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

The Jester Challenge to Baltimore is over, and now it's time to sail home. Here is the first part of the journey, where we get the rare treat of favourable wind; but this too brings its own challenges as the wind picks up to 25 knots and beyond 00:00 Intro & leaving Baltimore harbour 01:30 Into the open sea and raising some sail 02:20 Setting the Wind Vane steering 04:30 Dead downwind with sails goose-winged 05:40 Seasick! 06:20 speeding along at hull speed 07:09 Wind is backing, time to gibe the genoa and relocate the pole 12:14 Wind coming up, time to reduce sail 15:19 Review of the day on the chart plotter 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 Jester '25 playlist is here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZCvVhEwq-ebINsWIXC8RV92KwNZ4EBP0 Thank you! Sailing a 1970 Contessa 26 A big thanks to @miceinamatchbox for the music! Sailing a 1970 Contessa 26

Cooking on a boat... not always easy, so I share some of my best recipes, ideas and methods for producing really good food at sea This is a guaranteed winner with everybody, believe me, you cant go wrong with this, afloat or ashore. Make your name as a chef and cook this! Lots more cooking videos and tips here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZCvVhEwq-eah63JOpDimuvptAd8C2O5j Ingredients: ~1 tablespoon of (olive) oil 1 onion 6 cloves of garlic 2 heaped teaspoons ground almonds 2 heaped teaspoons garam masala 1 heaped teaspoon ground coriander 1 heaped teaspoon turmeric ½ teaspoon of hot chilli powder (more or less to taste) 2-3cm cube of ginger or 1 tsp ginger powder 1 tin Chick peas 1 tin Chopped tomatoes 1 stock cube (if available) 0:00 Introduction 0:43 Add oil to the pan 0:59 Peel and chop an onion 4:04 Prepare the garlic 6:00 Mix the spices, grate the ginger 12:37 add the spice mix to the pan 13:44 add chick peas, chopped tomatoes and stock cube 16:58 Time to test and enjoy! 19:00 A useful afterthought.. I do hope you enjoy watching this video and making the meal, I really think you will love it! Let me know what you think in the comments and do 'LIKE' if you do... 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) and get personal access, plus early views of new uploads, and my eternal gratitude for your support 🙂 , here's the link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClCzx7NtTAcr9s2C3CJiv7w/join 4. Give me a 1 off donation via the thanks button under the video Sailing a 1970 Contessa 26

The Prussic knot is a very useful knot for climbing something like a mast. It locks when you put pressure on the loop, but runs free when the pressure is removed. 2 of these can help you easily ascend a rope without any further hardware.. Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClCzx7NtTAcr9s2C3CJiv7w/join Sailing a 1970 Contessa 26

The Jester Challenge 2025 solo single handed sailing event part 4.. It's Thursday, and at last the wind has arrived and its coming (for now) from a useful direction! 00:00 On the way to Fastnet! 00:53 First view of the famous Rock 02:19 Taking down the spinnaker pole 04:20 Removing the main preventer and hardening up the course to circle the rock 05:36 Adjusting course and letting out some Genoa 07:00 Now seeing the Rock from the northern side 07:38 Setting course for Cape Clear 10:20 Beating upwind towards Baltimore 11:08 Approaching the entrance to Baltimore Harbour 13:20 Crossing the finishing line! 14:55 Heading into harbour 16:24 Review of the Challenge 16:59 Moored up in the harbour Other videos in the Jester 25 series: Part 1: https://youtu.be/Yxqw-UhJ2A8 Part 2: https://youtu.be/zdvi_n88cV4 Part 3: https://youtu.be/IADVqrsw940 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) 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 Jester '25 playlist is here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZCvVhEwq-ebINsWIXC8RV92KwNZ4EBP0 Thank you! Sailing a 1970 Contessa 26 A big thanks to @miceinamatchbox for the music!

The Jester Challenge 2025 solo single handed sailing event part 3.. We are into Wednesday, the third day of the challenge. My wondering at not seeing any vessels on the AIS or hearing any VHF radio from the coastguards leads me to look up and notice the antenna is gone! Removing the mainsail reefs single handed in calm weather, cooking as usual and being patient with the extended calms... 00:00 Wednesday morning, the wind has dropped 01:15 Shaking out 2 reefs single handed in the calm 07:36 VHF Radio antenna is missing! 08:39 Emergency antenna found 11:00 AIS working again 11:46 Glassy Calm but a little wind arrives... 13:34 The wind is gone again, what can be done? 15:15 Wind tantalises 17:25 New optimism on Thursday morning as the wind fills in - heading for Fastnet! Other videos in the Jester 25 series: Part 1: https://youtu.be/Yxqw-UhJ2A8 Part 2: https://youtu.be/zdvi_n88cV4 Different ways to support this channel: 1. Like the video! (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) and get personal access, plus early views of new uploads, and my eternal gratitude for your support 🙂 : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClCzx7NtTAcr9s2C3CJiv7w/join Jester '25 playlist is here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZCvVhEwq-ebINsWIXC8RV92KwNZ4EBP0 Thank you! Sailing a 1970 Contessa 26 A big thanks to @miceinamatchbox for the music!

The Jester Challenge 2025 solo single handed sailing event continues.. Part 1, if you haven't seen it, is here: https://youtu.be/Yxqw-UhJ2A8 This part covers the Monday and Tuesday of the challenge; as we arrive towards the coast of Ireland, the wind dictates that we take a long tack around the traffic separation scheme... finally the wind eases and all is peace... but not going anywhere! 00:00 Monday morning report, a misty start to the day 02:12 Afternoon, beating into the wind 03:19 Review of the course so far and the effect of tides on the chart plotter, 07:12 Bumpy with wind over tide 09:16 Course planning for the TSS 11:01 Tuesday morning, the water leak scare! 13:34 The wind strength is reducing at last 15:36 Irish coast in sight! 16:40 Tacking the boat single handed using the wind vane steering 18:45 Becalmed at night Different ways to support this channel: 1. Like the video! (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) and get personal access, plus early views of new uploads, and my eternal gratitude for your support 🙂 : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClCzx7NtTAcr9s2C3CJiv7w/join Jester '25 playlist is here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZCvVhEwq-ebINsWIXC8RV92KwNZ4EBP0 Thank you! Sailing a 1970 Contessa 26

At last I arrive at the start of the Jester Challenge 2025 from the Pwllheli start point. In this first part we cover the start, trying to keep up with the other boats, and working through the first night. 00:00 Leaving the fuel dock 03:24 The pre start 04:28 Crossing the start line 07:14 Everybody else sails faster... why? 10:26 Chart analysis of the situation 11:23 Problem with the log 14:36 Moonrise at night 15:28 Watching the other Jesters on AIS 16:40 Trimming the sails at night This is just the first part of several covering this year's Jester Challenge, look out for the rest of the series coming up soon an this playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZCvVhEwq-ebINsWIXC8RV92KwNZ4EBP0 Bread making video is here: https://youtu.be/2dak6P3dTo4 I hope you enjoy this video enough to like it and subscribe to my channel so you keep up to date with the Ancient Mariner! If you really like it, please become a channel member and support my sailing project: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClCzx7NtTAcr9s2C3CJiv7w/join Thanks to @miceinamatchbox for the intro/outro music Sailing a 1970 Contessa 26