Sailing Alone 11,500 Nautical Miles Across The Entire Pacific Ocean on a $2400 Sailboat

Hello Friends,
I have put this video together to talk about how I got into sailing, finding my dream boat, spending 4 years refitting her and pushing off to sail over 11.5k miles across the largest ocean in the world alone.
This video is about a dream, a seemingly impossible dream, that I made come true working pay check to pay check and leaving land life behind.
The Captain and Boat I learned to sail with:
Captain Celia Bull
www.selkie-explorers.com
/ sailselkieexplorers
Playlists:
Season 1 : Finding My Dream Boat and Getting to Work
• Season 1 - Sailing Ves...
Season 2 : My First Solo Adventure
• Season 2 - SV Triteia ...
Sailing Alone Series : Long Format Ocean Passage Films
• Sailing Alone... Serie...
Season 8 : Hawaiian Adventures
• Season 8 : Triteia's H...
Season 9 : The South Pacific
• Season 9 : The South P...
Season 10 : Cruising New Zealand's North Island
• Season 10 : Adventures...
Season 11 : Cruising New Zealand's Marlborough Sounds (South Island)
• Season 11 : Adventures...
If you enjoy the channel please "Like" the videos and Subscribe so you don't miss any future episodes.
If you find the videos helpful or entertaining and would like to contribute you can become a Patron at: / sailorjames
Other Ways to Support the Channel:
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Fair Winds,
James
Website: svtriteia.com
Tracker: forecast.predictwind.com/trac...
Instagram: / james.the.sailor.man
#solosailing #sailingnewzealand #newzealand #aotearoa

[@mck3131]

That boat had no idea that it was going to be loved again to this magnitude. What an incredible journey. This proves you really can create youre own future.

[@Hopper_House]

The original owner seemed genuinely excited to see someone like you buy that boat

[@SailorJames]

I still send him postcards from the places I sail to

[@connorspies]

@@SailorJamesThat’s so wholesome!

[@daakrolb]

I would love to see his reaction to watching this video.

[@yesdude3914]

The real challenge is finding a boat for that cheap...in my area (and I live in a small town located around a river and mouth of a river that connects to ocean) I can't find a boat under 100k😢

[@kennethc2466]

Sure, because if you believe it was $2400, I have a 400ft battleship for a fifty dollar bill. Only a trust fund baby, or Patreon grifter, could sail 11,500km, and not explain how food, fuel, maintenance, upgrade, or repair costs were supplied. Yet, a "paycheck to paycheck" person paid for it, and an 11,500km trip? PEOPLE BELIEVE THIS?? Also, as a person who sailed from South America to the Med, and back, 11,500kn in this sardine can, would require more ports than than a hotel LAN, and would NEVER survive an open ocean sail. "Paycheck to paycheck for 4 years, but now I can sail the open blue sea with my, er, saved money, in a tiny POS, that had more omen in paint than refits" This kind of BS is insulting to true, oceans fairing sailors, who know better than to believe trust fund kids on youtube.

[@nope.c]

Good for you man! The rest of us, the hum drummers who are slowly withering away in our mind numbing lives & soul crushing jobs, live vicariously through you. 🍺

[@SailorJames]

🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@srv165]

I have horrible anxiety and it’s hard for me to leave home some days. I wish I was brave like you.

[@Aesthetics622]

thats you lil man, you can, live like a king in your daily life its your life your "choice" how u do it, This dude clearly can't " make it " in the city life lmaoo 2400$ sailboat that shit gonna sink in no time and the most irresponsible shit you can do.

[@antonaaaltonen]

@@Aesthetics622 he already did the trip. What do you mean its gonna sink. Cmon man are really that stupid. 👍🏼

[@CundaliniWantsHisHandBack]

I agree. The Cube Farm and spreadsheet making the rich even richer is quite depressing.

[@deeforty]

Balls of steel this guy ,what a legend

[@joeshaves1633]

Blue balls of steel😂

[@---rg1gb]

For f'ing certain

[@kennethc2466]

Lies of wool.

[@Capnchaos4202]

Nothing to it but to do it !

[@juliesteinhauer2092]

Bad a$$

[@James-re6co]

"I removed the slip lines in California, and pointed the bow west." ----- Luv that line.

[@SailorJames]

🙏🏻

[@danielmclellan7762]

​@@SailorJamesso did she leave because she didn't want to sail to Hawaii?

[@kiwi6444]

Never ending abuse of the ocean.

[@danielmclellan7762]

@@kiwi6444 what?

[@kiwi6444]

@@danielmclellan7762 James had several great lines.

[@AcousticGroove56]

I enjoyed the trip. Thank you for taking me along. I'll never sail, but you inspired me to get off the couch again. After a spiral tibia fracture a few years ago I stopped doing things I loved. Not moving became a habit. Thanks to you this 67 year old man pulled out his kayak and dusted off his bicycle and started riding his motorcycle again. My dream is to keep moving. I am now. Thank you.

[@SailorJames]

It will keep you young !!!!

[@ianhopper8310]

This comment makes my day and I'm sure you will inspire others. Just wow!

[@edwardanderson2717]

That’s awesome 👏 congratulations oceans of love from the Cotswolds uk xx

[@thisoldboat7393]

Without Jesus we have nothing.

[@Choppa_Ya]

do some yoga it can really help heal you

[@stobbinsboy]

Forget the follow your dream stuff, my man. You have went and made a real man of yourself. You conquered your fears, persevered in some very challenging situations, had an amazing adventure of which few would dare and most importantly found out who you are. You did this without a tribe. You did this alone. That really is something. I am exceedingly impressed and that is not easy. You have captured the admiration and imagination of many and undoubtedly inspired as much. Hats off!

[@andrewwolf7798]

James - you're a legend. At the risk of using all the old cliches, your journey, bravery, and willingness to just fucking do it, in spite of all the challenges is inspiring in the extreme. Most of us won't ever accomplish something as difficult and dangerous as crossing the Pacific alone in a small craft, but if nothing else your story might inspire us to get out there and live life. Cheers!

[@SailorJames]

I always say the scale of one’s dream doesn’t matter, what matters is to make time for the things in life that both amaze you and bring you happiness. For me it’s seeing the world by sail, for someone else it maybe something as simple as gardening. Life is too short to not be happy every chance we get.

[@sandicoppins]

Absolutely ❤

[@2nd_of_3]

Absolutely.. I’m about to start my own adventure.. terrifying and exciting.. no water involved 😁 just off to find me.

[@SacredAssault]

That Hawaii video is one of my favorite videos on KZbin. It honestly encapsulates everything that life is about: uncertainty, confidence, adventure, adversity, fear, triumph. That was the first video I ever saw from this channel and it was amazing to watch.

[@SailorJames]

It is for sure a Greek tragedy 😂

[@TheConstitutionalGuardian]

Yeah, the Hawaii video was the best one! I am definitely getting a SV! I am hooked like a hooker hooked to Heroin! You have to check out the Sam Holmes one too if you have not already. Not as exciting, but was worth the watch!

[@lovepeaceandrespect8808]

I don't think you would of sailed the world if your wife wouldn't of left you. so it's fate

[@kennethwilson2621]

You are the man .

[@zekeharley]

@@lovepeaceandrespect8808 he hasn't sailed the world. Yet. He will though

[@Samtzu]

Wisdom comes at a cost.... and pain is the coin of the realm.... You've earned it.

[@SailorJames]

True words for sure

[@stobbinsboy]

Damn fine line, there sir!

[@jackmahones3855]

“Cuts, bruises, and blood”. You’ve nailed it. 67 years of living on the edge. There is no other way for many. Thanks for the inspiration. Tipped me to the sailing dreams - off to find a cheap basic boat to sail. Congratulations on “ following your dream” and inspiring others.

[@wolfthequarrelsome504]

And broken bones

[@HakunaMatata1422]

You honestly could not pay me enough to sail like that. But it makes me so happy to see someone chase their dreams and find joy in something I couldn't imagine doing. Awesome stuff man.

[@Sinvicta]

My only regret is not finding and supporting your travels sooner. I tell people all of the time about your travels and channel James, and even though I’m not living at home in Bermuda anymore, being able to see and hear the ocean through your videos reminds me of how much I miss it but love it. Thank you for sharing your stories with the world! Fair winds Triteia 🤘

[@SailorJames]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@martynjames5963]

I've lived my dream. It's great to see others living theirs. This is what life is all about. Beautiful.

[@thorne529]

The low points on your journey become the high points of your character. The ability to persevere through an unbelievable journey across an ocean solo is something almost no one on the planet can endure. The inspiration you add to world to "follow your dreams" will inspire many to to do the hardest step. Begin the journey. Thank you.

[@deeforty]

That first sentence is possibly the best sentence I've ever heard .

[@gogotraveler]

As someone who has worked on our family sailboat for 44 years you did a good job.

[@Cody_1981]

When you were swimming in 17k feet of water, or whatever the depth was, on your passage south from Hawaii, in the middle of nowhere near the equator, ALONE….That one moment….That’s what inspires me to someday do exactly what you’ve just done. I want to experience that feeling…..You’re an inspiration to many Capt. Thanks for taking us along for the ride!

[@SailorJames]

It was an amazing feeling and you will be stoked when you do it !

[@georgegrader9038]

I have swum in the open ocean at 11 with 200 ft of clarity below me (i was next to a 30 ft sloop with people, but my God ! ). The fixes you have done alone -- you are a badass!

[@glenncivale6824]

The finish line, is only death itself. Congrats on such a ballzzy accomplishment. At 65, this inspires me to finish my airplane build! Safe sailing bro!

[@beautepley8352]

it's amazing how two people's lives can be so different yet we cohabitate on the same planet. This is what youtube was made for. Thank you for sharing and for taking full advantage of this platform to share your unique lifestyle.

[@bencorley8687]

Literally humming "Northwest Passage" while watching this epic journey. Well done sir.

[@wallabybob3020]

I've been following you from the very start. One word sums it up - inspirational. Thank you James.

[@SailorJames]

🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@captainmike808]

Could not have summed it up any better Captain James. A true sailer you are my man 🤙🏼

[@SailorJames]

Love you brother

[@micheallewis9105]

Mate that’s a solid effort love it 😊

[@ricktaylor4real]

Captain Mike has been there all the way through; and helped the amazing Captain James become ever more amazing! Silently in the background, but many of us have seen you there! 😂 “SailorJames”….. it IS TIME for the change of name for this channel…. you ARE & have EARNED… Captain James! Hell, I’d even push for Admiral James, but something tells me the Captain part will be tough to get you to take, but it’s a start! 🤠👍🏼☮️

[@Poooeoee]

Dude this guy is a fraud. He never sailed the Pacific. His engines always somehow magically start working

[@ricktaylor4real]

@@Poooeoee 🤡🤡

[@brianhartman7135]

Absolutely unbelievable journey. The guts it takes to do something like this is legendary. Thank you for sharing.

[@smitty0159]

There’s also something to be said about your old lady of how ever many years leaving you abruptly and still soldiering on. You are a legend! God Bless you bro

[@patrickmcnabb1998]

I thought that was him. It’s been a minute.

[@garethjames2434]

Thank you so much for this video, I lost sight of the bigger picture this week and you have just restored that vision!

[@SailorJames]

It’s easy to get overwhelmed, but trust me when I tell you, if I can accomplish this, you can accomplish anything you desire !

[@craigsmith6044]

Out of all the sailing channels you are by far the most real. I'm so happy you made it brother. Keep updating and follow them dreams!

[@SailorJames]

I really appreciate this comment 🙏🏻

[@JamesWilson-ts5xk]

I’ve raced sail boats on and off for many years and can say that I felt every aspect of your story. I’ve always wanted to do something similar, but never have. I will…it is inevitable. I loved the journey you shared and the articulate and patient way that you both procured your boat and then tested your skills and boat over years before embarking on your dream. The patience and preference you have shown is inspirational and admirable. Well done and keep sailing!! It’s the source of peace and true happiness! ❤💪⛵️

[@hastyone9048]

This may very well be the most work ever covered on one video. Hats off to you sir. Bravo!

[@SailorJames]

😂😂😂 yeah it’s the “Cliff’s Notes” version of my life

[@Xenibalt]

hey man .... you're the best sailing editor on youtube i can see how much you've improved over all the years while maintaining your signature style just sending some love your way bro :3

[@novocain13]

Great summary, James. Thank you. ⛵️

[@hu7420]

I ‘m about 3 years away from retirement and dream of sailing the blue waters. Considering selling my home and buying a sailboat. Your journey is inspiring !

[@joshuareece5045]

Great video! Your perseverance is inspiring. Thank you for taking us along for the journey!

[@1Honeybee]

All I can say is Wow, Wow. Amazing

[@sarahdell4042]

I love seeing people work hard and accomplish mountain like feats! 🎉

[@SailorJames]

It felt impossible so many times, but I am very stubborn !

[@HexPulseRadio]

what a journey man, very inspirational. safe travels and looking forward to the next one

[@peewee4523]

Good job! I’m humbled at your sacrifice to follow your dreams!

[@georgekerriii4641]

Made this grown man sob James… thanks for the timely encouragement to keep going! God bless and Jesus loves you!!!

[@Martillo_de_Dios]

Wow! I remember watching that video of you going to Hawaii… watched it all the way through and thought, “Damn, that’s some crazy ass shite! You gotta have huge ones just to sail alone!!” But you did it James, and you’re doing it! Nothing that’s worth anything, to anyone is ever easy brother… But you grin and bear it, taking it one day at a time… I really admire your courage to sail around the world in such a small boat, considering the awesome grandeur of the oceans! If that makes any sense?😂

[@SailorJames]

It’s been one hell of a ride 🤯 thanks for your support 🙏🏻

[@user-rn8np5wg8c]

What a great way to portray the message of follow your dreams! Showing those hard lost moments at the beginning!

[@joec4871]

Hats off to you sir. I'm sure your travels had to be extremely challenging at times. And thanks for taking us along.

[@myvoiceyourstory9338]

I’m originally from New Zealand The gods of Aotearoa helped you get to Aussie safely I’m crying watching this I am so proud of a man I don’t know I truly am You’re amazing Thank you 🙏🏼 I needed this !! Kia kaha ! Stay strong

[@FireMcgwire]

Bought for 2400.. put into It 30k before using it **

[@SailorJames]

As I clearly stated on the video, but not before using it

[@FireMcgwire]

@@SailorJames okay but the title is misleading because of that way you stated it. It’s not a 2400 boat you sailed on.. it’s a 32400 dollar boat before you set sail

[@SailorJames]

The point is for people to understand they can start with something affordable and still make it happen

[@FireMcgwire]

@@SailorJames 10-4

[@Eat_spiders]

Lol sensitive ass people. Cool video brother . Thanks for the inspiring message at the end

[@user-ky3kv7zm6m]

Yeah thanks for inviting us along it was an epic journey keep followin your dreams💭💭💭

[@jeffparker3334]

I have always admired and wondered about people like you. I had an interesting life, fireman for almost 30 years, and retired comfortably several years ago. I have never understood what makes people do things like this. Climbing mountains, cave exploring, sailing across the biggest ocean in our world…alone 😳. God bless you and thanks for sharing a rare look at a special individual.

[@pm9601]

I watched the whole video, including you last couple of minutes.... it was amazing footage, but those last two minutes hit home. I agree, no matter what you chase in life, following your dreams is NEVER easy, especially at the beginning! When people see you follow your dream they usually only see success, not the hardship required to make your dreams a reality. Well done mate, you earned everything you achieved the hard way, the true way. Wishing you all the best for the rest of your journey. Cheers from NZ.

[@rl3293]

Wow. Just wow. Thanks for sharing your amazing journey! ❤

[@bluet.892]

Hey Man thanks for sharing this. Best of luck on your journey through life!

[@stephenj4638]

I cried throughout the video. I was in a funk and you awoke the primal drive in me. Thank you brother for fighting and overcoming these oftentimes humiliating challenges and triumphing.

[@2blackcatz426]

Whoooo i know that feeling sailing into harbour at night after days at sea......the sea lives in ones eyes when finished an ocean crossing. You are amazing!!

[@edwardfinn4141]

Another great video James. You inspire people Your journey is your art.

[@ahdwar]

What an inspiring adventure and so well put together. Thank you for your efforts in sharing your journey with us.

[@TJackSurvival]

Pure amazingness. I love all of the videos you make. Thank you

[@steveparsons6324]

I much enjoy your voice over narration, and your brief but interesting description of your travels. Thank you!

[@timulewicz466]

Beautiful! This is an awesome video James. Thank you 🙏

[@TurkishToprak]

You have inspired me, thank you for sharing James.

[@felixrowbotham9650]

Mate, I virtually never comment on anything but this is unspeakably epic. Seriously impressed. You made light of it but you can tell there were some gritty old moments in there. Huge props for doing it. What an incredible adventure!

[@SailorJames]

Thank you 🙏🏻 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@andymarshall2201]

Well done James, you are inspiring. Stay safe

[@miivii]

Fantastic! Hat off and thanks for sharing your life path and hard work.

[@cheeseblog]

Great story! Nice to see you smile. Thank you.

[@literalnobody7921]

It’s beautiful adventures and stories like this I hope to one day tell others. Thank you for sharing.

[@Viralvid2024]

I have a 31' Bombay Clipper on the eastern coast of the US and have to say, this guy is brave, motivated, and as good as a "sailor" can get. Doing what's he's doing/done takes courage, strength, and knowledge and this guy has all of the above. 💪 Keep rockin brother!

[@tomjones1967]

Thanks for sharing your journey & message! I needed to hear it.

[@333jethro]

.....and I sit here, with my cold tea, wearing the new sailing hat ive bought, trying to break it in. As i've been truly inspired after watching your videos, usually jumping around within the vast array, catching up on different stages of your journey, however.... this hospital worker who has spent the last 24 years in one room, in one building, in one town, has decided to book himself into his first yachting experience and see if I can find the courage to follow my own pathway to sailing the ocean one day. about to retire and snooze my last few years away, so I have to shake myself out of the rut i've dug and start discovering my luff from my leech, the ketch from my sloop and the keel from my remote control for the tv! Thank you for posting and thanks to the patreons who make something like this possible for the hopers and dreamers. I've even bought your book to put on my bookshelf of my yacht. Thank you and stay hopeful!!!

[@golly2k]

This is just epic! Thanks for sharing with us.

[@krzto]

Amazing journey! Much respect for undertaking this and sharing. I envy those moments of 'magnificent desolation' you must have experienced.

[@bryanthernandez9324]

I love following your journey. Thank you for this!!!

[@nevv8581]

Congratulations! I’m really glad you followed your dreams Sir. Inspirational to say the least. Thank you for sharing part of your journey.

[@rmfalco6288]

Thanks for all your videos. I followed all of them. Quite a journey. Well done !!

[@clayton9136]

Keep your head up! Always!

[@shane3669]

I did the same thing in 2012. I’m in Fiji now. Great video. I filled my engine from following seas as well and nine months in Samoa because of it. I tell everyone that living the dream is a lot of work. Nice job and Godspeed!

[@SailingBritaly]

Epic journey James, loved listening to your story. May God bless you and keep helping you inspire others to live freely! Fair winds mate, Chris 👍

[@apom316]

Man, you are an inspiration to me. I been following you since you started. Great Story James, wish you the best of luck on your travels.!

[@whatshappening177]

Truly inspiring, That was an awesome video. Thanks and safe travels.

[@robcordts1976]

Bro your journey is amazing! Thanks for sharing.

[@fruitypops4ever485]

Thank you for sharing. Truly a remarkable experience you were able to achieve.

[@gator72]

Great Video, what a inspirational treat. So happy for you and thanks for sharing.

[@gzeronine9484]

Thanks for sharing the real stuff. I relate. Really cool what you are doing man.

[@user-fv5yo5fi5c]

Simply amazing my friend. I'm in total awe of your "just keep going" attitude. The display of patience and humility is so prominent. Congrats to you on an absolutely amazing accomplishment. Back in 78 I shared a tiny little office in the Chicago Board of Trade Building with the late adventurer Steve Fossett. This was during the exact time where he started to make huge money and display that he was simply on another level. I never imagined at that point that he'd go on to accomplish so many world records during the remainder of his life. You remind me very much of Steve with the calm demeanor and that ever present quiet drive. This popped up on my stream totally randomly. It brought back so many fond memories. Regardless of your humility, I think people like you are rare. What makes your adventure even more special to me is that you did this whole journey on older gear that you personally put the time into in order to make her seaworthy. Steve was a flat out workaholic who had a relentless drive to succeed at whatever he was doing. That drive and his intelligence allowed him to earn a large sum of money. What he didn't put back into his business, he spent on his adventures. I've heard people say "he was just another bored rich guy looking to make a name for himself" Nothing could be further from the truth. This man worked very hard at everything he did. I often wondered to myself, is he really enjoying life or does he just have to constantly set higher goals to maintain his own status quo? Either way, thank you so much for taking the time to put together this beautifully done short piece which delivers so very much. I wish you continued success at whatever's in front of you. Cheers and congrats from way west of Chicago. Oops, subbed

[@lilysparkle2]

Fabulous story mate and wonderful to see!

[@kephillips99]

Nice! I can only imagine what you went through. Well done, what an adventure!

[@RevLeonPLeon]

This is an excellent video for so, so, so, many reasons. You are an amazingly humble man.

[@georgegrader9038]

Outstanding summary. Classic.

[@CundaliniWantsHisHandBack]

Amazing. You and your journey are both inspirational. Much respect to your heart, courage, and sturdy vessel that carried you safely across the Pacific.

[@paulsmith1411]

Amazing Journey .Good to Hear you made it Safe, WOW

[@stsumo]

Thank you for this! What an inspiring story!

[@CaptWinky]

When you put the effort that you did into rebuilding that boat yourself, you truly earned it.

[@lydiaajohnson]

I really appreciate how real you are with this channel. You described the pain of dream following in a way that made that suffering a real part of the glory. That is missing from so many channels by people who are afraid people don’t want to know the truth just the fun. But, that deceives people into thinking that if they find and follow their dreams, they will bypass hardship. Hardship is something to embrace. It’s a lot of work to get to the top of the mountain. But, don’t let that stop you. Keep on keeping on. For goodness sake, you got yourself to Australia from the U.S.-by yourself!

[@SailorJames]

Thank you for this thoughtful comment 🙏🏻 it’s so true, the hard parts are very much a part of the experience and they make the good times even more amazing

[@dannymitchell6245]

Awesome work mate, cool video first time I've seen your channel! Live your best life!

[@ChasingTruth-ft1dv]

First time on your channel. I find individuals like you to be incredible and awesome!!!! Can’t wait to wait more of your videos.

[@XxGyromancerXx]

What an awesome journey! Congratulations!

[@veac7]

Amazing work. Keep being safe out there

[@andrewschurer8558]

Mate, what an excellent video and story when I needed a push with my motivation...Cheers

[@daniellarson6720]

absolutely the best thing i've ever seen. bravo sir. bravo. the amount of beauty that you packed into your life is mind blowing. i can't imagine being alone on the ocean for weeks at a time without anything but water all around you. but i love how you never gave up.

[@Rittlesleo]

Good on you, James. We're too old for that journey so we are grateful that we can enjoy yours at least vicariously.

[@Heyitsphilfromcanada]

This was awesome, man. Looks like an amazing trip. Glad you followed your dreams

[@jbuzzo1]

Wow. Just wow. Fantastic, Sir. Much respect.

[@jasonwulf7295]

That was a great summary!!! A real reason for a newbie to go back and watch your adventure. Thanks for sharing.

[@SailorJames]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@vanchosin2132]

Live it up my friend! I appreciate your videos and journey across the pacific. Stay safe and fair winds brutha 🤙🏼

[@matijastanic]

Man what a video! I watched without blinking from start to finish. Balls of steel on you brother,well done. Incredible!

[@ivanbuldo7676]

James that was the most bloody orsumly motivating sailing video I have ever seen. well done!