SAILING A CATAMARAN

[@petermyers479]

Captain Billy, I’m an old cruising sailor. My advice to you is to keep doing everything just as you are. If you’re having fun, nothing breaks and you get safely from A to B, you’re doing it perfectly. I enjoy living vicariously through your adventures. Thanks for filming and sharing. Hi Sierra and Jetty.

[@markdrouin8094]

You guy are really living a quality life , many people living with depression could really change there lives if they had an experience like this.

[@chrissmale5271]

From an old tornado cat sailor/racer. Sail trim is easy with teltails. Idealy the teltails should be streaming straight aft on both sides if the sail. Pull the jib in until the leeward teltails no longer stream aft the let out until they go aft again. This shows that the airflow is attached to the sail surface which gives max lift. The fore aft placement of the jib block is determined by the teltails and or leach of the sail. If the block is too far aft the leach will fall off and flutter. Move the block further forward until the flutter stops and the teltails stay aft all the way up the sail. If the block is too far forward the lee teltails at the top of the sail will stop streaming aft. The lateral placement of the jib block is a little more difficult. In too far will back wind the main sail and close the slot between the sails decreasing the mains efficiency. The main sheet trimming is slightly different. The apparent wind on the sails changes with altitude. Higher up the apparent wind moves more towards the aft. Can be as much as 10 to 15 degrees, The tension on the main sheet determines how much twist you put on the main. The traveler position is determined again by what the teltails do. To far out the teltails on the lwindward side no longer stream aft. Too far in towards the center of the boat the leeward teltails no longer stream aft. In any case the traveler should never be to the windward of boat centerline. The complexity becomes significant when there is to ideal location. If the jib interferes with the main (backwinding) you have to decide how much each sail is contributing to drive and trim accordingly. Remember the sail drive is determined by the air pressure difference on each side of the sail. Pressure difference is maximized with attached air flow on each side of the sail. down wind none of this applies. The greater the sail area out the less the apparent wind because you are traveling closer to true wind speed. Most catamarans make best speed down wind by broad reaching . This is called speed made good. The stronger the wind the greater the luff tension. This flattens out the sail and takes out some power. It also decreases heeling moment. Flattening the mail if the jib is backwinding the mail will open the slot between the sails and increase drive. Backwinding is bad and markedly decreases sail(main) drive. You don't have a rotating mast. but if you did and rotated the mast to windward to fair the lee side of the mast with the lee side of the sail you would see a marked increase in sail efficiency. On a different topic I am quite knowledgable on computers and wifi. If you have any interest in learning more and how to minimize costs contact me at the email address below. One hint-if you don't have a external had drive to backup and save your videos, Get one. Hard disk failure will ruin your day. Having all data backed up turns HD failure into just a hassle. If you want to talk about computers and how to keep costs down and still do good work, you can contach me at the email address below. [e-mail]

[@halemoku7595]

Billy, I must say that you're videography has improved so much from your first videos when you had Tula. Keep up the great work!

[@joegaff6450]

Excellent video, our family doesn't miss an episode. Our little girls are big fans of yours, Sierra. Though they are comfortable on a boat, they are a little intimidated by the idea of sailing, and watching you gives them confidence. Thank you both for allowing us to share in your adventures.

[@johnnukecop]

Your video is up for 33 seconds and you have 8 likes. You guys are dang good.

[@andrewsails1371]

When you raise the sail, instead of taking extra time to point the bow directly into the wind, have the helms man physically direct the boom to either port or stbd to line the sail up between the lazy Jack's. This is effective mainly on lighter days and will save you time

[@CheersWarren]

Reading real books , such a good idea. We had friend that we had sailing with their 5 boys age 2-12 in the 90's. they became veracious readers. When they went back to land school they all excelled and have all gone on to be success, business owners, Olympic sailor and the like. ( I know you are not "kids" but you get the point) great mind improvement. Cheers Warren

[@timogaleon1630]

Thanks guys, I enjoyed that. Thanks too, Billy, for the Navionics stuff, that's given me some ideas to improve my usage of that software. High five to Jetty in her fancy new collar!

[@rickharris5485]

Hands down, you two are my favorite sailing couple. You inspired me to buy my first sailboat, or should I say, sailing dingy. Now, if it would just stop snowing.

[@billylallen2662]

Nice to have shade, that hard top was a great investment.

[@johnlowe8418]

I think you 2(and Jetty) are doing just fine with the sailing part, but just 1 little tip, try to avoid fueling up just after the shore or land tanks have just been topped up, the force of refueling disturbes the sediment in the tanks, and it takes awhile to settle, you could end up with dirty fuel which could include water :)

[@lkm5462]

You should do a beginners guide to sailing and it will morph into episodes over time. Beginning any how to’s are always refreshing and nice to look back at over time. You could end up with a “ feature documentary ” after several years of how to vids. Start now

[@justbrint]

As long as you're having fun and can keep the sails from lufting y'all got it! Enjoy it... Who knows if you're in abaco in July for the regatta, we might just cross paths. Y'all keep it up you're doing a great job!

[@johnnukecop]

I agree Sierra - you need more books. This video as much as any other, really came close to catching the feel of the Abacos Islands area of the Bahamas. So laid back and so calm. And Billy, I loved the tech talk about sailing the boat and especially enjoyed watching you go over the day's track. It's nice your weather is finally warm. Hoping you find more fair winds and warm water.

[@desertdweller4951]

I'm proud of what you two have done. You both have shown wisdom and courage. My prayers are always with you.

[@deebo-nt2jz]

Good to see y'all out spreading your sails!!

[@lwhited1]

We are so happy to see you out there making it work. As for the wind sound, almost any mic would benefit from a dead cat. I use a Rode video micro ( $60) Some use the Rode video mic Pro ($229). Directionality helps as in the Rode Video Mic Pro. But the dead cat really quiets any of them down. Love your work! You are all naturals at what you do.

[@MrShadyfish]

This was the first video I watched of what is hopefully many as we learn to sail and hopefully get a cat in the Caribbean or FL, most likely in retirement. Very well presented and basic. I have power boating experience, but am seriously thinking of the sailing life...just more our speed and interest. Thanks for a great presentation.

[@SailingLandlocked]

We learned how to sail by watching Penny Whiting on Amazon Prime. She is very technical. Helped to learn a lot of the sailing terms. I would highly recommend for anyone wanting to learn how to sail.

[@samiamisme]

Wow sailing seems complicated. But clearly worth it. I'm impressed. I love that you say you're always learning and that Sierra loves the library. 👏

[@2121awood]

Good job Cpt. Bill asking for help when u need it, remember when reading the comments that even things you already know are valuable, great video!

[@glasseverywhere]

Guys you are doing great, it takes time

[@Drvanosdrand]

The only thing missing is ME, haha you guys be safe out there. I don't have any sailing knowledge or i'd pass it on , I like trying things and learning then taking what I read or learn from a experienced pro and put all that together which from the little I know about you that's what you do as well .Have Fun ! enjoy the videos

[@davidearnest2701]

Great, that was so much fun. The color of the water is so pretty.

[@kendalvandoren8597]

I’m really enjoying your channel! It seems like you two can repair anything!!

[@paulmorris2184]

Really love tuning to see what you guys are up to. Safe sails and tights lines!!

[@floathi]

You could pole out your head sail reaching or farther down wind. You all do a great job. Enjoy!

[@mamasthree2649]

Love your teaching of sailing the cat and living on a boat!

[@joanstump285]

I just told my hubby that i love how brave and adventurous you guys are. You need to do a video on how much you paid for the cat plus all the repairs.

[@dougc3930]

When you purchased that catamaran it was looking pretty worn and tired. It is amazing how much "happier" it looks now being actively used daily.

[@grandpajim329]

NICE .... THANKS FOR SHARING YOUR ADVENTURE. It would be FUN to just go beach-combing for a couple days on that island to see just what the "OLD MAN IN THE SEA" has washed up there !!! Another chapter in your adventure book.. HAPPY SAILING !!!

[@davidowen1259]

The old man and the sea??

[@liongod1000]

A good angle for a catamaran is 60 degrees off the wind with some newer designs able to get as high as 45-50 degrees. However, some cats sail as well as monohulls. I have personally sailed a St. Francis 50 catamaran with 38 degrees apparent wind and still be doing 7-8 knots. The boat pinched at 34 degrees. It's a good move to use your daggerboards as you get closer to the wind in safer water depths. Cheers from Cape Town, South Africa

[@markkurtis8637]

Hi. Enjoyed the video. I tried to read through the comments to not repeat one. Got pretty far... you guys are popular! Boards: Even in the shallows, try to put them in a bit. Do you have them marked? It's a good idea to know if they're 6", 1', 2' etc... The point is to balance the average center of effort (CE) of the sails with the average CE of wetted surface. Sailing anything but dead downwind, it's good to have some fin CE forward. Sail trim: Quick and easy is to slowly slack sheets until slight reverse curve at luff forms. Trim in until it smoothed out and you've got great airfoils. And, don't choke the slot. Leave the constant checking of woolies to the racers. Enjoy!

[@ericellington3348]

Great video guys! We just bought a catamaran and we are repairing and updating a lot of things in the hopes that we will someday be able to follow in your footsteps (wakes) through the Bahamas and beyond. Thank you for the practical tips and the inspiration , which keeps our dream alive.

[@justlooking2222]

Hello to the three of you ! Nick & Tyresa how cool was that ? Sail trim- a big yes to the looser trim in light air. The mainsheet traveler is often over looked. It needs some lovin' also. In light wind run the traveler up to windward and in heavy winds run the traveler down to the leeward side.

[@dejanira2]

I do enjoy your videos and views of life on the boat

[@williamchesser895]

I'm no sailor at all, but i love what uou guys do. Sierra is a beast 💪💪💪💚💜💛💙

[@ylemoine1]

Hi guys, good go. Try dropping your boards when going up wind. It will greatly reduce your leeway (slipping sideways on the water because of wind and waves). One downside of using apps for your navigation is that most are not integrated into your wind speed and direction instruments so you can’t actually see leeway although you can estimate it by comparing your course sailed from your compass and compare to your course over ground on your app. In light air you’ll probably see 5-15 degrees difference (it might be different on different tacks which is a sign of a poorly tuned rig or even differently aligned rudders), in heavy air and moderate to heavy seas, your leeway will rise and I’ve seen it increase to over 30 degrees on some cats. Your dagger boards are a huge advantage over shallow fixed keels, but you know this already. Other advantages too ;-) for anchoring. Remember that a cat speeds up really fast moving your apparent wind forward really fast so as your boat speed increases keep trimming tighter and tighter. Like you’ve got the block to pull the sheet out on a broad reach to keep the sail full, if you have an attachment point you can put a block on the other side windward side of the sail to pull it inboard, but still use the sheet for tension to keep the sail flat up wind. Faster you go, the more halyard and sheet tension you want to flatten the sail. Try to keep the pocket of the jib at 35-40% back from the forestry and the mainsail around 40-50%. For the main in moderate air heading upwind, sheet it in and use the traveller to keep the pocket between the two sails optimized. This reduces leeway as well by optimizing wind forces driving the boat forward rather than sideways. It’s ok for the boom to be windward of centre as long as all the telltales are flying. As wind increases, increase twist, pull up on traveller and release the main sheet to induce twist. It’s all about small adjustments and every boat is a little different. Age and condition of your sails will also have a huge effect on the way you trim. Wow, sorry for the long message...hope some of this helps. Anyway, your doing fine from what I’ve seen on the vlog. Fair winds.

[@jamesbulldogmiller]

that was most interesting, about the sailing , and sights. I love meatloaf !!! (I've never eaten conch ... I think I would like that , too.) Jetty's new collar is INDEED pretty! thanks for showing us all of that.

[@p.g.justinj6373]

Just in case you didn't notice u guys are the best👌

[@allenstanley5379]

Always look forward to the new videos...Love Jettys new collar...safe travels..

[@johndeverteuil136]

I use a cheat sheet on my catamaran. I found a similar one via Bing, type in “catamaran sailing cheat sheet”. They provide a single page sheet. Tells you sail position to include traveler location as well. I usually use mine as a guide and then make micro adjustments according to the tell tales. Have fun, see you on the waters.

[@dragonblee1]

Thank you, loved every bit of it. Look after that Aussie Sheila that you met.

[@MrBugulNoz]

Great video as usual. Can't wait to see some of the new places you have visited in next year's calendar. The family loves the one from this year, we have it hanging in our kitchen so it gets viewed often.

[@jeffwright7012]

Just turned on to your adventures. Great wholesome fun to ride with couple. Really enjoy watching and thank you for bring us along. Almost like being there.

[@AdventureDarin]

Cool video! I think I'm about to binge watch your series.

[@robertgarbe6348]

Hey, I was taught to rig the lazy jack lines so that you could loosen them and pull them up to the mast when you raise the mainsail, and the deploy them again after the sail is up.. just a thought.

[@MrSki-tyvm]

Great video, simple and honest.... don't worry about the wind. People who are trying for movie perfection short viewers. If someone is watching sailing videos they expect to hear wind cause that makes it more realistic. FYI, breakers are dangerous period, sailors avoid breakers like cancer trying to kill your boat.

[@rayvonnesr1672]

You guys always kick out good vids! You keep it simple and real! Your good people and down to earth! 👍

[@dragonblee1]

Hi guys, loved that business with the mapping, your doing it well and teaching me also. Just love it. Cheers from Australia

[@Stevek552]

Great informative `real life` video, people appreciate it I think, keeps me coming back! I`ll be buying a Cat and setting out next year with a little fair wind.. so all the tips you`re throwing in there are useful stuff for me. You don`t see much of it on You tube because the schools like us to enroll and pay big bucks to learn that stuff, it won`t be my way, more like `buy boat go sailing` approach, learn as you go.. Great channel, may you continue to have great times!

[@douglasmalcolm141]

Billy Thank you for that little tutorial on Navonics. i am new to owning my own HUNTER 30 as i purchased a 76 that was on the hard for 2.5 years but but in excellent condition. So looking for tips on key elements. Plus you're running in areas I'm familiar with. I agree there is little available on trimming and managing the sails for best performance. Keep the vids coming as always of interest. BTW your Sarah is a fantastic first mate whom tackles about anything with ease and does it well. She shows that others can be a key equal or better in any sailing team. thanks both of you again. D. Malcolm

[@jeannaenglishby4673]

Great day of sailing!

[@mikeschauerman3579]

Great vid guys as always, sail trim ,telltales on sails never lie up and back ,keep playing with lead angles use of snatch block was awesome, don't set them and forget them everything constantly changes as cruisers in time you will find the happy medium in all points of sail flying a hull is always fun😁

[@53glowe]

Very interesting episode...well done. Enjoyed the sailing and navigation process. Best part of your channel is that you keep it real...love that.

[@brianpetersen3429]

Excellent video! Great to see your sailing skills demonstrated.

[@rileygardner4114]

Your videos are just great, they really inspire me to get out and want to sail and I thank you for that!

[@randyshannon6332]

Hey, thanks for cool videos.....also just found jettys channel by accident.....you should talk about it omce and a while, ive watched all your videos and never knew about it....keep it up, you guys make fun exciting videos...good job....thanks

[@clairepapadatos1116]

Really enjoying your videos!😊😀 All love, and best wishes, Claire, Berlin 😘 😘 😘 ✌

[@leemartin3654]

I just got into watching you guys about 2 weeks ago I've been binge-watching now I'm caught up but I guess I got a chat back that's cool

[@donniesenor3440]

Doing great in my eyes slow,steady and safety first the only way to learn excellent job captain

[@glynnmiller2038]

One of your better videos. Loved this one.

[@rme0108]

i love your videos. this one especially, since you go a bit more into sailing technics. i wouldn't mind seeing more of that. keep it up.

[@danielvrana9444]

Yes I agree with you. I’m looking up how to sail but not much!!! Keep going I will be watching for sure!!! Lol

[@StevenPendleton]

I enjoy your videos soo much!! You guys are awesome!

[@motorvesseltortugasunrise1886]

That was a cool video, just a chill look at your day as you sailed , i liked it

[@garyfreeman8523]

Simply AWESOME

[@jpford1977]

Haha! 45 mph track :) I have one at 593 mph! Forgot it was still tracking when I headed to Chicago on a Monday morning after boating on Sunday

[@jamesfarnham1976]

You three are awesome!!

[@rachelferguson5283]

I don't know anything about sailing so it was very informative. We would love to come out with you guys sometime.

[@jerrylofton3570]

Awesome video you guys rock. I'm jealous!!

[@petermccoy2895]

Keep sailing. Keep it simple. Do what works for you. Here is a tip for raising the main. Try loosening the lazy jacks and pulling the loose lines forward to the mast. Raise the main without worry of getting the sail stuck in the lazy jacks. Tighten them back up in normal position before dropping sail. Try it a few times and it becomes wick and simple to do.

[@clydecessna737]

Very educational. Thank you.

[@ss442es]

Good to see you have some radar. You will find that useful. Thanks for the video!

[@gilahodge246]

It was a good day!! See you on Facebook and Instagram!

[@br5498]

Do a Sierra calendar, that'll sell big time!... Enjoy your videos

[@deborahmerriman2314]

Hi long time viewer first time caller !

[@Tulasendlesssummer]

and you're FIRST!!!!

[@CheersWarren]

Billy , I was just commenting on your maneuvering at the fuel dock.......very cool , of course if you had one light weight outboard instead of 1000# of engines and draggy props you would sail a lot faster (?1-3 knots maybe) ........but that's the compromises. Cheers Warren.

[@ctrlshaid]

Love you guys so much 😍

[@CheersWarren]

Multihull Sailing advice?, hard to want to be an armchair know it all , but the best advice I can have is the go racing ( like you just did) and also invite 'hot' multihull sailors to race with you on your boat! ( even though you are set up for cruising) A good guy will really be able to show you what needs improving , resetting like lead angles , halyard tension of the sails etc. there is nothing like the incentive of racing to rapidly improve you skills. Think about how good you got at paddle boarding by racing? Ps if you lighten your boat it will go a lot faster ( for racing). I raced with a friend on Buzzard bay in his trimaran he had been cruising with his family and we practically emptied all the cruising gear into my big van to lighten it and we ended up winning the regatta! (A nema event) Cheers Warren

[@ezzeddin1000]

i really like the show you remind with alot of things

[@Tulasendlesssummer]

Thanks so much!!

[@unclebob6728]

Nice job, kids!

[@almarkham3470]

My advice to y'all is to keep on the same course of doing and learning. Minimize big mistakes and learn from the small issues that occur. Awesome videos and enjoy watching y'all enjoy your life journey! And also... who is Tula? Thank You!

[@Janchez]

Great videos. The boom vang looked too tight when Sierra was raising the main. It can be loose until you need it for going down wind when the boom is out. Hard to tell from the vid but the outhaul on the main can be loose when the sail is stored. Headsail looked like the halyard needed to be snugged up when sailing. In general take tension off the sails when they are stored and tension the for the conditions when sailing. No need to tension sails 24x7. Sierra you are a lucky girl, Billy seems to be a thoughtful and conservative captain. Conservative decsions will typically keep you guys out of trouble.

[@chrislucas6567]

Check out gone with the wynns, their microphone wind screens work awesome and they do a tech video about them and the cameras they use

[@sunshinecoastsummer9261]

Just about to suggest that too. Love their vids too

[@bill4nier]

Another great video! Thanks for sharing. 😍⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵😊👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@graeme-sailingskeptic]

Thanks great video

[@scottpetrone6284]

With 700 islands and 2300 cays the Bahamas has a lot of nice places to visit. Are you guys going back to Exuma and have you been to Harbor Island? I love to add something about sailing but I know nothing about sailing I guess you'll have to channel your inner Columbus..... At any rate I love the videos and it's like a 17 minute vacation. Fair Winds and following Seas....... Bravo Zulu

[@robertottwell605]

Awesome thanks for sharing. The sailing was so great

[@grumpy1311]

⚓You guys have really taken to the Cat and sailing ! Seems to be working out well for ya! ⛵

[@skipperup]

I've got years of sailing experience but zero multihull experience. One thing you can concentrate on for headsail trim is the little yarns on the luff of the sail. When they're flowing straight back the sail is in trim,probably better to read about it since your on a cat I'm not sure how important trim is when going to weather since cats don't point like monohulls?

[@justinbayola]

when you are heading downwind on easy light wind sling your main to the opposite side as your genoa so it doesnt cause a wind shadow on your headsail

[@justbrint]

Get to Nippers for the 4th of July you gotta go!

[@yaleutube1]

I have been a longtime recreational fisherman, primarily fishing the northeast atlantic canyons. Spent a day on a catamaran in St. John a fews years back and have been obsessed since. My navigational skills from the year of running offshore are pretty good but I have minimal sailing experience. Sunfish and hobie's from the beach. Any suggestions on where to turn first to learn sailing one of those bigger cats. You guys have a strong knowledge of the boat, motors, etc as well.

[@Tulasendlesssummer]

Hmmm I wish we had personal experience with someplace specific but I bet you would learn a ton if you charted one with a captain in the Caribbean for a week. They could probably teach you loads. Also, I think there is a course called ASA? Something like that.. Sorry we couldnt be of more help.

[@giarivera594]

You should check Gone with the Wynns they have a few videos of sailing

[@uberseehandel]

For some reason the best microphone wind screens are made from wild animal fur. As far as down wind in cats goes, usually it pays to sail gybes down wind rather than go on a run. How much depends upon the design and rig, they are all different.

[@jessebellis478]

You guys are the best !! Respect !!! 😁😁

[@mfhairstream6812]

u are correct that there are not many videos on sailing big cats. please post more

[@Tulasendlesssummer]

Is there anything specific you’d like to see on it??

[@gavinredlin4339]

U should do give away and someone can spend a few day with your different life Style and I love ur videos when I get home from school I look for your videos