Sailing out the anchor; Quiet time; Passage preparation

In another edition of how to sail without an engine, I talk about sailing up to the anchor in such a way that 1.) does not require heavy windlass work to bring it up short and 2.) lets you sail away on a preferred tack. Then it's off to a tranquil (and internet free) anchorage in Culebra. And yes, we are still northwest bound to the Florida Keys, but a lot of active weather coming off the US East Coast is prolonging our stay in Puerto Rico.
WEBSITE: www.boothbyboa...
TIP JAR: www.paypal.me/...
MUSIC: Lazy Days--Kevin Boothby
VIDEO SOUNDTRACKS: / user-177118317

[@emilybh6255]

I loved watching the sailing up on the anchor. All the KZbinrs with sailing channels that end up going to the lengths of diving to dislodge an anchor or cutting the rode or calling Tow Boat USA should watch this video. Your videos prove how much more people can do with their sailboats if they just become good at sailing them without using an engine.

[@msf60khz]

You are the first person who has mentioned how boats tack up to an anchor like that. I thought it was just because my sailing dinghy is small. Now we realise what is happening we can utilise the effect to get away on the desired tack.

[@rtonce]

I had this list of boat needs to get back into sailing, and i am able to often strike one or two after learning from each of your videos. No furling, no lazy jacks or sail pack, no motor...My own cost savings are such as a small enough boat for a hinged mast step with quick-release back stay for mast light access and a good wet suit for bottom cleaning. Thanks Kevin for making sailing much more doable.

[@glendree1]

great episode with valuable lesson on breaking anchor

[@marianoschaller9066]

This is when you can tell sailing is an art itself. Brillant stuff!!!!

[@richardbohlingsr3490]

Nice and relaxing, no surprises and off you go. Let the boat do most of the work for you. Happy sailing.

[@twelvedegrees5019]

Excellent work K. Man, you should think about teaching people how to sail, coz you can really handle a sail boat, and your not too shabby on the music side either. Thanks for the video.

[@paulgarcia1147]

Freakin tacking up on your anchor. Just awesome. Real sailing.

[@riverrat4631]

Your videos just keep getting better Kevin. It's nice to see a sailing channel that don't beg for money. Fair winds.

[@howtosailoceans1423]

Thanks Joe. Of course I also have my tin cup out ... yikes, getting hit with a serious rain squall as I type this

[@rm5632]

Kevin, thanks for the excellent videos! As I am a single handed sailor, I’m totally impressed by your lessons and tactics. Please keep up the good work!!

[@bluebrass]

I love your approach to sailing. I think many of us get far too caught up in all the things we NEED in order to be out sailing and enjoying the ocean. Thanks for the reminder that it's all possible

[@vincentjarrard4719]

I recently found your channel and have been so impressed with what you do and how you do it. Congrats on another great voyage! When I saw the small boat greet you, I thought, wow! This is the first human contact he's had in 30 plus days. It was an emotional experience for me. Thanks.

[@legend343]

You’re such an expert sailor and it’s fantastic to watch your purist sailing skills. I have so much to learn. The only down thing from my POV is the music when you’re sailing, there’s no better sound than the sea and waves crashing imho. But thanks for sharing. Warren s/y Legend

[@cbrey]

Another beautiful vid, Kevin. Such a pleasure to experience vicariously. I love to sail on and off the anchor, although I keep the mainsail up so that I can back it to help set the hook-- I just push the boom to windward and sail backward a bit. Another fun technique I've used in uncrowded anchorages (before I had all-chain rode) is to bring the anchor back outside the lifelines all the way to the cockpit, cleating off as much rode as I anticipate needing and keeping it neatly coiled in the cockpit. Then I approach the drop point on a beam reach under mainsail only, drop the hook from the cockpit under the lifelines and immediately fall off on a broad reach. When the rode runs out to the end the anchor digs in under the momentum of the boat and swings her immediately up into the wind. Drop the main and it's Miller Time.

[@howtosailoceans1423]

That has me thinking that the technique outlined in the vid probably works better with a combination nylon/chain rode, where you have a fair amount of nylon our ... I like the flying anchor set idea. Of course you can still do it with your all chain rode by lowering the anchor as you sail downwind, but when it comes taught the chain might scrape against your hull a bit.

[@cellobob2358]

Wow, Carter Brey! With Kevin, two of my heroes from different parts of my life!

[@sparrow082]

Thank you for making these videos.

[@howtosailoceans1423]

Thanks for watching!

[@pauledgar7593]

Love the insights into what is going through your mind re. strategy in each sailing situation as it’s happening. So instructive. Thanks.

[@patricklaine6958]

Great demo on the anchor Kevin. I occasionally pick up a mooring buoy just using the sails (just in case), but have never tried weighing anchor using the sail to take off the load. I'll give it a try! Thanks

[@howtosailoceans1423]

I find it works well, though just make sure the anchorage is not so crowded that there's a chance you might go sailing into another boat ...

[@talderson1]

@@howtosailoceans1423 Do you know Mr. Laine? You should take a peek at his videos as well. He's currently on his way to Iceland (I think) solo :) I watch both you and Mr. Laine for your expert knowledge. So interesting to see / hear your thoughts on this. I don't think I could do what you do ie: I love an engine. But I do like the idea of sailing off an anchor and this is PERFECT info for me. I do my sailing single handed as well and ending pointing the boat in the proper direction with the sails up is great! I saw one older couple with a set of oars and he was paddling the sailboat out of anchor like a dingy. That was fun to watch too. Oars must have been 15 feet long. I think you have one as well if memory serves.

[@howtosailoceans1423]

@@talderson1 Patrick subscribed to my channel back when I had around 50 subs, and I have been following his channel ever since. It never hurts to practice sailing on an off anchor, or a mooring, and if you have an engine ready to go just in case, there's little chance of losing control. Yes, I have a 14-foot sculling oar. It works well for working in tight places when there is little or no wind. Thanks for stopping by.

[@914va]

Great video....thank god for weather technology. Imagine Mr Slocum trying to make those decisions back in the day.

[@howtosailoceans1423]

Indeed, it gives us a huge advantage over our predecessors, though we still must prepare for bad weather, never any guarantees.

[@flightplan1000]

Very nice work, Kevin...

[@MiQBohlin]

Also, I appreciate how you show the weather check up, and telling the options for planning departure 👌🏽

[@jerrywilliams986]

Another outstanding video. To go w/o an engine AND single handing. You have the skills and the work ethic. Great to see someone use knowledge and norwegian steam.

[@howtosailoceans1423]

Norwegian steam? Lol, hadn't heard that one before ...

[@HenryHeymusic]

Another fantastic view into your patiently expert process. Thanks again -- from the frigid north!

[@howtosailoceans1423]

Thanks Henry! Stay warm up there.

[@georgecanakis1075]

Geeeez i was holding my breath mate. Excellent video i love the way you look at weather something we should all do. Loved the drone videos it shows your beautiful boat well. Cheers from frozen Canada. 😎

[@seickhorn]

As always, just when I need a shot of inspiration, you come thru with a great video. THANKS!!!

[@howtosailoceans1423]

Thanks for stopping by.

[@FitOutPost]

Looking at your solar panel @ 1:44 it is being lifted by one of your ropes.

[@erikdailly]

Nice vids! At 1:50, I thought I saw you solar panel come loose.

[@howtosailoceans1423]

The reefing line snagged it, it happens ...

[@CoVianna]

Greetings from a cold, wet and gray UK. Worked my way through all your videos now, Every one very enjoyable and lots of useful information and hints and tips. Keep up the good work. Am jealous as my boat is on the hard at the moment. Not that I'd want to sail in our current weather anyway. You certainly have an enviable lifestyle!

[@howtosailoceans1423]

Indeed, the British Isles in January is not known for clement cruising

[@calvary1808farm]

You got skills! Thanks for sharing.

[@todmills]

I use the same technique with my boat, although I sheet the main in tight. My boat is small (Montgomery 17), so I don't do it to take load off the anchor rode especially, more just so the boat stays in a small place, slowly self-tacking, while I stow my anchor and rode. It allows me to sail out of tighter spots than I otherwise would attempt, such as the western cove in Pulpit Harbor, ME. Psst, at 1:43, you have a reefing line hooked on your solar panel, pulling it.

[@howtosailoceans1423]

Yep, those pesky reefing lines hanging from the boom ... do you find that you can reliably get going on the desired tack as well?

[@todmills]

​@@howtosailoceans1423 Yes, choosing the tack is no problem; I just wait for the tack I want and then sail that course. On my boat, which no doubt behaves rather differently than yours since the keel/rudder configuration is different, I found that the boat moves around a little less with the boom sheeted on the centerline. While my main halyard is at the mast, the jib halyard is routed back to the cockpit, since my boat is not as directionally stable as yours. I also have a line to pull the jib down to the deck so I don't have to go fwd to pull it down.

[@howtosailoceans1423]

@@todmills Good, yes, I find that I can almost always get off on the desired tack as well, and even if I don't, just drop the anchor back down and let it pull her over onto the other tack.

[@WalterEGough]

Good work! Your anchoring among those expensive looking boats made me nervous ... think I'll buy my diesel a gift today and just spend a little time with her to let her know how much I appreciate her many years of reliable service :) Love your videos!

[@howtosailoceans1423]

Lol, yes, if you go with a diesel, it's best to take good care of it.

[@WalterEGough]

@@howtosailoceans1423I do my best to take excellent care of the engine. Your videos have inspired me though to turn it off more often and use the wind.

[@emilybh6255]

After you have practiced sailing by and up to lobster pot bouys, you can build confidence sailing your boat on a slalom course through a harbor with tons of boats and purposely sailing close by, seeing how close you can get and then turning away when you are only a few feet away to avoid a collision, to really get a feel for your boat's steering capabilities. Also practicing sailing up to docks and moorings also builds confidence so you don't need to rely on an engine.

[@howtosailoceans1423]

@@emilybh6255 Agree, we all learn by doing. Pick safe situations to practice at first.

[@emilybh6255]

@@howtosailoceans1423 Yes of course. Also you can always go slow. Sail with a big luff in the sails. That is what I would usually do when sailing our boat up to our mooring . You can always pull in one of the sails to speed up if you find you are going too slow and think you can't make it. If you gauge the conditions right, you can just about have the boat come to a stop when you reach the mooring .

[@daveh8995]

Excellent video. Like your weather analysis, cause I struggle with it.

[@sprintphoto]

You made my day .Thank you. Anthony

[@penney304]

You're a good teacher.

[@adventureexpedition4693]

That’s fantastic information thank you!!!

[@RVLifeNOW]

There are always newbies on Face Book sites who ask how to learn to sail. I will start heading them to your channel. Even those who have been sailing a while will learn new techniques. If you sail up through the Old Bahama Channel and if you have not been to the island of Cay Sal before, it is a fun stop. Plenty of coconuts on shore and lobsters in 5 feet of water. But even in settled weather, a stern anchor is needed to keep the bow into the swell. No real protection.

[@howtosailoceans1423]

Thanks for the info! I was just thinking Cay Sal may be an option over heaving-to if I want to wait for better weather to cross the Gulf Stream, but have never sailed in those parts.

[@howtosailoceans1423]

Thanks for the referrals

[@RVLifeNOW]

@@howtosailoceans1423 It really has to be pleasant to stop there. Even anchored on the protected side, waves wash around the island.

[@stottcarleton1624]

Awesome video 👍🇺🇸

[@OrWell-vb7le]

Love that Hamilton Marine T-shirt!

[@angelepenney6407]

Hi , these old tricks are dying out , common practice in the old days.when i want to steer when i am on the fore deck, i put a bungy cord tight on one side of the tiller, then on the other , take a line forid to a jam cleat.good for sail changes.

[@howtosailoceans1423]

Hadn't thought of running steering cables forward, that's an idea...

[@tahoo2121]

Excellent tutorial! ...Waves

[@Kitiwake]

Great. Never did it .. Now I know. Thanks

[@nonames1957]

Another great video!

[@Lawiah0]

Kevin, your drone footage really expands the experience; and therein lies the rub. Solo action footage must be difficult in a challenging anchorage? Best regards

[@howtosailoceans1423]

Yes, indeed, sailing and flying a drone at the same time is quite the multi-task.

[@paulmorris7603]

Great watching you drop and weigh anchor under sail. Using an engine one is always told to go hard astern for a few seconds to dig it in. Anything equivalent when you are just under sail? I've seen videos of people backing mainsails etc. Though I notice you drop yours as soon as you are ready to drop anchor. I've had problems with my mainsail up when anchoring using the engine. The boat falls off and wants to go sailing! Sometimes difficult to keep the main luffing (or maybe that's just my crew!) Nice footage of your boat sailing too.

[@howtosailoceans1423]

Hi Paul, in light conditions you can do a flying anchor set, which is to sail downwind and drop. When the anchor digs she will come head to wind and then your drop the mainsail. I've never had much luck with backing sails either. In windier conditions, I just let the boat settle and watch my position for at least 15 or 20 minutes to make sure she's not dragging.

[@RiggingDoctor]

Love the outro

[@JacobGunter]

Awesome vid on anchors aweigh with no motor and navigating to an Anchorage w/ no motor. Maybe a vid on how to live on a sailboat, money, expenses, best boat for living cheap (obviously enginelesss), etc. Best, from the Land Locked Soldier.

[@Kitiwake]

It's there and it's good. Kevin doesn't live cheap, though..$16,800 annual.

[@StemtoSternSailing]

Thank you so much for sharing these technique's with inexperienced novices like me. I'm going to try this when I get to the stages of sailing ,,,, that's probably going to be amusing to the point of laughing your ...... of for anyone watching I guess. (Practice makes per, , , , , good entertaining)

[@howtosailoceans1423]

Enjoy the learning ... thanks for stopping by

[@deborahdoyle6743]

Great educational. Ideo

[@nessuno1948]

Sir, your boat is a pretty lady, as her name makes guessing. Happy sailing, bon voyage, from Italy.

[@makhoe1]

I'd like to try sailing up on an anchor some day.

[@harmseberhardharmseberhard9908]

Hi Kevin, again a phantastic video about the art of sailing, the beauty of simple life, traditional seamanship. What sort of drone camera do you use to such great results?

[@howtosailoceans1423]

I may do a vid on the drone, which is the Splash Drone 3. I am now getting decent results, but I have had problems with it so not sure yet whether I would recommend it. I need to use it some more.

[@SailingMalie]

Beautiful boat and great video. When you are sailing up on your anchor from tack to tack to lift it, are you tieing your rudder off?

[@howtosailoceans1423]

I generally keep the rudder tied amidships when I'm on the foredeck. When I'm in the cockpit I will use the rudder to steer, to help the boat sail forward.

[@cameronoconnor5364]

Great! Thank you.

[@johnbolongo9978]

Good job on the sound track......that's almost as much fun as the sailing.

[@howtosailoceans1423]

Thanks! The sound tracks are fun to compose, if a lot of work.

[@MiQBohlin]

Aye m8, excellent way to start off, impressive! (Also a very good way to start an episode 👍🏽) So, after setting the mainsail up, how do you gain enough speed for being able to steer her up to the desired heading? Do you use the sculling oar for a start? Or are you able to just sail into sufficient speed, to make her take rudder?

[@howtosailoceans1423]

In deeper waters (more about 7 meters), the boat will usually just begin to sail around her anchor with the mainsail up because of the amount of scope out. The sculling oar would typically be more work than just hauling in the anchor line by hand--and is useless in winds more than about 10 knots.

[@reloadncharge9907]

Enjoyed this episode...lots of fond memories around USVI/BVI anchorages. Fast turnaround to Keys/ stateside? Weather patterns pretty volatile for sure....you know something (ugly) is going to fill in at the extreme end of Windy.....thanks! Andrew

[@howtosailoceans1423]

Yes, though generally the really bad weather stays north of 25 ... except during hurricane season, of course.

[@Bleemus]

Well done as always Kevin. What anchor do you "believe in"?

[@howtosailoceans1423]

The Spade anchor, and my faith is being put to the test right now, have a serious rain squall going through. Also, from what I hear, the Rocna and Mantus are excellent.

[@Bleemus]

@@howtosailoceans1423 thanks. Spade user here as well. May there be fair winds after the squall!

[@howtosailoceans1423]

@@Bleemus It held ...

[@RiggingDoctor]

We’re those tarpon looking for a handout at the restaurant?

[@howtosailoceans1423]

They may have been ... they may have also ended up in a fish sandwich.

[@MrRourk]

A couple of those places feed them

[@Josef_R]

Didn't you just spend a week headed south to get to the Caribbean? And now you're backtracking? Or did I miss something?

[@howtosailoceans1423]

Just arrived in Marathon, Florida, if that's what you mean by backtracking. I spent about six weeks in the Caribbean.

[@Josef_R]

@@howtosailoceans1423 Ahh, it doesn't seem like that long, the timeline shown in the videos. It looks from the videos like you just go there.

[@ardith11]

What weather program are you using ?

[@howtosailoceans1423]

Windy.com . I find the default ECMWF model quite good.

[@DominicNSX]

I love your videos! Besides PayPal you should also sign up with Patreon.

[@alapikomamalolonui6424]

It's REALLY nice to see an "almost real time" video! It's gonna be very interesting when the "Use From Anywhere™ on the planet" super-high-speed satellite internet comes online and you can stream your adventures in real REAL time...! (Get workin' on that, Elon!!) ..then again, no,.. no, don't do that. A little mystery is a good thing... :) Aloha! 🤙

[@howtosailoceans1423]

Ha! I try to stay current .. still waiting for that satellite iPhone.

[@13falls]

I'm a little concerned about your solar panel flopping around.

[@howtosailoceans1423]

Yes, the reefing lines sometimes catch on them, but I cannot figure out a permanent mount for them, so ...