EP68 Sailing Bay of Biscay Twice: 1 "usual"; 2 in Gale Conditions

I do a quick back and forth across the Bay of Biscay -- once in 'normal' (acceptable) conditions, and 2nd in unexpected Gale conditions. I demonstrate 'scandalising the main' as well as putting in a reef in challenging conditions. I also show/discuss problems with Volvo Penta engine mounts, my Lewmar windlass and a malfunctioning solar panel. Finish with discussion of Code Zero vs Gennaker (large asymmetric spinnaker) and a celebration of 30 Biscay crossings.

[@albertofourie3294]

Awesome episode! Sure like your go-to sail set-up in heavy winds and seas.👍 Q. curious why did you not heave to when you decided to drop the main?

[@patricklaine6958]

Exactly. I've reefed and lowered sails while hove to in the past. Probably should have done so here too. In summary, options for lowering/reefing a sail include: 1) Heave to: it does require you to either tack or gybe across the wind, which can be difficult or even dangerous in high winds, but once hove to, everything calms down quite a bit, and reefing lowering sails is routine. 2) Head deep downwind: center the boom and head deep downwind and pull down the sail by releasing the halyard (slowly) and pulling the leech down with the highest reefing line. Is easier to do if you have straight spreaders (rather than swept) but I've done it before in up to 22 knots with swept spreaders and a square top sail (which falls over to the side very easily). 3) Harden the genoa and pull up into the wind to 30° apparent and then flag (ease completely) the mainsail. This is the traditional reefing method. Works well, but coming up into 4-5 meter seas can be a wet/interesting experience. As always: reef before you think you need to.

[@albertofourie3294]

@@patricklaine6958Echoing your last sentence, "prevention is indeed better than cure".

[@griffedbat]

Thank you for another fine episode Patrick. I love it when you show different methods for doing the same thing. Everyone has their way doing it, but not everyone considers different options. That, and the sound of the ocean, make your channel a favourite. All the best!

[@gregvee2930]

Truly a delight to be a phantom shipmate. Thank you for the real life action demonstrating the knowledge and skill required to change sails in windy conditions. A wise man is this Captain.

[@patricklaine6958]

Far too kind. Many thanks.

[@vincentmiceli2554]

I greatly appreciate the detailed explanation for what you do. You teach me things with every video. You have the best channel on “the tube”

[@patricklaine6958]

Thanks for the kind, but far too generous feedback.

[@PP-hs5tq]

Beautifully filmed and presented. Thank you Patrick for both taking your time to make these wonderful films and also allowing us into your sailing life.

[@kennethalcorn7104]

The best sailing channel on KZbin look forward to every video have fun and keep safe

[@BjørjaBear]

For someone with the nose to the grindstone still, it's an inspiration to see you out sailing. I wish you the best of health and happiness from here in Norway.

[@patricklaine6958]

I hope to get back to Norway, as I did not do its tens of thousands of islands justice last season!

[@matshallstrom61]

Got the reference; Walking in Memphis. Like your sailing philosophy, take a nap in 30 knots. This is pure poetry to a sailor.

[@patricklaine6958]

Bravo. That song is a classic!

[@matshallstrom61]

@@patricklaine6958 Thanks, looking forward to your next meditation on sailing. Navigare necesse est, vivere non est necesse.

[@chrismarc6966]

I've almost smelled the breeze while you were hoisting the main sail... Thank you! And God bless for you next trip!

[@keeldragger]

Calm and collected throughout the entire passage. Well done.

[@gc12ch]

I thought you would be regretting your Bavaria at some point... But hey, I am sure it was a nice and enriching experience to be exposed to more sporty boats for a few years, and now you can go back to more comfortable boats. Truly exciting following you to Patagonia and beyond, can't wait!!!

[@carljeffries5625]

Thanks for this thoughtful video.Full ,as always ,of useful advice.This, to me, is indeed the best sailing channel on you tube

[@vingreensill]

Thanks for sharing that video Patrick. It is useful to learn from seeing you tackle these challenges on a human scale. Take care, look fwd to your next.

[@patricklaine6958]

Many thanks. Much appreciated.

[@gustavomedellin1466]

Always admire your matter of fact and calm approach to challenging conditions. Most other sailing channels would have a dramatic soundtrack, people crying and out loud wondering if they were going to die 🙄. Since you always welcome comments form your viewers, here are some observations and my answer to your question. 1. You really should consider a high torque portable driver with winch bit. Would make hoisting your sails much easier. I know you have a legitimate concern over power winching but after a year of using mine I can tell you it is not hard to know when there is abnormal resistance. 2. Until you get a ball bearing mast track/car system, consider placing a dousing line from the halyard shackle to the deck run through a turning block so you can winch if needed. 3. Another option when you needed to douse the main would have been to furl the jib, run the engine and have the autopilot drive you directly into the wind. 4. When you were having floppy sails downwind in low wind an option would have been to sail a little higher- say 140 true. Adds a little distance but much easier on the sails. 5. Regarding the gennaker vs Code 0: I have three downwind sails- an A2 assy, an A5 runner and a Code ). The A5 runner is smaller and made for high wind but in reality doesn't get much use. I'm not comfortable flying a kite in big wind. The A2 is great for runs from 120 to 160 true in 5-15 kts wind/ I don't have it on a furler because it's large mid girth makes furling difficult and unpredictable. Instead I have a line from the tack to the companionway. To douse I turn downwind to about 160 true then blow the tack and bring the foot and tack to the companionway. The sail is now totally collapsed behind the main and by blowing the halyard it falls straight down onto the deck in front of the mast and I can easily gather it into the companionway. The Code 0, on the other hand, is cut flatter and works very well with a furler. It sails from 60 to 150 TWA and from 4 to 12 kts wind. If i am going deep downwind ( 145-160) I can use it in up to 20 kts wind. If I could only have one I would have to say the A2 because of the limited wind range and angles the Code 0 is really best. Its only in very light wind and very close reaching that the code zero is noticeably better than just main and jib. Having said that, though, having a choice of several sails (including also my stay sail) makes sailing in all conditions easier. The stay sail/ reefed main combo makes the 15-25 wind range upwind very manageable.

[@patricklaine6958]

Many good ideas there. I would like to blow the tack too, but it is extended out on the bowsprit. I'd have to rig some kind of long distance pull device. I'll give it some more thought.

[@michaelturnbull2153]

You're the best sailing Skipper on KZbin. Thank you for the amazing content.

[@michelquere3021]

👍 magnifiques vidéos, merci Patrick. et quelle aventure encore ! je revis certaines traversées dans le golfe de Gascogne....oups ! repose toi et à bientot... Marilou/Mike

[@patricklaine6958]

Merci pour tous les conseils et encouragements à ce "jeune" marin qui avait beaucoup à apprendre. Amitiés.

[@FrankEhrsam]

I am enjoying your extraordinary insights into your experienced seamanship. Your videos for sure are some very decent appetiser to cast of lines. And your videos kept us committed to do so while our refit was dragged along quite snailishly in the boatyard - have a great time and thanks for the ride⛵

[@edchamberlain1879]

Great video -with some helpful tips - thanks Patrick, you are an inspiration! You always sound so calm as the boat is being rolled around in the waves!

[@jameslloyd7402]

Thanks for the video Patrick. Absolutely a code zero allowing good progress in light air and not always needing to resort to the engine.

[@TopolskiOpinion]

Welcome back! Cant wait to watch

[@pauldevalck-sd1qm]

Hello, I am Paul from Belgium and have been sailing myself for 20 years in the North Sea and on occasion I charter a sailboat in the Mediterranean. I like your KZbin very much and find it very inspiring how you approach things. Your way of sailing, I like that. Especially how you address the various recognizable problems in sailing. Thank you for the hours of pleasure I have enjoyed your performances. I wish you all the best and hope you can enjoy so intensely for years to come. Greetings. Paul

[@patricklaine6958]

Many thanks. Someone wh has sailed the North Sea for 20 years has all my respect. :-)

[@ivsuk]

Knowing what gear to avoid is just as useful as recommendations what gear to get 😅 Thank you so much, Patrick !

[@patricklaine6958]

Yeah, I hate to be negative about products and companies, but when there is something seriously wrong......

[@dag_andersen]

As always a fantastic sailing update from you! ⛵️👏🏻👏🏻 Now, the long waiting again for your next release. 😊

[@helenvojtko9673]

Thank you for taking us on your adventure Patrick.

[@alexnason]

Best sailing tips ever! Thank you for having us all along for the ride. Looking forward to your next video.

[@oldshipmatesadventures]

Patrick, I always enjoy your videos to the most. This one has taught me a new trick, which will serve me well, and that is "scandalizing the mainsail" - brilliant. I will try this next weekend! :-) Thanks and best wishes from Lisboa, PT, Frank

[@BeMorePirate]

What a wonderfully timed video! I’m in the Isles of Scilly about to take on Biscay for the first time. It’s as if you were my phantom mentor! Thank you from a fellow solo sailor and former aviator for sharing your experience and in such an entertaining fashion!

[@patricklaine6958]

If you have a fast boat, it takes 2.5 days to cross Biscay. if you have a slow boat, it takes 3.5 days. Just choose a weather window that fits those criteria and you will be fine. Fair winds.

[@MISCUBAdiver]

I have heard of people placing partially deflated fenders under their engines and then inflating to lift the engine slightly but have not had the need to try it myself. Our Volvo is in fresh water and I have not seen that level of corrosion. Thank you for the great videos, keep them coming!

[@aeronautekBC]

Glad to see you online!

[@Gah0uf]

As the season winds down and I'm sitting here contemplating getting my boat out of the water while sipping a nice Chateauneuf-du-Pape, I can't help but think about your adventures. Some day, I aspire to sail the way you do. Fair winds, Patrick!

[@patricklaine6958]

Far too kind. And fair winds to you as well.

[@KillickGreenieRN]

Thank you Patrick for yet another great adventure. I learned a lot from your experience. I liked the comment about better to be in the crew room wishing you could go flying. So true! Cheers.

[@einar7163]

Good to see you sailing again Patrick, inspiring as always! Personally I went for a 155% Genoa, light strong modern material, but I also have a cutter rig setup.

[@patricklaine6958]

I had a cutter/slutter rig on my two previous boats. i sure miss that......but a bit complex to put on a boat that already has the complexity of running back stays rigged at the top of the mast.

[@EvandroLopesDaSilva-j1s]

hi Patrick.i am Evandro.you have made nice videos.i have been watching them since 2 years ago.thanks for your knowlwdge and for share your experiences with us.congratulations .good winds!

[@patricklaine6958]

And fair winds to you as well.

[@garyjames2148]

Hey, roommate! I'm sorry to hear of your brother's passing.We really missed you at the reunion.And I just found out about your channel.I will be following your adventures from here on out. Fair winds and following seas

[@terjebauge6248]

Thank you for sharing your experiences. You have encouraged me to follow suit. I am going to Scotland from my home in Norway end of summer. Planning is not my force, but I have planned the title: Uneventful voyage to Scotland. If it bears out; it will be thanks to practical info from you and others on youTube..

[@patricklaine6958]

I'm sure that will be a great adventure. Love that part of the world.

[@caragibson]

Amazing travels Patrick! A true inspiration and gentleman of the sea 🌊 Un o’r Werin as the Welsh say Wonderful, stay safe, fair winds & plenty of Chateauneuf du Pape 🍷⛵️

[@demetrisdemetrious8702]

Another great sailing video Always a pleasure to see your ability’s and knowledge So relaxed in such demanding conditions Thank you All the best 🙏

[@patricklaine6958]

Many thanks for the kind feedback.

[@wynnroberts5388]

Patrick, you are amazing. I always learn more stuff every time I watch your videos. Brilliant! Thank you. Fair winds, you are certainly due some. 😀

[@reloadncharge9907]

Enjoyed! Fun passage! Code 0….solo sailing, easy to manage. Thanks, Andew

[@patricklaine6958]

Yeah, my Code zero has the torsion cable sewn into the luff of the sail. That makes it much easier to furl for sure.

[@blazerboy9216]

Great video Patrick. Sailed Biscay only once but fortunate with the conditions. Keep the videos coming. A great comfort to me sitting in my office.

[@patricklaine6958]

Thanks 👍 Most of my rides across Biscay have been mercifully uneventful (but great fun). It's good that every once in a while Biscay lets us know who is really in charge.

[@iainmacdonald1170]

Completely agree abut the Code 0. Most of the time the winds are light and while its a great 'engine saver' I've found it useful in stronger winds up to about 16kts at a push. Angles between 40' (if the halyard is seriously tight) to about 160' where it can even be poled out. It replaced an asymmetric on a top-down furler. Every time I talked about getting that out my wife talked about getting a divorce; the Code 0 is so much easier to use which means we're so much more likely to use it.

[@patricklaine6958]

Divorce or sail....hmmm....

[@brianmurphy4404]

Patrick...you should call your site ...lessons in sailing...by far one of the best on you tube..keep it going👍

[@patricklaine6958]

Many thanks Brian. Much appreciated, but I'm far from the level of professional instructors. Fair winds.

[@theamateurboater5892]

Great video Patrick, thank you so much for sharing your adventures.

[@kevinconway2251]

Fantastic video, as always. Informative and inspirational. Thank you, Patrick.

[@DB-yj3ii]

Youre back! My Lewmar windlass is mounted inside the front locker in the v-berth. Stays nice and dry. Safe sailing!

[@patricklaine6958]

I wish mine were too, but the geometry of the thing doesn't allow that. 😞

[@SV_Ruli]

Hi! If In can choose only one light weather sail... It will be a traditional spinaker. With a boom you can everything with it. Also solo with some practice... Nice channel! Keep sailing!

[@osaintmartin]

Heureux de retrouver vos navigations Patrick. Merci beaucoup

[@patricklaine6958]

Merci à vous d'avoir suivi mes périples. Bonne nav à vous.

[@osaintmartin]

@@patricklaine6958 diriez vous que le RM890 est le meilleur compromis pour des navigations solitaires telles que les votres ?

[@real2gone]

Thanks for taking us back and forth across the Bay, Patrick. And a fitting tribute to Gordon Lightfoot's, 'The Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald' and those 'November gales', on the way back. Loved your response to Jenna's inquisition about your religious beliefs too. 🙂 You both took it all in your wake. Another great adventure. Thanks for sharing.

[@patricklaine6958]

Many thanks for the kind remarks. I'm still in mourning over Gordon's passing.

[@real2gone]

@@patricklaine6958 Yes. A sad loss.

[@bjoernwestra]

Smart raising the topping lift raising the main with the lazy jacks great tip Thanks Patrick

[@patricklaine6958]

I should use that topping lift more often, but it does add an extra step (actually two -- you also need to release the boom vang when you do that too).

[@SailingPardonMyFrench]

Wow, what a ride back Patrick. Really nice job through the thick (and thin) of it. Thanks for sending salty spary across my deck this morning! Impressive as always. Stay safe. To your question for cruisers if could only have one, depends on a situtaion. I have an asym but would love a furling code 0 for lighter air.

[@patricklaine6958]

Welcome back. I'm fortunate in that I have both. I do struggle with the top down furler on the gennaker, but love its power.

[@adrianpiek941]

Patrick, thanks for the shout-out to Martin. Both Martin & You are my favorite Sailing Channels. Keep up the good work. Cheers & Fair Winds.

[@louisross9691]

Cannot agree more….love these two

[@patricklaine6958]

I admire how Martin handled a very difficult situation with calm and determination. A shame he lost his boat, but he handled it brilliantly.

[@StijnOtte]

I indeed love the channel of Patrick! How can i find the channel of Martin?

[@jpkirby]

Thank you for your videos, and greetings from Seattle!

[@hugobouckaert1813]

I watched all your videos, which I enjoyed very much, and it's a shame this is the last one (hopefully there are more to come)! Unlike many others, your content is really and truly about sailing. Very interesting and very informative. I have a traditonal long keeler (27 ft Top Hat) which I am fitting out for longer passages so our boats and sailing preferences might be somewhat different, but I certainly learned a lot from your videos, not only in a technical sense but also in respect to your resilience and positive attitude overall. I'm in Australia but if I am ever in France and see you in a marina, I definitely promise to treat you to a glass of Chateauneuf du Pape!

[@patricklaine6958]

Many thanks for the kind feedback. Safe sailing down under!

[@moggridge1]

I've never sailed in my life and I have no idea what you are doing most of the time 😂, but I do love your videos. Thank you! 👍

[@GerardFoucher75018]

Merci beaucoup Patrick pour cette superbe vidéo ! Votre bateau se comporte magnifiquement, et votre voix, sans la moindre trace d'angoisse (extérieurement du moins 😉) me donne diablement envie d'essayer d'en faire autant ! Fair winds and following seas!

[@patricklaine6958]

J'ai supprimé toutes les scènes où j'étais en mode panique. :-) Bonne nav à vous.

[@GerardFoucher75018]

@@patricklaine6958 Haha ah oui !!! 😅 Merci pour cette excellente réponse !

[@philgray3443]

Great video Patrick. Thank you. I suddenly found a similar Volvo engine mount problem. I would also find the odd drop of salt water around. I suspected a faulty syphon break valve, but one day I happened to see a single drop of water from my water pump. Stopped the engine but it was dry. Re ran it with a mirror under the pump and found there was a regular drip of water hitting the belt and being flicked onto the engine mount. Because of our hot climate it was always dry when I looked. I found the culprit. A tiny nick in the $740 pump shaft where the water seal was. I repaired it with a speedy seal and so far no more drips. My Lofrans windlass motor was the same (37,000 miles old). A slight prod with a screw driver went right through the casing. My new one has been coated with lanolin grease and I must check it this week with fingers crossed.

[@patricklaine6958]

I will replace this motor and coat a new one with some kind of anti-corrosion treatment for sure!

[@peteg6632]

I'm glad you're going out in it - so I don't have to! Just so amazed how you're so relaxed in those conditions, making sound decisions over and again

[@patricklaine6958]

I edited out the panic and screaming parts. ;-)

[@goodq]

Thanks a lot skip for the lovely video. Fairwinds.

[@stephanedresler6241]

Excellente vidéo, comme d'habitude. Pleine d'enseignements. Après tant de commentaires élogieux, il est difficile d'en dire plus. Navigateur débutant dans le Nord-Ouest du Pacifique, je suis admiratif et envieux.

[@patricklaine6958]

Et bonne nav à toi !

[@robertwood8625]

Love watching your videos Patrick. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and opinions.

[@kieranmcallister3477]

Another great episode Patrick, Thanks for sharing ,your knowledge benefits us all!!

[@sailinghjem]

Who knew that every time we raise our main, we’re scandalising it 😂 never knew that was the name for it, we just ‘lift the boom’ and ‘lower the boom.’ Much prefer the scandalising! Thanks for another great vlog Patrick.

[@patricklaine6958]

I don't know th origin of that expression. I'll have to look it up. (This practice is standard in gaff-rigged and square rigged sailboats.)

[@sailinghjem]

@@patricklaine6958 ever the font of knowledge Patrick, thank you for taking the time to share your experience. Know that it benefits us newbie sailors tremendously!

[@paulthew2]

Lovely stuff. Really enjoy your videos, Patrick.

[@1080sync]

Hi Patrick, I had recently replaced the engine mounts on a Volvo Penta and ended up using a car jack (lead screw type supplied with most European cars). I made an adaptor/adapter to fit under the crankshaft pulley and cut several sections of plywood for the foot of the jack to spread the load across a the bilge. I decided to replace the engine mounts one at time to ensure the engine didn’t shift sideways etc. Thanks for sharing so many sailing inspirational adventures.

[@patricklaine6958]

Great. Sail drive or shaft and prop?

[@1080sync]

@@patricklaine6958 Sail drive. The front starboard side mount was badly corroded, which I suspect might be due to it being located under the sea water intake filter. The lead screw on the jack allowed the fine control to lift the engine 2mm allowing the easy swapping of mounts. The engine is the weight of a human, so I decided that spreading the jack load using plywood and packing foam over a square foot would be no worse than a human standing in the bilge.

[@patricklaine6958]

@@1080sync Excellent. Many thanks.

[@simonpritchard6074]

Great entertainment captain and thank you for sharing yet again.

[@Dave-SailsAway]

"I hate to say that," regarding two failed solar panels. No, it is good that sailors share information. We are a small, tight community, and we share data points to help each other out! Thanks for the heads-up.

[@patricklaine6958]

Yeah. I hate to criticise products, but when something is seriously flawed or inappropriate for use at sea......

[@2299jsimon]

Thanks for the warning regarding the Lewmar Windless and the MyShop Solaire panel...

[@2299jsimon]

That new track and cars should greatly assist in raising and lowering the main, even in unfavorable conditions.

[@JavierEchevarria-q2r]

Two additional comments ... Erik the viking is jealous ... you are a serious contender. You are sailing faster 🙂 This RM 890+ is a serious boat, with the right captain it sails really well. Perfect !!!

[@patricklaine6958]

Many thanks, but I think Erik is in a class by himself -- great videos, great narration, great editing.

[@MaShcode]

Getting older is no problem. You just have to live long enough. 😊 Cheers to your adventures!

[@patricklaine6958]

That's the key!

[@jesusbeiro6113]

what a fantastic sail Patrick ....Biscay/Gascone at its best ... Fair winds and good luck in your next sail ... and always Cheers from Muros !!!!

[@patricklaine6958]

Many thanks. I may stop in Muros on my way to or back from the Azores later this year. Fair winds.

[@jesusbeiro6113]

@@patricklaine6958 HI Patrick ... do please let me know if you stop in Muros .. it would be a pleasure to meet you ... Cheers

[@georgecanakis1075]

Hi Patrick another beautiful informative video cheers from greece happy sails my friend

[@daniellevinson9173]

Great video Patrick. I had the same corrosion problem with a brand new Muir windlass motor in my anchor locker. It was badly corroded after one year. Muir replaced it under warranty and when it was refitted I wrapped it in Denso tape. I recently removed the motor to service the windlass and it was in good condition after 10 years protected by Denso tape. Needless to say, the motor (and the terminals) were rewrapped in Denso tape and hopefully will last another 10 years.

[@patricklaine6958]

I am going to replace that motor in the off-season. You can bet I will put some kind of corrosion treatment on it before installation.

[@Dosheimer]

I had the same both issues (windlass and motor feet corrosion). The windlass corrosion i assume is from a leak at the thru hull mounting of the windlass. I sealed it around the winlass a bit from deck with UV stable Sikaflex. The rest maybe from the general salty moisture in the anchor box. I used grease and pole caps to protect the electric connection at the windlass. Have a look at the newer windlasses: It seems they have a plastic protection around the anchor motor. I connected my motor block with the main AC/DC earthing ground which is a big zinc anode in my case. Hope it will be better in future. Your corrosion issue with the motor feet is very close to your sea water pump. Maybe its slightly leaking and dropping a bit salt water in your motor feet? I am non professional, just guessing…

[@brendanmcgrath846]

Great video as usual Patrick, nothing sophisicated, but out there solo, doing the real stuff !

[@patricklaine6958]

Many thanks. It's great fun too.

[@pierrevanderdeure8164]

Great video ! Genoa only, downwind with strong wind is -almost- comfortable ! I am surprised how fast your boat is, regularly 8 or 9 knots or even more 👍. Small remark : I saw your boom going back and forth sideways with the waves. This added weight slightly increases the pendulum movements of the boat. When sailing under Genoa only, I put a line between the end of the boom and one side of the boat (like on a cleat) to avoid such movement. This holds the boom laterally much more efficiently than tightening the mainsail sheet. Anyway, crossing the bay of Biscay alone in 40 kts is an act of bravery, I guess you slept well once in Port Louis 😂.by the way, I use my asymmetric spi from 50 sthg degrees of app wind, to roughly 120, and in any case not over 150 from true wind, in which case it will be masked by the main and becomes inefficient. A code zero would be usable closer to the wind (35 or 40 from apparent I suppose ?) but would probably not perform as well over 80/90 degrees app), I did not make the investment yet…

[@patricklaine6958]

Yes, I usually tie off the boom to keep it from swinging as well. Good comment.

[@soggybottom3463]

Godbless Skipper. Retreating here from headline news stories that should never have been written, and I'm probably therefore more the idiot for reading them. "Sanity" appears now to be a locus around a small sailing vessel, doing what she's meant to do in the hands of someone who appreciates her and who so kindly brings all his phantom shipmates with him. Fair winds...🤗🤗

[@patricklaine6958]

I have to agree. The news has become more than depressing in recent years......

[@ericdelevinquiere9902]

Nice shots, I really got the memories back of sailing through similar seas, you are riding a stallion though!

[@iam57yearsold]

Thanks for this informative video.

[@johnryan2193]

I am sure these winches could be EASILY waterproofed , but , less sales for lewmar . This type of manufacturing really lets us down . Thanks Alan for your helpful videos.

[@brucebrown9604]

Hello Patrick, always informative and a pleasure to watch ! "Waterproof" for many manufacturers does not apply to salt water, some make an official disclaimer ! I would find it most interesting to have your feedback on the RM, maybe you could put in a few minutes on the topic ? As for code 0 or gennaker : our gennaker is on a furler, our asymetric is not, so the gennaker gets used readily, whilst we often switch on the engine rather than send up the asymetric... Take care, fair winds ! 😎

[@ItreboR63I]

Marvellous

[@pauljohns-oh7lx]

Great video Patrick. I really appreciate getting the honest advice re your experience with some of the products (windlass), etc. Very refreshing compared to some other channels which can be more like continuous infomercials. Lol

[@patricklaine6958]

Much appreciated.

[@nickwillis68]

I am so glad you left that part in where you pull out the wrong sail. Thank god I'm not the only one!

[@patricklaine6958]

That is really embarrassing. I would never survive as a regatta racer!

[@rolfpiotrowski4325]

Your down wind concept is exactly what I prefer! But I change the curse maybe 15° into the wind for to stabilize the sail without any spreader. Most boats will slide little bit to the side. So, with a little luck, you will end on your wished COG. 😉👍 Oh, and you may be an artist with spreader and spinnaker, but I am the lazy one! 🤷‍♀ So I take the sheet out from the roll and attach a block at the foot rail, or the stay mount or a flying block on the sheet (or both). I ride the Genoa wide open and create a nice blister. This way I can steer with relaxed hands, even in hard winds! Your auto pilot will be happy too! 😜👍

[@philgray3443]

I'd really like to see that in action it sounds like a good idea but I can't see how I would set it up.

[@patricklaine6958]

I'm trying to visualise your set-up. Sounds interesting.

[@elroncubano]

Thanks for the video Patrick great stuff Handling those conditions in your RM with great speed and control shows you know more than most of us The code 0 is my choice great upwind sail and also works as an acceptable downwind sail Have you tried having both the code O and headsail out upwind you get an extra slot effect I bought a small remoran 3 hydro generator to keep batteries charged you can buy a mount for each side to keep it in the water no matter what tack you are on it avoids having to run engine in those conditions which I learnt to my cost usually meant sucking air into the fuel lines and the hand steering for a while with low batteries and no engine Safe sailing

[@patricklaine6958]

Every year I tell myself, "This year I am installing a hydrogenerator" and each year I back down. I really, really need one.

[@tomriley5790]

Great to see the adventures Patrick! Eminently preferable I feel to be watching this on youtube than rattling around in a bunk 🙂!

[@patricklaine6958]

Ha! Good one.

[@weggemann]

Enjoyed the video, sail on Lake Superior in the US/Canada and I will not do a crossing if the weather is projected to be ify. It is an unforgiving place. Always enjoy your advice, thank you for taking the time. Chris

[@patricklaine6958]

I used to live on Lake Michigan. I know how ugly things can get very quickly on those Lakes. You are a wise man.

[@andypennybrown6848]

Thanks Patrick another great one, 🎉 have you thought of fitting a 'downhaul ' to help bring down the main? I have the same problem on one of my engine mounts, the other three are OK but it's a Beta Engine, I can't work out why either, Fair winds 😊

[@patricklaine6958]

Someone suggested it is a stray electric current causing the problem.....I'll look into how to put a grounding wire on it.

[@brentonhelps]

Hi Patrick, breeze looked brisk and exciting, you were calm. On the engine mount subject. I've had a similar corrosion issue one side only, i replaced the mount to find it started again, i initially sprayed the new mount with a CRC product called soft seal until i could find time to look more closely. Its been so successful in 18 months, nil issue.

[@patricklaine6958]

Thanks for the tip. I'll certainly be putting some kind of treatment on BOTH of them going forward.

[@Crowscratch_HauntedLibrary]

Thanks for the video, Patrick! Great information.

[@MrSpinnerbug]

Great sailing Patrick!😊

[@Lifes-Adventures]

Hi Patrick. Not sure if someone else mentioned it but I’ve seen some people use a basket ball to lift the engine. Deflate the ball, slide it under the motor, & add air to lift the motor to exchange the motor mount. Good luck

[@patricklaine6958]

Thanks. Yes, I saw a video of someone doing this. Quite clever. Fair winds.

[@maurizioferrario1949]

Patrick, you are very brave!! I would not even think of going out to sea in 30 to 40kt wind. But you handled it beautifully. Your suggestion of raising the boom to hoist the main is very interesting. I could not understand why I could not get up the last 10 cm, then I found out I just had to ease the main sheet.. that's way I say I am a beginner...after doing solo the Channel, Biscay, dodging orcas on the portuguese coast to Gibraltar to bring my Island Packet 40 bought in Antwerpen to the Med. As to your question, I agree, Code 0 all the time. Unfortunately I have a Gennaker!

[@patricklaine6958]

Congrats on the successful completion of a pretty challenging series of passages. Well done. I'm sure you learned a lot along the way. Experience is a great teacher.

[@maurizioferrario1949]

Thank you Patrick. Yours has been the first sailing channel I had watched, and you sre still my model.

[@GlobalTribal]

Appreciate another video, Patrick. Thanks!

[@Dstew57A]

I could watch that beautiful rolling Blue ocean with the white tops all day as seen from your boat….have you ever considered putting out a rolling seas ASMR video? Thank you for sharing your travels.😊

[@enrique-y6e]

Awesome, you are a great teacher. And yes, Erik 'the viking' would enjoy a trip like yours. But I think he is busy going to Greenland :) Cheers, and thank you.

[@patricklaine6958]

I love Erik's videos. A great story teller and sailor.

[@jamesbeaudin1939]

Hi Patrick! I finally took a break from enclosing our back patio with walls and windows during our 1st Alert Hot spell here in Arizona (118 F or 48C). It's nice to see someone sailing off the coast of France in a jacket and getting sprayed with water, even salt water! Your travels are always cool! Glad to hear that you will have more adventures in the late summer/fall. Keep the videos coming - no matter how many times I have seen you in the Bay of Biscayne (30?) - They continue to be interesting to me who wishes to be "out to sea". Also I have to send an email to Lewmar to understand why a device that is installed in the anchor locker isn't fit for an ocean voyage!!?

[@patricklaine6958]

I have a brother who lives near Phoenix. Far too hot for me! Get to the ocean!

[@jamesstewart1357]

Always full of useful information rather than just 'look what i did'.

[@SailingMalie]

Hi Patrick, Another great episode, thank you. It bugs me that marine equipment (lewmar windlass, engine mounts) are not built to marine grade. My solution in the past has been to wrap them (windlass motor and engine mounts) with a product called Denso Tape. It's a waxy tape that protects equipment from chemicals and harsh environments.

[@patricklaine6958]

Someone else mentioned using Denso Tape. I'll have to check it out. Thanks.

[@jonathanthompson2716]

Thanks for the informative video. I have the same issue with one of my engine mounts.

[@patricklaine6958]

Very frustrating that. I suspect a stray electric current.....

[@Vildra-t8i]

Hi Patrick. Thanks for your videos in youtube they are really great and entertaining. I was trying to find an episode about your boat selection, but did not manage to find anything. Would be really interesting to hear your thoughts about what boat is suitable for solo sailor etc. your experience with a big bavaria vrs. your current boat and why did you change the pogo to this RM? Happy sailing.

[@MultiJchu]

Thank you. Formidable !! Great as always !!