WHAT WE SHOULD HAVE DONE DIFFERENTLY - Hurricane Beryl Full Debrief (Hour Long Raw Discussion)

[@snowcat09]

Billy said it perfectly. We controlled what we could control.

[@nooneanybodyknows7912]

If I had a million dollar sailboat I would feel confident anchored next to Billy. I know, without a doubt, he will have played out and thought out every possible scenario and properly prepared for it. Kudos! 👏 Sierra, you doubt yourself too much. IMHO, you could/can do more and better than you give yourself credit. You've got to stop depending on Billy. Pretend he's not there and you're doing it by yourself and just do it. Be the one in the dinghy in the mangroves securing the boat. The ONLY way out of your fear is to overcome it with ability and confidence. I admire you. I love your open communication and support for each other. I agree with Billy. Give me an anchorage without other people/boats. Thanks for sharing. PS, Sierra, I love your tender heart. ❤️

[@cruzinZ]

The easy way doesn’t leave you with any stories for future campfire gatherings. Glad you made it through safely.

[@rlpatton1970]

Billy is just saying he’d rather be by himself than around 5 charter boats with derelicts😂 as captains

[@dennisbishop3842]

Yeah, that sounded bad.

[@paulas_lens]

There is no right or wrong in this debrief. Billy has valid points. Sierra has valid points. •Lack of trust of others •Trust in oneself •Personal responsibilty of the general public is not a guarantee. •Humans are stronger working together. Women, especially, are trained by society to fear, fear, fear. (woman here) Even with three days of prep, everything cannot be controlled. Fear and anger is the way to the dark side. I am much like Sierra, so I can totally sympathize. Although, I trust in myself way more than others, much like Billy.

[@CDB1952]

From the perspective of an old couple married 50+ years. We want toy say: Wow, guys well beyond the storm, the love and mutual respect in this relationship is inspiring to witness. ❤

[@gogogaga7441]

Seems like she's focused on what can or will happen, while he's examining what did happen. Always best to be prepared for the worst.

[@dustoff1472]

This conversation should be required for all sailors. Not just for new sailors but as a starting point of a great conversation for all crews. You all did a great job debriefing the hurricane.

[@svgreatescapes]

Sorry that I’m taking one side, but Billy is right. The biggest problem in any storm is other boats. You take comfort in the idea that others are there to help you but in reality you probably know more than they do and you’re the one who’s going to have to risk your life to go out and help them. Take care of your boat and it’ll take care of you. I hope this is the last storm you’ll have to deal with for a long time.

[@payne1885]

Love you guys, watched forever. Get more rope, get radar, stay safe.

[@patriciaperry2028]

Get radar

[@bobbates7343]

I think for a happy couple you two should keep that fuel tank full

[@motor-head]

Billy is correct, other boats are the biggest risk. All things being equal if your can be away from others, you are far safer.

[@christinec1928]

Agreed. After seeing the dog pile of boats in Bequia (Carriacou?), I wouldn't want too many boats around me. Her fears were speaking more than common sense.

[@jaime2706]

Thanks guys. Love keeping up with you.

[@russoley8995]

Been tho to many hurricanes, about 3 - 4 on my boat. ( 53' Hatteras ) I will say once the winds hit about 80 mph consistently your ability to adjust or do anything outside is about impossible. becareful of getting false conferdence as it can be a very easy trap.

[@dannys1532]

So are you now planning to add radar?

[@tracyoliver550]

You did awesome. Thought the debrief format was great. When my wife and I started cruising she made me agree to respect her fear as an, at that time, inexperienced sailor and take the less worrisome approach if she ever felt weary of one option. Years later, we still take that approach. After all, this lifestyle is challenging enough without adding undue stress!

[@o_oo_o1812]

i think the main point here being, years later you're still well and married

[@RebootTheCatamaran]

Our motto is “it’s two yesses or it’s a no” when it comes to sailing and life decisions. It’s one reason we’ve been married for 31 years

[@antonpercel4158]

yeah buts shes too emotional no emotions needed when lifes on the line

[@RebootTheCatamaran]

@@antonpercel4158 unless you've been in their situation (and we have) you don't really know how much emotion is going to factor into it. I'd say they made it through so it wasn't "too much emotion".

[@LydieBaillie]

Could you physically swim in the waves and wind and reach another boat without risking your life? Who would ask you to do that? Thank you for sharing your insights and reflections.

[@lentongrovetrust5201]

I think you folks did everything spot on, but then again I am sitting on the couch in a solid brick and mortar house. Just glad all turn out well.

[@flyingcheff]

Do whatever it takes to have Sierras confidence increase: practice brings stress reduction. Fear is a real factor, but can be dealt with. ❤ Perhaos a real challenge - an ocean crossing will build confidence. It works with flying airplanes.....do more, build strength.

[@pccalcio]

Cool format, asking each other questions, brainstorming to do even better next time. You two form a very good team, be proud of yourselves.

[@daviddow3260]

If it's blowing 80 to 100 knots someone may not be able to come over and help you. I think being away from other boats is the right call.

[@jsmith5634]

Really applaud both of you for not only having this “After Action Review” to pressure test your decisions and understand how each of you feel as you went through this stressful situation. And thanks so much for sharing it with all of us which is not easy to do. So great that you can each have different opinions and actually give each other the space to explain your positions and the rationale behind them. Billy, Sierra is begging you to put together a plan to build her skill sets and confidence in these types of conditions……then both of you will feel better about whatever Mother Nature throws your way in the future. Thanks for sharing this long form with us…loved it all. Fair Winds from Austin!

[@colinboniface194]

I really admire the respectful way you both debrief... You can both express yourselves without putting the other down, to make a point. That is a skill... I heard Sierra answer her own doubt, by saying she needs to practice reefing by herself more, until she can do it in most conditions. Confidence being the key. Billy has the confidence, and there for he can cope with difficult situations with less stress, which means his decisions are less reactive, and more considered... Having a radar would ease the stress in terms of where the squalls are... Really well done you two. I was engrossed in your debrief until the end. Nothing beats first hand experience...

[@danielglinoer4189]

Billy is a great sailor. Sierra is right to express her fear and stress in such horrific conditions. Thanks for sharing this useful conversation with us. Great video, guys. Keep safe and happy. We love you.

[@fritz3388]

Absolutely no, fear gets you nowhere. Fear is on the same level as hate, it immobilises you!

[@applicablerobot]

​@@fritz3388if you don't express fear you can't move past it. Yes it is a problem, but shutting it down is not the way for Billy to improve the situation

[@WAZZUjohn03]

For what it's worth, I think you handled yourselves well. One point that stands out to me is fuel. Always set sail with full tanks. It might not have changed your decisions this time, but you would have had more options.

[@Myseadreams]

I have to agree with Billie that having less boats is going to be a significantly better option.

[@pred7949]

Dude making a rugby analogy made me like him even more. Love and good vibes from South Africa

[@petesherliker]

Agree @pred7949, rugby is a great learner for life, teamwork and trust in each other, rugby vibes from the UK.

[@zedwpd]

@@petesherliker My Brit wife is from Rugby, UK.

[@patdrau]

My opinion, Not to say you are wrong. Its like deciding to reef sails, do it before the event you can always shake it out later. I would have been in the new anchorage a week ahead of the deadline for the insurance limitation. ALWAYS carry extra fuel. I lived on board my boat for 11 years. Love your channel.

[@robcatterton8244]

I agree with Billy on a tighter anchorage in the mangroves with less boats around. Dragging boats = High Risks. Also, less fetch to send in taller waves. One risk with that setup to keep in mind is if storm surge gets high enough to put you over the mangroves. Happened around Abaco a few years back. As for flipping.. Old guy with years of cat experience told me that finding a way to break the wind going under the center of hull on cat is a help in reducing wind lift, therefore making it less easy to flip. Lift under hull coupled with taller waves really increases risk. He showed us pic

[@YMS137]

I enjoyed this format and of course it was a very good follow up to the Beryl video which I think was the very best of your channel (and I've watched every single one).

[@DesertDogJournal]

Thanks for sharing this conversation. I’m glad you didn’t script it. I always hesitate to click on hour long videos, but it was well worth learning from your experience.

[@timothywaterworth8649]

Advice from your XO. Never to be underestimated. Well done girl.

[@glennpace9230]

Seems like you did the best you could with the information you had great job

[@blueboatone5653]

I rode out a 65 knot tropical storm in a marina in the Chesapeake Bay, In my opinion, it was almost impossible to do anything or help anybody at that peak wind speed. I believe 80 knots would be my absolute limit. The slip next to me contained a monohull sailboat. The jib unwrapped and I thought the mast was coming down on me. It sounded like thunder, but I don't believe it could have been taken down at that point by a human, much less at 80 knots. I agree with Billy. Being alone is best. No one will be able to help at 65 or 80 knots, but unprepared boats will take out a lot of others. One note on insurance. I used to be an agent. Those people who leave their boat unprepared when a storm is coming is why your premium is $12,000. The cost of those claims are in every responsible person's premium. Great discussion! Love your channel.

[@fpn66]

A very useful video guys, thanks for posting this. At the end of the day you gotta make your decision and stick with it, looks like it turned out well for you which we are very happy to hear.

[@normanboyes4983]

I think what your very honest review video demonstrates is that sometimes there are few good options and when you dither, some of those options can be taken from you. Make a plan, execute and keep the plan under review and if you consider time is of essence to the plan - keep going until the plan is achieved.

[@Charlie0Six]

Would have, could have, should have... I think you guys did great with the information at hand. Hindsight is always 20/20. You two have a great dynamic, relationship goals right there :)

[@SteveMcLeod1]

I love this add on show. Please keep doing them.

[@rodneydebord5502]

Really enjoyed this video. I learned a lot from it. This debrief was great, thanks for sharing it with your audience.

[@DeniseTerrell-oy5tm]

I wish you would run the animal shelter campaign longer.. thank you for helping that fur baby. It’s always the right thing to do! ❤

[@Steve757-fl1hd]

Really think you’re being way too hard on yourselves. What counts is you survived, the boat stayed afloat and Jetty was safe. Sure, lessons to learn but I give you guys an A.

[@seanohalloran]

Wow, therapy season. I hope you guys felt better for talking it through with us as much as we enjoyed listening. Lots of reflection and learning point. Thank you for sharing and we all care, we are invested in your journey and come back each week.

[@priit47]

Thank you so much for your sharing. For me very valuable. Such a good team you are. Wish you all the best and fair winds!

[@hectorcyre7664]

Watched the whole episode. Kept thinking you didn't give yourselves enough credit for good judgment and doing the right things in the right way. Debriefing after a significant event is good practice but it should include recognizing what you did well in addition to what you might have done differently. Also very good to evaluate what others did, good and bad. You now have a valuable addition to your experience bank. Rode out a hurricane -. CHECK. Reviewed the incident - CHECK. MAYBE wrote up a summary for future reference in the event you find yourselves facing something comparable. Thankful it all worked out and you are all safe. Cheers from Friday Harbor, where the worst thing so far this summer has been the wildfire smoke blowing over from the fires in the Cascades and B. C..

[@brianmaguire6814]

Billy, you're the man bro. Well done. ✊🙏

[@hnt4fsh]

Outside of the low fuel situation I'm with Billy on this one. You guys made a lot of great decisions and the outcome proves that out. Yes 💯 I'd rather be in a protected area by myself as having multiple boats around me I don't know. However the dad in me says get radar on the boat! Not the place to skimp when your living that lifestyle. You guys are awesome. Weathering storms no matter where they come from together hand in hand!

[@farmingfromabove2234]

I am so glad that you got through this storm unscathed. I have watched your channel for years and have always enjoyed your adventures. Be safe.

[@johnglowinski1321]

You guys did great!

[@philipcopeland3409]

BTW - in 80kts of wind - no one is going anywhere. Your dinghy would be blown away and you would not be able to swim anywhere.

[@bookooc5605]

I enjoyed the discussion, I am very glad you are all safe and sound.

[@raulpendas]

We are glad that you guys are ok. In the summer, no one can guess where you should be. Maybe go to Brazil.

[@fourwheelcamper5491]

You both are growing and learning. Fair Winds and Following Seas.

[@johanstang8298]

Good talk! 👋 I think both of you made many good points! The main takeaways for me are: 1. Go out in calm conditions and practice, practice, practice maneuvers. i.e. sail just for the fun of it 2. Switch roles during the sails. 3. Go out and do some overnight sails; it helps when you need to move the boat out of harm's way. 4. I think what you ended up doing was, in many ways the best you could do with the information available. 5. Sierra, you can do so much more than you give yourself credit for. I believe you have the knowledge; try to build some confidence (practice), and sailing will be so much more fun for you! 6. Boats are built to roam the oceans; they can take a beating. Houses may or may not be able to...

[@toddw3833]

Enjoyed the video format and longer length. You make great live videos as well.

[@CharleyGeorge]

This wad sn extremely healthy conversation. You two agree with each other respect each other and appreciate each other's opinions

[@truenaturestormers2525]

Super happy you are ok, for sure, much love too ya.

[@sailinglatis]

You did amazing!!! I do agree that you should continue to consider arriving at your destination a week or more than your deadline for something this serious. Well done and a great learning experience on many levels for everyone. 🇨🇦

[@davidlappen8727]

Can you discuss radar a little bit in an upcoming videos? Why don’t you have it? Are you thinking about or planning to get it? Are there different radar options? Can all systems see weather and other boats? Stuff like that. You guys are great we love you and your videos and are so happy that you got through this safe and sound! David, Karen, and Jake the dog.

[@FernandaFoertter]

Just a small thing about reading the NOAA projection for your future plans / travel. It was 20% of developing into a TS “within 7 days” That time component is something people miss often in percent chance of tropical development. Could have been 100% beyond 7 days and 2% in 5 days. They use 7 days so people can make decisions like yall did. Hope this fact helps you in future decisions! Love your channel thanks for showing us future cruisers what to consider.

[@EdwardLage]

Great conversation. Really important to understand your individual vulnerabilities and strengths. Great video.

[@lindabutler7914]

You guys did the best you could do with info you had next year maybe start to your spot sooner every year it will get worse get south or north of Hurricane Zone.Billy give you wife a hug.

[@mpdsailing]

Billy for the win in being safer in a less congested area. To Sierra’s point, invite a boat neighbor or two to weather the storm together either on your boat or another boat for a win/win safety in numbers perspective. Great discussion! Thanks for sharing.

[@chancevonfreund9145]

Glad you guys are OK. The new boat looks awesome. Can't imagine what that must have been like. Cheers🍻⛵

[@hwileyiii]

You guys are still learning!

[@andrewmccune3443]

You guys are a very lucky couple. I wish you the best of luck in the future. You are good sailors with a beautiful boat. Keep on making good decisions and have fun.

[@HyperionMV]

What an amazing adventure guys. We were chased for 4 days by Dorian and then hit by it in Wilmington when we were doing the loop on our trawler and listening to you guys tell your tale fills me with adrenaline and a big, big smile. So happy you guys came out unscathed.

[@dustoff1472]

Outstanding, thank you for sharing. Thank God you all are OK. Enjoying the channel.

[@dennisbeek6958]

Thank you for sharing your PTSD therapy. Time to fast forward.

[@christip20]

I think these conversations are positive for not only the “Dream Team” but us too! I think “time” will change many things about how you handle these situations. As you get more faith in your own abilities, you’ll likely feel safer without anyone else around you because there’s so many people who are doing this for the first time & they make mistakes…..You guy’s are so “wise” beyond your years!

[@wjhann4836]

"Practicing" - yes, I appreciated that very old episode from Uma where each of them did some 24 or 48 hour single handed sailing. For me that's absolutely essential to couples - it may happen to anybody (La Vagabonde had such an incident). So some training is necessary. I would even say a 24h trip every one or two years.

[@paulas_lens]

Like that time Dan whacked his head on the grabbar down below! He could have been really hurt and Kika would have had to take it all on single-handedly to get them to shore.

[@carmancloud]

What a great team you two are! ❤️

[@joseramos7476]

Billy you are right, everything we do in life we can only control what we actually have the ability to control, most important thing is not to panic and keep your heads focused on the task at hand. Thank God you are all ok and safe, take no chances.

[@formereverything4268]

Good you didn't lose your boat/home. I really want to go back to the bush. Everyone has their place. I belong in northern Ontario. The ocean is scary. My wife wont live in the bush.

[@thomasw5430]

Hindsight is always 20-20. I am just glad that all three of you, and the boat, got through it unscathed.

[@wendywilliams3098]

You can never go wrong with a Plan B. I have lived my life by starting with a solid Plan B and haven't gone wrong. I understand not wanting to leave your boat but having an option of somewhere to go if everything goes to hell would never be wrong. So glad you guys were ok and no damage!

[@Craigs_car_care]

You made sound decisions based on the information you had, your experience level plays a big role and you were prepared for contingencys. The next "one"your decision making process will be based on your new experiences. Sometimes it's a good thing sometimes it can lul you into a sense of false of security. Thanks for the "hot wash" and After action. 😊 glad you're safe and smarter , stronger for the experience.

[@daveaver]

New expectations now that you’ve been through this together. Practice sailing procedures w/Sierra is a great idea. Sierra, Billy’s expectations w/ you during critical situations will increase after. Talk it through. Great job- both of you. Dynema- very slippery. Use a figure eight to tie off. Strength: 6mm with knot approx. 12.77kN 8mm with knot approx 20kN (Hownot2 testing)

[@julesx2171]

Looking forward to happier episodes. This one kind of reminded me of my parents arguing.

[@FatherMarty]

In general, slow hurricanes gain strength, fast hurricanes lose strength. But continuing to look at the conditions and your situation and examining your outs is the best strategy. It is a decision, but one that has to be continue to be made throughout the process.

[@bmitch3020]

I think the choice to be alone or around other boats is not a debate worth having. Because you'll never find a mangrove to yourself in that situation. Make the best of whatever situation you have, control the things you can control, without getting upset at the things you can't. Life is full of risks, but that's also where the living happens, and you're living awesome lives. Fair winds!

[@wizardgmb]

I'm glad everything worked well for you. My concern for being tied to mooring ball during a major storm is all the storm forces are on 1 or 2 points of the hull whereas your choice distributed the forces among many more hull points. Was continuing west to Curaçao an option? You don't carry jerrycans of extra fuel like many other cats, why not?

[@RebootTheCatamaran]

Mooring balls are not rated for winds above 80kts, either

[@davidnichols147]

Great episode, we all have learned from this interlude. Thankfully your safe, we had friends who lost everything without insurance.

[@PLAYEATTRAVEL]

Just happy to see you guys are safe

[@kylem324]

Really appreciate this debrief. I think you two do an admiral job of being prepared and thoughtful on the whole. My only thought is that heading into hurricane season it’s probably a best practice to have all of the tanks full. It provides additional options pre and post storm. I know the boat won’t sail as well, but in the aftermath of a storm you then have options and don’t need to rely on infrastructure not being damaged, or that the diesel then being needed for emergency measures. You can either get out of there, or help others. I say this currently sitting in a comfortable home 1/2 mile from a large grocery store. But I still have 6 months of food and a few weeks of water as a precaution.

[@jerrykoedoot8770]

So many times I heard you say "...waited too long","not enough time", etc. Lesson is to prepare earlier. Fill the tanks. Arrive well before the insurance deadline. Buy the extra lines now, nobody will have any line to sell if you plan to buy it in the hurricane hole with the storm upon you. Thank you for taking us through your thoughts as it makes us all better prepared.

[@Cajundaddydave]

Honestly I think you made the best of an unexpected and a very bad situation. There are no perfect responses in these situations and everything is a tradeoff. I agree with Billy that tucked into the mangroves alone offers the best chance to avoid catastrophe but my wife would agree with Sierra that having a few trusted friends nearby offers a lot of emotional support even if they are not needed. If predicted winds are above 80kn, time to find shelter on land and put people first, stuff second. you actually did great guys, even if it didn’t feel like it during the storm. Cheers!

[@daveglass7821]

Radar and more fuel prior to longer sails should be a priority for your future. Great job on noodling through this as a couple. Glad your safe!

[@MarkIsThe1]

Well you are both safe now, and your boat is safe so now you just need to de-stress... I refuse to pick a side because I love both of you, and I was at home... You have alot more experience now... Enjoy each other and stay safe... Mark from Ohio...

[@nytrocircus]

IMO, in situations where there is no absolute right or wrong, the most important thing by far, is respectful communication. Y'all are a good team and have solid skills, knowledge, experience, and do sincerely respect each other.

[@Pepper478]

Surely you are/were aware that this type of scenario had a high probability of happening… and look what happened - you both performed very well, no damage to the boat and you’re both safe and unharmed. Sierra, you’re tougher than you think 👍

[@GregSKetterman]

I loved your videos and Billy, you're very lucky to have such a great partner in Ciera. I got to Grenada about 12 hours before you did. I was on Union Island before that. Even though I was safely anchored by myself in Westerhall Bay when I saw the forecast at 4:00 in the morning there was no doubt in my mind that I needed to get to Trinidad. I was one of the many boats that left Grenada and sailed to Trinidad. With hindsight it seems like a better choice.

[@miked5563]

Looking forward to seeing you in October!!

[@sailorjim6454]

Thank you for this info: it was real good seeing both of your perspectives on this topic. Although I, myself, would be leaning towards Billy's thoughts, I know my wife would be even more conservative than Sierra. The next time you are in Annapolis, I would love to hear this discussion with 4 or 5 other KZbin sailing couples. I wonder how many people would be like Billy and me? Good discussion.

[@jehdwebster9152]

Go to WE SAIL Erica watched her husband going to help a dragging boat on his way the dingy flip what a nightmare. I sure like how Billy took all the precautions and stayed with it.

[@applicablerobot]

Anyone deciding to use a dingy in 80kt winds is 100% certifiably insane in my book...

[@tabbruno8568]

Thank goodness it all turned out. I think I would take my chances on my own too. I don’t like to think about being at the mercy of other peoples decisions affecting what happens to me.

[@Ghost_Recon_Actual]

I'm glad that you're ok and I'm glad that "Ruby" found a home.

[@jhaedtler]

The more experiences you live through the more secure you will feel. You need to watch this video in 10 years and compare your feelings!

[@michaeljones4364]

You did a great job and like you said you were lucky. I love your videos. This one was a little long. Maybe if you do these kind more, which I liked, they will get shorter as you guy's learn how to do it. Nothing but good thoughts and love for you all!❤

[@ahmedibrahim9543]

Interesting argument on when, how and who to help!

[@RichardHuwLewis]

Glad to see you are both ok. I was concerned when I knew you were so close to the hurricane. In retrospect, the biggest thing I would have done differently is having lots of fuel. Lack of fuel shouldn’t be an issue when it comes to making safe boating decisions.

[@elmer665544]

If you look at aviation accidents they are almost always a sequence of events that lead to a disaster. The decision process is an assessment of statistics and probabilities that will keep you safe. Mistake one, you planned to be there July 1 and not well before so you had a buffer. Mistake two, you waited on insurance at anchor instead of moving south. Mistake three, knowing the probabilities that most hurricanes bend north, you should have be headed south ASAP when it first became a storm.

[@wakeboardbob]

Yes but also crossing the forecasted path of a storm goes against common sense as you can break at any time, leaving you in its path.

[@cliffordbradford8910]

​@@wakeboardbobwhen I watched the video I kept saying, “why are you sailing toward the forecast track?”. And “the hurricanes usually miss North” is a fallacy. They looked at tracks and saw that the tracks generally go north but that doesn't say what they did relative to the forecast. I don't know why they left Guadeloupe and then sailed south for two whole days! If it was to save $375 then that's only 3% relative to the $12000 base premium. If there was anything they “should” have done it would be to hustle direct to Trinidad rather than daysailing because hurricanes literally never go that far south. It's as close to a law of physics as you can have with them.

[@25mitchel]

@@wakeboardbob They did pass the path of the storm!

[@25mitchel]

@@cliffordbradford8910 I agree, they should have sailed overnight then kept going south away from the storm.

[@kenfordjulien]

I Am Grenadian I love your channel thank you