Sailing Alone To New Zealand from Fiji on a 30 foot Sailboat and Arriving Without a Working Engine

[@pj311foo]

People find it strange when I say I don’t watch TV, I watch KZbin. You can’t get this kind of content on TV. What a great video, James. Happy you get to have this kind of life journey.

[@LuigiCotocea]

Yeah well on tv they play whatever they want it is their television channel!

[@hanabal79]

Totally agree tv went out the window years ago nothing but rubbish 🤙

[@otto16121970]

same here…

[@timothyvandrei4236]

EXACTLY!!

[@Kevin-zz9nc]

True dat....

[@christinehammell6365]

Watched this again and I'm moved to tears x

[@MonstaMunch101]

This is the kind of content youtube was made for.

[@Nova930]

Being the armchair traveler that I am this was a fantastic voyage. Brought me to tears at the end. New Zealand is somewhere I’ve always dreamed of going. Thanks for bringing me a little bit closer. ❤❤. That was AWESOME.

[@SailorJames]

🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@kimmeh37]

Yep, I teared up too. So inspirational to watch someone achieve such awesome goals. Cheers to James ⛵

[@hatatfatcat]

sweaty eyeballs here too :)

[@alexandersunter4899]

Must say I’m really enjoying the silent sail.

[@coleway4318]

YEEEEESSSSS! This is what I've been waiting on. While I absolutely love your weekly eps. Your passage films are the best KZbin has to offer 🔥

[@coleway4318]

Ha ha righto mate, just telling it like it is. And so what if I love his content so much that it inspires me to work towards doing something similar with my life. But if it makes you feel better by trying to bring someone down on the internet, keep at 💪

[@sailing1stwatch]

​@Cole Way I'm a FANGIRL for sure! James is following his dream and making it a reality and it's awesome 😊

[@michaelcondon4161]

What are your 3 top meals...excluding Ramen? And any plans for a cookbook?

[@AN4MER]

i agree

[@WeeJasperVetClinic]

Sam Holmes Sailing is great.

[@bernardlawson665]

The Gold Standard in authenticity and fabulous content!! No naked Babes or Phony narratives. James definitely our Blue Water Rock Star ✨✨✨✨

[@loubonaparte5063]

exactly.. no bikinis as clickbait instead true, raw navigation. incredible.

[@parkcaro]

I second this!

[@enaliafitzworme4779]

I just LOVE this guy.

[@henrikegbruun9986]

​@@loubonaparte5063😊😊😊😅😊😅

[@hanspecans]

James is 90% naked for every video you very obvious misogynist.

[@rosiegreddogyachts4135]

James… you’ve got the stuff it takes. I spent a good time in the 70’s exploring NZ on my 38’ double ender. Sadly she sits in 70’ of water off Arrid Island and that changed my life forever. That was the end of ten years of building and sailing that thankfully saw me and all my crew alive on a sharp rock, left naked with nothing. Life after that was good enough thanks to the wonderful Kiwi sailing community that helped me to get enough together to leave the country without debt and get back to Tahiti to start over. You are in a good place. Keep on keepin’ on.

[@JB-sv5pr]

That's amazing

[@brysonjolls4302]

I would love to hear more of your life story!

[@rosiegreddogyachts4135]

@@brysonjolls4302 read Dear Mom the Bare Chronicles free on Kindle

[@hectorduncan7449]

This is better than any movie, thanks for this man.

[@2blackcatz426]

One of my fave things about being underway across an ocean and cooking looking out at sea in the middle of nowhere I miss sailing

[@juliem563]

wow what a nice guy taking freshly cooked bread and thinking ahead like that, beautiful.....

[@krzemas80]

Thanks to you and your films, I will look more favorably at people with tattoos and strange things in their ears; you're awesome. Thank you for the opportunity to virtually accompany you on this adventure. Greetings from Poland.

[@brianlawrence8867]

Amen

[@HikerBikerMoter]

He's from either middle-class to upper middle-class stock

[@johnofnz]

This is so cool, thanks for taking the time to make & upload these videos

[@edselroad]

Bro I CHEERED and clapped when you stepped on that pier… such a great passage and a great documentation of it 🤙🏻

[@WaypointComics]

Stoked to see we had a friendly kiwi to greet you and see you right and safely berthed within our fair land. Good on ya Kiwi :)

[@johnharris7820]

Finally got you watch, I definitely know now what a weak person I am. So much respect for you brother!! Be safe I will just live my life through you!!

[@SailorJames]

😂😂😂

[@MarkAtherton-bf4pq]

I have no desire to be on the open ocean. But I enjoy watching a man live his dream, and being as free as the wind. Wonderful stuff.

[@dwayneblair2924]

Congrats james ..that was some proper stokeage..thanks for carrying us all along

[@simonpritchard6074]

Insanely wonderful film...I was with you the whole trip and never got seasick once, in my armchair. Consider me a patron man. All my best to you.

[@DougVarble]

30:01 I only wish for “country gravy”, if I get one wish, the meal looks great, I would be wishing for some dessert 🎉

[@nathanmcwayne5705]

Thank you for making these videos. I spend my lunch break at my crappy job dreaming of the day ...

[@myloopooping]

Thank you James for the inspiration

[@excelsiorvision]

James... You are an absolute legend, mate. Watching you tie up in Opua brought tears to my eyes; imagining your stoke on making landfall and at the same time seeing myself one day following in your footsteps brought on a palpable emotional response. Keep safe out there, keep being your humble and courteous self, and know that you are doing something great. Well done!

[@icysurfer1]

Love the second scream 'Stoked....!!!" Only a Surfer knows the feeling. And Sailors.

[@aronkormout9014]

Glad you’re still out there James , you’ve been through a hell of a lot. Keep going

[@Sunnysunshineshine]

To see the way your eyes expression changes when you say: I am very happy to be back out on the ocean again, - made me feel happy 🥰

[@SailorJames]

❤️❤️❤️

[@DIJITALSON]

Nau mai haere mai e hoa, welcome to our homelands. Its great youve made it this far and we hope to see great memories made here for you. Kia Ora.

[@raygreen9339]

Thanks, The best passage video i have seen in Years.Candid and real.

[@Lost_AtSea_]

When you look at that boat from the dock, it’s hard to believe it came all the way from LA! WOW! Pretty amazing.

[@Sea_Angel05]

I recently discovered your channel. And I cant stop watching!

[@mitchsena2083]

James, your channel is my absolute favorite to watch. I am from the Philippines where there are tons of beaches and beautiful islands, but I have never sailed and have never been out on the ocean for more than a day. The times I took boat rides to and from different islands, I always tried to imagine what it would be like to sail around the world, on the open, empty seas, with none of the jarring engine sounds and the stink of exhaust fumes. You are living the dream, and I love being able to live vicariously through you. Watching your videos brings me a feeling of comfort and relaxation, and seeing you manage all the challenges while keeping such a great outlook brings me inspiration and joy. I wish you all the best, and I can't wait to see where the seas and winds take you. Take care, man!

[@JP-vq9uh]

Thank you. For being you and sharing your experiences and adventures. ❤

[@chemon0]

Congratulations James. You've made an epic crossing and you're living as a free man

[@melissaparker7336]

So thankful you made it safe, cousin!

[@SailorJames]

🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@chrissnyder7968]

Maybe it has already been commented and answered but filming that sequence into the Q Dock was amazing. Even double handed that would have been a challenge requiring all my focus. Yet you had the ability to set up for the video AND get her tied up perfectly. Excellent work on both fronts! Thank you taking me/us along. Cheers.

[@SailorJames]

Yeah the GoPro clamp is the only reason I am able to film half the stuff I do, it’s very tricky filming solo, especially when stuff gets silly and dangerous

[@rm8281]

James, the "Everyman Sailor". Singlehanded in a small boat with big seas. I really respect your self-reliance. I suppose most sailors either have that or better be working towards it. No help out in the middle of an ocean. You have nerves of steel my friend.

[@SailorJames]

Thanks for the kind comment 🙏🏻

[@John_Long]

Awesome video James!🎬👏What a brutal and beautiful crossing! 🌅🌊Thanks for sharing!🙏May fair winds be with you my friend!🌬⛵

[@clintonvargas5050]

Unlike many other singlehanders/small boat sailor on KZbin, your deck looks like a offshore sailboat should. Organized, no clutter and maintained. Sensible addons, like that hard dodger. Hats off to you. I can look at at other channels for 30secs and see at least 2 months worth of maintenance crying out to be done. They have passages filled with stupid lack of maintenance fails and endless problems from shit not stowed properly etc. You can never get it all, but you can minimize stupid problems. Then passages are like yours, minimal gear issues and just concentrating on sailing and the elements. F*&cking great work.

[@SailorJames]

Thank you 👍🏻 yeah I try and keep the decks as clear as possible and keep the boat happy and ready.

[@clintonvargas5050]

@@SailorJames Yeah, its hard on a small boat/sub 5knts where your passage times are well outside the forecasts, and the sea is oftentimes travelling much faster than you are. All the best and "Good luck through maintenance! Haha.

[@DanO530.8]

Glad you made it safe to your passage James wishing you the best and thanks

[@scooptv9]

Man … love the Kiwi dude who say - “hey mate, do you want a tow?” … congratulations James.

[@SailorJames]

Total lifesaver

[@gcrauwels941]

Outstanding! A big shout out to the captain of that beautiful boat Georgia for helping a brother out. I hope you get your Yanmar sorted out. Shouldn't be too difficult to get it right.

[@thefarmerswifeknits6190]

Thanks for taking us along on your passage . The filming, the music, everything worked together to tell your story. Sometimes the word is overused but your are authentic, centered and free of ego that drives others. You should be very proud of your accomplishments. You worked very hard to get where you are.

[@monettewynne7898]

I second that! you are the Man!

[@johnlove4183]

Thanks for the long format! that looked like one scary reefing, the way you stay focused and composed is impressive.

[@SailorJames]

Staying calm and focused is how you stay alive

[@chadjb72]

I am a 50 year old truck driver and doing the closest thing to sailing on the open seas, sailing the highways. High winds on the road are scary like a 40-50 knot gust on a SV. I lived in Florida for 28 years and had 2 sailboats ⛵️ and I surely miss it. Looking to buying a 20-25 foot day sailer real soon. Thank you James for your videos and travel across this world.

[@benkanobe7500]

C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S ! ! ! ! And thank you for making us feel like we were right there with you. I am so looking forward to more of your adventures

[@vid13fan]

I just found your account. I'll have to keep visiting to see your very interesting posts. I'm glad you're still sailing. My cousin Steve was doing what you're doing - he started after he retired. He loved being away from working 9 to 5. He sailed from San Diego to Hawaii and back, then sailed south from San Diego down to the Strait of Magellan to the Atlantic, then returned to the Pacific. Being fluent in Spanish was a big help. His next goal was sailing from Chile to Easter Island - which he completed in early late February 2020. The next goal was to go from Easter Island to French Polynesia. We texted a few hours before his death, which occurred when he and many other boats were in the harbor at Hanga Roa. The water was rough and his anchor slipped, turning his boat sideways. A big wave bottomed out and hit his boat. Debris washed up in the harbor, but the boat and Steve were gone. So unexpected and sad. I wish you well - stay safe and enjoy your beautiful life.

[@biffa1234100]

so sorry for your loss, but always remember your cousin Steve was a rare and special specimen of a man that was living his dream , RIP Steve x

[@hylkevermeulen950]

Thank you James, it’s like I’m actually there, enjoying every second of it 🙏

[@loriurban1070]

You are a blessed man indeed. I sailed on Lake Michigan for 25 yrs..never had the opportunity for ocean sailing ..I absolutely love your videos!

[@SuperNova-Steve]

I haven’t watched your channel since you went solo to Hawaii. You’ve had a super evolution. Solo to NZ is no mean feat. Well done dude, amazing work.

[@wc6502]

Absolutely amazing James. You are a true inspiration and a great example of what is possible if you put your mind to something. You bravery is truly inspiring. Thank you for sharing you adventures with all of us.

[@robertomaldonado4579]

That was awesome! Congratulations on your accomplishment and for enduring and persevering. I can’t help but compare your personal life and the rudder being related, and despite the obstacle you made it. You’ll be fine. Thanks for showcasing true strength in overcoming adversity!

[@enaliafitzworme4779]

I simply love sitting on my couch and enjoy your videos..I'm afraid of the ocean,and you make it look soooooo easy and fun😊

[@geoffdean3532]

Love the description and technical description of the sailing experience.

[@jonathanjohannis6035]

Welcome to Aotearoa James. "The land of the long white cloud" Kia Ora! (Greetings my friend)

[@AtortAerials]

First off thanks for bringing some ocean and calmness into my life with these videos. I lived Hawai'i for past 10 years and off island for last 3 years caring for my Mom with dementia missing Mother Ocean more than words right now. It's so cool you have all these beautiful simple moments all alone in the middle of Mother Ocean like that. Booby bird chilling keeping you company would make me SO happy. Pretty rainbow sail...beautiful Sunrises solo and Sunsets. Just too awesome. I think my anxiety may kick in doing what you're doing worrying about running out of water or something constantly but who knows maybe not maybe that solitude and DEEP ocean connection would calm my soul. But of course you need to know and be prepared which you are and I and many others would be clueless of. Then you making bread in middle of nowhere with nobody to bother you or annoy you or pester you. Has to be such a mindfulness journey doing this. I actually made pasta at 10:30pm because of you. lol Anywho inspiring and really enjoy your videos. Al⛵ha and safe sailing!

[@NomadSurvivor]

Hey I just want to say , I'm sorry I dont get to watch all your episodes on a timely basis as i'm often doing my own filming and pretending to edit properly.... But I want to give you HUGE PROPS on how far you have come in your skills and your rational thinking and vessel upkeep. I recall you leaving Los Angelos and the turnback you had to make that really sank your confidence and motivation from that mishap. But fixing and carrying on has built her into what you needed and your confidence and ability now knows the just press on attitude. So just saying Im impressed with how far you've come...... So Keep On Bro !!! Cheers & Beers !! Chris & Stella SV Hydra SV Jaz

[@chuckdilmore2040]

This is THEE epic episode! Loved the introspective, Zen coffee chats - when your spirit was peaceful yet excited as hell. And the tension as the seas raged. And finally docking. MAJOR CONGRATS on reaching NZ! You are The Man. Thank you!

[@justinglasper6146]

I take me hat off to this bloke, to sail a 30 foot yhat around the world for a month at a time solo, he,s got balls big enough to fill up a dump truck

[@shannonbond2754]

Right on James. Loving joining you on this adventure. Beautiful work.

[@AndyL31]

Love the intense honesty in your videos. It’s fun and refreshing. I now dream of living the same life and am actively working towards it. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@PaulA-pw8si]

Awesome job James. Your journey is one of perseverance and triumph. Fair winds to you my friend.

[@aaronbrooks7132]

Glad the size of your balls didnt sink the boat. much respect on your courage and bravery and determination against all odds

[@chaunceywilliams8405]

Love it. From a rocky start in LA to NZ. Have enjoyed every nautical mile. So happy for all your successes James. You earned them all.

[@karenlucas8882]

So in awe of you James ... congratulations on your milestones so far ... many more to follow I'm sure, thankyou from the bottom of my heart for taking me with you! (from Australia's biggest fan)❤🇦🇺🤗

[@SailorJames]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@clpotis]

I love hearing the sounds of the boat and sails with no music. It’s so peaceful.

[@DentonJohnStanfield-fq1ck]

Astonishing! Incredible... A truly inspirational story!

[@MexicoPescadoro]

You're an absolute legend. This episode was gnarly. 1100 miles, BOATS, BEACHES, BARS and BALLADS on repeat!

[@alg1335]

I’ve never but I can only! I sailed twice in my life and it was an amazing experience! I wish I could do it again! Thank you for bringing me as close as I can get!

[@nealellis4342]

Thank you James. Your journeys give me so much joy. I love seeing how much happiness you have when you travel. I think it helps show us how human we are and although through miles we can be separated, we are all so connected.

[@jogrant3851]

Watching that trip was brilliant!! So much happening. I hope the Booby was ok - it was lucky to find you and seemed like it really needed a good rest. My stomach turned over when you put on your wet weather gear and went out on deck The bread-making was nice to see and it turned out great. And how wonderful that someone was waiting for you James, waiting to get you in safely. I don't know why but I just feel that NZ is going to make big changes in your life, big positive changes. So happy for you. Big hugs for Triteia. Happy Sails😀

[@jogrant3851]

And here is that great big +ve change: Sailor James X 59º North Sailing Announcement : Sailing to Greenland & Iceland on the Farr 65 FALKEN Woohoo!!

[@specialty_k]

James you helped me take my mind off of so many problems for 1 hour. Sure felt good. Thanks buddy!

[@judithnicholais1492]

Beautiful James. I esp love the music you select to fit the changing moods. And when there is none. Great photography too. Loved this video

[@roncaulfield5641]

Well sailed James. This voyage captured the essence of solo sailing and I wish I was along for the sail. An old sailing acquaintance used to tell me ' mustn't mind the noise', the way you sailed from Figi to New Zealand perfectly explains what he meant. Thank you James; also I enjoyed the bread recipe and the outcome.!

[@gregmcevoy3146]

Your journey has been inspirational.

[@shaneodell9356]

I'm glad you show the hardships of the passage in great detail. That's not something you can find on every sailing channel. As a person interested in doing this same thing within the next 5 years it is super helpful to see what it is really all about. Thanks James for another great video!

[@gardgarland5293]

Congrats James. Makes all the sweat, tears and heartbreaks worth it.

[@qtlana]

Taking notes while watching you tie in that third reef solo 👏👏🤓 Seriously impressive, thanks for showing so much of your process in the video!

[@SailorJames]

slow and steady is the key.

[@jackm6307]

That was a relief. After showing us the bird, the next scene was eating what I thought was Booby bird stew.

[@tombreault1096]

You do such a phenomenal job on these videos of your long journeys

[@beachesney7920]

congratulations _ what an amazing achievement . been following you along and your content and seamanship just get better - thank you for taking me with you xxx enjoy En Zed !!! wow SUPERSTOKED !!!!

[@bobbydean2116]

Love your videos. Watch several other channels but yours is my go to. I have wanted to sail around the world long before I found your channel, tbh, since staying the summer in Florida as a teenager with a freind over half my life ago. I still live in the same town of 1,000 people in a hole in the wall in West Virginia, but I'm starting to make moves to get to the ocean and get me a sail boat. Keep at it.

[@38below39]

That was dam thrilling / Thanks for taking us along.

[@christinehammell6365]

What a spectacular trip and so well filmed. I was moved to tears when you got the tow. Thanks James x

[@randymcmeekin1955]

Now officially my favourite channel! This is the content I crave. James is such an amazing sailor. Totally impressed.

[@herberteidt6039]

You captured this passage so well. Thanks for the sights, the sounds and the music that helped you tell your story.

[@ronagoodwell2709]

Some serious sea-drama at about the 50-minute mark. This is one of the better passage VDOs out there in KZbin land. Taking some time to bake a loaf of bread in the middle of the ocean was a nice touch.

[@sitatt]

Good on ya, mate! The most concise and real cruising sailing video for real sailing people on KZbin. Brings it into the realms of 'credible' for normal folk! Coastal cruiser here, but things you deal with on your passages, your passage planning, discipline, and execution of daily tasks is exemplary. You've certainly 'trodden the boards' re: sailing, seamanship, and cruising, but it cannot be said lightly that we can all not only dream but with calculated and intelligent decisions, make it a reality. Following you through the north island now as you're obviously in typhoon season and hunkering down, and looked forward to this video! Fair winds and following seas, sir! Can't afford much but have a coffee and cake on me bud! Cheers

[@SailorJames]

🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@oogabooga590]

Hey James, because I have watched your videos intensely I did not think that this mini series would give me that much more information. I was wrong. I have watched each episode with pen in hand, your ideas and suggestions added to my many sailing lists. Thank you so much for your generosity of spirit. Much love.

[@TheCharlieHuman]

Beautifully done, what an epic adventure! Congrats Capt. James, and thanks so much for sharing these inspirational journeys. "As the sail bellied out with the wind, the ship flew through the deep blue water, and the foam hissed against her bows as she sped onward." -Homer

[@bend185ont]

Man, I never knew the middle of the ocean could be so calm.

[@SailorJames]

It can be as still as a pond !

[@neilrush659]

This has been an incredible passage James, the amount of skill needed to do this is off the scale. Huge congratulations on this massive milestone in the history of James and Triteia, I've been waiting for months to say that!! Could've watched double this film. Your channel is the BEST on KZbin without a doubt. Your adventures through French Polynesia, American Samoa and Fiji were amazing, now the next phase begins and I look forward to this next phase!! Safe travels out there bro.

[@sailingsolo5290]

Let me tell you it does not take as much skill to sail a ocean as youre thinking.. But it does take a lot of endurance and focus to sail solo more than a few days. To sail solo around the world is a special kind of grit. Not many people have it. More people have summit mount everest than have sailed solo around the world.

[@neilrush659]

@@sailingsolo5290 I can only imagine. All my sailing has been inter-coastal sailing with the odd splurge off shore, I'm in awe of James doing this. As you say doing solo is a special kind of grit, especially seeing what James had to do with the reefs etc in stormy conditions and then to have the engine go bust, that's truly awe inspiring!!

[@geoff2027]

The one predictable thing about our weather down in this part of the world is that you cannot really predict it, a lil bit like life. You had a good run for this time of year.

[@edwardh2444]

Love it James!!! Congratulations. You are an inspiration. We first started watching you when you lost steering and rudder. We haven't missed an episode since. Looking forward to your next adventures,

[@outdoortherapy6596]

The best hour and fifteen minutes of my day, thank you

[@w5glsgary919]

Congratulations on this impressive milestone!

[@woody6791]

Man!!! James so glad I found your channel. I freaking love watching your adventures!! Keep it up much love

[@CurtisWestsail]

What an amazing passage. Your truly a blue water sailor. Your level of skills since you’ve left LA has increased 10 fold. In addition to that your video production and editing skills are second to none. Your arrival to New Zealand brought a tear to my eye. Thanks for taking us along.

[@SailorJames]

🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@dg8062]

Wow, 99.99999% would never dream of doing this much less ever do it. Life is so short, what a true adventurer! Absolutely awesome channel James👏

[@carlosdias8404]

Fair winds and agreable seas James.

[@jaydubya4727]

Marvelous!! I loved it all, the whole video. I'm just an armchair sailor who couldn't go anywhere or see anything the like of what you do. I truly live adventure vicariously through your wonderful adventures - thank you SO MUCH!!