LEARN HOW TO SAIL: Weather and Navigation for Beginning Sailors (Z-Log) 

one of my dreams in life was sailing around the world. but i never got to it, to busy I guess. Turning 50 a friend asks me, what am I doing with the rest of my life. Without hesitation, I told him that I will sail the world. I can tell you since I have watched a lot of your videos (very inspiring) that I will get my dream come true and sail around the world next year. You guys convinced me to do it. A lot of things have been done already, but the list is looooooooooong. Anyway you guys are awesome

Good morning folks! I got my 103 and 104 years ago. And that's where I stopped. I just found a boat I like (49' luxury Cat), and I'm in the middle of closing. I'm going to have her refitted with a boom furling main and new sail drives, then head east for a year or two before making my way to Panama. Thanks for the words of wisdom. I always look forward to seeing you all.

Keith, you’re killing it buddy👍. Another great Z-Log. Great advice: weather, weather, weather😁

As a former US Navy submariner you are exactly correct. Weather is the number one concern for any sailor. Chances are if ten boats go bluewater sailing, i mean serious sailing without any weather info one of them will not return. And that goes for motoring or sailing. Although weather is twice as important for sailng than it is for motoring. Those oceans are very beautiful but, they are unforgiving. The you have navigation. That one goes without saying. Learn how to read them charts because if you don't, number one you can't get to where you want to go and number two it's guaranteed you will hit something underwater when you pull into a location. I remember pulling into Bermuda (large ship) and looking over the side as we transited the channel and you could see the rocks almost at the surface right alongside the ship as we passed. It was one way in and one way out. Like anything else just be prepared, well prepared. If you're new to sailing yes, it would be a good idea to hire a professional or very experienced sailor to aid you a few times. But, you're going to do most of your learning on the water. And another thing, learn how to fix things, which you can do by trial and error unless you have plenty of money and the money won't help if you're 300 miles from land. This was a very good video and you broke it down so anyone could understand it. Ps; I saw your other video about money and you were 100% right about saving money. People don't realize how much money they're spending just buying things all the time. If everyone learned how to live a basic lifestyle while they're working they'd be amazed at how much money they saved after twenty years. Safe sailing and Travel Mercies to you and your family.

Love the straight forward no BS way you give information.

Very helpful Keith.. While the bank is reviewing my yacht purchase, I'll begin my prep with your very useful info and tips. Very much enjoy your episodes.

One of the best and most informative (for someone whom hasn't purchased a boat yet) sailing videos EVER. THANK YOU!

I like your straight forward approach to everything. No sugar coating BS just good, solid information and helpful knowledge. Thank you!

Thanks Keith, love these Tech Thursdays, best outline I have seen on getting started, very simply laid out, making it something that is possible for anyone that has the Cruising Swell in their veins. I learned to motor boat at age 9 and sail when I was 15, mostly day cruising. But blue water is now in my veins and I am preparing to break free and explore beyond my local shores. At first all this seems a bit overwhelming, so much to learn, but you made it very simple, step by step, take your time, and put in the hours you need to learn your boat. I actually took notes on this one, that's how good it was, below is my outline and take on what you taught us, I hope it's handy for others reading this: Learning How to Sail - Weather and Navigation for Cruising 1. Weather - Need to know WHEN to sail - learn weather patterns and meteorology basics, know it like the back of your hand, try to avoid bad weather and keep yourself safe a. Pridict Wind Website and App - www.predictwind.com/ b. Iridium Go - www.predictwind.com/iridium-go/ - grib files can be downloaded and then fed into Predict Wind on computer i. www.iridium.com/products/iridium-go/ 2. Navigation - Need to know WHERE to sail - reading charts, nautical charts, land mass, depths, shore lines, reefs, etc a. Navionics - www.navionics.com/usa i. use (3) three tablets with Navionics on them (iPads or Android) - Note: If an electrical storm is coming, put them into the microwave oven as a farady case to protect them II. always ZOOM in to lower charts as you won't SEE very important things like reefs, sunken boats, etc at normal view. Look for restricted areas, no anchoring areas, obstacles, anything you need to stay safe and not hit something or go aground, anything that can cause problems 3. Sailing the boat - a. Experience- trimming the sails, boat handling, mooring, docking, etc are all based on experience, number of hours on the water will help here, b. Get help - don't be afraid to ask for help, everyone started out as a beginner, learn from another captain, from crewing on other boats or a similar boat to yours, or hiring a captain on your boat to assist in teaching you as well as attend Sailing Schools, etc... c. REEF SOONER rather thn later- especialy if just statrting out d. Safer on the hook then in a marina as the most difficult aspect of sailing is docking e. How to drive the boat without the sails - learn how to motor and steer with just the engines, how to use the engines to maneuver your boat f. BE A CONSERVATIVE SAILOR - Better Safe than Sorry g. Safety First - always be prepared and ready for anything h. REDUNDANCY - always have a backup plan, always have backups of all your electronic devices, have backups for navigation, weather, rudders (Hydrovane - hydrovane.com/), depth finders (have 2), sails as needed, tools, etc... 4. Books a. World Cruising Routes by Jiimmy Cornell i. www.amazon.com/World-Cruising-Routes-Sailing-Oceans/dp/1999722949/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1533214723&sr=1-1&keywords=World+Cruising+Routes+by+Jimmy+Cornell b. The Gentlemans Guide to Passages South by Bruce Van Sant i. www.amazon.com/Gentlemans-Guide-Passages-South-Thornless/dp/1470146967/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1533214908&sr=1-1&keywords=The+Gentleman%27s+Guide+to+Passages+South c. The Voyagers Handbook - The essential Guide to Blue Water Cruising by Beth A. Leonard i. www.amazon.com/Voyagers-Handbook-Essential-Guide-Cruising/dp/0071437657/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1533215150&sr=1-1&keywords=The+Voyager%27s+Handbook%3A+The+Essential+Guide+to+Blue+Water+Cruising&dpID=51AAxNvEVCL&preST=_SX218_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch 5. Entertainment a. PLEX Server - www.plex.tv/ b. NAS System setup - 4 bay NAS system, can add up to 4 hard drives or SSD drives in it, small setup, i. Synology DS416slim (Diskless) Network Storage (mini tower, 4 bay) - www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822108237 c. Store all your movies and ebooks on NAS System, broadcast through your BOAT WIFI system Router/Network, can use your Roku, Chromecast, Smart TV, or or a Raspberry Pie or other device for sending to the big screen TV or projector. c. Calibre ebook server - all eBooks stored here on a WIndows laptop or PC, then they are available on your Kindle or phone or tablet. i. calibre-ebook.com/ ii. manual.calibre-ebook.com/server.html

These z- logs are great, they highlight the things I’ve never thought of. Well done and keep them coming

Fantastic information. This information is priceless and coming from real life experience. Great presenter, very articulate. THANK YOU! Side note: Who could possibly dislike this video? I think that tells more about themselves than the video.

Excellent episode, no longer sail .. it was a life style when I did it , love these vid’s ~~~~~

I've been binge watching you guys for a couple of weeks now. I have been negotiating the purchase of a 42' cat and your adventure has been reassuring. I have done little sailing but have the dream. Your story is encouraging and educational. Thank you for sharing. It is very much appreciated, I look forward to more.

Love the videos!! I've got about 5 years before I can cut loose due to parental geographical restrictions, but we are gearing up now to live a life on the ocean. Currently have a 45ft Portofino on Lake Texoma that I'm learning a lot on. Love watching people's videos and getting tips as we prepare for the future! Be safe out there!

Great info. Really like following you and your family. It has been amazing to see how the kids have grown, not physically but mentally through this experience. Y'all keep up the great Z-Logs. Thanks again John

tks for your advises. Hope some day, to learn to sail even though I am 67 years old. it is a dream & hope become real.... good luck to you all.

Gosh Keith....you are really good at explaining the important information that you bring out in your z-logs.....and this was an especially good one for me! Thank you once again.....

I look forward to watching your episodes every Thursday now, we got hooked on Satara about 3 weeks ago... and wish you the best of luck to Keith and his family (great bunch)!

Awesome video.....by far the best sailing channel out there......Canada salutes you!!

I enjoy watching your shows, both for the content and also the enthusiasm with which you share it. Great job. Cheers

love you guys and glad your back on the journey! ive been following from the beginning....ive been sailing my whole life but never further than the Chesapeake Bay! you stoke me up!

You guys are great, I really enjoy your vids, Im an off road guy, baja and desert racing but would enjoy an adventure like yours thanks for sharing

Absolutely love the entertainment part, great idea Nd something we'll adopt 👌🏼 These Z logs are sweeeet!

Great video. Really appreciate how y'all encourage people.

Thank you for sharing your positiveness and wisdom.

Can't wait for Z Budget, Thank you for sharing your experience and your opinions. It's all great stuff to learn from.

Good advice my friend and once again I wish you all well. On another note for you commenters out there you should listen to this man cause he's a common sense man and telling you the good stuff. Great vid have a great sail.

I'm digging this channel more everyday! The dream is coming closer my friends. Thanks for the inspiration.

Super useful info Keith, great material thanks, and thanks to Renee for the awesome effects editing, man she is getting GOOD w all that stuff!

There is so much for me to learn ahead congratulations and a great big thank you for taking the time to help us all learn more about sailing,navigating and the weather!

Awesome information, you covered everything precise and clear!!!

Thanks for making more detailed videos! I would love to see a video on meal planning/shopping for a crossing and such a large family!!

Awesome as always!! Thanks Z Crew.

This video came just right about time.... planning to start sailing very soon, and I was asking these questions......... thanks

Wonderful video and reef early on a Mono is one thing but on a Cat ti is the key to safety. The information on your systems and day to day life is greatly appreciated. All the best to you and your family as you venture forward. Who on earth continues to hit the dislike button? Get a life already.

This is great stuff for us as we just bought our Leopard 43 in March. I am currently progressing through each system making repairs, replacements, adjustments, or just cleaning up. You get the picture. Oh yea, I'm a Commercial SEL&S, MEL, Rotorcraft, CFII. So some common ground there as well.

Thanks for all the great tips and information big fella !! Hope to see you in Australia one day!! We love the vids. Cheers

Great info... thanks Keith!!!

Awesome video and info. Thanks for sharing! Can't wait for your budget series....

Sounds like your server set up is the same as what we have planned. I'm a geek and an EE, so I get what you have installed and I would bet it works great. All good advice on the weather and navigation stuff!

I enjoy your vlogs very much They have helped me to get my family more involved in extended cruising. I am currently in St Lucia getting our new (to us) mono hull Jeanneau 57 ready to go. I think I'll spend $30-$40K this month getting this 5 year old boat back to top form. PS I'm a meteorologist who was always tasked to be the navigator so I liked your take on what you need most. Your flying skills and experience really show.

Fast becoming the best sailing video on you tube

Excellent show navigation, weather super important. Love your style here it is like it or not. Your kids will be great human beings good parents will make it happen.

Excellent, invaluable information for the novice sailor. Beautifully done.

Another great zlog. You do a great job! Thank you

Once again great video from my favorite sailor (with Johan coming in a close 2nd).

Ever use a sextant ? Makes a great game for the whole family ! Who can come closest to your GPS position using a sextant ! Real sailor skills are real fun ! Thanks for sharing 😎

Once again, many thanks. Wishing you & yours happy & safe sailing :)

There are so many youtube videos and yours is the first that i found useful.

Great tips. Navigation is one of those skills that really needs to be emphasized. Knowing all the details of a map, symbols, contour lines and elevation/depth is just as important. Don’t just rely on gps navigation. Learn how to read maps and charts and use a compass along with route planning.

Good to hear that you are safe in AU.. I will wait for the next video..

Great episode, thank you for your insights and information.

Thank you for sharing some of your knowledge!!!

Great info as always. Thanks Zatara crew.

Great information, as usual great video. 😎

Love it when you guys post a new video :)

Thanks for this, fantastic info, hope to see you guys on the water later this fall.

Love you guys thank you for the upload!

Great subject matter on your Z log. Like a briefing on given subjects. Good stuff.

Thank you for all this great information.

Great Advice. "Most Excellent" Thanks

Wow, cool!! Great and informative video. Thanks for sharing! I just love watching this channel and your family. I'm looking very much forward to the Z-Budget episodes :-)

Very good Information for anyone going to sea.

Thanks for that realistic info to help new sailors

Thank You for the inspiration!

good short video books to read great part and love your style always can;t wait for next espisode

I like it when you repair stuff in the bottom of hulls... you're so agile and limber... ☺

WOW... great job!

Good information, thanks for sharing.

Great advice Keith. ✌

Great stuff Keith I’m taking notes,)

Good information thanks for sharing.

Sweet, welcome to the Zee. Very informative.

Excellent info, thx!

Very well explained

Very helpful, thanks!

Good one Kieth, and Renee.

Great video, thanks!

Sailing the world, you need three things for back-up: 1. manual-wind chronometer 2. Sextant and 3. Royal Navy maps! Of course you need to be able to use all of it ;-) Go always for redundancy and as Keith correctly says: be conservative (rather than sorry)! Greta Z-log, Keith, thanks and til next time!

Hi Guys ! really love the videos, you guys are awesome and such an inspirtion not just for boating but about just doing it in general . Considered buying a Dr Pepper today but thought that was a step to far ..lol Martin , Belfast

Great Info, Thank You!!!!

Great quick guide..welldone. Any thoughts on route weather planning services?

Congrats....Very good video as usual...

Great videos! Thank you! Being a monohull sailor, I wonder how different is to sail your big cat compared to your previous boat? I guess you need to tackle the swell quite differently, both upwind and reaching? After unloading your container to the cat, how much lower is your waterline? Thank you and have a great sailing season in the Med!

WOW. what an informative video. Man you broke it down!

Iam all caught up on your videos....Now I can’t wait to you set sail....T.Gunz......⚓️⛵️🐬🏝

Great info Keith

Great information. Liked and Subbed.

Thanks for the great video

Great information--Thanks

lots of good information

excellent!

Excellent

Great stuff. I have the cornell book too. The others I didn't know about. Maybe you could get those technologically advanced whippersnappers to but an amazon or other link in to those items, I am interested in the NAS PLEX thing. Nice KISS video about weather and routes.

Excellent vid

Very nice.

Great info! I'll defiantly keep that in my arse nal. I just pulled that one out of my ehrrr... Hat! Great video!

Anthoer great zlog keep um coming

How do you handle customs? Is there a passport station at every port? Do you have to visit one port in particular for each country you visit? When I fly internationally they run my bag through an xray and could possibly ask to search it. Does marine traffic have similar systems? What if you just anchor off the coast and never step foot on land? Are you still required to go through customs? Sorry, firing a lot of questions your way. Just curious. Love the channel. Keep it up.

Rusty here from SYL (50K mile bluewater sailor) Keith I went from monohulls to cats years ago, I thought I'd share some cat versus Monohull sailing tips if your are interested. I seem to be fairly proficient, we have had friends sail next to us on the same model boat, and SYL (Sea Yawl Later) seems to do quite well. If you looked at the Cruiser Regatta winners plaque at the chat and chill in Georgetown, you may have seen our name on it.Sailing a monohull is much the same as a cat in winds below 8 knots. "When in doubt let it out" your sails will pull the best just before they luff. Let them out till they rattle then bring them back in a smidge and lock it in. If it's gusty and you don't want to put up with ANY sail pop, sheet in a little tighter knowing your not running 100% optimally but as you say "a boat is a floating compromise"Above 8 knots cats have some advantage to take. Mainsail: A mono's headsail carries much of the boats power. A cats main power generator is the main by an overwhelming margin so pay close attention to main trim. The first foot or so of your main sail should be the same angle as the windex on top the mast. Use the outhaul to make that happen. The further off the wind you go, the more important this is. Aft end of the main: Think of the leech of your main as jets that push you forward. You want those jets pointing as straight aft as you can. It's not always possible, but a good target.Use the traveler: Once you get the mainsail shape just the way you want it, no need to change it in a shift!.. don't touch the mainsheet -- move the traveler instead. One of the best tips I can share has to do with the traveler. Sailing downwind - let the aft end of the boom rise in the puffs. To make that happen sheet way out and move the traveler more toward midship so the main sheet is very long between the blocks. Try it both ways sometimes, that's a good 1/2 a knot. Regarding traveler trim upwind: move the traveler under the boom and sheet down hard in high winds make the sail flat as a board, again adjust traveler in the shifts if your running rigging has the power to do so.The higher the seas the loopier the sail. Volume = power to climb or bust into those waves. Higher winds = flatter sails. You'll get all the volume you want with 25 knots or better so go for windspeed over the sails. The fastest way to get air into and out of the main will be the quickest.Apparent winds: When boat speed approaches double digits your gonna be trimmed in tighter than on a mono. My best speed is 17.4kts so far. I'm sure you are aware how apparent wind changes with forward speed. Now that you can sail closer to windspeed, you need to trim for it.. tighten up and go faster. More so with the main than the jib. Keep that slot between the main and jib open and flowing. You can squelch 2 knots of speed by pinching the air off between the jib and main, especially when reaching... by hauling that jib in tight to the main.Seasickness: Most humans handle 2 axis of motion well, that 3rd axis is the killer. The easiest to quell is yaw. Often you can't do anything about pitch (or lifting over swells) and a cat handles roll 10 times better than a mono so that may be most of the solution right there. But the best axis to control when they are queasy (that first couple days of a passage) is yaw. It's pretty easy to keep the boat going in a straight line by hand steering. Don't let that stern wash out in trailing seas. I'm not saying hand steer all the time, but if you have an acute passenger and want to help out a little, don't let that keel get off the rhumb line.. at all.. and they be smilin' again soon. Don't let your butt wobble!!! No Baile De Macarena.. for da sailin' boat.Sorry for the long windy reply. I have more on steering for speed (surfing) in a sea state and spinnaker setting if you want it. Rusty and Linda on sv "Sea Yawl Later !!"