Leaving New Zealand in My 27' Boat in 40 Knots and 15' Seas WHS 123

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I am a 31-year-old solo sailor working on my circumnavigation. My boat is a 27-foot-long sloop named Gecko. Follow me on my journey as I learn about heavy weather sailing, the trials of being solo, and my adventures in paradise.
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Thanks for watching and subscribing! You guys are the best!

[@erikdailly]

Please Holly, continue to share the thoughts you have underway. It's what distinguishes you from others. Waves, skies and squals are in every sailing video. Your scent-experience was new to me. I just remember stinky fly fish, damp socks, rotten friges and of course the moment I first smelled the land behind the horizon at the end of a passage.

[@TinCupChalice40]

Love your thoughts I’ve been sailing since I was 9 I’m now 61. The thoughts of a sailor is a big part of the mindset of sailing. Only 1/2 of 1% of us are privileged enough to experience being on a small boat on a large ocean. We are extremely blessed and a sailors thoughts are such a big part of the experience.

[@padhraicmoneley6469]

Thanks for sharing Holly, Really enjoying your experiences.

[@mog068]

Yes the big picture and perspective are every bit as good as the action! You have shared some of this before, indirectly. The vibes are unmistakable sometimes. Doing it intentionally is even better.

[@dancarter482]

Even a big boat feels like a cork out in the _big_ blue! I was caught out in the eye of a monster storm on a 64' all wooden sloop built for the Great Lakes - in the Gulf of Mexico many years ago. Knew from then on, the bigger the boat; the _BETTER_ !

[@TinCupChalice40]

I consider a 65ft boat still a small boat on a large ocean..lol@@dancarter482

[@JamesGangOutlaw]

Your right it starts with a dream and only a small small % of those people maybe. 1% even fully go after it and usually you have to give up everything

[@neilwoodward7336]

You've saved me. Literally 20 seconds ago I gave up on KZbin. Your video showed up as I was pressing the back button. Thank you ❤

[@donnanhuggler8451]

I love to stow away on your vessel to experience the thrills and spills, the beauty and the raw power of nature with Wind Hippie Sailing!

[@mikerobinson4457]

"Living in the moment is important, with perspective." Nicely put! Thank you.

[@MinuteBurn]

You have got to be one of the best real sailors on KZbin. Great videos.

[@Robzilla501]

Just meeting you for the first time. It’s not rambling. It’s expressions of what every sailor experiences but seldom works at putting it to words. We get it, don’t change

[@dougnorton5956]

Hey, this was the best episode yet I think. Love the action et al but love the thought processes going on and the challenges you face on a small boat, not the luxury expensive ships of the other channels, but real preparations, decision making, and sharing the mental stuff needed to do what you're doing, which is awesome btw. One day I also will be able to solo sail... Inspired... Thanks.

[@ericb6491]

‘et al’ means “and others”, ‘et cetera’ means “and things”.

[@HotakaPeter]

On the ocean every boat feels small.

[@davidharlem6824]

@@ericb6491The sailing was far more interesting than the “et al” moment😊

[@Tampo-tiger]

I’ll second that, listening to a highly intelligent person’s thought processes is fascinating. No BS, no script, just a fascinating piece of world cruiser journalism. I love it.

[@Tampo-tiger]

@@HotakaPeter and ‘to a hammer everything looks like a nail’, though I’ve no idea what the object of that saying is, ha ha ha!

[@tomwilliams8675]

We miss Teiga to, her laugh was contagious 😊

[@christophernoto]

Your level of proficiency and knowledge of yourself, your boat, and the sea is magnificent! And then there’s your absolute joy in fully experiencing this way of life that you have chosen and made! Thank you! 🎉❤

[@kensepko2781]

Knowing your boat’s capabilities and yours will determine your fate on the seas! Circumstances change quickly.. mental stress is the biggest challenge…

[@colinboniface194]

Just a piece of the journey... Very deep... Real people talk about their thoughts and feelings. That's how we bond with people... A blogger is too concerned about controversy, too concerned about market share and too worried they don't look cool... You being a wind hippy, sets you apart from the fiff raff... You and your sister had some amazing conversations in the vast reaches of the Pacific ocean... Loved it because it made you real... Real people are so hard to find....

[@markrodman4118]

It is really important to me to know about these things that are not obvious about , well, experiences that I will probably never have. I resonate with your deeper thinking. I never would have thought about smells at sea, or lack thereof. I just watched a video from James, and he went into the deeper thinking mode, and I really appreciated that as well. You have both chosen a life of extremes, and I enjoy your sharing about it. Thank you!

[@k_cat8932]

Hearing about your thought processes is probably more important than the sailing itself. I love the psychology behind what makes people tick. I'm a solo sailor too much of the time and the thoughts in the quiet times or even the not so quiet ones get pretty interesting. Stay awesome.

[@Phil-wu3qj]

I love how you dial into the humanity of living and sailing on a sail boat ALONE. Perfectly done! Thank you for sharing your life with us.

[@alkempton1512]

I tune in to see Holly sailing around the world, it's a package deal,,,it's the whole experience is why I'm here

[@robertreagan5173]

You are doing great sailing . your a strong woman we are proud of you .

[@number1genoa]

65 yrs old , born and bred in NZ in AKL and I agree.this year has been the wettest I can ever recall, never anything like it.

[@mikalstratz7039]

I am more and more amazed with every single video. Not only with your knowledge of sailing, but your mental fortitude. Thank you for all of the inspiration, Holly! You are truly the genuine article.

[@cyrilreif5480]

Please keep sharing your thoughts…..it completes the “trinity” of the person, the boat and the sea!

[@thomasweeks7992]

You rock Kid ,you can handle anything!

[@waynemills206]

Apparently, there seems to be a schema for happiness and contentment. It's not just living in the moment, but rather having the fluid ability to thoughtfully transcend the entire spectrum of past, present and future at will without dwelling too long in any. The mention of your grandfather, Polynesia, the current passage and destination suggests you are exercising that formula.

[@JCGible]

I just love you and your channel, Holly. Thank you so much for giving me a glimpse of being a seafarer. You're so courageous and capable. We're all so proud of you.

[@rmccabe117]

Really enjoyed this video because of the sharing the real experience! Loved seeing you clipped in! Be well!

[@oceanwoods]

I love all the introspection, silly, fun, adventure, courage, family, work, shine, honesty, strength, challenges, and beauty that you share with the world.

[@Tampo-tiger]

You’re great Holly, and I wish I had 0.1% of your sailing skill and knowledge. Here we are watching you chatting but you are hundreds of miles from anywhere and anyone. I don’t think everyone realises what phenomenal pluck that takes. I just think you are amazing.

[@HansQuistorff]

The original cockpit drains on my dad's boat sailboat were small coper tubes that kept getting plugged with fish blood and scales. Then plastic pipes became available so he put in sink drains and we had no more problems.

[@shawnlund]

Hearing your thoughts is my favourite part of your videos.

[@terrulian]

Holly, very, very impressive. I circumnavigated 20 years ago on my 39-footer but I had a pal with me. Sailing alone is fine close to shore, but I don't have your guts for doing it offshore. I could do the sailing and so forth but what gave me the willies was having a problem, which is of course not avoidable. If you have another mind and hand aboard, it is not only comforting, but increases your problem-solving ideas, especially with a job where you need someone on each side of the hull or bulkhead. I never had to go up the mast at sea, and was also worried about doing that alone. So, again, very impressive!! I wonder why you've gone without roller furling. You mention here about having issues with wind in the force 4-5 range. I found that in some situations, the exact amount of headsail makes a huge difference, and when you're fatigued, it is difficult to get the energy up to change up or down, especially if the wind has decided to be in a different mood every 1/2 hour. In the Golden Globe Race, there were different approaches, so it's not like you're being weird or anything🙂. Best wishes of course and fair winds!

[@jrmil1454]

Holly, The mental and emotional parts of sailing are equal to the size of sailing skills. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

[@jimmcmartin9916]

Editor Holly is doing a great job of balancing the action with your internal experience. I like it. "This too shall pass-age"

[@SuperFebras]

It's as good as it can get. It will be hard to top this video but if anybody can do it, it's this young courageous lady. Well done. Thank you.

[@wayneneuhofel6744]

There are days worth of sailing instruction and scenery videos. We are all here for the story of you.

[@judithsmith6277]

Sounds as if, like me, you're learning to be unconditional in your happiness. ❤

[@jonmoore7115]

This shows without any doubt that you are one of the best and most competent sailors on KZbin. It’s easy to see that with a life on the water and with generations of sailors behind you, you haven’t just learned this - it’s in your blood and it’s who you are. I’ve stopped watching other channels because they try too hard. I’ll continue to watch you as long as you make it all look instinctive. I’m learning a lot Holly. Thank you and well done.

[@gardensofthegods]

I think another channel that's really good because the guy is very down-to-earth and not a show-off and not vainglorious is the channel called Adventures Of An Old Sea Dog . His name is Barry and he's not like a lot of these sailing people who don't know how to act like normal people .

[@michaelg7076]

You and your parental ropes that keep you and your little boat connected, OMG, you made me cry.

[@johnross440]

Really did enjoy your presentation Holly… I have had similar thoughts myself when sailing single handed.. I haven’t logged as many miles as you have but have felt the squall experience numerous times on the Great Lakes… thanks for sharing yours… I’m old now and unable to sail my boat safely as I loose my balance ( sea legs ) … sure am reliving my experience through you…. Thanks again… John… Ontario, Canada ❤

[@chuckhillier4153]

We here in Maine - not just your family, who I'm sure are delightful - are sending good positive vibes.

[@meandmybuddy964]

My doggy and I love watching you he knows you’re voice it’s funny because he doesn’t pay attention to any other videos 🤙✌️🐶🇺🇸🐠

[@grisgrismck]

What is going on in your head is usually more interesting than what is going on on the deck. I love listening to your voice. Thank you for sharing your life.

[@christip20]

I think your thoughts as you travel are one of the main reasons that I like your videos so much, “thoughts” going through your head as you have your adventures are great to me, I think we learn all sorts of new things by “listening”!

[@Bennyblanco0]

A hundred of sailing channels on KZbin but what makes it personal and different is you and your thoughts not the sailing action.Keep sharing sailor.thank you

[@rogerstone3068]

Just stay real! Whatever happens, whatever is good to notice and record, whatever you're thinking and feel like sharing, thankyou for allowing us along to share.

[@Here.now123]

Often hear people say they understand living in the moment, when in reality they intellectualize the knowing as another thought form rather than practice the being. blessed you are.

[@ddouglas3687]

Wow! Back in the saddle. I think the ocean just missed you and was giving you a "Hi Holly!" welcome home. Always appreciate thoughts from a thoughtful person so share away!

[@icholash]

Timeless yacht Eritrea has not an iota of knowhow compared to you. You are brilliant; a great example for my daughters aged 24 and 18. They are fans and want the best for you.

[@gffriedman]

Action is good, so are the thoughts. This episode was the perfect balance of both.

[@BoatDawg]

I'm a 71 year old lake sailor, Holly you are an inspiration!

[@joeglenn1480]

What's in your head is everything, and your just a young salt, you and Uma have inspired me to look into sailing.

[@fourbandits]

I find you very brave. I showed your channel to my son, who's about your age, in the hope of inspiring him to go and live his life adventurously and to the fullest. My exact words were, "If she can do it, you can do it. So go do it." I'm hopeful. 😊

[@russelgill2690]

Hi Holly, Ive watched all your videos, some now twice. I love the balance of your preparations and planning, your on the spot problem solving, and especially your commentary on your thoughts and feelings. With your wicked sense of humour its perfect for me. More please.

[@1425race]

You're a natural intuitive bluewater sailor, girl. in the true tradition of single handers such as Joshua Slocum, Robin Knox-Johnson Kay Cottie and many others. I knew sailing was in your blood when you told us about your father , grandfather and sister. I look forward to part 2 of this latest passage and know you can handle anything the sea throws at you.

[@gianni66]

I, for one, would appreciate it if you continued sharing the thoughts you have while alone in your head, but I love the sailing and maintenance as well.

[@BH195829]

Alone with your thoughts is great…. As are the views of the sea states, the sailing, it’s all great!! Thank you. 🙏👌

[@222dyan]

Thanks so much for sharing, Holly. So enjoy hearing your thoughts and feelings and your process with it all. The real stuff of life. Safe happy travels. And thinking about the stars and planets and remembering we are all made of the stuff of stars, literally! That surely puts things in perspective. And here we are on this little planet in the great expanse, just like you are one little boat in the great expanse of the ocean, and we are aware of it all. The only species in the cosmos to have such a gift. I say share it, yes! 😊⛵️☮️💜🌎

[@waltervega8730]

Beautifully written comment!

[@stevebacon5466]

Wow, your best one yet. Listening to you is the next best thing to reading a book. Great insight into your thoughts. Keep up the good work, Well done.

[@abbiehoffman5002]

I enjoy hearing about your thoughts while your at sea. Please don't stop. Thank you !

[@wdentondouglas]

Loved this episode. Some of my favorite sailing content includes Christian Williams having conversations with himself (who's sitting opposite himself in the other settee) during a long passage.

[@gardensofthegods]

How about a channel called Adventures of an old Sea Dog ? Barry is his name and he is the real deal just very down-to-earth

[@jeffd7976]

I think your inner perspective was an honest and welcome addition to the video. The psych-perspective of a passage is what's at the core of long passages; they're often a journey within. I think is under-documented in cruising because it makes people feel vulnerable to really be open about the internal struggles that underlie what they want to present as all-action, all-awesome, all-scenic, always-exciting and fun adventure.

[@jerrodbeck1799]

I just looked up the definition of hard core Your picture popped up. 👍🏻

[@paulfollansbee7103]

Thanks Holly. A lot of the channels show us what ocean sailing looks like. You tell us what it feels like. T thanks for that

[@andrewbradnan]

Don’t worry Holy, we don’t sleep all that well in our houses. Wildfires were trying to kill me this weekend. Enjoy your journey!

[@gardensofthegods]

Sorry you had to go through that ; it's got to be beyond scary . Can you tell us what area you live in as there have been a lot of places with wildfires

[@BentWyre]

In this video you spoke of living in the moment and I have to say that this video was a great display of living in the moment. The tiny details of wind and wave conditions is actually a huge plus in putting the viewer in touch with the reality of how it must feel to be there. I can imagine and get lost with you, just like watching a movie that involves me so much that at the end I have to wake myself up, shake my head and realize where I am, and I am not with you, I'm here at home and I have to feed the dog or wash the car or something. Thanks for taking me there, I really enjoyed the moments. Your video skills and content creation has bloomed quite a bit over the years and I truly look forward to more from you.

[@onawalkabout]

Definitely share them. It allows us to see more of who you are. I definitely relate to the not wanting a house comment. ❤ Absolutely love your channel and IG account and happy that I found them. You are an amazing human, there aren't many people who can do the things you do especially removing the engine and installing another! Huge props!

[@tjbonzo]

4:24 - love the contrast of a skull above the vberth and the painted flower - which looks great by the way. Every sailor knows that there is no such thing as cruisers and racers - EVERYONE is racing :). However, at 10:40 "...if you're not a racey boat..." - I actually believe you. Good job on not letting your racing sub-conscious cloud your judgement and instead "... be nice and gentle on our rigs and take care of our boats." - what a mature experienced sailor mindset. Fair winds Hippie.

[@sailingcoriolis6680]

I deeply appreciate your sharing thoughts, feelings, emotions, impressions, and sensory enhancing tricks while underway. A surreal crunching of the time-space contiuum happens on a voyage and keeping your wits about you can be a chore. You always manage struggles and hardships with an open heart and a smile. You're both aspirational and relatable, a real hero to me! Many thanks!!

[@stopthephilosophicalzombie9017]

I'm really glad you didn't edit out the down-time thoughtful moments. They are great. Those are the thoughts that really tell us what it's like out there alone.

[@sydhardie9339]

Ahoy captain Holly ! I have no idea how you do what you do, All I know is that I like watching you and your daring adventures and listening to your honesty! Do you like the constant rocking of your boat ? I noticed that you use your toilet for a seat...never thought of that ! Good idea ! Anyway I hope you are safe and enjoying your nomadic life, somewhere in paradise ! Love from Australia 🇦🇺⛵🌹

[@larryrizzo736]

83 year old retired sailor viewing you for the first time. I love your commentary; makes me feel like I’m part of the sail changing choices.

[@doughockin9424]

Your philosophical musings are wonderful.

[@rickworkman4608]

Your channel title gives a certain impression, and your happy go lucky anchorage and land persona goes with that. But I greatly enjoy watching fully competent and confident Holly emerge on passages. Competence is attractive, and you are obviously so comfortable on the ocean it's a pleasure to watch.

[@cycharbormaster7171]

Definitely include those introspective moments on-passage. I'm thinking that solo sailing is a mind game as much as a single-handed boat management project.

[@atuanderson]

Great video again! It's a bit like trying to video a steep ski run.... it never looks steep. Even in 5m seas / waves it will look calm on camera. Great job! Go Girl ❤

[@luludawg1]

I.personally like THE ENTIRE JOURNEY BEING DOCUMENTED FOR US. I believe your thoughts and reasoning is Interesting to watch. I love your channel, you're A badass out there sailing alone and enjoying life to the fullest. Thank you for all the work you put into making these videos for our entertainment. Stay safe!

[@katherinekelley8815]

loved this episode, i like the action and your private thoughts. see you next week!

[@dancook1118]

I am grateful for your commentary. The skills needed to keep my boat safe and moving toward the destination aren’t there yet. The attitude toward the sea and the boat are so important. Hearing your day to day commentary counsels how these things get done. Thank you.

[@darinmbicknell]

I enjoy the 'Little Prince-ness' of your adventures not desert but on the ocean. Today's video touched on the contrast between the often rigid and uninspiring nature of landed perspectives versus the creative, open-minded outlook of being on the ocean, yet trapped on tiny boat with nothing but time between you and the destination. It emphasizes the importance of nurturing the moments, appreciating the beauty in small things, and understanding the deeper meanings that can be hidden beneath the surface of the everyday while rolling over the ocean. Please share more... I personally enjoy the philosophical aspects of your musing and challenges it puts you through it's entertaining at least to me.

[@robertsmart5600]

Amazing how with 30-40 knot winds and huge seas you're in the cockpit with one sail plan then you're in your cozy cabin and next time you emerge on deck the sail plan has magically changed in spite of the wild weather. Humans experiencing freedom are inspirational. :)

[@saxophool]

Holly, the interior paint job and new sails look great on Gecko. Now if you can just get that Belgian fellow to follow through on his promise to sand and finish the cockpit bright work. 😂

[@timmitchell8784]

Yes please continue adding your thoughts. The insight is nice to see and sometimes hysterical 😂😂. Thanks for another great episode!!

[@nealeburgess6756]

I am not surprised that you are missing Teiga. When you were together you were so compatible with each other. Your relationship with each other is very special. Always continue to treasure that.

[@tahoe4beauty]

I'm so proud of you, no whimpering or leaky eyes..you made all the right calls for both you and the boat. Hearing your thoughts and candidness // yes, yes, ❤more... please! ✍)))

[@BrittneyBritt17]

I’ve been dying for a good passage with holly, great video ❤❤❤

[@gv1470]

Really loved this! The sleepy talk; insights about smells and sounds and colors at sea; that you're unpolished, unfiltered, and real...all that is you. More please!

[@Navigation41]

Yes Holly!!! please continue expressing your deepest toughts during your great travels!!! BIG added value!

[@lpettet1]

This segment was very well done. Thanks for giving us more of your trip.

[@rogerhenson6589]

As time passes you start to appreciate the small things in life more. Enjoyed this video ❤

[@mikemoth]

Don’t change a thing! You are doing beautifully.

[@fiefvanrossem227]

🇨🇦 this passage (so far) is NARLY !!! Fair winds are wished for you Holly.

[@JeffWittmann-o2r]

We love reflective Holly along with all the other Hollys.

[@GeneMiller-jd4nl]

I always enjoy your dialogue, but I also would enjoy seeing some of the tough seas. Good Luck

[@evir02w]

Cool Holly I have watched your videos for years now and I must say you are an inspiration to any potential sailors out there , I love your explanation of the heightened senses you can expect to experience when at sea, I have heard of this before but your explanation was rea;;y good, I also must take this opportunity to say I am in awe of your ability and problem solving skills, Keep loving life and when you are at sea alone and get a bit melancholy or uncertain of why you are doing this ,remember all of the people who like myself are watching you and following and loving seeing you enjoying and conquering life! we are with you.

[@maureenb7399]

Thank you so much for sharing your philosophical thoughts! I agree, that living in the moment is important and very transitory - nothing lasts. Enjoy your channel Holly!

[@MrLebro11]

Holly you continuously amaze me. So yes, I love hearing the thoughts of amazing people and you are most certainly one of them.

[@paulg.6680]

Love hearing your thoughts! Keep them coming!

[@gangstagrandma]

YES, I want to know what you're thinking out there. More than the action, actually!

[@dale3696]

Yes Holly, really enjoyed this episode, to hear your thoughts yo seemed far more engaged with this passage, and we knew what was going on, with the boat, and inside your head👍😀. Thanks for sharing, and safe travels

[@scotttan6377]

This episode was like listening /seeing an audio/visual of the captain's log . The episode was heartfelt .

[@MarkWYoung-ky4uc]

I absolutely loved the video Captain and am definitely interested in your thoughts as you sail on. I miss Teiga too. You and she together are always entertaining. Try to get some rest when you can and sail on Captain, sail on! ⛵😎

[@mattottie6410]

Lots of respect for you, calm seas i wish for u, thx, matt