The First Time We've Turned Back. 35+ Knots Wind on the nose! Ep.158

[@johndoherty8732]

I absolutely crack up when I see Riley's dad. Like father like son. Thanks for sharing you two, always inspirational! Take life by the horns and go where it takes you.

[@krystalpabis7818]

Aww you could really tell you guys enjoyed having family on board! Everyone just seemed to radiate comfort! Love that! Sorry to Mr. Whitelum Sr. About his digits being smashed. That darn wake!

[@adzark]

Riley . I am impressed at your being level headed and cautious . Turning back in 35+ Knots wind speed .. just the smartest thing to do... Gust could easily have been 10 to 20 Knots higher. Kudos to you. Sorry about your Dad's mishap.. sending my best wishes for him. .. Elayna , I purchased your latest song " Devil Like Me " acoustic cover on your channel . Wow.. Its amazing ... I love it... Keep it up ... Angels always have such a beautiful voice ... ..My Best .. Fair Seas and Wind at your Backs GaleB

[@lawrencegleason4666]

:)

[@wc6046]

adzark what a nice comment

[@lasagnegurl167]

I love your adventurous, down to earth, easygoing, free spirited attitude towards life & all that you do. Your son or daughter will be well grounded & have your survival instinct. The adventures you’ll have together will be amazing. I’m from Ballarat, Australia & I love watching your channel. Keep the awesome videos coming. You’re very inspiring & fascinating to watch. Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺

[@SailingTanker]

Like father , like son....

[@schwags1969]

Yeah, he took that one like a champ...and those digits were pretty bad to.

[@jeffgriglack9624]

Now we know where he gets it.

[@NorbCat]

And if Elayna is carrying a little “Joey” in the pouch let’s all hope the little guy doesn’t inherit that trait from his Dad and Grand Dad. The tendency does seem, after all, to be handed down paternally ... but who says the same couldn’t happen if the little one turns out to be a “Jolene”?

[@erickincaid9779]

I admire so much about you guys. I love the way you rightfully celebrate people, and I LOVE the after-action reports, i.e "Here's what you can learn from our mistakes." You are legend. Much love, and fair seas.

[@devonshire56]

Pops is a "Trooper" with his bandaged fingers and Riley with a bandaged leg...nice pair. You came through all of that gracefully and I hope getting your visas goes much SMOOTHER. Riley, your actually making wiser decisions by what you have learned but like all good sailors you have paid a price that will creep into your dreams once in a while and wake you up with a shot. It's all good and you both have learned so much. Be guided by your intuition, good information and listening to your partner, you will do just great.

[@schmelzerjohn]

Good video. Shows the other side of sailing where weather and events do not always cooperate. I have learned that rushing to meet schedules or events can lead to mistakes and accidents. Such is life. Stay safe and try to slow down - you won't be able to rush around as much when you're 3+ family.

[@Mantreaus]

Now I understand Riley, it's Genetic, You can't change it, just keep a 1st Aid kit filled and close by. The Scars will be something to impress the Grand Kids in the Future. They will look upon you in amazement and Honor. You're Stories will fill their Dreams with excitement and wonder. You will be their northern star for their own adventures. Thank You and Elayna for letting me be a part of your life and experiences.

[@rachelgerman6481]

So I started watching after Lenny was born & then decided to start from the very beginning and stop watching the new videos until I’m all caught up (which I highly recommed! It’s honestly incredible) But seeing the new videos & the thumbnails with the whole family is so hard!!! Lenny is sooo cute & im so curious how they’re navigating life on the boat with a new tiny crew member

[@chackett99]

Love these retrospective episodes where you look back at the collection of small little decisions / circumstances that culminate in troubles. It's rarely one bad decision or one bad situation .. it's a bunch of little stuff that add up to potential disaster / difficulty. Nice reminder to stop and make a note when it seems you're making more than one or two "well.. it'll be ok this time" or "we'll just push through this time.." kinds of decisions..

[@radekvesely1834]

The semi fake celebration was the funniest I have seen in ur videos...lol...can't stop laughing

[@kylofabian4579]

You all prolly dont care at all but does someone know of a trick to log back into an instagram account? I was dumb forgot my login password. I appreciate any tips you can give me.

[@hayesdayton2043]

@Kylo Fabian Instablaster ;)

[@kylofabian4579]

@Hayes Dayton Thanks so much for your reply. I found the site on google and I'm trying it out atm. I see it takes quite some time so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@kylofabian4579]

@Hayes Dayton It worked and I finally got access to my account again. I am so happy:D Thank you so much, you really help me out :D

[@hayesdayton2043]

@Kylo Fabian glad I could help :)

[@antonyallen8677]

You guys are just Amazing, i have followed your journey on and off since you had the first boat, just love watching some of your stuff, Totally Amazing. Take care you guys .

[@donaldvincent]

Riley-remember in life that mistakes will be made, but it is how you respond that matters! You will never make those same mistakes again. You have shown that you will respond well to any future mistakes. Cheers.

[@tdjackson4403]

Thank you guys for all the chill music you have added to my playlists!

[@BEAST1CARL]

Riley, I really have the greatest respect for you and also you Elayna. The level of integrity with you both is quite rare and truly amazing. Please remember that you can always re-negotiate, which may take some pressure off deadlines and you dont have to sacrifice your physicality in any way, getting hurt is never part of the plan, is it?

[@captainmarkgray8856]

The best part of your situation is you never have to be in a hurry. I have seen a lot of accidents happen just because people were in a hurry, could not wait for the weather to calm down or thought they had to get back to get to work etc... and then ended up loosing their boats and sometimes their very lives. There is never ANY reason for you two to ever put being in a hurry above your safety. Never be afraid to turn back or take the better more comfortable tack etc... Get some climbing and repelling gear for going up and down the mast. Then your life is oNLY in your hands. She could slip and let go of your line and you would come flying down to your death (especially out at sea bouncing around in an emergency). When climbing use TWO lines (one is your backup). I know one man who made his living up masts fall to his death when the line broke. He left his wife and kids behind. Repelling down is a super blast. Caving / climbing gear is a must and reduces your odds of dying when working on the mast by over 50%... Most importantly, when the weather is changing, kicking up, ALWAYS carry up less sail than you could put up. It's far better to reduce sail BEFORE you have to than trying to reduce sail AFTER it is too late... (that's when accidents happen and things break, chain accidents happen, , , )... We love you two (three) too much to lose ya now :-) o---)

[@rrobison25]

Captain Mark Gra

[@rrobison25]

Excellent thoughts!

[@captainmarkgray8856]

MB you are too funny :-) When I started cruising in the 1970s I wanted to know everything about safety. How to survive the adventure vs dying in the middle of the ocean. Sadly there was nothing. Now that I am too old to do anything except to share the life saving things I have learned over the decades (many via the school of hard knocks). If I was knew or even only a few yrs into cruising even today, I would want to learn all that I could. We have Google but nothing beats a life human being :-) Old duffers have learned a lot and some are "lucky" enough to still be around to share it (and they should share)...

[@todaysrealhealth8038]

Great advice. Learned from you.

[@mgiles]

Great video SLV, I loved it! I hope Mr. Whitelum's fingers get better soon. Riley please use two lines when going up the mast. A fellow sailor died at my marina not too long ago because his line snapped while he was up the mast. I can't help but worry that it could happen to somebody else.

[@flat6fever680]

Ever the handsome couple! Elay you looked so beautiful and peaceful during the time Riles was talking about mistakes on the recent trip. Always beautiful of course and both of you back it up with intelligence and wisdom not often seen in such a young couple. As always thank you both for the awesome videos and sharing your journey.

[@BrentonWalkerSailing]

100nm between breakfast and lunch! Now that's moving!! I'm definitely not used to those kind of numbers aboard my vintage vessel. Really enjoy your vids. You Guy's are doing a fantastic job at capturing your travels and allowing us to be entertained as we follow along. Go well La Vagabonde. Cheers.

[@911naimplate]

During the years of fall series racing when I was way younger, we use to sail regularly in 20 - 25 knot winds but I remember three specific races in steady 30 knot winds with gusts over 40 where many boats turned back and several lost helm control. The boats that tended to do well and stay the course were Pearson 10M's, Tartan 30's that seemd to love it the uglier things got and Peterson 3/4 tons. I crewed on all of the boats but the one that always dug in and just seemed to never give up was the T-30. With a working jib and double reef, you'd lock in your heal rate at rough 35 degrees on the inclinometer and then the boat would barely move from there. It felt like a freight train tearing through 6-8 foot waves. I miss those days as now I stick conservatively to around 15 knots but as times change, so do we : )

[@peterkacandes5905]

Rob M monos automatically dump wind by heeling in heavier breezes. Cats are much dodgier because the rig loads up in the gusts and the boat accelerates, but heavy cruising cats, not so much, this isn’t a real performance cat like a gunboat.

[@911naimplate]

Peter Kacandes Pete, I like there boat a lot but honestly it would not be my first choice if I were doing the kind of traveling that they do. While being able to cover distance quickly, eventually things catch up with you. Been doing the racing and cruising thing for over 47 years now, and have seen my fair share of weather even been caught out in 86 knots in a freak storm that lasted about an hour but seemed like the end of the world at that time. My choice would be a Shannon or Pacific Seacraft or something in that range. While being considerably slower, the survival rate in those boats should things get really ugly is better. I've seen million dollar cats flip and break into multiple parts regardless of build quality. When you have that much freeboard and multiple hulls something has to give. The worst thing that can happen to a monohull provided it maintains its integrity is flipping, losing the rig and righting. I'm a full keel guy at heart. If going for both speed and security, I'd probably look at a Nonsuch Night Hawk, re-work the cockpit to limit intrusion . No rigging to worry about, just a wip antenna. Owned a 30 Ultra for years, solid boat but again the cockpit needs to be shortened for ocean travel. If not going for speed and comfort, I'd just settle in to the PSC or Shannon as mentioned earlier. Have to love the security those boats buy you. Cheers............

[@iamlexcda]

Love watching you both wether drama or not. Glad you both are surviving but with all your mis-adventures... Life is Life. Totally envy you both with the life you live (no matter how hard or stressful it is) and the love you have for each other.

[@jcbaily5559]

You all are so responsible...there aren't many people who would admit to making mistakes!

[@c5dave1999]

Another great video!! Sorry about the mishaps. Welcome to this side of the world again!! Hope to catch a glimpse of the two of you while in Florida!!

[@debbieslabaugh4997]

Turks / Caicos had hands down the best beach that I have ever been on. Pure white sand. Loved it.

[@Smithsgold]

I can’t stop watching !!!

[@williamlilliott2433]

Mark Gray had some excellent advice for you. Might go back and read it again. Good to see you are being cautious about things. Sounds like 35 knots of wind is seek shelter time. Please take care of yourselves.

[@kendorsey4320]

As a resident of east coast US I would recommend net heading this way. A really a good choice here, to much risk not nearly enough reward. Also as a pilot we have a saying, "There are old pilots and bold pilots but no old bold pilots. I think the same may be said for sailors. That being said I am impressed by the capabilities of both the crew and the boat. Cheers be safe

[@sleaper3581]

Great video team. RILEY : Please attach a second safety line to your harness. Never hoist yourself with one rope attached. rope failure, operator failure and gear failure - will kill you. Take a second to arrange a safety line. It will save your life. Doesn't have to be pretty, and yes it will probably slow you down and be cumbersome. But that is OK. Keep making great videos. - Kia Ora from New Zealand.

[@carsyeah23]

Another wonderful Sea-Escape for my day. Safe travels you two. Thank you.

[@MrMuppetbaby]

I so love riding along with you two, marvelous. Anyway, I thought you might find it interesting that in the course of my duties here in Las Vegas, as a computer programmer I found myself contracted briefly at Nevada Power (NV Energy) the electric people. I was in their quite elaborate control room that monitors all the power being distributed to Las Vegas and beyond on two giant video walls that depict the US power grid and what is the main engineer looking at on his big computer screen? The health of the Nevada electrical grid? No! Episodes of La Vagabonde. I walked over and said something like "nice choice, have you seen the one where they....". OMG I was laughing to myself. He's a sailor it turns out. You sure get around. All the best to you - Tod :)

[@mattycanz]

Found this channel yesterday and all I can say is I’m hooked! I’ve started from the beginning to see what you guys have done! Keep up the awesome work!

[@AnOtterCoffee]

That slow dancing in a burning room instrumental is perfect!

[@redrickgrass]

Thanks folks for all the footage! Awesome as always!! Safe travels.

[@jordanlarkin4533]

Love you guys, thanks for letting me come along.

[@ursus9104]

You better use one of the other halyards as a secure line when you climb the mast, or you can be in great peril to say the least should the line you are hanging in snap off. Always a plan B on a boat at sea, due to Murphy's law.

[@faaaaart1]

Appreciate the squeamish warning. Phew . A little twinge , I do hope he heal quickly. Riley, great call on turning back. Again , thank you for sharing. Love your videos

[@JTuretsky]

Can’t wait for you guys to be in Florida. Have a big meet-up!

[@Castathon]

Slow dancing in a burning room. One of the best songs ever!!

[@MrRourk]

Next Crew Member - Doctor. Maybe a Safety Engineer.

[@LachlanKent]

Hey guys just wanted to say that i love you guys and i found your channel exactly 12 days ago and after watching 1 of your videos i was hooked so i started from the beginning and watched every single video you have posted. I started 12 days ago and just finished ten minutes ago it was the greatest binge watch of my life. Thanks for being a great distraction from exams you've got me hooked can't wait for more videos and i can't stop thinking about doing what you guys did/are doing but I'm going to finish uni first then I'll think about the next step hahahah anyway thanx for being so great and inspirational and you two make me proud to be Aussie haha idk why but ya do anyway i can't wait for your next vid and i can't wait to see where your life goes next i feel like I've been on a journey with you two in the last couple days anyway thanks for being you and i hope everything is well. Bye.

[@EMGMediamaker]

Great use of the 'Wilhelm Scream'!!

[@SailingKittiwake]

Great decision guys! We had a similar situation this summer leaving Majorca. An hour out, it was evident the forecast was wrong, so 2 hours in we turned back after a beating. A fellow cruiser spotted us and sent us a message later on, saying he encountered 45knots of wind and 5m waves 😱 No shame in turning back!

[@realwheelman]

MAN! Tony you done it well! Good Journey home Tony Hope to see again and soon.

[@rstevens3221]

Sorry your Dad got hurt, hope he heals quickly. Nice sunset!

[@thelandyachty9742]

Hey guys, great series. We are a bunch of Aussies ( some from Adelaide and Perth ) here in Ft Lauderdale, Florida. We are mostly yachties and have a few other things going on here. We have a cool bar and an AFL team here if you guys are interested in coming to meet us all for a day and some drinks at night if you manage to stop here. Enjoy

[@anthonyalford8970]

Glad to see you guys are getting close to U.S. stay safe try not to get injured any more.

[@richardstraebel5522]

Regarding Episode 158, a safety tip (but) ask the experts. When releasing line off the winch (as when Riley's coming down the mast) hold your free hand in an open position softly against the side of the winch as the line goes out to prevent the wraps from crossing and jamming. Once they jam it can be difficult to unjam them with load on the line, such as Riley's weight. Just trying to help you guys be safe.

[@tomoconnor9502]

this is tom o'connor again; you guys sure have a spirit of adventure, must be so fun; but do be careful in nature's elements, as you know, mother nature is quite precarious and unpredictable at times when you least expect it to be, yes? of course. but I admire your courage and tenacity in your adventure. The digital age makes your videos so clear, almost like you are close up, isn't digital tech amazing? crystal clear. anyway, thanks for sharing your adventures with the world, including me. I look forward to your next episode! cause you do them so well. you guys are so cool mariners, but do be careful now, things can be fragile. your travels are so cool. and how you enjoy company ocassionally too. must be rather solitary out there on the open ocean? would be for me. I hope you have good travels , good luck, and do be careful. tom o'connor :)

[@davidcoro27]

Great video. So enjoy watching you guys having so much fun. Okay, not the injuries so much.

[@blaunellaskincare]

I'm watching the storm headed for S. Carolina and hoping you guys aren't anywhere near that path! Stay safe!

[@martinlang9615]

I sailed hard to windward 50-55 peaking 60 knots apparent wind speed. Being on the helm the sea spray stings your face. This Hi Tensile 46 masthead sloop took it easily in her stride. That was only a return trip from a race. I really miss that yacht.

[@PickledShark]

Great episode, as always. I see that you used a butterfly knot to back up the splice/swivel. Not a bad idea, but it is still conditional based on the integrity of the rest of the system. If there are any failures upstream of the knot (The knot itself, the mast directional, the rope, loss of control on the winch, etc) you will come slamming to the deck. As with anything, only you can determine what an acceptable level of risk is for you, but bear in mind that you are a a Father-to-be now. That should factor heavily in to your decision making, and change the way you do some things, for certain. Personally, in this case I’d recommend a second line, that you maintain independently of the hoist rope. This is the industry standard in Rope Access, and has prevented countless injuries and fatalities.

[@martysoulard7349]

I've baked a few brick in my time as well. I am glad you were able to get together with family and family friends. Warm wishes from Arizona.

[@Capt182]

I come for the voyage. But I stay, for the retreat. 😊👍

[@honeyhivefarms5739]

Very nice video. Fun... Thank you guys

[@sirfred2004]

Jolly good episode!!!!!!!

[@whidbeycustomphotography7152]

Love it! Thanks for sharing your adventure and inspiring my own. My wife and I are on the look out for a boat to sail to Alaska in the next five years. Keep it up and stay safe friends. -David, Coupeville WA

[@nakkersando1119]

Good on you for checking and adjusting the rigging when you have time n weather, would make for a little less stress free sailing 👍

[@GuyCruls]

beautiful verdant hilly hinterland at 9:58 - would've been nice to see more of that...

[@erinnasim]

So much raw reflection.

[@annakeye]

*+Sailing La Vagabonde* I see you've kept the table on the aft deck. I can imagine with guests on board it is really useful.

[@ianb4801]

Riley, saw something in the video that rang a bell. When you climbed past a rigging screw, I noticed that the split pins were bare. Something the rigging specialist at Bruinisse, NL put me onto is tape they call zelfvulcaniserend tape (but doesn't really vulcanise). You wrap it around the rigging screws, wherever there is a split pin to put something between the sharp ends of the pins and any running rigging. No adhesive, it sorta melds together but it adds a measure of security.

[@rhino_sailor7506]

Ian B as long as the sharp edges are bent over its best not to tape em up cause it traps moisture in and cuts oxygen off leading to corrosion issues. Tape best used on cut fingers lol

[@ianb4801]

Sorry, didn't say - I leave breathing space at the top and bottom of the open section of the rigging screw for that reason. Those split pins elsewhere shouldn't have condensation troubles and you also can't fold the ends back completely there so it becomes the lesser of evils I suppose, don't want any sheets cut. I used to have Al covers over the rigging screws, and they had condensation risks too, just routine rigging replacement left me with screws based on phospor bronze instead of SS and they are bulkier.

[@jamesjusick5426]

Keep a close eye on hurricane Isaac, it is coming in from the deep south and its north turn cant be determined yet. If it gets under you then goes north it will be hard to outrun. Great videos! Be safe and I am looking forward to you getting to Florida. Once near the north east side of Florida you can get into the St Johns River at Jacksonville and run it inland if needed to get away from other storms that may come along.

[@MrDannyr2000]

Tony is such a laid back guy, would of been nice for him to be onboard a little longer and to get to know him, I hope those fingers are on the mend soon

[@andrewb.5996]

Great video as usual guys....

[@robertmclennan5310]

Half the fun of sailing is there is no rush! Can almost throw the clocks away!

[@000001willy]

Elayna I was baking an apple pie and while making the pastry I used balsamic vinegar believing it was vanilla extract. It didn't destroy the pie but it had a slightly spiky taste.

[@brianb6603]

Excellent as usual!!!

[@Atemoya]

Thank you for the footage, gave you a big thumbs up

[@andrewbeattieRAB]

Wonderful video!

[@TheRealSasquatch]

never be afraid of tacking - a straight route isn't always the best route.

[@sphinx2k210]

When going aloft a mast it doesn't take much to use a secondary halyard attached as a backup line to pull through a clutch or cleat as you winch them up on the main line, you know - just in case.

[@RosaBirke]

Hi Riley and Elayna! I just sat and listened to my morning radio on BBC Radio 1, and in the news section they said that the storm coming around Florida is the worst in YEARS. I know you told us to not be worried in your previous video, and you also talked about "hiding in storm-free pockets"... but still... It's hard not to be a little worried sitting literally very far away (in Denmark) incapable to do anything. You're more than welcome to come to my local harbour in Odense, but it might be a little too far away for you at the minute without mentioning the up-coming cold weather and winter. Anyways, take care of yourselves! Lots of thoughts and love, Rosa xx

[@svshootingstar]

We had to turn around under similar circumstances. Leaving Provo to head SW across the Caicos Bank toward Luepron, it wasn't until we stuck our nose out that we saw what 35 knots on the nose in very shallow water can do. No stomach for that! Try again later.

[@daverjax]

Well, now we know where Riley gits it from don't we. Wonderfull Two fingers to messup, now you can flip people off by showing your battle wounds. F.W.F.S. keep a weather eye out on Isac and Helena.

[@crstothard]

5:53 Didn't know your dad was responsible for voicing the "Wilhelm Scream", Riley! That is too cool! :) Greetings from NYC!

[@cr117kcore]

Bloody well done guys. Live the dream

[@OneCupOfCoffee204]

Greetings from North Carolina, hope you guys are steering clear.

[@danward8720]

I had to go to the top of an 85' mast during a race in heavy weather to free a stuck halyard. The pucker factor was up.

[@Al.W7263]

I always thought your injuries were caused by being careless but now I find out that It's in your DNA. Enjoyed the video. Thanks. Ps. Sticky zip? Run the corner of a bar of soap over the zip.

[@firstlast1047]

A little tidbit. I live in Mexico part time. The city I live in has high humidity. I discovered that the plastic zippers of the pants I wore infrequently would swell. After breaking two pulls, I discovered, rubbing a bit of grease or oil would help. But the best solution was to exercise the zippers about every two weeks or so.

[@lissyrobertson9094]

love it ! can't wait to see your adventures in the Bahamas

[@chuckprice9500]

Please set sail for Aruba . 4 more storms coming your . Dont take any chances please take care !

[@lfodffi]

you guys stay safe out there with those hurricanes blowing in.

[@billlawmarshall5197]

I hope yall are safe from hurricane Florence. I am sure yall are probably getting some swell in the Bahamas. Grettings from Charleston SC

[@1STGeneral]

Bill Law Marshall Please be safe your self Prayers for all in Florence's path

[@bobshaw4063]

Bill Law Marshall hope ya'll are safe in Charleston , SC . My bro is in Spartanburg , SC he text me & said part of his street hsa no power so they are keeping their cell phones charged ,

[@Bookshelfstorage]

I would've been fine with a few more eps featuring the Aussie guests, but understand that they were probably too busy visiting and catching-up to pull out the video camera. Onward and upward! =]

[@ParkerFire]

guess we are catching up cause I saw your boat in Harbour Town Marina in Fort Lauderdale a few months ago. Safe travels.

[@donr416]

Every med kit needs to have a couple rolls of different sized tube gauze. It can always be used as reguar gauze.

[@richardsharp1005]

I was crying laughing watching this episode when you guys said you were on your own again and did your victory dance! 😂😂😂 double thumbs up from me!

[@cherinski6386]

yay for the bonus video!! safe travels!

[@crownethorne]

One of your best episodes guys! 👍🏼

[@dahiteman]

So many lessons learned. You will soon be proper captains. 😉

[@MAC-du1jp]

this video is very calming. Thank you for sharing best wishes!

[@knudsandbknielsen1612]

The squeek in the end I assume is from the old boat? I hope you keep that, it has a nice rhythm ;) Thanks for sharing your aquatic adventures, be safe, all the best!

[@plr7806]

🤣🤣🤣loves your dance moves mid clip! So unexpected!

[@brownchairphotography]

I love the under water scenes. So cool.

[@Alpinsoul]

enjoyed the video, great mast maneuver, hope to meet you guys some day

[@sidoniabarwood4748]

riley is such a mini-me of tony!!! the looks and mannerism are identical - like father like son rings very true 😁

[@thomasgoddard107]

Can’t wait for the video