Conquering Sailing Trauma

Picture this: I was cruising at full speed, the wind was perfect, and both sails were loaded to their fullest. Vie Sauvage and I were flying across the Strait of Georgia, making our way towards Porlier Pass. It was one of those days that reminded me why I fell in love with sailing. The water was glistening, and the wind was brisk in my favor. Then, out of nowhere, there was a sudden "bang." The next thing I knew, the sailboat lurched violently to starboard. Time seemed to slow down as I scrambled to regain control of the boat and prevent the mast from collapsing. With the forestay broken and limited options, I decided to motor towards Wallace Island to meet up with my friends, Rick and Anna. The seas were rough, and I was too far into the channel to turn back safely. Every wave and gust of wind was a reminder of how precarious my situation was, I became determined to reach my destination. Upon arriving at Wallace Island, I took a few days to assess the damage and contemplate my next steps. The forestay, a critical component of the rigging, needed immediate attention. After careful consideration, I decided to make the three-hour journey to Maple Bay, BC, and the Maple Bay Yacht Club. I knew it was my best chance to get the repairs done properly. At the Maple Bay Yacht Club, I was met with incredible kindness and support. The yacht club members were not only hospitable but also highly knowledgeable. Over the next week, I worked tirelessly alongside people I met to climb the mast 4 times, and rebuild the forestay. The process was demanding, but their camaraderie and expertise, along with the gut-check of having to climb the forty feet on a swaying piece of aluminum on Vie Sauvage, made the repair possible. Throughout this ordeal, I learned invaluable lessons about the importance of preparedness, the strength of community, and the resilience required to face unexpected challenges at sea. This journey was not just about fixing a broken forestay; it was about overcoming adversity, relying on the kindness of strangers, and the unbreakable spirit of adventure that drives adventurers to continue on. In this video, you'll see the highs and lows of this harrowing experience. From the moment of disaster to the meticulous repair process. I hope my story inspires you to embrace the challenges that come your way and to appreciate the incredible people you meet along the path of life. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe to John Schneider's Wild Life for more sailing adventures, repair tips, and stories from the high seas. Hit the bell icon to stay updated on our latest videos and become a part of our sailing community. Your support helps us continue to share these wild adventures with you! So, set sail with me as I take you through the dramatic tale of a broken forestay and the journey to get Vie Sauvage back on the water. This is not just a story of repair-it's a testament to an enduring spirit and the adventure that awaits beyond every horizon. Join me on this wild ride, and let's keep the spirit of adventure alive! Watch the full video now to see how I navigated this crisis and got back to doing what I love most-sailing. Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/johnswildlife Amazon Wish List - https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2M5ZV7VY165KR/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_1 Amazon Author Page - Journals and books by John David Schneider - https://www.amazon.com/stores/John-David-Schneider/author/B0CDQVTGDL?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true YouTube Membership - https://www.youtube.com/@JohnFrasersWildLife/membership John's Wild Life Shop - https://www.johnswildlife.com/the-store Cubic Mini Woodstoves - https://cubicminiwoodstoves.com/collections/all?ref=yzg3ndi Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG6diCN-nm_nUS-BS-hJHTA/join