Learning to Sail Our Beneteau 46 w/ NO Experience (Take the Waters) S1:E1

After purchasing s/v Shonto, a 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 46 Sailboat, the marina gives us only two months to move out. Our only problem? We have no experience sailing or docking a boat this size. We learn how to sail our boat by taking expert sailing lessons from Captain Z. But, will he approve us to operate Shonto on our own in time to leave???

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Stephen Weight - Chillout Wings of Destiny

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0:00
0:27 Beneteau - Sailboat Survey
1:36 First Night on Our Own Sailboat
2:32 First Sailboat Docking Lessons
5:33 Installing Garmin Chart Plotter
8:15 Sailing Lessons
10:33 Installing Garmin Electronics
14:13 Pulling Our Spinnaker Sail
14:50 Sailboat Docking Lessons
17:26 Sailboat Operating Approval

[lyfandeth]

Capt. Z is a very rare thing: an outstanding teacher.
Do try to understand that everything on a boat eventually acts up. Electronics are nice, but you need to be comfortable with just chart and compass because one day, you may have to!
Nicely done.

[BlueLineSpeed]

I like your enthusiasm and ambition. I’d suggest lowering your Bimini during your first days out sailing. You need to learn to read your sails, main, jib and spinnaker. Watching the camber, luff, leech and telltales. Understanding the aerodynamics and how to keep safe by de-powering the rig when required without depending on the furling system. It’s almost impossible to achieve this from a “letterbox” view ahead of the hatch. Same with navigation, electronics are only an “aid” to navigation, be confident and competent with using paper charts as a foundation. Otherwise, like always your electronics will be sure to go wrong just when you depend on them most.

Take it slowly and sail safe. A boat only makes its true size and power apparent when things start to go wrong.

Good luck and thanks for posting.

[jbeck]

My wife and I did the same thing 14 years ago...bought the boat, then learned to sail. Also, like you, we got instruction on our boat rather than in a sailing school. No regrets. Enjoy your beautiful yacht.

[somadevo]

You've entered a school that never ends and a life that will give you a lot to grow through. The rewards are beyond your expectations as sailing brings out the best in you embraced by all Nature has to reveal. Highest Blessings

[dutchglobetrotter]

Enjoyed the video very much, you guys have a new sub.
I part-time crew on an Oyster 56, last February couple of days before I went back home. The captain/owner had a gift for me, I had to helm their boat/house out of Port Louis marina in Grenada. Many super yachts and other big sailing yachts. So when I safely accomplished that Simon/captain clicked his I-pad to the pedestal and said, "follow the route on Navionics I'm going for a nap." When we got to the anchorage I was ready to give Simon back the helm, he refused and made me anchor too. In sailing you never stop learning, biggest boat I helmed before that was a 39. Now I have added the 56 to my list, its not very different in helming only bigger.

[IM-dedg]

Good channel. Some advice for you

Never climb the mast on your own or without two halyards attached

Don’t rely on the electronic charts. Learn how to navigate using the compass and passage planning

Keep your thumbs away from the winch when pulling in or letting out sheets

[proffsionl]

Thanks for posting this...we bought our first boat (still have it), a Rinker 350 Express Cruiser, back in 2007 and watching you dock for the first time brought back memories of docking ours back then. I think the butterflies never really go away. It's great that you had a couple of months to learn the ropes (literally) and look forward to seeing how things go for you. Captain Z's instructions were great (especially about knowing when you are and are not in your comfort zone). Don't let your ego take control when you are at the helm!!! She's a beautiful boat!

[chrispomfret]

I’ve raced as a professional and I must applaud you for learning the right way. You are years ahead of people that arrogantly think sailing is easy and you can learn it all as you go are unaware how dangerous they are being. YouTubers have an extra responsibility to viewers who they inspire. I’ve been watching people with less experience that you have in this video start to do how to videos. That makes my blood boil. If people go snow skiing they don’t think twice about getting an instructor. Why not do that for sailing too? It’s just as dangerous or more so. The sooner you learn safely and correctly the sooner you will be having amazing stress free adventures. So well done.

[vidguy]

Having taught sailing for years, my advice would have been to learn sailing and basic boat handling on a much smaller boat, where things are simpler, errors are much cheaper, and less serious Just the first few times Crewing for others is a great way to start

[SailingOctopodes]

We just bought a 45 foot Beneteau a few months ago, I have only taken a dingy sailing class. Fortunately my partner has sailing experience. I really connected with the moment trying to turn on the lights...I feel like that has been my process every simple thing had to be learned. It creates a lot of anxiety for me...but I am very excited to learn all of the sailing secrets and get more confident and see you out there sailing!!!

[peteremmett]

You guys lucked out when you came across Cap'n Z. Well done, both of you and especially Cap'n Z.

[JRHPenny]

Fantastic, well done! We had a 46 from new in 2008 in the UK for 6 years, great boat.

[svvagabond]

Awesome guys! 2 things. Don't ever panic and less sail is always better.

[SailingBrickHouse-RVLife]

Love it...”we were excited to sail around the world...but how the f** do we sail this boat alone”...so many start off this same way! Wonderful video and we wish you the best of luck with your new boat! -Rebecca on SV Brick House

[SailingSunday]

We have the same boat and were in the same situation last year! I stupidly rocked up to Malta from Australia at the beginning of summer after we bought it and looked at it thinking, have I But after a month I built up the courage to take it out for the first time, I was like wasn't that hard lol. The B46 is amazing, one of the best all-rounder boats, easy to maneuver in tight spots and super comfy having everything you need!

[AndreasDuessca]

That is a heck of a large boat to learn to sail on. My first keelboat, I learned on 420s, was a 30ft Cal30. Tiller steering, fast and responsive and great fun to sail with two people. Small enough to be forgiving at close quarters too. Respect to you guys for learning properly. I now crew on races and still feel like I know absolutely nothing, most of the time. Every race there is a moment where there’s a wtf just happened.

[vinniemontrealangler]

That previous owner sure kept it in top shape. Wow.. 2008.. Nice of you to share your experience. Stay safe and have fun !

[saucygoose]

Well played. One of the very few USA couples actually wanting to learn before you go. Much respect.

[markperry]

Outstanding now welcome to the life of the wind. I’ve been sailing for 45 years and as long as you know your limits you’ll be fine. Now sail on you two !!⛵️✌️🇺🇸👍

[winelass]

Holy crap, respect girl!! i am just learning to park my boat that my husband and I have owned for 10yrs. it is a power boat with 2 motors and I can't do it anywhere close to as good as you did your first time out.