Micro Cruising adventure! Six days on a tiny sailboat

we go north once again with friends. in search of fair winds beautiful surroundings and great fellowship. we find all of those things and more at Johnson creek

[@dalesails]

I am now 83 years old and have had many adventures. What I liked most about the video was it featured many young people having adventures of their lifetime. They will some day live vicariously too. I enjoyed the video. Thank you.

[@ruddyducksailing]

I am very fortunate to be able to share those experiences with them as they are growing up . Good memories have been created for sure and it will be fun to look back on the experiences someday. Thanks for watching!!

[@samrogrer4959]

Been to Johnson Creek sooo many times.. My parents lived in Clark Fork for many years.. AND when I lived in Cocolalla I had my 1st sail boat. 27' retractable keel Clipper Marine. I sailed Lake Pend Oreille so many times. Every year I would take a week and just stay on the lake. A favorite mooring was WHISKEY ROCK BAY. QUIET during the week. I did put auto pilot on my tiller and that was a blessing. after 5 years or so of this and made all the mistakes I thought I could I bought a 10.7 Mtr, ( 35' ) sloop in San Diego and away I went !!! live aboard for 8 years.. Sailed mostly alone from San Diego to Ft. Myers Florida. OH YA I had adventures !!! Well I finally got married, got OLD ( 85 ) and now watch your videos that bring back so MANY great memories !! KEEP IT UP !!

[@ruddyducksailing]

It sounds like you’ve had an amazing life filled with sailing adventures in a lot of amazing places. It’s so cool that it all started out in North Idaho on our beautiful lakes. I aspire to grow old in the sailing lifestyle God willing, and hope to share the beauty of this world in my videos as long as I am able. Thank you for watching and sharing a little bit of your experiences!!!

[@nicholasbizier9234]

On my first and only time sailing so far I felt an Inexpressable joy that this video perfectly captures

[@ruddyducksailing]

That’s awesome, thank you. We definitely love trying to capture the joy of sailing and the beauty in this world to share with others. Thanks for watching!

[@jonathanmorgan7503]

Greetings from Wales🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 U.K🇬🇧 . That's a beautiful part of America I've yet to visit. Thanks for sharing this stunning video.

[@ruddyducksailing]

Greetings and thanks for watching. There’s definitely a lot of beautiful places around the inland northwest of the US.

[@Kmanc172]

“Epic adventure” is right! Simple, it’s just so simple!!! I’m really digging your channel bro!! I’ve over complicated my boating experience and went too big of a flybridge cruiser. Love the boat and am grateful for the fun I’ve had on it but it’ll pick your wallet clean. I really can’t do all that much more than you other maybe handle a few more people, provisions, and a bit more chop. Once my boat sells, I’ll be downsizing to a small sailboat also. Not from this area but have been to most of those lakes in that area plenty of times and I enjoy seeing them again on your journeys. Love it!!! Great channel!!!

[@ruddyducksailing]

I hear ya. Simplicity has been a game changer for us. Instead of maintaining a diesel engine,radar, chart plotter, diesel heater, pressure water, refrigerator, autopilot, etc, etc I just go sailing and explore the destination whenever I arrive. Yeah big boats are a blast and we still own one but maybe not for long because out of the two I’d rather sail the 16 footer!

[@trailzable]

I appreciate the footage, editing and story telling. These trips/film projects are epic! Subscribed.

[@ruddyducksailing]

Thank you so much! Comments like these keep us going!

[@gailclauson976]

I could watch your adventure videos all day long! So beautiful, and relaxing. Excellent job.

[@ruddyducksailing]

Thank you. That means a lot to us

[@astrorad2000]

Another wonderful adventure with great video and production. I like how your lines are run back into the cockpit. My Newport 16 didn't have that when I had it because I was a total newbie to sailing. That boat is a blast to sail, fast agile and exciting at times.

[@ruddyducksailing]

Thank you ! Yeah running the lines to the cockpit was the first thing I did to the boat. It gave me so much confidence being able to lower the sails in under two seconds while still maintaining tiller control.

[@rolandorfortunato456]

Spectacular video what a beautiful part of our country thank you for taking us along for the journey.

[@ruddyducksailing]

Its definitely a beautiful area and it’s our pleasure to share our adventures there. Thanks for watching

[@erichouterman2160]

Nice movie 👌🏻 I like the little Honda motor 😅 Hope you make a lot of this movie’s

[@ruddyducksailing]

Thank you!! Hopefully we can make many more

[@genevievechateau8742]

These videos just keep getting better and better...love you guys!!!

[@ruddyducksailing]

Thank you. We are definitely learning with each video and hope to continue to get better… Love and miss you too

[@135Damain]

Great Music!

[@ruddyducksailing]

Thanks!

[@jimmybritt9537]

Living the dream brother 👍👍🇺🇸

[@ruddyducksailing]

Yes sir. Working hard and playing harder! We feel blessed to be able to spend time on the water like we do!🤙🏻

[@3rdmostwatched]

Great video!! Johnson Creek looks so beautiful!! What a great memory to share with your kids too. Look forward to part 2!!!

[@ruddyducksailing]

Thanks. Definitely a beautiful spot . Next time we go more into civilization and out of our comfort zone. Should be interesting

[@eschleonardo]

Suuuuuuper nice!!! Thanks for sharing this beautiful family experience! Your channel influenced me and I just buy a Potter AX15 few days ago and now want to explore our beautiful lakes at the very South of Brazil. Thanks guys!!! 😃

[@ruddyducksailing]

Wow that is so cool! I imagine it is very beautiful there and you should have some great sailing. It’s awesome that the west wight potters are still going on adventures all over the world!

[@theresnobodyhere5778]

great practical little boats that you can actually use often ,all the boat you,ll ever need and more fun

[@ruddyducksailing]

I agree. It’s a totally different but freeing type of sailing. Absolutely love it

[@sharonbraselton3135]

Small cabin 6 day on small sail boat piwerr boat. What size

[@SailingKinsale]

Stunning film. Amazing beauty. Inspirational.

[@ruddyducksailing]

Thank you!!!

[@annhysell6064]

Super Cool! My "friend" and I each have larger sailboats on Lake Erie (Nonsuch 30 & Tartan 37) and we purchased a Rob Roy 22.. exactly for this reason, to sail small inland lakes. Your video was inspiring! Well done. And watching family have fun together, that is intentional living. Be well.

[@ruddyducksailing]

Intentional living is a great way to put it! I love that. It took me awhile to figure out how to slow down and try to live life to the fullest without being trapped by my career. I still work hard but the focus has changed and sailing has definitely helped my outlook and has brought my family closer together. Thanks for the encouragement and enjoy those beautiful small lakes.

[@sirduckgtag]

wow, awesome adventures

[@ruddyducksailing]

We definitely had fun last summer. Looking forward to another great season

[@crstothard]

Great adventures and great voiceover work! Reminiscent of Marty Stouffer's Wild America.

[@ruddyducksailing]

That’s a huge compliment! Thank you.I remember watching his show when I was a young kid and was no doubt inspired by those videos .

[@kdoggie805]

Another wonderful video

[@ruddyducksailing]

Thank you!

[@davidridley1307]

I stumbled upon your channel as I’m looking into getting a compact trailer sailer, but I’ve subscribed because your videos are so beautifully done. Can’t wait for the next adventure.

[@ruddyducksailing]

Thank you for subscribing! Trailer sailors are a lot of fun and we are looking forward to the next adventure also.

[@markkubiak8296]

Awe inspiring beauty.

[@ruddyducksailing]

For sure. And cameras don’t do it justice

[@derkong7114]

As I continue to work on getting my potter 19 "Dust" into the water with figuring out the rigging and ordering new sails your epic adventures are inspiring! Looks like you had a blast! These videos are truly amazing to watch!

[@ruddyducksailing]

Thank you so much.I am excited for you to get all set up and sailing. Of course half the fun is in the preparation and tinkering on the boat !

[@barbaratague4377]

Wow, I feel like I went on this adventure with you!! What a beautiful place for sure! Great seeing you, Molly and the kids having❤ a wonderful time!

[@ruddyducksailing]

Thank you so much. We are definitely thankful for every moment and thank you for support. We miss you!!!

[@hoosierpete]

Herb Stewart did a great job when he designed the West Wight Potter 19 very nice for lakes and costal cruising.

[@ruddyducksailing]

Definitely. They are popular for good reasons! Definitely has unique style and interesting lines, probably won’t mistake it for any other boat!

[@paulpetraitis2130]

nice job!

[@ruddyducksailing]

Thanks!!

[@edisonronan8609]

love camping out there at lee's point (the skippingstone beach at the mouth of johnson creek) the dock is always well maintained

[@ruddyducksailing]

It’s definitely a beautiful spot! One of my favorite spots on the lake for sure! I haven’t stayed at the dock yet, just the mooring balls but it looks very protected if a storm rolled in

[@asculptedlife]

That’s quite the flotilla 😂

[@ruddyducksailing]

Definitely a motley crew!!😆

[@rctrucker2763]

I happen to have the same boat. Glad i found your videos!! I wish i wasn't in Western New York. THE SENERY YOU HAVE AVAILABLE IS AMAZING!!!Hopefully this isn't too much of an ask, but could you do a video all about running lines. Length, size and how they are run. The ones mine came with were destroyed and I cant find much on them. Also new to sailing. Thanks so much for sharing your adventures!!!

[@ruddyducksailing]

The little boats are a blast and we’ve had some very fun adventures on them. As far as my running rigging goes I would be happy to do a video on it. It may be different than yours based on the hardware that is on your boat but I could probably explain different variations and how to put everything together! Give me a week or two and I can probably put a video out . Also thanks for watching!

[@rctrucker2763]

@ruddyducksailing Thanks Brian. I'm looking forward to being under sail. I'm not even sure I have all the parts. Line diameter would be dependent on pully and cleat size correct? Thanks again Dan

[@ruddyducksailing]

Yes line size will be determined by block ( pulley) size and you don’t want the line to be too big because it will chafe and cause unnecessary friction. Size is also determined by the strength needed and also comfort in your hand when pulling hard on a line. For a good reference I would recommend looking up Samson ropes line selection guide. It is a great reference on line sizes for various control lines.

[@DouglasCampos84]

It's a 17 foot boat? 9hp engine? Amazing video, subscribed!

[@ruddyducksailing]

Newport 16 with a 2.5 hp Yamaha and a west wight potter 15 with a 2.3 hp Honda outboard. Small outboards on small light boats. Thanks for subscribing!!!!

[@DouglasCampos84]

@@ruddyducksailing I have one Tche 17 (Delta 17) (I'm from Brazil ), but I use one old Evinrude 15hp, it's too heavy and consumes a lot,.. I 'was thinking in one 9hp, but if you use 2.5, one 3.3 will be fine also for me!

[@RaphaelOertel]

Beautiful area for a sail! When I google map Johnson Creek I don’t see a lake nearby. Where is it? Cheers from the Netherlands 🇳🇱

[@ruddyducksailing]

Yes it is a beautiful lake in north Idaho called Pendoreille. Johnson creek is known more commonly as Lee’s Point at the Northeast end of the lake. Cheers from the US🇺🇸

[@b.michaelsmith7713]

Awesome adventure! What kind of life jacket are being used?

[@ruddyducksailing]

We have quite a variety but the ones most often seen in this video are the automatic inflation type. West marine 1000 and a bass pro am33. Also a neoprene jobe water sports type is used by my youngest! My favorite jacket I own is a mustang survival inflatable but I need to rearm it with a new co2 canister so I haven’t worn it in awhile.

[@kurtism9040]

These Lakes have no navigational aids? I realize most of the shoreline drops almost straight down and there's no anchorage along most of it. But, where you beached, are the waters charted? Can you get a chart for depths of the books and coves ?

[@ruddyducksailing]

Yeah the waters are charted by various fishing maps and navionics. “Fish n map” will give you a basic idea but I never use them because most dangerous rocks are marked and everything else is plenty deep enough. You have to be careful around the islands and near the sloughs but my shallow draft sailboat goes over pretty much everything