Tom Cunliffe on Passage Planning

[@Div3r]

Don't stop doing these you've no idea how much these are appreciated.....Keep safe.

[@jamesmarshall7359]

I know Im randomly asking but does any of you know a way to get back into an instagram account..? I was dumb lost the login password. I appreciate any assistance you can offer me

[@raymondcyrus8177]

@James Marshall instablaster =)

[@jamesmarshall7359]

@Raymond Cyrus I really appreciate your reply. I got to the site thru google and I'm in the hacking process atm. Seems to take quite some time so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@jamesmarshall7359]

@Raymond Cyrus it worked and I finally got access to my account again. I'm so happy:D Thank you so much, you really help me out!

[@raymondcyrus8177]

@James Marshall Happy to help :D

[@2011Matz]

In the 1960s, my friends and I were disciples of Eric Hiscock. We devoured his books and advice long before we crossed oceans. When we did, we already knew things, like - don't attempt to enter the Panama zone from East after dark. And many other important considerations. But then along came the production boat industry, and after that, GPS. So, the imprudent went to see with only vague ideas of what was in store. Books? Who needs that old stuff?

[@victorimmature]

Tom is also a time Lord , its like so 1970s , its what makes it good to learn from , Thanks Tom

[@superformOG]

"this pilot book is pretty good, i wrote it"haha classic Tom

[@AthelstanEngland]

Non sailors could watch this and enjoy it. You've got a great presenting style.

[@Kevin-xs6oj]

Mr Cunliffe, you are an absolute treasure to the sailing community, worldwide. Thanks mate.

[@mjb0183]

Tom is like a Professor to an advanced course in Sailing. It would be great to see “master class” episodes on sailing.

[@guyfitter3006]

A picture paints a 1000 words. Thank you for this fantastic video. You are a great teacher.

[@markbell2166]

Tom I really enjoyed this. I'm 55 and have never sailed in my life but I'm getting the bug. I can't get enough of your videos and observations. You are inspirational. I'm beginning my training courses with RYA.

[@brinjoness3386]

Hey Mark, I hope you're still taking some time to get on the water. Windsurfing is a cheap way to learn the ocean and all the main points are the same for sailing. Take care

[@peterh.3008]

One of those great and calming personalities where just by his delivery you know all is possible!

[@mynextketchfrontier6351]

Sir I want to thank you,Dearly .. for making this education videos,you have no idea how much it has help me and lift up my spirit to go out me sail… thank you ..I really need this .also the work me effort that the video team has done thank you all..cheers

[@rabukan5842]

Wonderful presentation Tom. These skills will never be obsolete as long as there are serious sailors out there to preserve them. Thank you for passing on some bits of your knowledge and experiences, and sharing your passion so generously.

[@Themothershipsailing]

Completely agree!

[@MichaelBuck]

Excellent overview for getting prepared for a passage. I love your simple and matter-of-fact descriptions. It makes it very easy to understand and implement. I agree that one should never enter an unfamiliar marina at night, not only for the reasons you mentioned but also because not everything is marked or listed on charts, even the modern digital ones. Recently I read a story of a brand new boat that was sailing up the east coast of the USA and decided to tuck in to avoid some weather they were not comfortable with. They were unfamiliar with the entrance to the marina and ended up on a sand barge that they never saw in a narrow channel. The storm came upon them as they were stuck in the channel and eventually ripped a huge hole in the hull. Fortunately, they were able to be rescued but the boat sunk at that very spot. Salvage crews came the next day and found her buried in the sand and just visible above the waterline. They hauled her out and someone decided to buy the boat and is now repairing her. The gash in the hull turned out to be far bigger than expected. And the first job the new owners had to tackles was removing several tons of sand and mud. Several issues were noted as follows: 1. This was the owners first long passage since purchasing and outfitting the boat in Florida 2. The skipper was inexperienced with weather and tucking into a strange marina that was unfamiliar to him 3. They failed to call for help when the weather became something they no longer felt capable of handling 4. They didn't call the Harbor Master, Marina, or the Coast Guard for assistance 5. They relied on digital charts that did show a channel but didn't show the TIDAL information which influences the size and location of the channel. They came in at a low tide that exposed the barge and required them to stay strickly in the channel and not waver to either side where the sand barges were located. 6. Local knowledge of the entrance to the channel and entrance would have given him an accurate picture and warning when coming in 7. Their radio worked fine and they could have called for help at any time. The Coast guard would have been there to guide them in as needed and the Marina would have given them the local knowledge they needed to get through the channel safely. 8. They probably should have had a more experienced captain on board to assist them going up the coast for the very first time. 9. They had not looked at the weather reports for the WEEK to get an idea of changing weather, winds, tides, and sea states. 10. They didn't have an emergency plan, with several marinas along the way plotted out, calling them in advance to get local knowledge and getting TIDE information and channel information. 11. They were just 50 miles from their actual destination and probably would have made it safely if they just kept going. For most things on the boat, getting prepared and set up in advance for the process makes sailing so much more enjoyable. Thank you for taking the time to present this important lesson. Cheers

[@hewyn1]

Thank you Tom! Another master class from the master. You know you’re in the hands of the real deal when they talk to you as though you are their equal, and even give you the odd conspiratorial wink to inspire you into believing you could have done it all by yourself. Reality check: you couldn’t have. Again, thank you!

[@chrisswinnerton1729]

Absolutely brilliant Tom, thank you so much for this video. I'm doing Day Skipper theory at the moment and this has made pilotage and passage planing so much easier to understand. The practical example is worth its weight in gold for a beginner like me. If I ever get to meet you in person, I'll stand you a large tipple of your fancy kind Sir :-)

[@lubberwalker]

And he didn't mention "tidal hour" once. RYA tends to teach peacemeal parts of the picture in great detail. Tom does the helicopter view that joins the dots in rationale order.

[@raybelcher]

Thank you very much Tom. Your work is the only way to feel good by sailing the English Channel.

[@donlaight5943]

Thanks Tom for a great video. Never underestimate the value of a paper chart. I was taught passage planning years ago and even now prefer to do it the mandraulic way over any electronics. These gadgets are very convenient, that is until they don't work for some reason. The other thing is if you've worked it all out on paper you have a mental picture of the passage already in your head so if you need to change plans you can do so.

[@Davidhamnett]

Thank you Tom, I’m doing my Day Skipper Theory and studying passage planning, this has been invaluable, what’s more it’s real life planing! Not off some RYA chart, thank you so much!!! I’m forever greatful

[@brinjoness3386]

Why the disparaging remark against a RYA chart? I would imagine their charts have been used more than most

[@collinsampson1021]

Thanks Tom much more satisfying than just looking at an APP on the phone, it take me back to doing. My Yacht master I the 1990’s, makes the passage more interesting and relaxing knowing that all the planning is done and nothing unexpected will come and bite you

[@gavinratcliffe6201]

Is so refreshing listening to someone that not only is a realist but also know what he is talking about. Well done buddy 😎😎

[@peterfrommystic7890]

21:25 "There's a drying patch here that we don't want to get involved with"... I know that type; don't get involved, thanks for the chuckle from a Yank in New England, love your videos.

[@harbourdogNL]

A video one can -and should- watch at least a dozen times. I'm currently doing my Day Skipper and I will be coming back to this video a lot. Thank you!

[@PeterScallan]

Great video - I've shared it with my Day Skipper and Yachtmaster shorebased students.

[@bestcomdand7023]

Thanks mate. Pure gold! The reminders are superb (I rewatch your vids off season every year). Mostly I love the enthusiasm of your love of the sea. All your books I've studied are of the same -proof that the man we see is the man you are.

[@captaintoyota3171]

As usual well said Sir ,well said.

[@jonelliott9157]

This was such a pleasure to watch. Took me back to early flight planning, where accuracy counts. Simple and straightforward. Nicely done. I could watch these videos all day!

[@finding_mojo]

Great to see a new video from you Tom.!

[@tommcdonagh6403]

Thanks you Sir. Nice exercise on a cold winter day here in Boston.

[@nigellucas560]

I've been using your pilot book for a long time. I don't need the name on the front cover to know your the author as it reads just as you speak. And I can tell you that its a comfort to read the guidance when you've got shiny clean faces looking at you and your taking them out on mileage building trips. Thirty years on the Blackwater and up the East coast I must confess not to open the books and once me and my mate took turns to give each other a bollocking as neither of us had even put a dot on the chart in a six hour cruse from Maldon to the Deben. But that, as you say, is another story.

[@life.sunsets.sunrises]

Top job as always Tom ,always look forward to your edits

[@jesbates8611]

A very practical summary. I think I do most of this and have an A4 planning proforma for each passage with pilotage notes on the back in a plastic wallet. It's quite time consuming!

[@jerrytugable]

Good video Tom. One point: Your first alternative destination is the harbour you departed from, so plan how you would be getting back in, and if it would even be possible.

[@lubberwalker]

Been there a few times.... Its usually a disappointing destination but sometimes a welcome sight.

[@jerrytugable]

Lubber Walker 😛

[@darz3]

Remember coming through the gap from Pompey and getting tangled in submerged crab pots off the end of Hayling shoal, miss it terribly

[@darrylmcleman6456]

I watched a KZbin vid the other day on a boat show in a river in England and there was the Queen s rowboat! Quite spectacular!

[@backtothebarky]

Good morning indeed Tom! Wind is in the east, it's freezing here on the Surrey side!

[@abdulkkhan5095]

Thank you so much , Mr Tom Cunliffe for your very informative and helpful tutorials.

[@MrBernie101]

Thankyou Tom, for taking me on a trip down memory lane, 25 + years ago, and you know what? nothing changes. I've done that exact passage many times, using the exact same methods as you did. I've enjoyed a few chats with your good self, down at Bucklers Hard, you always seemed to have time to chat to us boaties. No tides where I sail now, in Greece. 😎 Barnacle Bern SY Cadbri. Yasas.....

[@richhamel6810]

Great and sensible information, always a pleasure watching your videos.

[@tiptopup602]

........and now it’s tea time!. Perfect afternoon thank you Tom.

[@joeswinny7686]

The brush up is much appreciated Tom, not getting much practice these days.

[@Sailing_Antrice]

Excellent Tom Thank you.

[@silverado123]

Such a great job explaining everything !!!

[@roncooper6302]

Having swallowed the anchor, I thoroughly enjoy your videos and still have all my pilot books and admiralty tidal charts for the North Sea. I was in Chichester for two years before I returned to my home club on the Medway. Now I dream of sailing the Greek Islands in a warm climate. Best regards.

[@mattandtamsin]

Tom, you are such a brilliant teacher and entertaining orator. Huge thank you for all your helpful videos

[@RayKeighley]

Just got your book delivered -- one of the great things about seeing you on here is that now reading your book I hear your voice and presentation in the words --Brilliant.

[@leiflindqvist9095]

With the utmost respect for all the knowledge and experience shared on the channel, I found a detail where I think and act exactly the opposite. It passed a short notice that no waypoints need to be set on the GPS chartplotter. I always take it as part of the planning to lay out the planned route on the plotter. Why? Well, precisely for the reason mentioned regarding the limited overview of the plotter. A route provides a continuous reference that is especially important when navigating narrow waterways and hundreds of islands. A way to compensate a little for its shortcomings in the digital world and make yourself a little less dependent on having paper charts with you out there in the rain. Thanks for the wonderful KZbin episodes!

[@TomCunliffeYachtsandYarns]

Hi Leif Thanks very much for this comment. I'm really glad you've made it because, although my remark about waypoints on the electronic plotter is something I can stand by while navigating in my home waters of the English Channel, I've spent a lot of time in the complexities of the Baltic/Norwegian archipelagos and I can see with perfect clarity that what you say is right. I hope that anyone navigating in tight waters reads your comment and this reply. It would be grand to cross tacks with you among the islands one day. Tom

[@davidwallen3557]

Excellent video Tom. Reinforces all the basics without being stuffy. Very enjoyable.

[@TomCunliffeYachtsandYarns]

Glad you enjoyed it David. Thanks for letting me know. Tom

[@TheRectory33]

Good stuff Tom. Useful ditty I use for the Solent for which way the tidal stream is flowing is "High to low westerly flow, low to high wave Bembridge goodbye". A very quick reference that tells me if I am heading west or east coming out of Portsmouth when out for the day.

[@KenDavies-qv3fs]

Thanks Tom, all good!

[@chrisbrecknell8519]

Thanks Tom. That was a great instructional video,and for folks who love yachting but can’t sail that often, it’s a real gem of information.

[@saltybuster946]

Wonderfully clear as usual Tom, Regards Buster.

[@timgeorge7150]

Very reassuring to watch you do this Tom in your very experienced way... reassures me I’m also thinking along the right lines... inspires confidence you know.. Thanks alot buddy 🤗👍

[@valentynsabulis2858]

Thank you!

[@zeilgenot]

Tom, again a very clear lecture on yachting and navigation. I love the basic approach without getting in unnecessary details while focussing on the real essentials. Great job! Harry

[@johnmcalinden3615]

Thanks for that brush-up. It's a reminder not to rely on one's own bad habits.

[@justinf1343]

Thanks for sharing. I haven’t sailed much but love passage planning.

[@RayKeighley]

great refresher Tom , I'm sitting in my hide out in Switzerland watching the snow come down - had a short ski day and then watched this , did my day skipper last summer after I bought a boat which I haven't had chance to sail yet so I figure the more of this stuff I watch the more will sink in so it's there when I need it Also waiting delivery of one of your books .

[@AthelstanEngland]

Blimey I'm jealous Ray! Can't get away skiing this year... well so far :) and was hoping to get myself a little cheap

[@RayKeighley]

@@AthelstanEngland Lucked out as I spend the winters in Switzerland now and the lifts are running . Got the boat in August but haven't been able to sail her yet except as a passenger to take her to the marina berth.

[@AthelstanEngland]

@@RayKeighley Enjoy! Hoping the Dolomites open up... .14th Feb is possible I've heard but who knows.

[@michaeldomican]

Great job Tom and yes, it’s true that you often only really understand things better when you have to teach them.

[@SeabreezeRJ]

Tom & Crew these videos are just fantastic! I am from NYC, so the entry to Portsmouth is far far but this makes me feel something in my winter hideaway that looks forward to the wet, wild, and great that you have so well enlightened here!

[@woolyimage]

Splendid !

[@hermanverheij]

Thank you very much Tom, this is precisely how I do my passage planning on the Wadden Sea here in The Netherlands - probably because I picked it up in one of your books many years ago... As a matter of fact I use a little bit of electonic gadgetry (plotter on a tablet and gps for sog and course) and I keep a paper chart close at hand for 'the big picture'. The only thing that baffles me a bit is this pencelling of waypoints on the paper chart because you can't refer to them on your plotter nor can you see them, as they don't exist in the real world. My reference would always be the buoys, beacons, transit lines and the like. Having said that, I also have crossed the Chichester Bar a few times, very much aware of its fearsome reputation, but always safely due to careful planning. Cheers!

[@petem6354]

"My reference would always be the buoys, beacons, . . . " The problem is that on busy days, lots of people think like that. They all set the buoy as their waypoint and guess what . . . the fog comes down and they all collide at the waypoint. Or else, there's just you . . . and a cardinal buoy weighs 50 tons!!!!!

[@hermanverheij]

@@petem6354 Fair enough, but my querie was not about the location of the waypoints, it was about the usefulness of marking spots on a paper chart without the addition of, for instance, a course to steer. In the video I saw Tom marking these waypoints, but I just did not get what he wanted to use them for. I've always set a waypoint in order to get a course to steer. As a result you get a bearing and a dtd, which can be really helpful. Some thirty years ago we crossed the North Sea with the aid of a very rudimentary Decca set which allowed us one waypoint only. We set it to the Outer Gabbard and, oh wonder, that's where we arrived in due course. And of course buoys and the like are of little use when you cannot see them, but that is where your plotter proves its worth (as a precaution I have a back-up on my phone...).

[@rabukan5842]

​@@hermanverheij I believe Tom just meant this video as a basic presentation of what goes into planning a passage using books and paper charts, as opposed to electronics; it's not meant to be a course in chart plotting. To learn DR's, course to steer, speed made good, running fixes, set and drift, etc. viewers should take a chart plotting course. This was just a wonderful overview of what sailing is about before setting off on a journey.

[@hermanverheij]

@@rabukan5842 Point well taken! On second thoughts I think part of my confusion originates in the way the term 'waypoint' is used. I tend to think of a waypoint as a point to which one is meant to navigate, but I realise now that Tom uses them, at least for the purposes of this video, in a more literal sense as points along the way, i.e. points you'll have to pass on your journey. And then it makes perfect sense to put a ruler between them to find out if there are any areas you would not want to 'get involved with'. All in all very educational, thanks!

[@rabukan5842]

@@hermanverheij Yes, he’s using the term waypoints as an educational tool as most are now familiar with it through use of GPS. It’s a good way to connect the basics to more advanced ideas without having to get into those details. Stay safe.

[@russellearley8863]

Thanks so much Capt. TOM..

[@ignaciohernandezantolin5392]

Great advice Tom. As always.

[@davidmurray3411]

Hi Tom ,Great Videos , I was once one of your young students but am 64 now ,With the wind up our bum time flys .I am currently sailing up the east coast of Australia .I have put a link on my site for you hope your happy with it.Don't stop Tom your doing a great job.Till the next time ,Thanks mate .Dave..

[@TomCunliffeYachtsandYarns]

Hi Dave. Grand to hear from you all the way from Oz. We had some fun in those days, didn't we! Thanks for the link too - was it to my site www.tomcunliffe.com or to KZbin? Either way, it's great. Fair winds mate. Tom

[@PetervanGinneken]

Wonderfully clear, level headed and practical. I learned all of this when I got my licence years ago. But as I never sail on tidal waters its all dry theory. This really makes it come to life and look slightly less daunting.

[@claussalt4140]

Thx Tom . Great refresher. I’d completed my Coastal Skipper and was about to take the Practical when CV19 closed it all down!!... keep safe...

[@timallen6025]

Best yet, thank you . Three plotters showing three different tidal info, gosh that is so telling! Paper overview, overall perspective, zoom free at-a-glance..yes👍 I too was er self taught . As a chum wisely said , without cpd how could I know how little I know , as it were??. Great patient ‘ can do ‘video for all, this one deceptively packed with tips . Thank you

[@TomCunliffeYachtsandYarns]

Thanks Tim. We 'primitives'' must stick together! Tom

[@donnellanj43]

Thanks Tom. Very timely for me as I'm just finishing a coastal skipper online course with practical to come.

[@tothefield3623]

Great video very informative. How about a video explaining charts their keys symbols and depths.

[@johndunne777]

great video

[@zalacainbilbao]

The best way of learning something, is to teach it!

[@Pianoguy32]

I recall planning a similar journey but in reverse with my father, we went over the east winner sandbank with the keel raised up and about a foot or two of water underneath, was exciting to see the stones through the water ! but we made it.

[@nickwebb9290]

Oh Tom, Christchurch, Mudiford was my stamping ground apart from Lymington. So it’s been really nice to watch your video. Pls don’t mention Chichester...having arrived there once at night at short notice...stressful 😆 Your experienced comments are absolutely essential. We live and learn 👍

[@reloadncharge9907]

Excellent! A trip I recall making many times, though perhaps not as well thought out.....thx! Andrew

[@tizziejames9040]

Thanks ever so much, Tom. Really enjoyable.

[@chrisy6707]

Cheers Tom, Top Man!

[@AntonKramer]

Thank you Mr. Cunliffe. Your lessons and insights are always enlightening and welcome. When it comes to making a passage plan I think it's better to make a schedule with a margin of error than to make no plan at all.

[@davidallen9526]

Brilliant. Thanks Capt.

[@josephlai9759]

Thank you so much, Mr Cunliffe. You know, there is always something genuinely interesting and unique that you have discovered in your sailing experience and sharing it with us. It never occurred to me that it could be potentially important to keep a previous reading intact in the box. That is truly an invaluable insight for us all. I had a quick check on my self-made box and glad to report that it has ample space to accommodate the sextant in any position. Whew!

[@sailingin-tuitionwithchuck]

thank you for sharing that. As a relatively new sailor, I try to consume as much passage planning information as possible. And your expertise is most helpful.

[@simonforbes2453]

What an excellent, detailed, informative tutorial.

[@skinwalker_]

More please its really useful and encouraging Thank you for this it was good to see you do it.

[@dr-stephennewdell3882]

that was the best lesson I've ever gotten. Thanks Tom!

[@fastfreddy19641]

great instructional video, thank you.

[@WimJohnen]

I could listen to your exquisite explanations for hours. My wife and I are doing our Yachtmasters in summer and theory now. For sure I will buy books from your store to help me mastering it.

[@TomCunliffeYachtsandYarns]

Thanks Wim. I'm so pleased you and your wife find the videos useful. There's more interesting videos and articles on my online club www.tomcunliffe.com. Tom

[@terrydickinson7252]

Good video for RYA day skipper theory which I’m studying online.

[@markmuller8829]

An excellent video, Tom. I haven't watched in a while and can see your video production has gone up a peg or two. But to make up for my absence I did pull your 'The Complete Yachtmaster' 3rd edition off the book shelf yesterday for a read.....bought that book back in 2001 (has it really been 20 years!). Funnily enough, I was reading the chapter on passage planning and lo & behold, this video popped up today in my KZbin feed.

[@TomCunliffeYachtsandYarns]

Hi Mark. We always reckon that those older edition of CYM read like 'The History of Yachting'. Just proofing the 10th edition! That was filmed in conjunction with Seeing Eye TV who is thoroughly professional. This was made possible by MDL marinas who helped out. The 'B' team consists of just Roz and myself, but she's come by many a sea mile thanks to coaching and encouragement from Steve @SeeingEye. Tom

[@styx85]

This is gold, thanks for this, Tom!

[@markrutlidge5427]

Excellent as always.

[@MorozovYachts]

Thanks for your reminder about proper navigation.

[@mikewillis2934]

Very clear information coupled with explanations around the thought process. Thanks

[@livingladolcevita7318]

nice one Tom. I used to teach Dinghy sailing years ago, the RYA method, and regret not finishing my day skipper course. There are similarities with my latest craze, flying microlites, especially way points as once you have decided your route or heading and having taken in to account any wind drift, it's comforting being able to tick them off knowing your on course. Once did a " race " around Isle of Sheppey in a Wayfarer and was amazed how far out off shore to get any depth of water one had to go. Added to that we had to get to somewhere around Kings ferry bridge before the tide turned otherwise we would have had to turn around, and that was a long way back. HA HA happy days!!

[@cakemoss4664]

A masterclass. Thanks Tom.

[@karhukivi]

That was even more enjoyable than doing the passage - thanks Tom!

[@914va]

Thanks Tom!

[@Musician-Lee]

Superb and totally practical. Thanks Tom.

[@DirkJacobsz]

Excellent - thanks Tom

[@ajmalmian3653]

Really useful . Thanks .

[@aljotock]

Excellent video many thanx

[@sailawayteam]

Golden advice.