Sailing Alone from Hawaii to French Polynesia on a 30ft boat; 26 days at Sea and 2323 Nautical Miles

Episode #256 : Season 9 : The South Pacific
Hello Friends,
Well the time had finally come to move on and undertake the next big leg of my circumnavigation. I departed Kona, Hawaii after spending 9 months licking my wounds, repairing Triteia and exploring the Hawaiian Islands.
The passage from Hawaii to the Tuamotus took 26 days and covered 2323nm, which should be the longest passage of my entire circumnavigation.
I want to thank my shore team with special thanks to David Frederick and Sarah Koenig for your help during the crossing.
This episode is being released on the one year anniversary of my arrival to Oahu.
I hope you enjoy this film.
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
or if you would prefer to make a one time contribution you can send it via PAYPAL to [e-mail]
Fair Winds,
James
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#solosailing #frenchpolynesia #southpacific #sailing #oceansailing #solosailor

[@johnmorgan4405]

As a former US Navy sailor having done some time in the Pacific and North Atlantic and being at sea for extended periods, I can't express enough how dangerous this is. The feeling of absolute loneliness you feel a thousand miles at sea on a modern warship surrounded by other sailors, I cannot imagine how he must feel on a 30 foot boat, alone. You also really have to know what you are doing since at any time the sea can swallow you up without a trace. Hats off to you sir, this is really impressive and interesting to watch. Fair winds and following seas!!

[@SailorJames]

On my sail to Hawaii I lost my rudder and was adrift for 3 days before figuring out how to steer by a drogue, at that point the astronauts on the space station were closer to me than anyone on land and the sense of how alone I was was very real. After that experience the oceans seem small nowadays

[@jasperoliger]

Solo sailing content is my favorite on the platform, and he's one of the best. I only have a limited knowledge of sailing and the idea of doing it all myself is daunting this man is a legend lol I wish I was brave enough to live like he dose... Also a wind gage failure is much better then a rudder failure so your luck is improving!

[@Alphacentauri819]

Have you seen Maidentrip? Where the girl left to circumnavigate the world at age 14? She was the youngest (at the time) and ended her voyage at 16. She did it alone. When storms took out any technology...she relied on her other skills to navigate. Unbelievable.

[@Smylzncries]

@@SailorJames not to compare danger stories but i farted in the bathtub onetime so loud that my neighbor called the police and they came in guns drawn thinking someone was armed now i know this isn’t the p ocean or being in a sea storm but i was wet and in danger of loosing my own life so we have that in common bro!

[@scottfletcher1956]

@@Smylzncriesthat is quite possibly the funniest comment Ive ever read on KZbin. My stomach hurts friend.

[@nfcboys1984]

I’m a retired marine with 6 combat deployments. I’m also severely depressed and really suffering right now. Ran across your channel and for the first time in a long time, I smiled. Stay safe out there brother.

[@SailorJames]

Thank you for your service 🙏🏻 I am glad the videos bring you some happiness

[@kristencody]

@nfcboys1984 Thank you for serving our country. Not sure if it will interest you, but there is a veteran team running the OGR race this year, @skeletoncrewsailing They also provide sailing opportunities to vets when not out galavanting the globe.

[@pizzaente]

god bless from germany

[@Brad-ir7dv]

Appreciate your service!

[@skyillegaldiver8962]

Hang on, Buddy. Life can come back to you. Stay brave.

[@joec4871]

There is no better feeling than sailing the high seas. I've done it for years in the Submarine Service with US Navy and I take plenty of transatlantic cruises. What people don't understand is not the journey itself but the loneliness. There is no worse feeling than encountering a problem and having no one to help you. I take my hat off to all of you solo sailors. I could do it if I had no choice but, I would never volunteer to do it. I could even do it with one other person but alone, no sir ree. Thank you sir for allowing us to go along from the safety of our home. Much admiration, and blessings to you in all your travels.

[@andylikesyourkite]

Oh man, swimming in the middle of the pacific ocean is insane. That gave me the same anxiety as watching those people who climb to the top of skyscrapers or watching caving videos. I love this video.

[@emilkaras4754]

I can’t be the only one, but I enjoy the passage videos more than anything. Even the adventure videos at the destinations are great and beautiful, but there is nothing like the passage documentation. You’re a fine sailor on a fine boat and living a dream. Thank you so much for bringing us along

[@xDmindless]

For sure; I have to echo the sentiment for thanking you for bring us along. Love being able to join you vicariously

[@tka1528]

It would be much better without the music though

[@chrisyarnold6205]

Definitely not the only one, cruising videos are fine, but this is a solo passage film, just one man and his boat versus the ocean, and James has the right mindset for these passages. Not every sailor does.

[@coffee6783]

Wind Hippie Sailing is doing similar - 20 something young woman sailing an old 27-foot-long sloop with no fridge or water maker.

[@chrisyarnold6205]

@@coffee6783 Yes, I'm a big fan of her video's as well. She also has no AIS which is incredibly difficult for solo sailors to manage without, especially in busy waters.

[@paulruez7906]

Just want to say that this guy has more balls than most people on the face of the planet to do this trip 😁😁😁😁

[@rickkwitkoski1976]

Find Holly on Wind Hippie Sailing

[@420BLUNTLEY]

He just comes from money. He don’t want a job and know he can always make a phone call if things get bad.

[@earlwright9715]

There are tons of people out here that do this and more

[@davidhoward5687]

@@420BLUNTLEY Prove that he "Comes from money"...

[@geniebutton4873]

For real. By yourself dude your my hero

[@ctndiaye1]

There should be an award for videos like this.

[@FlatThumb]

It blows my mind that people can do this solo. AWESOME!

[@RUMPLEforeskin25]

@Tee Wrong. Sea peaples were traveling the oceans 1000s years ago you clown. Many other groups were as well.

[@NicoEmz47]

Me too

[@HappyHermitt]

Would do is better

[@Fernandolopez-fm7zb]

hes with someone else at 16:05 he makes a small joke/remark and the is someone behind the camera that make a small laugh sounds like a female voice

[@saltygod4064]

@@Fernandolopez-fm7zb u tripping

[@boat7381]

Absolute brilliant filming & editing! I have sailed singlehanded & raced doublehanded for over 35 years and the last thing I ever thought about when heavy weather occurred was picking up a camera. I hope all of you watching appreciate the difficulty of what James is doing here. He is a true artisan & daring seaman. I do wish you would clip in more often. Also the background music you choose is perfect. Barely notice it, the way it should be. I hope someone notices the incredible talents you possess and make you a very wealthy man some day. You deserve it.

[@SailorJames]

Thank you for all the kind words 🙏🏻 this sort of feedback from a seasoned ocean sailor means a lot 🙏🏻

[@robertalexander2478]

Just freakin fantastic!!! There is so much right he is doing compared to others and it shows! You notice a lot of “sailing channels” have very little sailing! A bunch of self centered repairmen and women. Not even enough sense to walk you through the repair, in case you encounter it one day! We wanna see some sailing!!!!

[@Shibalvr]

I do!🎉

[@obber9561]

Top comments:)

[@robertsanders3213]

I would struggle to sleep doing it solo that's trusting your boat!

[@williamtownsend3279]

I changed my my whole life with you as inspiration Sold all I had and bought the boat .

[@SailorJames]

#yolo

[@SailorJames]

Life is too short not to take chances

[@michaela5311]

That’s great dude. I hope to do the same one day. You going to make some KZbin content?

[@darkness4382]

This video made me realize the good that can come from social media. It’s too bad more people don’t use it like you do. It’s just unbelievable to be shown this sort of life you’re living especially for someone that lives in land locked northern Canada

[@SailorJames]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@freespiritwithnature4384]

Yeah, I'm in Ontario, Canada, and I would love the opportunity to sail. It looks so beautiful and peaceful .❤

[@user-dc6bu6pv7d]

Thank you for sharing this amazing video!!! “There are three types of people. The living. The dead. And those who are at sea.” - Cicero

[@goetzfrank4090]

Greetings to you! l did a very similar trip in 1991, age 24. 2,300 miles, Costa Rica to Marquesas, 26 days, on a 30 footer. Your video made my heart smile. Thanks for sharing. My time was a bit different: no GPS, no video, no sattelst phones, but the essence of sailing is still the same. Cheers!

[@JMT0182]

All I got to say is, James here is by far the greatest most humble sailor of recent modern times, I watched a few of your videos here and I'm always amazed by how you compose yourself, keep on sailing!

[@SailorJames]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@blindriver_bass]

So ture!

[@tay4950]

As a native Hawaiian I love the way you are honoring the history of our ancestors and learning from their ways! Really cool to see you living your life to the fullest 🤙🏼

[@markprobets483]

Fantastic stuff..Really enjoyed your story 😊

[@TheGorfle]

15:27

[@justinbarton2278]

I got one sailing video recommended on my feed and watched it and now a few hours later this is my 80th sailing video and im about to set out for my first sailing trip thanks KZbin

[@sailingvaliant]

​Watching this clip kinda made me emotional , you spoke the truth my dear friend. I felt the passion in your voice and have been following your journey since the start. Fair winds Sailor.

[@SailorJames]

Thanks for following along 🙏🏻

[@SailingMayhem]

Ok man, this is what I talk about. I am following 200+ sailing channels and this video Sir, this is one of the best ones I' seen. The simplicity, the clear and easy lanuage, the dream, the wather, the action and ALL IN ONE VID. Most would make 10 episode out of that passage..oh my, this is it. Keep doing this and you'll be good! I would'nt be bothered if you put on ads either just to gather some money. But when I think of it, no ads were just a great bonus, the frosting on the cake. I really appreciate thi video, know that! Thanks! Cheers from Norway.

[@jeanlou79]

Great video! That dip in the middle of the Pacific was epic. That would be a shock treatment for my thalassophobia!

[@uberbeast113]

Hey there James. England here. And dreams of working towards getting my little yacht and heading for the blue. My unhealthy addictive lifestyle is yearning for improvement, only playing music and travel seems to truly feed the soul. My positive will wavers, the last couple of months I suddenly stopped reading sailing books and watching sailing vids when I discovered shark attack videos, and learned about certain pesky Orcas in the Bay of Biscay. Discouraged by realising the problems of Brexit (bureaucracy is not my forte), and frequently overwhelmed by my substance addiction... This video is the first boat video I've watched in a long time. This is the one I've been drawn to. I remember videos of yours in the past. I'm happy that you're getting on with it. It must have been a mindf**k when you realised she wasn't coming and this voyage was for you alone (for the time being). I sense the dogged determination in you. I admire what you're doing. Watching your little boat leaning so far over and taking on water as you plough through the swells put my heart in my throat and my arse on the edge of my seat. Angels of good fortune accompany you wherever you go. Fair weather, gentle seas, and favourable winds. What an opportunity to meet yourself somewhere out there. Surely you were meant for this, and she wasn't. She missed out, and you're exactly where you're meant to be. Kindest heartfelt regards, Philip (future sailor of the eternal deep blue)

[@mathiasthelander7834]

The segment where you pass the equator is just amazing, your joy and pride is radiating.

[@SailorJames]

🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@GeorgeGeo]

money isn't the dream... living your life and being well within is! Love your adventures.

[@jodyssey9921]

I have a little money, no boat yet and I've never set foot on a sailboat but in 2.5 years I plan to do what you're doing. It's not a dream, it's a plan. Dreams rarely come true but plans you typically follow through on.

[@BROWNUNITY]

These boat adventure videos are always interesting because it’s either a adventure or a survival experience

[@timharris3203]

Great video James, I’m 67 and this was my dream also, now I’m retired but unfortunately the wife’s medical keeps me on land, but that doesn’t stop me from looking at sailboats to buy and go out and do my dreams like you snd Berry from the old sea dog. Fair winds and safe Journeys in your quest.

[@hardrout17]

I lived 8 years in Tahiti, growing up there from 7 to 15yo, ive sailed throught the French Polynesia, ive been a few times in Rangiroa and a lot more islands. Its been 15years that im living on land in Europe. I dont have the words to describe what you are providing me with your video, too many emotions. Thank you man, i wish you the best in all your adventures. I definitly know whats missing in my life now. Good luck!

[@dale6349]

Love the Morris the cat tshirt

[@judithnicholais1492]

You're a great story teller James and a great film maker. You connect so humanely with all your viewers when you share that you are nervous at times. Each of us understand that feeling. Most enjoyable as always.

[@SailorJames]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@sagesayed2041]

Beautifully documented. Thank you. The bravery and determination you've displayed is unmatched here.

[@entropybear5847]

All these sailing channels with very well put together couples who obviously have/had well paying prestigious careers, sailing some really nice top quality boats to go on some very nice top class holidays. This is more what I want to see, a lone man of no great status with his less than perfect yet sturdy and reliable old boat just eating up them nautical miles. Nice video!

[@AnonYmous-wu9di]

Amazing. Thank you for bringing us along.

[@bethcollier3789]

Thank you for sharing these miles with us.

[@lauramccarren8019]

Most excellent video! Thank you, James, for sharing this with us. Continue to be safe!

[@stashtrey1]

So happy for you, James. You've had one hell of a year. Look at you now....living the dream. I hope to do the same in a few years. Wishing you all the best out there and stoked to be watching this new passage video. I hope you get a few million views and a nice boost to your cruising kitty. Cheers!

[@YoumeandDisneypodcast1]

Thank you so much for the inspiration James

[@punkynoodle9370]

Most awesome! There’s no way I would ever do anything like that!

[@SailorJames]

🙏🏻

[@slidecatch]

Incredible courage to do that passage alone. Kudos to you!

[@ahmetsezai]

One of the best sailing footages I have ever watched. Good job James! Fair winds!

[@NoSleepTilGitmo]

Very inspiring, James, thanks for taking us along on your wonderful journey!

[@oldgamersgameplay4828]

Thank you so much for the trip 💗

[@thomasmehlhorn3798]

Safe travels, James! Keep sailing and exploring 👍🏻👊🏻 Live your dream

[@PitStopCrew]

Thoroughly enjoyed watching this episode end to end. What a phenomenal achievement. Great job man.

[@hang-sangitch]

So inspiring. Your final thoughts hit home. Thank you 🍀

[@BuildingSYMistress]

CONGRATULATIONS James, once again, RESPECT!

[@Escapetosea]

Pretty cool how you’re learning to read the birds , clouds. Etc. I dig it.

[@ericbergdahl6971]

Congratulations on your journey across the equator. You are grown so much during your trip. Your a true inspiration to others. Keep up the great work.

[@leannewalker8679]

Ooooh your swim in the ocean brought back memories of swimming alone in the Banda Sea. I was swimming back towards the boat when i had a feeling something was behind me! I shot towards the transom and zoomed up the ladder heart racing, turned to see from the safety of the cockpit the largest shark I had ever seen! No more swiming.

[@h-lorolltide92]

this was fantastic. Thank you for sharing.

[@mooneyrj76]

You are inspiring to me brother. From the ocean we came and to the ocean we shall return. Safe travels

[@darknappster7822]

Absolutely loving this broadcast. Thanks James for sharing your adventures with us all!

[@jimramsey3279]

I'm impressed with your team. You must be loved to have such great support.

[@dale6349]

Thankyou for sharing your life with us

[@edtraylor9063]

That takes courage and faith.⛵️.💪👏

[@SirBalageG]

I've heard people traveling on high seas in a group, but you're doing it solo, I just can't put it into words how much respect I got for you! I'd never have to courage to be on my own on the high seas for more then a week, not almost a whole month. Well done Sir! May you have many many more, safe nautical miles ahead of you! :)

[@cribbsprojects]

Wonderful adventure, great filming and commentary! You are an inspiration. Thank you. Thanks to the team helping out too.

[@JimmyVYouTube]

Thank you James

[@darlenependleton5208]

You're a brave man! Im enjoying watching your videos and following your journey. I like a man who can admit his rookie mistakes. We're only human and I give you ALOT of credit for your strength and bravery! God speed to you! Thanks! :)

[@edwardfinn4141]

26 days at sea alone ,WOW that’s quite an accomplishment James. I did 24 days with my wife and grown son, and I thought that was one of the biggest milestones of my life… Congratulations again! You da man!

[@notmefrfr]

Check out his trip from Cali to Hawaii! Bad ass video and journey

[@robertderrick9489]

Thanks for including us on your journey cool !

[@SY-Janica]

Such true words at the end. Thanks so much.

[@jeffdavis2052]

Absolutely amazing. The best sailing channel on KZbin. Great job.

[@oreospeedwaggindoesamerica6078]

Wow I’m laying on my couch getting sea sick watching you! Lol Love finding a passage video like this amazing!

[@RodolfoBellato]

This is absolutely amazing. Thank you!

[@tangopaparomeo338]

Great passage, great film. Thanks.

[@crforfreedom7407]

My dear brother! That sunrise in your opening was spectacular!!!! What a way to set the mood!!! Thank you for investing in good equipment! WOW the shots!! The imagery!! And the heeling!! Decks awash; THAT'S SAILING MY FRIEND!!! Thanks so much for bringing us aboard!!! You have such a gift for seamanship AND cinematography. Truly artful. Your closing salutation was so inciteful and spiritual. Congrats on making your dream come true!

[@oglaucio]

This is so inspiring to watch. You not only tell great stories but also teach a great deal about sailing and shows how it gets done. A true sailor with a sailor's heart and soul. I'm 41, laying in bed in Montana, dreaming about the ocean. I hope soon I can venture out. Cheers and thank you for sharing and inspiring us!

[@marilynkapchan8448]

A masterpiece. What a beautiful voyage. Thanks for allowing us to enjoy the ride.

[@dale6349]

Thankyou for sharing your experience with us safe travels

[@RobertWhite-rk3bg]

Never sailed in my life, but the inspiration that comes from this video is awesome...keep sailing and making videos....I'll be watching...

[@chriskelly6559]

You and Sam Holmes are two crazily brave sailors, little boats on the huge seas. My recliner won't float, so I'll stay on the dry and watch you dudes. All the best, good vibes your way, Crackerjack.

[@Jax-bs6gt]

I think I’ve watched all of your posts. I love watching your solo travels. Thank you for sharing!

[@danielofminnesota]

Incredibly inspiring note at the end! Thank you!

[@darrinmazur2624]

Great adventure! I am watching this while working night shift, thanks for keeping me company! I bought a 26 ft MacGregor 2 months ago and am now learning to sail on my days off. I absolutely love it! Gracias from Alberta, Canada.

[@mvisinski]

Thank you so much James for the hard work you put in. Whether it be working hard to follow your dream to circumnavigate the globe, or just working hard at editing and filming and filming and filming and editing and keeping sane, and keeping it together.. You and Sam Holmes alone have inspired me from the beginning, and this year I purchased my own boat. My first boat. A 1973 McGregor 22. I love your spirit my friend. I will follow you. Thank you.

[@magdakaniewski]

Nice to see the alberg cutting through the waves. Great passage and representation of passage making.

[@travops8996]

Absolutely incredible

[@hughkeith9185]

James, thank you for taking us along on your adventures and sharing your knowledge with us along the way. We are by far all the better for it. There aren't many of us Shellbacks but each of us have experienced a special right of passage unique to sailors. Thank you for sharing your crossing the line ceremony, epic. Fair winds and following seas to you and Triteia.

[@SailorJames]

My pleasure! Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@randymcmeekin1955]

Congratulations James. This is an insanely good video which I have now watched 3 times. Your message at the end is haunting me but is important! You are an incredible sailor! Well done!

[@slost-game]

Thanks James for sharing your adventures with us all!😆😆😆😆😆

[@murrayjay452]

This is amazing, thank you for sharing this

[@burnhard7199]

hella respect for you! Thats a true sailor !

[@jayburrough4308]

It's amazing how well these small boats do in the big wide ocean

[@AngelinaGoodwinklasconi]

I especially love how one does not need much to be extremely ecstatically happy and content. I have done what you’re doing in a very basic open deck catamaran in the 90’s. Go you.

[@SailorJames]

That must have been rough going in an open deck boat

[@nathanarcher6764]

God Bless You Brother. Stay safe out there!

[@jeffmercier1974]

I’m grateful you pulled through, pushed forward and followed your dream, inspiring ✌️

[@downdabeach]

It was an amazing experience to watch this, very soothing seeing you out at sea. You gained a subscriber here.

[@august3777]

You're the man, my friend. I've only been watching you for a little while, but I've been very happy to watch your adventures. I hope to join you in the oceans in about a year or so when I get my first sail boat. You're a big inspiration.

[@susanbowen4144]

WOW! Thank you for sharing this wonderful , exciting experience….was holding my breathe when you dove into the pacific…Congratulations on making your dream come true.❤

[@luvndana]

Thank You.... You're an inspiration.

[@dawnsbigbrain]

This gave me chills, especially the ending. First of your videos I have watched. So very true, we will not get out of this life alive, the lights will go out sooner than we think, make your dreams come true! Captivating. Thank you for sharing!

[@fritz3388]

Dead wrong! Every living human being and all the other living beings, do one day leave this plane of existens, to migrate back to the main world. Jesus says, my fathers house (world) has many rooms. The nordic mythology says the same. Matter is an ilusion that can very easily trick you. Why would anyone have a second body, made of matter with all its shortcommings, like suffering? I mean who enjoys suffering? Some say one grows with suffering. I say thats bulsh*t. If that were so the world would be full of philosophic geniusses, but in all truth this world is full of lunatics who go in panic mode with the slightest breath of Corona.

[@wholovesu2]

Great video. I never sailed. But it's interesting to watch how brave you are! I like that you share interesting things about birds etc.. courageous

[@mumukex]

What a beautiful gift ...this video! Thank you for sharing your days with us. So wonderful that you have been able to follow your dream. Smooth sailing on all of your days...

[@PGTripsMedia]

Thank you for sharing such a wonderful adventure. Thank you KZbin for suggesting this video. Watching a man fulfill his dream is so inspiring. Well done and good luck.

[@Crossbuzzin420]

My dad and I used to sail when I was a kid and your videos bring me back to those days. You're a damn good sailor and an inspiration! Best of luck to you on your journeys and thanks for letting us tag along.😎⛵️✌️

[@arlen9190]

The only memory I have of me and my dad going boating is the date my friend's father bought some new little motorboat and the next day we just took it out to the ocean finding out after lunch that the back end of the boat was not strong enough to even hold up the motor so into the drink we went for 4 hours swimming to shore only to be rescued by the fire station people at Atlantic Highlands doesn't stop me from watching videos though

[@Copilot1204]

@@arlen91904 hours of swimming wtf😳.

[@jonmoore7115]

James, you’ve COMPLETELY nailed it with this video. Perfect mix of tech, weather, nav and personal stuff. Really, well done!

[@eddiecarver9754]

You are an inspiration to me, thank you for sharing your life.

[@jesuswong5119]

Just wonderful. Very inspiring... thank you sir!

[@robreibel3491]

You have become a great story teller and filmmaker. Really enjoyed this episode

[@wcscully]

Great job, James. I'm watching all of your content in order, so I'm seven months behind you in real time. I particularly enjoyed your equator crossing celebration and ceremonial read. It was good to hear that you are living the sober life. I am 15 months dry, a decision I made following the death of my adult step daughter. My wife is ill and when she passes, I plan on setting sail with just my two dogs. I often ask myself if I will continue my alcohol-free life. I wasn't so much of an alcoholic as I was a habitual, near daily drinker for almost 40 years. Time will tell but I wanted to share with you that you continue to inspire me and others. While many men have sailed solo before you, you are showing the way for future seafarers like me and countless others. Stay safe and keep filming! Bill

[@donavonkeith8411]

Subscribed! Couldn’t stop watching, your energy honesty and openness is infectious. Keep up the great content and more importantly, enjoying the time given to you doing what you love and were put here for.

[@Mthrntr]

Real dude. Authentic authentic music, real music. Thanks so much, Captain James