Sleepless in the English Channel #14

We knew the passage between the North Sea and the English Channel would be a challenge: we got our money worth.
We left IJmuiden and set sail towards Cherbourg, knowing that the narrowest and shallowest part of the passage would be done by night.
We planned to make a straight sail down to Europort, and then get closer to the shoreline to take the coastal route between Zeebrugge and Calais.
Passing Europort felt a little nervous, as we had to cross some heavy traffic. Trouble started as we approached Zeebrugge, and a straight downwind got us bouncing and rolling up and down big waves.
Ryan was a lot more comfortable than I was, and we discussed options: taking a break in Dunkerque or Calais, and wait for better conditions.
That night, we simply couldn't sleep. At 11PM, I try to get a little rest but I couldn't close my eyes.
I got back in the cockpit at 12AM, and Ryan and I helped each others with the navigation.
We knew the passage between the North Sea and the English Channel would be a challenge: we got our money worth.
We left IJmuiden and set sail towards Cherbourg, knowing that the narrowest and shallowest part of the passage would be done by night.
We planned to make a straight sail down to Europort, and then get closer to the shoreline to take the coastal route between Zeebrugge and Calais.
Passing Europort felt a little nervous, as we had to cross some heavy traffic. Trouble started as we approached Zeebrugge, and a straight downwind got us bouncing and rolling up and down big waves.
Ryan was a lot more comfortable than I was, and we discussed options: taking a break in Dunkerque or Calais, and wait for better conditions.
That night, we simply couldn't sleep. At 11PM, I try to get a little rest but I couldn't close my eyes.
I got back in the cockpit at 12AM, and Ryan and I helped each others with the navigation.
Reaching Dunkerque felt like arriving in the Mordor, with the big chimnies lit on fire. The waters were still choppy and the wind blowing a solid 25 knots right at our stern, but we pushed through.
Ryan went down in the cabin, and threw himself on the settee in his foulie, lifejacket and wellies to get a couple of hours of sleep.
Eventually, at 5AM, it was my turn to get a little rest. That didn't last long, as we got a little wake-up radio call from the French customs, who approached us from the stern to ask a few questions in some of the most perfect French accents I've ever encountered.
The day that followed was a perfect sailing day, followed by a calm night and a beautiful sunrise over Barlfleur.
We reached Cherbourg in the morning, a couple of days before France won the World Cup.
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[@kentwood2914]

It is a mental fact, for those of us that enjoy the waves, the waves are not overwhelming. For those that fear the waves, they are obviously then a monster that will control the mind. It's really all in the head...easy to say, hard to conquer. I'm proud of you guys facing your anxieties and fears head on...

[@ThisVagabondLife]

I very much liked how you included the deliberations, assessment of risks and contrasting viewpoints depicting the journey to your joint decision to do this. Too often (on other vlogs) its just the edited highlights that appear. This was real! Congratulations on your achievement!

[@RyanSophieSailing]

Thanks SV Skyfall! it’s easy to pick the camera when everything is fine, the sailing is smooth and you’re having fun. It’s not as easy to pick it when you’re scared, tired, or getting yourself through a situation. Thanks for the support :) /Sophie

[@ElkoBarbell]

I've known Ryan for years, but just started going through your many adventures. I knew Ryan in his piloting - not sailing - years, but I love how he's taken all those planning, and risk assessment piloting things and brought them over so well into the sailing world. Together, your CRM skills are impressive and I'm having a blast watching it all!

[@crikycrocky]

The sea is a harsh mistress. My suggestion is to always take the easy option and not push yourself if you do not need to, (that way leads to the dark side). Consider how things could have gone if a difficult situation had arisen. Both sleep deprived, decision making questionable, physically tired through lack of good sleep, relatively inexperienced, still learning boat and systems.

[@idegem01]

Respect for doiing this part between Zeebrugge and calais at night. My boat is in Nieuwpoort, so i know these waters very well, and i surely know the channel to Dunkerque is not the easiest one. Well done

[@peterfarley2784]

You guys are gelling together really well and I love the way you show the true nitty gritty of life at sea. Well done I love this channel it is good to see adventurers doing their thing.

[@MikeSantis]

I believe Ryan have had more difficult time on board than Sophie. Being on a boat and knowing that you have control on things and you actually enjoying it while at the same time you have to continously prove to your companion that you have control on things and it is ok and you have to deal with her fears and uncertainties, it is not easy at all. Needs a HUGE PATIENT! Talking from personal experience.

[@abdulkkhan5095]

Fantastic , very informative. Great sailors.

[@tunamaniak]

You are both super genuine that makes these videos better then reality tv

[@RyanSophieSailing]

Thank you Hans, I really appreciate your comment :) /Sophie

[@karitane]

Definitely my favourite channel. Great vlog guys. Well done on overcoming some fears and don't worry about the make-up.

[@RyanSophieSailing]

Oh thanks Derek! I always worry about the make up, Ryan can look so pale without it (just joking ;)) cheers from France! /Sophie

[@jesterjon]

Your fear is normal and actually entertaining. The more you do the less you become afraid as you probably know by now. Also you learn to trust each other and sleep.

[@seatravel8536]

Congrats, another huge milestone, Sophie great job on facing the fear and challenge. Ryan excellent staying encouraging! More trips/experience will make sleep easy.

[@RyanSophieSailing]

Thanks! I agree, Ryan was great that night. Now I joined Ryan in thinking that “this is rewarding in its own way” :) /Sophie

[@klemenprezelj]

You guys are good. I like this channel. Press on

[@Windsorian125]

Another excellent film guys, with all the current vloggers now on you tube your positive energy, hard work and excellent editing shines through and makes your channel something truly unique. Another follower added.

[@RyanSophieSailing]

Thanks Windsorian125 for the feedback, we really appreciate! :)

[@Meeesa]

Somehow I stumbled on your videos. I have now become slightly obsessed with sailing, and dropping not so subtle hints to my husband about dropping it all and sailing the world. I now watch your channel, and a few other sailing channels as well. I am excited to see you guys sail, and grow your channel - because I know you guys will to really well!

[@RyanSophieSailing]

Thanks Meeesa! Excited for your sailing! I do hope you get to dropping it and get on a sailing adventure with your husband. It is the journey of a lifetime :) Thank you for the support! /Sophie

[@davidminnie3181]

Absolutely loving this channel. Funny, but real. Keep it up guys, look forward to every episode.

[@RyanSophieSailing]

Thanks David! I really appreciate. The next episode is in the making! /Sophie

[@debdoyle119]

Great job keeping it real.

[@markrobertshaw2781]

Brilliant videos. Great vibe.

[@RyanSophieSailing]

Thanks Mark!

[@CheersWarren]

Congratulation, belatedly on a great trip . You missed some interesting ports but your were passage making not cruising. That whole Belgium coast is always rough. The shallow water , strong current and frequently wind over tide means it's always lumpy ! there. Probably better you did it on one go otherwise you would have taken much longer . Fortunately looks like you had a following breeze for much of it. I'm jealous it's been too long since I have sailed that coast. The med is going to be so tame by comparison ( except for the scary bits!) cheers Warren

[@RyanSophieSailing]

It’s funny cause I watch this video about a year later and oh boy did we come far since then... this wasn’t a fun passage at all, but it sure made us wiser! The Med has also been rough on us, especially between Ibiza and Mallorca... more on that to come ;) /Soph

[@danielhoyle3546]

Wonderful video. Thank You.

[@RyanSophieSailing]

Merci Daniel!

[@douglasclayden4941]

Well done to both of you for pushing on and over coming your fears.

[@SailingMalie]

Another great video from Ryan and Sophie. You guys work so well togteher and Sophie your sense of humour brings smiles to my face. :-)

[@RyanSophieSailing]

Thanks Roy :)

[@JCAJCA3]

Another wonderful episode! GOD bless you guys. JC

[@RyanSophieSailing]

Thank you! :)

[@mackagerton4860]

I love your channel I watch from the start to episode whatever this one is but I think you do a great job

[@waynemcphail7825]

Getting even better each episode. I may be hooked, also like Sophie's humor.

[@RyanSophieSailing]

Thank you so much Wayne, so glad to have you here! I’m glad someone likes my sometimes very questionable humor 😅 /Sophie

[@cyclomaniac9086]

You guys ROCK.... another great honest yet drama filled episode. Good job!

[@RyanSophieSailing]

Thanks Cyclomaniac! Glad you enjoyed it! /Sophie

[@stuarthinds848]

Still catching up and enjoying your vlogs. I'm going to show Carol this one as she doesn't understand why I can't sleep at night on passages.

[@RyanSophieSailing]

Took Ryan a good year until he was able to get some sleep on passages! This particular one was a little too shaky to sleep comfortable though 😅 /Sophie

[@laurentfroggy6631]

What a rollercoaster and stressful episode you brought us Sophie and you both conquered too. Vraiment très bien édité. La coupe du monde est plutôt pour vous deux 😉. Merci and best from HKG 🇭🇰

[@bill4nier]

Thanks for sharing guys. Great job, hang in there Sophie. 😍⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵😊👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@RyanSophieSailing]

Thanks bill4nier!

[@markbernier8434]

Very brave woman. Bravery is not unafraid it is conquering your fear. Ryan seems a bit of a foul weather jack and the boat is probably tougher than both of you. You will learn to have faith in yourself soon.

[@RyanSophieSailing]

Thanks Mark, I appreciate your comment and I agree. A lot of things scare me, but I don’t want my fears to stand in the way of my dreams. Ryan is a former fighter pilot, and is trained to answer all kind of situations. He’s a great captain. Thanks for the support, cheers from France! /Sophie

[@markbernier8434]

That explains a lot. Military aviators are a separate breed.

[@ABeriault]

I see that Ryan is turning you into a true sailor...by pushing you to continue to Cherbourg when your reaction was to retreat! Sea sickness will diminish along with the departing stress as you attack new challenges!

[@HopeOfJoe]

Of course I would love your episode. ✨🥂✨⛵️🥂✨⚓️🥂✨

[@RyanSophieSailing]

Thanks Richard! :)

[@billroberts9182]

I really really enjoyed this one!! You both were so stressed- I could see it in your eyes! But it worked out O.K.!! Carry on!

[@tilleytristan]

Sophie, I wish you would allow yourself to trust the boat a bit more. I can see you hold a lot of tension in your body when the waves and wind toss the boat around. A sailboat has a huge amount of weight in the keel, so despite rolling a bit, you were never in any danger. Relax, and swivel with your hips. You will feel like a part of the boat, and in harmony.

[@pnwesty7174]

The more these types of trips happen, the more you'll learn. The more you learn, the more confident and capable you will be and feel. You don't want to do anything crazy - but pushing a little and being prepared for it is good in the end.

[@RyanSophieSailing]

I agree! Looking back at the situation, I’m glad we pushed ourselves a little. It was a great learning experience. /Sophie

[@bobhamilton298]

Need to get used to waves. Wind and waves are part of the sailing environment. Your boat can take huge waves. I have been in 10 footers+ with a 25 foot boat, with breaking waves crashing over the bow and flooding the cockpit and managed fine. Just like turbulence in a plane or a bumpy road while driving, its not always comfortable. Respect the elements and be prepared and as you gain time on the water, your fear and apprehension will start to subside. Love your videos as it shows another side of sailing which is very refreshing. You explain your feelings incredibly well and you have a wonderful knack for describing how the inexperienced cope with the challenges and realities of sailing. Keep it up. You are funny and entertaining (even during adversity) and have become one of my favorite sailing channels!

[@RyanSophieSailing]

Thanks Robert! I’m really glad you enjoy the videos :) A friend of ours said “your boat can take a lot more than you can”, which I do believe is true. I’m glad we went through that rougher passage, as we both learned a lot from it. Not particularly looking forward to waves crashing in the cockpit, but when that day arrives, we are better equipped than we were a couple of weeks ago! /Sophie

[@goralki]

Stumbled across your channel. Binge watched all episodes, GREAAAAT stuff. I follow the big ones like Delos and S La Vag. However I am blown away by your quirkiness, your honesty, your openness, and most of all can do attitude. Every episode had me grinning from ear to ear. I am convinced that in no time you guys are going to be up there with RAN and the others, if you continue on in your style....soooo refreshing. Have definitely subscribed and am chomping at the bit for the next episode. Absolute bloody ripper stuff...greetings from Australia

[@RyanSophieSailing]

Thanks Gordon, your comment made my day! We’re new around here, and that kind of feedback gives us extra energy to keep the channel up :) /Sophie

[@silkyjones2626]

I really lke the at sea video. So many sailing vlogs are travel films these days. Thanks !

[@RyanSophieSailing]

Thanks Silky! :)

[@petertaylor7910]

Hey guys. Another big step taken. well done Sophie to conquer you nerves and complete the task.

[@RyanSophieSailing]

Thanks Peter! I was very nervous, but I’m glad we did it. I learned tons! Cheers from France /Sophie

[@stephen7740]

On a rough Ocean, a mans ego and his boat, are soon parted....There is no stop button, and I want to get off request answered

[@FitOutPost]

What you, guys, went through and what you felt (all those worries) is exactly what prevents me from sailing. But you, guys, are so brave! Kudos to both of you!

[@RyanSophieSailing]

The worries are a one time thing, next time we encounter those conditions, we’ll be a lot more chill about it. Until we encounter worse ;) The experience is rewarding though. I never thought I’d have it in me to get over my fears this way. I hope you go sail! /Sophie

[@bluesunproductions9079]

Wonderful job, that was impressive As usual another great episode,

[@RyanSophieSailing]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it :) /Sophie

[@scottconway2358]

Thanks for the company during dinner! Great episode. I was rooting for you two the whole 14:31.

[@RyanSophieSailing]

Thanks Scott! Glad we kept you company :) cheers from France! /Sophie

[@fxpthl]

Bravo on your crossing the Channel! Sophie, you are a wonderful First Mate and Ryan is so lucky to have you! Your candid statements and concerns were real and from your heart, leaving Ryan with not a doubt what you were thinking. Love how you two interact and Ryan's attempt at pronouncing the words is really funny! At least he tries.

[@RyanSophieSailing]

Ryan is great :) especially on that passage, when I was a little scared, he was really helpful. Looking back at that passage, I’m so happy we made it. We learned a great deal about ourselves, the boat, and sailing in general that night. Cheers from France! /Sophie

[@LearnToSailMexico]

Great episode, good work :) The early goings are the hardest part! It'll all get easier. At least that's what we tell ourselves ;P lol

[@onthebeaches]

The journey IS the destination!! BRAVO! You're doing perfectly! Both of you! PEACE OUT! Ü

[@RyanSophieSailing]

Thanks Onthebeaches! We are on a unique journey, that’s for sure :) /Sophie

[@onthebeaches]

And..when it get's intense, think of it as a story you'll be able to tell that most will not! Ü Mel Gibson said "All men die...Only a few ever live!" You're living my friend...you're living!

[@bayanicustodio3998]

Nice to sea you are not continuously sea sick anymore. Great video guys.

[@RyanSophieSailing]

thanks Bayani! I had a patch on, so no seasickness that time ;) /Sophie

[@joedunn6038]

Nice!

[@wayneskorupka3530]

Another great video

[@RyanSophieSailing]

Thanks Wayne :)

[@arottie4097]

I like you guys! I really really like guys!! Another fun episode Thanx for sharing!

[@RyanSophieSailing]

Thanks A Rottie!

[@ianb4801]

"I would like to try this" - surely not a good reason in itself. And I've now made 5 crossings of the North Sea/English Channel, single-handed and at night and I still fear crab pot lines far more than sand banks or shipping; I have equipment and charts for the latter those pots are a largely invisible hazard - that gets far worse when you get down towards Portugal. Using AIS and knowing how the TSS system works, those ships are not so hard to dodge, just be sure to cross pretty much straight across and it keeps you entertained - a bit like "knit 1-perl 1 - knit 1 - perl 1..." but it becomes "behind this one, in front of this one...". Just an exercise in collision avoidance.

[@friarfox]

Nice job. I just found you folks while browsing other sail channels. Not sure why you opt for stress on a passage but if you like the challenge..pourquoi pas! Will see you next episode. Happy trails.

[@RyanSophieSailing]

We had a lot of parameters to take into account for that passage, and this was the best option! Looking back at it, it also was an opportunity to get out of our comfort zone in an environment where we would always be close to port, which proved rewarding in the end. Thanks for the comment! /Sophie

[@jeanclauderoget3756]

Beau travaille, La mer du nord pas facille , beaucoup de trafiques. Super sympa vos videos. Bon vent

[@RyanSophieSailing]

Merci Jean Claude! En effet, pas facile du tout, mais on est contents de l’avoir fait. Sur le coup on l’a senti passer, mais nous avons beaucoup appris! /Sophie

[@missdead1]

haha Mordor looked genuinely scary! I'm planning to buy a sailboat in the next couple of years and I'm just as scared as you are (were). I've been putting it off for mostly that reason for many years, but now I have made up my mind to face my fears, and not let it stand in the way of my dream! Love your video's! And love seeing how you deal with all the scary situations :)

[@johnelliot404]

Well done on pushing yourself Sophie. Per ardua ad astra

[@RyanSophieSailing]

I love that motto! Thanks John :) /Sophie

[@Sciolist]

Neat video 👍

[@RyanSophieSailing]

Thanks!

[@directorstu]

14.31m that sunrise after a long cold night. That's why we do it.

[@patricklaine6958]

Great episode. The English Channel is tough --- on either side -- as well as crossing it! Strong tidal currents, challenging winds, lots of traffic, many hazards. Bravo. A rite of passage. :-)

[@RyanSophieSailing]

Hi Patrick! It was tough indeed. Thanks for the nice comment, we appreciated it a lot :) /Sophie

[@henk0n]

There should be a episode named "Ryan pronounces things in europe" at one point :P

[@RyanSophieSailing]

Ooooooh wait for the episode in French. It will be good. Very, very, very good 😂 /Sophie

[@paulo8001]

@@RyanSophieSailing Yes, well done on your pronunciation of Zeebrugge, God rest their souls in that chanel.

[@paulo8001]

​@@RyanSophieSailing Yes, well done on your pronunciation of Zeebrugge, God rest their souls in that channel.

[@curacao11]

hahaha ask them if they want coffee hahaha so funny, awesome video guys :-)

[@RyanSophieSailing]

Hehehe 😉

[@SailingMusicandLyrics]

Great Job you two! I could feel your angst! Subscribed honey (our content will start posting next month). See you on the water ~ fair winds 💋

[@sailingkerguelen]

Mais c'est très bien Dunkerque !!! :) Plus sérieusement, merci pour tous ces épisodes, pour vos sourires et votre bonne humeur. Nous venons d'acheter notre premier voilier (un Oceanis 343 Clipper) et nous sommes basés à Dunkerque, et l'an prochain nous quitterons également nos boulots pour parcourir les mers :)

[@RyanSophieSailing]

Hahaha! Oui, c'est vrai, Dunkerque a l'air très sympatique :) On y a quelques amis, et on voulait s'y arreter, mais on a pas eu le temps. Félicitations pour l'achat du voilier et votre projet voile! J'espere qu'on se croisera au mouillage lorsque vous quitterez le Mordor. Pardon, Dunkerque ;) (ok, j'arrete les blagues à deux sous) A bientot! /Sophie

[@allanrobert2189]

Hello guys, I live I'm Calais and I love your videos

[@RyanSophieSailing]

We loved Calais Allan! Although we didn't stay, as soon as we reached Calais, the sea got a lot calmer, the winds were blowing nicely, and we did get some amazing sailing that day. So glad to hear you like our videos :) /Sophie

[@allanrobert2189]

I mean that your are doing what I would love to do! I hope I will have the opportunity to do it one day ^^

[@RyanSophieSailing]

I hope for you too! Looking back at it, the hardest part of the project was to commit. Once we were committed, we just went with the flow. Let us know how it goes!

[@davexvs]

big congrats to you both for the channel run a very busy shipping lane you will always remember it and maybe laugh one day fair winds {:-) PAV

[@RyanSophieSailing]

Thanks Pav! :)

[@oceandrew]

Interesting episode on dealing with nerves, fear and a bumpy sea. But why were you hugging the coast? Wouldn't you want more sea room? and fewer shoals and sand bars? I can't imagine the view was that much better. Anyway thanks for another charming episode... and (this one is for Sophie) congratulations on winning The Cup.

[@RyanSophieSailing]

Hi Oceandrew! I thought the same... why so close to the coast?! Well, it just was a better route at that time... Ryan did tons of research, and in the end, it really felt what we were the most comfortable doing. It wasn’t comfortable, but there were sandbanks even far offshore in that particular place. In case of a need to retreat, we were never farther than 3 hours from port, which was comforting in my weakest moments :) /Sophie

[@nortonmolly]

Wow you don’t realise how much you are learning. You definitely can’t be classed as fair weather sailors now. In six months when you have the sun at your back and the Tradewinds filling your sails. You will look back and wonder why you were so nervous. Just work together and you will be just fine, but always have a contingency plan when sailing.👍👍

[@RyanSophieSailing]

Hi Andrew! After hearing from other sailors in the marina, we are starting to realize that we have a tendency to push ourselves 😅 I’m glad we’re doing it though, as you say, we learn so much! Thanks for the support and cheers from France! /Sophie

[@lauriebott3020]

Ryan , I know that desire you have to give the night passage a go . I learned over the years to kick back if there is no rush and let your mate sleep unconcerned and as snug as a bug in a rug . I would have taken the layover and slowing eased into the experience of night transit over time ... great video btw

[@RyanSophieSailing]

Hi Joe! Looking back at it, I’m actually glad we did it... getting out of our comfort zone was a good learning experience, and as close to shore as we were, we were never more than 3 hours away from port in case of an issue! But yeah... we could have make it easier for ourselves ;) /Sophie

[@lauriebott3020]

Glad to hear you kicked it Sophie ! I do too love adventure but once upon a time would be head strong in my focus /purpose. Looking forward to watching you guys Carp the Diem ... :)

[@nicolasbouyiouclis4726]

@@RyanSophieSailing love you guys and especially Ryan's personality and also his drive to sailing straight through that night. We follow you and have seen the majority of your videos, [which you are fantastic at it] I haven't commented on any of them.. Back to that night, I personally worried about you as if it was happening at that moment.. when Ryan asked you "I need you aboard with me" and you answered "I am aboard, I'm here" [paraphrasing] ..your face was telling a deferend story... I have children in your age and I see you as them.. my advice to Ryan will be that he must learn, a good captain must know the physical condition of his crew and especially if that crew is one person! because he will need that sailor's help when a bad situation occurs at any given moment, and especially at night! Wishing you a very happy life and careful sailing!

[@davidfrank2824]

You definitely need to worry about going down into your cabin area and wearing a life preserver. If you're just running in and out you should be fine but if you are falling asleep with a life preserver on and something happens you are going to be faced with something you have never had to deal with. If your life jacket is on you and if it's the kind that you either pull a string or it inflates automatically you could lose your life. What will happen is if your boat starts to sink or takes on water you're going to be pinned to the ceiling of the cabin of your boat. Now this goes for any life jacket like the kind I just explained or the old-fashioned kind that you just put on and it works by itself by just floating you. If you remember about four or five years ago the Italian cruise liner that flipped on its side that was national news for a good while. When the accident report came out about how did people not survive and died it was the fact that day put a life jacket on ran back down the steps looking for loved ones and when the water came in all of them were pinned to the ceiling and could not release their self quickly and try to swim out. We have a 30-m boat and we entertain our friends and family all the time. We even take our friends and family kids to the local marine store and buy them life jackets that properly fit them. Since we have three different levels that are enclosed the rule is you take your life jacket off and go inside. If they want to carry it with them that's completely up to them but most the time my wife has a chair that the kids put their jackets on. I just thought I would share a safety tip. That's one thing all my friends say about me is that they do not worry when they come aboard our boat and they don't worry if they ride with us in our RV. They know I will make sure that anything mechanical that has to do with safety is fixed and in working order and that I do check everything before leaving on any trip. Even when we ride our motorcycles I am the road captain and I check every bike that wants to ride with us. I have just seen too many bad accidents that could have easily been avoided. I enjoy your videos look forward to watching more.

[@richarnaud7794]

You guys are making me nervous!

[@RyanSophieSailing]

We were nervous too I guess 😬

[@sheldonpenn1815]

Hi Sophie, Nice job. Night sailing can be confusing, trust your instruments and don't let panic rule the night. Once you get out of the English channel you will wonder where all the ships went.:-))) I assume you guys have AIS that receives and transmit your position? Do not be afraid to call a ship on the radio if you think there will be a crossing problem they want to solve any problem early also. Sheldon

[@RyanSophieSailing]

Hi Sheldon! We do have an AIS receiver and a radar. Some good lifesavers in those waters... once we left the English channels, the big ships disappeared, but the fishing boats are everywhere! and they don’t always have AIS 😱 thanks for the support and cheers from france! /Sophie

[@sheldonpenn1815]

Hi Sophie, Sailing is a lot like life there is always some bumps in the road. Don't tell anyone;-) but I always enjoyed the people and places we sailed to far more than the sailing trip to get there. Obstacles are things you see when you take yours eye off your goles

[@SailingSquib]

Hi Ryan & Sophie, do you think about mounting a Windvane? Less electric consumption on longer passages and as backup for your electric system

[@desbuckle6907]

whilst sailing have you used or tried a Hammock in the centre of the lounge when sleeping off watch ?

[@nortonmolly]

Sophie can we have more forward looking shots to see the yacht sailing. Action shots please while talking as well

[@RyanSophieSailing]

Loving the feedback Andrew... you mean, shots from the bow or the mast? I’ll remember that for the upcoming episodes, including our crossing of Biscay! /Sophie

[@mikeferguson2828]

I'm laughing so much when I see your face on these videos Sophie. Learn to "chill" girl ! What I mean is The water will lift and lower the boat as it passes and you will get used to it. Passage making is not "sleeping" but napping. In good passage making you will get used to taking short power naps many times of the day and therefore get the "sleep time" in but not in one go. This takes a few days to get into the rhythm. One or 2 day passages are bad for this because your body does not get into the rhythm. I prefer to get far out to sea, Land makes me nervous as that's generally where you can run into problems. But you guys are doing so WELL !!

[@voilemontagne]

J'ai pas exactement compris un truc: quand il y a eu du vent vous avez mis GV et moteur mais pourquoi moteur? À part ça tres plaisant comme épisode toujours un plaisir!

[@RyanSophieSailing]

Excellente question :) On avait le vent juste derriere nous, et les vagues nous faisais empanner tout le temps. Du coup, impossible de sortir les voiles. Dans cette situation la, nous n'avons pas réussi à descendre la GV (une autre histoire ca...) Nous étions mal équipé pour le vent dans le dos. Depuis, nous avons recu notre nouveau genoa, et nous avons commandé un tangon en Bretagne, que nous allons tester pendant notre traversée de la baie de la Gascogne. Ca devrait aider à stabiliser le bateau aussi! Toujours un plaisir, cher légume! :) /Sophie

[@brettkrause3379]

Do you continue to follow MJ sailing. If you are not they are in the Azores headed to England. You should contact them. Like you channel. Keep up the good work

[@RyanSophieSailing]

We do! We know they are in about the same part of the world, but it doesn’t look like we’ll be in the same places, as we are heading to the med. Glad you like the channel! /Sophie

[@SV_Argo]

What’s the soundtrack? Great choices in tunes!!!!

[@RyanSophieSailing]

Thanks Chad! I use music from Epidemic Sound (as a looooot of people on KZbin do). Those specific tracks are: Reckless -Martin Hall, and Close -Patrick Almkvisth. I really liked them too! /Sophie

[@oceancrossingutopia]

It looks like we've arrived .... into Mordor 🤣😂

[@jamessalayo2803]

❤❤

[@deibertmichael]

You already know charts are close but in areas wrong! Some guide books are better. Distance is your friend!

[@1950Annabel]

Salut Sophie, on te voit toujours avec ces bottes.. est ce que c’est bien sur le bateau ? Je cherche quelque chose du même genre. Est ce que c’est chaud ? Les conseilles tu ? Merci :)

[@mickmccrohon]

I love your accent... just saying. hehehe

[@RyanSophieSailing]

Well I’m glad you like it, cause it’s not going anywhere soon :) /Sophie

[@Meeesa]

Me too!!

[@marinuspasman7913]

I was just wondering; I many shots it seems the engine is running while sailing. Is there a reason for that? Energy for example?

[@RyanSophieSailing]

A combination of dead downwind, narrow channel (so not tons of choices of possible headings) and a way too old headsail that ended up just flapping in the waves. Since that passage, we invested in a new Genoa and a whisker pole. We point a lot better, we sail a lot more efficiently downwind, and best of all: the engine is off 😆 /Sophie

[@marinuspasman7913]

Ryan & Sophie Sailing ah, that makes sense. Once you have done the route along the Belgian coast, you realise that it's much easier then expected. On the map it seems all very difficult, but at night the buoy's van be seen even better then during the day. I recognise the feeling little fear, not knowing what is coming in combination with the waves. Best solution is to handsteer😀

[@Josef_R]

Is the single earphone working for the sickness?

[@marco-monaco]

why are you guys in such a rush? You have plenty of time without any due date... anyway great and funny videos though!

[@DragonXDrei]

One thing I don't understand, why didn't Sophie speak with the French coast guard? Wouldn't that make things much smoother?

[@RyanSophieSailing]

We have been asking ourself this question for years.

[@DYoung-vt8pq]

Can't say that I like it when Ryan shrugs off Sophie's concerns. What's a cool experience for him isn't necessarily cool for her. I'll be royally pissed off if someone did that to me.

[@ArthurPopeye]

Je ne suis pas sûre que "to avise" ça existe. Aviser ça se traduit "To decide" je crois à 6:33 ;) Ton copain il est quand même en or. Toujours relax, jamais en stress. Moi quand ma femme commence à me donner des solutions bancales pour essayer d'améliorer une situation incomfortable j'arrive pas a rester cool comme lui !!

[@RyanSophieSailing]

C’est vrai, « to avise » n’existe pas! Il m’arrive de mélanger le français, l’anglais et le suédois :) C’est vrai, Ryan est un mec en or; c’est pour ça que c’est mon mec ;) Ryan est un ancien pilote de chasse, du coup il a l’habitude de situations corsées à gérer. Moi, pas du tout! Communiquer de cette façon nous permet de pouvoir exprimer nos ressentis sans avoir peur d’être jugé. Ça marche pas toujours (on s’engueule aussi :p), mais on a énormément confiance en l’un l’autre (si ça se dit, je suis pas sûre ;)) Merci pour le commentaire sympa! /Sophie

[@ArthurPopeye]

Pour nous la pire équation c'est elle à la barre + au près + vague dans le nez = dispute assurée, et c'est ce qui risque d'arriver lundi prochain alors je vais tenter de m'inspirer de vous!

[@dancingrick9627]

I’ve finally realized who Ryan looks like, Keith Richards’ son.

[@RyanSophieSailing]

I dont even know who Keith Richards is.... Ryan

[@dancingrick9627]

Ryan & Sophie Sailing the Rolling Stone band

[@robertaderholdt890]

So... we know you are french...you ended up in Sweden???...(Your boat has a Swedish flag) And you are going to Spain. (eventually). BUT NO BACKGROUND STORY FOR RYAN??? He sounds American??how did he get to Sweden?. BTW You guys are a lot of fun!

[@RyanSophieSailing]

Haha! Thanks Robert :) one day, I’ll make an entire video about Ryan. He’s got quite the story! /Sophie

[@SailingPauHana]

You guys really need to hurry to a warmer climate...every episode has you in foulies. 😊

[@RyanSophieSailing]

We are guys, we are! Spain is on the other side of our next passage, can't wait! /Sophie

[@mitchcopeland8693]

I want one of your hats ???

[@RyanSophieSailing]

We carry a few of them onboard that we may start to sell one of these days! /Sophie

[@JohnnyBoyGee]

Is it really harder than driving to North Dakota? eeehhhhhhh.....

[@benjibumble]

Boy Scouts learn to travel at the speed of the slowest scout. Why not slow down or stop so that everyone is comfortable or on the same page?

[@RyanSophieSailing]

[Ryan] Benjamin, thanks for the comment and while it understand and believe there is a lot of truth in it I also believe that without pushing boundaries, safely one will never grow. In this example night is a bit scary for Sophie as it has been for me in the past, learning to fly. The only way i got over it was to do it more and more. I have mentioned in a comment below that I am shocked by the amount of people i meet, very experience sailors who have never sailed at night or limit their destinations based on the rise and set of the sun. Looking at things from a risk prospective and taking in to account the shallows and night this sail has very manageable risk.... the channel was lit, the planning was good, the weather was manageable and there we a number of ports along the way to bolt in to in case of issues. It was a perfect learning environment. There are a few factors for us moving through the north sea so fast which we have not discussed but of course we could have stopped a long the way but we plan on longer sails to more destinations so getting this experience was priceless. Thanks again for the comment hope you understand a bit of our thinking.

[@xuchun5371]

why Ryan always sleepy and tired ? why ? Sophie

[@johnjcoxiii9401]

Sophie's CAUTION was right. There is NOTHING COOL about putting your vessel and crew, for whom YOU are resposible, Ryan, at risk. Sixty years ago, when I was a young US Coast Guardsman, because it was our duty, my shipmates and I were forced to endure a North Atlantic Storm that sank the German Ship "PAMIR" just a couple of hundred miles from us. We could do nothing to help for we were badly batterd for five days also. In July, 1956, my shipmates and I helped rescue 1,605 passengers and crew from the Italian Liner Andrea Doria...a disaster that should not have happened if the crews of the Doria and the Swedish Liner STOCKHOLM had paid attention to their ship's safety. There is NO PLACE FOR MACHISMO at sea. The fact that you survived without incident is IRRELATIVE! the Old Coastie.

[@RyanSophieSailing]

[Ryan] Thanks for the comment John. I agree that the captain is the one responsible and machismo has no place. The conclusions you draw from your experience in the coast guard to the experience portrayed in our video... i'm having a hard time finding the connection. We were in no storm, only some higher winds. The area we were in, while shallow was clearly marked and extensive planning was done prior to the journey. The point of the experience was exactly that, to gain experience.... I can assure you and everyone watching that risk (which i know a lot about from my aviation days) was properly managed and assessed. Please keep your comments coming and we hope you enjoy our future videos.

[@johnjcoxiii9401]

I appreciate your reply. What I was addressing was Sophie's trepidation that your decisions foisted upon her. Of course, I will continue to follow your adventures......who could resist Sophie's narrative? the Old Coastie

[@channelfiftynine]

very bad decision that he enforces his stubborn :(

[@RyanSophieSailing]

The decision was safe and fine. It allowed Sophie to go outside her comfort zone in a controlled environment. We have turned back a number of times when we feel it is unsafe or one person is too far out of their zone.... their is a very individual thing which can not be expressed over a 20 min video. Ryan

[@RohanTheBT]

Spoiler alert!!! They give away who wins the World Cup in next weeks episode!

[@RyanSophieSailing]

Hahahaha! that made me laugh :) /Sophie

[@noonedidthistome]

why not let the native French speaker speak to French Customs? i mean, even the English required subtitles, so at least we could have heard the beautiful language spoken by natives for a bit ;)

[@RyanSophieSailing]

[Ryan] Ha! Yes, that would have been the best but Sophie was sleeping when they approached. But stand by for some French....

[@jawadad802]

clueless wafi's....the biggest danger is the commercial traffic