Single-Handed Sailing Circumnavigation: The Voyage of Fathom - Part 1

From 2016 to 2020 I sailed single-handed around the world on 'Fathom', a Vancouver 28 pocket cruising boat after leaving my job, career and land life in my wake. My voyage was the adventure of a lifetime and I returned home to the UK 4 years and 3 months later. 37,200 nautical miles had passed under the keel in a solo circumnavigation via the Panama Canal and South Africa. This is my attempt at piecing together a 2-part film about my adventures in the Voyage of Fathom. ​I hope you enjoy watching.

Part 1:
In this first episode, I depart the Isle of Wight, UK, in May 2016 and sail south to the Cape Verde Islands before crossing the Atlantic to the Caribbean. After transiting the Panama Canal I cross the Pacific Ocean in 2017 and the Indian Ocean the following year before arriving in South Africa in late 2018.

My boat is called 'Fathom', an 8.5m Vancouver 28 built by Northshore in 1991. Long keeled, cutter rigged and with plenty of storage, she is the perfect pocket ocean cruiser.

From swimming alongside dolphins and sharks to humpback whales and manta rays, perfect tradewind sailing to storms and breaking waves, trips on dugout canoes in the San Blas to Pirogues in Madagascar, there were plenty of unforgettable experiences.

#sailing #sailingaroundtheworld #solosailing #solosailor #singlehandedsailing #circumnavigation

[sailingharu]

Finally a sailing channel with more sailing than selfies! Thank you!

[svgenie]

17 minute video and it took me sailing around the world……how many other YouTube channels make a 30 minute video describing how to change a joker valve. Amazing video thanks for sharing. 👍🏻🇨🇦

[sailingsolo]

I am still in asia on my circumnavigation after leaving hawaii in 91. I hope to finish the voyage before i die.

[davehennessy]

Very enjoyable video, didnt we meet you in Azores 2 years ago, Terceira?Vancouver 28th.Dave Hennessy

[dreameroftheday.]

If that’s all you ever did it’s a life well lived. Well done. Enviable and inspiring. Thx for sharing.

[Chris-zoze]

Luckily dude on the far right didn't blow his head off in that last scene... Jesus.

[SailingTaranto]

That was great! Cheers, already been searching frantically for Pt 2. Its inspiring for a bloke with a 30ft vessel wanting to do the same ;-) Thanks so much for sharing that insight. Its all possible!

[autonomousindividual]

Interpersonal communication has cheapened a bit given the ease with which we can accomplish it. It's still, overall, a good thing that we can see and say so much. Years ago I'd have known absolutely nothing about you. I only wish that I could stand in front of you and offer a firm handshake and genuine congratulations. I suppose people laugh at handshakes these days a bit. They are looked at as a relic. It would mean an awful lot to me to have that opportunity - no matter what anyone things of the meaning.

[janisspalvins]

Thsnks for great video.
What is your boat type and size?

[guidouytterhaegen]

You have the material to fill 5 years of weekly make big money( and with true honest material, not like the disgusting delos and vagabondes.
But you choose to do queitly your thing...respect!!

[Ellis]

Great video but that last pic was a bit disconcerting. Subscribing can't wait to see the next video

[lacharpenterieMaillienMichael]

Hello, beautifull sailboot. question, your never use the "bastaque"? backstay in English?

[rgb]

Looks like a Vancouver 30 odd foot vessel?
What reason for engine failure?

[gogo]

Fantastic shots and what an epic journey! I hope part2 comes shortly!

[itsjustplainsailing]

Really enjoyed that, can’t wait to see the next part.will you be putting out smaller vids of the journey from the start.TrueType inspiring 🤘🏻

[billhanna]

great little boats, Had a real bone in her teeth there, Fantastic - Lifes not a rehearsal - Enjoy.

[RHP-pwxt]

Fantastic! What windvane self steering did you use and how well did it perform? Thanks.

[stephentaylor]

That's a great video. Very well done on your single handed circumnavigation. Inspirational. Looking forward to part 2.

[jamiesharp]

Amazing achievement, I can't wait for part 2 ;) Fair winds.

[maiteramirezdearellano]

Un vídeo precioso, un viaje único y envidiable. Congratulations. Great sailboat, Vancouver