Starting to sail ~ Tom Cunliffe remembers

Every sailor in the public eye is often asked how it all began for them. This is the first chapter of my own story. It's an unlikely start.
#sailing, #start to sail, #yachting, #Tom Cunliffe
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Welcome on board!
Tom
Copyright Tom Cunliffe 2021

Пікірлер: 111

  • @rgfrw
    @rgfrw3 жыл бұрын

    Tom Cunliffe: GREATEST storyteller anywhere!!

  • @patricklandergen5234

    @patricklandergen5234

    2 жыл бұрын

    Yessir!

  • @maluzfilm1136
    @maluzfilm11363 жыл бұрын

    The spark in your eyes. The enthusiasm in you voice and the storytelling skills. Wonderful video!!!! Thanks!

  • @lauroazevedo9522
    @lauroazevedo95222 жыл бұрын

    Dear Mr. Cunliffe, I see your videos and am amazed. Thank you for showing us here in Brazil these wonderful vessels. Protecting its traditions and encouraging youth to love its entire history. Congratulations and thanks.

  • @jameswindle9311
    @jameswindle93112 ай бұрын

    I am absolutely absorbed by Tom. Just wonderful stuff! Currently binge watching the archive :)

  • @peterfrommystic7890
    @peterfrommystic78903 жыл бұрын

    Thanks so much Tom; a beautiful father's day gift.

  • @johnsmith4219
    @johnsmith42193 жыл бұрын

    What a wonderful story... you friends across the pond

  • @adammccarthy2157
    @adammccarthy21573 жыл бұрын

    I sadly haven't the vocabulary to put into words how much I respect you as one of the most lovely, interesting men I've ever known ..

  • @SailingTaranto

    @SailingTaranto

    3 жыл бұрын

    I couldn't have put it better myself.

  • @sailingmarie7097

    @sailingmarie7097

    3 жыл бұрын

    Then buy his books :)

  • @adammccarthy2157

    @adammccarthy2157

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@sailingmarie7097 I do, he signed one of them for me .

  • @maxflight777

    @maxflight777

    3 жыл бұрын

    Adam ! You did well. Many of us feel exactly the same. Well said.

  • @Fig330

    @Fig330

    3 жыл бұрын

    I think you just did!

  • @seabound1350
    @seabound13502 жыл бұрын

    Tom, you are such a great storyteller and educator. All this positive energy is exactly what I need now. A big thank you for everything! 🙏❤️🇸🇪⛵️

  • @jonelliott9157
    @jonelliott91572 жыл бұрын

    I just love this story. I’ve listened to it three times now and it always makes me smile. Very inspirational.

  • @dowser81
    @dowser813 жыл бұрын

    Nobody on this planet can spin a yarn like Tom 👌🏼

  • @cactuspharmer
    @cactuspharmer3 жыл бұрын

    This man could read you your last rights and somehow make it warm and soothing.

  • @hewyn1
    @hewyn13 жыл бұрын

    A brilliant ambassador for sailing, the sea and joie de vivre. Yet another infectiously enthusiastic and affectionate missive from the wonderful Mr Tom Cunliffe. He makes you feel good to be alive. Thanks skipper.

  • @Wayfaring_Stranger1
    @Wayfaring_Stranger12 жыл бұрын

    Probably the best 12 minutes I have spent in KZread in the last 10 years! I learned to sail in the Boy Scouts. Had a terrific sailing instructor. On day one he threw me into a Flying Scot, put the tiller in my hand, hoisted the sail, and said, "Off you go boy. Figure it out." I literally had NO IDEA what did what. Well, I blundered around the lake until it clicked. It was the best sailing lesson I ever had. To this day when I am confronted with another sailing challenge, like single-handing a 40 footer, I hear Mr. Irwin's voice, "Off you go boy. Figure it out." Thank you Tom Cunliffe. Thank you Mr. Irwin. Those who have taught us live forever in our experiences as we live forever in those whom we teach.

  • @seashepherds4959
    @seashepherds49593 жыл бұрын

    It's a Wonderful Life! You wisely left out all the horrible wind and contrary tides and Gordian Knots but if we knew about that we never would have known the best part of Life On The Wind!

  • @ZooblerDotCom
    @ZooblerDotCom3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you. You are awesome. Please keep bringing us knowledge. Thank you.

  • @growingknowledge
    @growingknowledge3 жыл бұрын

    Your stories always light a fire inside me Tom and make me smile. I see that fire still burns bright within you. I hope I get a chance to sail with you one day and share a yarn. All the best to you and yours.

  • @greensdreams
    @greensdreams3 жыл бұрын

    Ditto master storey teller by a master historian!

  • @lacleman9394
    @lacleman93943 жыл бұрын

    Fabulous video, Tom. Good for you!

  • @Musician-Lee
    @Musician-Lee2 жыл бұрын

    Fascinating! Back in 1967 my friends and I went to Horning on the Broads and hired a couple of those engineless ketches with the roof you lift up when moored. You learn quite a bit about sailing on those! Great story Tom.

  • @normanboyes4983
    @normanboyes49833 жыл бұрын

    Pull up a stool and pull Tom a pint - then he can ‘swing the lamp’ 😀👍⛵️

  • @DrCrabfingers
    @DrCrabfingers Жыл бұрын

    Bless your heart. I'm watching this with tears in my eyes. It's a funny thing. How can one man get sucked into a life on the ocean waves...and another...(me) just get rebuttals and dead ends. How utterly strange. The doors opened for you Tom...and they closed for me...how on earth can I make sense of that? 5:25 that looks like a toy boat!!! God in his heavens that is insane. Tom...you are national treasure....I wish you every success and happiness. Your videos make me so happy.

  • @josephlai9759
    @josephlai97593 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for sharing your early years and finding your destiny. You are really lucky in sense how very fortuitous your journey had been. One providential step to the next, meeting people who somewhat pointed the way. And how very wonderful the captain was who gave you a chance working on his yacht. You could very well named your first boat - Serendipity. I feel happy for the like of you, Sir. What a life!

  • @joeltatham5673
    @joeltatham56733 жыл бұрын

    Brilliant, absolutely cracking tale, as usual. Man those little boats had a spread of canvas!

  • @bruceweber2361
    @bruceweber23612 ай бұрын

    I just ordered a copy of Slocum's book, "Sailing Alone..." I read it first a long time ago. I know a bit more about boats and sailing, so I'm sure I'll appreciate it more this time. Thanks, Tom, for your great vids.

  • @robbristow
    @robbristow2 жыл бұрын

    My introduction was similar. Dad rowed at Cambridge in the 30's and as a 7 year old (in the 50's) he built a 'Cartop' Dingy, later to be known as the Heron. We sailed/rowed/outboard motored it for many years at Studland. When I went to school I joined the sailing club on the Thames at Pangborne and sailed GP 14's to learn on and then Firefies in the interschool competitions. During this time a friend acquired an ex-Prince of Wales Cup boat, International 14, called 'Devlin' and we sailed it together - a little quicker than the Firefly! Later I sailed on one of the first all fibreglass boats, a 'Wineglass' and the exciting Shearwater catamaran. When my children were old enough we built another Heron.

  • @lukequinn6195
    @lukequinn61953 жыл бұрын

    Always good.

  • @francispagan9676
    @francispagan96762 жыл бұрын

    Hi Tom. You're kindred spirit I started sailing when I was a kid and sailed with my dad on the Waveney at Beccles back in the 1950s in a little old luggage dinghy. We graduated to hired cabin yachts from Hunters of Ludham. Those gorgeous iconic Hustlers! I went on one from Ludham right through Yarmouth with a schoolmate in 1961, up to Bramerton near Norwich, great adventure. Since then I've crossed the Channel on an old Brixham trawler, and more lately sailed to Oban, Coll, Iona and Mull, now my favourite place. Thanks for precious memories!

  • @1258-Eckhart
    @1258-Eckhart Жыл бұрын

    What a lovely story. I think you should haul Martin out of his ivory tower for a sailing turn on the Broads. Captured on film for us of course and including the banter over a tawny port below decks afterwards.

  • @AnnInghamlife-goals
    @AnnInghamlife-goals3 жыл бұрын

    I loved this story. You come from Stockport!!! My father's family came from Stockport too! Although by the time I came along they'd been in Bolton for 2 generations. I had a yearning to be on the water from my first years. I was determined to be on the water somehow from being small. "That magical thing. Converts flowing air into motion, and you can feel it under your hand. " I started in a dinghy. I was totally self-taught too.

  • @livingladolcevita7318
    @livingladolcevita73183 жыл бұрын

    and this is why you are so interesting Tom, not sure why but I was feeling quite emotional listening to your life story. Hopefully we all have at least one moment in our lives when we can think back with fond memories. Kids around me today don't seem to do anything exciting except getting drunk and fighting. I loved my short time teaching outdoor pursuits but there wasn't any money in it and I had to give it up., however I will never forget sea kayaking from Kinsale to Dingle bay on the south coast of Ireland camping along the way with flat calm seas and sunny weather all week with an overnight stop on Clear Island and a lovely pint of Guiness

  • @robertschaper5737
    @robertschaper57373 жыл бұрын

    Tom Cunliffe is one of the brilliant chroniclers of our times and his particular navigation and appreciation of things past and things lasting is a precious gift. I hope his genuine wisdom, expertise and joie de vivre will inspire future generations that discover his work.

  • @buzzofftoxicblog791
    @buzzofftoxicblog7913 жыл бұрын

    The magic of water and wind 👏😆

  • @peterh.3008
    @peterh.30083 жыл бұрын

    How many rounds of ale would I buy just to listen to this wonderful man tell stories of his sailing adventures at a good old sailor pub...

  • @brycenew
    @brycenew2 жыл бұрын

    Entirely excellent!! Thanks Tom 😃

  • @brucepublicover3544
    @brucepublicover35443 жыл бұрын

    I have read just about every magazine article & watched every video you have produced! This one was brilliant, and touching. I grew up on the Massachusetts sea shore and watched such notable sailing vessels as the "Yankee" skippered by Irvin Johnson, and numerous schooners cutting through the outer bay just wishing I could sail with them. My Grandfather left Nova Scotia at 13 on a fishing schooner and in turn skippered for 30+ years; maybe that's where the yearning started. Even though the diesel fishing boats were plentiful back in the early 1960's, it was sailing that I loved. You have made sailing come alive for me once again. We grew up in the same era but you were the one who sailed. Thank You!

  • @captaintoyota3171
    @captaintoyota31713 жыл бұрын

    Similarly i started young on lakes and rivers fishing and boating. But never sailed no one in my family has sailed but i decided at 32 yrs old im going to take sailing classes. I am at home on the water but what amazed me after 30yrs on boats was the SILENCE. Just wind pushing you through the water. Its great. Ill have a liveaboard boat someday till then ill be the one single guy out there taking sailing classes/renting 😃

  • @mikerc6391
    @mikerc6391 Жыл бұрын

    Fantastic! inspiring....sail on!

  • @duncanandrews1940
    @duncanandrews19403 жыл бұрын

    Love your stories Tom, many thanks.........

  • @surlycycler2213
    @surlycycler22133 жыл бұрын

    Awesome story. :)

  • @peterbraidwood4834
    @peterbraidwood48343 жыл бұрын

    Hello Tom. That was a great story and poignant to me. In my early days as an aspirant skipper, I once met a super skipper (also a yachtmaster examiner) who advised me to just keep sailing and not get too hung up on developing technology and gadgets. The chap had been giving a talk at a Ocean Youth Club - north west region weekend at Plas Menai in north Wales. It was in 1988 and I was about to start a job as an instructor at the Scottish Outward Bound centre (Loch Eil). I was to be part of a team running sailing expeditions for young people in open boats in the sound of Mull area. There were definitely no gadgets on those boats! Pure sailing. The wise words that shaped my thinking and development came from you Tom and I’ve never forgotten that meeting. You’ve always been a inspiration. Thank you. Fair winds, Peter

  • @psc4734
    @psc47343 жыл бұрын

    You can never tire of Tom's story telling, so much common sense is spoken. Many a quiet passage has been done to his Sailing, yachts and yarns on Audible.

  • @SVImpavidus
    @SVImpavidus3 жыл бұрын

    Also learned to sail on the broads. A wonderful place. My school had access to Barton broad. Coypu's Wayfarer's, Boatswans, and even a Fireball. Your so right about the power of wind through the tiller. Once it captures you..... Great Yarn Tom. Splashing tomorrow after two weeks of boat work on the hard in Tunisia. Sail Safe Guys, Ant, Cid & the pooch crew.

  • @cloudsculptor1
    @cloudsculptor13 жыл бұрын

    Excellent. I feel exactly the same about the beautiful Norfolk Broads and those perfect gaff-rigged boats. There's not a person I've taken out who's not come back beaming from ear to ear. Even the nervous sceptics.

  • @brianmessemer2973
    @brianmessemer29733 жыл бұрын

    Really, really wonderful.

  • @Theoriain1
    @Theoriain13 жыл бұрын

    Such a lovely story. I’d happily be stuck in a pub listening to you for hours!

  • @roncooper6302
    @roncooper63023 жыл бұрын

    Beautiful Tom. Give us some more. I had my first real yacht when I was 38 but loved every minute of my cruising life but had to earn a living on land. I have had to ‘swallow the anchor’ but still yearn to sail. Best regards.

  • @SirPrancelot1
    @SirPrancelot13 жыл бұрын

    Thank God for history Tom. Thank you for sharing this with us and thanks to your Dad.

  • @danielhulme5577
    @danielhulme55773 жыл бұрын

    Wonderfully enlightening Tom thank you very much for the inspiration.

  • @joyliansailing8096
    @joyliansailing80963 жыл бұрын

    What a great story! Thanks for sharing.

  • @jbudgeon1
    @jbudgeon13 жыл бұрын

    I just came across your channel a few days ago and am really enjoying all your stories and your knowledge. Great Channel.

  • @stoneskipper7625
    @stoneskipper76253 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for sharing. It made me smile.

  • @terrynorton3182
    @terrynorton31823 жыл бұрын

    Great story Tom.

  • @Fabianweso.
    @Fabianweso.3 жыл бұрын

    That's a fantastic story, almost the same as when me and my friend first went sailing although that was only 2 years ago. A reunion between the two of you hiring out the same type of boat would make an amazing video.

  • @pablobesser
    @pablobesser3 жыл бұрын

    lovely history. thanks for share it with us.

  • @paulvr3158
    @paulvr31583 жыл бұрын

    Beautiful Tom. Thanks!

  • @914va
    @914va3 жыл бұрын

    a fantastic story!! thank you!

  • @Tief84
    @Tief843 жыл бұрын

    Oh, what a story! Thanks a lot!

  • @FixNewsPlease
    @FixNewsPlease3 жыл бұрын

    That was like a familiar song Tom. Thanks!

  • @backtothebarky
    @backtothebarky3 жыл бұрын

    Fantastic story glad you chose the right true path!

  • @neilgower2558
    @neilgower25582 жыл бұрын

    That's was great to listen to. Love your channel your enthusiasm for sailing and your vast knowledge would inspire anyone to get out sailing.. Keep the good work up

  • @From_Refugee_To_Yacht_Owner
    @From_Refugee_To_Yacht_Owner3 жыл бұрын

    Great story.

  • @mrstephenthomas100
    @mrstephenthomas1003 жыл бұрын

    Tom, what a lovely story, lump in the throat and all that!!

  • @captaintoyota3171

    @captaintoyota3171

    3 жыл бұрын

    "And i've got to stop cause there's a lump in my throat." -the immortal Murray Walker. (Yank here)

  • @captainandthelady
    @captainandthelady3 жыл бұрын

    A good old yarn from a good old sailor. Always a pleasure to listen to you.

  • @jamiewashere
    @jamiewashere3 жыл бұрын

    What an absolute treasure of a man. I could listen to his stories all day.

  • @MDEPhotophile
    @MDEPhotophile3 жыл бұрын

    Great storey Tom, always a pleasure to hear from you, with very interesting anecdotes here and there. Great video too, spot on!

  • @truthalwayswins3078
    @truthalwayswins30783 жыл бұрын

    Always nice to listen to you recalling the past. Very interesting as usual.

  • @ramseybarber8312
    @ramseybarber83123 жыл бұрын

    Tom Yes the Norfolk Broads has a lot to answer for. Cheers

  • @mgevirtz
    @mgevirtz3 жыл бұрын

    Tom, your a hell of a guy!

  • @tomriley5790
    @tomriley57903 жыл бұрын

    I confess I still find it amazing when the sails fill and the boat moves - and the silence! Fantastic. Would never have guessed that you read Law, can't help thinking that you were much wiser than me in running away to sea after university! What an amazing experience to go sailing on that schooner with a captain who'd sailled in that era! I'm sure your dad was actually very happy and proud of you! Great story Tom, thank you for sharing!

  • @chrisbull6244
    @chrisbull62443 жыл бұрын

    Thank you Tom, for putting the magic in to sailing, I love the details of your adventures . Thank you for putting your experiences so eloquently. I’ve only been sailing around the UK, I loved it, but at the same time , frightened stupid.Regards ChrisB

  • @rusty633
    @rusty6333 жыл бұрын

    Rowing takes me back to Jimmies boat yard at port Bannatyne Isles of Bute. Terrific rowing boats happy days .

  • @nickwebb9290
    @nickwebb92903 жыл бұрын

    That was wonderful Tom. I always enjoy your posts, learning from you in your informal friendly way. Thank you for your time..

  • @RoryL83
    @RoryL833 жыл бұрын

    One of my favorite videos on KZread. Thanks for sharing!!!

  • @fernandopratesi5378
    @fernandopratesi53783 жыл бұрын

    What a story! I hope you know how many others you’ve inspired and instructed.

  • @saturday7
    @saturday73 жыл бұрын

    Thanks so much Tom. Watching this gave me the best start to the day I've had in a long time. A wonderful story beautifully told.

  • @davidclarke7728
    @davidclarke77283 жыл бұрын

    I learned to sail on the broads, so did Nelson , I believe, the gaff rigs are best, great story

  • @JenkinsBoatWorks
    @JenkinsBoatWorks3 жыл бұрын

    absolutely fantastic!

  • @kevin3434343434
    @kevin34343434343 жыл бұрын

    That was marvelous. Thank you for sharing.

  • @curtisroberts9137
    @curtisroberts91373 жыл бұрын

    This is a great story and I admire your tenacity. We need more of this kind of spirit in the world rather than people just wanting everything handed to them.

  • @richarddebenedettoph.d.3769
    @richarddebenedettoph.d.37693 жыл бұрын

    Tom: Thank you so much for these stories and memories. You remind us all of what sailing is ... it's a life experience that is so much more than the act of sailing itself.

  • @anthonyfuller6740
    @anthonyfuller67403 жыл бұрын

    Brilliant!!

  • @youpattube1
    @youpattube13 жыл бұрын

    A riveting, enjoyable recounting. The images added the third dimension. Thanks lad.

  • @patricklandergen5234
    @patricklandergen52342 жыл бұрын

    My copy of "alone around the world" came in yesterday!

  • @thomasmartin9078
    @thomasmartin90783 жыл бұрын

    Most excellent! Very inspiring, am a sailor myself, absolutely love the life.

  • @hayshashatzman7134
    @hayshashatzman71343 жыл бұрын

    The joy you feel for the water, and the boats that sail them, is contagious. Keep spreading it!!!

  • @debbierattigan9101
    @debbierattigan91013 жыл бұрын

    Just wonderful, thank you for sharing.

  • @radicalcentrist5288
    @radicalcentrist52883 жыл бұрын

    Simply marvellous, Tom. A few more of these and you'll have your autobiography done!!

  • @k.a.davison9897
    @k.a.davison98973 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for sharing this story from your life. I think men have lost the joy of simply living. Instead it is now about working, careers, achievements, power, wealth, domination, reaping. Where is the joy in that? Again, thank you and best regards from Palmetto, Florida.

  • @chewitt6426
    @chewitt64263 жыл бұрын

    very helpful, thanks

  • @life.sunsets.sunrises
    @life.sunsets.sunrises3 жыл бұрын

    Tom as always its a pleasure to hear your story's, looking forward to hearing more. if you are ever short handed this year it would be an honor to help out (always learning )

  • @progress4127
    @progress41273 жыл бұрын

    You are an amazing story teller and a true inspiration! My experience getting into sailing was somewhat similar to yours.

  • @evilfluff6634
    @evilfluff66343 жыл бұрын

    I think you picked wisely.

  • @ManxMotorcycles
    @ManxMotorcycles3 жыл бұрын

    From the Isle of Man here, such a great environment for sailing and boating !

  • @maxflight777
    @maxflight7773 жыл бұрын

    Tom, compelling! What a beautiful explanation. The “hand on the tiller” while the wind drives the boat. Yes I can remember the first time I experienced that. (For me it was a Mirror on a Bromsgrove reservoir. Aren’t we lucky to have enjoyed these things.

  • @davehalst
    @davehalst3 жыл бұрын

    Great story Tom. Was that first sail at Hunters Yard near Ludham?

  • @markkurtis8637
    @markkurtis86373 жыл бұрын

    😊

  • @EpoxyCircus
    @EpoxyCircus3 жыл бұрын

    👍

  • @arnekvinge6073
    @arnekvinge60733 жыл бұрын

    Powered by nature! I tryed seiling and think i got my drug. As I do whith paragliding but that is more demanding. I came over your Y.T. and I am so pleased. My father was a mate in his young days, and I have been told his father did kravell boats. Yes all the tools trowed away. I no got a 18' "færing", a open klinker 3 par ore row boat, whit some seils. So I gess more bathing than seiling when i am going to try her. Like You I got a book. " Learn to seil". What can possibly go wrong?

  • @bryrensexton4618
    @bryrensexton46183 жыл бұрын

    👍!!!!

  • @ericohara2582
    @ericohara25823 жыл бұрын

    Tom, is that your father in a Spitfire (?) in the picture behind you? Thank you for great posts..