"Introduction to Sailing," Part 3: Moving Up to a Larger Boat

In this episode Alex encounters maneuvering under diesel power, deployment of a roller furling genoa jib, and crew work when tacking. Thelonious II, the boat, is a 1984 Ericson 38.
• Advanced Cruising-Boat...

[@richhamel6810]

To witness the passing of knowledge from one generation to the next is a beautiful thing, especially from one so wise. Thank you.

[@Trapster99]

Wise, patient, easy voice, understanding that a new experience take time and practice. Bravo!

[@patricklaine6958]

It's great to see someone teaching how to do it solo --- where the 'student' needs to handle helm, sheets and furler at the same time. Great job dad.

[@brianbransfield]

I love watching your channel Patrick, and now starting to check out other sailing channels. You've convinced me, and in turn I convinced my wife, that we should look for a sailboat. As opposed to our original plan, of a camper, when we retire.

[@olivei2484]

@@brianbransfield Mr Laine is refreshing to watch, great attitude and a sense of calm on the water, Happy hunting for your boat (which could also double as a camper).

[@eddyangilletta1628]

I wish I had this gentleman to teach me how to sail, very informative.

[@johncavar2914]

Gentleman and master

[@davidmalone9022]

I am now under contract for an Ericson 38. Given that I will be doing a fair amount of single handing, I concentrated mostly on boats in the 30-35 range; however, your videos and shared experience gave me the courage to buy the one I am when I came across it. It's a 1986 38-200, and in great condition at a very, very fair price. Thanks for your very thoughtful videos (and books.)

[@ChristianWilliamsYachting]

If things go well, see you at the Ericson Forum, 20 years of maintenance info: ericsonyachts.org/ie/home/

[@bexaminer1]

This was great. I know it was just a short video, but still a lot of good information for someone who is about to begin sailing. Having your daughter along as the student was a big plus. Thanks for making the video.

[@BrianReeves2]

many years ago we used to crew for weekend races on the local lake. Had shirts made that said "stop yelling at me!" The captain had a shirt that said "I'm not yelling." Great video, y'all.

[@tac13001]

Good to see you back my friend. I really enjoy your insight and the way you educate, thank you.

[@92fsoakcreek]

Very. Good to see you on the water again. I’m on my boat “Telos” as I’m typing. I also fly and teach. The point when the new student cannot keep up with events is called “task saturation”. It’s a known phenomena in the learning process and not one to worry about. For the student to recognize this is a great thing. It lets them judge the situation and reassert control, even if it means giving the controls back to the teacher until they can regain their perspective. We had a great training session last week when my wife decided she wanted to get back into sailing after 15 years away. Husbands teaching wives is probably one of the toughest. There were times when we both got....... “saturated” ;)

[@sargintrock2538]

My smile fer the day!

[@danieloliver20]

That's it, I've been saturated 24/7 for the last 39 years! 😉

[@directedby100]

Funny, intriguing, informative. Knowing beforehand you'll have to 3 or 4 things in quick succession would really help. If you can learn each one, drill each several times, & maybe make an acronym as a memory tool for the succession. Then you make it smoother with practice. Ready about! Hard alee!

[@brucekratky7993]

A gifted teacher and a fine student.

[@jackthompson8179]

Been waiting for an update for ages , absolutely the best sailing channel on KZbin ,,,,, Thanks , please post more !

[@bengrizzlyadams6187]

Most are very good each in their own way. That’s why you gotta hate the normalised formats mainstream does. Part of the charm is that each crew in both ways has its own style, it’s specific boat, habits etc... and the stories are dynamic. This is going to cost me in the end, I know it.

[@jackthompson8179]

Count your lucky stars Alexandra , you are being taught by , the best in the business , bar none ! Great video ! 👍

[@johncavar2914]

He is an articulate awesome master at it 🎉

[@garma7939]

Really appreciate this video. Taking out a 36 foot boat myself tomorrow for the first time after having sailed open boats and lasers all my time and this was really helpful. Looking forward to part 2

[@Solo-sailor]

What a lovely creature - Alex I mean! I'm halfway through your videos (dad), and I rate them 5⭐️'s each and everyone of them. Before watching you Christian, I was looking for a much smaller boat. Now, I want one just like yours! Thank you so much for this rare learning opportunity!

[@NK-yz7qr]

Christian, I'm loving your videos. Thank you. I am 51 and after 30 years im back on a sailboat and loving it even more. With your help I'm refreshing my memory of years before. We share the same sense of humor. I find something to laugh at each of your videows.

[@bekirbayburt6157]

I have listened to your two audible books over and over, perhaps tens of times each. The catch is (for me!) that i listen to them to go to sleep. You are taking me away to wonderful (challenging?) places every night. Appreciate it Christian and hope that you will release more tales from your adventures. I am from Australia by the way and my wife and I saving big time for our retirement adventures similar to yours :).. 3 years to go..

[@toadamine]

i like how he lets her have a go her way first, then critiques/advises where needed and just adds info as she learns... this is how to be a good teacher! and how to keep the student interested and confident and not afraid to give it a go... i actually took some sailing lessons right there at UCLA sailing school many years ago. good times. nice video. thanks....

[@SailBeforeSunset]

Yea, we always like to turn the breaker off then unplug and secure the shore power. Anyone (divers) in the water will thank you for that. Great video!

[@hendersoninvestmentsinc7857]

Wonderful attitude of the student, great compliments to her for teachability 😀

[@birddogmason9862]

The ole man is a great teacher, isn’t he? You’ll once know this later when it all comes together and you recognize the lessons learned. Good job Alex. Great to have you back Christian!

[@MrMimios]

Daughter and father mutually lucky to each other. God bless you both.

[@RoryL83]

I just learned more about sailing in 20 minutes than I'd known in my whole life thank you!! Oh and your daughter is gorgeous!

[@vancekeith5642]

Your Daughter did very well and her first approach and landing was well done. Slow and Steady always wins the race

[@davidivey4004]

I have I never sailed, but I now own a small 14' boat. Experience and these videos will be my teachers. I think this is fantastic to see the many terms used, translated into actions. I am now exceited as opposed to intimidated. Lord knows there is a lot to come but like the kids in the second VID I plan to make it fun. I hope to take a sailing course at some point, but baby steps. By the way I'm 66, a great time to start ! Thank you !

[@sveula6454]

Good to see you back on deck Christian! Alex couldn't have a finer instructor, it's pleasing to see another lady taking to the water, cheers from OZ 👍👍

[@curtishill6490]

I learned how to sail on a 22 wooden catboat! Then a 22 Tanzer and finally a 27 Catalina! I'm a speed freak but sailing is just so peaceful and love doing it! Its been 30yrs since I've been sailing and watching your videos is making me want to go again!! Thank you sir and your" student" as well!! It is so different when land is no longer visible it's a little scary when help , if needed , isn't around! My first trip to Nantucket was when I first saw no land! 😱Careful Respect the sea!

[@TheRickpfarr]

Great lesson in seamanship on moving from dingy one design boats to a large cruising sailboat under power to have patience in letting the boat under power move in a slow orderly direction and controlling the helm while watching for boats in all directions. Alex responds to advise in a proactive way and exhibits great skills as she knows the camera is watching her every move. She is an advanced sailor in every way. A good helmsman is unfolding. Thanks Captain Cristian.

[@scottyg9167]

Huge fan here who’s delighted to see you post again - so characteristically informative to boot! Thanks!

[@borys2767]

Please make more videos!!!! I have viewed your complete library and I enjoyed them all!!!!

[@callsignslick3118]

Loved this! I'm returning to sailing full-time after 40 years of flying. I really appreciate the willingness of Alex to be a "novice" again for the rest of us. I have loved all your videos! Thank you very much!

[@nearlynativenursery8638]

your daughter did a great job for her first attempt to sail your larger craft. i think she was more nervous with it being your personal boat. superb patient instruction sir.

[@billleskeep2033]

Another teachable video which provides those moving from small rigs to larger sailing rigs an idea of the increased complexity required and, at the same moment, the familiarity of the basics aboard such a yacht as that 38.

[@ebels.rodriguez6278]

I hit like on your videos without even watching it yet... That is the amount of trust I have in your video quality.

[@zofoblueszofoblues8339]

What a pleasure to eavesdrop on a Teaching and Learning journey. I think everyone took something away after. TY both.

[@asteriskman]

Sir, your videos are more educational than the 3 sailing classes I've taken and the small library of books I've accumulated. You manage to convey those lost 'details of reality' that always exist and are usually left untaught.

[@cleanhabitats108]

I can't think of a better guy to learn boat handling skills from. Yours are the best sailing videos on YT. I learned to sail with my dad when I was 10 " by the seat of our pants" right there in Marina Del Ray. Later move down to Coronado to sail with some of the best sailors in the world.

[@guydepoorter]

Hi Skipper, welcome back. I took my three kids from day one on the boat. We are now 22, 24 and 26 years later.Probably I didn't do it the proper way, which means, take your time and skills to teach them without raising the voice. Today they come and join us regularly on sailing trips. None of them is capable of taking the boat out by themselves. So, I guess I made mistakes in the sail-education; nontheless they are great well educated happy kids, and the saltwater microbe is under their skin... one day..... Thank you for sharing your experiences.

[@tateklug1232]

I believe I speak for everyone when I say thank you for putting in so much effort in order to teach us inexperienced sailors how to sail properly

[@pacoguerilla3097]

Very good first on a large boat. With a good teacher and student 😊

[@takenotes5983]

Good to see you back! Really Appreciate how much you've taught me thank you sir.

[@twister2869]

Great video, welcome back! Tiny hint: at 10:16, your lovely crew is loading the winch thumb forward. Always better to show the winch your little finger. Trust me, I learned that and many other lessons the hard way! 14:40 too!!

[@heyt54]

Twister 28 never heard or done it that way... AFAIK

[@twister2869]

@@heyt54 Sorry to hear that! Standard practice in most of the sailing world. ASA: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6LdmaCYeJ11jpI , RYA:kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIvRc6OfZrGFZqM

[@heyt54]

@@twister2869 fair enough; guess I'm not a textbook sailor then...

[@chrisrobinson3058]

This was so great, as a Dad teaching his boys about basic seamanship everything you said came out of my mouth as I watched your video. Long time fan of yours Sir! -Chris

[@seangriffiths6901]

Great to see another video from you Christian. I was only just showing your Hawaii video to you friends yesterday and this morning I was surprised and delighted to see a new video from you. I hope you and your family are well.

[@stevenlovett8436]

Just a smooth little day sail! Great video of some quality family time in sunny Santa Monica. Thanks for letting us peek in. Loved the smile on your daughter's face as she completed the trip. Great job Alexandra well done. And of course cudos to Christian for the lesson.

[@robwestern7702]

Couldn't think of anything better than too spend time with your daughter like this memories that live on and on for a shared passion absolutely beautiful

[@Rama_Guru]

Excellent, thanks for the lesson. All the sailing channel I watch, your the first one who teaching sailing, the rest talk about all the things they buy yo make life better.

[@tommycheshire5508]

The wait is over, you are here with a wisdom filled half hour. What an experience she had. What I would give for such an opportunity. Welcome back.

[@music-man]

She did a great Job. Congrats Alexandra.

[@Gold_Hunt_Australia]

Great video. Alex handled the marina beautifully and you remained very calm and respectful which is a credit to you. Thanks for sharing.

[@Shogundargarah]

Alex. You are an inspiration to so many newbie’s out here. You’re a fast learner and somehow for a new guy getting into sailing more deeply this year. You give me great confidence. TY. As usual Christian. You impart something new to me with each venture into the deep. Many thanks. I wish I had found your channel sooner. Thank you Captain!

[@billgardyne7328]

Good questions and situational awareness by the Admiral. And clearly a long time (mostly) patient instructor.

[@andyw248]

Really nice! I love the way you let your daughter handle everything herself, even the parts that would normally drive guys to overreact, like docking.

[@MrHradecky]

Nice job Alexandra!

[@Catalinaobregon]

She is doing a great job for her experience. Definitely gives me confidence to sail a larger vessel.

[@CullenCraft]

The instructor we all wish we had, leaves the learning to you, but gives you all the tools you need to succeed.

[@2jsims]

Glad to see you back!! She, Sir, is a definite Keeper!! She is quite lucky to have such an excellent teacher & mentor!

[@SOLDOZER]

That's his daughter you idiot.

[@MrRodgers007]

Great video, teaching someone how to maneuver a large heavy vessel is not easy and you did a great job.

[@andrewp3456]

It's so great to see you post a video. Also wonderful that you go through the steps of teaching with your daughter! As always, cannot wait for the next installment!

[@sailinginvictus1756]

You did a great job and your Dad is a great teacher too! What a beautiful sailboat...

[@behometexas6633]

What a fantastic video! I'm a newbie...so there is a fear factor and this was marvelous. Thank you both for taking us sailing today! ....and the boat looks great!

[@josephgadoury1057]

She did amazing! She's under lots of pressure, simply because you are that person. Both, her father and an incredibly accomplished sailor. I was in Dolphin Del Ray with an Oceanis 55. I had enough of buffing these scrapes on my port side. I'm now in Cabrillo Marina with a 150' harbor behind me and loving it. Not to mention we have plenty of wind. How I miss the lovely 405 Freeway :-)

[@ZoneTelevision]

Welcome back Christian and to the very pretty crew member Alexandra. :) Very good exercises to get crew used to the boat.

[@andybute]

Imagine if Alexandra was Alexander...."pretty' or handsome wouldn't be a word in that sentence...

[@FarrisTX]

Your channel is one of the best sailing channels on KZbin. As always great video Christian.

[@tenders]

What kind of rabid savage downvotes this? It's a wealth of clear and useful information, delivered by a Jedi yachtmaster.

[@bengrizzlyadams6187]

I think they are jealous, I am...

[@namechamps]

So many youtubers have made sailboats look like the require zero skill and just involve babes in bikinis and hanging out in crystal blue water. You mean you have to learn stuff and it is hard????

[@caribbeanbound8357]

@@namechamps I didn't even know a sailboat could sail unless there was a clickbait bikini girl on board

[@MrWillboy22]

Love this channel! I've been watching for the last eight months or so. I recently bought an Ericson 32-3 and was pleasantly surprised to find your channel. It's great to see the same process (learning to sail a large vessel) as I've been experiencing. You channel is awesome with it's focus on the realities of sailing, boat maintenance and "why we sail." From a novice to an expert - thank you!

[@JustAskingAndCurios]

Nice to see you back on KZbin. I enjoyed your book very much and appreciate the video of your passage to Hawaii even more.

[@thomastuorto9929]

Brave man letting her or anyone take it in & out of the slip with no previous experience. Kudos, great job by both of you. As always , great vid.

[@noahturner1508]

ted ted gotta learn somehow

[@petewilliams4289]

Wonderful sail, loads of decision-making opportunities. Thelonious II really got along well on genoa only and looked well balanced.

[@lehampton1]

Was pleasantly surprised to see your new offerings. Very educational for us land lubbers!

[@PaddedPew]

So Good to see you back. I am always interested in your videos. Hands on training, the way to go.

[@sircopperfield7420]

New video, nice. Welcome back old sport!

[@MikeGlanfield]

I’ve recently purchased an 8.0 metre cutter and having never sailed before shall find your sailing lessons invaluable. I wish I had such an attractive crew to help me!

[@13Hangfire]

Great job Alex! You are so lucky to have such an excellent teacher! You two have inspired me to learn to sail! Thank you both:)

[@raydisilvestro5102]

I think I just learned how to sail! Thanks Christian!

[@scrubstronaught]

I am a huge fan of your books and your videos keep it up

[@mikepatton1489]

I really love this episode.that might be the best sailing lesson I've had so far.Thanks

[@andrewvillanueva4222]

I have taught many people. No yelling. Just explain to them even tone. Some people learn faster than others. Teaching anything requires patience. All teach in the right way so that the trainee doesn't pick up bad habits.

[@namechamps]

Congrats to your daughter. Tough to get filmed while learning especially on a larger boat. Made for a great training video.

[@joeblow1942]

Good video. I’ve been sailing forever but have never had a boat with an inboard so I learned a lot. Thank you.

[@aerobill8554]

Good to see another video by you Mr. Williams. Thoroughly enjoying your books and videos. Inspiring. Best regards from the Netherlands

[@SOLDOZER]

This is the best way to learn. 1 on 1 instruction on a real boat.

[@gpk7683]

Just from watching this video I would say you’re one hell of a dad. My compliments good sir.

[@johnsmith1474]

I'm so happy for you man, you have a perfect daughter. Good work.

[@danielgandara5719]

Hello, Mr. Christian nice to see you back here...

[@horizonized]

Nice job! The both of you. Mr. Williams, I would love to learn to sail from you. There is something about the calm, peaceful style that I find makes what you teach about sailing easy to grasp. I do admire you and really appreciate these videos, which while seldom make them all the more looked forward to. Take care.

[@papasean8953]

I came into possession of a 29 foot 1979 bayliner buccaneer 🏴‍☠️ sloop this past spring (been using primarily as a liveaboard thus far) . The Volvo penta motor came half- cannibalized and it has a fixed outboard Honda 25 hp kicker that I just got repaired and running this past week. I take her out for the very first time tomorrow 🙀 with experienced friends and plenty o’ insurance ;) 😄 I’ve watched absolutely everything you’ve posted so far and this latest adventure couldn’t have come more welcome or auspicious. Your daughter is lucky to have such an awesome & knowledgable mentor! Hope to be returning with as big a smile on my face as well tomorrow and successfully maneuver back into my linear slip ;) my dream is to eventually sail with my 12 yr old boy and 8 yr old little girl (hopefully with some precision and elegance) ;) Cheers from Poulsbo Wa 🦅 ☺️🤙🏿 🌊 ⛵️ 🏴‍☠️

[@ronintiff]

how did your trip go on the sloop.?

[@papasean8953]

tiffany kincaid hi Tiffany ! We had to delay it by one week .. we are aiming to try this coming weekend this coming Saturday ;)

[@rman5033]

Well done lassy

[@MiQBohlin]

Wow! This really struck my heart. Very clever teaching. Alex progress of development made my eyes full of tears. Touching as if it was myself in that situation. Extraordinary work of both of you.

[@JeffCrowell11]

Excellent video and thank you for sharing. You have a great teacher Alex. I am teaching my 11 year old to sail now. The process has just begun.

[@prwillms]

Wow I could only wish for a teacher like yourself. Thanks for the videos.

[@TheCansei]

Outstanding example; we enjoyed it remendously as it brought back many memories of myself and my partner going through the same steps. Thanks so much!

[@Mick_Music]

La voile est une grande passion❤❤❤

[@mikestanovich1414]

My God- What a great docking!!

[@anthonydefalco4205]

Alexandra ....Greek interpretation.....gene pool winner!!!

[@ffarag]

never saw such easy to learn sailing vids, many thanks for sharing sir,

[@RusstafaB]

Fantastic and a great video. Sailing seems to be so liberating and I do not have a clue but love watching these videos

[@jeffdurden398]

Super video. I'm moving up to a 28ft boat after sailing the snots out of an 18ft swing keel for the last 7 yrs, so it's just what I needed. Tell your daughter that threading the needle into the slip so perfectly the first time was truly amazing. Also, did those kids in the dingy know you or were they just stupid? Counting on another boat knowing the ROTR isn't something to bet your life on.

[@bunkosquad2000]

Good jobs docking! You, dear, are a steely-eyed sailor!

[@sailingin-tuitionwithchuck]

So good to see another video. I can very much relate to this one as I try to help my wife learn the lines. She says I yell at her but i don't realize it or feel that I do. Perhaps she is just hearing the stress I feel. Because unlike you, i am still learning on every trip out. That's just another way of saying that I do something wrong every sail. But we love it. And your videos and book have certainly been motivational to me. Thanks!

[@akosirolandr]

Alexandra is very fortunate to learn from the master. I d like to learn how to sail and will start take sailing classes.

[@driver33359]

This is so awesome to see! Great video!