Why We Sail -- "30 Knots"

Sailing in brisk winds as necessary preparation for boat and crew. (The Redondo Pier boat is a Martin 24, not a Merit 24)

[@ChristianWilliamsYachting]

New book for 2018: "Philosophy of Sailing: Offshore in Search of the Universe" by Christian Williams. Preview here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6imk4RmZq2HiKOI

[@jjames2162]

Christian Williams this was the best sailing video I’ve ever watched and I’ve been studying thousands - well done. Exceptional. Great illustrations and narrative. Please do more as there is an absence of high wind or poor conditions instructional videos out there and you might just save a life Many thanks and best wishes to you and yours

[@muddrudder2656]

Your voice is perfect for telling your stories. I have one question though if I may. Have you ever gone overboard on the seas before and how or can someone get back on if fallen over?

[@desertflyer5123]

Lovely. Literate. Instructive. What a breath of fresh air on the KZbin machine.

[@richarwalker]

Mr. Williams, as a part-time Bay sailor and instructional designer, I found your video clear, concise, and informative from an intermediate sailor's point of view. Was that you intended audience. Your use of proper nomenclature is especially refreshing. While it may be challenging for a beginner, it reinforces the need for clear communication, especially during heavy weather. Passing on your experiences is much appreciated and a gift to the sailing community. Thank you, sir.

[@bryancrowley9778]

Thanks for making these, Christian. I love the style of your videos, a sort of quiet introspection with great images of sailing.

[@fsymo]

Indeed.

[@justinnitsuj7041]

I agree, he really writes and narrates well

[@Jolie_sailor]

You speak...I listen....I learn. Bravo Chris.

[@peterdelmonte5783]

from italy jumped in your video, happy to find someone who speaks clear,knows how to frame,doesn't put in unbearable music.ciao

[@mandomtn1962]

One of the best sailing short films of all time.

[@jtkilroy]

When I lived in San Francisco I sailed with a coworker often. We didnt go out much unless there was a small craft advisory and we were in a small craft. I was so much younger and stronger than I am now. But what a blast coming out from under the bay bridge into thirty knots up the slot. Listen to the rig load up, feel the boat accelerate, turn tight on the wind and make for sausalito. I miss it like an old friend.

[@gregcurrie982]

Great video Christian. Very informative and instructional. I love your narration style. Great fan of your writing and audio book as well.

[@RoyClare]

Really appreciate the way you narrated this important topic. I've been sailing for more than half a century, but I still go out in all weathers to check that my gear works ..... and that I can use it right ..... and to learn something new! Keep up the awesome videos, thank you for sharing them.

[@redsnappersadler34]

You are so right in what you say here . I used to avoid anything more than 20 knots, but have learned the importance of practice and making sure nothing can foul.

[@prwillms]

Man! I truly wish I could train under your watchful eye. Thank you again for putting out these videos Mr. Williams. Dreaming in Alaska, Paul Williams.

[@westcountry_sailing]

Bravo. when a smart, experienced sailor like you takes the time to practice, it's all the reason the rest of us need to do the same. thanks again.

[@lloydlifestone7045]

In my humble opinion, one of the best down to earth, educational, interesting, colorful, Sailors Vlog Channels. Much appreciated. Thank you, Christian Williams & GOD, bless

[@nukewolf5082]

This is the 2nd video of yours that I have watched. I've enjoyed your wisdom and the style in which it is presented. You remind me of a wise old uncle. Willing to take more risks that perhaps a father would ever allow but still knowledgeable and wary of the ever present danger. Calm, caring and wisdom not just for sailing but for life. I love your style of delivery. Don't change a thing.

[@charlesjames3328]

there's nothing those of us still learning appreciate more than an actual (effective) teacher in an ocean of know-it-alls. Thank you.

[@billleskeep2033]

Christian, another very well done piece. I like the way you threaded the Redondo incident into a learning point about our own vessels and our learning the aspects of heavy weather and our capabilities. As a life-long surfer, we used to say that if we only surfed on perfect waves we'd never learn or expand our capabilities as when we take to more difficult and often sloppy waves which would hone our skills better. Certainly sail planning and handling on higher wind days makes for strengthening our toolkit aboard. Thanks again.

[@willisrobison4717]

Sailing, except under the most benign conditions, requires proficiency. Much like flying an airplane, knowing your craft and how it behaves when everything is working is a joy. If something does break, or un-forcast conditions occur, it becomes just a nuisance; some discomfort that will pass. At the end of an eventful journey like this, you call it "Adventure". Our family has adopted the definition of Adventure as: Misery in retrospect. I think there is a tattoo in there somewhere.

[@dickarbot9283]

love your videos Christian. Keep them coming.

[@kimberlyandersonamft3031]

Gearing up to purchase a live-aboard in a few years. Doing my research now...or at least starting the research now. This video is a good reminder of why we practice in difficult conditions. Reminds me of going out in the winter to do winching practice with the Land Rover club in Portland. Doing night-runs and practice navigating using paper maps and compass. Learning how to chain-up at night, in the wet, in the snow, when things are controlled and we can take our time. Everything you mentioned about sailing in 30 knots is something I've practiced in another venue with a different type of vehicle. I'm glad that the mindset is already there...now to learn the tools and the equipment. Thanks so much.

[@tfaber9394]

Great video. On a very important topic - being able to sail in strong winds. My slip neighbor next to me and his 7 y.o. boy were not as lucky as those guys at the pier. He capsized his San Juan 21 named Sunny Side Up (it had a yellow hull above the waterline), and they both didn't make it. The hypothermia got them. I never considered him a bad sailor either.

[@timothysheehan7435]

I loved your book as well. These videos keep us going here in the Northeast waiting for the season to start. Please keep up the great work!

[@tulioserrata7673]

I can't expressed how happy I am I found this channel. How entertaining it was for me to watch this

[@sefrenzel]

Magnetic voice and nice sentences. Please to watch! Thank you, Christian.

[@emmanuelsamaras8974]

I'm a single handler sailor too and I've learned to read the sea and always prepare way ahead as you see the whitecaps far away aproaching

[@obiwanfisher537]

Sailed yesterday in 25kts, think it gusted up to 35kts at some point, and I tried to reef a boom roller furling system, one of these old ones. I wanted to replace it earlier, but c'est la vie, and then it happened: Never practised reefing this boat, and while I left the helm to run forward and roll the boom the jib shackle broke. Now back in the cockpit I noticed "Damn, the main doesn't look right". That was due to the mainsheet wrapped around it, which then also caught the topping lift, too. It was a disaster. In high winds, in a channel (and not open sea) I had to climb forward to fix the jib shackle (and almost was knocked out by the flapping sail..) and then also had to secure the main somehow and get the mainsheet off. So I climbed up and tip toed in crushing waves to just about reach the end of the boom where the mainsheet fouled around and it was under tension, due to the wraps and thetangling with the topping lift, that was almost impossible. I also had the issue now that a nuclear submarine was passing by, and they have huge wakes, also they required me to get out of their way, as the navy has right of way. So while I was fixing that, a gust caught the main and blew the boom out, which I was hanging on and I swung out to sea, and swung back.... At the end I managed, I fixed it. I rolled the mainsheet off, I tried my best to save the topping lift (but ended up cutting it), and I ran back to the cockpit and below to find a new shackle, went forward and fixed that (almost impossible to get a hold on to the clew).... What a story! I made it, my boat made it. But it's all preventable, just practice and keep your boat in good shape. But I came here to find out about sailing techinques in high winds, not that I am disappointed, it's a nice video, but I do would like to learn how I make better headway close hauled. I think I made like 9 nautical miles in 6 hours or something like that. Not sure why I couldn't get up to speed. Was it the waves that slowed me down? Was it sailshape? I do not know. Maybe I reefed too early, the waves slowed me down and I had the sails too close in (trying to sail like lower winds)?

[@AORD72]

Keep changing things until you find more speed. It is trial and error. Make small changes, test for 10 mins then try another. Tighten/release the main out haul. What do the sail telltales show. Mark the ropes with a permanent marker so you know where to tension to when you find a sweet spot. Read books on setting the sails. Don't point too high (or low). Set the main and jib so they work together. Don't have too much sail up and be out of control. It is a lot of trial and errors. I asked a racer that wins a lot why he is so good, he said he is constantly changing settings, which is what we also do. Aso might be good to have a speedo to help see if changes have helped.

[@cawfeedawg]

Another excellent and informative video.. Thanks Christian, fair winds.

[@WhiteH2O]

Great videos, instructive on many levels. The prep work on a boat can be fun, occupying, and challenging (and of varying expense) as you show by example. The sailing experience can range from sublime to 'eyes wide open' sometimes... and you know it's a good video when there is not a single troll in the comments. Thanks for the effort... off to Amazon now. :^)

[@guybarlowgb]

Ten minutes of some of the best sailing information one can find.

[@ThexNisse]

This was WAY more educational than I expected, thank you

[@FamilyKern]

Beautifully done - camera work, content, narration. We race C&C115 (38-footer) double-handed and after a particularly tough distance race a few years ago with winds hitting 40-knots, we started working on building that 'second boat.' With the help of UK Sails, we have a mainsail that only requires one person to reef it, using up-and-down lines, and a heavy air reef-able jib built from Uni-Titanium with a very wide wind range of 10-35 knots. Those two project alone allow us to stay in the cockpit and away from the bouncing foredeck.

[@mariotrigonis7866]

Words of sailing wisdom, Thank you for sharing Much appreciated. I really enjoyed watching your vids Brought back memories of my Hawaii Sail.

[@ishhello7590]

Loved your Book! These videos are always great little documentaries themselves. I appreciate the effort you put into them

[@SlowBoatSailing]

It was a great book! Christian has a great voice.

[@franciscopinheiro6572]

ish hello po

[@ChristianWilliamsYachting]

Here's a video on the book: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4qWeHmXfdyFd6M

[@muhrvis]

I appreciate your calm, humble, and helpful analysis! Thanks.

[@RobFomenko]

Just great. Of course we need to practice to get better at things that we might not ever experience but if we do, are prepared. Was hard watching the crew of that boat get turtled by the wave. You want to say, get the jib sheted in!! Get the main up, get moving.... but in the end, its lucky they weren't killed up against those piers. I used to want to take out our Nor'sea 27 in higher winds from the marina. My wife said... no way! But I wish we had. I am sure of my abilities there away from the dock. The issue is getting off the dock and back on in those kinds of winds. Crazy stuff.

[@Frank-ue6eg]

Best video on sailing I have seen - just the facts but put into a living and breathing perspective like no other. Well done!

[@GerryBeltgens]

Great Video. Did this recently in a "new for us" boat. We were not nearly as well prepared, which taught us why we should be more prepared. Gusting to 30 and found weaknesses in the traveller cleats, the mainsail cleat and the cam cleats for the sheets. We also fouled on the heater vent and when we tried to tighten the main. Great exercise. Still had an exhilarating sail and we will be more prepared next time.

[@digimikek]

Very well presented; even for us 'experienced' sailors. We often forget or get lazy when preparing our boats. Thank you

[@edrosenberger6947]

This is another excellent Christian Williams video and is an example of his calm instructional style while in an exciting environment! I always learn something of value....thank you Christian.....

[@mr.smiley4263]

Great content thank you for making my evening a bit more enjoyable.

[@saltyfins2010]

Keep up the great videos. You mentioned in one "who will I teach?" I believe you were speaking about splicing lines. The answer......so many of us! Great job!

[@mllawhorn5584]

A fantastic video with gobs of great info for practical sailing knowledge. Chris, you have a knack for this sort of thing that seems natural. Thanks for sharing your wisdom!

[@michaelraderman6578]

Christian I'm not a sailor but I love watching sailing videos. You seem to be able to create a steady wind of mindfulness, Wonderment and steadiness in your videos. With so many sailors posting on KZbin yours stand alone in their ability to inspire and impresss. Thank you michael

[@Crispkingguy]

This has got to be one of the best! Fabulous advice!

[@Tom-qw8fg]

Man I've been watching your videos for about a month now and my urge to learn how to sail has only grown! No yacht clubs are giving classes for the rest of the year so I may just buy a cheap dinghy, take to my local lake, and see if I can't teach myself something.

[@ChristianWilliamsYachting]

That's absolutely the best way to learn to sail.

[@Tom-qw8fg]

@@ChristianWilliamsYachting I want to someday be able to take off and sail to places like you did to Hawaii! I've always wanted to go sail island to island in the bahamas!

[@SaveWesternCivilisation]

Go for it old chap, I've never had a sailing lesson, but I've done many thousands of sea miles... Cheerio!

[@frankduffy7471]

I always find your videos informative which I need as a beginner single handed sailor . Thanks Christian .

[@reticenti6365]

Always an inspiration. I love your stuff.

[@robsak7976]

Christian: All your videos are fantastic. Thanks!

[@DonHarden]

I just finished listening to the "Philosophy of Sailing" this morning on my way into work, Thanksgiving day. Being a Nurse means you work when others are with family and celebrating the Holidays. I found your KZbin channel and was glad I watched this video, it allowed me to see you and your boat and get a better picture in my mind of your adventures to Hawaii and back. Thank you for sharing your stories for those of us who are locked in a job as well as the land and are not able to explore what the world has to offer.

[@ricardopassarelli6015]

You are so right. I can think of no other sport that I have done where experience counts as much as it does in sailing. Getting out there when it is howling gives you the experience you need to, inevitably, be caught in heavy weather. I have had the privilege of sailing with some very experienced sailors before the age of KZbin. Thank you for sharing your experience to aspiring single-handers.

[@1970pizza]

I have never even been on a boat /yacht in my life and i love watching these great video's , in fact i cant get enough of them

[@chrisjustiniano2254]

Thank you for these great videos, Christian...and the effort you put into them. They have helped me on many levels. SV Soleil

[@VibratingDolphinNow]

What did your boat neighbor think of you shaking the jib and sheets around?! "Man, he must finally have gone nuts..."

[@Hawkeye188]

One of the best advice videos I’ve seen - thanks.

[@travisjohng3492]

I love all your post. Thank you.

[@daveg9068]

Brilliant! Thank you for taking the time to do this video.

[@trentlindsey4486]

A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor. Thanks for sharing!

[@nononsensenorseman9991]

Great video. Thank you for sharing the need to "practice" and get back to basics. I very much enjoyed this. Keep up the good work.

[@christy6828]

Excellent advice, I learn something every time I watch. Thanks.

[@brent6518]

Another great and sobering video Christian...thanks for the insightful reminders!

[@rogernunez6755]

Thank you for your style in presenting this information, it made it real.

[@clifflong1203]

Thank you for taking the time to explain so completely!

[@williamturner1517]

I could never be so lucky again. Aviator and sailor! My life may have been lots of different flavors but my life has never been vanilla.

[@jeffhodge7333]

I love your narration. It reflects experience and calmness. I grew up in Palos Verdes, and I sailed an Ericson 35 out of King Harbor in Redondo Beach in the late 60s and early 70s. Taking sailing lessons in a Naples Sabot when I was a 9-year-old kid might just be the best time in my life. Of course, Los Angeles was burning in 1965, and I was concerned only about my sail trim. Thanks you so much for these videos. You have set a high standard for KZbin.

[@richarddarby3860]

Many thanks for your latest video, I have absolutely enjoyed all of them and look forward to more. So many other sailing channels should take a note from your book and actual show sailing skills opposed to of drone footage of the anchorage they are in!

[@ccd123]

I like your approach to sailing in higher speed winds winds - especially practicing in controlled conditions. This is an outstanding video short. Well done and thank you!

[@michaelmitchell8104]

Very well said! I love your videos. Looking forward to your next.

[@dnick1981]

This captures the mindset of the sailor really well. Most people just wouldn’t get it.

[@PittwaterMowing]

Very True

[@danieldudoit4616]

Thank you for this video. great tv personality and very helpful.

[@arthursandomine5464]

A very sober view on our sport/hobby/pleasure. Such releif to hear, such a joy! (breathe out)

[@Blues11764]

Fantastic and very true. When you practice in controlled conditions you learn both that the boat will be fine and that you can easily handle it and enjoy the ride (and get in safely). It is my experience that the first few times you are out in those conditions there is a little anxiety. Now, after a few great 30+ sails, it is exhilarating . - Also. There is another reason to pull winch handles. If one of the winch pawls lets go under load, the winch handles can spin becoming aggressive arm breakers. Thanks for the video..

[@sailingvesselsouthernlady447]

Well done! Thanks for all the excellent advice

[@MrA1582000]

This is an excellent video of checking one’s running rigging. Thanks.

[@JeffCrowell11]

Thank you Christian. Very well done.

[@zackworrell535]

What a great video. Sailing wisdom is so valuable.

[@mecraig6291]

Appreciate the video and lessons. Information is GOLD.

[@hangwithdoug]

Thanks for the very interesting video. It gives a sailor a lot to think about. I never thought about your idea of pushing the boat to find the issues.

[@hasansharaf2400]

I really enjoy watching you videos from Kuwait. Thank you.

[@ZCHRL4]

Good job! Awhile ago, I was prepping for a solo transatlantic trip. I practiced mains'l ops at the mast base blindfolded to the point that it was automatic...something that eventually became necessity. Attitude is the first step.....

[@dmzflightmedic]

Excellent training video, thank you very much.

[@trickdawg5521]

One of the best sailing videos I have seen. I sail quite a bit but rarely use things of a "high wind" boat. Big wind small sails. Small wind big sails. Great video. If things are going to happen, I want them to happen on my $500 boat in the middle of the lake. Not on a $500,000 boat in the middle of the sea.

[@renorailfanning5465]

That's how I feel about hiking. I love going out on blustery days. Less people and a different feel.

[@SaveWesternCivilisation]

3 cheers for hiking! And mountain climbing and paramotoring! And sailing the seas in wild weather - it's glorious stuff!😆

[@898voltaire]

Dear Christian: finally a go to the point, instructive and plain vídeo, which i absolutely loved! It is your first video i see, and my friend, u got me hooked. Cherio from Portugal!

[@stevekaboobiroo1479]

Very interesting Christian. I’ve only just come across your channel and find your videos very addictive viewing.

[@wschreiner12]

great lessons for non-racers who might get caught in high winds while cruising. sailing is a sport that does not have a "time out"

[@DDixon3121]

Amazed you sail without a dodger. Although I've sailed since I was a kid and for the last five years have singlehanded my 42', I always learn something watching your videos.

[@chriswright4781]

This was really useful, especially as a beginner to learn the importance of preparation. Thanks!

[@kathryncollings9421]

Wow! I don’t sail but I learned a lot from this video! God bless you and yours!

[@greggoodman4164]

Was out last Saturday in Catalina 27 in the South bay of San Francisco. Coming into Redwood City Creek on a deep broad reach with 30+ knots with a 1.5 ebb was quite challenging as this part of the bay is shallow which makes waves every 3 seconds and as you come into the channel the waves get bigger and faster, and I needed to be on a beam to miss the Green Channel Goverment mark...but on a beam the waves were forcing her down...I had a 100 yard target...and of course as this video notes: BROKE our jib furling line which caused the head sail to be fully out...not what you want. But I di learn and we got safely back. We did have the main double reef and we did fix the furl line with a sheet bend knot...next time will check my jib furling lines. Great video Captain.

[@brianpetersen3429]

Words of wisdom... excellent advice.

[@briankimme544]

Great video and a interesting view of treating sailing like a sport practice makes perfect

[@nightterror007]

Very Garrison Keillor-esk narrative. I never feel bored watching your videos :-)

[@ZoneTelevision]

Thank you for posting. Invaluable information.

[@SailingLearningByDoing]

Nice video, made total sense. Its surprising how the stress level can affect logical thinking. But as you say, practising in rough conditions will make things much easier when confronted in a real situation.

[@JonDunnmusician]

Enjoyed listening Christian Thank you!

[@rodmoyes2235]

Excellent instructional video, many thanks

[@marcfocke5295]

Thank you for the wonderful instructions

[@neleabels]

Thank you for the video! Loads of good advice and interesting information for a beginner like me.

[@SHL-ge3wn]

That looks like an absolute blast!

[@michaelbower4245]

excellent thoughtful video.