The Challenging First Sail on our New Boat - A Stormy Shakedown Cruise

TLDRJoin us on our first sail on our new boat, L Vagabond III, as we embark on a stormy shakedown cruise. Despite facing challenges like stormy weather, engine failures, seasickness, and sick children, we are excited to be back on the water. Stay tuned for an eventful 600 nautical mile journey from Vietnam to Kota Kabalo, Malaysia.

Key insights

⚡️The first sail on our new boat was filled with challenges and unpredictable weather.

🌊We faced stormy weather conditions, including squalls and strong winds, during our shakedown cruise.

🛠️We encountered major engine failures and had to rely on our sailing skills to navigate.

😷Both our children and crew members fell ill, adding to the difficulties of the journey.

🌴Despite the challenges, we are excited to be back on the water and sailing to our destination in Malaysia.

Q&A

How did you handle the stormy weather and rough conditions?

We had to take precautions and make adjustments to ensure the safety of our crew and our boat. We reefed the sails, secured loose items on deck, and monitored the weather closely to make informed decisions.

What were the major engine failures you encountered?

We experienced two significant engine failures during the voyage, which required us to rely solely on our sails. We contacted a technician, but due to the remote location, we had to manage with the resources available on board.

How did you handle seasickness and illnesses on board?

We took necessary measures to provide comfort and care for the crew members who fell ill. This included medication, rest, and ensuring proper hydration and nutrition. We also adjusted our sailing plans to minimize the impact of the illnesses.

Did the challenges affect your enthusiasm for sailing?

While the challenges were tough, we remained optimistic and focused on the ultimate goal of sailing on our new boat. We see these challenges as part of the sailing experience and embrace them as opportunities for growth and learning.

What are you looking forward to in Malaysia?

We are excited to reach Kota Kabalo in Malaysia, where we can explore new destinations, enjoy the local culture, and continue our sailing adventures. It's a beautiful place with great potential for cruising.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Our new boat project, L Vagabond III, is finally complete, and we set out for our first sail with our family on board.

00:10We encountered stormy weather conditions, squalls, and 50-knot winds during our shakedown cruise.

00:34We faced major engine failures and had to navigate with only our sails.

01:24Both our children and crew members fell ill, adding to the challenges of the journey.

05:02Despite the difficulties, we maintain our enthusiasm and focus on the joy of sailing.

09:39We sail through rough conditions, experiencing high speeds and challenging waves.

11:52The unpredictable weather continues, and we face more obstacles while adjusting to life on board.

13:37We reflect on the challenges we have faced and remain grateful for the opportunity to sail on our new boat.