Reality of sailing an ocean with family in a storm Part 1

Reality of sailing an ocean with family
in a storm Part 1
If you'd like to enter the sweepstake and help Finn get to the U23 world rowing championships: givealittle.co...
Our family are bluewater sailing again.
Before leaving port we knew this wasn't going to be the champagne sailing we had encountered on our north Indian Ocean crossing from Thailand. This passage takes us through the tumultuous inter tropical convergence zone, well known for it's calm winds then sudden, unpredictable weather patterns. We weren't quite prepared for the numerous squalls, multiple sail changes, shredded sail, wrecked TV, boogie invasion and dose of reality of what it's really like to sail across this stretch of the Indian Ocean
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Much love to you all,
Rob, Rachel, Finn, Declan, Ivan
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*****
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#sailing#TheCruisingKiwis #storm #264

[@TheCruisingKiwis]

If you'd like to support Finn's U23 world championship campaign in Canada and win a chance to sail with us here's the link to the givealittle page. givealittle.co.nz/cause/help-finn-get-to-canada-and-win-a-sailing-trip Please put a surname or initial with your name so that we don’t end up with three Johns and two Sarah’s; Remember, for every $10 donated you are entered in a sweepstake to come sailing with us for a week. Patrons get double the chance for each $10. - Patreon www.patreon.com/CruisingKiwis

[@sausage5849]

Rob's a great Captain. Never loses his cool. Sail safe folks!

[@TheCruisingKiwis]

Rob certainly doesn’t get much sleep on these ocean passages, when it’s rough. Always on call.

[@courierdude7250]

Isn't it funny how after going through an exciting period of weather, the relief felt is only exceeded by the realisation that you are now that more competent and confident in your sailing abilities. I just love that feeling.

[@TheCruisingKiwis]

I could not have said that better, that is exactly how we feel. Hard times build tough people.

[@LaurieShannon-gr2ts]

I’ll tell you that Mocha taking over at the helm prior to the storm is really what it’s all about. No idle hands when the Kiwis are cruising 👏

[@TheCruisingKiwis]

So true 😂🤣

[@VicuSan]

@@TheCruisingKiwis That's a united family!!

[@OnTheFlipSide]

Great episode, where else would you find TV fixes with watermelon! Now that's what I call an exciting passage, full of memories to reflect back on. As always you guys are calm in the face of disastrous moments. Well done Finn, the community love and support is amazing.

[@TheCruisingKiwis]

Thank you Amanda. This was certainly a passage we will not forget and shows us how far we have come as a family sailing together. Everyone pulling their weight to get the job done, even Mocha 😉

[@OnTheFlipSide]

@@TheCruisingKiwis Finn passed his goal!!! I am so proud of his never-give-up attitude and making major changes not only to his physical self, but also his style to reach his goals. Go Finn Go!

[@oscarw9889]

Thoroughly enjoyed your videos and am surprised you don’t have more subscribers… A real shame. I enjoy the bond you all have together but understand Declan’s desire to spread his wings too. Hopefully Finn will get to achieve his dream as well!

[@TheCruisingKiwis]

Thank you Oscarw, we are going to miss Declan’s presence on the boat and none more than Ivan. It won’t be the same without him, but children grow and need their independence.

[@ChristinaWilson-y7y]

I agree - I am surprised that they don't have more subscribers ???

[@stanmoulton6904]

what i say, they are my favorite sailing family. they need 100 million or more in my opinion.

[@dennismatthews6660]

Thank you for sharing!

[@TheCruisingKiwis]

Thanks for watching

[@jamesvanian5524]

Wow! That was some intense sailing in very bad conditions with quite a bit of damage done. You managed it in the true Kiwi style. The thing is that you all know what you are doing and work as a team. Pity about the Television but they are made of plastic that goes brittle over time and then breaks off being nearly impossible to repair. Fantastic video Guy's. Keep well and safe. James.

[@TheCruisingKiwis]

Thanks James it was not a time to relax that's for sure.

[@pooket2002]

That was so tense wow guys. this is just one of them episodes i will remember for a long long time

[@TheCruisingKiwis]

Thank you. I think we worked well under pressure. The boys are so resilient. Not something they teach at school 😊

[@nolaken6308]

Growing balls and don’t have a clue…you guys are awesome 😎

[@TheCruisingKiwis]

😜

[@sedatedape315]

So used to the calm, beautiful locales you guys have shared with us. Now...we see the harder part of living on the blue! There's been a bit of sail shredding between you guys and the Zatara crew! Makes me wonder how they did it centuries back when they had to handle hundreds of square yards of canvas. Boobs were nice. So we're the birds 😉 Poor Mocha. So many playthings and all just outa reach. TV repair was awesome! I was hoping it would work. The idea was great. And who hasn't hammered a nail with a banana? Watermelon is a perfect wedge when needed! Hoping you guys have better luck in part 2! I'm

[@TheCruisingKiwis]

Shredding the sail was unfortunate, leaving us with fewer choices when the squalls rolled through. And while we didn’t enjoy the worst of it while it was happening I think we handled ourselves well.

[@sisselnilsen4699]

Now back too sleep! Intense experience, KIWIS!

[@texanoutdoors6409]

Rachel, this is your most epic video to date. Love your choice of shots and music !! ❤

[@TheCruisingKiwis]

Thank you

[@Fairplayer43]

Thank you for the video Rachel!! ❤ This is another example of what to do when things become tight. Keeping calm when a storm is afoot is not easy (same as in life). I am so proud of Declan and Ivan!!! 😢They are not kids anymore... You guys are awesome! (If not for this attitude, the situation with Finn's water accident would had been devastating.) I love you guys! 😊❤

[@TheCruisingKiwis]

Thank you. The boys have grown into resilient, courageous, helpful young men, who are great fun to be around. We are very proud of them.

[@Fairplayer43]

@@TheCruisingKiwis Rachel, I never had children. I am sixty one now and pretty much used that childless idea. But if I would had had the chance to have children, I would had wanted my boys to be like yours. Anyway. Enough praising.. I am getting a knot in my throat. 😊

[@pumpkinsoup3064]

​​​@@Fairplayer43you made me cry😢 for you and for me. No kids either.

[@TheCruisingKiwis]

@@Fairplayer43 thank you

[@jonnyonedart]

Blimey Rob….. what a beast! Fab episode! Looks like it was quite a trip! Fairplay to the lads - ingenuity at its finest :) Rach, great editing as always.

[@TheCruisingKiwis]

Thanks John, those storms kept us on our toes and the boys responded with aplomb.

[@swanman1984.]

Gotta admit as much as i love your vlogs folks, im glad to be watching in the comfort of my lounge chair! you guys do it tough sometimes!

[@TheCruisingKiwis]

Yes this was a passage that tried us at times.

[@Travelling_Jonoberries]

Now that is good old sailing skills there Captain Rob, you don’t get realtime sailing in some of the other channels, thank you for allowing us to be part of your crossing adventures 😇🙏⛵️Safe sailing and God Bless

[@TheCruisingKiwis]

Thank you Jonoberries. Losing the sail was frustrating, otherwise unscathed

[@davidholland2180]

Just watched this part 1, what an awesome ride that has been so far, hope it does not to much worse for y"all. but you do have a great crew, loved that TV fix, got to work with what you have, Ivan doing a great job of steering, but then all of you did a great job, as always. This looks like its going to be a trip the remember forever. Making quite a few memories. Once in my younger days I rode out a hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico on a 38 foot Sport Fisherman Boat, I can laugh about it now but then in was quite a ride. Needless to say the boat and I survived that little episode. Can't hardly wait for episode 2 , hope you all stay safe. And yes, I will be sharing this also.

[@TheCruisingKiwis]

It’s no fun when you’re in the gnarly weather conditions but it teaches you a lot about yourself and your boat. Our captain stayed calm, the crew rose to the occasion and we are all the more resilient for the experience.

[@davidholland2180]

@@TheCruisingKiwis that is very true..

[@SailingSeahorse2025]

Ahh 😢.. All the best Dec, gonna miss seeing you each week on TCK. Onwards and upwards bud. Great episode Rach

[@TheCruisingKiwis]

Thanks Clint. Do these sea states entice you? We might be looking for crew to replace Declan🤔

[@amandaavery475]

Why don’t you wear life jackets .. you make me nervous watching you without them… loved this episode 👏👏👏

[@TheCruisingKiwis]

They can be more of a problem in some situations. If we fell off the front of that cross beam at the bow the last thing you would want to be wearing is a life jacket. One would want to dive deep to avoid being struck on the head by the bridge between the hulls.

[@frankmcnish8489]

Great job team

[@TheCruisingKiwis]

Thanks Frank

[@memamu0]

I am just catching up with all the videos I missed and am happy to see that the fundraiser has been more than matched. Such a great community. 🎉

[@TheCruisingKiwis]

I know, it's incredible. So grateful.

[@havewheelslovesailing]

Wow, that was a challenging sail.

[@TheCruisingKiwis]

After losing the genoa it made things a bit awkward to be sure.

[@carltontweedle5724]

In bunk on deck had to jam myself in the locker sleep for two days. RFA ship big tanker south seas in 82. That storm was massive three decks up went to dump gash nearly ended up over the side. Only hot meal baked tattie.

[@TheCruisingKiwis]

That sounds gnarly. We’ve watched the yt shorts of big tankers crashing through enormous waves. Where exactly did your storm take place?

[@Andy-dt8jg]

Wow what a sail - I watched your lives on this trip, but this video shows the full force of nature. Amazing audio with the female singer in the middle - perfectly suited the moment. Huge laugh when the boys broke the remaining good fixing on the TV when re-fitting. Good team work on dealing with the weather. With hindsight would you have chosen to delay departure, or do those systems come through regularly regardless?

[@TheCruisingKiwis]

For this area of the Indian Ocean the weather windows are few and far between, at this time of year. If you watched last weeks vlog one boat stayed behind in Addu Atoll hoping for a better weather window but actually faired worse.

[@sailingwiththejamess]

Rachel, you do an excellent job on voiceovers!

[@TheCruisingKiwis]

I just read that too Rachel and she gave a "oh that's nice". The reality is know one likes the sound of their own voice.

[@lukeduke3001]

Yip I made it to the end as always Cheers rob

[@TheCruisingKiwis]

Thank you Luke

[@WayneKline]

What an excellent action packed episode today, Cruising Kiwis, well done!

[@TheCruisingKiwis]

Thank you Wayne

[@danielwardin3609]

I love your ingenuity: Ivan's water guard and Declan's watermelon shim! Until Part Two... All best as always.

[@TheCruisingKiwis]

Thanking you Daniel

[@alainlusson9811]

Bravo et merci pour cet épisode, vous etes merveilleux, calmes et agreables , une famille admirable , des enfants équilibrés et sains, votre chaine et celle des garcons meritent de nombreux fans , soyez tous heureux dans la joie et la paix , merci du fond du coeur , prêt pour la suite des aventures

[@TheCruisingKiwis]

Thank you Alain. Our hearts are good reading this

[@knotnauti]

gosh that was an exciting run - calm under pressure, well done team!!

[@TheCruisingKiwis]

Thank you!

[@MrFroglips69]

A groovy yet unnerving sail. Your family handled it well. But come on, breaking the TV during a long wild trip. LOL!

[@TheCruisingKiwis]

Haha that was the toughest part of the Voyage so far

[@JBarr9011]

Paradise? Looks exciting though. Josh

[@TheCruisingKiwis]

Thank you Josh. We’ll put your name in the draw for the sweepstake.

[@wendywilson9760]

I love the calm seas

[@TheCruisingKiwis]

We absolutely love thy free calm sea!!😄😉🥰

[@steveb.5617]

Wow that was a wild ride. Best wishes to you all....

[@TheCruisingKiwis]

….and we lived to tell the tail.

[@jordanielridgway-bent]

Every episode well worth being a part of the little support I can offer. Love you all folks, you work so hard during passage, what a team!

[@TheCruisingKiwis]

@@jordanielridgway-bent Thank you Jodaniel. Although a gentler passage is much preferred, having the family working so well together is was heartening.

[@stanmoulton6904]

Another awesome family sailing adventure. Nice to have Rob and the boy's in time of stressful sailing. also Captain Mocha, to keep you on course. If you ask me i think mocha wanted to sail towards more sea chickens. Hope EMC has luck finding a good job in Aus. as always great video keep up the great work. 22k subs and rising.

[@TheCruisingKiwis]

Thank you Stan, for selfish reasons I hope Declan succeed with his KZbin channel and can then be free to return🥰

[@LetGoAnLive]

Great editing! Thanks for sharing your adventures😊

[@TheCruisingKiwis]

Thanks for watching!

[@davidholland2180]

Sunday July 7 at 11:53 AM and watching this for the third time, and going to share it again also. Hope it helps.

[@TheCruisingKiwis]

Love your commitment David!!🥰

[@denisecole6128]

Sir no plumbers crack! Haha

[@TheCruisingKiwis]

Boobies, balls and plumbers crack , this weeks vlog’s got ‘em covered. And they wonder why we don’t have more subscribers 😜

[@kiwiboys]

I made it to the end! I'M YOUR BIGGEST FAN!!

[@TheCruisingKiwis]

Whoop whoop

[@vernholmes7940]

What an incredible episode!

[@TheCruisingKiwis]

Thanks for your time Vern!

[@d2ndborn]

I was waiting all day for an update from my favorite sailing family. How long will you be in the Seychelles? Ivan is going to have more to do when Declan leaves. How is Finn's fund going?

[@TheCruisingKiwis]

Hope the wait was worth it. We plan to be in Seychelles a month, but our plans are always fluid 😊

[@VicuSan]

OMG, looks so scary the preps for crossing the storms!! And poor Mocha (those eyes!), not wanting to look up... Thanks for sharing those moments, you are such skilled, brave sailors!! Indeed it gives you character. Sorry to hear about the sail... . As for the other damages, the TV and Ivan´s window, good job on the creativity crafted solutions. Well done Rob, for fixing the sail! Nice sea dragon you´ve got, Rob! Nice swims in the ocean!! Glad to see Declan is goingg back to Australia, but on the other hand, sad to see the parting of another Crusing Kiwi... Of course I wish him and Chanelle all the best, but thinking of Ivan (though, not that he wasn´t having a bad time as an only child, haha). Yes, it must be nice to have some interaction, even briefly and over the radio!! Do you have much of those calls, with the growing number of followers? As I just commented on the Kiwi Boys last episode, Mocha wanted to provide some food the moment the Booby Red birds landed on board, hhaha... You are like the XXI Darwin expedition, or the New Durrells, haha. Rob, of course we hold it until the end, with all that is happenning to you how could we stop watching? Safe journey, fair winds!

[@TheCruisingKiwis]

We will be sad to farewell Declan, for us and Ivan too. We hope the Kiwi Boys takes off then he'll be free to return. No we don't often get ships calling us. It was rather nice actually

[@AG-ub4ql]

Great video as always. Love the background music. The singer has a beautiful voice.

[@TheCruisingKiwis]

Thank you.

[@pumpkinsoup3064]

Talk about the wind un your hair. Great captainship Rob.

[@TheCruisingKiwis]

@@pumpkinsoup3064 even Robs follicles got a good blasting😜

[@KENGRIGG-wv2so]

Solid effort Kiwis

[@TheCruisingKiwis]

Cheers Ken

[@bernardels92]

Exciting passage! Although I’m saying that from the comfort of my couch. RIP to your Genoa & TV - at least you still had Ivan to provide some entertainment.

[@TheCruisingKiwis]

The TV is a work in progress. Sadly not so the genoa.

[@mikeferguson2828]

Nice episode guys. Pity about the Genoa 🙄 Forgot to mention we all got hit with a 7 hour tropical storm just as we left Anabas. We read 48 knots and one of the other boats near Natuna ready 55 knots. The sea picked up to 4 m so quickly. This carried on with torrential horizontal rain for 7 hours. Luckily it was off our stern quarter. Even with a dropped main and sliver of Genoa we were surfing down at 14 knots. And then the next day no wind at all til we arrived at Miri.

[@TheCruisingKiwis]

Wow Mike, that's a serious piece of weather to negotiate. We'll done for getting through it unscathed.

[@nigeldavies8323]

Thanks

[@TheCruisingKiwis]

Thank you very much Nigel!! That's going towards a replacement genoa. We hope to pick up a second hand one if there is anything in Seychelles.

[@jonathanscott550]

Another awesome video. Learning that Ivan has a pair of Boobys and Rachel a Pair of nuts has me sort of concerned what have you been eating? Shame about the sail ripping hopefully you have a spare. Started off with clam seas and all of a sudden things change. I hear the Indian Ocean's known for that. I noticed safety harnesses weren't worn while Robert and Declan were attempting to bring sail down. Rachel you said the camera wasn't giving a good picture of the sea state well I thought it was alright. You could tell from the footage the sea state. IVAN that was a good fix to your leaking window. Hopefully when you get to the Seychelle's you'll be able to do well your father a permanent fix. Mocha and the birds. I think if Mocha did get to them they harm Mocha due to their size. Stay safe looking forward to next video

[@TheCruisingKiwis]

Ripping the sail was a real hassle. It’s our most versatile sail, flown in all conditions and a stabilising force on the boat. Unfortunately we don’t carry a spare.😔

[@jonathanscott550]

@@TheCruisingKiwis how long did you have the sail for ?

[@texanoutdoors6409]

Tell Rob you gotta get old to get tough. I'll be 62 in October. Kerry

[@TheCruisingKiwis]

Age is just a number! 😊

[@jamesroberts4501]

Pretty sure I've missed something here team. I'm sure a while ago the crew was talking about going through the red seas, to the Suez Canal? I'm guessing those plans got canned with the war going on??

[@TheCruisingKiwis]

Sailing to Europe has been canned. Although there are still cruisers making it safely through the Red Sea we have decided to take the alternative route to South Africa.

[@trevhedges]

Wow, Thanks guys..

[@TheCruisingKiwis]

Thanks Trev, rather frustrating to lose the genoa.

[@ritabaumgartner919]

Wow this was intense!

[@TheCruisingKiwis]

And frustrating😉

[@stevewakefield5001]

Really appreciate seeing your voyage. Fun to jump in at one point. True bummer about your Genoa. Hope you have something can replace it for this leg to the Seychelles? Wish you the best!

[@TheCruisingKiwis]

Thanks Steve. Unfortunately we weren't able to repair it so had to make do with the main our when the wind angles permitted, the spinnaker.

[@KENGRIGG-wv2so]

Great Vid

[@TheCruisingKiwis]

Thanks Ken

[@janaferreira8882]

❤

[@rickkwitkoski1976]

Thank you! That was a wild ride. Could you cut/sew the genoa shorter so that you have some bit of heavy sail to fly?

[@TheCruisingKiwis]

Unfortunately we don't have the right gear to do the job and prefer to leave as is so maybe sail repair can do the job without needing a new one.

[@Stevek1969]

Rachael. I think there’s enough testosterone on the boat without you adding more!😉🤔. Great video and a bit of excitement as always as to the spice of life. Looking forward to the next episode. And Ivan think it’s about time you let your brother cut your hair!

[@TheCruisingKiwis]

Indeed life would be boring if it was all plain sailing.

[@bryanbadger6841]

Typical bloody kiwis with their #8 wire mentality. Fix a TV with watermelon and whatever else you had. Haha. Good on ya mate. Talking about the manaia, I actually had a bone carving manaia, and visited the town of Manaia up in the Taranaki area. My mate was a jobbing carpenter, and had to price a job in the town, so I went up for the ride. It was just coincidence that I was wearing one. Impressed?.? OK moving on. You guys were talking about boobies on board. Never saw a thing.!! Just a bunch of birds on the wind vane. 😂 Thank-you again for sharing. All the very best, from down here in Aotearoa. Stay safe.

[@TheCruisingKiwis]

Excellent all round observations. Birds was all I saw too Bryan. And the manaia story counts big time!!

[@sisselnilsen4699]

Taniwha! I remember when I read that the maori politics used the taniwha as a means of trying to stop water energy development!

[@TheCruisingKiwis]

It’s true they did. There’s a Taniwha at every bend in the river in NZ. You don’t want to mess with the Taniwha

[@kenlynch6332]

⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵

[@FBurck]

The TV falling didn't wake Mocha, did it?

[@TheCruisingKiwis]

That cat could sleep through a hurricane

[@09musc09]

Great episode! Who is the artist and what’s the name of the song you used? Thanks

[@TheCruisingKiwis]

Thank you. The song is Ordinary world by De Lune.

[@09musc09]

Thanks so much!

[@lets_go_see_]

Wow folks. You look like you actualy know how to sail.... Reefing in the lines, hoisting the sails and a feline helms(man?) Lol. Just teasing.

[@TheCruisingKiwis]

A bit of rough sailing brings out the best in the team.😊

[@DYoung-vt8pq]

Love you guys! When someone contacts you via the radio asking questions, how do you know it's not pirates trying to suss out your situation? I was worried for you. Safe travels. ❤

[@TheCruisingKiwis]

That we could see them on ais was a good thing. But I guess you never know.

[@andysaunders9483]

Well, i know you've got at least 10m of sail repair tape, so just stick it back together! Cheers!

[@TheCruisingKiwis]

Haha yeah easy peazy. Thanks for the advice. And tape!

[@galumaygurruwiwi9055]

Great, raw episode! What a bugger blowing the genoa, its the worst sail to lose on a Cat, especially when you dont have a screecher/code 0. One thing I was wondering, and I think you may have mentioned it yourself in the past, why does your autopilot spin like a demented demon!! I cant believe how much helm it applies in both directions! On our Bahia we have a Raymarine Autopilot and it never seems to apply more than a ¼ of a turn of helm, and never quickly like yours. It just doesnt look right!

[@TheCruisingKiwis]

We have talked to so many people about our spinning autohelm. We’ve also had several Raymarine technicians out for a sail on the boat, but no one can get to the bottom of the problem. So Bob continues to spin away.

[@thomasmiller3648]

Thanks for the video! I was curious as to how the family handled storms out on the water. Thanks for the insight. How do you decide how long you will stay in a certain location?

[@TheCruisingKiwis]

It really depends on the season and weather conditions. We made a mistake in going through Maldives too quickly. Another month would have been ideal.

[@sailingexcelsior]

Breaks your heart shredding a sail like that, you guys will be right though just get your butts over here to Africa with us 😂

[@TheCruisingKiwis]

Yeah it was such a bummer. Slowed us up big time.

[@lets_go_see_]

Rob, you still cut into people speaking. Bad habit. Good habit, you all did a fabulous job handling that wind!

[@TheCruisingKiwis]

Ha, Rob is always telling me off for cutting into peoples conversations. Looks like I’m not alone.

[@wendywilson9760]

Who needs TV😂

[@TheCruisingKiwis]

As it turns out we do😄

[@sandye9029]

Can't watch any bits where the cat is in danger of falling off.

[@TheCruisingKiwis]

That's rather lovely Sandy, thank you🥰

[@billhanna8838]

Real life post as always , Annoys me when i see people let there furlers out with out keeping pressure on the furling line , A simple thing , one turn around the winch . Bad luck about the genoa , Fair winds

[@TheCruisingKiwis]

Thanks Bill. We've found having a complete loop around the winch is too much resistance and with it half around the winch creates enough fiction. However, might have to adjust that practice and try again as digested then winch it on the leeward side on release from furler.

[@ALL_For_His_Kingdom3224]

I'd be on my knees, praying to God in Heaven for protection daily in Jesus Mighty Name. Prayer is powerful. He gives us an invitation with free will. Please consider reaching out to Him.

[@enzedracing3641]

Prayers do stuff all in that situation. Get god on the tools and help out on the boat when it's rough 😂

[@TheCruisingKiwis]

You can pray and pull on the lines at the same time, it works wonders. 😊