S4E17 Solo Atlantic Crossing: Azores to Ireland in a 21ft Home Built Sailboat Pt2

Wave Rover has departed the Port of Horta in the Azores and is en-route to the Port of Baltimore, Ireland. This is the beginning of the second passage of the voyage.
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Thank you and fair winds

[@junk_rig_sailor1698]

Contrarians often find their way back to the land, and sometimes then the sea. You have done both. And contrarians among contrarians that find the sea often choose the junk rig - the best cruising rig for short-handed offshore sailing. Well done Alan, you are an inspiration to us all.

[@RoversAdventure]

Well said. Contrarians among contrarians often choose the Junk rig! Thanks for the comment my friend.

[@simonhjc]

Love the philosophy. Spot on. You dont know whats around the corner. In 2002 when i was diagnosed with my illness my hematologist said “you will need treatment every week for 2 years. I might get you to 50 but youbare on borrowed time”. Insaid “indont have time for this i have a trip to do… he told me no. I went anyway and worked with scientists in Shetland. This trip and experiences forged firm friendships and I would travel/adventure every year since then. Sadly the arthritis has got a hold but i didnt sit back and wait for 50 and a ride ina hearse. Im 62, still having treatment (now every 8 weeks). Slowing up but busy living 👍👍👍

[@RoversAdventure]

Great comment and thanks for sharing. I find that experts are right about 50% of the time (ie a coin toss)

[@joekavanagh5708]

Watching the interaction of the self-steering mk. 3, the tiller, and the wake against the ocean horizon is hypnotic. It really evokes memories of past voyages.

[@RoversAdventure]

Very nice

[@MrEspaldapalabras]

Great advice

[@asd67lkj]

Great to see Wave Rover getting closer to end of that crossing.

[@lindamanderson62]

So glad you followed your gut and built the homestead and the boat! I don’t know how you can eat pork chops without potatoes though lol 🥔

[@RoversAdventure]

I'm very fortunate and Mrs Rover is a big part of the success.

[@roncanizares9966]

Your other patreons and I are very happy for the course in life you chose. It clearly seems to have been a great choice for you. It is, of course, natural that ones parents are concerned when their child chooses an unconventional life direction, as there is no knowing where it will lead. But hopefully you had their support once you embarked on your life adventure.

[@RoversAdventure]

Great comment Ron. Yes indeed my parents came around after I was able to show them that I could navigate the shoals of an unconventional life.

[@MyOldSled]

Thanks for another great episode Alan.

[@RoversAdventure]

Very welcome

[@mmullaley3006]

Capt. Mulholland you stand on. That "Weather Witch" backing you up is worth his weight in gold. Following faithfully. Since 1998 I worked like a dog during winters in the Canadian Arctic ...and I had my summertime off to sail...almost every day. I know what you speak of when you say only you know know your way. I'm 63 now...You are the only one I know, other than me, who wouldn't follow. You took your own path. So did I. When it's over, I can say I had a good run. You will be able to say that as well. Mo

[@RoversAdventure]

Great to hear from you Mo

[@johnnyT428]

So true about people wanting you to be normal. Been getting it from my folks. Arthritis eating me up but I'm trying to get a bit more sailing in before I'm done. I like your Wharram style rudder lashings. Fair winds!! (Falmouth UK)

[@micakingsea9031]

7:10 to 8:15 I'm going through the mountain of naysayers and doubt, thank you for giving me hope to press forward towards my goals

[@RoversAdventure]

Fantastic

[@chrismazuzan2427]

Brilliant episode! Thanks for taking us along! ❤

[@robkunzig5795]

again, Love the Sea shots while life story telling! Alan I could watch/listen for an hour or more. Thanks for memorable Thursday morning coffee moments.

[@RoversAdventure]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@kw7292]

For the non sailors, please take a minute to walk around the boat and explain similar to what you just shared regarding the outboard. What’s the bucket for? What’s under the covers? Current outside temperature? Thanks and get cracken.

[@RoversAdventure]

Thanks for the tips!

[@petebowler7295]

Wise words. Fair winds. Stay safe.

[@mats3188]

Just want to say you are great keep on fighting😊👍

[@RoversAdventure]

Thank you so much!

[@tamar5261]

Wow Allen, last time I looked you were on shore, didn't expect you to be out again 😅 well done

[@GrenvilleMelonseedSkiff496]

A seafarer named Alan set a new course aye aye And together with Mrs Rover built a house in PEI But the call of the sea Made him design the Mk lll Now he’s voyaging hands free eating seafood pie! Hold fast! ⛵️🇨🇦⚓️🙂

[@RoversAdventure]

Top comment!!!! Love it my friend.

[@nasseemmuttur778]

Nice to see you under sail again.

[@michaelspooren9213]

Hi Allen, nice to see you in some proper oilskins from Musto. You'll appreciate it in this weather. Good crossing and fair winds.

[@RoversAdventure]

Thank you

[@leonardlestrade-b5n]

Crack on Mr Rover😃👍👋fair winds and following seas🙏 👋👋 Hi Mrs Rover😃 lots of love❤ to you both , from St Kitts👍

[@RoversAdventure]

Thank you!

[@1KemosabeLarry]

Nice slab of meat! You have had nice weather, for the better parts of voyage. Good!

[@RoversAdventure]

It starts off nice

[@bernardszirth9665]

Same experience with friends and family… I still went ahead and pushed myself beyond my goals! My conclusion at 70 is well intentioned people wish for all to stay in the “norm” so they don’t feel out of place! Once done with my goals…everyone told me I was sure you could do it! Forge your own adventure and listen to the wind and seas Bravo Captain

[@RoversAdventure]

So well said Bernard. And good point that they do this out of good intentions

[@sionnachog894]

Are you still sailing at 70?

[@bernardszirth9665]

Absolutely still mostly solo sail but limit myself to costal 12 hr sails sails. I worked out all my life and hope to follow my parents that lived to be over 90.

[@RoversAdventure]

@@bernardszirth9665 Aim for over 100 my friend, that's my aim

[@schwabrichard9829]

Smooth sailing Allen!

[@churchofthegreenflipflop2436]

Nice to have the 'a lot to do, time to crack on' back 🙂

[@RoversAdventure]

Yes indeed!

[@wayneedwards5158]

Thank you for the advice. 👍

[@RoversAdventure]

You bet!

[@1KemosabeLarry]

I have to say that junk rig is the cat's meow!

[@RoversAdventure]

Yes exactly

[@user-pu2nl4sj4s]

Love the words of wisdom. Fair winds and safe travel!

[@wildfood1]

Sailing or homesteading, that reminds me of Robin Lee Graham's book Dove in which he started a homestead after his solo circumnavigation. I always wondered if he ever sailed again.

[@marcgatto9675]

I used to individually vacuum pack and freeze my steaks. A modern cooler covered with a thick heavy blanket ( like a movers blanket) will keep 14 frozen steaks for 14 days. Even if the last couple have thawed by the end, it doesn't matter. They're vac sealed.

[@RoversAdventure]

Exactly

[@steveberkshire3804]

🎉

[@brendanwhite3731]

Grate to see the wild irish waves. I was told that you have probably finished you trip to Ireland i was hoping to meet in baltmore co cork. If the video were live assross the journey or upload from home. If so whare the boat now.? Love the boat

[@johnzink3309]

thx

[@tomwaite4594]

No truer words were even spoken Alan that what was said at 8:10 into today's video. I am fearful that in these times of opinions and advice given by those that think they have the right... no..., feel duty bound, to tell others what to do that we will lose a whole generation of adventurers. Wave Rover II is a way forward for those intelligent enough not to listen to the neigh sayers. BTW...beautiful dinner plate.

[@RoversAdventure]

Well said my friend. Re diner plate, given to me by a great friend

[@tomwaite4594]

@RoversAdventure your friend has impeccably good taste in both dinnerware and friends

[@Taichungman]

Amen

[@Nomadic-canadian]

Hey man glad u are doing good. I am upgrading sailboats next year. Hope to see ya out there.

[@RoversAdventure]

Good luck!

[@Nomadic-canadian]

@ hey again. Question about your battery from bluetti. The b80. Do u have the pv solar cords with u onboard? U can plug the solar panel directly into it. The mc4 positive and negative to the pv wire for the battery.

[@Nomadic-canadian]

@ for solar it’s 12 to 28 volts it can take. I’m looking it up now for u. I have Bluetti products. I think the wire u need is a 8 mm round that goes into the b80 the other end is mc4

[@InterstateVet]

I love your way of thinking and analyzing life! How long were you in the Navy and what was your rating? Thank you for your service!

[@RoversAdventure]

9 years in the Canadian Navy as a junior officer

[@mariajosemorenoguerrero8638]

¡ Por favor, RECONSIDERA VOLVER A LAS AZORES! Viene una bombogénesis seguida de una borrasca.muy intensaa!!

[@RoversAdventure]

These videos are a few weeks behind where I am, but thank you

[@mariajosemorenoguerrero8638]

@@RoversAdventure Sorry

[@vincentstouter449]

Alan, I’m fascinated by the tradition and simplicity of the Junk Rig sail plan as expounded by you and Rodger Taylor, but have little feeling about the performance differences with Marconi designs.. How close to the wind can the Junk Rig sail, recognizing that there are other variables, such as keel configuration and depth which effect upwind sailing? I considered your discussion of the dilemma of voyaging vs homesteading and recall Lynn & Larry Pardy’s (RIP Larry🙏) solution. Towards the end of their 40+ years of voyaging as their age became an issue, they secured a small, completely abandoned, boat yard on an island in NZ. They renovated it, (which provided a permanent place for Seryfin and set up the yard to cater to sailors who chose to do their own yard work. Larry was an experienced, published, shipwright of considerable skill, having built both Talisman & Seryfin from the keel up, who could provide expert consultation for the less accomplished. Anyway this paradigm might provide a similar success path for yourself if you were able to secure a suitable, affordable, costal property in Maine or the Maritime Provinces. “Forge your own adventure” my admirable YT mentor. 😎

[@RoversAdventure]

Thanks Vincent. As it turns out, I have a beautiful 5 ac homestead on PEI

[@vincentstouter449]

@ 👍 PEI? 🤣

[@RoversAdventure]

@@vincentstouter449 Prince Edward Island, Canada

[@vincentstouter449]

@ Of course! 🤗

[@mugsypea]

Greetings Alan! I have a suggestion for an entry to your journey. What do you do after the sun goes down! What is your overnight like aboard WR2? If your camera is capable with low light conditions, I’d love to see some on-deck footage at night. Cheers Alan and safe passage!

[@RoversAdventure]

Great idea. Sadly my camera has virtually no low light capability however I'm thinking of purchasing one for the future

[@mugsypea]

@ that would be a good purchase Alan. The ocean at night can be a spectacular yet ominous place and I’m sure a lot of us that are following your journey would love to see that aspect of ocean passages.

[@randomtraveler3363]

Normal is overrated, anybody can do that. Adventure is always a tougher choice, but far more rewarding in the long run. And you get better stories too.

[@RoversAdventure]

Well said!

[@asianetix]

Alan, ni hao ma? Interesting submarine... What is it with you and cramped up spaces? Where do you park the chopper? Juane (not in Taiwan nowadays)

[@RoversAdventure]

Amazing to hear from you! The chopper lol! We should catch up. I hear from Kelly every now and then.

[@BillMeadArts]

Alan, maybe off topic from this vid, but I’m curious if your air-only vents would allow water in if you were to capsize and go turtle? Much appreciated! (a fellow small boat junk rig sailor, cheers).

[@RoversAdventure]

It's quite possible for a very brief period this would happen, however it would be prudent in those kind of conditions to shut off the vents completely from the inside. I have not been capsized in 4 ocean crossings all on small boats. Good seamanship and sound storm tactics should not be ignored.

[@BillMeadArts]

@ thanks mate, of course I don’t wish a capsize on you, and you certainly have what it takes to avoid it. The vents can be closed - didn’t know, now I do, thanks!!

[@michaelspooren9213]

Allen, where did you buy your pot for your sea food?

[@RoversAdventure]

Walmart when I was in Baltimore

[@hecdc305]

Nice passage so far and your First Mate (MK 3) is working beautifully. Would a 12 volt cooler have been too much draw on your electrical system? Thanks for the video.

[@RoversAdventure]

As it turns out the 12v cooler is not a problem with my system as we will wee in the future

[@magdakaniewski]

I bought a second hand bouge rv brand 12v fridge/freezer. 22 foot alberg..100w panel and 2 6 volt batteries.. No problem running it plus lights,gps and small electronics charging. The modern 12 v fridges have good efficient compressors..helps to make an insulated cover for it. Makes it highly efficient.

[@hogfishmaximussailing5208]

What do you attribute the higher speed of this boat as compared to your previous boat? Is it that you can consistently carry more sail area because reefing is so easy? Just wondering.

[@RoversAdventure]

The reefing helps a lot but WR2 is significantly lighter than WR

[@hubertlavelle7554]

How do you measure wave hight and is it a bit more concerning at night ? On your own ,thanks

[@Andrey-z9m]

👍👍👍👍👏

[@ikoketnu]

Hi Rover. Is it possible to mount your wind vane on a sailboat with spaderudder?

[@RoversAdventure]

Only if the rudder is transom mounted

[@huntsail3727]

Curious, Without divulging any personal or proprietary information, could you tell us approximately what it costs to have a weather specialist provide the type of real time weather routing information you are utilizing on your passage? I did not know this kind of service was available to individuals, and it seems like not only a useful, good to have kind of service, but also a great safety asset to have on your side on any ocean passage.

[@RoversAdventure]

Essentially Ray is a good friend and Wave Rover supporter that offered to do this essentially using Windy and Predict Wind

[@huntsail3727]

@@RoversAdventure Thanks!

[@capriwashllc1731]

Would you feel comfortable doing the same trip on Erickson 27? What are your thoughts? I am just curious.

[@RoversAdventure]

I'm not familiar with the design. The photo I saw would make me consider making the ports smaller and the hatch more watertight as a first thought toward surviveability at sea.

[@mariajosemorenoguerrero8638]

¡Alan atención storm now!

[@PyeGuySailing]

That fish omelet sounds vile...but I kind of want to try it lol.🤔🤔 I do like fish🤔. Hey is that a tohatsu 6hp sailpro? I was thinking of getting one. What do you think of it? I have a westerly nomad 22 which isn't too far off from wave rover in design (bulbous, bilge keeled 22 ft) I think it might work ok. Did you get the long shaft or extra long shaft?

[@RoversAdventure]

It's the extra long shaft for sailboats, 6hp

[@PyeGuySailing]

@RoversAdventure awesome, if it works for you then it'll work for me

[@DrSurf-fx4gf]

Except for the tined fish part of the eggs

[@tomstack659]

How far out are your videos ? Month , 3 months?

[@DrSurf-fx4gf]

Ya know something? I want to be just like you when I grow up!

[@RoversAdventure]

lol

[@marianoschaller9066]

Random question, for you and everybody else. I need to bring down a boat from Nova Scotia to Caribean. Plan is to sail all the way down, may be going to Bermuda... it is a chance. Do You know if an american visa is needed to sail along the coast but without making land on US coast? ( I'm waiting for an answer from the embassy, but they take their time...)

[@RoversAdventure]

No visa required if you don't stop

[@Jolleseileren]

Bare en kommentar; Denne jolla med denne riggen tror jeg kan ta all sjø!

[@thomcollins3322]

You need better fitting ice containers for your cooler

[@tomwaite4594]

Really...that's your take away from this video?

[@RoversAdventure]

I work with what I have

[@redwood1957]

I would like to know where the ice was made​@@tomwaite4594

[@thomcollins3322]

@@RoversAdventure you know that’s not true . Your boat and life is super optimized.

[@onno_vocks]

🇦🇼👍99

[@curtiscagle6261]

People think I am crazy for wanting to sail and live off a boat.

[@RoversAdventure]

You are not

[@markbennett9787]

In the phrase « bon appétit » the last « t » is not pronounced. If it was written « bonne appétite »you would pronounce it but it isn’t , « appétit » is a masculine noun.Sorry to be picky. Of course this may be the French Canadian way of saying it. If it is I apologise, I live in Brittany and speak French daily.

[@papounet4842]

Agreed but, we, the French, find so cute the foreigners that utter it this way. They do their best and we enjoy that. From Auvergne with love 😉

[@RoversAdventure]

Very kind my friend

[@johnandbernadette]

Do you not find the journey boring? Because, sorry, but your videos are.

[@TheCrabbers]

Wow I find the videos quite profound. We could all watch flashier people posing on million pound boats, but that's not the point of " Wave Rover". Keep it small, manageable and honest. Otherwise you aren't true to yourself.

[@marcgatto9675]

One of those 'sorry..but not really because I'm an asshole' comments. Go away.

[@magdakaniewski]

I think for some excitiment and adventure is only credible when writing huge cheques and making high drama. Get over youtself and watch vegabonde or something equivalent. Alans content is there to document his voyage and inspire those who wish to travel on affordable and capable craft.

[@jepomer]

Good philosophy. As I look back at 73 upon my younger life, I wish I had courage to follow my passions and developing talents. Don't get me wrong, my life has been a good life where I do pursue my passions withe the talents developed over the many decades.

[@capriwashllc1731]

Would you feel comfortable doing the same trip on Erickson 27? What are your thoughts? I am just curious.