Our First TROPICAL STORM Aboard Penelope!

Living on a boat means dealing with bad weather, but as beginner sailors, we were definitely nervous for our first Tropical Storm on the boat. Luckily we've gotten to know some pretty incredible people while living on Penelope and they made sure that we took all the right safety precautions.
I'm sure we're going to see much worse weather conditions in our future, but I'm very grateful that we started with this size storm and in the safety of a protected bay on a secure mooring.
Any sailors out there with crazy storm stories?? I'd love to hear them in the comments!
Big hugs,
Dana
#boatlife #sailingaroundtheworld #liveaboard
.......................................................
Want to Support Us?
Purchase our eBook Live Creatively at www.wildweroam...
or
Join our Patreon: / wildweroam
.......................................................
MUSIC
We find all our music on Epidemic Sound, you can too with this 30 Day Free Trial:
share.epidemics...
........................................................
What Camera Gear Do We Use?
For our full gear list and reviews go to www.wildweroam...
........................................................
Keep in Touch:
on / wildweroam

[@jakesmotoadventure3579]

Really like how you communicate during stressful situations.

[@CR-xy1ej]

Thanks for continuing to produce "true" content, the mistakes, the lessons learned, the embarrassing moments, the genuine "ignorance" that comes with being new to sailing. I agree with many of the comments, although let it continue to propel you in your learning, rather than discourage you. Keep it up! I'm learning so much from you guys, and from the comments!

[@nicoleonfeels]

Good work! We’re all newbies at some point. Thanks for being brave and documenting your progress. 🤗

[@mercedesrodriguez9991]

Thank you for EVERYTHING.

[@mercedesrodriguez9991]

I absolutely love watching you work on stuff because you're so beautiful together the van build was insane I've watched it probably a hundred times and I think I'll probably do the same thing with the boat improvements it's just fun to watch you guys work together and Dana's smile could light up a room,so could lose for that matter you're both getting very blonde now I have lots of friends who are sailors and my girlfriend had to quit her Captain's job so keep that sunscreen on on on or big big hats that what that water reflects the sun so much even when you're under a cover it's going to get you you look beautiful and tan though absolutely gorgeous young couple

[@brendanbrown2292]

You Guys are doing better than I ever could.. The fact your making this into an adventure make me smile... Can't wait to watch you a year from now.

[@StephErr94]

I’ve been here off and on since your van days and I have to say I absolutely love your channel now that you’re doing the boat life. You two seem so happy and your videos have such a bright energy to them with an arty twist. I love it! I look forward to your future videos more and more :) stay safe.

[@jacquelinesafranek1525]

How is it that I am beaming with pride for a couple I have never met ?! Love this channel so very much. So authentic

[@teamlaprade]

I love watching you make meals! Always my favorite part!

[@samaipata4756]

I really enjoy watching the way you practice and how you slowly familiarize yourself with your boat! This is the way to success and at the same time you act as a role model for all the rest of wishing to join the sailing community! My best wishes, fair winds and always a hand with water under your keel!👍👏🙏⛵️

[@lindawilson1965]

Dana, you should have a life jacket on when you were out on Matt's boat!! I just worry about you honey!! Good job guys. Stay safe please. Much ❤ to you both..

[@TheRealSasquatch]

Some advice - never try and force a hawser or a line into a fairlead - just use a samson post or a cleat instead- you need to be able to cast off without a struggle.

[@seliinacoe8607]

I lived on my dad's boat when I was 16/17 years old. This was about 25 years ago, before all the technology you guys have on board. One day my dad and stepmother went ashore which was quite a distance from where we were moored. I saw a storm coming in and put out a second anchor, cleared everything off the deck, tied the sails, etc. They had also seen the storm coming as well so were racing back, worried about me. When they arrived I had the soap and towel out, waiting to have a shower in the coming rain. They still tell that story!

[@BombusQ]

Watching this has brought back so much nostalgia for me. My grandfather had your exact boat and it reminds of the times I had sailing with him as a child. Being on a boat that size during a storm is no joke. Looks like you guys are being smart and taking the right steps. Stay safe!

[@designdoctor247]

And ...thank you to God for keeping you safe. The wind noise....wow

[@AnnaDunlap247Rolltide]

Whoa I need to get back to work... But wait! Wild we roam 💖

[@beccamanning2531]

Precisely

[@monikastep5711]

Lol. That was meeee! I had just finished my lunch when notification came in. And i was like “ ehhh no one will notice few minutes “ lol🙌

[@LadyLeoneLocks]

Same

[@snakeplisken4278]

Sorry guys but that is not quite right either....think about having to leave quickly when another boat is dragging onto you...you should never have a loop over your cleat on the boat end that you cannot release. Instead, take two dock lines and lead each through the mooring line eye and back to cleat on deck, (double it), so this way you can easily tension/release the lines when they chafe of if you have to leave in a hurry without having to cut them. Chafe is the enemy, so always guard and protect against it. If you can't adjust lines you can't mitigate chafe. In the case of having two large pendant mooring lines, you can use 4 dock lines looped back at different lengths so that they don't all take the load at the same time, and having two longer and two shorter you have a backup plan should one of the two shorter ones break. The most important thing is to be able to cast off safely and quickly. Remove anchors if on a mooring in larger waves. In large waves, the mooring lines can catch onto the anchor and cause huge damage when that happens. That said, have a backup anchor ready and secured on deck just in case but not on the roller.www.flickr.com/photos/gemalone/283227691/ Lastly, moorings can be more dangerous than your own anchor. commutercruiser.com/how-safe-are-mooring-balls/ Dan from Uma did a great hurricane survival video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/a2PZpmqYl9ukeZI

[@barnett882]

Well done guys that looked a little scary!! Great film as always, thank you and look forward to next week!!!

[@logowatchman]

Nice job Dana! Look at all of the useful information in the comments from your followers! . That's cool.

[@loricapps3630]

Rooting for you guys! Your tenacity inspires. 💗

[@Earthwoman100]

Whew! I can't imagine what it was like for the boats on the other side of the bridge. I'm so glad you guys were safe!!!

[@jonnorousseau3096]

They're called fairleads. Always cross your bow lines and if the lines don't fit, rather go straight to the cleat in case you need to throw off the mooring lines, also keep your engine ready at all times, test it before and be ready to start up if required. Stay safe. PS you should also reduce your windage by taking your sails down, and your stack pack and bimini.

[@francescadiana]

You guys did amazing! Such an intense experience, even just to watch. I love reading the comments under all your videos. You have an amazing and engaged community and I have a lot of respect for you two to take all the good advice on such a new venture and hopefully never feel attacked by it. It's a lot we are all learning together and I hope you can continue to see it that way. Wishing you all the best from Germany

[@sebastienrobidas5835]

hey life jackets you guys!! safety first!

[@susannahns]

We had a wheel a little like yours on our boat when we bought it but soon changed up to a bigger one - way more comfortable and practical as long as you have enough space either side. Worth a thought.

[@Mamame4]

We always add a third line to our mooring (and don't lash them together - let them work with the mooring the way the mooring contractor set them up) that is longer than the primaries in case one fails. Also ALWAYS take down the sails. The jibs are the ones we've always seen let go no matter how well lashed they are. It is a pain but well worth doing. Also if the wind gets REALLY bad and you are afraid for your mooring or if you see boats coming at you, get your engine started ASAP. And life jackets on or ready to go on for when you go on deck. And if it is bad enough to be scared, it is bad enough to wear them below. Oh and have your ditch bag ready at the companionway!

[@Dobbyjuliet]

Watching you guys gave me a peace I’ve never felt before, watching your adventures with Ody gave me the courage to go for my own dream of van life and watching your current adventures makes me believe anything is possible! Love you guys so much ❤️❤️

[@whitefeverau]

Just a tip on the mooring situation. Go and get the best fitting line for your fairlead and make your own bridle. You need to run it through the pendant eyes. Effectively the "bridle" you kept referring to is just a double pendant.

[@SamuelFriskey]

I genuinely look forward to your guys' videos every week! So excited to see what lies ahead for you two!

[@BrassLock]

That looked very professional to me (a landlubber), and great problem solving. I've now read a lot of comments from experienced sailors and see that there's other things to do to improve next time. But at least you'll have a next time, 'cos you did a great job this time 😀 Whoopee!

[@AngelaBoykoAngelamermaid]

Happy to see that you and Penelope made it through the storm just fine!

[@hollywood7702]

There is so much to learn my head hurts. I would be terrified to go learning from scratch as I go. You guys got so much guts. Wishing you the best of journey learning the ropes, expanding and growing your skills. It looks so hard.

[@davidd3377]

Glad to find another new sailing couple. I have been watching Millennial Falcon and Wildlings Sailing for a while and they have stayed great. I have found many others but I don’t like the commercialization and experts most think they are. I thoroughly enjoy people who stay down to earth and never become too good.

[@useNoOne]

I'm glad you're alright!!

[@ScarletBegonia1974]

I live in a beach community in Connecticut. The day of the storm my son and I went out to watch the water. The boats at our moorings were rocking and rolling, and we’re on the sound. I can’t imagine actually boating on open waters through anything more intense than that.

[@tubbydiverable]

Nice job on the prep. You learn every time you do it.

[@pawlet]

Holy Bleep... You drove through a bridge! That was Awesome. 🍉🌻🍒💐

[@deriusnorris4463]

Awesome. You could use old hose as a "Scotchman" to save the ropes from chaffing. Think about a second line (just a bit loose compared to your main) on your dingy in bad weather incase the one breaks. Keep safe keep floating.

[@youtubename1234]

Think about this times x11 on open water. Please please please take professional lessons! Wanne see loads of amazing content for a long time

[@johnmaidment6728]

praying for you people

[@HopeOfJoe]

Niiiiiice episode guys. You are learning some good stuff early on. B. R. A. V. O. ‼️✌️✨

[@bohoxplorer840]

OMG Dana I was tortally shitting my pants with you on that bridge manuever BRAVO well Done Gurl !!!!!

[@monikastep5711]

Omg i had goosebumps watching you prepare. So glad you had a safe place.

[@richardsiddon610]

Loving your positivity! Sending love and peace guys..

[@mellameow5892]

Goosebumps! So glad you both are okay! Be safe out there... love your content! This channel is amazing!

[@julies5400]

That thumbnail look on your face!! 😳. You kicked butt driving through that bridge! Perfecto!

[@leonnewcombe]

Next time put your mooring lines though your bow rollers. Cut some exhaust pipe for a chafe Guard. Also always run a chain to your mooring as a backup this doesn’t need to be tight. But if your ropes chafed though you’re still attached. The rope guides on your toe rails are not made for big loads. If they ripped out your pull pit would be next to go. I have the same boat and have been though seven hurricanes in the Caribbean. Love what you two have been doing keep up the great work. Looks forward to your next trip x leon

[@treasurecoastgypsy]

You create a more streamline profile , by removing sails and sail covers, also removing sail (s) from furler. Its about creating less wind resistance, which diminishes strain on ground tackle and or mooring . My 2 cents!. Great videos always !

[@svbarryduckworth628]

Exactly. We removed all of our sails and everything on deck. The sails on the Rasmus are not huge or hard to deal with. Learn to remove them both totally and fold them up so they can stow below. Nothing' should be left above deck. Not only did we remove all of our sails for Isaias but we removed all of our canvas enclosures and solar panels. We even removed our lifeline dodgers too. The only thing left was the glass dodgers which can't be removed. By the next day we had everything reinstalled. It should only take you about 2-3 hours to totally strip your boat. Then about 4-5 hours to get it back into cruising shape after the storm. The dinghy needs to be taken out of the water and stowed as well, not left hanging behind the boat. That ads a LOT of windage, and can contribute to dragging anchor or mooring in a storm. It should be deflated and strapped down on deck if not taken down below too.

[@francescasabbatino7287]

Great trial run for storm prep. Lots of good advice here about reducing windage and securing well. As others have said you need to be able to cast off quickly in an emergency like... another boat dragging down on you.

[@georgesims6339]

Well done guys you keeped your cool and that is then most important thing.

[@guledhirsi4279]

My favorite couple, I wish you the best always

[@PennWolfsSailingAdventures]

Lovely hurricane season and I'm not in the water for it.......I'm actually disappointed. Your having all the fun.....oh well,next year.

[@FullofBeans1]

Ahhhh, that was a nice Low(ish)-key test of managing bad weather. Great way for that to happen and how wonderful to have a good boat friend around! Love the simple, but obviously yummy, meal at the end AND we use the same brand of organic canned tomatoes. Muir Glen is the BEST! :-)

[@bobrose7900]

Add to shopping list - bigger fairleads! Excellent video. You didn't tell us the wind speed, but 50kts looks a fair assumption. You are actually better off away from a pontoon and the mooring buoy held fine - be ready to use that anchor. I would deflate the dinghy and strap it down on board if you can as they can become air borne. No halyards banging that I could see or hear so, overall, a result. Well done again!

[@marlonian]

Just want to give you folks a shout out from northern California. Cheers to your new adventures with boat life ✊you guys are so awesome. Love the content! Keep em coming 🙏🌎💫

[@billgregoire2940]

Great job now the real adventure begins

[@zerofox7347]

I feel like that boat has a safe personality 😆

[@CaptRon817]

Good experience and looked like a job well done!! Every thing is a learning experience but you will be fine!! Good luck and fair winds!!

[@barbsfreedman9216]

Wow hectic times! And I had a delicious surprise in the post today - my pack of stickers arrived - thank you sooo much guys!

[@JuliaBeth8]

Glad you are alright! Just watched Adrift and now boats sketch me out a bit! True story about a lady who almost died standee out to sea! But it seems like that is rare! Stay safe you two! Love watching your journey! Would love a bedroom tour! Would love to see your set up!

[@Mieleous]

literally see the notification for an upload but I save it for the final treat of the day! well done for getting it all done so well! can't wait to see the next couple months, so excited 🥰

[@jamiiealanna]

You guys are the best. And an absolute inspiration.. 💙 much love from Texas

[@blueslin3916]

Now is Wild We Sail

[@grahammewburn]

Fairing leads. I think that's the correct term for the line guides for anti chaffing. Cheers Gray Australia

[@MacOSfan]

Best youtubers! Thanks guys for an amazing videos

[@DUCato-ed3fw]

5:04. I could just see you flinging your phone into the sea 👀🥽

[@TheSimpleEnvironmentalist]

I adore the way you guys edit! Even though it was probably scary, at least it was a small-ish storm for practice prepping!

[@Div3r]

6:53 "Batten down the hatches there a hoolie blawing in"

[@rebekahmccaul]

Love you guys! X Ode would be so proud of Penelope 😚😚

[@allikatt777]

I was busy tracking wildfires here in CA and forgot you guys would be dealing with Isiah. I'm glad you weathered your first storm well. How different our left and right coasts are!

[@BrassLock]

I'm very sad about rural fires in Washington State. I went to Spokane many decades ago and liked it very much. Hope the firefighters and water bombers can get this thing controlled soon. Good wishes from Chiang Mai.

[@Julie_Truly_in_KY]

So...much...work....!!!! Y’all are amazing 😉

[@cestari001]

Nice job, preparation and checklist is the best...

[@kirkleadbetter1093]

Glad everything turned out well for you guys.

[@mercedesrodriguez9991]

Well done, you! Okay 👌 , Dana the way I memorized port and starboard is easy-- "port" is "left" AND has the same amount of letters, "starboard" is longer to spell as is 'right,," which it means.

[@mercedesrodriguez9991]

There are written courses from both Pacific and Atlantic coasts that other world sailors suggest, and if you don't have a captain's license, please get one, every hour that's not clocked is opportunity missed. I don't know if it's still the same but in the old days I lived in Harbor towns and some of the harbor Masters wouldn't even let you dock in their harbors unless you had a licensed captain on the boat so these are all things you need to consider..

[@CR-xy1ej]

Also, "you never want to be 'left' at 'port'".

[@rauldempaire5330]

Great video quality, Good Luck & Stay Safe!

[@richardbuckley4187]

Go girl 🤠

[@scottcampbell1874]

Love the vids keep em coming

[@hllb]

you guys are so brave! this video is what my nightmares are made of... stay safe!

[@onawalkabout]

You guys did amazing for your first storm! Would recommend pulling the dinghy onboard and lashing it next time. The wind can lift it out of the water. Dinner looked super yummy! Muir Glen makes an awesome salsa😊

[@braziliansailor1]

AMAZING !!!!

[@danielavillar8108]

Still advocating strongly for lessons guys

[@tarttartin8216]

A good upgrade worth its weight, is a more gen our our cleat on the port and starboard bow.

[@kimghoss6021]

You two are the best xx Love from London xxKeep sage xx

[@nomadcap7]

All the best for your boat adventures💙

[@allsearpw3829]

Great video, all the fun of a storm ,you must have made it other wise this would not be online .Well done ,you two make a good team and even put a stop watch on ,I like how he puts the pressure on , knots are we talking speed or the other sort .Get the book out ,have a look ? My good lady states if you can,t tie a knot -- tie a lot--------- lot .We once got caught in a storm in a bay ,winds thunder lightening in a 25 foot open rib boat ,it got so dark the street lights came on at 11 am. Loads of flashing blue lights police fire an ambulance in the distance and a life boat heads out to sea . ONE HOUR LATER THE SUNS OUT AND THE CROWS WERE BACK ON THE BEACH .LOVE your videos ,take care.

[@mtmanning67]

here is an idea! Good job Miley!

[@paial]

Be mindful of the dinghy painter while manouvering, specially if backing up. Very easy to forget.

[@rodneyprimm5984]

Thanks for sharing ! Greetings from Galveston Texas !

[@edwardhazelden6424]

Why weren't you wearing lifejackets when you went out on the dory?

[@Tsamokie]

Because they are not snowflakes.

[@mercedesrodriguez9991]

Do not listen to them. Not wearing coast guard approved vests during a heavy storm is reckless, it is seasoned sailor move to wear them,, not a snowflake move. .you didn't know then, but you know now,. Lots of strong swimmers and surfers drown in stormy waters. My friend says that can get you boarded and inspected ( because it looks like you don't know how to be safe) and reproached by Coast Guard.

[@SirSnowman]

​@@mercedesrodriguez9991 they know marinelife only from youtube, what do you you expect? Hope they learn fast!

[@batissta44]

@@Tsamokie theres a fine line between being brave and stupid

[@StanGoes]

Gotta love the first storm! Find out what you are made of!

[@chrispomfret8592]

Next time you should drop the headsail off the furler as they notoriously flap loose. Usually they go from the top first as this is often where the ‘wrap’ is wider apart. A flapping headsail will be majorly disastrous. Take the main off your boom & take down all Biminis & dodgers. Less air drag is key. Also consider bringing halyards in from outboard & clip them to the base of the mast. I join them to a mouse line and pull it up so only one thin line is dragging through the air. Pull your lazy jacks off or strap them to the mast. If it’s really windy consider taking off your wind instruments at the masthead too. Crossing the bow lines over through the fair leads looked really dodgy as it transformed the fairleads into a turning point. This is bad because it increases the load on them way above their designed intention. Fairleads are only meant to slightly deflect or to hold a line in position. Consider running a safety bow line back around the mast. As you saw the biggest danger for cruising yachts is other boats breaking free or dragging onto you. Find a spot that won’t let this happen. Write a check list of all these things you’ve learnt to tick off for the next storm until it becomes second nature.

[@chrispomfret8592]

Also, when you take a furling headsail off the forestay will flap. Put up a forestay foil flap stopper. Get your sailmaker to make you a flap stopper or tie a line to it about 15 feet off the deck. Pull the line back to your mast base and put a little tension on it. That will stop your furler from banging wildly and destroying itself from ‘flapping’.

[@GT47179]

Job well done

[@sarahgirard1405]

Phew good job guys! That was scary.

[@johnlawrence7268]

The things that lead rope fairly through and onto the yacht are called fairleads. Good storm prep.

[@gamb1t1]

Have you starting working on a watch schedule yet? Because eventually you will be on a crossing and you will always need to have someone awake and watching the helm while on passage, day and night.

[@bekkr2191]

That looked a little intense. I’m glad you’re okay.

[@ShroomAndMoss]

I love your videos so much

[@healingwithmel]

Loving the boat adventures! ❤️❤️

[@KiwiSkipper]

Just a thought ... those solar panels are generally a little fragile. You might want to be careful about tossing them around. One tweek in the wrong spot will send their generating power through the floor. Good video though . cheers PS ..Loving the enthusiasm ;-)

[@iamzeffyandilove2scr]

Glad you are safe I was thinking of you during this crazy storm!!

[@elenanestoros9871]

Dana you looked scared 😳 When I saw you cutting the veggies, I knew you were ok 😀 Love from Greece ❤️

[@martinengelbrecht5384]

Food = okay = live

[@LostNative]

Love the video, glad ur doing well and safe. 👍😃