Struggling A Bit | Wildling Sailing 

Stop knocking yourself, you are making progress. Things do not always go as planned, ask any General! You are aleady so close to sailing next Spring/Summer even if not project completed. Winter is a time for little tasks inside, with a view to the comencement of external work in the Spring, nobody is expecting huge steps over the next few months, more a period of plodding on and keeping up the momentum. It may be a good time to take on some work to increas your income for next year when you will be needing the funds. Keep your chin up, battle on and think of England, Sailing and St George! lol.

Don’t stress about sailing this year! Just readjust your timelines and give yourself a break - valiant efforts to date 👍

Mark, don't stress about it, you are a young man, take as long as you need to get the boat completely ready, no point cutting corners just to get sailing, you have your whole life ahead of you. Get the boat finished 100% and then enjoy, the ocean is a tough place out there and you need the boat to be finished to take it on. It does not matter if you don't leave until autumn next year if it needs it. We the viewers will be watching each week so NO stressing mate.

I’m here for the boat build. Watching RU-vid sailors sail around isn’t as entertaining imo so don’t be in a hurry to get out on the water. You will have the rest of your life for that. What you are doing right now is the meat and potatoes of sailing content and you my friend are absolutely crushing it. I’m super envious of you and your plans and I look forward to following you for a long time. Keep it up!

Anyone who has undertaken a project like this understands that it always takes three times as long a originally planned. Take your time, do it right, and keep the great videos coming.

Don’t rush things - take your time and do it right. It just means that we will have a few more episodes to watch. Must admit the engine box fittings look a bit sketchy, personally I would double up the attachment points and use more robust fittings, the sea can be harsh on those fittings but I’m sure you know best. Best wishes from a coffee buddy😊

Don’t stress Mark, keep up the momentum- it’ll be ready when it’s ready. Main thing is to get it safe and seaworthy before you set off

Don’t worry about the appearance of progress for we the followers. Just do what’s best for you and learn all you can about boat building. I know the rot at the toe rail was a bummer but remember” mama said there would be days like this”

You're stressing, struggling, and dealing with new problems everyday Mark... and I'm still jealous! I love Mads from Sail Life and what he’s accomplished but it took years to restore his boat, which was in arguably much better condition than yours, and he had a workshop available 24/7. Don’t set yourself speculative targets and punish yourself for them. Instead enjoy the journey, while we do also, and tell your parents we love them ❤

You have done so much already! Sailing to the boatyard was legit sailing in my opinion. You know you can't promise anything with a sailboat anyway. The weather ist awful over here too (Germany). I can imagine how hard it is for you. Enjoy the time with your family as long as you want to. This is what matters. When you will circumnavigate you won't see them for quite a while. Whatever you do, I don't plan to unsubscribe.

Every mistake is a lesson learned for the future, Mark. Give yourself a pat on the back for how far you've come with the project so far, and know that time spent on planning now is less stress later. I thoroughly enjoy your uploads mate, and your motivation is inspiring to all. Keep going!

Feel 100% free to reassess; slow down and take breaks Mark - Your health and passion is more important. No burn out mate! We are here for you with no expectations but just to enjoy your journey with you..take care..

Come on Mark, gee up pal! You'll get there, step by step 😊

Hey Mark! Don't stress about the challenges you're facing right now in your sailing journey. Remember, progress is progress, and you're making valiant efforts to push forward. Just read your timelines and give yourself a break. Winter is a great time to tackle smaller tasks indoors and maintain momentum for the upcoming spring. You're so close to setting sail next year, even if the project isn't fully completed. Take your time, do it right, and we'll be here supporting you every step of the way. Can't wait for the next episodes! Keep your chin up, battle on, and remember, the ocean awaits. Best wishes from your encouraging viewers! 🌊⛵️

Mark, chill out, mate. You don't owe anyone anything schedule wise. You're one guy. There's only so much one person can do. No one expects leaps or bounds. We're happy to see what progress you make regardless of whether it's ahead or behind where you want to be. I can tell you as someone who is by myself, building a houseboat from an older pontoon boat frame and logs, the workload that goes into something seemingly simple is ridiculous. More than anyone imagines when you say to yourself, "I'll buy a used boat and fix it up myself." You're doing great. The work pace is good. The progress is good. And your viewers are enjoying what you do. Keep up the good work. Stay positive mate!

It's funny that you are so focused on the end result whereas all I'm focused on is the journey. I really appreciate that you, your parents and friends are prepared to share your lives with us, the ups and the downs. Don't worry so much about us. As someone else said in their comment - just reset and keep on going. We enjoy all your content and will continue to be here as long as you are. Chin up Mark, you're doing a great job. Thanks.

Many of us in the northern Hemisphere having the short day blues. Youre not alone. Youre doing thing right, and thats whats important!

Hang about, Mark, I think we had this conversation a few years ago, we support you, because you don't lie, your as honest with us as anyone can be. It's fine that it's not perfect, the weather is poor as expected because it's winter, i get it, and i know everyone feels the same way. Even when the lovely Nadia was around. You are budgeting right, you learn from your mistake, and you are not afraid to ask for help. That's why we like you, so no need to explain yourself all of us have been this way. In one form or the other. Keep going man, we got your back. Trust yourself. Edit: Write everything down make a visual list To Do, Pending, Completed.

Don’t rush or stress next season’s a good target, big love and respect buddy you’re a inspiration

The expenditure of both time and money in order to receive insight is always both a win and net gain. 👍🏼 2 steps up and 1 step back remains solely the domain of those that venture forward. We learn more from our failures than we ever do from our success. Because any success we have is built upon the lessons learned from the little failures along the way.

Rome wasn't built in a day! Build it once and build it right even if it means taking longer then expected. Love watching your content Mark, please don't stop what you're doing 🙏

Hang in there, mate. This is stuff you can't be taught. Now you realize your dad is a legend.. you remind me of my son. He said it's called winning. You are winning

One of the things you did in the videos with Nadiana in the catamaran restoration videos was to still show elements of the lifestyle on the hard, cooking, music etc and I’m just as intrigued now to see that as I’m sure none of us like the idea of you alone of an evening, especially as the nights begin earlier now, so please show us what you get up to, friends you see, where you go and also for us and for your own benefit put a montage together for new year of everything you’ve achieved this year, you’re too close to appreciate everything you’ve done, hopefully you’ll be as blown away by such a video as anyone not familiar with the channel. Keep up the good work

We always underestimate how long major projects will take, I know I do! No stress Mark. What's important is that you're not giving up, and you'll get there eventually!

Don’t worry Mark we still enjoy your boat work and the entertainment!

Your dad did a great job on the motor boxes but that concept of twin motors hanging in the water looks sketchy to me. A shame you can’t hang them off the stern of each hull.

Mark the only difference between people that can do things and people who can't is that some people give up! Keep doin' it! Your bang on course.

Don't apologize for anything. You've been working your butt off and doing great. Thumbs up.

To be fair, your goal of having it seaworthy this year, was "a bit of a stretch" to say the least, I think you should be real proud of what you have achieved mostly on your own here.

Don’t worry a bit about your schedule. Things change in projects like this, it’s just the nature of beast. You don’t owe us any explanations.

Don't stress about getting sailing. More important to get it right. You're making lots of progress which your viewers can all see. You'll be sailing in 2024, whats a couple of months.

It's evident that the original builder of Mahi really done a great job in her construction. She would have never made it in the water sitting for that many years if he wouldn't have really done the proper work.. you paid practically nothing for her and of course there's some issues and things that need fixed or replaced but if she was a production boat that had sat for that long she would be a soaked sponge and not worth anything other than the scrap pile.. keep your head up Mark you're doing great and you will get to the finish line sooner or later and the more work and difficult days the bigger your smile is going to be as you're sailing off into the horizon with a beautiful sunset.. after seeing the project you had i never thought you'd be truly sailing away on Mahi this year.. keep your head up and your eyes on the prize.. nothing in this world worth having comes easily.. perhaps take us on a day off to go see some local sites.. it will help raise morality and i would like to see more of the area you're in.. perhaps take us on a tour of the boat yard.. every yard has some interesting boats or abandoned boats that could be someone's future project..

Its not a race its an experience so just take your time and enjoy the journey.

Hey bud, don't be rushing for views, Just concentrate on getting her safe, for all your ventures ahead, You're safety and concentration will one day take you all around the world, making precious memories 💙⛵💙

Mark, with the very best intentions, I don’t think any of us thought you were going to be sailing in final form this year… and don’t stress about the work, take your time and do it right. As for the work videos, I think you’d be surprised by what we would all love to watch, we are following the journey, that includes all the cutting, sanding and painting, as we as all the big milestones!

Don't worry too much about content having to be exciting to watch, we're here to follow the boat build, less exciting and glamorous bits included I reckon.

What I find with your channel is I'm along for the ride, frustrations, mistakes, high's and lows the lot . That's why we're here so keep plodding on mate and enjoy yourself WE ARE 👍. And can I say you're doing fine

Hey Mark, I can't speak for anyone else, but I'm watching for the build, not the sailing, so the longer it takes, the better I like it! Chill out and enjoy the work, you're only going to do it once.

Hey Mark! We are here for the journey! Don't stress about when you start sailing! I am pretty sure i speak for many of us when i say: "We don't care if it will be December, January or February!" - Please keep up the amazing work, the boat is looking soo good compared to when you got it! Again, please don't stress, it will all come together bit by bit! :)

Don't knock yourself Mark. It's not easy with everything you are doing. I'm impressed with everything you have taken on. If it's another season in the yard, so be it.

With a project like that the moving timeline is a normal thing to experience. Don’t worry we’re here for the long run

The longer you take the more we get to enjoy watching you work on the project. Very happy to see another video from you. Stay strong

Hi Wilding! You should buy some wooden tar to put everywhere and in between the boat. No more rotten wood at all and it smells wonderful. Safe Winds !

I quite like the sawing and filling woodworkie type of content. It is very satisfying to see out with the old and in with the new.

Mark, you have at the time of me writing this comment, 28.422K views on this video, 4.8K likes and 450 comments. That is a huge response to your channel and its content. I don't think anyone here will care too much about you not sailing before the end of the year, because we are all here for the boat and what the heck you are going to achieve with it. I'm certain there are many who may have thought you certifiably mad taking on this job, but so far you have been doing a brilliant job. Trying to rush things is causing you to make silly and costly mistakes. Just relax. Don't waste money with mistakes and take your time to do a great job. You have all of us hooked. So don't sweat it Mate!

Step by step. Little by little. You'll get there. I feel your pain on the short days. I wish they would leave our time alone. 🤦‍♂️

Hey Mark, I thought I'd add my thoughts on your proposed design. I'll try to keep this part simple as Hanneke probably already explained it. Wharram Cats, like all multihulls, are highly engineered structures. Those beams are designed to be flexible, and since they are wood, they will flex much more than a steel structure. So think of both beams moving independently, flexing independently. You don't want to try to have a steel structure tying together 4 points on those beams without taking that into account. Note that even a deck pod on those cats isn't integrated onto the beams but is lashed and held into place with that movement allowed for. The engine pods are designed to take that into account. The forward end of the pod, should take most of the load and will move with that portion of the beam. Hanging the back of the pod using cables allows independent movement of the beam without adversely affecting the pod. So I would not tie the forward to the aft end together unless it was sledded on top of the beam, which is a major redesign. Under no circumstances would I try to tie both pods together. Making the forward frame much more rigid, a space frame is the way to go. Ideally welded together and trussed. Finally I would suggest you have a chat with Hanneke before you do anything and see what she says. No doubt she has a lot of information on different ways to go. Don't get discouraged either, you can't expect major projects, done single handedly, get done in a month or two, no matter how hard you work.

Mark stop stressing yourself. That's when mistakes are made. You can't help the weather. Just take each task one at a time and enjoy it. Don't make it a chore. We ain't going anywhere. Best of luck. ❤

Don’t beat yourself up Mark that’s the quick way to get very despondent about the project. Sometimes the mistakes are a valuable part of the learning process, it makes you aware of what you don’t want. Knowing what the alternatives are can be very necessary. You said yourself you now know what it is you want to achieve and how you’re going to do it……! Stay safe.

Keep going mate! The boat is looking awesome and the journey has been inspiring. You're a hero to us.

Keep cracking on, we're dealing with winter on our ends. You're progressing and we're still enjoying the journey.

The longer it takes,the better it will be when you get to sail.Great video Mark

Don't worry about your self imposed deadlines. I for one came here for the boat work videos. And so far i think you have done amazingly. And just think of how much better the boat is now compared to when you started. And a little rot here or there isn't the end of the world. Just get I good enough, to start doing Harbour hopping.

I think most if not all of us are here to watch as you bodge or repair as we probably would. Your doing a great job mate,,, dont stress the time frame !

Keep at it and reach for this dream. You will learn as much about yourself as the boat as you do it and that’s what brings joy to life.

Your mistakes are the reason i watch, that makes it relatable. If it all went like a dream and you where a trained professional, it would go over my head. If you succeed my daydream feels better. Because you validated it by showing the world you can do it and learn enough on the way to make it a reality, you're emotions are part of it.

Repairs come 3 ways (and you can only pick 2), you can have it FAST, CHEAP, OR QUALITY. Fast and Cheap you will be sailing in no time, and broke down even sooner. Quality and Fast aka hire professionals and it will cost you. Or what I think is your best option is Quality and Cheap, but it will take more time. Don't stress my husband and I are building a home from scratch and it has already taken twice as long, everything takes twice as long as you think when you do it yourself. Try and enjoy the process, some of us are here because we like seeing the hard work that leads to the dream (so we feel like we aren't the only ones lol). Best of luck!

Dont be hard on yourself about not hitting your goal of sailing, if we dont dream we dont go anywhere. You have had some hiccups, its a boat! You are still winning.

There is an old saying, that rings true in every situation. A STITCH IN TIME SAVES NINE. meaning fix things properly the first time as soon as possible in order to save yourself from fixing more things later in. Just some words of wisdom you can repeat to yourself whilst doing your daily graft. Then big ups for living your passion bud. It is so awesome to see you succeed step by step.

Life's full of struggle but it's what makes the success so sweet. Keep on good Man.

No need to apologize. We are here for you and to enjoy the ride.

Don’t worry about timelines or schedules, take as much time as it takes to get everything done in a safe way, nothing worse than feeling pressure on reaching goals, as I’m sure most of us wouldn’t mind and would stick with you regardless.

At least it's clean and dry inside. On the rainy days, inside projects, editing, designing and purchasing. Good days, start early, 1 job at a time, where possible. New engine propeller, drive cables, engine brackets, throttle brackets. Pull, clean and lash the 2 beams. Just play some funky music to motivate. Every fix and the boat gets better. Can't sail then motor. Safely go from a to b. Then in spring start preparing for mast installation. Not defeat but pragmatic. Time, resources, budget. "ME TIME" to recharge.

Just like Alice youre going down the rabbit hole...safe landing 🙂

Your not losing money it's learning remember you won't do it again my wife and I have love for the show awesome job Mark

The boat is looking so much better, setbacks are frustrating but inevitable. Be philosophical. You are making important progress. Vital to do it right, not rush it. Know your boat is sound before you set sail.

Thanks soo much!

Take the stress off yourself, and know we would much rather see you fix the boat 100% and know it is strong, fit and ready to take on all the oceans have to throw at you. Don't worry about your videos being boring, or having to re do something to be strong and properly done. We'd rather see you leave port having checked and fixed everything possible.

Onwards and upwards, mucker! Deadlines are just best guesses for unknown quantities. What matters is the long term, not the short term. When you're up and sailing, safely, over the world's oceans, you'll thank yourself for sticking to it and doing it right!

Agree about take your time and get it as right as you can. Learning from our mistakes is what life is about. Having a go is the main thing. And you're certainly doing that.

Hi Mark. If you use diagonal supports on your engine mounts (both front to back and side to side) you will reduce the flexing without adding too much weight. Diagonals make triangles, which are much stronger than squares.

Learning your lessons with money is common to us all. You are learning as you go this will pay off when you go sailing.

I would be worried that the engines might lift , at least in one direction ,when under power as they tend to move where the resistance is least. The might cavitate under heavy load. Keep working Mark your getting there.

You have done and are doing something amazing.its just a low!!! It will be a beautiful memory when you are on the water.

Keep at it. Keep the head down. One day at a time. You will get there. We are all enjoying the journey.

Mark. This is a great video. We can see you putting your mind in it. The sailing is going to be a great day. Leaving the warf. Can not wait. We'll done. Russell

If you are wanting to use the split thimbles on your rigging wire. Ease the split open enough on the thimble to go over the diameter of the eye bolt, it will spring enough to get over. Then carefully squeeze/press it back together. Then just route the wire through the eye bolt and round the thimble and adjust and clamp off to the required length. It may be easier to carry out and fit the thimble if the eye bolt is out on the bench in a vice or clamp. Just a thought - hope it helps.

Keep on keeping on brother! Every project has its ups and downs. Better to fix it now rather than realize it’s weak out in the middle of the ocean.

Take it easy on yourself - you've taken on a big project and for the most part doing it alone. Your on a journey, not a task. Enjoy the moments as they all make up the adventure. Cheers

Admire your passion and persistence. Don’t beat yourself up. Enjoy the journey!

Takk! From Norway, don´t rush it😊

Winter on a cat with narrow hulls is ok,but,bit of a torture test…You know, a Pod built on deck for wind protection ,with a bunk so you can sleep or nap at sea and poke your head up would be warmer and more comfortable for you and crew,also make a better brighter winter hangout with a Dickinson fireplace heater or whatever the vertical heaters are called,oil or propane, = cosy

I’m enjoying the build, much more than the sailing, you have accomplished a mountain of a task, don’t rush it.

You are doing brilliantly. Just plod on and you will get there. Have a nice cup of tea and a biscuit!

You my friend are an old soul. Keep it up but don’t forget to stop and enjoy the ride

Excellent , so inspiring to see the progress you are making despite the small setbacks. You attitude is perfect for this project, do it right and do it once.

Mark I really enjoy watching your progress and wouldn’t mind continuing to watch this winter and spring you working on your boat even if you don’t sail it yet. Keep up the great work. I know it must take twice as long to do what your doing while trying to keep your RU-vid channel going each week. Just know we really enjoy it even if it’s only drilling, sanding and painting.

Sounds like the weather is getting to you. Take a minute, sit in some sunshine and relax. You have done a lot and come along way. There is no more standing water in the boat, bottom is painted. You have removed a lot of rotten wood ants replaced it. I could go on and on on all that you have done. You’re doing great.

I've got the same engine on my boat. I usually use a hand truck to move it and a block and tackle on the boom to move it aboard. You're one strong man to be able to carry it by hand.

hang in there mate, it's still looking better every week. no rush, it'll get there when it does.

I been working 3 years on my boat mate. I still have another year to go of restoration. All good Brother! ❤❤❤

You are learning so much. The longer it takes, the more you’ll learn! (maybe…) You’ll get there. Leo Sampson Goolden has been fixing up Tally Ho for over 5 years and he’s not apologising!

Like everyone else is saying, I don't think anyone wants to see you rushing critical jobs for the sake of going sailing before 2024. That's not how refits go. Take your time, be safe and happy and don't worry about us, you're my fave RU-vid sailor and I'll always watch 🙂

Progress is progress. What you are doing is tough and your stamina is admirable. Good effort mate

Mark please stop beating ye self up... Set no date... Just head down an work.... Take the time to appreciate where you are an the blessing that is what your doing! Mark we are here no matter what! Do not be hard on yourself please

I enjoy watching the process. Carry on!

Do not worry about how far you are , after 50 years fixing boats and sailing them you are farther along than I thought you would be on that old girl . A ton more to do as well .

I can report the north sea was rough AF during the storm 🤣 Great update 2x👍

Well done Mark. The weather is really the main factor why you have not been able to achieve your expectations. Working outdoors in these conditions does not lend itself to good epoxy conditions. Just take your time and don't get frustrated about your progress. Get some footage in the bank to allow for blank weeks. All the best mate.

Forget promises to us…don’t make any except that you take us along for the ride. Keep your spirits up.