"Sailing with Phoenix" Oliver Ridger now claiming to attempt "sailing around the world, without stopping, alone, and unassisted." What is the real story here?
I am not a sailor, but all of you are. I like many others had the algorithm feed me the "Sailing with Phoenix" account earlier this year. On this account, Oliver Ridger, a 29-year old supposed sailing novice, spun an inspirational tale about living your dreams. He told us he quit his dead-end job, cashed out his investments, bought a sail boat, and made it his goal to sail all the way from Oregon to Hawaii in a $50,000 sailboat. He claims to have had no sailing experience and "learned everything on YouTube," then set out for the crazy journey along with his cat, his camera, and an internet connection.
His made-for-TV story was a big hit and gained him a massive following instantly. He successfully sailed to Hawaii in May.
NOW -- he has announced his next goal is to "sail around the world, without stopping, alone, and unassisted." I guess he isn't bringing the cat this time, which is at least more responsible. Here are my general questions to you all who are actual sailors:
He says "Fewer than 200 people in all of human history have ever completed a solo circumnavigation without stopping." I don't know anything about sailing and Oliver claims that he didn't know anything about it either before watching a couple YouTube videos. How could an extremely novice sailor ever accomplish this at all? He has become a big celebrity now because he perfectly constructed his story but it isn't adding up. Is he actually more experienced than he claims? Is he going to have a ton of help behind the scenes? I understand there is big money in this, whether he is being straight with everyone or not. Sponsors, book and movie rights...he took a gamble and it is paying off.
I just feel like this cannot be the whole story. None of it is reasonable or believable. Inspiring? Yes. Crazy? Yes. But it isn't adding up. Is this something that a random person can actually just learn real quick and go do?
https://redd.it/1o6r9gs
@SailingX
I am not a sailor, but all of you are. I like many others had the algorithm feed me the "Sailing with Phoenix" account earlier this year. On this account, Oliver Ridger, a 29-year old supposed sailing novice, spun an inspirational tale about living your dreams. He told us he quit his dead-end job, cashed out his investments, bought a sail boat, and made it his goal to sail all the way from Oregon to Hawaii in a $50,000 sailboat. He claims to have had no sailing experience and "learned everything on YouTube," then set out for the crazy journey along with his cat, his camera, and an internet connection.
His made-for-TV story was a big hit and gained him a massive following instantly. He successfully sailed to Hawaii in May.
NOW -- he has announced his next goal is to "sail around the world, without stopping, alone, and unassisted." I guess he isn't bringing the cat this time, which is at least more responsible. Here are my general questions to you all who are actual sailors:
He says "Fewer than 200 people in all of human history have ever completed a solo circumnavigation without stopping." I don't know anything about sailing and Oliver claims that he didn't know anything about it either before watching a couple YouTube videos. How could an extremely novice sailor ever accomplish this at all? He has become a big celebrity now because he perfectly constructed his story but it isn't adding up. Is he actually more experienced than he claims? Is he going to have a ton of help behind the scenes? I understand there is big money in this, whether he is being straight with everyone or not. Sponsors, book and movie rights...he took a gamble and it is paying off.
I just feel like this cannot be the whole story. None of it is reasonable or believable. Inspiring? Yes. Crazy? Yes. But it isn't adding up. Is this something that a random person can actually just learn real quick and go do?
https://redd.it/1o6r9gs
@SailingX
Reddit
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New Mainsail
Thinking of buying a new mainsail but a little hung up on price. For context I’ve got an Islander 36 that I just bought a new Genoa, asymmetrical spinnaker, and roller furler setup. The Genoa and spinnaker were 7k (still need to get the furler/ rigger to install).
I am thinking of also getting a new mainsail because why not have everything new if we’re going down that road. Mainsail cost (with storm track and cradle cover) is $6,400.
The mainsail I have now is old but seems okay for at least another year or two. Is this a good deal or should I wait until the current mainsail gives out?
Wondering if US made sails will go down in price if we hit economic headwinds next year.
Edit:
Mainsail: $3,580
Strong Track with slides: $1,200
Cradle cover: $1,650
https://redd.it/1o6u0ob
@SailingX
Thinking of buying a new mainsail but a little hung up on price. For context I’ve got an Islander 36 that I just bought a new Genoa, asymmetrical spinnaker, and roller furler setup. The Genoa and spinnaker were 7k (still need to get the furler/ rigger to install).
I am thinking of also getting a new mainsail because why not have everything new if we’re going down that road. Mainsail cost (with storm track and cradle cover) is $6,400.
The mainsail I have now is old but seems okay for at least another year or two. Is this a good deal or should I wait until the current mainsail gives out?
Wondering if US made sails will go down in price if we hit economic headwinds next year.
Edit:
Mainsail: $3,580
Strong Track with slides: $1,200
Cradle cover: $1,650
https://redd.it/1o6u0ob
@SailingX
Reddit
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Silicon bathroom sealant - do I put a contract out on the previous owner?
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@SailingX
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@SailingX
Cool Sail Boat Finds on Amazon?
Recently bought a sailboat and while I wait for the final sale, I’m putting together an Amazon wishlist of cool ideas or trinkets to consider getting for the boat. I’ve owned boats before and have lots of tools, spare parts, and PFDs but what have you guys found? For reference, it’s a 42 foot, 4 cabin catamaran. So far I’ve found a retractable clothes line, magnet wall mounted knife block, and stone floor mat.
https://redd.it/1o6wzhp
@SailingX
Recently bought a sailboat and while I wait for the final sale, I’m putting together an Amazon wishlist of cool ideas or trinkets to consider getting for the boat. I’ve owned boats before and have lots of tools, spare parts, and PFDs but what have you guys found? For reference, it’s a 42 foot, 4 cabin catamaran. So far I’ve found a retractable clothes line, magnet wall mounted knife block, and stone floor mat.
https://redd.it/1o6wzhp
@SailingX
Reddit
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Raising the main
I was scrolling through YouTube and saw someone loosen the boom vang and raise the topping lift before they hoisted the main which I’ve never seen anyone else do before(though I’ve sailed on like 3 different boats and 1 is a catamaran so I’m not exactly well experienced in sailing) so my question is can anyone confirm and what are other tricks that i may have missed?
https://redd.it/1o6wy7a
@SailingX
I was scrolling through YouTube and saw someone loosen the boom vang and raise the topping lift before they hoisted the main which I’ve never seen anyone else do before(though I’ve sailed on like 3 different boats and 1 is a catamaran so I’m not exactly well experienced in sailing) so my question is can anyone confirm and what are other tricks that i may have missed?
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@SailingX
Reddit
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Any new or trending inflatable yachts worth checking out?
These days, with inflatable yachts starting to gain popularity, many listings for "inflatable yachts" make exaggerated claims about features like padded lounges and sun decks. I see RIB-style boats and fully inflatable yachts that claim to have seats and cabins. Some have promising designs that combine rigid hulls and inflatable collars.
The fascinating thing I came across was a 6.8-meter RIB + hypalon-tubed yacht from "Mer Vista Marine" on Alibaba that claimed to have semi-rigid abilities. Given what they offer, the prices were alluring, but I have doubts about the build quality, the use of marine-grade materials, and how well they withstand exposure to open water.
For instance, one model I saw supposedly supports 10-horsepower motors, has detachable motor mounts, inflatable pontoons, and is packable. However, there aren't many reviews.
My current questions are: Do these more recent designs feel stable in calm water or in actual sea conditions? How do the tubes' durability and seam strength hold up over time? Do they respond well to motor load, or do you experience drag and collapse?
I would appreciate hearing from anyone who has used a more recent inflatable yacht or RIB, whether it is domestic or imported. Which ones, if any, caught you off guard?
https://redd.it/1o75p15
@SailingX
These days, with inflatable yachts starting to gain popularity, many listings for "inflatable yachts" make exaggerated claims about features like padded lounges and sun decks. I see RIB-style boats and fully inflatable yachts that claim to have seats and cabins. Some have promising designs that combine rigid hulls and inflatable collars.
The fascinating thing I came across was a 6.8-meter RIB + hypalon-tubed yacht from "Mer Vista Marine" on Alibaba that claimed to have semi-rigid abilities. Given what they offer, the prices were alluring, but I have doubts about the build quality, the use of marine-grade materials, and how well they withstand exposure to open water.
For instance, one model I saw supposedly supports 10-horsepower motors, has detachable motor mounts, inflatable pontoons, and is packable. However, there aren't many reviews.
My current questions are: Do these more recent designs feel stable in calm water or in actual sea conditions? How do the tubes' durability and seam strength hold up over time? Do they respond well to motor load, or do you experience drag and collapse?
I would appreciate hearing from anyone who has used a more recent inflatable yacht or RIB, whether it is domestic or imported. Which ones, if any, caught you off guard?
https://redd.it/1o75p15
@SailingX
Reddit
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We picked the wrong day for a distance race. Zero wind and even less visibility
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@SailingX
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@SailingX
Reddit
From the sailing community on Reddit: We picked the wrong day for a distance race. Zero wind and even less visibility
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PSA: You can develop severe allergies to Epoxy Resins
I don’t even do a ton of glass work but it’s happened to me. When I work with Epoxy on my boat I run the risk of severe poison ivy like reactions that last for weeks. I’m kind of discovering that this is Epoxy related now because the last time this happened I thought it was Poison Ivy.
This time I was doing some work with Thixo Flex (great stuff for permanent sealing btw). I got a little of it on my forearms. Now I have a ton of itchy raised bumps and this is after washing the area immediately.
I did some digging and it can apparently get much much worse. I guess you get sensitized to it.
Anyway if you want to keep doing projects I recommend full PPE. Respirator, and good disposable coverings to all areas that may contact the resins.
https://redd.it/1o7a145
@SailingX
I don’t even do a ton of glass work but it’s happened to me. When I work with Epoxy on my boat I run the risk of severe poison ivy like reactions that last for weeks. I’m kind of discovering that this is Epoxy related now because the last time this happened I thought it was Poison Ivy.
This time I was doing some work with Thixo Flex (great stuff for permanent sealing btw). I got a little of it on my forearms. Now I have a ton of itchy raised bumps and this is after washing the area immediately.
I did some digging and it can apparently get much much worse. I guess you get sensitized to it.
Anyway if you want to keep doing projects I recommend full PPE. Respirator, and good disposable coverings to all areas that may contact the resins.
https://redd.it/1o7a145
@SailingX
Reddit
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Catalina Yachts announces production pause
https://www.facebook.com/100042984985274/posts/pfbid0vzp3sixpbudxdj7mwPFaxd3GeKxDpAkw8URUT4s7MDKAgZHramihk1ahEBDAhB1fl/
https://redd.it/1o7de9o
@SailingX
https://www.facebook.com/100042984985274/posts/pfbid0vzp3sixpbudxdj7mwPFaxd3GeKxDpAkw8URUT4s7MDKAgZHramihk1ahEBDAhB1fl/
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Catalina Yachts
To the Catalina Community,
I want to share an important update directly with those who matter most to this company — our owners, future owners, and the broader sailing community that has supported...
I want to share an important update directly with those who matter most to this company — our owners, future owners, and the broader sailing community that has supported...