SAILING HURRICANE FORCE WIND - SwT 183 My most exhausting sail ever!

[@louisavondart9178]

When I was young, I took an offer to crew a boat for a delivery voyage from NZ to Sydney, Australia. It was a racing boat and had hardly anything on board as far as safety gear or comfort. One day after setting sail we got hit with 60 to 70 knot winds and a swell of 5m. For 3 days. We were only 50 miles off shore and the captain gave up and we returned to port. We had all been so sick and bruised that I decided to quit the boat. One other crew member did as well. Later that week, we heard that the boat was missing at sea. It was never heard from again. 48 years later I'm watching your video and you laughing in the storm. It puts things into perspective for me and I regret having given up sailing. Bravo ! Subscribed.

[@SailingwithThomas]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience and for subscribing to my channel as well 🙏🏻 I hope you go out there and find the joy of sailing again. These kind of conditions are rare, however the South Pacific around NZ and south Australia can be pretty rough. Safety gear are super important. Not only when it’s needed the most, but also for peace of mind. All the best ⛵️

[@muskietime]

That is frightening!

[@maeilive]

I never leave port if its more than 20 knots😂😂

[@1960jammy]

And don’t forget. Thomas is doing all this solo!!!🤪🙏🏻😂🇬🇧🥰🥰🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@SailingwithThomas]

Thank you so much for your support 🙏🏻 All the best

[@GuinchoWindFactory]

You have some massive balls, that was heavy stuff, the real deal that makes most sailors nightmares...Your knowledge and preparation together with forecast analysis and skills and thru the roof. pleasure to see and learn.

[@SailingwithThomas]

Thank you so much for watching and for your kind words. It’s nothing I enjoy and luckily it’s very rare to se weather like this that’s not predicted. Thank you for being here 🙏🏻

[@dutchglobetrotter4513]

That was an expensive sail but on the bright side you do get new stuff. cheers 🍻 🍻

[@SailingwithThomas]

It was definitely among my most expensive sail ever. I’m glad my earlier priorities in terms of rigging have proved to be well spent money. My budget for new sails and minor upgrades was destroyed in the Caribbean a while ago. So how bright the side is in terms of getting new things is another discussion. All the best and thank you for being here

[@somadevo]

Wow!!! Good job, brother. I'm a disabled elder now. In my youth, I sailed into a hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico. This sail just increases your abilities which are already very advanced. Highest Blessings

[@SailingwithThomas]

Thank you so much for sharing your story and for being here. I’m sorry to hear about your health situation, so I’m sending some sunshine and love from BE FREE. All the best ⛵️

[@sempertalis1230]

Wow, this one was tough. I am amazed your solar panels made it and the starlink only secured by zip ties is still there. Nature teaches you respect. Stay save

[@SailingwithThomas]

Thank you so much for watching and for being here. My cockpit arch and the supporting frame was designed to withstand extreme weather conditions. It’s much stronger than it looks. Also the StarLink original fitting is told to be hurricane safe, and I guess I just proved this to be true. Don’t let the zip ties fool you 😉 All the best ⛵️

[@finnbhansen]

Safe sails! And ... what a ride! Thank you for bringing us sofasailors along❤ Dette er bra Thomas🙌 klin gæærnt men bra.

[@SailingwithThomas]

Takk for morsom kommentar Finn. Norske seilere er ikke som alle andre😄 Takk for at du er her

[@kayweiss1862]

great episode .just had a minor earthquake ,rattling my hermitage in the Himalaya mountains and a storm with pre monsoon rain . your episode was a fitting addition from solo sailor on rough sea to longterm hermit in the mountains with stormy weather as well . what a treasure a philosophical mindset and special experiences are ! be well

[@lawrencea274]

From a sailor of 40 years. I'm always mind boggled about sailors today, you are obviously a well seasoned sailor. You have all the expensive electronic gear,but yet you don't carry a storm trysail or storm main. Especially when you know you will be getting into severe weather conditions. Besides that some great sailing,well done.n

[@SailingwithThomas]

Thank you so much for watching and even sharing your concerns in which I do support 100%. If you add a fully electric sailboat into the “modern” sailor equation it’s even a bigger success formula for disaster. I do know my yacht and her limitations. I also do carry a storm sail, unfortunately it’s useless and you might have missed out on one episode or two explaining this. I have custom designed main sails with a reef 3 higher up than normal and when reefed down works very well for heavy weather sailing. A furled in (reduced) Genoa/Jib is useless above 55 kts on my yacht (even made a video about this) I did not expect 65-72 kts of wind, but was prepared to face 50. The predictions on different models all claimed my route to have maximum 25 kts wind gusts. Not many believed me when saying I expect this to be a rough sail, based on all the predictions available. So I guess this is the main takeaway here, the weather predictions in this region is as useless as my storm jib. I even carry a small stronger jib that fits in the track of the fore stay. In theory a good solution but in reality not so much. It requires to drop down and change sails before weather gets bad. My yacht don’t have a baby stay, running back stays or a cutter stay. This is all on my wishlist and have been that for a long time. Being honest showcasing both my limitations and the challenges might place myself in a bad spotlight, but hopefully showcasing this would also highlight the things you correctly are pointing out and I’m fully aware of. 50 knots is not severe weather for BE FREE, but from 55 and up I do start to face some challenges as I have explained in earlier episodes. Mostly because of the difference between the storm jib theory and how it works for me in reality. Unfortunately my dream setup is a bit far away from todays configuration, also explained and illustrated earlier. Thank you so much for being here, and even sharing your valuable thoughts in a polite way. Much appreciated 🙏🏻

[@GP-fd9ks]

@@SailingwithThomas Very well stated Thomas. Knowing your vessel, its limitations, your skills & limitations, is always more important than theory or text book statements! 😀

[@Woobieeee]

im always amazed how chicken shit sailors of 40 years are.

[@evanjones1393]

Hey mate I’m so amazed at your courage and determination despite all the damage to your boat…..love your video 😊

[@antfal-n-everything7154]

Wild ride for sure, great seamanship, great vessel, Indonesia sudden storms have scared the crap out of me at sea on many surf trips over the years, hard to explain how fast they come and go, especially around Sumatra. Your adrenaline must have been peaking as your vessel lay on its side, wow.

[@SailingwithThomas]

Thank you so much for your kind words and even sharing your experience as well. It’s the first time in history I flooded the cockpit and not only the toe rail but even the StarLink antenna was really close to be submerged as well. Luckily I had closed the windows and the companion way in the cockpit. Otherwise it would been lots of water inside. All the best

[@RNVOS]

Tomas you rock ! Can’t see anyone else that can challenge you with perfect sailing!! ❤ from 🇨🇦 BC

[@SailingwithThomas]

Thank you so much for your kind words and for always being so positive here. Sending some love from BE FREE ⛵️

[@aaronnunn5240]

Great job on the auto pilot Thomas, Bloody windy. The Dutch Spice route, smell of the islands in Banda Arc!

[@1960jammy]

This is one of the things I like about this site, is how you explain your working and you ARE a very knowledgeable salesman (captain) !!! Stay safe Thomas 🥰🥰👍🙏🏻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@SailingwithThomas]

Thank you so much for sharing the reasons for being here. Much appreciated my friend 🙏🏻 My goal is instead of drama sharing information that might be valuable for others planning on doing the same. Thank you so much for being here⛵️

[@alistairrobinson7450]

Hey you are one strong guy, to come through that trip and still have a smile on your face. Set new standards for KZbin sailing storms . Thank you Thomas.

[@1960jammy]

Brilliant video Thomas!👍🥰🥰🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@SailingwithThomas]

Thank you so much my friend 🙏🏻

[@miketcq8]

Thomas, you're hard core! So glad to see you made it through the storms! Also nice to see how strong and reliable the Bavaria Cruisers are! I bet theres lots of armchair sailors saying it's not a blue water boat!

[@SailingwithThomas]

Thank you so much 🙏🏻 If I got a dollar for every stupid comment about my boat I would been rich 😆 Thank you so much for being here 🙏🏻

[@SYAtlas]

Excellent documentation Thomas, rare to find, and fingers crossed that this remains your most exhausting sail for a very long time.

[@SailingwithThomas]

Thank you so much my friend! Having so much bad weather over such long sail is extreme, and exhausting. Thank you so much for your support 🙏🏻

[@guydepoorter]

Hi Thomas, i am astonished how a Bavaria produktion boat cope so well with extreme circumstances. The canvas has done its job, time for new bimini and sails. Congrats on your sailing skills. Cheers from… Ajaccio.

[@SailingwithThomas]

Thank you so much for watching and for being here. Bavaria is better than it’s reputation, still like all yachts no matter brands also have some flaws and things here and there. However among todays mass production yachts Bavaria is surprisingly to many among the strongest built. If this says more about other mass production brands is a different discussion, but the keel bolts, hand laminated and NOT glued superstructure was critical points for me making my decision. That said knowing your own and your yachts limitations is critical. This I have exposed on purpose several times here. All the best ⛵️

[@dgasmd1]

Dude, seems like since you got out of the Caribbean it has been nothing but hardship and miserable storm after storm. I’m impressed despite your obvious knowledge and preparation that you are still enthusiastic about the pacific. Also, very very different than what I see from other KZbinrs. Caribbean is calling you😂😂😂😂😂

[@SailingwithThomas]

Yeah it has for sure not exactly been a walk in the park 😄 But what an adventure this have been!! I have had my share of storms and bad weather now, and sitting In front of a beautiful Caribbean beach with a cold beer feels like a vague memory of paradise. I still enjoy and also really love long distances. Guess I’m a bit different given the fact I just added 713 nautical miles to a journey😅 Maybe my next round will be different. Anyway thank you so much for being here my friend! All the best

[@captainmagic5524]

You're LEGEND Thomas

[@SailingwithThomas]

Thank you so much for being here, and for your kind comment 🙏🏻

[@cryptoatnight9233]

Only half way through this but your attitude is plus gazillion!

[@SailingwithThomas]

Thank you so much for watching and for your kind comment. All the best

[@nick.caffrey]

That is a fairly serious commercial for Bavaria. I hope they cough up a few dollars! Well done for having made it through!

[@SailingwithThomas]

Thank you so much for your kind comment🙏🏻 I think at least some of my biggest haters constantly telling me how poor my yacht is, and that it’s designed to be on a lake etc will start to run out of stupid comments. If I received a dollar for every bad comment I have received through the years with BE FREE I would been rich 😆 Bavaria is definitely better than it’s reputation, and stronger than most mass production yachts of today. Not flawless but the important stuff is good. All the best ⛵️

[@danoalex2977]

Great episode Thomas, you have demonstrated much courage and bravery which is extremely inspiring.Being in a car accident recently makes one realize how quickly things can change, one must persevere despite any challenges.

[@SailingwithThomas]

Thank you so much so much for your kind words🙏🏻 Sorry to hear about your accident and I really hope you will be fine and doing well, wish you all the best and get well! Sending some warm thoughts and love from BE FREE

[@andreassmetana7782]

You are the real deal sir! Stay safe.

[@darrellpugh6186]

The Obvious...you are ..well...shaken, stirred , knocked down and a lot more stitching to do. Glad your still floating. Epic Video ! Fair Winds 😎

[@SailingwithThomas]

Thank you so much for this comment🙏🏻 Your absolutely right, and difficult to explain how exhausted I was. Thank you for being here! All the best

[@MichaelWilliams-in3iz]

Wow, great job captain. Be free is definitely a blue water cruiser. I’d sleep for 2 days after that sail. Glad you took the time to video so of the sail.

[@SailingwithThomas]

Thank you so much for being here and for watching. Yes BE FREE is a very capable and strong yacht. I will give up before she does. All the best

[@laurapitre5797]

Wow that was an intense passage! The monsoon should change soon and things will improve greatly. Not too many sail makers in Indonesia. Singapore, Pangkor Marina in Malaysia and Phuket Thailand are your main options for sails. Rolly Tasker in Phuket has a giant sail loft. I hope you get to enjoy Indonesia as the weather improves.

[@vincentswerkes8637]

Thanks for the great video. I know that it is very difficult in those conditions to document what is going on as there is a lot happening and anticipation of what could happen. I've been in similar condition but not for the extended amount of time that you experienced them. It was a J42 I was on, and their were 4 of us. So you have my admiration .

[@alexanderroc3359]

Thanks for sharing your sailing experiences with us. Amazing going through such rough weather.😊

[@SailingwithThomas]

Thank you so much for watching and for being here! Your kind comment are appreciated as well

[@alexanderross4853]

Hugely impressive ,thank you for keeping such a detailed record in those extreme conditions. Sorry about the expense you are facing now in repairs.

[@nooneanybodyknows7912]

Thomas, that was one helluva passage. IMHO, something needs to change when sailors are forced to sea to encounter Gale 10-12 winds when visas expire. I hope the officials watch this video and comprehend the danger and repair cost you encountered as a result. That's one for the record book. Skål" 🍻

[@SailingwithThomas]

I’m totally agree with you, and I hope to be able to address this problem and challenges sailors face with burocrazy. I have shared this link with both immigration and agents. All the best

[@roadboat9216]

Wow, no fun. I have sailed up to 80+ kts in systems off of S Florida and the Bahamas. Infamous for terrible squall systems and powerful fronts. Was in port Miami with over a 100kt frontal system. And several times over 80 kts off shore. Sometimes the rain so intense that it beats the waves down. I saw that in some of your video. So sorry about your canvas. And sail data says you only carry 75 gallons of fuel. Ouch. With a 100 hp diesel that doesnt last too long. But you very light displacement and long water line helps a lot. Yes, a fast boat. My Cal ll-46 carried 270 gallons of fuel. Thanks for the documentation. Not easy in those conditions. Also I always had at least one crew (usually my wife ). That really helps a lot. Good on ya mate!

[@mikemartin6790]

Stay strong bro! Love your series, honest and to the point.

[@SailingwithThomas]

Thank you so much for being here 🙏🏻

[@StemtoSternSailing]

You are made of strong stuff Thomas... you need a sponsorship from a sail loft that can make sails equally strong . Best regards from Jarle

[@SailingwithThomas]

Thank you so much Jarle 🙏🏻 I definitely need new sails so it would been a very welcoming solution with a sail brand offering a good deal. But most companies only look at views and not so much at target audience and content. Sometimes weird to see sailors sitting at anchor year after year getting sails and equipment. But it’s how it is. Today it’s really difficult for a small channel like mine to break through the noice. Especially without falling for the click baiting and drama thing. It’s even difficult enough to upload a video like this because most people don’t see the difference between the real stuff bs KZbin drama BS. Anyway thank you so much for being here. All the best

[@StemtoSternSailing]

@@SailingwithThomas thank you for beeing real. Best regards from Jarle

[@iamich7048]

Thanks a lot for documatation your horror trip. Respekt for your resillience under this conditions!! Most of us can´t real empathize what you have been trough. I was really amazed that the autopilot survived that, in earlier years, autopilots were the first casualties in heavy seas.

[@SailingwithThomas]

Thank you so much for your kind words and for being here! My autopilot setup today is really good after many years of try and fail. But now it’s strong and extremely reliable. A solo sailors best friend. Many do the mistake comparing a custom and pretty expensive hydro vane solution towards a cheap standard autopilot. If the comparison should be made it needs equal terms and honest approach towards running costs, installation complexity and investment. Then comparison can be done. I’m thinking about sharing my thoughts around this topic I’m not long. All the best

[@iamich7048]

@@SailingwithThomas I would be very happy to hear about your experiences with autopilots as a single-handed sailor. I am currently considering having a second electric autopilot installed in addition to my raymarine autopilot. In preparation for a circumnavigation..

[@JagLite]

Wow! I've been in high winds and huge seas on my boat but nothing close to that. You have an excellent boat and you keep it well maintained. I know you will get new sails as soon as possible. Cruising gets scary at times but the good days are far more common than the bad days. Sail on brother.

[@SailingwithThomas]

Thank you so much for your kind comment and for being here. Luckily most of the time it’s nice weather and beautiful scenery. But hard sailing is part of this game as well. All the best

[@hebertcentrone6804]

Amazing video

[@hebertcentrone6804]

I was going to ask about your real floor, but someone did it already, I thought it was a safety line or something else. It was an amazing non KZbinr passage. Non windhippie weather 😂

[@SailingwithThomas]

Thank you so much for watching and for being here!

[@muskietime]

That is one solid boat….and crew!!! Be well.

[@SailingwithThomas]

Thank you so much for watching and for your kind words 🙏🏻

[@tomasseglaren4731]

Herre gud,ska aldrig mer klaga när det blåser på Vänern. Fördelen med denna erfarenhet är att det kan nästan aldrig kan bli värre. Ha det nu så bra och jag önskar dig lite lugnare vindar. Med vänlig hälsning, Tomas

[@SailingwithThomas]

Takk Tomas, det skal ikke klages herfra etter dette heller. Håper jeg aldri får vindhastigheter i nærheten av dette igjen. Tror det er krevende for «vanlige» folk å forstå hva jeg egentlig gikk gjennom her. Ønsker deg en fantastisk sesong på Vänern ⛵️

[@arkady35as]

I love your genoa! Greetings from Poland! 👌👋🤘💪

[@SailingwithThomas]

That sail has proven to be a very strong and good sail! So yes I also love my genoa as well. Thank you so much for watching and sending some warm greetings to Poland 🇵🇱

[@johnmajewski1065]

Riveting video documenting weather hell on a sail boat. Thanks for sharing. after seeing what you and your boat went through. You should consider sending this video through your immigration clearing agent to the visa and customs department, so the officials fully understand you have been put in harms way through their lack of weather consideration and flexibility. Let hope once they understand their rule book needs updating when life and property is at risk of total loss introduce some flexibility to leave for a safe weather window and not a rule book. SV Skoiern IV

[@SailingwithThomas]

Thank you so much for watching and for your comment as well. This video is shared with both agents and officials. I have the understanding they where sorry for this situation. All the best ⛵️

[@1960jammy]

Keep up the good work!! And Thank You for all the brilliant videos!🥰🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@SailingwithThomas]

Thank you so much my friend 🙏🏻 I’m really happy to know you enjoy my content here. All the best

[@Ron_Leonard]

Your flag held-up ok, well done. My big storm was SE of Cornwall, while being a self-taught solo sailer and still gaining experience so still had an un-reefed main when an un-forecast gale hit against a spring tide leaving the English Channel. My little 27.5' Trapper 500 stayed afloat despite a serious broach, when I was tempted to step-out of the cockpit into the sea. Wind ripped both my dodgers off even though they were fixed with many heavy duty cable ties but my main held-up with only little damage. Got a black eye, a black thumb nail and lost my dentures in the bilges, but I survived. Beside an early reef, I'll also always keep a bottle of water in the cockpit, as hours of one's mouth constantly filling with saltwater is most testing and may tempt one from leaving the tiller for a moment.

[@SailingwithThomas]

Not really, the flag was taking some serious wear and tear but not so visual. It did not take long after that before it started to look very sad. Thank you so much for watching and for being here 🙏🏻

[@annhooper726]

Thank you Thomas for sharing, a true and real life experience on the cyclonic 'wild nthwest' C's😊-zseahorses breaking their tethers. Well done on your endurance and stability. 😮Your introduction video photo tells the story. Safe voyages with a❤😅🎉

[@SailingwithThomas]

Thank you so much for your kind words and for being here🙏🏻 Some of the photos I have I should probably shared more of. It’s basically because of a mistake when things where a bit rough, double click on the GoPro. I believed I was recording but unfortunately only taking snaps. It was a lot I wish I had in a video format. But given the conditions it’s actually a lot I managed to share. I was extremely tired and alone about everything. So not easy. All the best

[@demetrisdemetrious8702]

Wao!!!!! That’s something to go through for you and your boat! That takes knowledge experience and guts Put all together 💪👏 Also Proof of (production sailboats) can handle big seas and oceans

[@SailingwithThomas]

Thank you so much for watching and for your kind comment 🙏🏻 It was a rough one, and I was even a bit lucky. BE FREE is a strong boat, she has her flaws but most of the important stuff is really good. Thank you for being here

[@0scartheCat]

you really challenged yourself here, Well Done to you . .

[@IWANVOLLEBREGT]

wow..and I thought we had a rough passage from Antigua to Azores last month.....

[@hippiehens102]

....”so Predict Wind and Windy Get Your Shit Together “!!! I laughed So hard and Second That! 💯 Instant Sub ❤

[@SailingwithThomas]

Thank you so much for subscribing 🙏🏻 Happy to know you enjoyed this episode and hope you will enjoy both old and new episodes as well. Thank you so much for being here!

[@sailingrequin1498]

Wow Thomas, real southern ocean training! Glad you are safe and I hope your able to pick up some new sails soon xxx

[@SailingwithThomas]

Thank you my friends! Hope you two are doing well. I will need some new sails but not sure yet how to achieve that. Also this part of the world is a bit challenging. All the best

[@podocrypto6072]

Wow, what an intense sail. Thanks for sharing your sailing strategy through it all.

[@SailingwithThomas]

Thank you so much for watching and for appreciation of the extra work putting in some strategy and graphics as well. This is a very time consuming part of my video productions. All the best

[@bRad-Sails]

Cr*p Thomas, what a mess those storms made of your sails and canvas. That was some real weather. So glad you made through despite the damage. Hope you are able to find a way to get the boat back in shape and get some rest. Being under pressure to move is challenging.

[@SailingwithThomas]

Thank you so much for watching and for your kind comment. It’s a challenge to have all I need fixed and replaced here now, but I will find a way. I’m also very thankful it ended well after all. Cheers

[@jgestiot]

I have been hit by a category 5 typhoon (fortunately not on a boat, which would have sunk) and the strngth of it (250km/h with gusts of 300km/h) must be experienced to be believed. Gale 10 is not fun but Gale 12 while sailing is impossible. You survived, that's the main concern. Things can be fixed or replaced but not your life. I hope you got plenty of sleep. Thanks for the video.

[@Seacracker1]

Great content

[@CaptFrenchy68]

Solo sailing thru weather takes balls and skill , you are the best.

[@SailingwithThomas]

Thank you so much for watching and sharing a nice comment. All the best

[@dc1544]

I must say you are a true sailor. You believe in your boat and it's strong. I am 31% Norwegian and I fear way less than others I know maybe it is just who we are from our heritage.

[@SailingwithThomas]

Thank you so much for watching and for sharing your comment as well. I do really trust my yacht, she is a very well built and strong yacht. Maintenance is also a critical thing, and really glad to have had a full refit on rigging not long ago. All the best

[@danieldiaz9948]

This looked scary as hell. Thank you for sharing

[@peterwall4739]

Sailing is beautiful, except for that part.. lol.. Good show Thomas!! 👍💯⛵

[@anitahardesty2163]

Incredible job of sailing solo!! Im so impressed!! I would be so seasick you have no idea. Great job Thomas!! Love your channel. Thank you for sharing your travels with us ❤

[@Mrtonystrong]

Crazy stuff mate….glad you’re ok…lots of sewing to do.take care

[@jjjoooojjj]

Epic sail ... !!

[@SailingwithThomas]

Thank you so much for watching and for being here! All the best

[@kerryverity963]

That was an unreal passage! You truly are an amazing sailor. I’m glad you weren’t scared because I was terrified just watching! Stay safe ❤

[@SailingwithThomas]

Thank you so much for your kind Words and for being here! All the best

[@maesy6730]

The Viking spirit is alive and well. In a lot of parts of the world I think the AIS 'doesn't work' as they might not want to be seen.

[@jameswhitbread7173]

Dear Thomas, I love your channel. I would love to go sailing I'm 62 young so I will go within 2 years. How can I prepare myself I have no experience or knowledge.

[@montebaum]

Im waiting for you to get back tot he Carribbean so we can have a beer and I can remind you of the converstaion we had in Panama, im sure you remember. Ive sailed in 50, and that was insane, I ripped three sails and had my bimini also shredded. You were saying in the video, now it's 35 knots no big deal, I was thinking wow, 35 knots and im looking for the closest bay to tuck into.

[@snubblarinte]

Absolutely amazing Thomas! I'll join your Patreon to give you some help!

[@SailingwithThomas]

Thank you so much and welcome onboard 🙏🏻 I’m really thankful for all the support and love here and also on my Patreons page. All the best

[@OldSchoolDo]

so positive and taking everything on this passage with stride . good on you mate . thanks for this type of content . amazing passage ! hälsningar från Sverige !

[@1960jammy]

Thanks Thomas for the reply! I don’t have a boat, but just enjoy your videos and very envious of you!👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@SailingwithThomas]

I try hard to keep up, but it’s starting to become quite a challenge for a one man show😅 I do read all comments though. All the best

[@feedthegeeks]

Wow Thomas, you are a great sailor. I think Precision Sails better contact you for new sails to test out, for you are the one to do it properly. fair winds :)

[@SailingwithThomas]

Thank you so much your kind comment. I would definitely not mind testing out sails for Precision sails, but I guess my channel is to small. Thank you so much for being here

[@dc1544]

Most people think stronger sails are better. If you had those strong sails your mask would have been ripped off. A balance is needed if you are gonna sail into ruff weather. Sure in paradise strong sails are great and last longer. Your sails saved your mask and your boat.

[@SailingwithThomas]

Adequately adjusted sails and type of sails would definitely been better. And yea the risk of having a rigging coming down with this kind of forces is absolutely present. This is among some of the reasons I have preached a lot about rigging on this channel. It’s not my first cyclone force storm, and probably not the last either. This is the key message in earlier episode about heavy weather sailing. Also believe I have my words on solid ground with the other topics about Diesel engine vs electric as well. All the best ⛵️

[@mikenik6671]

amazing! I was out in the Gulf of Mexico 2 days after a hurricane and had rough seas and 25 kt winds... I cannot imagine being solo in 60+ knot winds.... Just amazing!

[@SailingwithThomas]

Thank you so much for watching and for sharing your experience as well. All the best

[@JoaquimHenriques_1]

Congratulations. I've been in event situations close to 60 knots and I know the struggle and stress involved. luckily everything ended well

[@SailingwithThomas]

Thank you so much for being here and for your kind comment. Above 55 knots things starts to become a bit intense and not so fun anymore. All the best

[@Andre-yu3qs]

Fantastic, thanks for sharing.

[@SailingwithThomas]

Thank you so much for watching 🙏🏻

[@larryhill7563]

You are a sailor not sure how many would do this. I will send a few dollars to help replace sails Thanks for sharing.

[@SailingwithThomas]

Thank you so much Larry 🙏🏻 This is much appreciated and I’m very happy to see this. Thank you for being here and also for showing your support🙏🏻 All the best

[@sammyvh11]

Never a dull moment. Good job

[@SailingwithThomas]

Thank you so much for your kind comment and for being here. All the best

[@robertlaird6746]

I was aboard a 165 ft. gaff rigged schooner called TeVega that is now called DEVA in 1985. We were headed west from Leningrad, USSR. We hit the tail end of the Perfect Storm that Hollywood made a movie called the Perfect Storm. The skies were pitch black for three and a half days. The winds were way stronger than what you experienced and the waves were as well. Our boat was 184 ft. tall and I think 27 ft. wide. The boat got laid over on it's side several times. The waves were splashing half way up the mast several times. The only way to steer the boat was at the wheel helm on the chariot above the quarter deck with no shelter. There were about 65 students aboard and about 10 paid crew including the captain. Everyone got sick except for two of the students. I was one of the students that didn't get sick. I was also at the helm during the worst part of the storm. I had two chest harnesses on and clipped them to the main sheet on the gaff above me. One of the waves hit me and I went flying. I got slammed into the chariot wall and broke it and then was sent up in the air that was all blue water and hit the main sail above me. One of the other students was in the deck house when that wave hit that knocked us over on our side and he went flying across the deck house, through the port side door and into the water. He said that he felt the bottom of the keel and then another wave pushed him up the port side of the hull and up into the air and he landed back on deck being pushed back and forth across the deck. He lunged for the door and dove in just as another wave hit the door and slammed it on his Vans top sider tennis shoe. The force of the door and the raised threshold cut the front of the shoe off just missing his toes. He got very lucky. I found out about it after I was relieved from the helm. It was a working school ship just like the movie White Squall. I loved every minute of it. It was a true adventure. We were in the Baltic Sea between Estonia and Poland at the time. One of the two floats on a floating oil island broke and it went down. We heard that news over the VHF. Back then we navigated by dead reckoning and celestial navigation using a sextant. I'm about ready to get a Mumby Cyber 48 and sail around the world. I've done one third of the world so far and plan on completing it.

[@SailingwithThomas]

Wow! Thank you so much for sharing your amazing story here! I’m glad you guys made it through that storm. Thank you so much for watching my story as well and for being here. Good luck with your preparations for your upcoming adventure. Who knows, we might share anchorage one day and you can tell me more over a cold beer. All the best

[@robertlaird6746]

@@SailingwithThomas That would be good to get together with some other cruisers. I'm looking forward to doing that and soon.

[@podocrypto6072]

Thomas, aside from your storm sail you want to get, consider upgrading your boom to a furling boom, so you could quickly furl down your mail sail, to just a tip top, or just all the way down within a minute with your electric winch, without leaving the cockpit.

[@SailingwithThomas]

Thank you so much for watching and for your input as well. A furling Main has its good sides but also lots of not so attractive sides on long distance sailing to remote places. My reefing system is actually quite good and is done from the cockpit. The preparation however needs to be done, or at least preferably done at anchor or marina. My challenge this time was I had no chance to have this setup done before leaving due to strong winds in the bay I was anchored. This might not been communicated good enough from my side. When reefing lines are in place it’s a much stronger and better solution in serious weather conditions. Imagine having a half furled sail that’s schredded. Been there tried that. So at least for me the setup I have on my mainsail is satisfying. All the best ⛵️

[@henriquehenrique733]

I me solo too in Caribbean... I go to cross canal Panamá, but never in storm similar in your video... Good professional sailor... Good job ... Thanks for the video🇧🇷👍🏻

[@seawench555]

Thomas ur a hell of brave Sailor, ur courage and determination is truly commendable Wow.😲🇦🇺

[@SailingwithThomas]

Thank you my friend 🙏🏻 Sometimes you have no other options than just try to keep calm and focus on playing it as safe as possible. I left cameras and documentation on this experience on pause when it was at its worst. Being extremely tired and alone was more than enough. I’m glad some truly understand this. Thank you so much for being here🙏🏻

[@TammyBillings-qt1ve]

What a challenge to sail through this. Good job.

[@SailingwithThomas]

Yeah it was quite exhausting to say it carefully. Thank you so much for watching 🙏🏻

[@LOVEDOMINATES]

This is no joke, so glad you are safe. This just proves how prepared you were, mind, body, soul and spirit. You were challenged on a physical level, tested to see how a solo human can survive such extreme conditions....

[@billb2176]

Just WOW - in a good way of course :-)))

[@SailingwithThomas]

Thank you so much 🙏🏻

[@mortenkalland]

Kjempespennende og fin kanal. Den plutselige "stormen" jeg fikk ved Malmøya Oslo (video) var ingenting i sammenligning her.

[@timlamarre8680]

Excellent video. Wondering how you are going to replace your sail. Thank you for posting.

[@GP-fd9ks]

He is going to have to pass around the collection plate and then email one of the sail lofts to have a new one made

[@SailingwithThomas]

It’s definitely going to be challenging and ridiculous expensive. This is the times I wish BE FREE was smaller. All the best

[@martinc6987]

Glad you made it. May God bless you and keep you and provide for all needs .

[@SailingwithThomas]

Thank you so much for your words 🙏🏻 All the best

[@1960jammy]

Thomas you have given us loads of brilliant videos. Now it’s time we give to you!🥰🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@SailingwithThomas]

Thank you so much my friend 🙏🏻 Really appreciate your kind comments and for being here

[@KiwiSkipper]

Jeezzzz ... maybe you should've come down to NZ after all?? Epic wind .. Be Free has proven herself and great sailing Thomas

[@SailingwithThomas]

Thank you so much my friend 🙏🏻 NZ would been great 👍🏻 BE FREE has made me very confident in her capacity and strength over the years. She has her limitations as well. If I had a better budget NZ or Australia would been the place for some serious upgrades. But that’s a different story. All the best ⛵️

[@KiwiSkipper]

@@SailingwithThomas Agreed mate. NZ is nat a cheap place ..but we have some extremely good services and people here. I'm looking forward to the next episode. Cheers from NZ

[@retepekooc]

Thanks for sharing Thomas,sad for the expenses incurred,but glad you managed to get through OK Appreciate your insights

[@SailingwithThomas]

Thank you so much for your kind Words and for being here. All the best

[@StephanParry]

In your situation, I would have played the bureaucracy after looking at that incoming weather - explain situation and asked a friendly Dr to say I needed to stay local for a few weeks and get a special visa extension. Pretty easy to do in S.E.A as long as you tick the boxes. I guess its one way to bring new sails quickly up the priority list and add some excitement to life! Ha det bra!

[@SailingwithThomas]

Thank you so much for watching. I actually tried but I guess it really depends where I’m SEA you are. Anyway I’m thankful for not having more trouble that what I got after all the storms and bad weather ever since leaving Tahiti. All the best ⛵️

[@andersnilsson6625]

O Boy! What a trip. I don't envy you. But you are just as good at sailing as you are at managing the comment field. Hope the finances work out so you can renew all the canvas 🇸🇪😀😄💕

[@SailingwithThomas]

Thank you so much for your kind words and for being here🙏🏻 It’s one of few passages I really felt exhausted to the limit of healthy. Hopefully nothing I will ever experience again. All the best

[@Jim-jh9bd]

Amazing show was on the edge of my seat feeling every wave and high winds . Not many You Tubers would be able to handle that

[@SailingwithThomas]

Thank you so much for being here and for watching. I’m glad to here you enjoyed this episode. All the best

[@Jim-jh9bd]

Always look forward to your show. Do you ever take crew on ?

[@SailingwithThomas]

Happy to hear this 🙏🏻 It happens now and then I have friends sailing with me All the best

[@GustavoLGNobre]

Very nice sailing content. Anyone would apreciate mora details of the passage planning and, sailing, mention to boat directions whenever you change it, its a main information to deduct all the other informations on video(wind and waves directions, location on your planned route, and even about wind changes behavior. Thanks for sharing! 🤙😎

[@Day_Tripper39]

Hurricanes are so unpredictable. I live in Texas and there are some that last days and have solid rain. Then there's the ones that dissipates and do nothing. It's a total guessing game. Good luck Thomas.

[@klausfroehlich741]

norway stile of sailing, no bullshit but a bit nutty ,tough guys, love it (i m a suc)

[@SailingwithThomas]

Thank you so much my friend for your kind words! Makes me really happy to know you enjoyed and also managed to see the reality in this video. Thank you for being here

[@timlees660]

Well done Thomas for remaining so cheerful in the face of adversity

[@michaelupton9009]

Oh sure glad you're okay Thomas...

[@SailingwithThomas]

Thank you so much 🙏🏻 All the best

[@tonychorley4936]

That was a very exiting episode and reminds me that a friend lives on Timor Este Leslie Johnson, 76 and going strong

[@SailingwithThomas]

Thank you so much for watching and for your kind comment. Timor Leste is a very nice place to be. All the best

[@redfraggle525]

Thank you for saying you didn't feel in danger. That was very scary. Wishing you gentle winds.

[@MrGentlebutfirm]

Extreme winds. The short duration is a life saver. The sea state does not build into something very dangerous.

[@bens_light]

Two questions: 1. Why not detach your bimini already when leaving Indonesia? 2. Why always genoa and not a real storm jib? Not an expert here, really wondering... 😊

[@SailingwithThomas]

Hi there and thank you for watching and even having pretty good questions. The sail plan I have explained in details in the heavy weather sailing episode. I do lash down the Bimini when it’s possible and predictions are accurate. I did not expect more than 40-50 knots, and 40 knots are normally not a problem. However if I new I was going to have almost the double of this, I would not have it up. The reason for hesitating to wrap it and lash it down is the fact I’m sailing solo. Unlike many others I never sleep below deck, I only do power naps in the cockpit. Important part of my safety strategy is also to stay awake during the night, meaning the daytime is my power nap time. So to have some protection from sunshine or rain this is important for being able to get the needed power naps in 20 minutes intervals. Hopefully this explains the reasons and decisions behind it. All the best