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24 HOURS AT SEA (the allure of sailing)

Today we’re setting sail on the open ocean for what feels like our maiden voyage all over again.

It was August 2019 when we sailed into the harbor here in Vava’u, Tonga.  A LOT has happened since then, including surviving a couple of cyclone seasons, a pandemic, a 7-month quarantine layover in Fiji, and a remote island boat refit.

It’s been a long time since we’ve lost sight of land and experienced the raw power of the sea.  Out here, the ocean controls everything and we’re just along for the ride.  Which to me is the allure of sailing.  It’s a rare state of mind and body where we’re reminded of what it is to be human, vulnerable, to endure, survive, and thrive.

24 hours at sea is but a drop of water in the bucket for a voyaging seafarer.  But for these dehydrated sailors, it feels like a tall glass of water.

 

Beautiful Moments Are Best Shared

You’ll see a familiar face on this voyage.  Our friend Cyril from the boatyard joins us for his very first passage!  He has worked on boats for over a decade, has purchased and is refitting a boat, and yet he has never experienced a proper sail!  It made what was already a special occasion a little sweeter.

 

Seaspeak

Spoiler alert, we tested out a new segment idea this week called SEASPEAK.  Let us know in the comments if you would be interested in seeing us integrate more of those to help explain the nautical things we sailors say.

 

🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO

Surfshark VPN

🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:

  • Source: http://bit.ly/FilterTheWynns
  • Artists – Stuart Moore, Mark Dee, Stan Forebee

🙏 THANK YOU!

Ups, downs and all arounds, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our gear store, and toss a tip in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of ways you can show your support.

Hello there! I honestly don’t know what to say, so I am going to tell you a bunch of random facts instead. I'm a fish eating vegetarian who hates spiders and loves snakes. I almost never took vacations growing up. I wanted to be Pippi Longstocking (still do). I misspell about every other word I write and still struggle with grammar. I love splurging on a good high tea (which is really hard to find these days). And whatever you do, don’t tell me I can’t do something, because then I'll HAVE to do it!

Comments (43)

  • Deborah Kerr

    Love the night sky and the sunny moon, and the ocean waves, and rain sound of water hitting the cat!! I’m curious – how did Cyril return back to Vava’u where his boat is?? I’m guessing he flew back, but i’m just thinking these islands are so remote it would be a hassle to do that!! Loved SeaSpeak!! Keep up the great work!!

    reply
  • Jack Sparrow

    Hello Jason and Nikki,
    I like your story’s, they keep my spirits high during these dark and lonely months. I have a 48 ft monohull somewhere in the Mediterranean, “somewhere” mainly due to covid-19. However “Gone with the Winns” – sv Delos – Sailing La Vagabonde – and others are a nice alternative to home sitting/sailing dreams 😉
    As an old merchant navy captain and retired maritime pilot, may I provide some practical idea’s concerning your anchor.
    – an anchor is a perfect tool for a good and safe mooring – WHEN used in a proper manner (anchor dug in and enough length of chain – to absorb the expected forces)
    – your anchor chain was covered with rust – looked normal to me – your new chain will have the same look in a year or 2 – solution??? turn your chain once a year and check the diameter of the chain every time (you will see that this rust is just “camouflage”)
    – use laid moorings (with mooring balls) instead of anchoring. Dragging anchors damage the reefs in mayor extend. Local authorities should organise these anchorages and make these laid moorings compulsory!!! (my idea)
    – making fast to a mooring ball looked difficult, use your anchor chain snubber (it does the job when you use your anchor, it will do the same job tied to a mooring ball)
    Fair winds
    “Jack Sparrow”

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    • Curious Minion

      Nikki & Jason will still see your comment Jack, but just a few notes on this:
      – The old chain they removed looked better than this new chain when it was removed! And yes, they’re familiar with flipping the chain & had done so with the old one.
      – Mooring balls are far less common in these remote island chains, probably due to difficulties with the supply chain and lack of heavy equipment.
      – When they can’t anchor in sand they do use lift balls to keep the chain from damaging coral.
      – Their difficulties with their cyclone mooring in Tonga stem from weirdness with the mooring ball itself.
      Hope you’re reunited with your boat soon!
      Curious Minion

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  • Hank I Heyns

    Its awesome to see you back at sea!

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  • Jeanette Brennan

    Hooray! Blow out those cobwebs and continue to enjoy your beautiful catamaran. Great job you guys! Freedom once again. Looking forward to more sea adventures. Roll on next Sunday’s fun day! Stay safe! 🙌🌊⛵️🌊💖

    reply
  • Corissa Gould

    Awesome video! You came across my news feed & I’m just now seeing your adventures!
    I grew up on a sailboat & traveled from Michigan to Georgetown, Bahamas with my parents at 17. This brought back some awesome memories of amazing times we had on the water & the feeling of freeness in your face when there’s nothing but water around you.
    Thank you!❤

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  • Samuel K. Tennis

    Congratulations guys, getting your feet wet after a dry spell.
    I wish I could dibble my toes in the water!
    Hey, Keep the Wet Side Down!

    Sam

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    • Samuel Tennis

      Oh, SeaSpeak was a real hoot!

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      • Jon Dudeck

        indeed

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  • Alan Solomon

    Thanks.
    Really enjoyed your ocean going video and glad you are back out in your Natural Crystal Aqua Environment.
    That rain was cool as it swept the ocean surface and Curiosity.
    In SEASPEAK with your hat and scarf you remind me of an episode of Gilligan’s Island and Tina Louise with the same outfit.
    I laughed as I applauded you spitting out the tea.
    Continued Safe Sailing,

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  • Tracy

    Loved it!

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  • Jason Alderwick

    Great video sadly you court tragedy ~ off shore in those conditions without life jackets please think again.

    reply
  • Stephanie

    We love, love, LOVE the part where you capture the rain hitting your area! It was awesome that you were able to catch it at that moment! My husband somehow came across one of your videos a few months ago. We watched a couple and then decided to watch all of your sailing experiences. We started watching beginning a few months ago and now we are caught up. We are so exited for you guys! We look forward to your upcoming videos!!

    reply
    • Stephanie

      Oh, dear, I hate the auto correct words.
      I meant to say that we started watching THE beginning a few months ago. That we are EXCITED! (Not exited) 😁

      reply
  • Steve Gibbons

    Thanks for my weekly fix. Your energy is uplifting. Sea Speak is great and I do hope you catch a fish soon. I’ll suggest lures once you arrive NZ or AUST
    I gather you are heading to NZ. The Trans TAs bubble is open as your probably aware and the weather is perfect right now.

    reply
  • Bruce A. Smith

    I loved SeaSpeak. Thanks! I think I understand what a “knot log” is. now, but I don’t understand what Jason has to change or update on the Garmin stuff.

    reply
  • Marjorie Nehlsen

    So nice you are able to get on the water once again. Video kind of noisy with the wind and waves splashing I didn’t realize that you rocked and rolled overnight when you are far from land in deep water. Learned something new. How warm is the rain for showers? Refreshing?

    reply
  • Eric Hall

    Congrats to you both, and Cyril, for your uneventful crossing!

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  • Michael

    We landlubbers may need a translated version of Seaspeak. A log is normally a place where one writes down things that happened. A knot is a measure of speed unknown to people on land.

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  • Bahamamama penny

    Interesting about history of knots- not being a sailor didn’t know that tidbit!!
    Loved this as always. Thanks for sharing your shower Jason!!! Lol had to be chilly!!
    Much love!!

    reply
    • Bruce A. Smith

      Yes, I loved the history of knots and how speed was measured in the old days.

      reply
  • Rob

    Always love your videos. From composting toilets in RV’s to COVID strandings in a Fiji condo, you two are always warm, interesting, informative, fun, charming, creative and entertaining. I love the experience of the locations through your videos and I also feel like I know the two of you. Your productions are top shelf. Much better than network television. When will there be YouTube Oscars!

    reply
  • WC from LA

    Great video! For us following you on land this was one more step in getting back to life after this devastating year. Thanks for sharing. PS even the ad was engaging!

    reply
  • About Creativity

    Very good.

    reply
  • jim ege

    That point of sail with the wind is the worst. Following seas are not that great either but..Banging and rolling is no fun. Congrats on a safe first 24 hour sail in so long.

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  • Pat

    Good to see you back at sea…..

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  • Keliann

    That was very fun and beautiful to watch, thank you for sharing. The end was a good belly laugh…”that was tea”
    LOL

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  • David Thompson

    Loved Cyril in the Bat rescue episode and so happy that he is preparing his own voyages. As always I so enjoy your videos and hope to follow in your footsteps when I retire. Thank you so much for the beautiful stories and for being such beautiful people.

    reply
  • Mike Freimund

    Forgot to add. LOVE Seaspeak.

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  • Mike Freimund

    What a spectacular video! I really envy your desire to live your dreams and appreciate the videos you share. Keep rocking!

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  • Roger Elmes

    Congrats on getting back to sea for an overnight passage. Green with envy – not nausea. I can appreciate the combination of exhilaration, relief and satisfaction with the outcome of all your hard work doing a refit in isolation and getting it all right. Liked your explanation of a knot and knot meter. Maybe one time touch on the relationship between a nautical mile and charts. When I learned it 65 years ago it tied this planet, chart work and chart creation together for me. I still feel linked in despite GPS and plotters, which I do embrace.

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  • Laura

    Hi there! And, SEASPEAK is a hit in my book. The humor and Nikki’s persona is PERFECT. The “Rectangle of Knowledge” comment really made me laugh, and I learned something new. Thank you. You guys are the best.

    Oh, and for someone who also gets sea sick, I appreciate how vulnerable Jason and Cyril were about their experiences on the sea. I would love to be out there on the water but have no sea legs at all. Any tips on how to overcome this malady once and for all? Other than starving yourself, of course.

    Take care. Looking forward to next Sunday with you guys.

    reply
  • Carli

    Love that Jason admits he’s the captain and Nikki is the boss. Sign of a true healthy marriage🤣
    Congrats on your passage, wish we were there!
    Soon to be seafarers, Carli + Rob

    reply
  • Caroline Walker

    Great video. Loved the seasonal segment.

    reply
  • Sandra & the 2 Spaniels

    Fabulous video. Cyril looks like every handsome French Pirate of old! You guys had a rocking back to the water voyage, could not have been better. Glad that Curiosity is back in the water.

    reply
  • Tricia Kelly

    Just what I needed this morning! Thanks!❤️

    reply
  • Jake

    Fantastic You Two!

    Really enjoyed today’s feature on the rock n roll ride out in the ocean!

    Have fun at your new moorage!
    Jake

    reply
  • Ian Andrew

    Your nautical updates bring more awareness to non seafarers. Please continue with it

    Ian Andrew (Ottawa, Canada)

    reply
  • Michael

    Nice video.
    I am sure you are well aware of the 3 phases of sea-sickness. You all appear to have only reached phase 1
    For those unfamiliar with these phases, a quick break-down.

    Phase One.
    Afraid you are going to be ill. You notice a little nausea and queasiness, which, if you are lucky, does not progress to phase two.
    Phase Two
    Afraid you are going to die. Probably self explanatory, but things are obviously pretty bad. If you are lucky, you will soon pass back to phase one, but if you are not , you might enter phase three.
    Phase Three.
    Afraid you are not going to die. Those who have been there, are usually those who never sail again and sell their boats at their next destination.

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  • Ayesha T DeLorenzo

    Absolutely loved this one. Stay safe, healthy, and always smiling ❤️❤️❤️

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  • Wylie

    Nice!

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  • Bob Wolford

    Another Sunday morning with the Wynns…thank you for sharing Cyril’s maiden overnight passage…I guess I can comfortably say that I wouldn’t have wanted the rock n’ roll for a first night – yikes!
    bob

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  • Paul Horgan

    Really enjoy all you share, you are living my dream if I’d been brave enough, many thanks, looking forward to future videos.

    reply

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