Do you dread climbing your mast? Me too! But here Alan Harris of Sail Shape shows us the safe, and easy way to do it. No team needed, this is perfect for single handed sailing Please support this channel if you like this sort of stuff: 1. Like the video! (free) and comment if you feel inspired (free) 2. Subscribe (free) and click the bell (free) so you'll know when there's a new video 3. Become a member (cheap as chips)(actually cheaper than chips)(that's fries if you're viewing from the US) and get personal access, plus early views of new uploads, and my eternal gratitude for your support 🙂 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClCzx7NtTAcr9s2C3CJiv7w/join 4. Give me a 1 off donation via the 'Thanks' link under the video As always, a big thanks to @miceinamatchbox for the music, and a big thanks to you for watching! Sailing a 1970 Contessa 26

Today we are heading the short distance from Portishead to Cardiff, but I spot a shortcut to save a lot of time and fighting the tide.. how does that work out? It's all here! Please support this channel if you like this sort of stuff: 1. Like the video! (free) and comment if you feel inspired (free) 2. Subscribe (free) and click the bell (free) so you'll know when there's a new video 3. Become a member (cheap as chips)(actually cheaper than chips)(that's fries if you're viewing from the US) and get personal access, plus early views of new uploads, and my eternal gratitude for your support 🙂 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClCzx7NtTAcr9s2C3CJiv7w/join 4. Give me a 1 off donation via the 'Thanks' link under the video As always, a big thanks to @miceinamatchbox for the music, and a big thanks to you for watching! Sailing a 1970 Contessa 26

If you'd like to explore ORCA navigation systems, please use this link to help my channel, it won't cost you a penny! The app itself, is, of course free, I recommend you try it.. https://getorca.com/?via=jim Today we are going to attempt to go upstream, mostly against the tide; Watchet sill restrictions mean we cant leave at low tide and get a favourable flow.. whats the solution? A slightly more gentle ride today (mostly) as we tackle the Autumn weather heading East up the Bristol Channel Please support this channel if you like this sort of stuff: 1. Like the video! (free) and comment if you feel inspired (free) 2. Subscribe (free) and click the bell (free) so you'll know when there's a new video 3. Become a member (cheap as chips)(actually cheaper than chips)(that's fries if you're viewing from the US) and get personal access, plus early views of new uploads, and my eternal gratitude for your support 🙂 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClCzx7NtTAcr9s2C3CJiv7w/join 4. Give me a 1 off donation via the 'Thanks' link under the video As always, a big thanks to @miceinamatchbox for the music, thanks to Sally Stamford for the Portishead arrival footage, and a big thanks to you for watching! Sailing a 1970 Contessa 26

Today I leave Cardiff in light winds. What happens next was not in the weather forecast! The Bristol Channel is deceptive, it's just a river after all isn't it? Well no, its an estuary with massive tidal ranges and fast flowing tides. Not to be taken lightly, a fact which I seem to keep testing! By the end of this "simple" crossing I am out of options... enjoy! If you'd like to explore ORCA navigation systems, please use this link to help my channel, it won't cost you a penny! The app, is, of course free, I recommend you try it.. https://getorca.com/?via=jim Please support this channel if you like this sort of stuff: 1. Like the video! (free) and comment if you feel inspired (free) 2. Subscribe (free) and click the bell (free) so you'll know when there's a new video 3. Become a member (cheap as chips)(actually cheaper than chips)(that's fries if you're viewing from the US) and get personal access, plus early views of new uploads, and my eternal gratitude for your support 🙂 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClCzx7NtTAcr9s2C3CJiv7w/join 4. Give me a 1 off donation via the 'Thanks' link under the video As always, a big thanks to @miceinamatchbox for the music and a big thanks to you for watching! Sailing a 1970 Contessa 26

How reliable is wind prediction? Which app gives the best results? In this video I take a deep(ish) dive into wind predictions freely available to us sailors. The results are surprising, and none of them quite tells the story of what actually happened. Unfortunately a video camera was lost overboard (Not clipped on, no lifejacket, I should know better!) in the making of this content, so if you'd like to become a member that would help me replace it! If you'd like to explore ORCA more, please use this link to help my channel, it won't cost you a penny! The app, is, of clourse free, I recommend you try it.. https://getorca.com/?via=jim Please support this channel if you like this sort of stuff: 1. Like the video! (free) and comment if you feel inspired (free) 2. Subscribe (free) and click the bell (free) so you'll know when there's a new video 3. Become a member (cheap as chips)(actually cheaper than chips)(that's fries if you're viewing from the US) and get personal access, plus early views of new uploads, and my eternal gratitude for your support 🙂 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClCzx7NtTAcr9s2C3CJiv7w/join 4. Give me a 1 off donation via the 'Thanks' link under the video As always, a big thanks to @miceinamatchbox for the music and a big thanks to you for watching! Sailing a 1970 Contessa 26

I decided to go for a jolly afternoon sail in the Bristol Channel, it didn't turn out quite as I expected! First super low water as Green Tambourine dragged her keel slowly through the mud, swiftly followed by an uncomfortable wind over tide sea, plus 25 knots of wind, contrary to the forecast.. All good fun and we just scraped back into the barrage lock and relative safety with 30 seconds to spare, having sailing around the two Holm islands and had quite a close look at them. An exciting and memorable afternoon out.. I'm getting to love the ORCA nav system, have you checked it out yet? The app is free and online charts are too, so why not give it a go? If you're thinking of buying any products do use my link which helps my channel immensely and costs you nothing: https://getorca.com/?via=jim More of my ORCA tests and installation here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDA9XQblwMNs Please support this channel if you like this sort of stuff: 1. Like the video! (free) and comment if you feel inspired (free) 2. Subscribe (free) and click the bell (free) so you'll know when there's a new video 3. Become a member (cheap as chips)(actually cheaper than chips)(that's fries if you're viewing from the US) and get personal access, plus early views of new uploads, and my eternal gratitude for your support 🙂 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClCzx7NtTAcr9s2C3CJiv7w/join 4. Give me a 1 off donation via the 'Thanks' link under the video As always, a big thanks to @miceinamatchbox for the music and a big thanks to you for watching! Sailing a 1970 Contessa 26

Today its time to leave Watchet and head over the short distance to Cardiff.. but there's plenty of time to plan the passage to allow for the strong tidal flow, get the sails up and trimmed for a great sail, then put them all away again and manage the tricky Cardiff Barrage single handed! Please support this channel if you like this sort of stuff: 1. Like the video! (free) and comment if you feel inspired (free) 2. Subscribe (free) and click the bell (free) so you'll know when there's a new video 3. Become a member (cheap as chips)(actually cheaper than chips)(that's fries if you're viewing from the US) and get personal access, plus early views of new uploads, and my eternal gratitude for your support 🙂 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClCzx7NtTAcr9s2C3CJiv7w/join 4. Give me a 1 off donation via the 'Thanks' link under the video As always, a big thanks to @miceinamatchbox for the music and a big thanks to you for watching! Sailing a 1970 Contessa 26

Today it's time to sail north east ,from Ilfracombe to Watchet. The weather was fair but the wind was poor, but at least not "on the nose"! Interesting bits on heaving to, to drop the mainsail, and getting the harbour approach at the right angle to avoid the shallows Please support this channel if you like this sort of stuff: 1. Like the video! (free) and comment if you feel inspired (free) 2. Subscribe (free) and click the bell (free) so you'll know when there's a new video 3. Become a member (cheap as chips)(actually cheaper than chips)(that's fries if you're viewing from the US) and get personal access, plus early views of new uploads, and my eternal gratitude for your support 🙂 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClCzx7NtTAcr9s2C3CJiv7w/join 4. Give me a 1 off donation via the 'Thanks' link under the video As always, a big thanks to @miceinamatchbox for the music and a big thanks to you for watching! Sailing a 1970 Contessa 26

Today we sail in wonderful conditions from Lundy Isle to Ilfracombe, North Devon. But first I have to fix the Tiller Pilot.. The approach and entry to Ilfracombe is scary for me as a first time visitor, but it'a a very handy stopping off place when navigating the Bristol Channel Please support this channel if you like this sort of stuff: 1. Like the video! (free) and comment if you feel inspired (free) 2. Subscribe (free) and click the bell (free) so you'll know when there's a new video 3. Become a member (cheap as chips)(actually cheaper than chips)(that's fries if you're viewing from the US) and get personal access, plus early views of new uploads, and my eternal gratitude for your support 🙂 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClCzx7NtTAcr9s2C3CJiv7w/join 4. Give me a 1 off donation via the 'Thanks' link under the video As always, a big thanks to @miceinamatchbox for the music and a big thanks to you for watching! Sailing a 1970 Contessa 26

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A Contessa 26 sails to Padstow on the shortest night of the year. A lovely sail in light winds from Milford Haven across the Bristol Channel and into Padstow harbour Despite very unpromising weather, I make the decision to have a go at getting to Padstow from Lawrenny on the river Cleddau, and see what happens... how far can you sail in a 5 knot wind? 0:00 Intro 01:00 What's a polar diagram? 03:00 Let's get started 05:00 Up with the mainsail 06:19 Headwind! 07:14 Passing the Irish ferry 07:41 Out in the sea and sailing on the spinnaker 10:04 The joy of sailing 12:53 Dolphins! 13:35 What a sunset 14:00 Early morning, Padstow in sight 15:00 The approaches to Padstow 17:26 the lifeboat comes past 18:07 Gig boats training in the bay 20:38 Padstow harbour in sight, contact with the harbour master 22:00 preparing to dock 22:32 the entry to Padstow harbour 24:23 Coming alongside another vessel 25:36 Wrap up, how did the ORCA display do in really hot conditions? Interested in ORCA kit? Use this link, it'll cost you nothing but will help my new sprayhood fund! https://getorca.com/?via=jim Pleas support this channel if you like my stuff: 1. Like the video! (free) and comment if you feel inspired (free) 2. Subscribe (free) and click the bell (free) so you'll know when there's a new video 3. Become a member (cheap as chips)(actually cheaper than chips)(that's fries if you're viewing from the US) and get personal access, plus early views of new uploads, and my eternal gratitude for your support 🙂 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClCzx7NtTAcr9s2C3CJiv7w/join 4. Give me a 1 off donation via the 'Thanks' link under the video As always, a big thanks to @miceinamatchbox for the music and a big thanks to you for watching and enjoying bimbo free sailing!

A mixed day in Pembrokeshire.. first we fix the leaking (again!) dinghy, then a nice sail all the way up the Milford Haven Estuary to Lawrenny on the river Cleddau with a favourable tide 0:00 Intro 01:18 Dinghy Repair 04:40 Setting Sail up the Haven 05:46 Passing the Oil Terminals 07:30 Checking AIS traffic on the ORCA display 08:57 Passing Neyland 09:04 Tackling the Cleddau bridge 10:56 Becalmed! 12:44 Arrived at Lawrenny Interested in ORCA kit? Use this link, it'll cost you nothing but will help my new sprayhood fund! https://getorca.com/?via=jim Pleas support this channel if you like my stuff: 1. Like the video! (free) and comment if you feel inspired (free) 2. Subscribe (free) and click the bell (free) so you'll know when there's a new video 3. Become a member (cheap as chips)(actually cheaper than chips)(that's fries if you're viewing from the US) and get personal access, plus early views of new uploads, and my eternal gratitude for your support 🙂 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClCzx7NtTAcr9s2C3CJiv7w/join 4. Give me a 1 off donation via the 'Thanks' link under the video As always, a big thanks to @miceinamatchbox for the music and a big thanks to you for watching and enjoying bimbo free sailing!

When I realise my AIS is virtually inoperative it's time to roll up the sleeves and chase the problem down. In this video I succeed in making some useful progress.. 00:00 Intro 01:27 A look at the nav equipment 02:24 The antenna splitter 03:00 This could be the culprit 04:25 Checking the result on the Android tablet 07:07 Comparing with the ORCA display I hope you enjoy this video, if so, please support my channel: 1. Like the video! (free) and comment if you feel inspired (free) 2. Subscribe (free) and click the bell (free) so you'll know when there's a new video 3. Become a member (cheap as chips)(actually cheaper than chips)(that's fries if you're viewing from the US) and get personal access, plus early views of new uploads, and my eternal gratitude for your support 🙂 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClCzx7NtTAcr9s2C3CJiv7w/join 4. Give me a 1 off donation via the 'Thanks' link under the video As always, a big thanks to @miceinamatchbox for the music And thanks to you for getting this far down the page! Sailing a 1970 Contessa 26

After a good start heading west towards Dale, the wind fades away and the fog descends.. we have a good look at how the ORCA system helps navigation in a real world situation too. Get your own ORCA kit using this link, it'll cost you nothing but will help my new sprayhood fund! https://getorca.com/?via=jim 00:00 Intro 01:05 Hauling up the anchor 03:48 Raising sails 06:25 Checking out the ORCA display in real conditions 07:38 Tacking the boat while using wind vane steering 10:25 Trimming the genoa close hauled 11:08 Making good progress 12:25 Seasick? 13:30 Avoiding the Manobier firing range 14:46 The tide turns against us and fog descends 17:00 The motor gets put to good use Different ways to support this channel: 1. Like the video! (free) and comment if you feel inspired (free) 2. Subscribe (free) and click the bell (free) so you'll know when there's a new video 3. Become a member (cheap as chips)(actually cheaper than chips)(that's fries if you're viewing from the US) and get personal access, plus early views of new uploads, and my eternal gratitude for your support 🙂 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClCzx7NtTAcr9s2C3CJiv7w/join 4. Give me a 1 off donation via the 'Thanks' link under the video As always, a big thanks to @miceinamatchbox for the music Sailing a 1970 Contessa 26

So often we need to sail downwind, away from the breeze.. modern rigs aren't really designed for this, and it can be tricky and sometimes dangerous. This is goose winging, or wing on wing, and gives you the best performance downwind Here's how to go about it on your own, without crew if necessary, and prevents the flapping sails and possible unplanned gybes that can so easily happen. Hey, its like ma broken record, but it would be fantastic if you could support me with a 'Like' and please do subscribe if you like what I do. Any comments are alos most welcome and I do my best to respond to almost all of them! If you'd like to join the channel you can use this link, its too cheap, and you'll get perks like early access to new content and direct contact with me.. ttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UClCzx7NtTAcr9s2C3CJiv7w/join 00:27 When to goose wing 00:57 Stow the genoa 01:25 Setting the preventer 03:50 Setting the spinnaker pole 05:00 Unfurling the genoa 06:35 Checking the setup 07:00 Wind Vane steering keeps it all under control 07:30 Gybing the Goose wing 10:00 Wrapping it up Big thanks to @miceinamatchbox once again for the intro and outro music!

I'm often asked for a full video on how my windvane steering system works, so here is, I hope, a full rundown of it.. This explanation covers the trim tab type of self steering, the other popular type is the servo pendulum, which is not covered here. I built this system using plans drawn up by Alan Mulholland for his 'Mk3', as the basis. If you'd like to build your own, you can find his plans via this link: https://youtu.be/Wcd9Y5AS6qE?si=5oFE-QAmeY5nO4Ec If you like this video, do click the *FREE* like button, and I'd really appreciate it if you would subscribe to the channel, this is also free! More perks available if you join the channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClCzx7NtTAcr9s2C3CJiv7w/join Sailing a 1970 Contessa 26 Many thanks to @miceinamatchbox for the intro/outro music

Lets do passage planning. Best way to not get trouble the minute you leave harbour. But which is the best system to use for this? In this video we look at 2 rival chart plotting systems with a view to which will work best to plan a trip. In this we are not considering paper chartys and almanacs, just doing it the online way Bro! If you'd like to explore ORCA more, please use this link to help my channel, it won't cost you a penny! https://getorca.com/?via=jim More techy videos: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZCvVhEwq-ebqGP4YiFI_f7lU1BwXF9Tx Jester '25 sailing playlist is here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZCvVhEwq-ebINsWIXC8RV92KwNZ4EBP0 Different ways to support this channel: 1. Like the video! (free) and comment if you feel inspired (free) 2. Subscribe (free) and click the bell (free) so you'll know when there's a new video 3. Become a member (cheap as chips)(actually cheaper than chips)(that's fries if you're viewing from the US) and get personal access, plus early views of new uploads, and my eternal gratitude for your support 🙂 : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClCzx7NtTAcr9s2C3CJiv7w/join 4. Give me a 1 off donation via the 'Thanks' link under the video Thank you! Sailing a 1970 Contessa 26 A big thanks to @miceinamatchbox for the music!

One day that job you always pretended can wait, can't wait... In this video I cover the full stripping cleaning and refurbishment of a Jabsco Marine loo.. If you like this, do please let YouTube know by liking, subscribing and commenting, it really helps.. You can even give a super like when the video is young.. None of this costs anything but if you'd like to help even more, please consider joining the channel for early access to content and direct contact with me https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClCzx7NtTAcr9s2C3CJiv7w/join Many thanks as usual to @miceinamatchbox for the intro/outro music https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClCzx7NtTAcr9s2C3CJiv7w/join Sailing a 1970 Contessa 26

Not all stainless steel lasts forever, upon investigating a smell of diesel fumes when the heater is running, I find the whole pipe is corroded into holes and is coming to pieces! If you like this, do please let YouTube know by liking, subscribing and commenting, it really helps.. You can even give a super like when the video is young.. None of this costs anything but if you'd like to help even more, please consider joining the channel for early access to content and direct contact with me https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClCzx7NtTAcr9s2C3CJiv7w/join Many thanks as usual to @miceinamatchbox for the intro/outro music Sailing a 1970 Contessa 26

Losing your rig at sea can be anything from embarrassing to fatal! It need not cost anything to give yourself much greater peace of mind by doing a few common sense checks. In this video I enlist the advice of rigging guru Alan Harris-Guerrero from Sail Shape in Lostwithiel, Cornwall. He takes us through some checks we can make without any specialist tools, in this video he covers, mostly, the forestay, often overlooked as it's often hard to get at as the roller headsail mostly hides it! Contact Alan directly for all your rigging and sail needs at Sail Shape: https://sailmakers-uk.com, tell him I sent you! Here's a clip of Alan's Atlantic sail on the Sadler https://youtu.be/j-ovN4oRIDI?si=m3vKn_sJH-1szo3q If you like this, do please let YouTube know by liking, subscribing and commenting, it really helps.. You can even give a super like when the video is young.. None of this costs anything but if you'd like to help even more, please consider joining the channel for early access to content and direct contact with me https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClCzx7NtTAcr9s2C3CJiv7w/join Many thanks as usual to @miceinamatchbox for the intro/outro music Sailing a 1970 Contessa 26