the current is going south to north and you are suggesting to wait until you get winds coming from the north ideally under 10 knots, then wouldn't you be crossing over dangerous waters? as you mentioned you don't want to cross when its wind over current. I'm a novice sailor just curious

[@glasshalffull2930]

I believe he said avoid crossing with “winds that have a north component.” A north wind comes from the north and blows south.

[@vincentconnolly2597]

FLORIDA 🏖️⛱️

[@Hitsasman]

Thank u please include more chart potting

[@paulmeador6283]

Ok so excuse me being a complete newby but what actually could happen if your mast gets struck by lightning. Also would there be any actual risk since I don't see how you could be "ground" unless you had the anchor down?

[@paulmeador6283]

Sailing Yacht Ruby Rose so have you ever been struck by lightning and also other than route planning is there anything you can do to minimize the chances of getting hit?

[@Georgesadventure]

Thanks, great info. BTW, where do you get your music for the videos?

[@dawn2788]

Nice video, I love these "technical videos........Teresa must have produced and edited it, to be this good! I know you are sailor, but would a 30ft power boat express cruiser type been able to make that trip, in the same day & conditions? or too much chop for a 30ft boat?

[@dondevine5129]

nice video thanks

[@nac98]

I love your videos. Great job with the geeky stuff. Your videos are very informative and real. Thanks for that. I am not a sailor (yet). Any info where to start? I live in the Midwest. Perhaps not the best place to live when you dream about ocean sailing.

[@AdventuresofGraywolf]

More geeky stuff! More geeky stuff!

[@davebrady8430]

Things can only get better in paradise....

[@geraldanderson7576]

Bring on the geek and nerd!

[@skyking7938]

Hi guys...from your newest subscriber......

[@jessereedpaintingsvmatador7009]

Gulf stream sucks every time I've done it, just went Ft Lauderdale to BVI's I65 route.. had crap wind the whole way but it was worth it once we were in Virgin Gorda, Cheers and Fairwinds !

[@christinec1928]

As a sailor in training, I glean a lot of knowledge out of your explanations, so thank you for that. Having said that, I didn't understand what you meant about taking 10 knots more wind when the sun's out. Did I miss something there?

[@christinec1928]

Okay ... Skipper's sunny disposition is based on a higher sun to wind ratio. Got it! Thanks. Fair winds you guys!

[@twoeagledrones]

Good stuff.

[@xiav2008]

Elbow Cay, Hope Town, Lighthouse just swung into the background... Congrats, beautiful place, thanks for continued great video, Dave V, FLa..

[@jenniferlawrence1372]

Also, I may have misunderstood what he said at 10:43, but why do you have to be on anchor watch during an electrical storm so you don't get hit by lightning?

[@sailingrubyrose]

Squalls tend to come during storms. You get hit by high winds

[@ScottPinkhamMT]

Looks like you put in a reef and had the foresail furled -- was it that windy?