The frustrations of sailing the strait of Gibraltar | Ep98

[@paulnewton1089]

I am 82. Thank you for living my dream, Paul.

[@jkjobies]

Oh I hope you win! Nicest sailing couple ever!

[@zackworrell]

I was in Rhonda in 2010 . Such a cool area. Spain is unreal!!!

[@nffremote]

Thank you, terrific video.

[@SailingSnowGum]

Voted! I hope you enjoy the party. Have a drink for us. From Carolyn and Rick.

[@rexvarr4574]

I just found you. I love you boat. That’s the kind of setup I’ll be looking for in a few years, when I retire. I plan on high latitude sailing, as well as the tropics. I thank you.

[@DDixon3121]

As always, I enjoyed this video....thank you! I hope you meet you in Annapolis. This will be my first Annapolis boat show and am looking forward to meeting you!

[@susanolsen9352]

Fair Isle is looking incredibly pretty and substantially sound!

[@elainem4025]

Young cruisers indeed! You continue to inspire this 60 something with your adventurous spirits and determination. I look forward to your continuing adventures.

[@gillianryan4417]

I absolutely love your narration on your channel.

[@weebolddavy]

Just love your channel. Never had a boat of any sort, nearest thing was 3 holidays on the Norfolk Broads! I've read 6 books on yachting, Fastnet/ Whitbread races, solo around the world the wrong way etc but nothing technical. Great books but I've learned so much more from your channel since I found you during lock down. The style of your videos are such that I feel I'm on board Fair Isle with you, thanks for having me on-board, it's been an education and a pleasure. 👍👍

[@svfairisle]

That's a lovely message, thank you very much.

[@bravofighter]

I’ve seen a few videos where the whole pod took turns biting the rudder, and trying to break it off. I would not hesitate to set off a firecracker, I’m an American, we don’t wait until we’re sinking to defend our boat. GORGEOUS videos!!!

[@svfairisle]

Yes biting would be the point I chose to do something as I think that's the only way they could really damage a keel hung rudder like ours. I would be amazed if they would want to do that though to something that is just a continuation of the massive heavy encapsulated boat keel we have I'm pretty sure they are playing with spade rudders because they are down there flapping about and are an obvious thing to mess around with. It would be a shame to scare them off beforehand though, I would rather take the opportunity to watch and film them. Let's hope we see some on the way to Mariera

[@jwrn4u]

I haven’t seen your channel in like 3-4 years and I couldn’t remember the name, so glad to have found you guys still on here and as always making great content,

[@jeffrandolf5673]

Great editing. Navionics? Dayum, I remember the 1980's delivering bare boats, new stock sailboats using a paper chart, parallel rules, pointer & pencil. A hand held VHF, binoculars. No sextant, though. Portabe Loran now & then, but ... Oh, and a new compass uncalibrated. Orcas- We had them on the Eastern side of the Gulf Stream heading South from Ct. to Fla. USA..... they swam in front of the boat much like dolphins do.

[@stephenchapman8344]

Great video young cruisers ! 👍

[@ger5881]

I don't know what it is, but as alway's a joy to see what you lovely people are up to, would love to join you , magnificent!!!

[@paulgilliland2992]

Finally a British you tuber who correctly pronounces Lagos .Bravo.

[@hansslob6749]

Voted! Have fun on the hard, please share it all!

[@svfairisle]

Thanks Hans

[@utahjag]

Where have you guys been? I have been watching Sam Holmes, Delos and Zatara for years and you never came up! So happy I found you. Thank You so much for sharing part of your lives with us, so meaningful and such great video, sound, music and editing (I am sure very time consuming, thank you). I sincerely appreciate your time, effort and sharing, Thank You.

[@judyaslett6209]

Thank you. Good to have your support

[@peterrichards8762]

I first saw Fair Isle 4yrs ago when I stayed at Faro I remember thinking what a beautiful yacht, she was then I found your channel and have been following since love your videos

[@svfairisle]

Thank you. It's good to be back in portugal

[@orindavidson6710]

Hope to see you in Annapolis!

[@MrBertHeylen]

This is the first episode I got to see, but what a beautifull yacht are you sailing on! And a nice video off course 😀.

[@BigDreamsBoating]

I’m not only inspired but I learn from your channel thanks for all the content. Currently I’m preparing for my own long term voyage and first hand navigation information on places is very valuable. Thanks

[@peterforrest6682]

Beautiful yacht...especially with the new sails. Thanks for the film...

[@bennolensdorf8751]

A very nice report!! Congretyoulation!!👍👍👍👍😋😋😋

[@joannebedford2]

Incredible videos. Hi from Cape Town

[@richardhill3035]

Ah we’re in Olhao right now and visited Culatra yesterday. Could have bought you that beer I promised you in Turkey when we missed you by a few days in Gocek! Great video again, we really enjoy them. Thank you.

[@svfairisle]

Well if you make it to Lagos I will be sitting in the bar ready!

[@richardhill3035]

@@svfairisleI’ll bear it in mind! But probably not for a few days.

[@daveslaughter5706]

Wonderful view with all the sails up

[@stephensparkes7260]

Nice thank you 😊

[@nathong3229]

Wonderful episode as always - Look forward to you ocean adventures!

[@brucebenson5908]

Wonderful drone footage.

[@bill8784]

Thank you as always for sharing your adventures.

[@tomriley5790]

Lived in Malaga for a while 20 years ago, remember taking a trip up to Rhonda and it made a spectacular impression on me! Thanks for bringing back the memories!

[@thesophiagibson]

We have watched every episode and get excited when you have a new one released. Cant believe we never noticed before you have 2 anchors up front? As knew sailirs we are intrigued?

[@svfairisle]

It’s just an advantage to have two different styles for different conditions, well it was when the boat was built, a delta would cope very differently to a Bruce for instance and visa versa in certain conditions. The Uktra basically copes with it all. Nice to have a spare should you need to dump an anchor in an emergency though. Most boats couldn’t cope with the extra weight up front it would induce hobby horsing. Even with Fair Isle it makes a difference. I may remove the Bugle for the Atlantic crossing

[@FighterFred]

Good job editing. That retirement life style cannot be beaten!

[@mattmeiners985]

Love your show... 😎😎😎

[@deborahdoyle6743]

Your Orca solution seems reasonable.

[@carolinemcdougall8708]

I will be voting for you in Young Cruisers. Love that they are not ageist, despite the name. Your films are always top notch. It makes a difference having a film making background; though, the kids seem to learn pretty fast, they just watch a KZbin video and off they go. Anyway good luck with the award. 🎉

[@svfairisle]

Just we are constantly surprised how good some of the youngsters are getting with the quality of their film making

[@thepigwillfly5869]

Great video. Sorry we missed you in Lagos.

[@markreed1768]

Fabulous, thank you

[@SailingOfka]

Great inspiration, thanks

[@ValentinStoychev]

Looks like a race boat with that new mainsail! Good luck with the crossing!

[@richardcamp8301]

you wont need that jumper soon :) Great as ever. You can join the many that have run aground :)

[@svfairisle]

Oh we don’t mind admitting we’ve run aground many times!

[@arthurboulton4511]

Fantastic and very informative content "STAY SAFE"

[@aytacercen944]

I for one appreciate your honest opinion and feelings on bullfighting. A tradition I find no satisfaction in watching or knowing that it is still in practice. I see so much in commonality between that and old traditions of whaling. I don't ever apologize for my feelings that I find myself always rooting for the bull. It is 2023, you would think we could go past the old traditions that are deemed to be brutal and inhumane. This coming from a Turk whose ancestry has plenty of brutality to their credit. I want to believe there is a difference between our ancestors and us living hundreds years apart. For some of us, evolution of our species has worked. For some, it seems to be a slower process. Sorry for the rant.

[@svfairisle]

What I did not realize is that there have been protests against bullfighting since the start centuries ago. I can't see it lasting much longer

[@moonhand8311]

Bull torture and slaughter for entertainment is not 'fighting', so it's an utter misnomer. It is a barbaric and backward thing. There's nothing right about it in any way; would have been better for FI to be stronger in their comments, to this affect.

[@aytacercen944]

They could have but then again, they are visitors in someone else's land (sea). There is a limit to what you can and can not say when you are traveling as a tourist , a guest of the host country. Many have gotten into trouble when their innocent comments have gotten them into hot water because the powers in charge didn't like what was said about their beloved country. This happens frequently in the Middle East. So, I really don't blame the Fair Isle couple for not being more forceful. There is a fine line between expressing displeasure with what they saw and politicizing it to the point of being seen as ungrateful visitor.@@moonhand8311

[@gregor393]

We did a

[@jimmerriman6920]

.2 and they are handling the tense moment so casually! Gotta love the confidence! Nice job! BTW, I gave Fair Isle 2 of the 3 picks on the "Young Cruiser Awards". I have to say there was one picture that in my opinion was head and shoulders above the others, and that was the Manta Ray picture... That picture was pretty special!

[@judyaslett6209]

I agree! Tough competition this year. Some excellent work

[@briengilroy4939]

I sailed the Strait quite a number of times all year along. Its is the only connection between the Atalantic and the Med. Wind conditions vary daily. Poniente (westwind), Levanti (Easterly storms). Fall winds from the mountains, heavy traffic, strong currents. You pick it.

[@franciscodorey6026]

Great episode. Remember going to Sancti Petri in mid 80's. Small fishing village and difficult to get into. You've got my vote of course!

[@sailinggreenpearl2571]

Found you guys from your interview with Daniella, that was a great interview. Love your camera work!

[@christip20]

Wow! Great video! I just finished voting for you guys in every category you were entered in. You really did take some great photos that nobody else even came close to. I can’t wait to see how this turns out this year, I have a feeling it’s only getting bigger & better.

[@judyaslett6209]

Thank you for the vote! Will keep you updated 😅

[@gerrystevens4954]

Great content as always, We just missed you in Lagos. You were there outside the Marina bar on Wednesday then gone when we looked on Friday Safe travels guys!

[@svfairisle]

We’re actually just around the corner in the yard doing a bottom job

[@joelambing2430]

Another nice video, as always. We have voted for you as our favorite young cruisers. Good luck! Hope we will see you in Annapolis. Cheers!

[@svfairisle]

Thank you. Hope to see you

[@peterrichards8762]

How good does she look with all sails up❤

[@stevev5510]

Who, Judy?

[@sailwiththegales]

Such a great video you guys...the drone shot of Fair Isle with all sails flying was absolutely stunning, and we were holding our breath for you going through the shallows, yikes. Sorry we won't get to see you at Annapolis again this year, our sushi dinner last time was one of the highlights of the trip for us. As one "young cruising" couple to another though ;o) we will be voting for you! All the best - Pete & Deb

[@svfairisle]

Thanks guys. It was a great dinner. Very pleased to see you are having a good time on your boat - along with the stress of course!

[@timothymulholland7905]

I have followed you since you crossed the Channel and have thoroughly enjoyed your many adventures since. I am looking forward to your passage to the Western Hemisphere. Do be careful!

[@dougmarder]

Hope to finally meet you in Annapolis next month (I missed you both somehow last year). Very much hope you get to make it to Senegal and Gambia; I do not think I have seen a single sailing YT channel make it there. Safe and fun travels!

[@davidhunter7460]

Had to borrow this quote - "....the drone shot of Fair Isle with all sails flying was absolutely stunning"...

[@waltervanderboor]

We understand that your type of rudders look stronger, yet reports are that those break just as well if the orcas do attack. The black water trick seems to actually work..: for 10 seconds and doesn’t really protect..:: happy to see you made it through safely.

[@123boat]

Voted. Hope you win. You deserve it 👏👏👏

[@GoneSailingCA]

Thanks Fair Isle nice sail

[@GMaX-Eire-forever]

Sweet couple !

[@MARIOSAILOR1]

The cheaper diesel in Med its not on Gibraltar. We did it in Gibraltar for 1.04€, in Tunísia 0.60€. The stronger boats like yours, are The moast dangerous ones, if they get hard Orcas victim... I like The idea of The Dark water thanks just in case👍 Enjoy Portugal.

[@larswetterstrom7209]

You can go to Dakar after Kap Verde. It should be OK. A Swedish sailing boat went there a few years ago.

[@svfairisle]

Yes, I think we’ll aim to go before Cape Verd though

[@robertdowdall1068]

Brilliant

[@antonynr]

You need to find a new Continuity person! The staysail suddenly furls at 29:26 😂😂😂

[@judyaslett6209]

A good trip for playing with sails and drones

[@svfairisle]

It’s a magic sail, didn’t you know?!

[@svfairisle]

It’s a magic sail, didn’t you know?!

[@markbennett9787]

Your plastic fish is designed to dive down then flip up and come to the surface when there is the weight of a real fish on it - it’s a PARAVANE. I’ve caught several very large mackerel with one in Biscay, so large in fact that you could slice them transversely and get fat steaks.

[@bobrose7900]

Done! If I could hand pick crew members you two would be at the top of my list! Not sure about scraping the bottom though... is that to clean off the barnacles? Great video and really entertaining stuff. What are the "furry" things on you standing rigging? Nobody has them at our marina. I have a salt water anchor/chain/deck wash - should I change to fresh water with, like you, an Ultra anchor and 318L chain?

[@svfairisle]

The furry things are called Baggy Wrinkles, they stop sail chafe. More boats should have them, they work great but U suppose are old fashion looking so might not fit the look of modern boats. Yes I would change to a fresh water wash if I were you, much better for your chain and for given the rest of the stainless on the boat a wash too, if your at anchor a lot like us it’s pretty necessary

[@bobrose7900]

@@svfairisle You don't see those in the Chandlery... I've gone to great lengths to stop chafe, including solid rails forward of the mast instead of stanchions and wire-our biggest issue. The mast check stays for the inner storm jib stay is the other small issue-but I just remove them. All good fun!

[@grahamcoffer1720]

Great content as always. Will you spend the winter on one anchorage?

[@svfairisle]

No the winter will be spent sailing

[@melvynparkerson9984]

The door on the bridge in Ronda was used in Francos time to execute dissidents , open the door and out they went. Spain was a truly awful place under Franco..

[@50FabulouswithMyFriendDeirdre]

Hi Judy and Steve. I've just caught up on your Gibraltar adventures - professional and entertaining as always. I don't know if you remember us but we were a couple of bays from you on our yacht in the Ionian, on Ithaca, 2 summers ago. We are off to the Canaries in about 10 days and you mentioned you are headed there too. It would be lovely to finally catch up and meet you. Lots of love, Deirdre. XX

[@svfairisle]

Yes well keep in touch and give us a shout if we end up close and we will try and find you. We are currently out on the hard in Lagos cleaning the bottom as the yards in the Canaries were busy with ARC boats. Not sure what islands we will visit but the episodes are up to date or there’s a map in our website that shows exactly where we are. www.sailingfairisle.com

[@svfairisle]

Yes well keep in touch and give us a shout if we end up close and we will try and find you. We are currently out on the hard in Lagos cleaning the bottom as the yards in the Canaries were busy with ARC boats. Not sure what islands we will visit but the episodes are up to date or there’s a map in our website that shows exactly where we are. www.sailingfairisle.com

[@50FabulouswithMyFriendDeirdre]

@@svfairisle that’s great, thank you. We will keep an eye on your map. Have fun! Xx

[@digger360]

Another great video and i don't even like sailing 👍👍

[@garynoll700]

I have a question, if you may what are those things on your stays port and starboard? I've never seen those things I can't make out what materials they are made of, And what they do. I like your videos of Africa. You are explaining everything and that is very informative. I just subscribed so i can see all you are going thru.❤😊

[@svfairisle]

They are called baggy wrinkles, they help stop sail chafe

[@garynoll700]

Thank you for replying. I'm watching some of your videos, they are great.

[@the_ayesha_khan]

The boats looking amazing with the new sails. She should do well across the Atlantic. Quick question Steve on the fresh water wash off for the chain, isn’t fresh best for galvanised chain too?…..off to vote!🎉

[@svfairisle]

Yes it is but the zinc will wear off in time anyway so you’ll expect to be either re galvanising it or replacing it every 10 years or so. A well cared for SS chain would hopefully outlast me.

[@susangoodell6168]

Sure hope you are safely away from the lurking Orcas!

[@inveterateforeigner2780]

What are those brushes on the shrouds?

[@svfairisle]

They are called Baggy Wrinkles, stop sail chafe

[@Karma-fp7ho]

Just remembering the Covid episodes, you two cooking on a tin foil charcoal contraption.

[@judyaslett6209]

I remember that too. Luckily we can get out more now

[@tjpenton]

Curious, how long does 422 L usually last you with your style of cruising? Thanks always.

[@user-gt9mq3zd4w]

There's a boat on the hard in our marina they cracked his skeg 😢

[@Fyn123]

Have you tried “Ventusky” as a weather app? Personally I found it more accurate than windy but always interested in a wider opinion?

[@svfairisle]

Never heard of it, will have a look. I use PredictWind usually.

[@royfitzsimmons6226]

Beautiful Quality video. I feel like I am there with you. Thank you Size and make of your boat ?

[@svfairisle]

Hans Christian 48T, there is a boat tour video

[@svfairisle]

Hans Christian 48T, there is a boat tour video

[@pamelafoley2078]

How many years have you been sailing?

[@svfairisle]

In Fair Isle full time 7. In general 50

[@nesleinf]

Are your depth measure calibrated to show exact depth under the keel? Mine shows actual depth, so when my meter shows 0,8 - as my keel goes to - I touch the ground! Nice vlog - as usual 🙂

[@svfairisle]

Yes depth is calibrated for what's under the keel. Some people like it as actual depth but I prefer it this way

[@barrychallinor6763]

Hi, I am loving your work. I have a M/Y MAREVIVA a BELLIURE 48 living in Lagos Marina. Also have a house near Burgeau. Are you still on SOPROMA Yard or have you left. Would love to say Hello and thank you.

[@svfairisle]

Hi Barry, sadly still here! A brief bottom job has turned into a mast off compression post rebuild. Hoping to go back in sometime the end of next week. I am up to my eyes in fibreglass dust this week but from Monday I hope it will just be fettling so if your up for a beer in a bar somewhere I’m sure we could be dragged away!

[@barrychallinor6763]

Hi Steve, that would be fantastic. Will give you a shout next week.@@svfairisle

[@barrychallinor6763]

Hi Steve,I know that you are very well equipped on your boat but is there anything that we can help with. You mentioned fibreglass dust. We have an industrial type vac etc at home and you are very welcome to borrow for the big clean up.Or in fact anything else that we might have as resdents that you might be looking to borrow. @@svfairisle

[@svfairisle]

@@barrychallinor6763 Thanks Barry, I would have taken you up on that! but all done now, well the messy part anyway!

[@barrychallinor6763]

Hi Steve, not been able to get to you this week as Flu has taken over and I did not want to risk passing it on to you. When do you splash as I would still like to meet up.@@svfairisle

[@machyrudinaceus]

Please forgive this off-topic question, but I’m curious if you had a chance to explore what was Ephesus, in Turkey? I understand the harbor is now silted in & its a 6 mile trek to see the excavated city.

[@judyaslett6209]

We did go to Ephesus in episode 55. Quite an amazing place

[@machyrudinaceus]

@@judyaslett6209 Thank you, Judy. I’ll go back and watch Ep 55. Glad the Orcas were kind to you guys!

[@AnnaRoffey]

❤

[@gksandsleth]

A waring using Navionics sonar maps. Unless you have a sonar system that saves your sonar readings the Navionics "sonar map" is made by algoritmes guessing based on limited information. Here in Norway its not only usless, but dangerous to use in shallow waters. There is many exampels where the "guessing algoritmes" makes deep enough water too shallow, and worse, shallow water deep. So use it for what it is, a guesswork nice for fishing, scuba and so on, not navigation in shallow waters.

[@svfairisle]

I actually don't think that's correct. I can't say for certain as I don't have a direct contact at Navionics, seems to be difficult to talk to them direct. But the sonar readings are not guesswork they are gathered information from peoples depth sounders. What I would like to find out is a how up to date this information might be in any given area. For whats its worth in the last 7 years I haven't found any instance where the soundings have been out by more than half a meter.

[@gksandsleth]

I think it may go down to legeslation. In Norway its not legal to share private sonar readings in a "system/map" like Navionics or its like so all the "sonar" maps ar truly guesswork, and full of flaws. So yes, at least you have to know if the data is shared sonar readings, or based on algoritmes. So be aware :-)@@svfairisle

[@gksandsleth]

I would guess the EU/EØS countries had the same legislation on this, but maybe not?

[@123boat]

A sad day for me as you leave the Med 😥

[@thomasthornton5737]

😃👍👍👍❤

[@brentchatfield5286]

The Sun Also Rises

[@notrut]

26:50 Hmnmnmnmnmnice!

[@TheMikesylv]

Yea it’s a stretch to call it a sport when it’s always the same winner, as for the bull dying only vegetarian’s, have any ground to stand on

[@jeroenbons637]

The terrible bridge of Ronda. Fascists militias used this bridge to throw prisoner republican soldiers to their death. Bodies were piling up at the bottom of the ravine and the blood of these poor souls mixed with the water of a tiny stream that floated under them.

[@johnharris2337]

Watch out for the rudder munching killer whales, apparently running the motor in reverse doing circles puts them off.

[@moonhand8311]

Another great exposition of the cruising life and environment in which it takes place You left the Straits at the right time of year to avoid the orcas, but as with all sailing life on the water, when it comes to the crunch point, it is still "better to be lucky than good"! Now some things I hope you can think about and change.... please.....Fish are better left in the ocean,blike dolphins, turtles and octopus, living their lives, as you are able to live yours, free of imminent death/torture for some 'sport' ( which it isnt)! It would be good if you didn't follow the sailing YT crowds' ill- informed and dumb obsession going on about catching fish ( and other living animsls in the sea, like it's some free-for-all no consequences activity), and how to kill them, gut etc etc. It is distressing to see & unnecessary, and you honestly don't need to do it, truth be told. If you must fish, please don't show it on film or glorify it like it is some essential thing you do in need of your survival, because it isn't. Even when on your extended passage from the Azores to the Verde Islands, or further, you don't have to do it as a necessity for living or survival. If you feel the need for more protein there are plenty of plant alternatives you can take in your ship's stores that don't involve nastiness, yes? Fair winds guys.

[@svfairisle]

Personally the massive problem we have at the moment is fish farms for many reasons including the ones I guess you would be most concerned with, cruelty to the animal. The Med is now full of fish farms and we try hard not to eat fish in restaurants that come from them. Fish caught direct from the ocean by line is without doubt the most sustainable and environmentally friendly way of getting fish. So for me catching and eating fish is probably the best and most eco friendly way of getting protein. There are of course plant based alternatives for protein but we could not feed the world this way. Judy is a pescatarian for environmental reasons and is basically eating no meat to make up for the people who eat red meat every day. Personally I think vegetarianism in the wrong message because for most people, including me, it’s too extreme and people won’t engage with it. However if the message was, eat less, eat more sustainably and only support good farming and fishing practices and strictly avoid the rest it would be possible to get some useful change.

[@drewbrims]

Sailing uma

[@billygrahamyachtsinc753]

S & J, your skill as professional video presenters is 2nd to no other cruising couple, and really comes through in your excellent presentations. I am 76 and my wife is 68. We own a 50 ft LOD steel junk rigged schooner. I have an Irish and Cdn passport, and she has Dutch and Cdn. We refuse to pay the Panama Canal fees, so we are working towards a Northwest Passage West to East from Canada. We would love to cruise the Med in winter, and northern Europe in summer. Thanks, your videos are invaluable for that plan if we ever do so. I think I could actually navigate by them. Do you want to crew with us?

[@svfairisle]

Sounds like a fantastic plan. Do keep in touch with what you are doing and if we find ourselves with a chance to come and see you we will certainly do that.

[@billygrahamyachtsinc753]

Looking forward to that day.