The BIGGEST SEAS we have EVER sailed in!! - (Episode 246)

[@taniac1860]

Hi Collin, Tonga was always on the other side of the date line and 23 hours behind New Zealand, they were always the last country to ring in the new year. A few years ago they decided they wanted to be on the other side of the date line, mainly because most of its day to day business relationships are with New Zealand and Australia and puts them at a disadvantage with only four days of trading instead of five. So they changed the date, but their time stayed the same.

[@gingerweiland7925]

Thank you for that information!

[@whispjohn]

When I was a young apprentice navigating officer sailing across those oceans we were off Japan in the typhoon season and we had to heave to, a 25000 ton bulk carrier. The sea was incredible, waves of stupendous proportions were coming towards us head on, I was stood on the bridge and those huge waves would hit us and the whole ship was shaking from stem to stern. I was scared shitless and all the while the "Old Man"(skipper)was sitting in his chair and commenting on how he'd seen worse off Canada in the Atlantic, I soon found out about the North Atlantic about a year later when we hit a storm just South of Greenland loaded with 20000 tons of iron ore and I have photos of that time, man, the sea can be cruel. Now, 50 years later I still respect the sea, never take anything foregranted, life is a gift and should be appreciated. Good luck to you youngsters and keep on with your inspiring videos and if you ever get near the UK give me a shout. I met Brian from Delos a few years ago, he is the most wonderful bloke, it felt like I'd known him for a long time.

[@judycook1918]

I wish I were in the UK. I’d love to listen to the story’s you could tell.

[@dashonedashtwo4304]

Awesome story, thanks for sharing mate.

[@eugenelewis8075]

Oh man I can understand where you are coming from not something I would ever want to do but my mind goes back to the early sailing days and those poor bastards that were pressed onto those sailing ships that were only toys compared to ships of today but the seas were the same.

[@Charlie-Oooooo]

Thanks for sharing that! Gave me some great imagery in my mind. I bet you've seen some powerful seas! Cheers friend!

[@xjchase]

17:40 The dog junping from the lower deck to ontop of the cabin in the middle of those rolling waves just kinda blew my mind 🤯😅

[@LisaAnn777]

Doesn't look like the dog is wearing a life jacket 😞

[@enjoyvride]

Colin, you really are amazing. Here's a tip for maneuvering through confined spaces: mount a cheap camera atop your mast so you can see a live view of each side of the boat.

[@audentesfortunajuvat3297]

they already have cctv

[@nooneanybodyknows7912]

SV Florence, with Matt and Amy, captures the height and massiveness of waves better than any I've viewed. Their filming, IMHO, is the benchmark others strive for. I don't know how the two of them do it. But, they do. Thanks for sharing a thrilling sail to Tonga.

[@RiverWoods111]

There is a camera with a gimble that is designed to capture the waves.

[@paton57]

Matt and Amy's videos and narration has to be some of the best I've seen, absolutely loved following those 2. Probably the best of all is Tony Flemings amazing videos and narration

[@WeAndTheSea]

I think in one video they actually walk you through their process of filming waves! I think is came down to quite a large zoom and to capture them at daybreak with more contrast.

[@agapitacordova3850]

I was looking for someone commenting on SV Florence. Incredible videography

[@wvlemures]

I think the waves look huge when you film from inside the boat through a window looking out the port or starboard side of the boat.

[@pilgrimpeace7763]

Your dogs have amazing balance in those rolling seas. My chance you can do a video about your dogs, where they sleep, eat, poop and any precautions etc that you use for them.

[@snap4433221]

I second this comment! Would love an episode about the pups ❤

[@SVSecondChance]

Your right it doesn't show up on camera but the one thing it proves sailing through that is the great job you did fixing that boat nice work. Thanks for sharing this trip with us.

[@annespeir1146]

Colin, dry weetbix is cruel, but I couldn't stop laughing at the reactions .. thanks 😂🤣

[@ashleymoore9063]

This guy is a true captain calm knowledgeable flexible and a really good guy to be around.

[@meref9973]

That's your typical kiwi bloke. Always good to be around and gets on with everyone 😂

[@micheltremblay2544]

Hey skipper Colin...dont forget people from Canada follow your exciting journey as well :))) Well done buddy !!!

[@IgmuTu1]

Even Aussie Weet-Bix eaters here in Nova Scotia, cept here they call them Weet-a-Bix, much better with milk lol

[@paulmcintyre434]

So true. It's impossible to experience the roughness of the seas unless you're right on them in a boat. I flew over the stormy North Sea at 20,000 feet about a month ago and while the swells were raging it looked like the Bonneville salt flats from above.

[@dobstaable]

The dogs sea legs are great. Better sailors than I’ll ever be.

[@keithrelyea7997]

Colin, you are an wonderful teacher and seaman. It causes one to wonder how such was done before all the electronic aides you have now.

[@sailingmymagic3106]

My boat is in your background in Vava'u. MAGIC. After Tonga, I met up with Ollie in Opua, NZ. He just sold his catamaran last week. It's a small world. SAILING MY MAGIC

[@Chris-nm9uc]

This channel and series is Soo fickin good i can't believe Netflix or Discovery hasn't picked this up. Legendary stuff.

[@johnviney7919]

Nice video, folks! Great progress through such rough seas! I'm glad no one fell overboard! Brit was doing her best 🤣Hang in there and enjoy the new scenery! 😀

[@roguewavemichigandiving2754]

You're absolutely right about not being able to properly capture true wave height from on board your boat. Obviously, the Great Lakes are not the open ocean, but I have been out in 9 to 11 foot waves in my own boat on Lake Huron and none of the pictures I took look very impressive at all. What an amazing adventure you all had on that stretch!

[@PDYALL]

Thank you guys so much for sharing your life with us. I had no clue how much more was out there to enjoy and how hard work truly pays off in the long run. If I had more money to share with the rest of you I’d give it but I’m just glad I’m able to enjoy it on KZbin. Good luck with the rest of your voyage and I look forward to watching it.

[@faircompetition1203]

Cats have a weird motion in a sea . They tend to behave in waves like a chair with one short leg with sudden , unexpected and jerky movement . You also need to be careful not to over canvas them or you will break something if lucky . There is a long way to fall in a boat with big spaces . Mono hulls are different , life on the lean all the time but a more predictable movement and a safety valve to sudden wind increases .They also are self saving in a knock down . Both have their times when they are better Can't beat a cat for room .

[@pauldrusch1805]

Colin, just discovered your channel. The difference between good youtube content and great youtube content is the abilities of the the story teller. You, sir, are a GREAT story teller! And it doesn't hurt that your cinema photography is awesome. It's gonna take me a while to catch up on your incredible journey, but I'm looking forward to it. You saved me from getting lost in the drama, divisiveness and toxicity of the myriad political channels. I am forever grateful. I merch purch is inbound and a small Patreon donation. Thanks again.

[@superwag634]

I've sailed to Vavau. And the racing and the islands nearby. Its a great place. One of the best ive seen anywhere in the world

[@ShortOrderCook]

The Weet-Bix challenge was hilarious. Congrats on making it across the date line - what an epic leg of the journey to Tonga that was for you guys.

[@stephenmacleod8524]

Another great episode guys! As always can’t wait for the next one.

[@SVSeaChange]

I followed you guys on Predictwind as you approached and came over to say Hi the next morning in Neiafu. You survived a maramu, well done. Jeanne Socrates on Nereida, who you mentioned in the last episode, came in the next day and said it was some of the roughest sailing she had done, and she has circumnavigated four times in the southern ocean. And two boats came in dismasted, Dance Me and Masif, so you did well. I too hit a maramu in 2022 sailing from Maupihaa to Beveridge Reef, but in a small monohull one can simply douse the entire main and bear off to a broad reach on staysail only and survive it till things improve, and I made it to Beveridge Reef for a couple days, amazing place, plus stopped at Niue thereafter, but they would not let me ashore for stupid covid rules.

[@SVSeaChange]

And here's a brief mention of you in Neiafu - kzbin.info/www/bejne/sIHLgJqZftaKbLM

[@beverleebusch4161]

Ever thankful you arrived in Tonga safely. 💙⛵💙

[@thebrokenbiker869]

Colin I love the videos you do. Keep sailing with the Poseidon on your shoulders and keep smiling

[@kristen3542]

I thought we were getting an extra video when it hit Patreon this morning. Another great video, though, and I can't wait to see the sail in to New Zeland. Will miss your video on Friday.

[@aussiebird]

Great episode guys. Vava’u is where we went swimming with the humpbacks, but thinking you may have missed the season. Lots of fun & funny people in Vava’u, hope you had a blast

[@chrispy104k]

Well done team Parlay. In Tonga safe and sound.

[@IEnigIMa]

Howzit Parley Crew ❤. I grew up in Scotland and, like you, loads of sugar and milk on my Weetabix to make it go down, but oh man, l loved it sooo much. Thank you for restoring my childhood memories of this magnificent meal. Love you guys. Safe sails.

[@chrisbethmann3955]

Thanks for completing my Sunday ritual. Very important to me watching you guys. You guys are some bad ass sailors ! Great job

[@joeburns91]

That's a ribbonfish! Not a lot of meat but they're tasty. Certain times of the year we can catch 100s of those in a day. A quick filet and you can pinwheel them and they're pretty good.

[@rickfarwell1433]

Ribbonfish are also a Great Trolling Bait!!

[@tarakihi4578]

Ribbonfish have a Ribbon Tail, frost fish have a normal tail...Frostfish.

[@123321kiko]

Hey Colin - Been a little while my friend, while you were grinding the fiberglass work on Parlay in the early days i was grinding on the 6m Figlass Viscount here in Auckland... What an absolute joy and overall great feeling was to see Parley over the weekend docked at Westhaven Marina, I passed by Parley on the 6m Viscount that i finally managed to sort it out! Had to dock the old 6m girl as i had to sort out the trailer for wof ROFL! its at the Dry Docks over at Pier 21 just neighboring off you :)

[@vandbaxelrad6902]

I find that Amy from "Sailing Florence" is the best out of all the sailing channels at capturing sea-state on camera. Maybe ask her how.

[@rogerbayzand4455]

I will second that, she did a bit of a tutorial in one video.

[@oddjobkia]

yeah it something like zoom in and hold it steady or something

[@bobnelson4372]

I'm spending the winter in Florida from Ontario Canada followed you from the beginning love love it never miss a video. 76 yrs old I wish I wish to late now. Stay safe guys.

[@jenni-Poo]

Thank you for starting my Sunday morning off with such a fun video. Glad y’all were safe in those high seas.

[@jorgebebin]

What is amazing is that Samoa and Tonga share the same time, same sunlight but Tonga is 24 hrs ahead, when I sailed into those countries in 2002 Samoans will say they have the last bar opened in the world and Tongans say they’re the first to pray every day

[@danefifita1971]

Very true

[@willizorn63]

Magic of KZbin! You can be at two channels in two different places at the same time!! I like both of your shows! Congrats!

[@jackiejones690]

Weetbix butter & marmite..NZ in one mouthful ❤

[@kingrueone]

Freakin sweet!

[@liberationyachts007]

Looks like fun! I posted some heavy weather sailing from 16 trips in and out of New Zealand and the Southern Ocean, some pretty nasty, but as you say they never show the real height and intensity of conditions! Another great video thanks for sharing!

[@cocktailhouraboard]

OLLIE- what a gem!! So great to be with you guys in Tonga!

[@petergroves9343]

Another great episode, that forfeit for the dateline crossing was gross, fair play to Don for chugging that egg back like a champ, he's going to have some great memories to share Fair winds ⛵⛵⛵⛵

[@jerrysmith3515]

Colin I always enjoy your videos. Thank you. 🙏⛵

[@midgoog2]

Weetbix!!! LOVE 'em. Try a thick spread of butter and then a smear of good old Vegemite on top. A real mans breakfast. I found the milk and sugar routine ended up with either a soggy paste or a bowl of dry sweet and crunchy flakes depending on how much milk was used with little margin between the 2 states. BTW yogurt and banana makes a good sub for the milk and sugar. Cheers Eric

[@robertw.1499]

Little chicken cooking tip. When you have cut the chicken into small pieces, put sone normal flour in a tuppa container, put the chicken in, shake and make sure the chicken is lightly coated, then fry. Hey Presto. Succulent chicken, not dry and very very tender 😋 You're welcome 😂

[@ScotChef]

Salt n pepper in that flour and experiment with your fave herbs. 👌🏻

[@LaDeee57]

Beautiful! Thank you!

[@BirdDogBaker]

Dude This is my first time commenting but I have watched every episode plus my wife and I watch below deck... mean I watch the Wynns, Zatara, Delos, We sail, ok and maybe vaga too those debutants! lol.... Your you tube channel is the best shit on you tube bar none.,.. I grew up in Southern California in "paradise" but after years of traveling within the US I ended up in Washington with kids! ... the PNW. Watching yours and other channels has taken me away from these long rainy winters dreaming of warm sand between my toes. But growing up sailing in San Diego, I know that the reality of actually sailing is much harder than it looks. I also fly drones and I would not have flown in the conditions of this video. I have also lost a mast offshore in much milder conditions but thankfully there were many helpful boats around... Also it was only a 20 ft sailing skiff. I guess what I am trying to say after a few beers is... Cheers to you! Cheers to Jamie! and now Britney too! the others are not just yellow uniform wearing fodder, they are great people and I enjoy the way you really decide to bring out a little bit of them in each episode. (kinda like primaries on Below Deck lol) Again Cheers to you all and keep all the great content coming. also if anyone needs great tie dye gear on board send me a message @subdudedyes -Brian

[@Alltakenbla]

Good stuff. You guys deserve having allot of fun.

[@Sgt_Major]

GMT, thank you Mr. Harrison

[@tienloongtong]

Btw, excellent captaincy.Excellent leadership with an emphasis on foresight over astonishment, where able...

[@obg6467]

We crossed the equator at the date line and became Golden Shellbacks back in the 70’s😊

[@markdoell1834]

This is the amazing part of sailing. the kinda scary zone...

[@antandshell]

I love the way he says "My Home '"

[@Multiman40]

In Australia, we used to ear a dry Wheatbix with butter and Vegimite.

[@michaelmcroberts4398]

Great episode guys, keep up the great work!!!

[@jameshenshaw2970]

Hi Colin, we have just finished below deck on Netflix and then your KZbin channel comes up on my feed. This is going to keep us entertained for ages now. Watching in New Zealand 🇳🇿 keep up the awesome episodes

[@trentdelancy3130]

Looks like all of the great boat work paid off. Enjoy❤

[@Invertmini1212]

You cannot help but always respect mother nature and the seas...

[@FondelMikeRotch]

I used to use hot water on those wheat biscuits,drain, then sugar the hell outta them and add cold milk. Yum

[@marceltromp1454]

There s always another day. I sailed into Tonga during midnight with a moon it's very easy .

[@matthewschneider5724]

Golden Shellback status! Very cool. Congratulations and it looks as if the Tom foolery was in order.

[@iainmcnab8982]

Fantastic Episode - Glad you all got to Tanga Safe

[@user-yg1ny9hc5r]

Tonga will be an hour ahead over us here in New Zealand during winter season.. enjoy our friendly island the Kingdom of Tonga 🇹🇴 from your Tongan fan following your journey reside in Mangere Bridge, Auckland New Zealand, all the best, take care n GB 🙏🫶🇹🇴👍❤️

[@slgasu69fatgmaildotc]

I was on a curse ship in my teens and the waves got so big they where splashing on the bottom 2 sets of windows on the ship.. it was a ghots town.. they took out all the water in the pools.. You could even see the water in the tolites going from left to right.. the sleep was SHHHHHH.. and i get really SEA sick like I cant even watch parts of this when you can see in the background the horizon moving so much.. good luck to you all!!!! but you could not pay me to be on that boat ever.. I would be stuck in the bathroom the entire time...

[@iwal1645]

Weetabix is the exact same thing, isn't it? I love this video, the quality, editing and videography really draws us in, this must be a growling schedule to keep up. Mad respect to you and the crew, and all those who follow Parlay. I lift my glass to you.

[@BUCKSK1]

Anchor alarm, such cheap insurance and peace of mind!

[@carolbramley4986]

Brilliant video. Enjoy not long now till your home. 😍

[@DYoung-vt8pq]

Hard passage. Glad you made it safely. Safe travels ❤

[@gabrielvanschalkwyk3782]

Very good to the crew of Parlay, I chills when you guy took the first bite of that Weet-Bix, we got it here also so when you come to ZA, get some for your next timeline crossing.

[@rayrecrok]

Every 15deg of longitude is one hour added or subtracted until you are at the International date line, travel east least and take off time, travel west is best, then add an hour😉

[@natesquestyouknowthatsrigh8269]

Fantastic 😊

[@hunyesmith03]

In the UK we call it “Weetabix” and it’s funny how they go from the driest thing ever to like super wet and nice, especially with some sugar/honey and some fruit, great breakfast especially as a kid and especially compared to American cereals… (basically hard candy).

[@rayb3117]

That sea was captured like it actually was. Those waves looked small and no problem at all.

[@johnphillips8088]

Sometimes ya need the rough to appreciate the smooth 😂👍🏼

[@wildaltarose]

I certainly give you credit for sailing through this storm and all the time not complaining but trying to give us some idea how difficult it was. Colin and Jamie you have a way that would make me feel I was safe even in horrific conditions. I have to say I can’t imagine eating wheatbix dry, but it would be preferable to the raw egg.

[@vernholmes7940]

Another fantastic episode. Here's to the shellbacks!

[@sewingSue]

Here in Canada they are called "Weet a bix". Haven't had them in years.

[@adamhamilton3342]

the color of the water is unreal!

[@markjennings2315]

Boating around the coast in Wellington winds and waves set me up well for my Tahiti to NZ passage!!

[@richardgiles2484]

I can confirm one thing you've said. I'm 66 now and definitely disappointed about the things I haven't done, and now I'm too old 😢 my advice is. Do it when you're young enough 😂😂

[@capt_boos]

What a trip , I miss my Parlay family ❤

[@goleafsgo8496]

2:10 I think that's the Spinnaker, beautiful sail anyway. Looks fast even while being taken out of the bag ..... 😎 😎

[@mathieut3197]

Weetabix equally infamous in Canada - I laughed my ass off this morning...

[@staceysparadise]

Standing down in the hull looking up to helm and you cant see the tops of waves is a 'good' vantage point :)

[@scottburrow8717]

Just started following your adventures about a month ago. Amazing!!!

[@bradreambeault3584]

Well that sure brought back some memories. Growing up on a commercial fish boat on the west coast of Canada enjoying the turbulent ocean eating Weetbix for breakfast every morning. And the funny thing was that I used to eat them dry like cookies. 😳

[@stinkintoad]

New Zealand observes daylight saving time from Last Sunday September to First Sunday April. Since the clock is advanced by one hour during this period, the time difference between the two countries will reduce by that much time.

[@aaronaguiar8907]

Videos keep getting better! Watched this all twice from the beginning and can’t wait till I can afford to support your adventure 💯

[@jeffwhite9001]

12:40 lol, as a fellow NZ'er I used to eat these dry when I was a kid believe it or not. I used to crush them up by hand though, crushed up by hand, tonnes of sugar and thats it, about 2 or 3 at a time.

[@markjennings2315]

I had those conditions for 14 days non stop from Bora-bora to Opua. 25 kts 3 or 4 metre waves. 44’ FP Orana ploughed on and the autopilot was steering nearly full port/stb deflections on every crest all that time!

[@147258poful]

At 6:20 in the video Jamie really said fresh and then he made it even fresher lil something something came back out 😂 safe sails

[@Cajundaddydave]

That was a wild ride, bravo for completing the passage without any major breakdowns or crew injuries. I remember many years ago when sailors were crossing the Pacific in heavy conditions they would sometimes trail a spare anchor rode from the centerline of the stern. This would slow the boat down a bit and add longitudinal stability, moderating a lot of the course deviation and taking pressure off the autopilot. The old salts who did this said it made the boat a lot more comfortable in heavy seas so they could get some rest. I have never needed this and don't know if it is still practiced but might be a worthwhile method to investigate. Anything to settle the boat and add stability when the waves are roiling all around in 40 kn of wind seems like a useful idea to consider.

[@jessiebrader2926]

I wouldn't do that until at least 50 Knots. Below that just a small headsail or main depending on the direction

[@jamestalagi7897]

I think I saw you guys in Samanà port in Dominican Republic, I saw you guys at the lounge, not far away from Sami Malu

[@bevanhill5648]

Colin I am Australian and we grew up eating weet bix . They were dry with butter and vegemite love them

[@ashleymoore9063]

These guys a true professionals who focus on sailing and enjoying themselves . Thank God they haven't gone woke and turned the chanel into an introspective like so many others sailing channels have done .

[@m.e.r.y.l.m]

Great episode! Thanks for sharing and so fun to watch your adventures.

[@kirkyorg7654]

in the UK & Canada we call it Weetabix great with warm milk & raisins lol not so great dry though gives a whole new meaning to the pasty taste's lol

[@VanskyAlleria]

I grew up with Weetbix in South Africa. Here in the US we get one called Weetabix. I have some in my cubord. Good stuff, with some milk and a bit of sugar of course.

[@tommerryman6647]

Well you have entered and crossed the domain of the Golden Dragon. Congratulations one and all. If you cross at the date line and Equator you would be a Golden Shellback. Next time a? Fair winds and following seas mate.