Sailing Alone To New Zealand from Fiji on a 30 foot Sailboat and Arriving Without a Working Engine

Episode #300 - Sailing Alone Series (no.5)

Hello Friends,

This is the latest installment of my Sailing Alone Series.

On this film I sail 1100 nautical miles to New Zealand from Fiji after a full season in the islands of the South Pacific. This was easily the most challenging passage I have had since leaving Hawaii with conditions being either extremely calm or heavy weather. I was faced with days of being becalmed then days of 30+ knots of wind and rain and then back to being becalmed. This went on for the entire 15 day passage.

My engine only lasted long enough to get me outside the reefs of Fiji and after I shut it off it never restarted again. I ended up rebuilding it in Opua, New Zealand.

I hope you enjoy this latest long format film.

If you enjoy the channel please "Like" the videos and Subscribe so you don't miss any future episodes.

Fair Winds,
James

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[pjfoo]

People find it strange when I say I don’t watch TV, I watch YouTube. You can’t get this kind of content on TV. What a great video, James. Happy you get to have this kind of life journey.

[MonstaMunch]

This is the kind of content youtube was made for.

[Nova]

Being the armchair traveler that I am this was a fantastic voyage. Brought me to tears at the end. New Zealand is somewhere I’ve always dreamed of going. Thanks for bringing me a little bit closer. ❤❤. That was AWESOME.

[bernardlawson]

The Gold Standard in authenticity and fabulous content!! No naked Babes or Phony narratives. James definitely our Blue Water Rock Star ✨✨✨✨

[coleway]

This is what I've been waiting on. While I absolutely love your weekly eps. Your passage films are the best YouTube has to offer 🔥

[christinehammell]

Watched this again and I'm moved to tears x

[hectorduncan]

This is better than any movie, thanks for this man.

[krzemas]

Thanks to you and your films, I will look more favorably at people with tattoos and strange things in their ears; you're awesome. Thank you for the opportunity to virtually accompany you on this adventure. Greetings from Poland.

[rosiegreddogyachts]

James… you’ve got the stuff it takes. I spent a good time in the 70’s exploring NZ on my 38’ double ender. Sadly she sits in 70’ of water off Arrid Island and that changed my life forever. That was the end of ten years of building and sailing that thankfully saw me and all my crew alive on a sharp rock, left naked with nothing. Life after that was good enough thanks to the wonderful Kiwi sailing community that helped me to get enough together to leave the country without debt and get back to Tahiti to start over. You are in a good place. Keep on keepin’ on.

[alexandersunter]

Must say I’m really enjoying the silent sail.

[WaypointComics]

Stoked to see we had a friendly kiwi to greet you and see you right and safely berthed within our fair land. Good on ya Kiwi :)

[juliem]

wow what a nice guy taking freshly cooked bread and thinking ahead like that,

[dwayneblair]

Congrats james ..that was some proper stokeage..thanks for carrying us all along

[nathanmcwayne]

Thank you for making these videos. I spend my lunch break at my crappy job dreaming of the day ...

[edselroad]

Bro I CHEERED and clapped when you stepped on that pier… such a great passage and a great documentation of it 🤙🏻

[johnofnz]

This is so cool, thanks for taking the time to make & upload these videos

[johnharris]

Finally got you watch, I definitely know now what a weak person I am. So much respect for you brother!! Be safe I will just live my life through you!!

[MarkAtherton-bfpq]

I have no desire to be on the open ocean. But I enjoy watching a man live his dream, and being as free as the wind. Wonderful stuff.

[mitchsena]

James, your channel is my absolute favorite to watch. I am from the Philippines where there are tons of beaches and beautiful islands, but I have never sailed and have never been out on the ocean for more than a day. The times I took boat rides to and from different islands, I always tried to imagine what it would be like to sail around the world, on the open, empty seas, with none of the jarring engine sounds and the stink of exhaust fumes. You are living the dream, and I love being able to live vicariously through you. Watching your videos brings me a feeling of comfort and relaxation, and seeing you manage all the challenges while keeping such a great outlook brings me inspiration and joy. I wish you all the best, and I can't wait to see where the seas and winds take you. Take care, man!

[icysurfer]

Love the second scream 'Stoked....!!!" Only a Surfer knows the feeling. And Sailors.