Learning to Sail Our Beneteau 46 w/ NO Experience (Take the Waters) S1:E1

After purchasing s/v Shonto, a 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 46 Sailboat, the marina gives us only two months to move out. Our only problem? We have no experience sailing or docking a boat this size. We learn how to sail our boat by taking expert sailing lessons from Captain Z. But, will he approve us to operate Shonto on our own in time to leave???
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0:00
0:27 Beneteau - Sailboat Survey
1:36 First Night on Our Own Sailboat
2:32 First Sailboat Docking Lessons
5:33 Installing Garmin Chart Plotter
8:15 Sailing Lessons
10:33 Installing Garmin Electronics
14:13 Pulling Our Spinnaker Sail
14:50 Sailboat Docking Lessons
17:26 Sailboat Operating Approval

[@BlueLineSpeed]

I like your enthusiasm and ambition. I’d suggest lowering your Bimini during your first days out sailing. You need to learn to read your sails, main, jib and spinnaker. Watching the camber, luff, leech and telltales. Understanding the aerodynamics and how to keep safe by de-powering the rig when required without depending on the furling system. It’s almost impossible to achieve this from a “letterbox” view ahead of the hatch. Same with navigation, electronics are only an “aid” to navigation, be confident and competent with using paper charts as a foundation. Otherwise, like always your electronics will be sure to go wrong just when you depend on them most. Take it slowly and sail safe. A boat only makes its true size and power apparent when things start to go wrong. Good luck and thanks for posting.

[@lyfandeth]

Capt. Z is a very rare thing: an outstanding teacher. Do try to understand that everything on a boat eventually acts up. Electronics are nice, but you need to be comfortable with just chart and compass because one day, you may have to! Nicely done.

[@AdventureOtaku]

I am an outdoor educator (kayaking, navigation and wilderness medicine) and I started learning to sail 2 years ago. I have seen more bad sailing instructors than I care to count. So Capt Z does seem to be a rare thing. It seems - particularly for adult learners - the sailing instructors are sailors first, teachers second. The outdoor community knows this is backwards. I would rather have an instructor who is an educator first, and a sailor second. But I regularly see instructors with a ton of knowledge and no idea how to share it.

[@LoanwordEggcorn]

@@AdventureOtaku Agree there are definitely sailing instructors who are sailors but not great teachers, and the latter is more important. However the situation is not universal. It depends on the school and sometimes instructors within the school. Some sailing schools have instructors who are excellent educators and good sailors. It's good to shop around, read reviews, etc.

[@philxdev]

@@AdventureOtaku I´d say it is a character thing.. would defenitely not want an educator first and a sailor second.. rather have a calm and collective character who is a sailor first.. but yes some people are just not as capeable of communicating their knowledge as others..but I guess in the end we both mean the same thing^^.. but I guess if you have a boat of that size and you want to learn on it you will have plenty of opportunities, if you do your due diligence. There are plenty good sailors out there without a boat and some may happily join your crew for an extended cruise as a mentor and instructor and with the internet and videocalls you can make sure to find somebody that suits your characters..

[@somadevo]

You've entered a school that never ends and a life that will give you a lot to grow through. The rewards are beyond your expectations as sailing brings out the best in you embraced by all Nature has to reveal. Highest Blessings

[@samvohra6992]

Words so beautifully expressed.

[@jbeck7660]

My wife and I did the same thing 14 years ago...bought the boat, then learned to sail. Also, like you, we got instruction on our boat rather than in a sailing school. No regrets. Enjoy your beautiful yacht.

[@joseherrera5264]

That's what I'm going to do a few weeks from now singlehandedly on a 41' vessel. Wish me luck lol

[@jbeck7660]

@@joseherrera5264 Best of luck!

[@dutchglobetrotter4513]

Enjoyed the video very much, you guys have a new sub. I part-time crew on an Oyster 56, last February couple of days before I went back home. The captain/owner had a gift for me, I had to helm their boat/house out of Port Louis marina in Grenada. Many super yachts and other big sailing yachts. So when I safely accomplished that Simon/captain clicked his I-pad to the pedestal and said, "follow the route on Navionics I'm going for a nap." When we got to the anchorage I was ready to give Simon back the helm, he refused and made me anchor too. In sailing you never stop learning, biggest boat I helmed before that was a 39. Now I have added the 56 to my list, its not very different in helming only bigger.

[@TakeTheWaters]

Dutch Globetrotter Love the story! A lot of learning is just simply by DOING. Bravo, and good on you; hope you keep sailing! So happy enjoyed the video :) - Mandi

[@proffsionl]

Thanks for posting this...we bought our first boat (still have it), a Rinker 350 Express Cruiser, back in 2007 and watching you dock for the first time brought back memories of docking ours back then. I think the butterflies never really go away. It's great that you had a couple of months to learn the ropes (literally) and look forward to seeing how things go for you. Captain Z's instructions were great (especially about knowing when you are and are not in your comfort zone). Don't let your ego take control when you are at the helm!!! She's a beautiful boat!

[@LoanwordEggcorn]

Agree, understand your limits, but keep expanding them through continual learning. Pay attention to what you're doing, understand what can go wrong, and work carefully.

[@AndreasDuessca]

That is a heck of a large boat to learn to sail on. My first keelboat, I learned on 420s, was a 30ft Cal30. Tiller steering, fast and responsive and great fun to sail with two people. Small enough to be forgiving at close quarters too. Respect to you guys for learning properly. I now crew on races and still feel like I know absolutely nothing, most of the time. Every race there is a moment where there’s a wtf just happened.

[@chrispomfret8592]

I’ve raced as a professional and I must applaud you for learning the right way. You are years ahead of people that arrogantly think sailing is easy and you can learn it all as you go are unaware how dangerous they are being. KZbinrs have an extra responsibility to viewers who they inspire. I’ve been watching people with less experience that you have in this video start to do how to videos. That makes my blood boil. If people go snow skiing they don’t think twice about getting an instructor. Why not do that for sailing too? It’s just as dangerous or more so. The sooner you learn safely and correctly the sooner you will be having amazing stress free adventures. So well done.

[@theowenssailingdiary5239]

Always some fuckwit establishment guy who thinks his way is the only way. I learned to ski and sail. You can learn sailing from anybody. How typical that somebody who buys a 46' bendy then actually PAYS somebody to teach them the mere basics.. Just sit back and relax old man-your time is done, and your territory is getting pissed on, and its high time. (I've raced as a professional -you dick)..

[@stephendarcy7113]

Looking forward to watching and learning from your journey to sailing.

[@Ricovandijk]

That's one serious boat to learn to sail on! but I'm sure you get up to speed in no-time, you're doing great! Thanks for sharing :)

[@JRHPenny]

Fantastic, well done! We had a 46 from new in 2008 in the UK for 6 years, great boat.

[@TakeTheWaters]

JRHPenny Thank you! Yes these are great boats; loving ours! - Mandi

[@vinniemontrealangler]

That previous owner sure kept it in top shape. Wow.. 2008.. Nice of you to share your experience. Stay safe and have fun !

[@markperry4220]

Outstanding now welcome to the life of the wind. I’ve been sailing for 45 years and as long as you know your limits you’ll be fine. Now sail on you two !!⛵️✌️🇺🇸👍

[@xuchun5371]

i love your guys with that kind of courage, really admire !

[@stevevalentin7241]

Great job you two. Keep living life and making memories. Fair winds always.

[@TakeTheWaters]

Thanks Steve - b

[@saucygoose1821]

Well played. One of the very few USA couples actually wanting to learn before you go. Much respect.

[@TakeTheWaters]

Saucy Goose Thanks for that! We’re happy to have done it too - and wouldn’t you know it, we’re still always learning! - Mandi

[@jandtlivinglife3130]

@@TakeTheWaters Like all of us are. Congrats and huge kudos from an old tar.

[@vancekeith5642]

Great video! Good to see people being smart and safe when starting out, fair winds and safe travels.

[@SailingAquarius]

Good job on the vid, and the Pass! You're ready for more than you think. Come November the Caribbean will be calling your name!

[@EVoyageHiking]

Job well done, looking back anything you would like to share with persons interesting to start sailing or about to. see you'll on the next videos!

[@jptravels]

Subscribed. Thumbs up. Looking forward to more of your adventures ❣

[@alicecoppers8980]

thanks so much for the honesty and tenacity...love u guys!

[@TakeTheWaters]

of course. wanted to be a bit real - b

[@richardstallbaum9580]

when manouvering I always like to look at the water right next to the boat to give me an indication of movement. of course with wind and tide you need to keep a dock reference as well.

[@johnryan2193]

Its very hard to train beginners as some of them don't like to be given direction, but you guys are mellow enough to learn from more experienced people, nice one .bon voyages

[@JMNOQRS]

you guys look chill will check some more videos out. congrats on the boat.

[@billhanna8838]

Your life is now beginning , You'll never be the same again , Nice boat ,Nice lady = Nice life - Life is not a rehearsal = fairwinds . Just one tip 'If you think about reefing - DO IT ' A yacht up right will always sail better than one on her ears - Enjoy.

[@TakeTheWaters]

bill hanna And what a beautiful life it is! Thanks for the advice 🤙🏼 - Mandi

[@IM-de5dg]

If you think you might need a reef it’s too late, you should have done it earlier. If you are thinking about shaking out a reef, have a cup of tea first, then see if that’s still a good idea

[@artysqueezy184]

Great instruction and it’s always good to have an experienced voice on your shoulder. When it’s not there you need the confidence and knowledge to go it alone. Learning In good weather is one thing. Bad is completely another. Watch the weather, the tides and the sea state. Sail safe, sail well, have fun and may the tides and weather be in your favour and the wind be always abeam or at least as much as possible! ☀️🌤

[@irinavaravina4612]

I love the video! Thank you guys. From the very start, not confident yet!! Absolutely needed video!

[@vidguy007]

Having taught sailing for years, my advice would have been to learn sailing and basic boat handling on a much smaller boat, where things are simpler, errors are much cheaper, and less serious Just the first few times Crewing for others is a great way to start

[@TakeTheWaters]

We’ve sailed smaller boats before, but still feels much different than operating a larger vessel like this. That’s why we thought it would be smart to learn sailing and operating our specific boat, that we’ve never been on before, with a captain. I think crewing is a wonderful idea - we’re actually picking up crew who is doing just that! -Mandi

[@sailing1stwatch]

​@Take the Waters I thought you said your current abilities to sail were zero and the captain wouldn't let you leave until you could sail.

[@SailingSunday]

We have the same boat and were in the same situation last year! I stupidly rocked up to Malta from Australia at the beginning of summer after we bought it and looked at it thinking, S**T......what have I done.......! But after a month I built up the courage to take it out for the first time, I was like phewwwwww, wasn't that hard lol. The B46 is amazing, one of the best all-rounder boats, easy to maneuver in tight spots and super comfy having everything you need!

[@SailingOctopodes]

We just bought a 45 foot Beneteau a few months ago, I have only taken a dingy sailing class. Fortunately my partner has sailing experience. I really connected with the moment trying to turn on the lights...I feel like that has been my process every simple thing had to be learned. It creates a lot of anxiety for me...but I am very excited to learn all of the sailing secrets and get more confident and see you out there sailing!!!

[@TakeTheWaters]

SV Octopodes The light part was so funny. First night on the boat and we realize we just had no idea 😂. We’ve experienced a lot of that as well; not knowing how something worked and having to figure it out. Stress can be abound, but a lot of good too. I think it’s a balance, just like with many things. Wishing you luck on your sailing journeys! - Mandi

[@capt.zornes9729]

PirateForeHire.com 🏴‍☠️

[@peteremmett8332]

You guys lucked out when you came across Cap'n Z. Well done, both of you and especially Cap'n Z.

[@TakeTheWaters]

Captain Z is the real deal. -Brian

[@capt.zornes9729]

Arrrrr! 🏴‍☠️🏴‍☠️🏴‍☠️

[@anthonyrispin9778]

Wishing you health,happiness and wealth for the future. And congratulations.

[@nickjaques760]

Great video. You kept it so real. When one was fading the other kept strong. The perfect partnership. Keep smiling, keep strong. You will do great. I'm watching with intrigue as I plan to do something similar in a few years. Well done the both of you. 😁

[@TakeTheWaters]

Thanks. If you're planning to sail in a few years, you should keep watching. We've been learning the first year is the hardest. Man is that true. Would have been nice to know before lol - Brian

[@cdv130]

That instructor is awesome!

[@alexisgomezsalinas3560]

I hope you keep uploading the rest of your journey

[@reknas78]

I really enjoyed your video. A door opened up for you two. Enjoy the experience and share it with your fan club. You two are awesome, more guts than me. :)

[@TakeTheWaters]

Thank you!! We're enjoying it, but also wanting to show the whole truth in this sailing lifestyle, and not just the pretty views. Hope you continue to enjoy the journey! ~Mandi

[@mathewdavis-adventuresandd6643]

I have no idea why I enjoyed watching you guys back that Beneteau up into it's slip, but I did. I'm sure that was a great feeling of satisfaction to dock her where you wanted her and not on top of something. lol

[@johnnewman8412]

You guys are giving me hope that a dream of mine (for which I am currently wholly unprepared) is, in fact, do-able. I'll be watching your progress, and hopefully learning a lot. :-)

[@EdwardPrestes]

Your hard work paid off guys! I like the vibe of the channel, keep it up and it might be a subscription for me...

[@TakeTheWaters]

Don’t dangle your grapes in front of me sir. -B

[@SailingBrickHouse-RVLife]

Love it...”we were excited to sail around the world...but how the f** do we sail this boat alone”...so many start off this same way! Wonderful video and we wish you the best of luck with your new boat! -Rebecca on SV Brick House

[@TakeTheWaters]

Thank you. - Brian

[@capt.zornes9729]

To funny! 🏴‍☠️

[@svvagabond]

Awesome guys! 2 things. Don't ever panic and less sail is always better.

[@TakeTheWaters]

s/v vagabond Calm is key! - Mandi

[@cq7415]

Nice video to watch because you did a great job of filming, editing. Thanks.

[@simonjconnor]

What a beautiful boat! Nice video guys. This is the first one I've watched. As others have commented I love that you're taking the time to learn before your first big sail. Also loved the mast climb against the advice. I've been climbing my mast solo for years and using a climbing harness and prusik system. Whilst in lockdown have watched videos and practiced at home on how to lower myself down a loose halyard, on a single carabina, using a Munter Hitch and look forward to trying it out once the lockdown is over here in Singapore. I usually rig up a safety prusik line to a different halyard for safety. And also when Captain Z said the autopilot changes everything - he's right, its like an extra crew - that doesn't drink, which is great when you only have two beers left :) Look forward to the next videos.

[@capt.zornes9729]

Loved your comments! Z🏴‍☠️🏴‍☠️🏴‍☠️

[@IanHn56]

Allrighty then ! This looks like it could be interesting! Duly Subscribed!

[@josealberto890]

Wow! You both did so well through all that boat training. You also looked confident and positive no matter what seemed to come up, suddenly. At age 74, I only 'dream' of sailboating, now. I did get in insight into 'boating' back when I was 30 years old. I took a job as a steward on a 90-foot yacht, that was sailing out of Fort Lauderdale to charter out of St Thomas. I only did it for 3 months but loved it! The owner decided to charter out of Newport, Rhode Island instead and moved the boat. I wish you both good health, sound money management, and lots of love! Joe

[@TakeTheWaters]

Very cool that you got to experience life on the water! It’s such a different perspective than on land. Hope you enjoy seeing our progress with us -Mandi

[@winelass1805]

Holy crap, respect girl!! i am just learning to park my boat that my husband and I have owned for 10yrs. it is a power boat with 2 motors and I can't do it anywhere close to as good as you did your first time out.

[@TakeTheWaters]

Aww thanks!! I was MAJORLY intimidated (if you couldn't tell by my face), and still am at times. I mean, it was the first real boat I had ever driven, and being so big, with only one motor... eek! Brian still has more guts at it than me, but I still try and practice from time to time. I much prefer steering in the open water, haha. All I can say is, its normal to not be perfect at things right away, and keep on practicing even if its nerve wracking - you've got this!! ~Mandi

[@zetacoremusic]

great content guys, keep it up!

[@TakeTheWaters]

Appreciate it!

[@SailingSharingLife]

Just found you, and had a quick look. Re-living our own experiences from 2012 - "what have we done!" sort of thing. Looking forward to viewing in full tonight.

[@TakeTheWaters]

Haha we are still feeling like that about a year later. Every big sail teaches us something, scares us, makes us reconsider everything, and then we do another one and realize the last sail wasn’t so bad. -Brian

[@Rokits-realm]

i just bought my first sailboat today. a schock 20'. I've never sailed either. I'm going to redo some stuff before taking it out. I'll take it out on lake mojave first and get better before upgrading and doing what you guys did. Be nice to each other always and stay safe.

[@CadohaAdventures]

The learning curve feels both never ending, and super rewarding. Best of luck guys and stay safe 🤞⛵️

[@jean-mariegimenezgueguen7875]

Great job guys, thank you for sharing and i wish you a lot of memorable moments with your beautiful sailing boat. it is posible with work and dedication.

[@TakeTheWaters]

Thanks so much, Jean-Marie! We’ve learned that too. Grit, perseverance, dedication and hard work gets you where you want to go! -Mandi

[@reloadncharge9907]

Enjoyed it.....thanks, Andrew

[@karitane]

Well done with Captain Z and I would like to wish you both the best travels and adventures together in the future...xx

[@TakeTheWaters]

Thanks so much, that means a lot!! And yes, Captain Z was absolutely amazing! ~Mandi

[@camilogyllback7193]

Your coach is great! Very good content. I hope you´ve had a blast sailing since you uploaded this. Greetings from Sweden

[@TakeTheWaters]

Hello from the Chesapeake Bay! He was an awesome coach! We have had a great times, and some not so great times, since we uploaded this video. We've gone pretty far! Around Florida, to The Bahamas, back to the US, up to Chesapeake Bay, and soon we'll be heading out again! Hope you continue to enjoy the videos and see all where we've ended up :) ~Mandi

[@petertitchener6118]

brilliant video, i really enjoyed it. please make some more!

[@sueisnuts]

Congrats! Enjoy the journey. We own the same boat- bought her 3 years ago and sail in the Chesapeake Bay.

[@TakeTheWaters]

Very cool! We're heading up to the Chesapeake very soon - Brian

[@vintagecreationschannel655]

What a fantastic video. Love your guts going from zero excellent guys .... looking at the screen you took out I went to comments as soon as I could to tell you your best bet is to spend some cash on new electronics....guess what while writing I saw you did just that. Too important not to have good electronics, especially new raymarine touchscreen they have just had a huge leap forward in the last few years... anyway great great content can’t wait to the next upload. Thanks again

[@TakeTheWaters]

Thanks. The original screen was broke so I had a choice to replace the old one or upgrade everything. I chose to upgrade since everything was 10 years old. -B

[@vraymond108]

That is a big boat to start with but we did almost the same thing with a JEANNEAU Sun Odyssey 45.2. Now we are on our second and third boats. Close quarters work is always the most exciting part.

[@MrJudgementday99]

When reversing with a Beneteau, I find it easiest to face the way you are going, if you had stood where you instructor stood it makes it a whole bunch easier. The other point is in reverse just remember the boat is more like a car, when going forward it drives like a forklift

[@billbergquist4722]

Nice boat! Looking forward to more adventure.

[@TakeTheWaters]

Bill Bergquist Thank you! Happy to have you along for the journey - Mandi

[@12gerbear]

I made the trip from St. Petersberg to West Palm Beach on a Beneteau 39 but we went across the state through Lake Okeechobee cutting out 100s of miles. There is a fixed bridge on the NE corner of the lake near Indiantown. Even though our mast was too high we found a couple of guys from Indiantown who do the "Okeechobee Limbo" where they lean the boat over filling 55 gallon drums. Sure beats having to sail down around Miami.

[@yeahnope620]

Im in the same boat as you. No sailing skills but I wanna pick this baby up next year. Learning the ropes is quite intimidating.

[@nixxonnor]

Congratulations with your new boat. Now I have to check how you have done after you purchased it in 2018. We just bought our "new" 2010 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 DS, upgrading from a 1984 Jeanneau Fantasia 27.

[@xuchun5371]

i love your guys with that kind of courage, yes, yours' my man !

[@jamieyz]

We are probably in the same spot as you right now. A little experience, a new boat, and some butterflies. Looking forward to seeing what you do.

[@LoanwordEggcorn]

Organized classes are a very efficient way to learn. Most sailing schools will provide classes or lessons on your own boat.

[@capt.zornes9729]

Capt Z 727-776-9199

[@JohnSmith-dj5gf]

Great video! That’s very courageous for both of you to jump in with no experience and buy a 46 footer. There’s a saying “small boats make the sailor, big boats take the glory”. When you get time rent some small boats to practice on. You feel every effect of the wind and wave when you don’t have 10,000lbs of lead underneath you. Would also recommend Bluewater Sailing School to learn offshore techniques and to get your ASA certification. I was fortunate to have competed in college on two person racing dinghies which gave me a strong sailing foundation. I still need to learn all the big boat systems. You have to be an electrician, plumber, mechanic, and sailor all in one. Congrats on your new life on the water!

[@TakeTheWaters]

Thank you. We have sailed smaller boats, Just no experience on a large boat. Everything else is learned on the boat. I suspect we'll never be done learning. -Brian

[@LoanwordEggcorn]

@@TakeTheWaters It looks like you got a strong foundation to start learning, and every day sailing teaches something new. There's always something to learn. @John Smith definitely agree with the advice to sail dinghies and small boats for feeling the wind, keel, rudder, sail response, sail trim, etc. The lighter the boat, the more immediate the response and feedback and the better the learning, if well coached/thoughtful study.

[@johnclark1925]

Wonderful! Well done guys Capt Z is a star

[@campermortey]

Awesome video. Fun to watch

[@rikvandok]

Watching this for the first time, I was a bit skeptical, coming from a totally different background, learning how to sail a dinghy, then go to a 20' open boat, learn how to sail the tides, and get a Yacht Master offshore license and then the ultimate ticket YM Ocean, after 60k nautical miles, I have to give it to you guys: you’re doing great, stay prudent and don’t forget: if you don’t know, ask! Fair winds and following seas! I’ll be following you 2

[@TakeTheWaters]

Hendrik van dok Thank you!! We’ve definitely put a lot of hard work in a short period of time, and we’re still going strong! Fair winds to you as well; happy to have you along for our journey! - Mandi

[@rikvandok]

@@TakeTheWaters cheers guys! You'll do great!

[@rikvandok]

For sure! I'll be looking over your shoulder and enjoy the learning curve 😍 love you guys! Stay safe in these difficult times 💪

[@samvohra6992]

Wishing you both the best of luck and good health.

[@TakeTheWaters]

Thank you. -b

[@anthonydb7959]

Good luck and stay safe!

[@trevorbyron8181]

You've one of the best sailboats in the world...wish you showed some more footage on how you went with adjusting to sail. Every other video shows people already sailing, never how they started out...

[@haydo8373]

What a milestone, congratulations!!

[@TakeTheWaters]

Thank you so much!! It's been a challenging road, but we've come a long way and it's been so worth it :) ~Mandi

[@jamespitts8679]

Great job ! ! !

[@AfterDeath1986]

Very nice video guys, I have to subscribe now and follow along. My wife and I bought a Valiant 40 and we plan to circumnavigate starting fall 24 or spring 25. So we will spend the next few years, learning to sail before that happens :) excited to see how ya'll do learning etc. I am jealous of your bow thrusters though ^^

[@TakeTheWaters]

Awesome! The bow thruster is a gift and a curse. It's failed at the worst time so there's that but has been good most times. -b

[@AfterDeath1986]

@@TakeTheWaters haha I can only imagine. We are still learning and one of our first times out, we had to park in our slip on the west side of the bay, with 30 knots of wind pushing east and 5 ft swells.. it was either do that or take a couple more days off.. we would have given a lot for one then.. but then again murphys law if we had it.. that would be the day it failed. Lol

[@jandtlivinglife3130]

I was born 64 years ago, within yards of the ocean. I have been sailing all my life. My mother used to hoist my diapers (old school cloth) up into the rigging to dry. My wife and I have sailed 30,000 nm during our lives together. If I met the two of you out on the water I would make a toast to you. You are so impressive in the way you have decided to take on the cruising life. You are already addicted, and that is a good thing for you. Your journeys will make you grow, make you marvel at life and at the world, will make you incredibly strong as a couple and team, and most of all your journeys will make you live life so fully that you won't believe it. Congratulations, and welcome to the club.

[@TakeTheWaters]

Wow!! Really loved reading this. Amazing that you and your wife have sailed so far together - where all have you sailed? We're getting through this big transition from land life to full time cruising - it's definitely tough. With Covid, we had to put a pause in our plans, and go back to work to save some more to continue our journey when countries open back up again to us. That's made it more tough just in and of itself - worked so hard for so long, just to not be able to do what we had hoped for yet. We can't wait to explore more of life, the world, and grow stronger together. Thanks for the welcoming the club :) ~Mandi

[@jandtlivinglife3130]

@@TakeTheWaters Mandi, thanks for your warm reply to my post. We cruised part-time for 22 years from Victoria, B.C. in Canada up and down the west coast as far as Alaska, then full-time for another 8 years between Alaska, Mexico and Hawaii. We lived for 3 of those years in Mexico. I feel for you when you talk about all of your prep and now Covid comes along. When you do eventually leave for your adventure, you will think at the same time that you are not ready enough and that you should/could of left earlier. Take this time to go out when you can to get more practice and just to enjoy being on the boat. Even daysails can be magical. Ask any cruiser around, "What is the most important skill you need to cruise successfully?" and most of them will answer, "The ability to remain flexible". Think of how you can be flexible in your approach to cruising during these times. You have come this far so well. I am confident the two of you will be able to live your dream. Good luck to you, and if you are ever near the north end of Vancouver Island, come visit us.

[@SVSecondChance]

nice job. to start sailing on a boat that big is very brave. the design of your boat is one of the more easy designs to maneuver in reverse in tight places. however its still not for beginners and you did it. proud of you nice work. the best thing I can tell you is don't do anything without a compadnt plan then execute that plan but be ready to alter it if need be but still execute it.

[@TakeTheWaters]

Thanks 👍 -Brian

[@johnrichard6802]

Mandy is going to be the star of your channel. Nice back down into the dock.

[@TheBeggFamily]

Congratulations on your sign off! Good luck for the future, subbed to keep an eye on you.

[@TakeTheWaters]

Thank you!! Hope you continue to enjoy the videos :) ~Mandi

[@coolboy5428]

@@TakeTheWaters Why were you asking permission to sail your own boat? I don't understand that.

[@MsSommerflieder]

This is the first video I've ever seen of you and I was getting increasingly worried because I thought the two of you were planning on crossing the Atlantic first thing after getting a boat and learning basic stuff about sailing (Russian St. Petersburg to Florida)... 😅

[@richardpickersgill3434]

Well done, loved the honesty. Best wishes on your endeavours.

[@TakeTheWaters]

Thank you for that. We have a lot more coming. The good, the bad, and everything else.

[@Willco5114]

Impressive teacher! Beneteau is a great first boat. Pretty rugged build.

[@TakeTheWaters]

He was an amazing teacher! And we are still loving our Beneteau! ~Mandi

[@rainfinger]

Great video, welcoming you to the cruising community, perhaps we will see you in the Bahamas.

[@Laters3]

I’m a new sub. I follow all the other sailing KZbinrs but iv only just came across your channel. Iv just watched my first one ☝️ and I really like this channel. Fair play to you both and big respect ✊🏻 to you both on how well use both took control and took your time. Big respect ✊🏻 to you both

[@TakeTheWaters]

Thank you. We’re trying to get our stuff out there. Making videos was always a passion of ours, and sailing too. Our first year was hard but we’re coming along great these days. Our videos are a few months behind. - Brian

[@Laters3]

Take the Waters all rite Brian Iv binged watched all the stuff use have done with sailing ⛵️ and wow use are a great couple and great sailors to. I’ll share one of your sailing vlogs on my Facebook and hopefully you get more subs. I used to be a heroin addict and I kept getting a repeating thought of buying a yacht when I was using. So I got of the drugs used the money I would of used on drugs to buy my first boat. Iv been clean from drugs for 4 years now and love sailing on the high seas. I’m a singlehanded sailor and sailing has taught me a lot about life and I’m now saving up to set sail for around the world like you guys/gals. The best thing about your sailing channel is that use are down to earth / genuine and keeping it real. Respect ✊🏻 to you both and look forward to watching your next video. And thank you for showing us your life of sailing ⛵️.

[@TakeTheWaters]

What you've done by getting clean is huge and a testament to your strength. I know this from an outsiders view as some of my friends never made it to tell their story. Good luck on making it around the world. -Brian

[@Laters3]

Take the Waters thank you brain see use out there someday and good luck 🍀👍 and be shore I’ll keep watching use

[@RHP-pw8xt]

The boat in the background at 4:13 a MacLear & Harris 52.... all time classic motorsailer.

[@rabukan5842]

So many people want escape from what they consider their dull lives, and are watching these KZbin channels, and they get the bug before they actually know how to sail or boat, and before they know what it all entails to just pick up and try to sail around the world. It is, and always has been and will be, a vast undertaking that does require much more money and time than just buying a nice boat. I now have a 50' yacht and have owned boats before, so I know what to expect. Boats are great, the freedom is only matched in flying (which I also do,) but boats (and planes) require endless upkeep, repairs, slip fees, upgrades, and things will always crop up that many don't have the extra savings to deal with, and most people don't last more than a year before they give up "the dream." That's not to mention the logistics of living aboard, and dealing with, really bad, life threatening weather, etc. So my advice, for what it's worth, is to not just "go and do it," but to do lots and lots of research. Don't rush. Take sailing lessons, maybe go through 101, 103, 104 and even 105 where you learn to chart without electronics because eventually, electronics will fail. Then take a course on diesel engine maintenance and repair, one on electronic/electrical appliance repair, another on basic carpentry/fiberglass and hull repair, boat plumbing, etc. and most important, try to keep your boats as small and simple as possible while considering comfort for a couple. The bigger the boat, the more the cost, and the more gadgets, the more breakdowns, as salty air eventually gets into everything. If you are retired with a good pension, or are wealthy and have the money to make mistakes, then not a problem, but you still need knowledge or you will cause more problems for yourself and others. I've seen some very poor boating going on, and that sometimes leads to catastrophe. Educate yourselves...

[@TakeTheWaters]

All very valid points - We hit on these topics in upcoming videos. But also, yolo. :) Brian

[@tednottodd]

46' sailboat is indeed ambitious! We are re-learning to sail after a 35 year lay off on a much smaller boat, but the anxiety is the same while learning to dock. One thing that you need to keep in mind, is that everyone....everyone, has issues from time to time while docking. If there are people there willing to help, accept the help without shame. It is the way of the sea. S/V Flekk II

[@TakeTheWaters]

We've talked with sailors who have been doing it for decades, and even they say they get anxiety when docking. It's just a normal reaction, we're all humans. Having a helping hand on the dock is such a welcomed feeling - we always offer when we see someone coming in too. Fairwinds to you, wish you all the best on our return to sailing! ~Mandi

[@aseriscoful]

Starting with a 46 footer seems to me quite a handful particularly in port! Good luck and safe passages from a sailor from France

[@TakeTheWaters]

It was definitely a big jump in experience, but we had the best instructor and Brian is an absolute natural at docking in port. I still get intimidated, but I practice as much as I can in good conditions. Je veux visiter et voile la france un jour! Fairwinds! ~Mandi

[@jamiej4775]

Cool you guys! Living the dream. I can't wait till its my turn.

[@TakeTheWaters]

Yessss, go after it! Sometimes chasing these dreams is not always easy, but it's satisfying and worth it. Wishing you the best! ~Mandi

[@novak4594]

Great vlog. How long did that training take all up hours wise ? You guys are great.

[@TheSteelTech]

Beneteau knows how to make good design lines. The dreadnought bow always stands out. They always look like $$$. To bad they also cost $$$ :P

[@LoanwordEggcorn]

For their quality, Beneteau prices seem very efficient. They are well designed, engineered and built, and they have significantly improved over the years.

[@KayZee1957]

Learning not to panic was the hard part for me.

[@LoanwordEggcorn]

Panic only makes things harder. Staying calm makes it much easier to find and implement a solution.

[@therealebolaboy]

This is the stuff dreams are made of.

[@daverjax]

New sub, Hey , have to support the Fellow Floridians, even if it's only a click of a mouse button. Just Remember mates, Treat you're SHIP like a Lady, and She'll always bring ya home. Never Take your weather eye off the mistress that IS the sea, For sure as Ya do, She'll yank your guts. F.W.F.S.

[@jameshalleron7484]

Just subscribed to your site. I dream about doing what your setting out to do. I look foward to watching your adventures in hopes that someday we'll meet up on the water.

[@TakeTheWaters]

James Halleron We’re happy to have you joining in on our journey! I hope your dream becomes a reality for you!! - Mandi

[@LoanwordEggcorn]

A great way to get started is to take sailing classes at a local sailing club.

[@raiban719]

Very Cool

[@TakeTheWaters]

Thanks and thanks for the Song Stephen!!

[@scasey1960]

Great couple.

[@SVBateSea]

Just wobbled across your channel today... you are doing what we plan on doing in a year or two...I'll be watching you!! not to sound like Sting or anything but...

[@TakeTheWaters]

Thanks. We have a lot more to show. I'll try not to derail your plans, just kidding. -B

[@SVBateSea]

We have our favorites at this point since we have been researched them all, but curious to know what other boats you considered before the 46? and why this one?

[@TakeTheWaters]

The86rex We’ve looked at an Amel, Island Packet, and older Oysters. Basically we were looking for traditional blue water boats, but couldn’t afford them and/or it’s renovation. The Beneteau 46 seemed for us an affordable, blue water capable boat. Practical Sailor also wrote a good article of the vessels capabilities, and it just seemed a good fit for us. - Brian

[@IM-de5dg]

Good channel. Some advice for you Never climb the mast on your own or without two halyards attached Don’t rely on the electronic charts. Learn how to navigate using the compass and passage planning Keep your thumbs away from the winch when pulling in or letting out sheets

[@jag4762]

Well done. Sailing and electronics! Looking forward to a video of the mast being removed and replaced. Any info you have about your standing rigging will make for good commentary. Best Wishes.

[@TakeTheWaters]

Oh that mast.... Stay tuned. - Brian

[@dnmurphy48]

Wow, talk about being thrown in the deep end !!! The young lady did very well :)

[@TakeTheWaters]

Go big or go home! Nah, just kidding. Thanks, definitely went for it. And the more time you sail the more comfortable you get.