I bought a £3500 SAILBOAT... With ZERO experience... What could GO WRONG??? 

Twenty years ago, I did exactly what you're doing and I had about as much experience as you do. Any regrets, I hear you ask? Absofuckinglutely none at all. Those cruising years were the best years of my life. Go for it, mate!

You bought the absolute best boat a single hander could sail safely around the world.

Terry, I have subscribed to over 300 RU-vid channels over the last 10 years. Your intro video is the best one I have ever seen. My wife even likes it and told me to flip you a tenner to help you out. That has not happened before, ever. Keep it up, you are original and have a talent for presenting yourself in an amusing and interesting manner. Good luck with your channel. If you continue as you started, you will succeed. Mike

Exactly what I’m looking for, a complete novice about to set off and sail around the world!👍

This is going to be GREAT. !!!! I will be watching as I am on a similar mission . Keep the faith Terry and good luck .

Terry, what a brilliant and relatable introduction. I shall follow along, fair winds and calm seas Captain!

You're hillarious man. Not sure if you'll manage to sail without dying but you have a HUGE future on youtube dont give up!

Hello my friend from Louisiana USA! In early 2005 I broke off a major relationship, bought a derelict 1976 Irwin 37CC and started a major refit. Shortly after we were hit by Hurricane Rita. After the storm passed with a little money and some borrowed tools and got to work. To assist with knowledge I bought three books #1. Know Your Boat by David Kroenke #2. Boat Owners Handbook by John Vigor and #3 The 12 volt Doctor’s Practical Handbook by Edgar J Beyn. Restoring and Sailing that boat was an unmatched lesson in personal growth. I’m glad I took the leap and glad for you as well. My sailing buddies and I always have the same reply when one of us buys or sells a boat- “Congratulations and I’m Sorry” because both fit the spirit of Sailboat ownership

You and me are kindred spirits , I too have the very same desire , sail the world on a shoestring budget and with a small bit of friendly help along the way ! Dream on Terry ! !

My son is doing the same thing. Bought a Mariner 32 in March and is trying to fix it up but he lost his job and his new one isn't paying much. I've been going out with him every week to work on it and help pay for some things when he can't. You got this mate! Looking forward to seeing her on the water.

This is definitely what a great many people have been waiting for, me included! I had your video recommended by RU-vid so decided to give it a try. Your humble, self-deprecating personality comes across so easily, and is a very enjoyable and uplifting experience for the viewer. I subbed within a minute. I am 64 and like you I have only ever been on a ferry. Nevertheless I just bought my first sailing boat, a close cousin (looks-wise anyway!) of your Contessa. Mine is a Halcyon 27, a well made and solid blue water cruiser like your girl, and utterly gorgeous to behold. Looking at the comments here there are a lot of us starter sailors on our first boat, poor as church mice and hoping to become proficient enough to go great distances. My ambition is to do a few months going around the Med before sailing over to the Caribbean. Thicker people than we are have done it, so why not us? Our boats are designed to take on nature's less forgiving weather. Please stick at this as it's going to be a great laugh for you and for us too. You make novices feel less alone, and make pompous experienced sailors feel puffed-up and superior - either way a winner for you. By the way, you may like to see Canadian Alan Mulholland's channel 'Wave Rover' to see him and his Contessa do a couple of transatlantic crossings. What is really helpful is his home made wind-steering device, which guided his boat faultlessly for thousand of miles. It is absolutely vital for a lone sailor on a long journey, allowing you to kip for a few hours without waking up to find you're going in the opposite direction to the one you wanted.

This channel looks like it will be a hoot. I will do my part to see you succeed. Best of luck Terry.

That was the best introduction to a RU-vid sailing channel I have ever seen. ⛵👍

What's not to like - You're already a legend mate! Cheers from Denmark.

Just bought my first boat this Summer with zero sailing experience as well, although I'm not planning on going further than the Irish sea :) looking forward to seeing the evolution of your boat

Rock ON Terry No Balls No Blue Chips !!!!! you will succeed with al hour feisty attitude and Great Sense of Humor

the Contessa 26' long keel is one of the best small sailing yachts ever built. Certainly an ocean crosser. It will look after you in a storm providing you get her well sorted.

TYou are doing what I'm planning on doing. I'm getting some training first but I'm interested to see how you get on. Good luck Terry. Chris.

Loved the intro video (and then the long version episode 1)! This was the most honest, self aware, and genuine introduction to boat ownership I’ve seen in a very long time. Keep up the great work and look forward to watching your channel grow! Should I buy this, nope. Do I have the money to do this, nope. Bought it anyway... I’ve so been there!

I am planning exactly same steps! No experience, no money, no boat. Great start of really great journey! You will be my inspiration!

Best of luck, Terry. Looking forward to more videos about you learning to repair and sail that potentially beautiful boat.

I just bought the same boat, Contessa 26 (Canadian version because I'm American) and have the same dream and same experience, NONE! I think we nailed it with our boat choice. Best of luck Terry 👍

Brilliant intro to the channel, love the northern humour. Great choice of boat for a very ballsy adventure and I wish you all the success in the world.

I'm looking forward to watching your journey. When you make it to NZ I'll happily put you up and shout you a beer.

Brilliant! We started sailing 2 years ago. Love every minute of it, getting prepared to set off, not sure when that'll happen though. Good luck in your adventures. Subscribed.

Now throw in the fact that your an old man and were in the same boat literally 😊 so good luck with your journey brother.

All the best Terry lad.

Good luck mate, you're gonna need it!

I'll follow your adventures, I did the same crazy thing myself bought a boat with no clue how to sail her, good luck 👍⛵️

i will be keeping any eye on this . i have been living in Dublin with no cash for years now. and this is kind of my dream.

Good luck mate. This was comedy gold and exactly the situation me and my partner are trying to get ourselves in! We will be watching every step, keep bumbling 👏

I just saw your freshman video. I’m a year behind you in current events but I’ll be watching your progress and growth… hopefully. Good luck Captain from southern Texas, 🇺🇸

I love it Terry! Remember sucking at something is the first step to being sorta-good at something! and I think the channel is off to a good start. Looking forward to seeing where this channel goes. Greetings and good luck from New Zealand :)

I like you pluck, and Im glad to see Im not the only one mad enough to do something like this. we are about to buy our first boat, I have just a little more experience than you (but not much) and I shall be following your progress with interest.

Awesome video, very pumped for future videos. I have the same dream as you and it's exciting to see someone so similar to me living that dream. Your an inspiration mate!

I follow the biggest sailing RU-vidrs, I am now following you!!

go head Terry

"The only way to know how much you can chew is to bite off more than you can chew." Kris Kemp Sometimes, its the absolute adventure of diving into something that you've never done before that really serves to motivate, challenge, and inspire someone to find out what they are capable of. Good for you, man!

Always trust your gut and don't unnecessarily force yourself to do something. Take your time, slow down, enjoy the moment. Find someone who has a small boat and get some sailing in. Join a local yacht club, and take out a small laser sailboat. I made the plunge just like you. Limited sailing experience, went out and bought a blue water 35' cruising sailboat. It's fun, but the ocean can and will overwhelm. So just get some help and experience from someone who's done it their whole life.

Hi Terry, Daren here from All things Contessa 26 Great channel ...Refreshing that you don’t take it all to seriously.....comments, approach to your journey, your RU-vid/video editor skills and most of all the fact you admit you’re not the most knowledgeable sailor or skipper ‘it’s really not beyond any reasonably able human being to achieve your goals’ I’m refitting my Co26 ATM on RU-vid (All things Contessa 26) and I to have the thought that it isn’t rocket science as long as you seek advice and follow some simple logical rules. Great channel mate keep up the great work and most of all the positivity ….something that’s absolutely priceless (probably the envy of your critics) Regards Daz

I can't believe 61 people subscribed before me. I'm always late to the party.

This is probably my new favorite channel! My partner and i did the same thing last year! We quit our jobs, sold everything, bought our first sail boat (36ft steel hull cutter) and moved 400km away from everyone we know. With 0 sailing experience 100% was the best decision ever We are still doing loads of boat work but we have been full time live aboards for a year now.

In short, no. Absolutely not. Horrible idea. What can you expect? If you're not rich, this is an absolute lifestyle. 100% of your time, focus and money. Boats, any boat, will suck your wallet dry. GOOD NEWS -You have a small boat. The work and cost is doable. I've got a 35ft sailboat and trust me, stay under 30ft. -You will learn a ridiculous amount of things, and realize that there is always something more to learn(probably at the worst possible moment to realize this). -You will join an extremely small group of individuals who have put in the effort to accomplish living like this.

Watching here in nz while rebuilding my boat , get busy , you got a good size boat for starters people go to big ,, and the right amount of problems to get your confidence up

hey terry im in liverpool and am looking to the same if you get her up to fleet wood i would volenteer myself for help with rebuilding the boat im skilled enough to give you a hand with fibreglassing engine help ect

Excellent. I was in your position 2 years ago. No sailing skills, bought a boat, now doing it up and planning to cast off, not to return. Unfortunately my boat (1976 Oyster 34 UFO) is still up on the hard and will be for another year before it hits the water. Good luck. Waiting for the next episode.

I am here from my friends Gemma and Simon. |I am here for the journey, Terry.

If you are going to make a mistake, that is a stellar boat to make it with.

Yes Tery!

Grab hold and set sail Bro.. We're all behind you !! 😁👍👍🍻🍻🍻

This channel will grow, no doubt about it.

good luck with your journey I'm so interested to keep watching

Allright! Count me in. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, right? Good luck.

Good choice of boat. You need navionics app and a tablet, plus a way of charging it, life jacket, hand held VHF. Ask questions on the ybw sailing forum. Good luck

Doesn't need the doofa doofa, just needs you , the boat and the sea. It's a good choice of boat btw.

Brilliant introduction Love it Go for it. NBJS boat is contessa that sails wonderfully well so you have got it made...Easy !

May be a year ago but bro im going to be watching your videos thats for sure and cant wait to watch your adventure!

Sounds very nice, just one maybe obvious advice: dont go alone on your first trip, find somebody with some experience who wont spoil the fun....

Go for it.... This should be fun.

Looking forward to follow you along!! Hurrrrrraaayyyy

Good luck Terry. I’m with you to Fleetwood. If you get there I’m staying!

Go for it Terry!!! 😛 Contessa 26, at least you are on the right track with that. She will scrub up fine. Good luck. 👍 🐠

go for it YOU CAN DO IT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Good luck Terry !

Also try looking for work in Dorchester, yeovil, Bristol etc. all up a short ride on the train.

Lovin’ this Terry! Best of Luck!😂

Greetings from Liverpool. I have the same idea here. But not buying until I have enough money to get one in a better condition. Good luck. All the support.

Mate your living my dream, your a natural presenter, I’ve no money no boat can’t even swim but somehow the salty brine is calling ⛵️🌊🦑🦈 🐙🧜‍♀️

Terry just found your channel... you are an absolute legend mate! Ive trawled through so many videos looking for the perfect inspiration to buy a boat and set sail. There are so many videos out there that have loads of great tips but ive found none that have inspired me as much as yours! like me you had zero experience and have wipped away any doubts I had about doing this. Thank you so much bloody brilliant

Got to love the guy that is just going to do it and does.... Good Luck!

Good luck!

if the engine dead, you can mount an outboard (6hp with an long/very long shaft) to the transom for much cheaper than it would be to replace the engine, the downsides are that your Limited in speed plus it can be damaged if you get a large wave from the back, so you may have to store it for long passengers. the upsides are that it will be cheaper, you can easily remove it to take it to a mechanic for easy maintenance / repairs, if it's beyond repair you can use them replace it pretty much anywhere in the world and if you get a good mountain plate you can rotate the outboard and use it Like a stern thruster.

On for the ride.

Best of luck Terry!

Just discovered your channel, as a complete newbie to sailing am loving it......" so let's have a look at the boat" 😂😂

The intro really spoke to me... This was me not too long ago. Just keep on going man!

Go for it..... Your Not mad your living life.......

Good on you man. It's 90 percent work out here but the other 10 makes it worth it.

Best intro to a channel I have ever seen! Good luck!

You picked one of the best ocean boats out there! Just have get her into shape a bit!

Go Terry go, this is going to be an adventure !!!

Aww I’m your auntie’s neighbour! She shared this on her page wondered why not seen you about your here! Lol wishing u all the best!!! Subbed

Just subscribed, starting from the beginning, going to love this.

There was a channel on RU-vid called Wave Rover, might not be two words but one long one. He sailed a Contessa 26 from Canada down to the Caribbean and back, and is now self designing and building a successor. You've made a great purchase to begin with. Ahh your in Newhaven ! I know it well. Don't worry, Ellen Mcarthy began with no experience when she bought her first boat, look where that got her. You'll be fine. Be aware Stainless Steel, while great for its anti corrosion properties is apt to just fracture for fun at anytime. So, consider the vibrations from your engine, normal steel which is more elastic might be a better choice and cheaper too.

literally just bought a colvic sailor 30 in Essex, i'm 25, no experience, no money. and need to sail it up the east coast 4 days to Hartlepool xD same boat mate, looking forward to seeing what happens. wishing you luck!

Mate I'm right behind you . This is amazing

Yes!

I am literally thinking about the same thing, also zero experience.

Glad i came across your channel, come on guy's let's get Terry to 20K subscribers!

I have dreamed of doing the exact same thing, my wife is disabled and on oxygen so I doubt we'll be going anywhere soon I'll have to enjoy watching you

Good luck. 🍀

shall watch for next episode good luck pal

It’s fantastic that you’re following your dreams! Keep going! I’m looking forward to your future videos.

Well done!

Just found your channel - thanks for going to the effort of doing it! Really looking forward to starting from the beginning with you and seeing how you get on. Liked and subscribed.

Here from Ship Happens, 10 mins in and I know I've got a binge watch on my hands, subbed.

Go to work algorithm!!

Hi Terry your doing Ok keep going I’ve got exactly the same boat have been renovating for some time, your boat looks like it’s got the same proctor mast as mine and could have rolling boom for reefing Learn more about your points of sail and the “five sailing essentials “ You can roller reef mainsail down to say a half if you want and the boom will turn with the rotating main sheet shackle on the end of your boom , you should also have what looks like a small starting handle to slot into square slot to rotate and reef your mainsail Cheers !

Buy you a beer a barely know you 😂, watching from scratch laughing my head off keep going Terry 👍

If you make it to Norway give us a shout! i had an uncle called Terry, he got dementia and died, true story, im looking forward to watch your progress :)