Sometimes SAILING SUCKS | Sailing Florence - Ep.156

[@bdphourde]

My My first visit to the Bahamas in 1964 was to Bimini. I talked to a local on Weech's Bimini Dock where a big tuna was hanging but half was missing from a single sharkbite! The old timer had been a fisherman all his life and I asked him about his hand which was deformed where all the fingers stood straight out but were curled a little at each joint and were stiff and immobilized. He could not bend the fingers at all. He said that when he went to remove the hook from a barracudas's mouth, it bit his hand. He said the barracuda have bacteria on their teeth that causes this when it gets into our joints. Nice to know after-the-fact!

[@joeechandi5334]

The blue colours of Bahamian waters is second to none! If entering Nassau you'll find a true British Caribbean vibe. We love it there. Happy for you guys!

[@saylaveenadmearedead]

Sucks is a relative term to old salts.... who swear to never go to sea again but then forget.

[@njbaskipper]

When the Barracuda does not fight on the deck, it is a sick Barracuda and the disease in the Caribbean is called Siguatera 🐟🔥

[@rickkwitkoski1976]

*Ciguatera... What did Matt say? And it's not really a disease but toxins produced by a dinoflagellate plankton that is then concentrated up the food chain. Similar to how DDT and other long lasting pesticides are concentrated up the food chain. Ciguatoxins are not proteins so can't be denatured by heat (cooking). Paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) is similar but deadlier. Saxitoxin is also produced by dinoflagellates and other planktonic organisms but is usually concentrated in bivalves and not fish. So these are two of MANY examples of NATURAL things that can kill you. The complete opposite of Gwyneth Paltrow's (GOOP lady) ignorant statement: "I don't think anything that is 'natural' is harmful to you!"

[@AndreNantel]

The KZbin algorithm at its best, got a ad for Pedialyte right after Amy’s comment that she was too sick to even keep water down. 😂

[@vaughansamuelson6552]

20 minutes being transported to a magical place. What could be better?

[@patriciathorp4911]

I have such admiration for you two ..you are so determined and not afraid of hard work. Hope all is going well wherever you are at this point....fair sailing. 💚 Patricia, Dublin

[@earthangel8730]

That one shot of the crystal clear turquoise shoreline contrasting with the beach was breathtaking! See 22:42 💙💙💙💙💙

[@stevemellor7989]

Love it! Love it! Once again, the great videography tells the story. Amy, the kitchen wrangler trying to keep things from going everywhere, and Matt, the fish wrangler trying to avoid the Baracudas.

[@nikolatesla5553]

Wow! I'm impressed. Sailing that boat around the world is amazing. You two must have strong stomachs. It rocks far too much for me. A 24.89 comfort ratio! I regularly sail on a boat with a comfort ratio of 32 and I wouldn't dream of sailing it around the world. You make me feel like a wimp. Congratulations on your circumnavigation! ❤

[@freddywulf2024]

Amy's Rotisserie Chicken and Baby Potato Bowls looked really delish! Inspired me for this evening's Dinner....BRILLIANT!

[@alimitchell5346]

Best videos on KZbin 🙏👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@davidnichols147]

Another truly brilliant cinematographic episode with an updated clearance sector in the Bahama's.

[@terenceacton5803]

Once again - first class. Don’t get back to the UK too soon. Safe sailing

[@ReflectingMe2024]

Another fabulous episode Amy and Matt. I simply must also add, Amy your video editing skills and ability to make first class watchable content is just wonderful... as is your choice of music to accompany your videos. I write similar stuff hence why I like it so very much. Good luck on your Atlantic crossing - is there any way to welcome you back to the UK?

[@SailingYachtFlorence]

We'll share more info about our return home nearer the time (late September), we're currently working out what do do and discussing with Patrons.

[@edl617]

Like they said in the movie. Never leaving the boat never never. Living on land is terrible. Unless you are living in the countryside

[@davidbamford4721]

To sail the ‘unsailable’ angle, hank your jib to the windward shroud, and sheet on the leeward side. I think that you will find works.

[@jamescoyle5913]

Another fabulous video. This has to be one the best sailing channels.

[@wow.sailor.]

Wow Sailor 👍

[@alexandersunter4899]

I love! Love! Love! All your videos Matt and Amy. Two more weeks to wait.

[@sailingsolo5290]

When sea sick ,just water is really hard on youre stomach. Better to put saltine crackers in there and only enough water so swallowbit down. I learned this in my early days when i used to get seasick sometimes also.

[@stephenhayes6133]

Great entertaining videos , your yacht looks like a Oyster Heritage 37 built at Ipswich Suffolk UK

[@artsmith103]

I'm pretty sure most of that is correct.

[@edgarchegwin961]

Hi Matt and Amy, it´s good to see you again. Sailing off on the rough Caribbean seas is not necessarly a soft banana I know, but getting to your final destination to the crystal clear waters from that paradise on earth was worth it all the way. I myself went to the Bahamas in 2003 when I was living up in Ft Laudardale, Florida, which is located about 180 miles off the Grand Abaco Island. I can tell, like you I was surprised with the unbelievable clears waters from that area. You guys as always caught awesome, stunning views with your drone camera. Have a safe sail on the next leg of your trip. Bear hugs to you both. 🐻❤ ⛵

[@carltontweedle5724]

When you sail you will get the good the bad and the bumpy. Lets hope next time far winds calm seas remember keep the people inside and the wet stuff out.

[@82ndmoosey]

Gave another thumbs up of course, even for the beautiful cinematography!

[@keithh3463]

on my old boat we use rubberized shelving paper on the counter and it is amazing at holding bowels in place. Just little pieces.

[@susanroberts6514]

Your videos are really amazing - I feel like they have improved tremendously over the last two years.

[@noahkohn9350]

Love that bottle of Pusser’s trying hard to poke its head up over Matt’s shoulder.

[@ScotChef]

🎉❤🙏🏻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 and gravy too amazing 👌🏻

[@AfricanFlightStar]

Beautifully presented and documented, as you always do. Thank you ⛵️👍🏻💥👏🏻

[@TomTremayne]

Matt, I think it was that chicken that made Amy so sick......it can do that you know, a bad bit of poultry (of any sort) can be a terrible thing. In my home town of Cambridge I knew a chef who explained to me once that poultry is 'live'.

[@chrismalkin4070]

Great videography and narration.

[@juanvalle219]

Great graphics on the sail plan guys. Thanks

[@hughburgess4168]

Wonderful video again guys and you are well and truly on your way home, having left the Carribean. I’m sailing from Belfast to Dublin tomorrow in my Dehler 37. It’s not the same…is it? We are having a heat wave in Northern Ireland. Lots of coastal fog as the land heats up faster than the sea. Wonderful colours by the way. Amy’s seasickness a reminder of the adjustment to longer passages. Enjoy and thank you. ⛵️

[@judywebb8358]

Im sure going to miss the wonderful filming of the sailing and elements! Not to slight your narration! Beautiful episode❤!!

[@andrewgodfrey6913]

You sailed past me in the DR 😢. Sorry you got so.sea sick, not looking forward to when we start sailing again for the same reason. Bahamas looks amazing and looking forward to that next year.

[@leestephens1]

Watched your Bahama arrival. I have sailed the Abbacos out of Marsh Harbor. Chartered a 45’ Hunter, center cockpit. Continue to so enjoy your journey!!

[@nigelmorgan3449]

Hi Matt and Amy the water is fantastic so clear and clean shame you haven’t got scuba gear that would of been a cracker of a dive

[@PNWwonder]

That water is beautiful, another great adventure!

[@ChrisGamble]

Nicely presented, informative & ultra pro

[@benb.4217]

Wonderful video thanks for sharing! 🙏🌸

[@donnawarmouth9329]

As usual absolutely beautiful content

[@mojoneko8303]

I've always preferred tacking downwind over tacking upwind even though the tack can be a little trickier. Thanks for the video. Sail On!

[@waterboy8999]

You tack up wind and gybe down wind, just saying.

[@mojoneko8303]

@@waterboy8999 Point noted. 🙂 My wife and I have sailed the coast of Alaska for 20+ years for months at a time but I have never been very meticulous with yachtie terms.

[@waterboy8999]

@@mojoneko8303 lucky you! Looks like an amazing place to cruise.

[@mojoneko8303]

@@waterboy8999 It is an amazing place to sail. I highly recommend it if you ever get the chance. Make sure to bring warm clothes and good rain gear even in summer.. 🙂

[@waterboy8999]

@@mojoneko8303 so just what I normally wear here in Scotland, haha! Its lovely just now.

[@andreacirillo398]

Grande ragazzi!!!

[@Mar-vu9nx]

Congratulations

[@sannebast]

Have you tried reefing down the main so you'll keep the wind in your front sail for longer? At our boat that works usually really well. Love your channel, thnx

[@SR-kf4yf]

Your videos are just top notch. Thank you for sharing your adventures!

[@sandiamiradaki5584]

Hi Guys, we really love your channel and have been following you since you arrived in our home country, South Africa.. We are passionate about our environment and especially about the state of our oceans. Your cinematography is beautiful. Have you experienced any of the huge 'floating garbage patches' that we hear about, in any of your passages?

[@SailingYachtFlorence]

Thankfully no, but then they congregate away from the trade winds we believe and we try to stay in the wind so that may be a reason.

[@vandalorian8777]

3 years ago and halfway through your circumnavigation you did a video on what it cost to sail around the world. Now that you have completed your sail around the world, do you have plans to revisit that subject?

[@user-jb7ri7jx3x]

Hi - where are you now - try to make it to Hopetown - Abaco …magical place and great anchorages - just expensive food

[@rickkwitkoski1976]

Amy... why not a few non-skid mats (ah ha ha!) on the counter tops? Lovely vid as always. Thank you.

[@di3352]

Oh no, sea sickness is terrible, I recall going out on a ferry some years ago to learn how to scuba dive, and I recall how sick I was to this day. Glad you're feeling better, Amy, and you're both back on track. Amazing video, as usual. Watching from Queensland, Australia.

[@paulas7847]

Truly outstanding work from two dignified, modern-day adventurers. What will we do after you complete your circumnavigation? Perhaps we will see you in a television series on your travels?

[@SailingYachtFlorence]

There are so many places that we have not visited, we plan to carry on exploring :-)

[@racheljennings1688]

Thought about joining The Explorer’s Club? Surely you two could join 😊

[@jensjansen3601]

Your problem sailing before the wind. If you buy a new foresail, think about getting a double Genoa. You can sail 140 to 140 degrees before the wind. Getting a little bit faster then the swell and there is nearly "no" rolling.

[@monumentmom7593]

The water is always amazing in the Bahamas, but it can be hard to capture on video. Your camera equipment and skills really do it justice. Thanks for the view!

[@sirpaddlesworthiii5933]

you guys inspired me to sail around the world. Im taking sailing lessons next week and hoping by next year I'll be ready :)

[@artsmith103]

After your lessons start, visit a yachtclub and ask if you can join for Wednesday night races. I suggest 2yrs of practice driving your own boat. Start with something around 20'.

[@marclawyer2789]

​​@@artsmith103 Why two YEARS...these guys didn't wait, neither did Uma, Teulu Tribe, Milennial Falcon etc. Get some skills (sailing and mechanical), get a decent boat and go ⛵🌍 Edit: we've bought a 31' Westerly for my wife to learn on, in the Bristol Channel area (sail there, sail anywhere)

[@artsmith103]

@@marclawyer2789 If you start big, you learn not to damage the boat to the best of your ability. If you start small, you learn how to sail. Racing in traffic is the excellerated program. Matt and Amy were dinghy racers. Actually, the lessons are the part I suggest skipping, but it could be key to getting invited to crew. Try this, when your wife thinks she learned on her boat, get invited to crew and see if she feels half confident when the race is done.

[@marclawyer2789]

@@artsmith103 She's starting as crew on a race boat this weekend, as a novice. As for being experienced dinghy sailors that can be a problem for yachting, as Matt and Amy said themselves, as it's a different job (they broke lots of things pushing too hard)

[@radekdrayco]

Reading this comment thread about starting out. I am also looking to take lessons, but I also want to volunteer at my local marinas to learn and help various boat owners do maintenance tasks on their boats. But I am not sure how to ask such a question and/or if that is a good idea to even ask such a thing? opinions?

[@waynedahl6904]

Thanks

[@nmd14723]

Your choice of music in this vlog is outstanding 👏

[@paulcockayne5155]

Great video. Sorry you had a bad time with sea sickness. Thanks to your videos, it has inspired to learn to sail and have taken my first steps on my sailing journey. I have just completed a rya competent crew course. Looking forward to the next video and hope the Atlantic crossing is trouble free. Cheers Paul

[@floathi]

Safe travels and thanks. Cheers

[@njbaskipper]

At some point when I return to CUBA, I will bring you back to this place. We will navigate the entire North coast from the tip to the cape and if possible we will turn it around blessings and greetings

[@bobeinsiedel]

love it

[@millyb23]

Another wonderful video, love following your adventures!

[@marclawyer2789]

Amazing video as always...one day we hope to get there...my wife has started taking lessons and crewing on a yacht in local races (im fixing the boat up)

[@richardofoz2167]

What does it mean that the port is closed? You're THERE. Obviously, you can't check in, but are you allowed to stay for a certain time before leaving?

[@reloadncharge9907]

Fun video…hope your passage to Bermuda was good. Safe sailing…! Thx, Andrew

[@sthtemp2]

Very nice. Question: can your masthead camera assist in navigating the the narrow cuts?

[@jondawes7921]

I'm late to this post. Is one reason not to fly an MPS (multi purpose sail) by itself off the bow, rather than wing on wing to get a better downwind sail, that Flo would not be as balanced and would affect the helm/vane?

[@norman4991]

You two are awesome great episode, what happens when you get home...?

[@SailingYachtFlorence]

We made a video about that, lots of boat work in the winter and then exploring north to the Arctic!

[@bobbebbington5356]

I never realised that setting sail was that complicated. Good footage as always. Safe travels from Australia.

[@MrMichaelcurran]

The Bahama's look beautiful. Enjoy your time there. Sounds like a mystery, your 1st island seemed abandoned.

[@JohnTaylor-bf6ll]

2nd June - I had a feeling that you should by now be making tracks for your grand arrival back in UK. But I'm OK with following "in your wake". You must have passed fairly close to places like Haiti. Anyway, I expect your next episode will be something of a big final celebration as well as a big send-off. So, keep busy editing (when you can) during your Atlantic voyage. Un três bon voyage.!!

[@lloydbrown9327]

Another great video with beautiful scenery! Where are you now in real time? When are you planning on sailing to Canada? I live on the east coast of Newfoundland. Love to meet you.

[@Thomas-eu6fj]

My only complaint with this Video ? It's too short ❤

[@roadboat9216]

Very beautiful. While the water clarity and cooler are amazing in the Bahamas. As seen here, unfortunately the coral reefs are in very bad shape. The use to be among the most beautiful and plentiful in the world. I started diving them back in the sixties. By 2000 they were on there way out. Hope you are having a great passage.

[@georgehockaday7584]

Very nice

[@Rittlesleo]

It's my understanding that consuming smaller barracuda isn't a problem. We've eaten pretty large ones with no problem. Who knows about the next one? I wish we could have made it to the southerly Bahamas. We were dodging cold fronts in the Barries and Eleuthera. Fair winds!

[@bdphourde]

He said the toxin is built up in the body over time. He didn't say it was fatal on the first try. So saying you've eaten them with no problem really doesn't say much.

[@Rittlesleo]

@@bdphourde That's probably true. A strategy for detoxifying would be prudent.

[@racpa5]

Why do you need visas for the BVI? Isn’t it part of the UK?

[@gibbygibstone]

Catching up on these videos and noticed that too. Why did you guys need to pay anything to be in a UK colony?

[@MrNelmo2]

Is all that checking in really necessary? Does anyone ever check?

[@sirpaddlesworthiii5933]

can you guys do a video on things you wish you knew before buying a boat and doing this?

[@stephenburnage7687]

1. Don't buy too big a boat. People who buy 45+, 50 and 60 foot boats often never get away from the dock because they have too much complexity. At the other end of the scale, people do cruise in 30 ft or 26 ft boats but they only really make sence if you are on a very tight budget. 2. Dont buy too new a boat (unless it is an exceptional, high quality make, like an Oyster). Every year, builders squeeze more and more compromizes into their design or production, to save cost. By far the best fiberglass boats were built in the 1970's and 1980's. 3. Only consider a fiberglass boat, unless you have some very specialized needs. Steel boats are a logical choice if you are doing high lattitude sailing but their maintenance needs are 2 to 5 x that of a fiberglass boat, so they have no merit for most cruising areas. Wooden boats deteriorate very rapidly in tropical environments so only make sense in places like Maine or Scotland. Ferrocement boats are uninsurable. Cannot comment on aluminum boats but there are so few around anyway. 4. Cats are too expensive and I worry about sea worthiness / structural integrity. For the same money you can buy a far better monohull. 5. Look for a well maintained boat. Assume every system in the boat has a life expectancy of (say) 7 years, so boats realistically require an annual maintenance budget of (say) 20% of their purchase price. Very, very few owners make that sort of commitment but they are the gems you are looking for. Invariably, boats that initially look to be bargains are not, once you factor in the cost of working through a long list of neglected maintenance items. Think not only about the cost but the value of your time. A neglected boat might eat up five years of your life, that you might have otherwise might have spent cruising. My wife and I have been cruising in a 1970's 34 ft fiberglass boat for the last ten years and you cannot believe how many cruisers we have met who either never got away or gave up, far too early. The truly serious cruisers, who cruise for years and years, have well built, older, fiberglass boats in the 37 to 40 ft range (ie a little bigger than ours) and also acquire lots of skills along the way.

[@artsmith103]

@@stephenburnage7687 That's an amazing good list! Per boat size, provisioning is good perspective. 1st decide if you'll be coastal cruiser stopping every week or 2, or blue water cruiser stopping every month or 2. Water maker or no Water maker? Then batteries, Solar, wind to meet your needs. 2 panels can fit on 36', 4 panels need starting 39'. Keep in mind boats grow 1ft wider for each 3ft longer. 36' is pushing it small, 39' begins quite comfortable, and I think 42' starts excess. Depth over 6ft can be regrettable. 5.5ft is great target. If I had to pick one, 37-39' with at least oversized quarter berth, 5.5' max.

[@stephenburnage7687]

@Art Smith To my mind, you have just described the perfect cruising boat. On the extras: 1. Yes, Never met a sailor who regretted the installation of solar. The only question is how much space you want to give over. 2. Conversely, never yet met a cruiser who loved their wind generator. 3. watermakers are iffy. They are expensive, complicated and require lots of maintenance and can keep you in port, awaiting delivery of spares. I personally would only bother with one in áreas where there is no rain and no essy fresh water supplies (like Mexico). Matt and Amy have managed a circumnavigation without one. 5. The one ítem I would add is a small portable generator (say 2000W). Essential for power tools and recharging the batteries when solar output is low. I have no idea how Matt and Amy have managed without one.

[@artsmith103]

@@stephenburnage7687 For those following us...my experience while moving for thousands of miles, I loved the wind turbine, especially at night. Parked, mostly useless. Cruisers spend a lot of time parked. I tried to organize initial description of power generation that it had to meet fridge and water maker plans. I've never needed a water maker but I've never worried about disease getting in my tank. It's a big world out there.

[@sirpaddlesworthiii5933]

@@stephenburnage7687 thanks

[@jimmyhvy2277]

Throw them away ! well done .

[@geoffgolson2258]

Hi to you both, how can I find out where you are now in real time?

[@tomjohnson6036]

I admit full ignorance to most things British so I have to ask. You need visas to visit the BVI even as British citizens?

[@artsmith103]

And they have an expiration when they must leave?

[@MarkSmith-iq8wq]

What brand is Florence?

[@basilroland]

you should buy rubber mats for your plates

[@steffennylenna8889]

number 1!!!!!!!!!

[@Nedankinde93]

well done :)

[@mikegriffin6994]

Love all your videos. well done you two. Question.... what model drone do you use?

[@californiakayaker]

The BVI's are high, but aren't the Bahamas even higher ?

[@mohammedbourachli]

Very nice from spain Bilbao

[@jimmaynard]

If you go around the world do you arrive home a day younger?

[@jtomos]

Petrol? You have a gasoline engine?

[@paullascelles8362]

I would imagine the petrol is for their outboard motor.

[@Stephan_01]

❤❤👍👍

[@michaelvanwinkle7919]

Time to change lures when you keep catching an unwanted fish.

[@sabretom7594]

Where exactly did they find a British Virgin in the Caribbean?

[@artsmith103]

Had to close that 1st island :-(

[@rogerrolandbelanger4762]

Boy they can they can get you anyway they can huh $14 to check out. They charge you to check out of the state and for you to tell them you’re leaving you got a pay them

[@daleblackburn9563]

You really should have more respect and compassion for wildlife. The way you treat the Barracuda and going back that Marlin (leaving in that lure is certain death for at least that animal not to mention the other animals which would then feed upon it and get the lure/hook trapped in their stomachs and at best is just littering the ocean) due to lack of adequate equipment and/or knowledge of handling techniques. I am not a hater of you guys at all just wish you would improve on these points. I am coming from a former fisher/hunter turned conservationist and ecologist. I have subscribed and watched every single episode to this point (found you guys this year and have binge watched most playlists) and look forward to following you guys for hopefully many years to come. All the best and safe travels as always.

[@stevecoppin2557]

The standard of your videos has grown so much that it wouldn't look out place on the BBC. Plus you make them enthralling and engaging. Perhaps a career change into TV when you finally settle on land?

[@saylaveenadmearedead]

Settle? What a horrible concept

[@usefulcommunication4516]

@@saylaveenadmearedead TV will be a thing of the past by the time they decide to settle. This is the new TV. It's already much bigger than TV audience-wise for the under fifties. Personally, after suffering another looong Swedish winter dealing with death-spiralling TV channels, I think I'd like to start the re-population of that island.

[@rickkwitkoski1976]

@@usefulcommunication4516 Hmmm... Over 50's ??? I haven't subscribed to broadcast TV in over 15 years. When the signals went digital I could no longer get them. Streaming only ever since... And on a DUMB TV! Just a 42" monitor.

[@bryonensminger7462]

Yeah you want to throw him back barracudas are not very good eating

[@melden3]

No

[@TheFalconJetDriver]

T worst sea conditions I have ever experienced was in the Atlantic North of the BVI’s in 12 foot rollers sailing from Virgin Gorda to Yost Van Dyke and that was on a 37.5 Beneteau 🤯🛫