Episode 2 Sailing Solo to Azores: How to Sleep on a Sailboat at Sea

Squalls; Sleeping when a solo sailor; Boat visit

[@harbourdogNL]

This guy would be a lot of fun to spend a week sailing with. No bull, just straight forward, unassuming, and clearly knows his art. And, he's blessed with great hair, lol.

[@davidfonseca2914]

Harbour Dog eew

[@andrewmcgregor9691]

haha very true ! May God continue to bless him and all of us :)

[@Mk-qk5bw]

@@andrewmcgregor9691 God isn't real you halfwit.

[@pierredumas8462]

crétin !

[@PepeDeezNutz]

That hair!

[@jplxlabelle1681]

Making intelligent decisions isn't cowardly. You are a cautious sailor. Nothing wrong with that. Very informative. I hope you are safe and well. Cheers.

[@patricklaine6958]

Very kind of you JPLX. Thanks for watching. Much appreciated.

[@markbass9402]

Thats why hes around to tell!

[@sail1999]

An ex-sailor once told me that sailing is the most expensive way to travel 3rd class.

[@martinkulik9466]

Did he elaborate

[@TK-cl1jm]

Love that!

[@Joostmhw]

Yet the view is first class

[@alphascorpii185]

A famous English sailor (don't remember who) said : "If you wan't to know what yachting is, spend a winter day, fully dressed, under a cold shower, while tearing out 100£ bank notes" He probably forget to say that, sometimes it's a real pleasure to sail ...

[@williamcopeland6683]

If it were easy..everyone would be doing it.. thanx for sharing

[@jonnyfish76]

I worked on commercial fishing boats for 15 years. Worked my way up from a deckhand to a captain within that time. I left that profession to become a locomotive engineer.l look back fondly on my time on the ocean. I know next to nothing about sailing, but i maintain my masters license and hope to one day sail. I have enjoyed your video..thanks for sharing.

[@patricklaine6958]

I am sure you will enjoy sailing jonny. It is much less stressful than commercial fishing. If the weather is a bit difficult, you stay in port and go to the bar!

[@darinbell6982]

I don’t sail but I saw your video and thought I’d watch it. I enjoyed listening to you and learning a few things.

[@PostcardsUSA]

Thank you Patrick! Nice videos! I haven't had a father but thankfully there is a people on youtube like you who can explain something like that :)

[@patricklaine6958]

Very kind of you Konstantin. Much appreciated. Thanks for watching.

[@mikeallensonntag]

Never watched sailing videos before, nor do I boat or sail. But I really liked your video very interesting and good watch. Happy sailing.

[@patricklaine6958]

Very kind of you Mike. Many thanks.

[@mikefawkes5195]

this has to be the most common sense approaches to sailing that Ive come across ,thanks for sharing your experience and thoughtfulness

[@patricklaine6958]

Very kind of you. Thanks Mike.

[@mvakleko]

Amazing sharing of thoughts going on in your head during this experience and making us feel like we are sailing with you. Thank you 🙏

[@patricklaine6958]

Many thanks. My filming technique (noise abatement) gets much better in the next season..... sorry for all of the distraction.

[@TheFosterJourney]

Great narrating and helping us land lobbers make the transition to aware sailors! Btw...as we shop for our own ⛵ it's great to watch a Bavaria on sea 👍

[@patricklaine6958]

Very kind of you. Much appreciated, and good luck on your own adventure at sea.

[@PeterJames143]

Thanks this is the best description of daily life on a solo voyage I have seen. Wish you would explain some other sailing issues also, like how sailboats balance on foils since you're so good at explaining this stuff (I know it's not exactly related to what you're doing here). Wish you would also talk a bit about your other safety equipment. There's a guy who does videos on van life. Bob Wells, and he humbly describes all the stuff you need to live in that situation. So it would be nice if someone like you could describe everything, like how you go to the bathroom, how or whether you shower, how much food you can have and so on. What it's like to live port to port or whatever. Also a video on emergency stuff like some button to get help in real life/death emergencies. Also how to choose a boat and how much it costs. Also how you manage electricity and a little description of all the features of your boat including the electrical capacity and solar and wind, also how and when you get internet and whether you are planning to use Starlink mobile when it becomes available. How you do your mail. Maybe you have all that in your videos, I'm going to watch more of your videos now. Thanks. My brother was a marine pilot. Thanks for great video and approachable understandable explanations. Thank you thank you!

[@patricklaine6958]

Many great ideas there for future content topics Peter. Many thanks. I trained with Marine pilots. Great respect for them and their particularly demanding mission.

[@devinhallsworth5531]

I dont know why im watching this, I live on the prairies and have only seen the ocean once in my life lol

[@funonvancouverisland]

Never knew how much I needed the coast till I visited the prairie's

[@NotfromDateline]

make some videos, i wanna see how you live

[@adambrickley1119]

Didn't they have prairie yachts in the 1800's?

[@wfloes5420]

In a "Little House?"

[@goodbonezz1289]

Devin Hallsworth that’s exactly why you’re watching this lol..well, I have a boat and I’m watching also so..

[@Clickumentary]

I love this: "I'm less purist now" that rings true with me as well. (So does tinnitus, ha!)

[@carlzentmayer2118]

How about it??? i completely agree - really enjoying his practicality!

[@bartbrown1345]

Stumbled upon your vlog and found it interesting, satisfying a knowledge gap on how solo sailors manage their ability to handle the conditions without being sleep deprived. After 20 years recently moved away from sailing and succumbed to the dark side. However it’s nice to know I can still enjoy being under sail, albeit vicariously, thanks to you and others who take the time to share these videos.

[@patricklaine6958]

Thanks for watching and commenting Bart. Fair winds to you.

[@SOLDOZER]

Wait, what? You mean sailing is not about snorking and taking drone videos of your $600K catamaran tied up off pristine beaches?

[@patricklaine6958]

You forgot the bikinis. :-)

[@martinkulik9466]

Well I guess this guy could still afford that catamaran as well

[@armandomorillo771]

Yeah the hot women of sailing. Great boats, drones, nice beaches and hot girls. I am starting to wonder if those couples on those channels are real copules.

[@barnzy2725]

so bitter about someone else living their dream ... lol

[@keeledover4218]

I’m not a kid I’m not a old man But you’ll find some non typical sailing vids on my channel just random stuff And no begging for money I do it on the cheap with quality work

[@TheGaryratnam]

I don't know anything about sailing but i like watching your videos...thank you

[@patricklaine6958]

Much appreciated Gary. Thanks for taking the time to comment.

[@adestradoronline]

Great videos, mate. "less purist" was a great way to put it, haha! Best regards from Brazil.

[@SerbanOprescu]

Wow! You've been a fighter pilot? Congratulations from a man who, although far from a fighter, also detached from ground. Once in the air, we belong to a different family.

As a paragliding pilot I did really enjoy your wind powered trip.

[@brianpaterson3996]

Another nice video by you plane no music just all about sailing keep it up I look forward to you videos ⛵️👍

[@MackMateCom]

Fantastic video what an adventure it must be sailing the world 🌍 thanks

[@thomateish]

Loved the sarcastic remark on the « Japanese research boats » 😄 Great video ! Very informative

[@patricklaine6958]

They actually paint on their whaling ships in huge letters "RESEARCH VESSEL". Very sad.

[@cwtriano2]

I suppose leaving your bumpers out is the maritime equivalent of leaving your Christmas lights up all year. ;)

[@flyfliker]

Just in case your hit by a freighter at nite.

[@trilliondollarsupreme9129]

Just found your channel and I gotta say its probably the best kept secret of sailing youtube. You remind me so much of robert redford in all is lost. Your deminor and monologue skills are very entertaining. Keep on chooglin dude

[@patricklaine6958]

Thanks much John for the very kind remark. I recall that Robert Redford survived his ordeal also. Let's hope I continue to match his performance. ;-) Thanks for watching.

[@organiccold]

Welcome to my country Portugal :) amazing adventure you having there. Best of luck

[@michaelwsudziarski6929]

You Sir are a true inspiration !!!! You are truly enjoying life !!!! 🇺🇸

[@user-earthandfire]

Just discovered your channel. very informative and a real pleasure to learn some actual sailing. please keep them coming

[@patricklaine6958]

Many thanks Andrew. I am really just an 'intermediate' level sailor Andrew, sharing my numerous mistakes. :-) Please do take some lessons from a pro, but then don't be afraid to go out and experience the special sense of accomplishment that solo sailing gives.

[@tamjacobite4758]

Very enjoyable and very informative. Thank you for posting. Had to laugh when you talked about not necessarily keeping a “tidy” deck. I remember getting lectured on that when I first started sailing (forty plus years ago !) but like yourself as you get older these things do not matter so much!!

[@tommypetraglia4688]

Joshua Slocum crossed the South Pacific without touching the helm... 3000 miles with the wheel lashed, so finely balanced was the rig of the Spray

[@patricklaine6958]

Yep --- the first solo hero. A legend.

[@jeffreywood9459]

Thanks Patrick for putting out this info. You might be saving lives as you speak. Everyday i see a new couple trying to document there sailing life on youtube but really they are power boaters with no idea of what the boating community really is... not being mean. No one talks about how to sail or the negatives to sailing. It's not vacation time, it's actually a horrible trap if you are not honest with yourself or lack of experience, confidence etc. You seem like a true sailor!!! Once again thanks for some real content...

[@patricklaine6958]

If you watch the series of 3 seasons Jeffrey, you'll see a lot of mistakes…….. I'm always learning. Hopefully, the errors are becoming less frequent and less serious in nature as my experience grows. Thanks for the kind feedback.

[@jeffreywood9459]

Watching your other vids now... Like these vids so far, have fun...

[@K4REF]

Can't tell you how much I enjoyed your first video. Looking forward to the rest. Have just gotten the sail bug and have a friend with a 6.5m that he's gonna bring up to speed in. You made me laugh when you said you were a "coward". I would just call it being cautious and learned from experience. Others might call that "wisdom". In any event... it serves you well. Really like the way you've outfitted your sailboat. I'm a year from retirement... but hope to get on the water more then. Thanks for sharing your experiences with us... and enjoy living the dream!

[@patricklaine6958]

Many thanks for the kind words, and best wishes for your upcoming retirement. May you spend it all sailing downwind! :-)

[@wallacec34]

Many thanks for sharing. Your love of the sea is manifest and infectious.

[@barry5787]

Enjoyed the vid, calm and dare I say normal. I can watch and listen or just listen, so whilst finishing my year end accounts, sailing is there and makes the moment happy. Looking forward to the next episode.

[@patricklaine6958]

Many thanks Barry. I'm delighted to say I no longer have to produce year end forecasts and new budgets. ;-) A pirate's life for me.

[@albodes9933]

Just found your channel. Looking very good. Subscribed and will watch it. Thank you Sir!

[@patricklaine6958]

Thanks for watching Albodes. Don't hesitate to comment if you have suggestions for me. Best.

[@patmcmahon7803]

i enjoyed your review. And I appreciated your comments about physical shortcomings as I am 76 with Parkinsons.

[@patricklaine6958]

Thanks Pat. I've had some serious health issues too........and am now thinking seriously about what should be reasonable limits to activity. Fair winds to you.

[@StarlightEater]

Holy smokes this looks like the coolest hobby ever

[@patricklaine6958]

It is great fun Starlight. Take some lessons --- but you may become hooked. :-)

[@StarlightEater]

@@patricklaine6958 thanks for the encouragement bud. Already digging up my old coast guard boating and seamanship manual.

[@captrandy3307]

Patrick, thanks for this video and in particular, your thought on sleeping for solo sailors. I took your advice a while ago and upgraded my Raymarine MFD and AIS so that I can have a remote audible alarm via Bluetooth to a $15 speaker that can be anywhere in the cabin along with my tablet or smart phone to see what the MFD shows. Now, I just need to take the plunge, overcome my fear, and take a 48 hour shakedown solo sail offshore. I do live in between two east coast shipping ports (Charleston and Savannah), so perhaps I can sleep 30 minutes at a time! Fair winds, Patrick.

[@patricklaine6958]

When in blue water Randy, I set the alarm to sound if a contact will pass within two miles. When in busier waters, the alarm range comes down -- or else it will be sounding all of the time. hat said, I consider AIS and essential aid to navigation for any solo sailor. I would not go to sea without it.

[@jasonswain7083]

Great video all reasonable quality radar units have a guard zone that you can set also connected to an audible alarm it's quite handy cheers

[@patricklaine6958]

Yeah, I really should install a radar to complement my AIS. I rarely sail in areas where there is fog, and my AIS covers me pretty well for night sailing. I know, there are holes in my defenses.

[@davekyle6096]

Oh my, gonna love this channel. Really tired of begging, booze, bikinis and ...

[@andreanicolas9363]

- Really Great, it must be so calming being in solitary voyage.

[@patricklaine6958]

While it is great fun to sail with friends, as you suggest Eri, it is a great feeling of accomplishment and independence to sail solo. I enjoy both, but sailing solo will always be something special for me, and when I meet other solo sailors, there is a certain, 'I know what you've been through' respect as well. Many thanks for watching.

[@roncanizares9966]

Regarding the AIS alarm, I added a supliment alarm which made it much louder.

[@AV-qt2sz]

Very informative w/o all the BS. Glad I came across your channel. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@patricklaine6958]

My pleasure Andrew. Glad you got something from them. Best.

[@ne1cup]

I like this guy and his video, thank you for making it , salute

[@melee401]

The 20 minute sleep cycles for the most part are sea stories for solo sailors. I have always known that. Once you have AIS and/or radar aboard things change. Let's be real here, what are the odds of any tired sailor seeing something like a submerged shipping container at night from the cockpit? Yes a LOUD alarm is what is desired when sleeping. Common safety advice is to have a life raft that can host tow more people then will be expected to ever be aboard it. I myself find a a Pudgy dinghy to suffice. Harder to deploy but realistically, if the boat is indeed going down, just turning the thing over on deck and waiting does not seem to be a bad strategy to actually lifting it over the side in pitching seas as long as one avoids being trapped under by the rigging. Bow thruster; nice if you have the funds! Otherwise knowing WHEN to come in and out a berth is just what that is. Fishing and crab pots? Best to just not even go into the areas they are situated in if can avoid doing so. Not so bad under sail but nobody I know is into diving into cold water to cut a rope from their screw. Worse yet getting a shaft strut ripped off.

[@patricklaine6958]

Thanks for the comments Spencer (but I'm not sure I understand some of them). Regarding the 20 minute cycle, I think you may be saying that solo sailors don't really do this. I certainly tried, but can't and don't. However, I have friends who swear they do, and I think the professional racers really do. I believe Ellen McArthur was even wired up to capture heart beat/temperature, etc. during her 20 minute sleep cycles. At any rate, I use my alarmed AIS, and do 35-40 minute cycles when in Blue Water, and I think that works pretty well. A fair compromise between fatigue and safety.Your dinghy solution looks good, but it would sure take up a lot of space on the foredeck, but if it works for you -- that's all that matters.Regarding the fish/crab pots, I don't think your suggestion (don't go there) is very practicable, at least here in Europe. The darn things are everywhere once you get within 10 miles of the coast. In one of "Guidos" popular KZbin videos of his transat, he picked up one in the prop in the English Channel and had to dive in to cut it free. Nightmare. Erik Aanderaa's popular video reported he recently picked up one that ripped his engine off its mounts. I carry a wetsuit and mask/fins on my boat just in case it ever happens to me. So far, so good.Thanks for contributing to the dialogue.

[@melee401]

I am not going to mention any names however I know of two instances of a rather world renown solo sailer that could only be explained with sleeping for longer than the proverbial 20 minutes. Doing it for a single night, alright. Yes, 40-45 minute clips is far more doable here than 20. However once I am a few hundred miles out even that gets dropped for whatever. You get into places like the Straights of Florida or the English Channel bottle neck though, you would be crazy to even think about not having a watch on deck. The Straights of Florida are totally off the hook with skippers who have no business being out there drunk. In fact nobody has any business out there drunk but youtube is loaded with videos the romanticize drinking at sea. But continuously night after night at 20 minute intervals IMHO strains the credible. A decent hookah rig for repair diving can be put together for rather little. I am not speaking of those rather higher priced pre-fab rigs either. An oiless compressor is cheap and the hose and security line are what they are. The pressure regulators by themselves are rather inexpensive. Lobster pots are a real issue around Boston harbor. This is why I tend to favor sailing vessels whose props are tucked up close to or into the keel. You wrap a pot line at any good throttle setting and getting the line free will most likely be the least of the issue.

[@patricklaine6958]

Thanks again. I hadn't thought of the hookah system for my boat. Will give it some more thought. Best to you. (BTW, I never drink at sea. Never.)

[@marlinda6851]

Patrick, thank you for your videos, you are a big inspiration for me because I hope to sail around our beautiful world soon and I am trying to pick up nuggets of knowledge here and there.You and Christian Williams are the two people I have found are giving novices like me solid, relevant content and I appreciate that. I have been looking for some time (the better part of a year) for the perfect boat for me to sail single handed and would love to hear more about your boat...is it your dream boat for? Would you rather sail another? What would you say is the most important thing to know for a new sailor to know?

[@patricklaine6958]

Very kind of you Marlinda, but you do Christian Williams a big disservice by putting me in the same category as him. He is a very accomplished sailor and a genuine wit. I love his videos. I am much more an intermediate level sailor, learning something wonderful on almost every passage. :-) One of the videos I am going to make this Spring will be on the subject of how I chose my boat. It will really surprize you. Guaranteed. :-) But just to give a bit of flavor, I think there used to be a very substantial difference between the true cruising boats such as a Hallberg Rassy and the 'plastic, mass production' boats. There is no doubt that there were serious quality and seaworthiness differences in those boats built in the 80's and 90's and perhaps early 00's. I don't feel those differences are anywhere near as great as they used to be. All of the boat manufacturers now use components from world class suppliers, e.g., Yanmar or Volvo Penta engines, Lewmar winches, Seldon masts and booms, Raymarine or Garmin plotters, Incidence or North sails, Dyneema halyards, Cummins-Onan gensets, etc. Thus, the major differences now are in hull design (which matters mostly to Regatta fans), and interior layout, which will always be extremely subjective. In summary, I think the most important thing to look for a in boat now is NOT what brand name it is, but rather, how well it has been maintained. More on this and my boat purchase process in an upcoming video. Thanks again for the kind words of encouragement.

[@crismoore6811]

I think it is FINE to have the fenders tied and inside railing, not dragging in water. I sailed alone a lot and fell overboard ( rushing forward). I think going singlehanded ...making things easy is safest. Great videos. Thank you. ☺

[@stevebromley3212]

I love your videos. Keep it up Pat

[@patricklaine6958]

Thanks for the kind feedback Steve. Fair winds.

[@yousernameish]

Nice video Patrick, if I can see uninterrupted view of the horizon, then thats at least an hours sail for my wee boat . . . so i'm happy to sleep for an hour. Re autohelm, sailing anywhere close by the wind, I can lock the helm and the boat / rig setup just takes of itself. Reassuring to know my boat can sail herself if crazy stuff happens and i lose power, or autohelm packs in. Good luck with the lobster pots.

[@patricklaine6958]

Mine trims hands off on a number of points of sail as well ------ but I discovered that this does not work well when in gusty conditions, or in high seas…...on my boat anyway. Best regards

[@yousernameish]

I hove-to in a storm ~50knots in the North Sea for 12 hours (overnight) just drifted 2 miles in that whole time . . . . which isn't actually sailing, but it kept her pretty much nose into the wind. In gusty conditions i trust this method more than my autohelm (which can get overwhelmed and thats no fun) Fair Winds :-)

[@MOOSEDOWNUNDER]

Fantastic. Really enjoyed that. Something to remember regarding the AIS, in the GOA, GOG and Somali basin, most vessels will go against the instructions of BMP5 and turn off their nav lights and AIS and rely on radar alone. So for sail boats keep that in mind, with coalition escorts or without. Enjoy the ocean and seas friend.

[@patricklaine6958]

Yes, my AIS has a 'silent mode' which turns off the active part, but keeps the receive mode open. That said, having seen the 'sophistication' of most of those pirate vessels (open, wooden speedboats --- with not much more than a powerful engine), I doubt that many of them are using AIS to track their targets. Nonetheless, if I were there, I run darkened ship as well. :-)

[@willshaw6405]

I get nervous w 15mph gusts over my 8' deep Michigan inland lake in my Southcoast 22. Takes some big brass ones to solo like you, fighter pilot legacy. Is risk a "turn on" for ya, challenge, your "Mother's milk? " The hi-wire Wallendas used to say, " there is only 'the wire,' and waiting to be up on the wire," or something like that. Wonderful pgms...keep it up!

[@patricklaine6958]

Many thanks for the kind words of support Will. I think you give me far too much credit though. I'm just an intermediate level sailor trying to manage the boat as well as I can. I love watching the videos of those highly experienced salts who take the drama out of difficult situations by 1) avoiding them in the first place, and 2) using equipment and strategy to manage the occasional difficult circumstance. Those are the real pros. Boring is good at sea! :-) Thanks so much for watching.

[@willshaw6405]

Patrick Laine They say flying is "hours of boredom punctuated by moments of sheer terror." I still say you were born w a brass pair...hear'em clankin' over a white squall!

[@patricklaine6958]

:-)

[@fredericetienne8130]

Hello, I just found your channel. Fantastic, I own the same boat in Port-Camargue. I plan to cross the Atlantic and your experience obviously learns me a lot upon the boat. Many thx and bravo!

[@patricklaine6958]

Super Frédéric. Bonne nav pour votre aventure........ Comme tout le monde, je suis bloqué par le virus pour l'instant. Vivement 2021.

[@fredericetienne8130]

@@patricklaine6958 👌

[@StormchaserIB]

Just some observations.. but firstly the way you've got your 2nd reef half-done gives you a super-full foot and mainsail shape which is exactly the opposite of what you need ... it should be bar-tight down on the boom ... secondly your lines are not secured with a high risk of them going over the side etc .. as for the fenders - there are very good reasons why they should be stowed but I won't bother explaining .... don't go too far offshore would be my tip for you Patrick

[@patricklaine6958]

OK ---- I'll stay close to shore.

[@derekengen2345]

You’re a great story teller with a great voice. 😊

[@patricklaine6958]

Very kind of you Derek. Thanks for the feedback. Fair winds.

[@zerofox7347]

hi Patrick, I’m glad I found your channel it’s very informative. I was wondering if you ever take crew or just passengers on board? Or if you purposely always sail alone.

[@patricklaine6958]

Thanks ZF. The 'solo' aspect happened by accident. Most of my friends who were interested in sailing have business or family time constraints that I no longer have. Thus, I was forced to become truly 'self-sufficient' on the boat. I still take friends / acquaintances out on weekends, etc., but now do so with more confidence, because I know I can do it all by myself, even if the other is a total beginner. Fair winds to you.

[@Ihaveausernametoo]

Subscribed. Valuable info and knowledge from a humble mind. Thank you. Wish you well.

[@patricklaine6958]

Many thanks for the kind words. Delighted you enjoyed this. Fair winds.

[@andyl-d6633]

I used to offshore race on a 30 footer. The first two mainsail reefs were a piece of cake. Even getting the tack end of the 3rd reef in was not too bad. But the bit I hated and only tried once or twice myself was the moving of the 1st reef line up to the 3rd reef hole. Especially on a reach. You only put a third reef in when things are getting a bit dicey. We’d try head in to the wind but the leach would flog so bad you couldn’t get the reef line through the hole. Then we’d bare off but then the boom end would be hanging out over the water. We’d pull the main in a little to get in out from the water and she’d heel more and the boom would be back over the water. It was always a relief when we got that 3rd reef line in and tied down. If I ever buy a boat it MUST have 3 reef lines.

[@patricklaine6958]

I hear you Andy. In a later episode, I explain that I now always pre-rig the third reef line prior to leaving on major passages. I take them off when only doing local sailing to eliminate some of the spaghetti in the cockpit. ;-)

[@andyl-d6633]

@@patricklaine6958 hi and thanks for the response. Look forward to seeing how you set that up. BTW, I’m really enjoying the vids so please keep ‘‘em coming!! :-) All the best!!

[@Klausbrook]

Hi Patrick I'd never call you a coward or anything like that, instead I think you try to keep things nice and uncomplicate and comfortable. And I don't think that there's anything bad with that idea. Sailing doesn't need to be (self made) hard work or competition. And trying to be on the safe side means that you're a smart sailor. It's about to minimise risks, the sea can be dangerous enough. Anyway, I enjoyed your relaxed video and the lack of awful music and I will take a look at more of your videos. Have a good time and always friendly winds... ;-)

[@patricklaine6958]

Thanks for the comment that I agree with completely Klaus. Thanks for watching.

[@marcmartel3088]

Hi Patrick, what size of a boat, and model? Thanks!

[@patricklaine6958]

It's a German-built Bavaria Cruiser 40, from 2008. A very nice cruising boat for single handers. Thanks for watching.

[@diogeneslantern18]

@@patricklaine6958 honestly, yachting isn't as expensive as I imagined. I haven't watched the full video, so please forgive me if you've mentioned it herein - but how much are docking costs? Kind regards from South Africa

[@patricklaine6958]

Docking costs vary significantly from country to country --- and of course, anchoring is quite often (but not always) free of charge. In my home port I have a long term contract: for my 12 meter (40 ft) boat, I pay €11 per day per year. While travelling to other marinas, I pay their visitor rates -- usually between €20 and €32 per night. Fees in the Med are quite higher, while in countries like Iceland or the Faroe Islands, almost free.

[@diogeneslantern18]

@@patricklaine6958 oh, that is certainly quite affordable. I would love to go yachting with someone one day! I am sure if I ask around on the right forums and circles, someone would be amenable to such a request :) cheerio!

[@karlt8233]

I spent 12 years in the US Navy, all my at sea time was on Aircraft carriers. I remember many times crossing the Atlantic or in the Medeterranian seeing a lone sail boat thinking these guys are hard core. Compared to our 1000' plus ship they looked like corks on the horizon bobbing in the swells. On my second crossing of the Atlantic our ship provide a medical rescue from a sail boat a few days west of the Azores. The helo crew performed the rescue by basket lift. No idea what happened but they flew the person to the Azores from our ship the next morning.

[@patricklaine6958]

I spent 10 years on carriers too Karl --- during the 70s and 80s. A lifetime of memories. Thanks for watching.

[@f109ged]

I guess it must be a compromise between keeping a regular watch and staying alert enough to be able to manage the boat in all conditions. Tiredness affects our decision making ability. I just hope you don't meet yourself coming the other way! I've heard of others using infrared cameras and image recognition software to help with the watch keeping. I'm enjoying the channel and hope to learn from your sailing wisdom. Thanks 👍

[@rustysailor4672]

On my boat I also have an electric winch mainly for furling the headsail. However, I have not yet dared to pull me up the mast with a remote control. Luckily I always could wait until I had a competent helper on deck. I find your sleep management pragmatic. It is impossible for a single handed sailor to follow the rules strictly. The more ways you have to keep a lookout, the more you must use at all times.

[@patricklaine6958]

I prefer using the manual winch frankly RS. You can immediately feel if the line is fouled or something is not right. If you are using the electric winch you might not realize there is a problem until too late...... That's me anyway......

[@rustysailor4672]

@@patricklaine6958 I agree, but when you use the manual winch you do not have a hand free to release the sheet in a controlled fashion. Also I have learnt to listen to the sound of the electric winch. It changes when it is heavily loaded.

[@Anmeteor9663]

If you are looking for some additional electronic watch-keeping peace of mind, I can highly recommend both radar signal detector, available in France and a radar target enhancer. Both devices are very low power consumption and allow you to both "see and be seen" by any vessel using radar. Even fishing vessels never turn off their radar even if they arent looking at the screen. Their cpa alarm and yours will sound so a great use in collision avoidance. Then there is just the minow boats and semi floating shipping containers to worry about!! Keep up the great works!

[@patricklaine6958]

Great recommendations Nick. I really like the idea of the radar signal detector (we had them in our fighter aircraft too ;-) ). I'm going to look into this technology a bit more. Another item for Santa. Thanks again.

[@andyjamesable]

Seeing the comfort of your Bavaria .. i have to say i have never understood why you changed her for that overgrown dinghy .. but having said that massive respect for your current voyaging

[@patricklaine6958]

Yeah, I was looking for a bit of speed, and knew the ride would not be very comfortable. I was right about the ride not being comfortable.... :-)

[@SailingArgo]

What a great channel! We love all your tips and tricks. Best wishes from Roger and Marena

[@patricklaine6958]

Many thanks. I've been watching your terrific Norway videos. I almost made it there last season, but the wind blew me to the Faroe Islands instead. Maybe this year. ;-)

[@SailingArgo]

Patrick Laine we love to see you in Norway. Keep us updated. Fair winds

[@lisalisalisa7721]

Incredibly informative, thank you!

[@sailingcitrinesunset4065]

I agree when your single handed you cant always keep the lines etc tidy 100% of the time. I get negative comments also but you cant take time out to clean up lines etc until your in safe water.

[@denisstanley6546]

Swinging Hammocks are comfortable and if the yacht is sailin on the opposite side to where you are hanging usually very dry.

[@catharsus21]

your right ...Hammocks are comfortable ,especially when the boat starts to pitch and roll .. its easier to get rest when you need it .. and while the boat moves you remain stable same principal as a gimble ./

[@Aloha1967]

Hi Patrick! I realy liked all your vidéo clip. You look so cool and relaxe, and i enjoyed every minutes listening them. I'm from Montréal Canada, and i have a 30 foot sailboat for close 30 years, and i plan a crossing to the Açores in a close future...sorry for my bad english...If you do other trips, i hope you'll put them on vidéo! You are awesome! Bon voyages! Alain

[@patricklaine6958]

Merci beaucoup pour ces très gentils mots d'encouragement, Alain. Je suis vraiment touché. Je vous souhaite une bonne traverse aux Açores, avec rien que des vents portants. Faites moi signe si vous continuez à traverser jusqu'à la France. Thanks or watching!

[@Yeaitstemp]

I used to work on fishing boat 70 year captain been doin it his whole life we turned on all lights and we all went to sleep all night just drifting

[@garywhitt4259]

I truly enjoy your sailing adventure as I look forward to joining you following retirement.

[@patricklaine6958]

Thanks for making my day Gary.

[@garywhitt4259]

I am the US Army Commander at Yokohama North Dock. If you find yourself sailing in these waters let me know I would love to buy you dinner and hear more of your sea stories.

[@patricklaine6958]

Yokohama is a long way away Gary, but if by chance we meet, it will be me who buys the first round. :-)

[@garywhitt4259]

Patrick Laine i haven’t seen any updates in several months hope everything is alright

[@jakecherry1677]

Have you seen the Southern Cross for the first time and realized why twice she ran away? Or have you called anyone from noisy bar in Avalon? I see you have your ship and a flags are a flying. Is she all you have left? And is music her name? Very nice I will be subscribing to your channel and watching. Awesome you have the balls to go by yourself. I have panic and anxiety and have always wanted to do this, but can't because I would get major panic out there. Great video and great inspiration and education thank you. I think the truth I'm running from is so small.

[@patricklaine6958]

Crosby, Stills ….. love it. Well chosen.

[@reynaldneron9012]

Cool video, nice to see real sailing compared to other channels. That being said, may I bring my 5 cents about your comments regarding sleeping when sailing single handed: First the regulations (International regulations to prevent collision at sea = the law) state that "a proper look out must be maintained at all times by all available means". Note the difference between "at all times" and the words "permanent watch" that you are using. In legal (as well as practical) terms, the difference is significant. Also, and even more importantly, the phrase "by all available means" and the word "available"' is very important: If you are not available, (because you are sleeping), then the law does not force you to be on watch. For instance, the law does not force you to have a radar. If you have a radar, and it is available (working properly), then you must use it. But if you don't have a radar, then the Regulations says it is OK as well. This is why single handed sailing is allowed: If you are not available, you do not have to be on watch. Another point is the AIS: Although a very handy equipment to have, it is not foolproof as many smaller vessels, including fishing vessels, do not have to carry one, so you will not spot them on yours. Of course, you also have to make sure you are safe, not hitting another vessel, a continent, sails trimmed etc, which is why it is usually recommended to wake up every 15-20 minutes, which is the estimated time it takes a cargo between her appearance on the horizon and the moment she will hit you. And while I am here, at 2:41, your reefing line is not set properly :) and you keep your fenders out? 13:50 really? :) Anyway, I look forward to more of your videos.

[@patricklaine6958]

I like your interpretation of the word 'available' (which allows you to sleep without being in contravention of the law). I hadn't heard that before. An interesting take...... Fair winds.

[@jasonmcintosh2632]

Nice video. Love the straightforward information.

[@patricklaine6958]

Much appreciated Jason.

[@RaphaelOertel]

Very interesting and useful. Thank you and Subscribed.

[@AntonHu]

Been following you since half-way through your series of videos, marvellous. Now back to the start and hear that you suffer from tinnitus. Can I suggest you try out "progressive muscle relaxation"? A teacher helps enormously. Practised for a few weeks, it permits you to relax any muscles including those you didn't even know you have! I had tinnitus at one time, and relaxing the muscles in my head every time I went to bed got rid of it for me.

[@maureenb7399]

Sign me up..willing to learn and can do night shift .!

[@frankpanuwat5347]

thank's for your videos patrick.

[@alexkikta]

Do you know that ur name is a nhl superstars name

[@patricklaine6958]

Yes Alex, I discovered that about a year ago. If you Google my name, you find 15 pages of the exploits of the Finnish hockey star (playing in Canada). My name translates from Finnish to English in a bit more nautical sense. It means "wave". :-)

[@Donbstard]

I enjoyed every second of that. It's funny how pilots are drawn to sailing, It's become my love over flying now.

[@patricklaine6958]

I took up sailing (seriously) very late --- and after 30+ years of flying. Love them both (but can't fly anymore due to medical). Descend and maintain 8 feet, slow to 5 kts, and squawk VFR.

[@brettharrison2237]

@@patricklaine6958 me too…..former airline pilot until I lost my medical. Simulator Instructor and Check Captain now but as I move into retirement in a few years, I’d love to get into sailing.

[@peckerwood780]

How scary would it be to wake up being flipped over by a rogue wave. No time just BAM upside down. That would suck buddy.

[@ChessmasterHex]

People have had their keel snap off, no making it to the lifeboat in that situation.

[@patricklaine6958]

This happens very, very rarely, and even then it is not a surprise --- you are in the middle of a mighty blow already. The sea can be unforgiving though.

[@ThePatgilbert]

Freak wawes are seldom,but myself a solo sailer in 30 years ,seen it all but no freak wawe,but that doesn t mean i cannot happend,just think of it like you board a plane ,how shure likely is it that you arrive at destination,?destinity ,if we worry about those ,you me we they ,than we cannot do the things we love.

[@tohuwabohu195]

"There might be a bit of incivility in the atmosphere..." Instantly subscribed to Patrick Laine's channel :)

[@patricklaine6958]

Be gentle Tohuwabohu. My feelings are easily hurt. ;-) Thanks for watching.

[@tohuwabohu195]

Thank you, Mr Laine, for your wonderful channel. Un coffre rempli de trésors!

[@patricklaine6958]

Trop aimable. Il y a aussi des morceaux de charbon dans ce coffre ! :-)

[@Elen120]

great thanks, true Necessary and beautifully accessible information

[@StevenJQuinlan]

As someone who is looking to solo sail int he next couple of years, your videos are fantastic. They're no nonsense, practical advice that I will probably watch all the episodes on repeat for a long time. Out of curiosity,. what happened to Episode 1?

[@patricklaine6958]

Thanks for the great feedback Steven. Much appreciated. As you can tell, I had had very little experience with a GoPro camera (or editing) before this adventure. It was a last minute addition at the suggestion of my daughter. In Episode 1, I stood up in the wind and wandered around the boat. The sound quality was awful --- really awful. I decided to spare the viewers and not publish it. :-) Thanks for commenting.

[@Coolsweat67]

Gee I wish I was with u mate just to enjoy the ocean and wildlife. Magic

[@patricklaine6958]

Many thanks. It is great fun.

[@lucaseberly6082]

Very helpful video,Thank you Sir from a new and fairly younger Sailer Lucas 😊♥️

[@patricklaine6958]

Very kind of you young Lucas! :-)

[@abstractbybrian]

my hat is off to you. this looks terrifying

[@patricklaine6958]

It shouldn't look terrifying AGWT; that's because I was a low experience intermediate sailor. This can all be done in a fairly safe manner that isn't really much more dangerous than going on a long drive at night. Fair winds to you.

[@abstractbybrian]

Patrick Laine safe travels and i admire your confidence. i don’t know much about sailing

[@danielleroux434]

C'était la première fois que je comprenais bien un anglais, jusqu'à ce je m’aperçoive que le pavillon était français. Merci pour cette intéressante vidéo.

[@patricklaine6958]

Merci Daniel, vous êtes trop gentil. J'ai la double nationalité. J'ai grandi aux USA mais j'habite en France depuis 30+ ans y compris un séjour avec la Marine Nationale comme pilote. :-) A+

[@_babyjesus]

Great video.

[@theolympus593]

Just discovered your channel, not sure where episode 1 is? Anyway, what a breath of fresh air! So different to most of whats offer. Good job, keep up the good work!

[@patricklaine6958]

The sound quality in that first season of filming/sailing was terrible. Episode 1 was unbearable -- even for me. I did get a little bit better in following seasons. Thanks for watching.

[@Devil7414]

Sir Great Video

[@patricklaine6958]

Much appreciated Dave.

[@petewilliams4289]

Might be the time I stopped being a purist and kept the fenders tied for a short 6-10hr coastal sail. Agreed, It's a lot of work when solo dropping main, furling genoa, sorting through tiedowns, readying mooring lines, hauling fenders up from the cabin floor (the most convenient place they landed when thrown (aka stowed) after departing.

[@patricklaine6958]

If you do that, people will forever call you a farmer! :-)

[@glomerol8300]

Hi Patrick. I found your video by entering these exact words in the YT search field; "how do you sleep on sailboat solo". I asked on a previous video (another great video about someone possibly from Australia doing overdub narratives on his journey to Fiji) about it but decided to also look to see if anyone already answered it... 45 minutes is too short for me, and I'm even unsure it is enough for anyone, despite how one might feel after 45 hours from the apparently arbitrary 20. And so I was wondering if one could just take in all sails, say, ideally when the weather was calmest, and simply drift until one woke up 9 hours or so later. Maybe with the expensive proximity-detection unit you have there. I suppose it would be different if we were following the shore and so could just pop into a bay for the night and drop anchor. Your boat looks too expensive for me and looks over 30 feet. I would also like to explore more inland waters sometimes too and have the option of tipping the boat on a sand bank or mudflat or whatever to address its bottom and so forth. I wonder how feasible it would be to cross the Pacific in something around 25 feet or even less. I should look into what others have done and how...

[@baxill23]

Seeing as how this video is two years old, you've probably found this out by now, but Vesper makes an external alarm that you can put in a separate location so that could potentially solve the volume problem.. Great video! New subscriber and I'll be watching more

[@patricklaine6958]

Yeah, they market that as an 'external' alarm, but I've never really understood the logic of that. When you are outside in the cockpit, you are looking around the horizon every 5-15 minutes, so what is the need for an alarm. The need is below deck in the saloon, and I think the external alarm (with no adjustable volume) would be too loud there -- so you've gone from not loud enough, to too loud. It would seem fairly easy (technically) to add a volume adjustment and test button -- but that's just me. :-)

[@baxill23]

@@patricklaine6958 Very good point, I've never used their external alarm, so I didn't realize it was that loud, it's just something I came across at some point and took notice of. I agree, an adjustable volume knob seems pretty logical.

[@latetotheparty3070]

I have a strong opinion about pilots that they are quite unusual people in that they have to be disciplined and knowledgeable and so rigorous about safety checks etc. Few can do that. Knowing Patrick Laine was a fighter pilot somehow changes how I thought of him to think that even in the select class of solo sailors he is probably one of the very best. We are watching a pro here.

[@patricklaine6958]

Far too kind. I really was starting from scratch as a sailor (and have made a lot of progress since that video) --- but as you note, there are significant spillover benefits from flying that apply to sailing. Thanks for commenting. :-)

[@sailingoctopus1]

Great channel Patrick. I've always wanted to sail singlehanded; one day, maybe, my wife will let me. I've heard it said that French singlehanders just go to bed and sleep, so no ten minute, twenty minute or forty minute checks for them. I don't know if this is true, but, if it is, I think it's sensible. Statistically, the chances of a collision on the open sea is very small; the exceptions being in shipping lanes and between two popular waypoints (e.g. headlands). There's a powerful argument that an unrested crew is the bigger danger, given how unlikely collisions are. Also, in collision situations I'm not sure how helpful human vigilance and intervention are. A tired and frightened singlehander is probably every bit as likely to facilitate a collision as avoid one, so sleeping through a close encounter in blissful ignorance may actually be safer. Fishing pots are a huge annoyance, but given their proliferation it's extraordinary how infrequently they actually cause a real problem. This points to how big the sea is and how relatively small our boats are and how, in reality, the statistical probability of colliding with a ship, an unmarked fishing pot or a vessel without AIS is very low. Having said that AIS transponders give great peace of mind and I wouldn't sail without one. Radar, not so sure. I've had one installed for eleven years and haven't used it once. In fog it may be useful, but in collision situations there is a danger of radar induced collision from inexperienced users.

[@patricklaine6958]

I'm not sure about the statement that 'French just go to bed' Chris. In fact, I haven't met any who tell me that is what they do…… but I hear your logic in being fatigued, etc. At any rate, I don't think anyone should be making night passages without a send/receive AIS. It is just such a critical piece of safety equipment. I once delayed a departure because mine stopped working. Thanks for commenting.

[@joshuamccarthy3493]

This guy so relaxed but when I was a fighter pilot love it ,he said haha this guy just running at 1/4 of his potential I use to be a private pilot I know the training these guys go through I’d go any where with this man

[@janheckman1408]

I can't find an episode 1. I'm curious to find out more about your boat!

[@patricklaine6958]

Sorry Jan. I had never used a GoPro camera before, and filmed much of Episode 1 in the cockpit, and the sound is absolutely terrible, so I never published it. It is a lovely boat though. (I would say that of course!) A German-built Bavaria 40 Cruiser from 2008.

[@flasher702]

Really nice video Patrick. So much practical knowledge. You gave us some great advice about expensive things that you think were worth it. It would be even better if you put equal emphasis on advice on things that you think you paid too much for, or ways you saved money. I totally agree about the electric winch (but probably just the one at the cockpit and one for the anchor, too much expense, electricy use, and maintanence otherwise), AIS transceiver as a necessity for solo sailing, and 4 person raft as a good compromise on law and safety vs. space and cost. The fender dilemma is ages old. Why isn't there a better solution as standard? Sure, if you've got deckands you can make them deal with the problem, but our boats now steer themselves and keep their own watch but our fender system is 1000 years old?

[@patricklaine6958]

Someone commented that leaving the fenders out is the same as leaving Christmas lights up all year. ;-) Mine are large and heavy --- and I don't like making multiple trips forward in heavy seas to attach/detach them. I do take them off for long passages though.

[@flasher702]

@@patricklaine6958 but why are the fender lockers not located next to where the fenders are used? In serial production boats it shouldn't be so difficult to just have 3 or more fender lockers on each side of boat. You could put the fenders away without even untying them. Storing fenders in a deep locker at the cockpit is one of the worst solutions possible. They are either buried or burying something else and they are now as far as possible from where they need to be taken to. But somehow everyone accepts this as "the way it has to be".

[@adam8642]

Squalls can be scary. I think the way it darkens and gets cold and the unknown of what will become is part of that.

[@patricklaine6958]

They are hard to figure out......sometimes they look 'evil', but you get nothing more than a couple of modest gusts --- and then one will come along that doesn't look too bad, and suddenly you are at 40° of heel with horizontal rain. And then there is nighttime....:-)

[@turdferguson236]

What a great video godspeed

[@patricklaine6958]

Much appreciated Josh. Thanks for the feedback.