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

January storms broke the bow lines of Green Tambourine's mooring. I had to make a dash to the bay to make her safe. In this video you can follow my stumbling efforts to effect a repair, ultimately successfully but not before almost losing the dinghy... -AGAIN! I've never had to undertake a repair like this before, so please comment below on better ways of doing it, I'm all ears! 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 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 00:00 Intro to the day 02:00 Arriving at the scene 03:00 Capturing the buoy 04:25 Nearly lost the dinghy! 05:50 Preparing to lift the buoy 09:40 Lifting the buoy 10:30 Assessing the damage 12:20 Dinghy Rant 14:45 Splicing on a new line 15:42 Sorting out all the other lines 19:00 Relaunching the mooring float and removing the temporary line 20:50 Tidying up and finishing off.. Thank you! Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClCzx7NtTAcr9s2C3CJiv7w/join A big thanks as ever to @miceinamatchbox for the music! Sailing a 1970 Contessa 26

The Charging Mount for the Orca navigation system makes it very safe to use in the cockpit, with the added bonus of charging the display at the same time.. In this video I explore the best place to install the mount, does the warning about magnetic interference affect the steering compass? The ORCA company gave me this equipment, but they don't have any editorial input over my content. I have to say I like this system very much; if you're inspired to check it out and maybe get one too, using this link will help me tremendously! https://getorca.com/?via=jim 00:00 Intro 02:13 Checking For a safe mounting position, how close can the compass be? 03:58 The 2 mounting options 05:25 Measuring for clearance around other kit 06:26 Setting up the drilling template 08:00 Drilling holes! 09:39 The mount goes onto the bulkhead 12:03 Routing the cable 13:40 Finally bolting the mount to the bulkhead 15:28 Admiring the finished result 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!

How I installed a new chart plotter from ORCA on my old boat and overcame all the problems that come when you have to integrate older electronic systems with the latest standard.. buckle in, it will get technical! 00:00 Introducing the ORCA Display 01:33 Comparing the ORCa to a cheap Tablet system 03:49 How can I import the AIS data? 04:41 Introducing the Orca Core 05:17 The problem with 2 data standards 05:36 Converting NMEA 0183 ti NMEA 2000 05:58 Building an NMEA 2000 backbone from scratch 10:46 Configuring the ORCA 11:10 The Gotchas in setting up 14:52 Adding more instruments to the NMEA 0183 netwrok 15:51 Solutions to the problems 17:08 All is working! Setting up the 'cheap' chart plotter, with wifi data: https://youtu.be/biVAvy2nwgY More boat maintenance and repairs here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZCvVhEwq-eYjpzrvGqRcRzWeawSvuNob 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 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!

If there's one job I hate, it's climbing the mast. Unfortunately I don't have anyone to delegate this job to, so every now and then it just has to be done! Here's how I do it, unaided and with cheap equipment, but employing a very safe method 0:00 Intro 01:36 The kit and equipment 02:16 Getting into the Climbing Harness 03:36 Organising the safety line 04:00 Fitting the ascenders to the line 06:06 Going up! 06:57 Checking the rigging on the way up 08:40 Arrival at the top 09:33 Getting the tools and changing the antenna 11:51 Removing the faulty masthead lamp 12:46 Sending the tools back down 13:43 Getting down from here.. 16:21 Checking the new antenna works with radio and AIS More maintenance videos: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZCvVhEwq-eYjpzrvGqRcRzWeawSvuNob Jester '25 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 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!

Exciting moments right at the end of the trip home from the Jester Challenge 2025. First we run aground unexpectedly in sight of the Cardiff Barrage, then a fellow sailor loses control in the Barrage lock and collides with Green Tambourine! All is well in the end and we finally arrive back at our mooring.. 0:00 The wind dies away as we take on the Bristol Channel 01:36 We have to use the engine! 02:33 Tide turns in our favour as we near Cardiff 03:33 Approaching Lavernock Point 04:13 We are aground! 05:38 Into the Barrage waiting are 06:34 Entering the Barrage Lock 09:17 Leaving the lock and into Cardiff Bay 10:24 Picking up our mooring 11:31 Discussing the grounding and in lock collision.. Jester '25 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 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! Sailing a 1970 Contessa 26

Sailing home after the Jester Challenge '25, day 2 brings some exciting moments 00:00 Intro 00:30 Report on strong winds in the night 01:37 Looking for the sun with the sextant 02:47 I almost see the sun 03:19 Trying again 04:37 More frustration! 04:50 AIS alarm - collision imminent! 05:24 Spotting the ship 07:20 Ship takes avoiding action 08:37 Discussion of the benefits of AIS 08:45 We spot the sun! 10:00 sextant FAIL! 10:58 Dinner Time 11:30 Review of the day's sailing 12:34 checking out the charts and the progress so far See the cooking video with full recipe here: https://youtu.be/yj4bgbJf3WQ Jester '25 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 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! Sailing a 1970 Contessa 26