Sailing into a Gale: Solomons to Australia WHSE140
Do I wait in the Louisades with barely a connection to the outside world, or brave a gale to get to Australia? In this episode of bluewater sailing, I get waves crashing over the whole boat and filling the cockpit, get stuck in a shipping lane, and almost hit a ship. It's a rough crossing!
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For more regular photo updates and boating life, check out my instagram page: @boatlizard I am a solo sailor working on my circumnavigation. My boat is a 27-foot-long sloop named Gecko. Follow me on my journey as I learn about heavy weather sailing, the trials of being solo, and my adventures in paradise. Follow my bi-weekly blog on : windhippie.com Thanks for watching and subscribing!
Пікірлер: 866
As a lifelong boatbuilder and coastal Yachtsman, in NZ I've only had the privilege of meeting a few people in my life that could come close to your courage and ability at sea. Your right up there with Sir Robin Knocks and Sir Peter Blake, just to mention a couple of the very few real Yachtsmen. And you don't sail a floating city Apartment with computers to do your thinking. Well done girl.
@internetposta7389
Ай бұрын
Crossing an ocean without keeping a watch is not courage. It's stupidity. She's lucky to be alive.
@mmccartney6579
Ай бұрын
And Sir Francis Chichester. Cheers! :)
@allbushnocraft3031
Ай бұрын
here’s someone who has no clue of what they speak
@chriskelly6559
Ай бұрын
She's got that "I'm gonna die my way" attitude, though she would call it the "I'm gonna live my way" attitude. Kudos beautiful, stay strong! Crackerjack.
@mmccartney6579
Ай бұрын
@@allbushnocraft3031 Couldn't agree more!
Holly, you have done more in your boat than most of us will ever dream of. You’re the real deal when it comes to adventure.
@notwhatiwasraised2b
Ай бұрын
filming and editing it all too
@MerleShuman
19 күн бұрын
Much love and respect from Stockton California you are awesome
Hello. I am 71 and retired 500 Ton Captain. You have all my respect and admiration. You are a solid independent woman, very few would and could undertake and complete what you have done. Stay safe. Stay healthy.
You are a true woman of adventure and probably one of the best sailors in the world. Be safe. Love your content.
I think you are the bravest young woman I have ever encountered. I also deeply admire your introspection, willingness to share vulnerability, sense of humor, and marvelous self awareness. I reckon these big seas help to build skill and confidence so another one in the Books. This was a biggen. You have a great mind. Be blessed always
@truestory923
Ай бұрын
Thank you for writing exactly what I was feeling but didn't know exactly how to say.
@jeffreysmith7061
Ай бұрын
Wow all i can say is i admire your passion for sailing ⛵️ along with mother nature as the sailing Gods watch over you ! Thank you for taking us with you on your journeys ! God bless stay safe !
I've been working on boats for 35 years and I would never sail like you are on such a small boat but I'm here watching lol
@chriskelly6559
Ай бұрын
Same with Sam Holmes and James on Tr.
@thisoldboat7393
28 күн бұрын
I'm on a 27 footer also. Miserable at times but it's better than the alternatives.
You rock girl. As a 61-year-old with a couple of years living at sea under my belt, all I can say is you rock. You are on the page, that many seamen with decades of experience just don't get. Keep it tidy, and enjoy the adventure.
What a truly gutsy sailor you are Holly, so centred and down to earth, a true ocean warrior. We all salute 🫡 you. You rock.
Holly, you are the toughest sailer ever. I'm an old man and it makes me proud that a "women" is totally awesome as a sailor. Keep going girl!❤
I'm 74 and have been sailing all my life and can tell you that you are very impressive Holly! Best of luck...
Thanks!
@WindHippieSailing
Ай бұрын
Thank YOU!
@MitchellConner-xb6jx
24 күн бұрын
Very supportive. Very good of u😊
Holly, I encourage all my sailing students to follow you, and I always tell them "Holly is so competent that I never worry about her." You kind of tested my ability to not worry on this passage. 0.o Stay safe! Fabulous episode.
@WindHippieSailing
Ай бұрын
All's well that ends well :) dangerous situations are also exciting!
@richrich685
Ай бұрын
@@WindHippieSailing until they’re not! 🤷♂️
@julianbatcheler9970
Ай бұрын
Holly is an inspiration.
@victor-charlesscafati
Ай бұрын
@@WindHippieSailing Sailing is 99% pleasure, and 1% terror. ;)
@lorenzoblum868
Ай бұрын
@@WindHippieSailingnot a sailor here but you're my favourite for your skills, your authenticity, your joy, your courage and the best sceneries you share. Such a bowl of fresh air each time I get to enjoy your videos. Stay safe Holly.
in these conditions once you are committed fear vaporizes, instincts take over and if you are moving and still floating it is a go. and go fast as you can to get out of this nightmare.. As each day passes your confidence grows as well as you experience to better handle the situations as they happen. , I can just imagine your relief arriving in port. You are a one of a kind hardcore sailor. I can't see you walking away from this adventure, it is in your blood. stay happy and stay safe.
Thanks!Really Look forward to your videos,Thanks! 70year old arm chair sailor here and I think you're the best sailing channel on KZread. I really like your salty talk, er, boaty talk, um, explanations of sailng chioces? Anyway, Fair winds and following seas! And thanks again for sharing your adventure.
That was a crazy trip I spent 44 years as an engineer at sea and know how destructive it is. To sail into that weather is crazy in a small boat, you had someone looking after you that you survived.
Oh Hols! You scared the s--- out of me! Those waves, that howling wind, and, waking to find yourself 50' from a boat! No doubt in my mind, it was your guardian angel - whoever you've loved & lost who is looking out for you. Here it is April 15th and all this happened to you so long ago in Sept. 2023 - is there anyway we all can be more in current time with your travels? I am SO proud of you, Captain XOXOXO Darcee
@internetposta7389
Ай бұрын
Why are you praising someone who's being that dangerous? Even with a crew she shouldn't be doing this crossing. It's not hard to refund a ticket and cross when it's safe to do so and bring on someone for the passage. You care about her right? Then give her tough love.
@livinglifegrigg4927
Ай бұрын
You are a legend... Can't wait to get out there and live my dream :)
@michaelperea9611
28 күн бұрын
I see you. drawing on all your experiences and making well thought out decisions. When you go , it's all in . God Bless that boat of yours for seeing you though.!
@user-ef9fd7fv5f
26 күн бұрын
@@internetposta7389 YOUR sailing intelligence and experience obviously begins and ends in an armchair. YOU WISH you had as much intelligence, experience, and bravery that she has!
@internetposta7389
25 күн бұрын
@@michaelperea9611 What you're actually seeing is someone CHOOSING to be dangerous so she doesn't have to pay a change fee on a plane ticket. Don't cheer that on.
Quite honestly, it's a very ballsy thing to do getting out in the middle of that ocean alone. Much respect to you for that.
Hi Holly, we've been watching your travels ainx you began, and we think you're the most amazing woman! your courage, determination, skill and quirky humour delight us every time. Thank you for making these videos, they keep us as land-locked sailors optimistic, enthralled and and thrilled as we share your adventures. We're hugely grateful that you missed that ship!
Had a stress filled day, just sat down after the storm of my day thought I'd look for something chilled and cool. The first thing that popped up on recommended is this, so what could be more chilled than watching you sail into a gale!! I'm looking forward to but also dreading the day that it's me sailing into a storm! 🍻To nomads everywhere 🥂
@WindHippieSailing
Ай бұрын
There are highs that feel like no other when you're in weather like that
@mattthewanderer5029
Ай бұрын
@@WindHippieSailing I do alot of multi day treks, the worse weather ones are always the best ones when you look back! I don't want to sound lame but you are truly inspirational, you're the reason my son decided, after refusing for years, to sail with me! Please keep the vibes coming! 😉
@truestory923
Ай бұрын
In addition to hippy wind chick, You're pretty awesome yourself!!!
@mattthewanderer5029
Ай бұрын
@@truestory923 thank you! Probably the last words I'll read today, my birthday!! Perfect!
What an amazing episode. You don’t need me to say it… you are an amazing sailor. This remains one of the best sailing channels.
Your near collision at sea with a large vessel may be attributed to a number of things: 1) Your AIS antennae may be intermittent 2) Your AIS not correctly set up 3) The large vessel did not have AIS on 4) Your navigation lights are not on or has a fault and therefore cannot be seen 5) You are not running with a radar reflector large enough so others with radar can see you 6) Someone was asleep at the wheel or not paying attention on the bridge of the vessel I would suggest that you install some reflector tape on your mast, boom, sails (along battens), and the along the bulwarks so that it can catch any moon light and make your boat more visible. Changing your night time running lights and anchor lights with larger, brighter LED one would also help.
@MorganHoward
16 күн бұрын
7) They saw you and were going to pass close by assuming you are at the wheel. Things became tighter than comfortable for both parties during passing. 8) They saw you and were going to pass port to port assuming you are the wheel and going to do the same thing. This brought you closer than an early decision to pass starboard to starboard. 9) Some combination of 1-8. A call on the radio would have been nice but big ships arenʼt as concerned as little sailboats. Thoughts?
@jeffreyobrien8056
10 күн бұрын
I have a strobe light on the masthead. This was used on several voyages NZ Fiji, etc. Also, there have been yachts lost where taking the risk to force the timetable to meet a flight has come unstuck. Cyclones should be left till well past as they can come back to bite you. Large US yacht lost with all hand a decade or so back up in the Coral Sea.
You're a fearless girl, brave and smart. I love your narration voice. Happy sails!
Your amazing Holly. You're such a beautiful young woman. Thanks for sharing your life with us.
You my dear have bigger cajones than Most the Guys I know. Good for you. Your tenacity is something to behold. 👷
@TheDivegeek
28 күн бұрын
FYI, you mean "cojones". "cajones" means "large boxes".
@user-si1ov4ug3t
28 күн бұрын
@@TheDivegeek I stand corrected lol.
After my gale experience in the gulf of Mexico I said to myself, “if I get through this with a 50/50 chance of survival, I will never put myself in such a position again.” I have been true to my promise. Hat is off to you but please take care!
Wow! What an episode, Amazingly real! I've never commented on any KZread video but you just really blew me away. Write a book!!
@Adralba007
Ай бұрын
Yeah there’s not enough books about sailing
Great display of courage and seamanship. A near miss and scare occasionally does more good than harm and stops you getting complacent and unsafe. Well done Capt Ian
@internetposta7389
22 күн бұрын
Seamanship? Seamanship would be having a watch at all times as required by law. This is not good seamanship.
Your humor is on point, always puts a smile on my face!
That was some brave passage making. And knowing how badly the camera flattens the waves, that was some serious seas.
Well done
Well that was intense. Hope all is going well wherever you happen to be.
I think your Monitor saved your life. We used to call our Monitor Hanuman, son of the wind. No human crew could ever replace it.
@WindHippieSailing
Ай бұрын
I love that!!
@internetposta7389
Ай бұрын
You can legally operate without AIS. A watch works just fine. AIS is meant to supplement that not replace it. She shouldn't be sailing solo.
@SailingSwallowtail
Ай бұрын
@@internetposta7389 I was referring to her Monitor windvane.
@themightyintercept6572
29 күн бұрын
i used to call my Monitor... Monica... she was so good she could suck a hard boiled egg through 12ft of garden pipe.....!!
@boondog8504
28 күн бұрын
@@internetposta7389I’ve crossed the Atlantic and Pacific, pre and post AIS, and I will not be without it. Yes, keeping watch is important, but fully crewed boats get run down by ships too.
Always good to see this smiling face! Best Wishes!
Good sail through rough waters. Your encounter with a big ship being sooooo close made me think about why sailing single handed, I always get up every 20 minutes at night to quickly do a 360 scan, then set alarm for another 20 minutes and continue sleeping , eating, reading, whatever.⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️
@anonymous.notatall6419
Ай бұрын
Absolutely, this needs to be a culture again for the sake of us all
@henriquehenrique733
Ай бұрын
Me too... But no possible all long time on travel
You're doing an amazing job with single-handing, sharing your journey, and making it look easy. I can vouch for how enormous the waves were when the camera just doesn't show it. You are a freakin beast, Holly!! 💪⛵️
The best passage I saw for a long time. And a very nice presentation of the passage, too. Well done.
You will be immortalized by sailors retelling your adventures as The woman who sailed the world alone!
@michaelrobinson8915
19 күн бұрын
A Most of the time solo, sailing, sailor, makes a solo sailor. And or until further news reported...bendiciones...m
Wow! What an experience. I am so glad your skills, attitude, and luck saw you through. People out there in the world, people you could not imagine, really care about you. Thank you for bringing us along.
Yow!! Helluva passage! What a story… glad fortune favored the bold when that ship came by so close!
Hey You made it again ,God be with you friend .
What a hell of a passage ! My hat's off to you, brave woman !
Passage Holly is my favorite Holly. Maybe bite the bullet and do the every 20 minute good visual check when in a shipping channel? Good safety habits are what protect you even when you think everything is fine - and then it isn't. 20 years in my woodshop and still have alll my fingers. Knew a few guys who didn't. If your habits keep you safe during the surprise mishap, that's good habits. Habit means every time, so it's as automatic as breathing. Built in safety. Learn, prevent a reoccurence. Sometimes IAS fails, gets turned off, missed. Awesome passage you competent woman!
Wooo hooo! Sail on Wind Hippie!
Thanks, wish I could give more, gotta get my own boat going. Love your work!
@WindHippieSailing
Ай бұрын
Wow thanks so much! And good luck with your boat:)
Yes, those howling shrouds cam through on the audio just fine. Very ominous and scary. I cannot imagine how you get any sleep at all in such conditions. You are the bravest person I know. Thanks for another great episode. Still living vicariously through your adventures. Thank goodness for a reliable windvane too, huh.
Excellent KZread Thumbnail. 👍
@peterabild1123
26 күн бұрын
That’s a tough lady for sure
Your a brave woman warrior,a legend among men,go girl,love your sound tracks.❤
Every year we learn about some sailor going missing on passage and I don't doubt that collisions with larger vessels happen because the smaller vessel was not seen. It's a sobering thought for sure and I'm so glad you and the mighty Gecko came through unscathed physically and emotionally! Not today Death, not today.
Just jump and say this is freaking AWESOME! You did it... solo, but stay humble and respect the ocean.
You are one Courageous girl. I recently sailed the east coast, and was terrified of being 10NM from the coast in poor weather. What you are doing here on a small boat in the unfavourable season is phenomenal. Wishing you all the kind seas and fair winds from SailingAustralia. Get around her, People! This is Legendary!
You are one gutsy woman. What a hell of a fine sailor you are. Congratulations on a successful passage and making it alive. I sure do enjoy sharing your sailboat with you.
Holly, you love the Sea and it loves your loyalty. Impressive crossing.. Sweet Cheers!
Wow Holly, that was an enormous adventure! I am in awe of your ability to contain your worries and get on with the business of sailing. Those seas are never reflected big enough on video but as an experienced sailor I can imagine the reality. Go you!
Townsville, 1989 while I was in the Navy. 10 beautiful days
What I like about you Holly is that you are in tune with everything that's going on -weather, sea state, rig and sail choice and of course your own body and moods. That means there is very little that you can't cope with which means the more you do it the better you get at it, that's a win win and very cool.
A very brave sailor. The part about almost hitting the ship really got to me.
Congratulations on another safe passage
You're the real deal, Holly and completely admired in numerous ways. Highest Blessings
What a passage. This has got to be the highlight so far. Ciao. geo
Awesome Holly, true adventurer, you are made of the tough stuff. Many of us watch what you do and marvel. ❤👍
Hahaha "Scrips". (vice grips). Funny!
One of the best videos of your entire circumnavigation
Just pause. and truly see that smile! SO pure so lovely so nice... hard too find in world!
You are a rock star. I admire you for you and everything you do. Your videos are amazing and encouraging. I am currently working on my circumnavigation, but only stated recently. Keep up the great work. Fair winds and following seas .
Finally figured out how to subscribe . You are the bravest frightened young lady ever . I love that your determination is so inspiring. Thanks for the beautiful views and sunsets .
Calm seas and following winds 🙏
Hey... Best real sailing video Ive seen, you inspire me. Your decision making makes a lot of sence to me... Coming from an experienced sailor.. keep it up, be careful not to over bite. So much respect for what your doing.
More than likely the ship didn't have their AIS turned on until they actually saw you
@WindHippieSailing
Ай бұрын
Hmmm true. Maybe I scared the sh*t out of them too!
@anonymous.notatall6419
Ай бұрын
I reckon that is exactly what happened. I have had ships AIS suddenly pop up after shinning a spotlight on my sails just in hope they will see me. I have seen entire tankers ghoasting without even nav lights on in the moonlight. Watches are a thing.
@joemerican5781
Ай бұрын
Ships with AIS switched off have something to hide. So are probably sanctions busters/smuggling. Either way, they are criminals and everyone should keep well clear.
@internetposta7389
29 күн бұрын
@@anonymous.notatall6419 This is why she shouldn't be sailing solo as should have a watch.
@eastafrica1020
28 күн бұрын
You should get a better razor. You facial hair is very visible. Real captain Blackbeard. 😂😂😂
Tremendous dance, as that song in the video said, I have to be down all the time, well you did very well in making that decision, you would never have left the Salomón, your faces were truly worried, but you have shown mastery and courage. Very well done. 💯👌
Wow. This passage in particular some good luck was really coming your way..50ft gulp!!
Holly! Brave , beautiful & intrepid. Thank you for taking me with you on the crossing. I do wish I had seen the ship we almost hit but the sea was magnificent and the ships going out of sight as we dove into the trough between swells was rather eye opening. It added the touch of perspective to my screen that added dimension to those waves. Thanks again, watching out for our next adventure!
Insane admiration for your steadfast bravery, ocean rider! 🙌🏻💪🏻💝🍻
WOW wow wow! Congrats you did it! I would say this is up there with your trip 18 days to Fiji. You fought the seas and won! Remember perfection is for guppies. I hope you remember the things you accomplished and not the time you almost lost your boat. Great going girl!
@internetposta7389
22 күн бұрын
Perfection? Avoiding doing stupid things that are horribly dangerous isn't perfection.
@sc-ez9fz
19 күн бұрын
Don't listen to the naysayers. They live in fear and want you to do the same. There will always be at least one in the crowd. Keep breaking that glass ceiling and build your life out of the shards of glass. Your courage is limitless. Beware guppie swimming below.
@internetposta7389
19 күн бұрын
@@sc-ez9fz That's possibly the dumbest comment on KZread. That people care about safety doesn't mean that they don't do intense things and that they live in fear. Go look at the poclies and prosecutes in place for people like fighter pilots. They do dangerous things but never dumb things. It's great that you want to see a someone like this girl die for your entertainment, but that just makes you a horrible person.
Jeezas...what a ride! Going through that passage in the night with so much wind! Scary...and your close encounter 😮 omg too much. Glad everything turned out fine.
I watch several sailing channels and I have to say. U r the one that I want to sail with. Your grit, your fortitude, your everything makes u one hell of a an individual. Keep up the good work and stay safe sister. Looking forward to your next video.
Holly! Your videos are such a gift to all of us. Thank you for having us along on your journey with you!
Such a natural beauty.. good stuff Holly 💪💪💥
Thanks!👍🙏
@WindHippieSailing
Ай бұрын
Thanks so much!!
I have been following you off and on for a few years it seems. I just want to say, you have some real fortitude to be sailing out in the ocean by yourself. The videos are very entertaining and educational. Thank you for the content
You brave and wonderful woman - so proud of you - well done! We appreciate how challenging your solo sailing is. Best wishes from Auckland, New Zealand. And soon you will be at 100k subs x x
Thanks for the continued adventures.
Wow. Just wow.
Farout, 50 feet from a ship. That is very honest of you to report. Go well !
Wow Crazy weather for an exciting solo sail. September posted in April says must've been a hard sail. Having only the basics for navigation gear, it is totally understandable.
That was nuts. Good on you!
I am grateful for you.
Thanks! Great Vids, followed your trips for a while and enjoy the way you sail!
Inspirational… Thank you.
You are very courageous and brave. I'm glad you've made it to Queensland, Australia. :)
You are amazing such an inspiration!
Another great episode Holly ! Your so Brave ❤
just so honest , courageous & down to earth. love everything you do.
Glad to hear you made it!!
G"day from Australia. I was down in sydney a while ago and i had hired an swing mooring at creelal bay marina, up in broken bay pittwater. Nice people and were very helpful, they have an water taxi service every hour out to the moorings and its resonbly sheltered. I just thoght to run that by you as its affordable. Oh yes, by the way thats in Avalon about 250 km up from sydney. Gerard board, SV GEMSTAR.
Great video! You're a huge inspiration to us!
Excellent video. Thank you for posting.
“All hail Vice grips”. Quote of the year for sure 😎
I like your page you seem cool thanks for sharing your adventures let's me feel better
Whuf - almost makes you want to string up a hammock instead - glad you made it! Dory did some work on that passage.
You are a legend!