Why we Chose to Sail during Hurricane Season! (Hurricane Gordon & Florence)

[@davidmesserli546]

La Vagabonde on the Joe Rogan Podcast would be amazing

[@qsucvatz]

Joe would totally have you on any day, just a matter of flying to Los Angeles.

[@Kamanya]

Or... Invite him to do the podcast on your boat.

[@surfthewav3]

All i know is how the whole east coast will often experience very high winds all the way up to Cape Cod Massachusetts post hurricane. So you guys are gonna have to bunker down for a couple days or weeks somewhere on the east coast anyways if the storm heads north. But, i am no authority on the matter.

[@cmdann8]

I'm sure Joe would love an invite to the boat, and just do the podcast there lol.

[@wilfredz]

www.joerogan.com/contact/ shoot them a message. this would be great

[@williamlilliott2433]

In the late 60's, a typhoon chased my 308 foot destroyer around the island of Taiwan and up and down the Taiwan Straits. It chased us like a magnet until we were in 40 foot seas and low on fuel (ballast) and heeling over dangerously. The captain basically saved the ship and our lives by bravely mooring in the smallest bay on the southeast tip of Taiwan. We had both anchors under foot and mooring lines tied to giant palm trees. Water depth in this little bay was probably 3 meters at best. There we rode out the storm in the lee of the Island. True story. The point is, stay out of the storm path. We could do 20 knots plus and still could not get away. They are very unpredictable and very dangerous.

[@tnworkinger]

In Florida they are about 100009 times more predictable.

[@danagovang2520]

Wise words from Nick O'Kelly. I have three tips. 1- Running south is like reefing, commit to it early or not at all and don't run north. 2- If you stay, use multiple anchors, with kellets and no boats up-fetch. 3- If you stay, strip ALL windage: Remove all sails, canvas, bimini, lifering, even the boom. Deflate and store the dinghy below. Almost every boat that drags in a hurricane has a tattered headsail and lots of other unnecessary windage that contributed to them dragging. Our sailboat survived hurricanes in Nova Scotia and eliminating windage was critical. I really enjoy your videos.

[@patcb1478]

Love how Elena looks at you with true love in her eyes knowing the only thing she is thinking about is how to keep you safe

[@ronmccabe5930]

Pat

[@raddeal1]

Riley low key hoping for a fast single handed sail

[@janmitchel3460]

ben anderson My thoughts exactl!!.

[@bryanbsa8927]

Sounds like a reasonable hypothesis. Well thought out... When you listen to the mentors, you stand on the shoulders of giants.

[@jasonxrowland]

I love how you take a reasonable approach to risk. As I’ve talked to people about sailing, they always ask the “what if” questions about dangers where the risk is really low and yet they don’t think twice about jumping in their car. Thank you for talking about it rationally.

[@TonyAnschutz]

Agreed. People balance risk in many ways and like the car example I find it ludicrous most of the time. Divers :"What about sharks" Pilots" You could crash" yet I don't know anyone who has not actually been in motor vehicle crash. They still get in the car daily.

[@mapostma866]

Hi Riley.Please don't try to be a hero.Just take yourselves out of the zone while you can.Stay together and take your boat to safety.You are just as important as Elena are your unborn child.KEEP SAFE.

[@ronrea5197]

Hey you guys, been watching you two over the past two years and love the videos! Since this is clearly an enviable lifestyle choice for the two of you, why not use the seasons of the Caribbean and chill out in the numerous "Hurricane Holes" instead of potentially risking having to make life and death choices based on unpredictable weather? Hurricane season is a known event so sail South and sail with the great weather vs the bad. Mitigate your risk and follow the seasons. There are hundreds of Spanish and British ships sunk in the Caribbean for a reason.

[@JalynCroft]

I could listen to you guys talk about anything and be entertained. You are just so fun together!

[@mikewalker6772]

Gain your knowledge from those people that have studied the topic or have more experience than you. When I was in the Navy years ago, when threatened with a hurricane, we would head out and run at a 90 degree angle from the path of a storm. We did it many times, never an issue. The idea of being anchored to a dock in a marina is insane. Your plan is well thought out. It will be the small details that make it an easy plan to carry out. Keep all tanks topped off, and be well provisioned at all times for the next couple of months. As you would tend to say, "No worries."

[@ralphholiman7401]

Marinas are like a banquet table for hurricanes!

[@jessicamciver7948]

One can't really related until you are actually sailing for a living. We spent many hurricane season in Mozambique. Its about day to day watching the weather and assessing the risk. Well done to both of you.

[@roybrinkley899]

If you must face a storm I am hoping that you will have another hand on board. Single handing while being "chased" by a bad storm can lead to fatigue induced dangerous errors and hazards that I would not wish upon you!!! Be safe Papa!

[@christinec1928]

It's not the best case scenario you have to worry about. Stay safe!

[@alnbaba]

My neighbor was Captain of vintage schooner during a cat 2. He stayed with the boat at dock and every line parted or the cleats let go. They went on a wild ride and beached hard on the rocks.

[@VERTICALWisdom]

The advantages of Outremer is how well made she is and her speed performance. This is not a floating condo for charter, she can fly in the water when need be. Speed, as it relates to safety, is often overlooked. Given a 4 or 5 day headstart, you can be drinking rum in Barbados if need be. Thanks for the video and your candor. Be safe and blessed.

[@VERTICALWisdom]

If you need a hand making a run for it. Let me know, sometimes old experienced crew fills a quick need.

[@niewissen9912]

"Flying in the water" that made me think of Stan Roger's. His song about the bluenose puts images in my mind like flying in the water. Can picture it very clearly. Like a line from Stans song the bluenose. "Feel her bow rise free of mother sea in a sunburts cloud of spray. That stings the cheek while the rigging will speak of sea miles gone away. She is always best under full press, hard over as she lays." Ahh dam I love it!! Awesome song

[@VERTICALWisdom]

[e-mail] ---- Solo sailing is good for your soul. We will run into each other on the water and have a beer. Old sailors drink lots of beer...)

[@peterbodifee]

I like your storm/cyclone strategy. Steven Dashew taught us that if your sailboat can outrun a moving storm you can be safe at sea. His designs for a safe cruising yacht all have this in mind, being able to sail fast safely with a minimal crew. The reason why so many yacht owners/skippers wind up with trouble when the weather gets worse is that they either can't find enough crew to handle the escape and/or are not fast enough.

[@TheOKellys]

Good analysis. As a meteorologist, I’d say you’ve got a good handle on things overall. A speedy boat gives lots of options. Forecasts have come a long long way since I got into the game in 1995, but one thing models and forecasters continue to have trouble with is the longitude of the northward turn the big storms eventually take as they round the Bermuda high. Those errors make a huuuuge difference. Like you said though, with lots of spots to hide and a quick boat, it’s a lot easier to stay safe.

[@michaelmarcinek1256]

Not a meteorologist, but a guy who grew up surfing the south shore of Long Island, N.Y., the only thing you hadn't quite accounted for is the build of of swell that these storms generate-deep lows with plenty of fetch. Florence is a good example of an incoming storm that will have an impact on the East Coast of the U.S., even without making landfall. By Tuesday morning(9-11-2018), significant wave heights will reach a good portion of the mid-Atlantic coast (South Carolina through New England). By Wednesday morning(9-12-2018), anything north of the Treasure Coast of Florida through New England will be seeing pretty dangerous conditions for coastal navigation. Shallow inlets (a vast percentage of them on the east coast) will be closed due to dangerous surf and currents, not to mention the Gulf Stream will be a roaring mess. Obviously, Florence will pass to far to your north and you can sit tight and enjoy the Bahamas, but just wanted to add to the convo about "the risks" in your plan(although I do not think you are doing anything dangerous or unreasonable), just that you should consider the wave forecasts for direction and timing of your escape plan as well.

[@Captainrye]

Great post by Nick...if in doubt, bug out South of the forecast "cone." Lesser wind and away from the natural northern curve of our North American hurricanes. Best wishes to the 2 1/2 of you!

[@soothcoder]

Don't know if this is a factor but wouldn't the swell generated by the storm system also be a big problem at relatively close range? (Even if the wind isn't)

[@nodirectionhome308]

Swells won't matter as much at sea. Seems staying parallel with projected path and then diving southwards would be a good plan. They seem to always curve north. Best of luck and keep us posted.

[@nickphillips286]

No Direction Home a large swell is normally the first indicator that a large storm is coming through, as the winds push the water ahead of them. If you look at last years devastating hurricane, the huge swell was the first thing to batter the coast, followed by the wind a day or so later. A large, possibly breaking, swell could definitely slow any boat down when trying to escape the path of a storm, something that definitely needs to be taken into consideration.

[@walternikesch9416]

I’m a florida resident and boater who’s been through several hurricanes. I’ve read most of the comments and find only one that really makes sense for you guys. Because the boat is your only house and Elena is pregnant you want to be 99% safe without much or no effort. So I totally agree with the comment that says go to Stuart FL and head up the St. Lucie river to Indiantown Marina. Get there soon and secure the boat and just relax for the next 6-8 weeks. If a hurricane comes there are no decisions to make as to which direction to escape just remove the sails and secure the boat. And since you’re past a lock there is no storm surge to worry about.

[@urlkrueger]

Riley, In early October 2016 I was holed up in a well fortified house in Vero Beach Florida when the eye of hurricane Mathew passed by about 20 miles off shore. Although there was little structural damage in the area the trees, some very old stout oaks, took a real beating. From that experience here are some things I would think about if I were in your boat (yes, pun intended): 1. The waters along the coast became quite rough days before the hurricane arrived. This may affect your estimate of how long it will take to go 150 nm to be safe. 2. You have probably noticed that hurricanes come in from the Southeast and then make a turn North. This presents a real problem because there's no where to run. You can't just go East into the ocean to get away as the hurricane might turn right into your path. Going North may not help as the hurricanes tend to follow the coast all the way up to New Brunswick, Canada. In going South you may run smack dab into it head on. However, If all the models predict it will stay in the Atlantic you might have an option to go West around the tip of Florida into the Gulf of Mexico, maybe to Mobile, Alabama. 3. The models may show that you are safe but in a day that can change dramatically. 4. Be conservative. Plan on it taking longer. Assume it will be worse. 5. Don't try to solo, get help. Good luck Earl...

[@shamrock241r8]

Excellent advice, i hope he takes it. Your point about the water getting rough days out in advance is so true and listening to Riley's plans to avoid a hurricane was discouraging, they are a beautiful couple who i would never want to see any harm come to them, so hopefully all will work out.

[@vahnlewis9749]

My sense is that anywhere on the gulf coast could get hit, although many boats in marina's ride them out. The stretch between NOLA and Florida is frequently landfall for hurricanes. Some additional cover can come from the Inter Coastal Waterway. The Caribbean has island mountains and mangroves that can be used for cover, but I only know of those through videos.

[@Glenacus]

I live on the Gulf Coast and what you say makes complete sense. Having dealt with hurricanes for over 40 years......todays forcasts make it easy to just avoid them

[@laurawgarts]

Good luck you two! Get FAR away from even the furthest "outer bands" of a hurricane - those are very scary! They will reach even as far inland as Atlanta, Georgia, where we had 70+ mph winds from Hurricane Opal that hit the Gulf of Mexico several years ago (I will never forget it)! All the best for "safe" adventures to come! xo

[@IMSiegfried]

Yes I remember similar from another hurricane Hugo with high winds 350 miles inland.

[@Head-ck4hu]

I'm 60. Born and raised in Panama City. Family has been here for 150 years. So we've seen our share. Your math and strategy is pretty good. On a cat you can get out of the way. As a general rule a hurricane will always move north. So going south is good, but Cuba is in the way. Also Both Tampa Bay and Jacksonville haven't taken a direct hit in over 100 years. Irma and Charley came close but no cigar. Jacksonville always takes a glancing blow. Also the forecasts are pretty good 4 or 5 days out as to whether it will get into the gulf or stay in the Atlantic. This time of year they start lining up. So when you move for one the next one might have you in it's sights. One last thing. Stronger winds mean bigger storm surge. And storm surge does the most damage. Great vid. Be Safe. Can't wait to see the video on y'all trying to name your new first mate.

[@spicer41282]

Love the Out-Takes! Please do more! LMFAO with the finger snap banter between the two of you!

[@MonkPetite]

You Guys have a plan and are ready to take action. That will safe the ship. Yes stay on the boat !!! Most yachts that failed to survive a storm where sheltered and even abandoned. Being in shelter some crewless boats where doing fine until hit by another that broke its moorings. My advice to add on..check the watermaps too. Move the boat to dieper water even in a bay like shelter area or make sure you can get there quick.

[@geoffgelow4241]

Riely, be careful about the speed from which the storm can travel. Some can go as high as 70 MPH across the ground. And another factor to keep in mind, it the development could build faster then you can sail. Think of Irma, that thing was not that big initially but built to that size. And at that size, there is no going around it. That monster covered the entire state of Florida and then some. This is not to scare you, but to make sure you keep all factors in mind. If you need any information, I live in Miami (Hurricane Central) and I will be happy to get answers you may need. We have some of the best Hurricane experts in the country right here in Miami.

[@scottoswald7535]

Guys, you got this. Living in the southeast Ive found there is a difference between "wind", and "sustained wind". And raindrops are so freaking tiny, almost like a heavy mist. Stay safe, we love you guys.

[@jakeyaboi6824]

Louisiana sailboat owner here. Good stuff man. My plan is to go upriver as far as I can and tie up to some trees on a some canal off the main channel. Extra anchors and rope and everything.

[@alphasxsignal]

Yes people go up into the mangroves and have done ok.

[@CraigOverend]

SV Sarean went into mangroves for Tropical Cyclone Debbie in 2017 here in Oz, served them well kzbin.info/www/bejne/gGm9iYWFqd-fr6M kzbin.info/www/bejne/jGjCinhsnNl3e5o

[@m.webber5118]

I don’t understand all of the weather stuff, but I understand NOT listening to the local forecasters. You studying it out, from the scientific standpoint. Makes a lot of sense! Nothing but the best to both of you!!

[@lydiaajohnson]

She's right. You're a mystery behind dark glasses. Love you guys. Love the video. Ultimately, follow your gut because you know some predictability isn't possible.

[@faaaaart1]

Loved the video. The unnecessary chat back and forth is what makes your videos comfortable instead of boring. Life , not a sanitized version of Hollywood vision of your life. Keep her safe, and you will always make it back to her . Your homing beacon. you researched well. You can do no better. Thanks for sharing the bloopers to. Btw , the snap then poof , a Web page appears is awesome. Lol

[@MarkLawrenceKiefer]

I think the plan to use speed as your storm tactic sounds good as long as you really commit to bailing out of there 4 days out. I don't know where you are sitting in the Bahamas right now, but normally the tactic if you are turning south is to go to Granada. If you are turning north it gets a bit trickier. Cuba always looks good, but they get run over by the hurricanes a lot. Don't let the paths and the fact that Irma was a small dense hurricane fool you. Many have tropical storm force winds 75 moles out and Katrina was a monster (150 miles out from the center). If you run north to the US the trick is predicting if the storm is going up the east coast, or through the Keys into the gulf. Which ever it is doing do the other. There are several good storm holes in Florida (check with MJ sailing), St. Mary's Georgia is a little know spot that is a decent place to hide. If you run all the way up to the Chesapeake I can loan you a dock. And if you need a hand sailing the boat let me know I would like to get a test drive.

[@cpapaj2]

I have worked in the fishing business for 40 yrs. out of Bayou La Batre, Al. When the hurricanes come our way the boats would relocate to the industrial canal where the tugs and ships were located. These boats always had crews aboard and maintained the lines. In a marina not all the boats are tied down properly or the owner didn't let enough line out to compensate for the water surge. Many boats break free. Our fishing fleet would go up river, tie off to oak trees and wait it out.

[@livingontheleft1333]

We knew someone who ran from Maris and unfortunately the last anyone herd from them is they were abandoning ship they found her turtled and know one aboard. Run early if you go.

[@dougbrown7714]

"When it's here we're not gunna be". Nailed it Riley. You clearly have a high degree of suspicion/will avoid the "we can ride this out" trap. Well done.

[@2212db]

That look at "it's from my mushroom coffee - it's fine" 😂

[@Stryke607]

yes ... what is mushroom coffee?! and why does it contain sand? I have questions :D

[@NorbCat]

I always thought shrooms were for sautéing or smoking 😎 ... not for making coffee!

[@Quarry4x4]

Gold top mushrooms

[@faaaaart1]

Indeed. Please explain mushroom coffee. Never new it was possible

[@djprophetinterview]

Ghaga Mushroom tea bags available from Luckys Market in Tallahassee. $1.50 a pop.

[@karynmcdaniel1917]

Four day rule for heading out- Yes. All the fuel you can hold, YES. Send Elaina to me...I’m a sailor, a momma, a grandmother, a mental health therapist and I live in a hurricane hole! (off the Caloosahatchee River just west of Lake Okeechobee). I’ll take good care of her until it is safe for you to reunite 💞 You will both be fine, I am sure. You are paying due diligence to educate yourselves, to take every precaution, and to have a clear cut exit plan. Cheers to all of that. 🥂

[@JimZim]

One problem with your plan is that you assume it would be easy for Elena to get a flight out to safety. Everybody on that island would be trying to get a flight out. You can not count on being able to get Elena on a flight to safety.

[@burningflame5527]

Jim Zimmerlin they have pilot friends that can fly her out.

[@mattbasil7612]

So many options for safety. 4-5 day head start and you're fine. You could even run north up past Virginia. Even if the storm were to head that way and somehow miraculously keep strength, you could pass New York and hit the Great Lakes through the St Lawrence Seaway(which you should do at some point anyway- Montreal, Cleveland, Chicago, Duluth, Etc.)

[@genepollard234]

Hey guy's Check out Major Hurricane Elena.I was in Pensacola Florida in 1985 when the storm headed straight towards Pensacola and then change directions went down to Tampa Florida.It turned around and went back up to Pensacola Florida and straight through it on the same course originally was on like 5 days later. We evacuated twice in 5 days or so for the same storm.

[@1STGeneral]

Gene Pollard Lived in Panama City Florida, Tyndall AFB to be exact. Went to Lakeland FL checked weather at 5am could not believe what I saw. Headed back to PC laughing going down hwy 98 only to get the turn around news again. Could not find a place to stay from Houston to Montgomery to Atlanta so drove 18 hours up the North East to family. Home is in the Appalachian mountains, kinda found what I was looking for in my full time boat Costa Rica midlife endeavor without storms well there was Sandy

[@genepollard234]

@@1STGeneral Hi. I spent 10 in the Marine Air Wing working on F-4 Phantom aircraft. Got out in 76. My friend at the time was in Orange Beach Al. Hi boss told him to take the sport fishing boat to Florida West coast. The damn storm turned around and followed him down till about Tampa Fl. By then he was in Key West Fl. The man that I work for brother was the Escambia County budget director in Pensacola. He was the .head of the disaster team and know when the governor of Florida sign the evacuation order both times we evacuated.Take care its a small world.

[@1STGeneral]

Gene Pollard Thanks you also. 2002 I was in the middle of changing from gas to diesel. Being tied up in the marina third slip in from at least a 30' sea wall. The storm went from tropical storm to cat 1 quick. I remember being in my hammock in the pilot house every swell in had a great view of the bay then swell went out nothing but sea wall. Had the hammock tied above the rear door and at times could see a inch gap during gusts. There was a tv on the chart table and a cooler full of courage under my hammock.

[@genepollard234]

@@1STGeneral Mother Nature does not play games!!!

[@andreagastinato5199]

Love your laughter together toward the end... great feel good for us all! Good luck and safe sailing for the rest of the Hurricane season.

[@JeffErdmann]

Hey Riley & Elyana, Great timely video, well done! As a resident of Ft. Lauderdale and yacht broker for over 30 years, I would say your thinking & plan is solid. I often tell clients that the size and difference in damage are very misleading from the TV images you would think Florida was completely destroyed. My first hurricane experiance was Andrew, the difference in moderate damage to massive destruction between Miami & Fort Lauderdale (about 27 miles) was incredible. I'm sure you guys have considered the following but for your audience, I would add these suggestions: Make sure the boat is completely ready to run hard, long and reliably: a. Full clean fuel & tanks if tanks & fuel is old have tanks cleaned and replace with good clean fuel b. Completely service engine(s) change raw water impeller(s) - water pumps, fuel filters oil & filters. c. Make sure sail(s) stitching & running rigging is in good shape & ready for heavy weather sailing d. Ensure electronics and communications equipment is all working with backup redundancy e. Good Ground tackle plus have extra long lines with chafe gear that stretch to absorb shock if you decide to tie her up. f. Make sure your insurance coverage is adequate and your insurance company signs off on your hurricane plan! It's always better to think ahead to have your plan ready to implement that you hopefully will never need. Wishing you three calm seas & fair winds...

[@JeffErdmann]

Hey SandyDago, Specifically, @SailingLaVagabonde plan to monitor storms and move if/when one is heading their way. The speed, reliability, and capability of the vessel along with reliable - redundant communications/internet to monitor weather and are key. The biggest challenge is if/when you get boxed in by multiple storms in such a case having a good hurricane hole with good ground tackle, long lines and chafe gear to ride one out if necessary.

[@Mindy56743]

Please stay safe. There are so many people that care about you. I do understand that you are choosing to live your life without fear. Just be safe and use your head.

[@friarfox]

I'm seeing a lot of Captain Ron in Riley. " Well if we get lost we'll just pull over and ask directions". If the hurricane heads my way I'll just move the boat. "If it's going to happen, it's going to happen out there."

[@edrosenberger6947]

Very excellent talk Riley! If there is a small cove surrounded by mangroves (in safely deep enough water for my keel) that I can rope/web myself into, then I will feel safe in a severe storm. A catamaran can leave the danger zone quicker than a monohull but if one needed to hunker down in place, a monohull won't be easily flipped over in a strong wind, where a Cat can unless it is well tied down. Most of the severely damaged catamarans in hurricanes that I've seen, appear to have been flipped over, whether on the hard or at anchor. But no problem if one has the time to get out of the way of an approaching storm.

[@michaelthomas567]

"Trying to Reason with Hurricane Season" ~ Jimmy Buffett *Be Safe Friends!*

[@windborne8795]

We do exactly what you plan on doing... we have a 51' Ketch. Instead of going on the hard or tripling up on docklines in a hurricane hole, where the risk is so much greater, we head West and South. Keep up the content kids! Cheers!

[@MikeH-fl9lu]

Hurricane no worry mate don’t run thing about hurricane step sideways preferably just move south 100 miles everything be all right. Don’t try to out run just step out of the way always go south

[@MikeH-fl9lu]

Been sailing 34 years now many many hurricane just move south if you think there is any chance of being in path never try to out run just move south SIDE STEP. You be ok mate. Your girlfriend may have a problem getting back if she leaves. And thinking your just going to catch a flight not going to happen

[@msmistro5725]

Mike H is giving solid advice! Hurricanes always have a northern trajectory when coming from the Atlantic.

[@MikeH-fl9lu]

Jim Bloak ok thank you for your opinion been out here 34 years on a boat I’m saying don’t run north have experience every hurricane last 34 years have a good afternoon

[@MikeH-fl9lu]

Jim Bloak ok Jim thank you for you opinion have a good afternoon

[@MikeH-fl9lu]

Jim Bloak thank you for that Jim thought I was dealing with a troll stand up guy. I was just trying to ease there minds letting them know nothing to worry about they can get of the way Do not take off to gulf I think it was opal that chased us up to Destin in the mid 90s

[@wouk1974]

Guys I've been through a number of Hurricanes, to include Katrina and most of the rest that followed on the US Mississippi gulf coast. I am glad that you are taking a realistic approach. PLANNING goes a long way and you are making a plan. the more warning you get the better your chances. I like what Riley has said, if a major storm is coming here then we won't be here. that's the best plan you can have. Safe travels my friends.

[@michaelbrown8545]

G'day guys, Riley on the Queensland coast when the outer reach of the cyclones are a day out the coastal waters are usualy becalmed. If you chose to hunker down and ride one out dont forget to allow for tidal surge in your ropes. I believe if you can find an anchorage in a small tidal creek away from any surf you only then have to contend with wind and tide, but safest bet is to get as far away as possible from the storms influence as early as possible. Our last big cyclone sat almost stationary over the Whitsundays for 12 hours so don't bank on them passing through and weakining on the coast quickly. Cheers mate 🍻 Time to give up that risk taking behaviour 👍👍

[@dgwelch455]

Riley, I love how can make any topic "funny"; To watch you describe the Weather with your facial expressions, I don't know how you keep a straight face. Oh, and the Weather analysis was spot-on too. Good on-ya.

[@talega1]

Well, I have lived 12yrs in the path of hurricanes and can tell you a few things: the accurate prediction is NON existent, (check last year Florida, as an example). Hurricanes have multiple variables.... Check : surge!!! That can be up to 10m; in stong winds. Escaping.....catching a plane... can be very difficult in last minute. Another thing: you survive....then there is NO food, nor electricity, etc..... Statistically it is improbable, but sometimes......just one can ruin you for ever. And remember: trust the European "spaghetti ) models more than the US....they usually are much more accurate

[@kevinweber5129]

talega1 I think they are lucky that this year is not as bad as last year. Last year Irma was worse in the Islands than Florida, but for several days it looked like it was going west but it stalled Between Cuba and the keys and then turned north by northeast cutting across Florida.

[@tossed_about]

It really impresses me how respectful the two of you are to one another. Seems like the recipe for successful relationships.

[@nickphillips286]

I’m not meteorologist either so I’m all up for a discussion on the matter, however... 90% of all hurricanes recurve to the NW (in the northern hemisphere) and make their way back over the Atlantic to higher latitudes after they’ve made landfall in the US or Caribbean etc. Tropical revolving storms also don’t exist anywhere on earth between 5N and 5S due to the Coriolis effect, a big thing I think you’ve missed out during your research. If worse comes to worse and you do have to run, get out of the way quickly and run due south, this will also put you into the “navigable semi-circle” of the hurricane, rather than the “dangerous semi-circle”, therefore you will be running clear of all danger rather than into its potential path, ie its path of recurvature to the NW.

[@Jimjettrain333]

AArrrhhh to be young and know everything. Great plan guys it looks like you two have figured out what everyone else couldn't. Fair seas and trailing winds

[@rickczainski9734]

after investigating numerous incidents, be aware that it's amazing how several underestimated issues lined up perfectly leading up to those disasters. Please don't take potential issues too lightly. You are doing the right thing preparing well in advance.

[@heaven-is-real]

Hurricane arrives and says "where's Riley?" ("Sorry, he's gone mate." LOL)

[@almarkham3470]

Yup! Heading up the east coast is never a good plan, because so many of these storms track up the east coast as well. Best to head south and or southwest if something approaches. But... Y'all have a solid plan, if something is coming then haul ASS to make sure you are not there when it arrives! Both of y'all look great, Elyana, you are starting to get your baby glow going on and look totally amazing! Keep safe and enjoy!

[@mykinchesapeek]

Been through several hurricanes including 2 on navy ships and 1 on my Spencer 35' dockside. The bad news is that your boat is your home, so you can't really just abandon it unless it's REALLY bad, but you've already figured out how to avoid the whole thing altogether: DON'T BE THERE. Wind is really only part of the equation, don't forget to look up storm surge. When I rode out a hurricane dockside the water rose to 3-4 feet (1 - 1.3m) ABOVE THE DOCKS. As long as you are educating yourself and talking to other cruisers you'll be fine. The good news is that you guys have a record (at least with me) for making sound decisions. You can also look at the Chesapeake Bay for good holes to hide in if NY or points north seem too far. Trust your judgement and be prudent. Oh, and keep rum around :-) .

[@lukemiddaugh1482]

Hey I live in Fort Myers, Florida, about 10 miles north from where Irma made landfall in the US. My family does not own a boat but we are very involved with the waterfront and the marinas. Most boats in our area went north to the New England area. The best thing you can do is have a plan and somebody you can hunker down with if you can't leave the area. Just my advice. I hope you see this. Keep it up guys!!!

[@bradhoughton1288]

I feel like this is your way of asking if I'll sail with you throughout this experiment. I'd have to take some time off work, but OK. I will.

[@vdub4201]

the storm hit key largo and had 30 mph winds.. water on the gulf came up less than a foot after a day of heavy rain.. no big deal! you two be safe, love watching your vids.

[@ldtadventures]

We need more of Elayna singing in the videos, PLEASE! 👌🏻

[@domim4496]

Hi you two, I am an Aussie from Far Nth Qld and used to lots of cyclones and have experience two cat. 5 cyclones and survived. They can be slow, fast, small & large 😊 I agree, the best prep is just be aware, prepared and flexible to leave.

[@captrichgalbraith2553]

OK, you have the winds figured out. What about the sea state? could get rough out there. Today's bravado does not equal tomorrows regret.

[@kata4350]

Thank you. I have a friend in the Hawaiian islands and the weather has been busy there as well. I worry about the hurricanes and he tells me he isn't... This was very good! Be safe!

[@ericdavi1231]

Irma hit us on a Sunday and they first started forecasting it to hit our general area on a Tuesday. By Friday the forecast was almost the exact path the storm took on Sunday. You guys would have plenty of time to go somewhere else.

[@ericdavi1231]

Bonnie S. I live in Fort Myers and stayed put and was so glad I did. I heard so many stories of people spending hours on the highway in traffic only to run out of gas on the side of the road.

[@Thomasdillon123]

Is it just me or do we all want to see Riley single handed running from a storm like the true committed captain he is? I feel like that would make for an insane episode/story. Stay safe guys, love the vids.

[@judy2068]

I still never got why your sailing through the hurricane ?

[@markbuilder1338]

You guys work as a team.So good to watch.You are like a swiss watch in action.Love this channel to bits.

[@lucasturner1795]

Seems like a pretty well thought out plan! Good luck guys, fingers crossed its all plain sailing between now and the baby :D

[@ronb1143]

You guys be safe. Sounds like you have a plan and thats 90% of it. I love the little gag reel at the end!

[@connorbrown7712]

Always Smash the like button then watch the videos 👍

[@JustMe-pp1mp]

Right on, that's the ONLY way to watch a SLV video!

[@290Alenka]

Hi Guys, Having lived through Hurricane Wilma a few years back (a Cat 5 which looped around and hit Cancun, Mexico, three days one after the other) I have learned a new found respect for mother nature. Quite simply put, there is nothing you can do against 180mph winds. I have witnessed many tropical storms but a high category Hurricane is very different. I wasn't there on my boat at the time - thank goodness - because after the event I did not see a single yacht that had survived - Even those pushed deep into the mangroves and prep'd, as they had no doubt been done on many previous occasions, sank or were damaged beyond repair. Here are my humble suggestions for your preparation. Keep on board lots and lots and lots of bottled water and food - Getting supplies post a large hurricane can be almost impossible. Same applies for diesel. Many people believe Hurricanes are all about wind. I can tell you the amount of rain is beyond belief and it gets everywhere, including fuel storage tanks. You might also find that the sea water is stirred up so much that even your water maker cannot cope with the sediment. Have a stash of cash - ATM's are the first thing to fail. Don't expect mobile phones to work. I was out of touch with the world for four days. Watch your back! There are opportunists following any disaster. I witnessed first hand shootings and looting. At the first hint of any hurricane heading your way get out of the region. Good Luck but don't under assume the dangers.

[@nickbenfell4327]

A very sane and sensible explanation. Just facts and no emotional claptrap. Well done. Oh and leave the sunny’s off.

[@coopw101]

So what your saying is the chances of a hurricane sneaking up on you is slim to none. great vid guys .Peace and be safe out there

[@oj5184]

I don't understand your plan - if it is forecast to go through the bahamas you will sail where - North - into the sea state that the 100knt storm has left behind and where all hurricanes tend to track. Or South? Where there is a limit to where you can go, and now 2 Tropical storms heading over from Africa of which one is almost certainly going through the Caribbean. I have worked on yachts for a long time with 100,000+nm logged and can tell you there is no boat under 50M in length that I would purposefully go to sea in to try and avoid a hurricane like this one is forecast to be. Especially not a fibreglass catamaran. Find a solid dock, prepare as much as you can but most importantly - remember that even though your boat may well be your home, if it sustains damage then you can step off onto land and assess from safety. If you're trying to out manoeuvre the storm and you get caught off guard - there is no back up option. And the thought of trying to undertake a storm chase SOLO is mind boggling. A catamaran is something that you do not want to be in in those seas. There will be many meteorologists that can give stats and figures and opinions in the comments here, but unless they have put those stats to use and can say that after their calculations they have previously done this, and it worked, giving advice to go out to sea is foolish. Stay safe, think about the baby.....

[@Quarry4x4]

I like it. If one is coming, run away run away. Makes sense to me. No on the sunnies. You are on a boat just move away. Marsha hit Rockhampton a couple of years ago and it was fantastic. I love a good storm. We were flat out at work for agers afterwards. I took a boat ride to Great Keppel the other day just because the seas were massive.

[@john3Lee]

Sounds like a sound plan.. Make sure you have plenty of drinking water, and outrun only if its necessary....

[@outabeat]

Thinking it all through is half the battle. If you have a plan and a plan-B, with a plan-C, you're probably in good shape. It helps to be within a distance of a safe harbor that you can duck into if the stuff hits the fan. Most of the sailors that survived the recent hurricanes, found safe harbor and prepared appropriately. There are variables, but for the most part its good. Just remember, if it's predictable it's preventable.

[@TheShadow941]

Riley if you can check out Mikes weather page in Florida its amazing!

[@lelaho228]

He is my favorite, although I find out about things too early and stress for longer than I should, lol.

[@comesailaway5191]

Thank you guys so much for the insight. Me and my family are currently transiting the icw on our sailboat and needed to see this video. We have been subscribers for some time now and enjoy watching your videos.

[@robertorzech2466]

You's guys live on the boat 365 days a year. The people who lose their boats to hurricanes are part time sailors and have jobs the have to be working at on the mainland and have no choice to leave their boat where it is . If you got your eye on the forecasts and you're ready to pull up anchor at a moments notice then you will be fine . IMHO A 150 miles of safety distance with 4 days notice is plenty of protection. Fair winds and no Hurricanes Cheers

[@olivierbrossy9126]

lesson learned..next time (if when), i'd hire a skipper to sail my boat away.....it's always cheaper than insurance deductible

[@ralphholiman7401]

We live on the Mississippi gulf coast (and, we used to live in south Florida). Most of the boats that get lost in hurricanes had no, or ver inadequate preparations. We had people in marinas here, who put out extra lines and fenders for Katrina, and called their boat prepared. Yet a few boats, where the owners moved up rivers and tied them off to trees, survived.

[@robertorzech2466]

Yeah. Move 3 or 4 boats to safety per year (or per hurricane) and you could live down in the Caribbean comfortably (But not on your own boat ) You'd be on call 24/7 for six months per year. Great Idea ! Maybe work for Insurance companies. They stand to lose the most, Then you could line them up for efficiency . I love this Idea.

[@robertorzech2466]

Exactly

[@carltorode3132]

First thoughts are to head 90 degrees away from the hurricanes (tropical cyclones) path and as they typically swing north I'd be looking to head SW. More likely to have a following "breeze" and swells ... more comfort etc. Once past, you can loop back (vere SE NE) and chase the damn thing back to "whence you came" with a following "breeze". But yeah, I agree with Riley's logic.

[@thelauralindachannel1149]

I'm Not Gonna Worry About You Guys Because I KNOW You're Gonna Be OK But, Please Take Extra Care! So Glad You Have People Advising You! (Hi Mathieu!) Sending You Love, Light And A Bubble Of Protective Space To Live In! (I Love Your Faith In Riley! We Believe In You, Too, Boy!) Take Care, Kids! I Love You Three!❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@NorbCat]

Lauralinda - Just What Would You Do If Someone Stole Your “Shift” Key?

[@cntryboy1776]

The Lauralinda Channel (

[@thelauralindachannel1149]

@@cntryboy1776 Hello!

[@thelauralindachannel1149]

@@NorbCat I Wish I Knew! Is This A Test?🤔❤😊

[@keng6880]

Nice pragmatic approach - prof. Riley. Quote of the year "Discrepancy amongst the literature" truly a learned viewpoint.

[@crstothard]

I think you should hole-up in Manhasset Bay in Long Island, NY. I've heard-tell from an ultra-seasoned and tremendously knowledgeable/experienced blue-water sailor that that is one hell of a hurricane harbor and will be for the next 10-12 days. He likes it so much he just can't see his way to leaving... well, there is the matter of getting his generator fixed first.... and his dingy(ies) fixed... and his laptop...Just watch out for Hell Gate!!!!!!!!!!! I believe he mentioned the Kraken lives within. Just sayin'. Greetings from NYC!

[@adamff280]

Yes CRS, the Kraken lives within the insulation of that $30 Tervis cup ;-) It's only "a hell of a hurricane harbor" if you move closer to shore and catch that 1,000 lb mooring though... 'I can't seem to remember the Name of the second worst hurricane to hit the U.S. only 6 years ago' -- on the same Island I grew up on ...hmmm? But, I'm certain to lose Everything next week even though they Haven't even predicted wether it will hit Bermuda or not.. 'Oh well, at least my Master Mechanic friend will drive me around L.I. to have the pull cord replaced on my generator; maybe by next week'...'In the meantime, I need to explain how it is I can''t replace the motherboard on my laptop and still claim to be have an Electrical Engineering Degree..' And for the record, I'll have plenty of time to fix my dinghy while waiting in line to get through Hell Gate-- since boats can only go thru there every 2 weeks this time of year' Look out Annapolis, here I come!

[@crstothard]

@@adamff280 I think you ask too much; he's run out of aspirin!

[@John_Be]

I'm praying for both of you. I think you have a good plan and it won't come down to it. I'll feel better just in case offering one up for you.

[@kylie-gracewagner2790]

Good-God....Some of you really need to listen to what Riley said & RELAX!!! He's not talking about "Outrunning" any Hurricane... ie: running up the US east coast gulf stream with a northerly bound tropical system on their asses & chasing them!!! He's talking about using a combination of: The amazingly accurate American & European tropical cyclone forecast models (forecast models that are generated by the worlds most powerful supercomputers using a hundred years worth of actual Atlantic basin tropical cyclone data) + Intelligence, common sense and an explorers mindset to develop a sensible well thought out plan (devoid of panic) to sail in a direction that will take them to a place where the system Will Not Be a factor. It's what explorers do. If you are the typical person that counts solely on the advice of government officials or the person on the weather channel to keep you safe during a tropical event you probably just won't understand.. X: McKenna's dad

[@kylie-gracewagner2790]

Yesss??. err What my dad said when he "HIJACKED" my account🤷💖

[@karenkennedy2664]

Learned more than I thought I would about hurricane. Thanks for the explanation how you stay safe out on the waters. Love your laughter!

[@pauljm59]

There is a plugin for firefox & google chrome probably safari as well. That does an Auto Like when you watch KZbin videos. You can manually unlike. It saves the effort of liking. Think its called KZbin autolike. Go figure. haha Also a plugin to auto resize the youtube video window.

[@babsy332]

I’m located in Ft. Lauderdale. When Irma hit we still had 90mph sustained winds. The scariest part about Irma was not only how big it was, but also how quickly it would change paths. One minute it was going straight into Miami and the next it was going on the west side. It’s path changed so many times. My advice would be if it looks like it’s coming any where near you to have a plan to go somewhere. Don’t wait until the last minute like everyone does. Love your videos! Stay safe.

[@barbiesboats4522]

It's just so glary in there, I feel like I can't connect with you. 😎

[@julianakreul5944]

Great discussion!! I think your safest spot in any hurricane situation is the shallow waters of Brevard County. The big storms stay offshore in deeper water, so come shelter here if you need to. Get into inter coastal and find a marina to tie up. You’ll be fine this year ...

[@samuelbevsmith8473]

Your videos lierally make me want to go out and buy a sailboat and sail away with my partners

[@samuelbevsmith8473]

I would absolutely love coming along the Vagabonde with you. Can't stop watching all your videos from start to finish, such a wonderful thing I'm able to experience from sitting in a chair at home.

[@johnlcallaway]

been through a few here in st Augustine Florida. During Matthew, I lost my jib because I listened to locals and didn't take it down, just tied it off. It was old and I needed a new one, so it wasn't that bad. During Irma, I stripped the decks but the big powers boats upwind took so much wind they wrenched the footings loose and pushed me into the boat next to me. Five hundred bucks of light glass work and it was fixed. From what I've seen, the worst place to be is in an anchorage with other boats. It's not the wind, it's what's in the wind. And all it takes is for someone's boat to break free to sink your well prepared boat. I think you have the best plan, short of just heading to South America for the next few months. Stay on the west side of the storm and head under it, your safer out to sea than at a dock or on the hard. Best of luck, I hope St. Augustine Florida doesn't see three hurricanes in three years. And I hope you don't see any.

[@davidkelley6986]

You will be fine. You have some good plans in place and have done tons of research. The television news stations are way too dramatic and make people crazy with fear. Take watching those with a grain of salt. I have lived in S. FL my entire life and have been through a good share of hurricanes. Amazingly enough I'm still alive. My only advice is that make sure that you have FUEL! As much as you can hold. Its the first thing people will start stocking up on and its the first thing that runs out. Keep your tanks full if you can. Even though you are a sailboat. It will be difficult to come by even if the storm misses you completely. And..... alcohol have plenty just in case.

[@philippechevereau9818]

I am not sure how it is in South FL -there is some irony in this statement- but once you are trapped in the projected footprint of a developing Cat 1 or greater, there is no fuel and no leisure yacht than can produce the required speed to escape it. Boats start to develop damages at 40 to 50 kn, hence you don’t want to be relying on your boat floating to guarantee your survival if a Cat 2 is coming your way. Best from Bermuda that see the Hurricanes before they make landfall in FL

[@tanyadupras4379]

Don’t take any chances you guys. Run if you need to but I’d worry about going south. I love you guys so much. Please be safe. Hurricanes hit Cuba too

[@miles4874]

Why not just go to Aruba area and standby....then you only have to run a short way South if necessary. Hurricanes never track south of Aruba. Riley, your risk taking days should be over due to wife and child.

[@msmistro5725]

Te Miles I agree with the Aruba part of your comment, but I did not see any ‘Evel Knievel’ statements. What I heard was ‘this is our plan, let me know if I am missing something.’

[@miles4874]

Aaron Kerstiens Yes, the risk comment was more of a generalized statement that he will understand more when he holds his baby. Grenada/Aruba area offer everything he has where he is with a much safer "escape" route to the South for hurricane season. But, he knows all this already.

[@abeswells2514]

Aruba? That's about 1000 NM sail from where they are, and most of it with with the trades coming at you forward of the beam (close reaching). Not ideal conditions for cat sailing! In a mono maybe! They are stuck where they are now with no other choice but to dodge bullets.

[@miles4874]

Abe Swells Riley claims 200 miles a day...not stuck at all.

[@abeswells2514]

@@miles4874. When did Claims become absolute truth? Try sailing solo against sustained trade winds in a cat to see if possible to make 200 NM/day during 4 or 5 days.

[@davidcoleman4800]

Thinking ahead, planning ahead and exploring contingencies is the best way to be prepared. Riley has always been about calculated risk not foolish chances. Another consideration for people as well, and I am sure you guys know your insurance, but many policies require that a boat be above/below certain latitudes during hurricane season.

[@paintlady2268]

Hurricane season in a cat? Unlike mono, cats don't bob back up.

[@drums1012]

They already snapped the goose neck once.....hmmmm

[@daedster1]

Yes they do! Keelers dont 'bob back up' they sink.....

[@msmistro5725]

I am pretty sure that cat has airtight compartments to keep it a float

[@michaelrouse627]

Cats don’t sink. Monos do.

[@paintlady2268]

True, monos with holes in them sink. I'm speaking about a knock down situation, which is very possible in extreme wind/wave conditions.

[@Panoramix0874]

If you have to flee south, Cartagena in Colombia is a pretty safe place to be as Hurricanes rarely go this far South and if they do the "Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta" mountain range will weaken it considerably. It's true that in this kind of circumstances having a boat with "long legs" is really useful.