Cruising overnight on a NORDHAVN 43 trawler + Q&A [Columbia River Bar to Sequim Bay, WA] 

I have cruised so cal and had many long trips into the Sea of Cortez, maybe 100+ night passages over 40 years and thought i would mention a few things i learned, if I may. At night radar is your friend, practice often, learn its capabilities it will do much to keep you safe. It displays relative motion learn how that works. Beware of tow line berween tug and tow, it can be very long and dangerous. If coasting at night there is an instinctive tendancy to steer toward land so when the autopilot fails as it will sooner or later, keep that in mind. Over time you will cherish the night passages as you go south the stars and sea will speak to your souls, cherish this opportunity, go south and sail on, but be sure to stock up on fuel filter elements!

Happy to see you got to explore Ilwaco a bit, one of my favorite destinations, lots of history there and kind of a magical place in.many ways.

Being on the ocean teaches us how powerful and amazing the sea is. You guys are amazing mariners!!

Many years ago I served in the Canadian Navy and traveled from Victoria to Queen Charlotte Island , Hawaii, Panama and Argentina. So lots of time at sea. Distraction is the best thing to do to pass the time. Mind games, etc. Really enjoyed this segment. Thank you!

Just remember the first day or two you are just getting acclimated and it gets easier. Plus audiobooks and podcasts were a lifesaver. Podcasts about deep subjects that we can discuss and sometimes debate was nice. For shows, we downloaded them while on WiFi and then had plenty in the queue to watch regardless of signal. Hope some of these tips help.

RU-vid really needs to add a "love" button for you guys videos!

I like a little black tea for night shift. Enough to keep you awake when you need to. But, not so much that you can't sleep after you shift is over.

Here's a thought to pass the time on those night passages dig out some paper charts and keep a running plot (every hour) then factoring course, speed, tidal stream, leeway and so forth estimate where you will be in an hour - see how close you get. This'll keep your brain running and it's fun.Not only that but is all the magenta line magic goes tango uniform on you - you have a recent plot to start running DR from. Additionally, keep those warm drinks coming - there's a reason why the world's navies run on coffee (and in the RN Kai!)

Well done guys that is a major accomplishment. There is that saying that the boat can handle more in terms of weather and waves than the crew, I think you folks are starting to narrow that gap.

Great video! Thanks for sharing you ventures! Stay Safe out there!

Wow that far away drone shot gives a glimpse of how big this world really is

I really enjoyed the video and I empathize with the overnight struggle. Having sailed nonstop from So. Cal to Puerto Vallarta, the body stopped protesting on the third full night underway. That voyage was a crew of three but what I learned from that was you had to find the right watch schedule for the crew aboard and then stick to it. That gives the body the chance to adapt itself to the available resting time.

Very nice shot of the sailboat cruising behind Shawn's head during the q&a!

No actual passage experience, but I've watched many a video from My Holiday Inn, and the solution to shorthanded crewing is to add crew. Adding a 3rd or 4th member makes a vast difference in rest and activity options.

Try books on tape. You can download on shore wifi and play them on those long watches. I love them for long trips.

If you want an old truck drivers trick to stay awake (when you start getting tired eat an apple)

I found that writing was always a good way to pass the solo hours.

Always midway thru an off shore trip, you wonder why are we out here, and while having a celebrity beverage at the end, everyone agrees that was great and can't wait to do it again. Next trip in to the Columbia transit up the River. Great cruising grounds.

Cruising at night is pleasing ..... and and for me less boring than during the day because you have to be on alert all the time.

Each trip is different. We were a couple on a sailing boat and sometime we would do 4 hr watches and other trips we would do 3 hour watches and if we were both struggling with that we would go to 2 hr watches. Other times we would go as long as we felt good for to let the other get more sleep and on some scarier trips the off watch person would sleep in the cockpit with the on watch person so if a second opinion was needed it was easy to ask and then they could go back to sleep. Basically do what works most comfortably for you on each trip. I found snickers bars and snacks helped a lot!! 🔆😆🔆

Start working 4 hours watches for the whole day with 2 dog watches for a few days before any overnight voyage. Then sleep when off watch. In the days before wake up for an hour or so if you are due to have the mid watch or morning watch. Ba dog watch is 4 to 6 or 6 top 8 thus rotating the watch’s every day.

I love the real talk. Great cruise. You’ll get more comfortable. My best recommendation is to stick with a watch schedule. The consistency during the day can help a lot getting through the night.

Old school dvd player, on several monitors throughout the boat help pass the nights, also getting in the habit of paper charting position Long & LT and ship checks hourly in a small note book journal every hour.. help immensely and ready to go with you if you need to ditch or review for future passages and sharing info with other boaters.

Nailed the music. Elizabeth, you’re funny. Videography and editing is good/improving Thanks for sharing Life is good~

Your comparison about always wanting to be somewhere else reminds me of when i was a teenager. We used to hike up and down mountains trails, and whilst doing it you would think to yourself, 'What am I doing, I hate this, its not fun.' Then on the trip back home you will be planning your next trip out to the bush.... Stuff like this helps you clear your mind, to help it cope with the day to day mundane tasks of living.

Lol! Same shows Ally watches! Great video....thanks for sharing 👍

We found the shorter passages to be more tiresome, it takes at least two nights for your body to get into the rhythm so by the third night watch it’s easy peasy. Make up some snack bags and pop drinks and keep them within an easy reach. Learn a new star pattern every night and mostly just enjoy the moment, don’t keep thinking about the destination. Enjoy the Ride.

During your Q&A, the window behind you looks like our air here in Eugene Oregon. Our air quality index reads 488 right now. Was 596 yesterday. Hoping for some westerlies soon.

Enjoyable video. Pulling night watch is something that needs getting use to. Keeping you mind going is the trick. Once you've been thru all the logs and looking ahead at weather, keeping a vigilant eye on course and radar for other vessels can only consume so much time. Leave the radio on at all times can lead to some chatter with other vessels. As the owner pilot you may want to bring out the documentation on her and use the time to gain intimate understanding on everything you can. Makeup certain scenarios that could happen and how you would solve them. If you keep your mind busy, time will pass much faster. Above all, give yourself something to do! You have many good suggestions from your viewers.

I really enjoy your videos..as a older retired loner I enjoy all the places you visit. As I live in the mountains your videos are a world of difference.ty

I am a truck driver and have experienced the boredom that comes with sitting in one place doing relatively nothing for long hours in a day. My Dad calls it window time, where you're just sitting and staring out the window. I learned that I needed to occupy my mind, I do so by using this "mental free time" to learn. I started with documentaries, for example I would start with a general topic like World War 2. Then from that general topic I would always learn about something specific that would lead me down the next rabbit hole of knowledge and keep me going. When I cant think of something specific to learn about, podcasts come in handy to learn a variety of different things. I would also make sure to download onto my iphone at least 12 hours because I would often be in areas where cell coverage was spotty at best. Being that I was driving I also made sure that it was something I could listen to rather than watch. Enjoy the window time!! It's one of the few times in life where you don't really have to worry about much and can feed the mind with so much, Just don't fall down to many random rabbit holes that the interwebs have to offer.

Yep, fear the ocean, respect Mother Nature's power. I've sailed the world on U.S. Navy aircraft carriers and have been in some situations where those behemoth machines were being tossed around like tiny corks and have seen the damage she can unleash on anything the human can put out there. As for the long passages, I can't speak much about a short-crewed boat like yours, but I would think working as close to a steady on/off watch schedule as possible might make it a bit easier to deal with. Good luck gaining more experience!

I was under the impression you were going to head south for your journey. Surprised you went north. :-)

One comment and a link: It would be nice if you would orient us geographically through your longer trips. An occasional - "We are here" - on your chart would be good. If you end up doing a multiple day jump, try to orient your living to your shifts. If you are taking the most graveyard shifts, then sleep through the day. Day one, I felt like crap, Day two - I felt sort of like crap, Day three - I felt not too bad at all. When I flipped to a day shift or two then back to graveyards, the first night I felt like crap. And a video to help you save money - a review of "sea sickness glasses." ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-4GpyeSK_R6o.html

doing math problems in my head was a trick i use to make time go fast. plus its cool to learn new tricks and practice. i find,if my mind is busy, the time flies by. maybe worth a try... God bless you guys and keep you safe.

I remember going over that bar at least 6 times only one time it was so bad that I thought I was going overboard lol. The fishing always made it worth doing again love salmon. As of today I wish I could be on the coast its been 3 days of smoke anymore than a hour outside makes the eyes burn. You guys brighten my day with your videos so keep up the fun.

its... "on the comode again, just can't wait to get on the comode again..." Hahaha... just kidding. Still enjoying your vids... Thanks!

Yes, you CAN say it, “I’m having fun!” I repeated that to myself all day yesterday while waxing the boat and sweating my ass off! My back is telling me otherwise today, but boat looks much better! Keep up the great work for us dreamers!

Night watch>>>>things always happen in the night you are and have been occupied by fatigue >> not good >> if you are fighting to stay alert. big mistake, best to wake the Capitan and give in to it, my crew it is 4 on 4 off and at night there is always 2 on watch>> size dose matter (boat that is) at 70 Plus regs come into play weather it is 40 foot or 80 somthing goes wrong it is always captain's error or not enough crew. When it is youre time to rest >>>> Make sure you do that never force yourself or test yourself the ocean will win.4 on 4 off try it, 3 is not working and there is also the Helm hog, you have to watch for this too, 4 on 4 off . look deep in his eyes and say captain you are relieved get off the bridge

My suggestion for long passages would be something that we would do in Afghanistan which would be while we where out of the country on vacation we would download as many tv shows, movies as we could and save them to an external hard drive for us to be able to play on our laptops or I even was able to buy a hard drive that has it's own wifi hotspot so that multiple people could access it through wifi and watch the movies and tv shows on there.

The Law of Floatation changes too where Freshwater switches to Saltwater, and vice versa.

WOW Freedom crew , I mmensely enjoyed this video . Sure, mainly about an longer overnight passage trip and some ocean work . But what and how you guys were able to describe the reality of it all was tremendous and ever so inspiring. Sure , most of your subscribers and viewers including myself are most likely dreamers , and would like to try your lifestyle . Though sadly and regrettably most will never get the chance due to whatever reasons. The more excited I get about the trawler life , the ' naysayers ' ( family and so called friends ) seem to consistently put their negative 5 cent perspective in where it's not wanted / needed . Just crushing our dreams . What you guys have portrayed and described in this video in my mind is the true grit and determination that anything is possible and extremely rewarding , as we all only have one life and should be lived to the best and happiest of our abilities and leaving aside the naysaying and the negatives getting turned into positives . I finished watching this video feeling like I was Jerry Maguire singing Free Falling. Keep up the great work , and glad you are finally taking us to the wild blue yonder . Bring it on . Fair winds 👍🏻

From an old long haul flight attendant, the only way to get through long times when you have to plow through is indeed just a step in prep before you start. Good Audio stories that have all the actors and sound effects are great, because it keeps your mind alert and you can still keep watch. I found the " Alien - Out of the Shadows ". was good and moody for a listen. found it on this place. having a good thermos of coffee and hot chocolate mix with some toasted sandwiches cut and ready to go, all can make night watches or any watch enjoyable.

Think on this. No GPS, No Radar. Only a chart and looking for a light and timing the time between blinks. Landmarks day was good, at night two men on wheel watch searching for the next light red? white? timing of light?

Love your videos and Elizabeth's honest observations. We cruised to Alaska via the inside passage from Bellingham to Sitka in 2016 on a DeFever 46 trawler. Watching your videos makes me want to get back out there!

For overnights: BEFORE leaving, download a show or two. I like to do the checklists, fill log, a show, music, a show, and then log, for the watch overnight. As for this episode, it's a great way to LEARN what the boat and more importantly, what the CREW can do!

Music helps pass the time. Spotify allows you to save music for offlline listening if you are a paid subscriber. Or, start building a library of your own (movies too).

Glad you explained the danger of the Columbia bar this week - that was my question last week and you explained it well. Did you try to push through as fast as you could or just take it at normal speed?

I use to love piloting my Grandpas boat down and up the west coast of British Columbia , Prince Rupert to Van Isl and back.

The first night of watches is the most difficult. I have found that after a day or two of cruising you get into the rhythm and it starts to seem normal. For two people I think a three hour watch schedule works well. Don't worry, it will definitely get easier!

I follow another boat channel of a family sailing around the world (Zatara) when they do a passage they are always on the lookout for other boats going in the same direction. They are all usually leaving at the same time due to weather anyway. So there are other boats within several miles of each other on a passage just in case one has a problem. I'm sure you'll discover it's a real fraternity out on the water. Elisabeth, "Below deck!!!" really. Didn't see that coming LOL

You're doing a great job. I have "cruised" the Atlantic and Caribbean, courtesy of active duty with the USCG.

Elizabeth, I am not a cruiser but have driven many overnights on highways in the US. I find playing music from my childhood brings back memories and stimulates my brain.

As always, I look forward to my Sunday videos....a glass of scotch and your videos, makes for a good 20-30 minute...be safe....oh ya, do dogs get sea sick?

Really enjoy watching you kids, but one thing rather gets me. Why the dogs, get little exercise & of course we have of them relieving themselves. Looks like a bit much. With managing the boat & other chores seems like that be enough. Alway have each other hopefully, keep boating, thanks. 😊

Few months back I completed a 850 NM trip solo, needed to depart USA prior to the end of my 6 month visa, and my mate was not able to join due to C-19 regulations. Hard work with some bad weather and not able to pick up fuel in Cuba due again to lock-down there. Not recommended.

Nothing worse than calm seas on a dark night watch with the soothing drone of the engine. The best sleep aid ever made.

Another great video. Long range cruising is a mental battle. The best way to handle the long hours is to focus one watch at a time. The night watches are the most challenging. Allow for ports of call to rest the crew. I find it is an adrenaline rush when one arrives at the chosen destination.

Enjoyed, as always. Extra nice to see shots of Sequim Bay, John Wayne Marina is a gem. Cheers from M/V Tough Guy, Port Angeles.

during the many night watches I had serving in the Aus Navy we would go over military history and riddles to keep the mind active. Also no more than 4hrs at a time, although i did a couple of months of 8hrs every second night

There is “Our Elizabeth “ Her Glowing Self at the 3 AM

Sounds like you need a dvd player in the cockpit for night shifts. During lock down, when my job had us staying home on stand by, I would binge watch the Star Wars, Alien, or other movie series, or my favorite shows like Game of Thrones. 'Stored' movies don't require internet reception. A lot of people still have a box full of old VHS video tapes in a box somewhere. Put them to work with a new purpose by moving them onto your boat. It's like recycling.

looks like the old pros are going over that bar a little faster.

Seeing what boat is capable of.... Ha.... Anything!

Quality Conservation Elizabeth! You and Shawn are really Good Sports!

Hey! Lemme know and I'll HALO into the sea at midnight (so long as you pick me up) and do a night shift - I like being on the bridge, alone, at night. Best, Pete. PS Only kidding, 25 years ago, maybe....

perhaps a conversation with the folks of SAILING EMERALD STEEL can help with some valuable insights. god speed. JDR

Nice trip and video. Hope you guys venture to SoCal someday. Cheers!

Very nice. I have been talking to my better half about getting a boat. We're not talking about around the world but certainly up and down both coasts, The Caribbean and possibly Alaska. Thank you for telling your story. Be safe!

I recommend you intentionally make a run in rough water. A shake down cruise.

Can’t wait for you guys to stretch out your sea legs. As always; thanks for sharing...

This has to the tidiest boat on the internet! Great job, Elizabeth and Shawn! :) From the pilot house to the engine room, decks, galley/saloon and staterooms, everything looks "shipshape!" Quick question: Was that a water softener I saw Shawn rinsing the boat down with in a previous video.(Looked like a silver tank the hose was connected to.)

The Nutribullet is a great substitute for the Vitamix. Not the capacity, but definitely the power. 🌈⛵️

Great video guys 🇬🇧

Great video. Night watches I found to be peaceful, no one bothering lol. I guess when your not used to it, it can be daunting. Lots of good advice scattered throughout the comments. Singing, keep your day jobs ;-)

Sequim Bay is on my bucket list. I knew someone who lived there. 😥 I never got to go see her.

Talk radio on AM/FM always kept me awake during my 3rd herd (10:15pm-6:15am) mobile patrol at Rahway State Prison (EJSP). But music would put me out.

I've done many long distance overnight drives on interstates and found that when I start to get sleepy from the monotony, I put on some upbeat music and either open a window for fresh air or, crank up the ac a little so my body naturally increases circulation to stay warm. On the boat, you don't have remain seated like in a car so, I think just walking around a bit (Portuguese bridge - wheelhouse laps) might offer some rejuvenation.

Awesome Scenery .... Have never been to Cape Disappointment ... until now! Best Always, Bill

I think you could try to get off the sea sickness drugs. That may help you get through the long nights without feeling so drowsy. Personally I like “kwells”. Don’t seem to hit me as hard with the side effects.

My home port astoria west basin,, you should have gone up river to cathlamet, and longview, scapoose, portland ... next time

Well done guys.

Well done on your night ops and ocean cruise. Enjoyed your narrative of Astoria and Ilwaco which I visited several years ago via car. Great video!

Hi, i really enjoy your VLOGS, you are fun, they are incredibly well made, and you do live and cruise in an amazing part of the world. But why oh why is there all this chat about what film or show to watch whilst you are on watch on the bridge. As a mariner, of whatever size vessel, you are supposed to keep alert and keep WATCH! Eyes out in other words - AIS and radar are not infallible.

I usually download a few podcasts or movies. It's also nice to transit under a full moon. Hardly ever works out for me though.

Mr Sully looked like Mr Seasick ...

Thank you guys for the barr travel, Stay safe.

love the question "do you fear the ocean" not to be messed with. treat it with respect and be prepared for the unexpected , stay safe guys

Hey guys , at least you don't have to worry about huricanes like the Maremaid Monster in the atlantic . The whales are fantastic . Planning to Come to Europe?Greetings from the Netherlands .

I find that Freecell or Wordscapes or similar games are distracting without really occupying your mind too far from your monitoring duties.

20:34 Wow, I have never heard nor thought I would ever hear a answer to the “Why a Nordhavn” question that is as complete, accurate, yet concise as yours. That answer earned a thumbs up from me.

Looks like a lot of fun. Great job crossing the Columbia Bar!😁🛥

Mucho thumbs up !

Gideon below just beat me to it .. Great tip to pass the time by backing up your plotter with a manual plot on a chart. // If and when you get up to Vancouver, BC head to the Water Street Cafe across from the steam clock .. they have a great menu. Looking forward to your next video .. would like to see your routes on the plotter and more video of the approch to the harbors you go to. So far great content .. love your video's .. btw, Mr.Sully needs to be on the Watch Bill too. .. 8D .. FW & FS .. V/R Glenn / 100ton Master.

Man cannot discover oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore. So go and be brave! 🙋‍♂️🖖👏😷🇳🇴🇬🇧=🇺🇸⛵️ I have personally done passages of 24 days on open ocean between Hawaii and the mainland. so I understand, the thing of it is, realize what a privilege you have doing what you’re doing you are the few and not the many! 🙋‍♂️🖖👏😷🇳🇴🇬🇧=🇺🇸⛵️

Boil pasta, and deep fry, or bacon ,,, always outside on rear deck or ? ... never inside boat tip from the sea

I don't envy you the run out . I have been out that one twice , First and last > Good luck .

Welcome to the graveyard shift. 25+ yrs of law enforcement. Although I liked the work during those hours (you all have no idea what happens in the dark), I hated the hours and what it did to my body. IMO it's much harder if you are only "adjusting" once in a while, as Liz experienced.

Keepin is stoked for the great loop. Love the vids, thanks.

Shorter watches.Seriously, try one hour watches for such a short passage. You aren't going to sleep much, even on a three hour nap, so you will both be getting catnaps and won't feel like you have such a long watches ahead of you. You'll still be tired but maybe not so down.