Got Swindled But The Sailing Is Sweet
Parting is such sweet sorrow, but we need to move along. Our French Polynesia visas are expiring soon, and we have some boat projects to tackle in Tahiti before sailing off to another country.
Before we set sail though, the mooring here in Fakarava is the perfect place to tackle one of those Boat Life tasks.
Join us as we discover some sad evidence that we were swindled on a rather big (and important) part of our boat and a lovely couple of days at sea. A little yin, and a lot of yang.
Being out on the open sea isn’t for everyone but for those of us that thrive on it…it’s like a drug. Medicinal and healing in so many ways.
And speaking of drugs, here is the Michael Pollan book I was talking about,
How to Change Your Mind: What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcendence.
“Gripping and surprising . . . Makes losing your mind sound like the sanest thing a person could do.” —The New York Times Book Review
I really do love his writing and come away feeling a little wiser after each one. I dare you to give any of his books a read.
- How To Change Your Mind: https://amzn.to/3099tNq
- All Michael Pollan books: https://amzn.to/2QkfBOg
Anchor Chain Flake and Fake Out
As for that anchor chain, we’ll get back to you on that one soon. It is G4 HT chain we purchased from a marine shop in Panama…but we recently found out it was sourced from Miami, FL and made who-knows-where. We thought we were buying high-quality chain that would last for 10 years. Oh how wrong we were! Stay tuned, once we get to the bottom of this rusty mess we’ll let you know the full scoop.
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🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO 📷
- All Our Photo & Video Gear: gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear
⛵SAILING SPECIFIC GEAR
- Chartplotter: https://amzn.to/2xHqxsV
- Garmin InReach: gonewiththewynns.com/product/inreach-satellite-communication-and-tracking
- iPad Mount at Helm: https://amzn.to/2RWRz95
- Sailing/Navigation Apps:
- iNavx: http://bit.ly/2vGgC51
- Active Captain: http://bit.ly/active_captain
- Weather, Messaging & Email: gonewiththewynns.com/product/iridium-go-predictwind
🎶AWESOME tunes:
- Source: http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw
- Artists: Giants & Pilgrims (intro), Itay Kashti, Oliver Michael, and The SoundKeeper
⛵ SAILING REPORT
- Nautical Miles Sailed: 255
- Date: April 2019
Dustin Welbourne
Hi team Curiosity.
Great videos team… currently moving onto a boat myself at the moment, but with 2 dogs (one thinks its a cat).
Anyway, something not addressed here is the issue of galvanic corrosion, which is where I suspect part of your problem lies. Connecting a stainless anchor to galvanized chain, when used in sea water, will result in galvanic corrosion. In this scenario, it would result in a rapidly corroding chain. Those links closest to the anchor will suffer the bulk of the impact, because they are physically closer in the “circuit”, hence why your first few links are heavily corroded.
Once the gal coating is gone, the standard corrosion will occur on the underlying metal. Additionally, depending on the makeup of the underlying metal, it could then also suffer from galvanic corrosion. That would depend on the chemistry of the steel. The stamping of the G4, doesn’t refer to the quality of the steel, but the tensile strength rating.
Food for thought… fair winds.
Dustin Welbourne
Of course… this doesn’t change whether the chain you bought was of good or poor quality… the latter of which would compound the issue.
Connie Fish
Did you all see this coral disease on any dives you’ve done? Looks frightening and spreading fast. https://graphics.reuters.com/ENVIRONMENT-CORALS-DISEASE/0100B2CP1GL/index.html
dick akers
Samantha Brown has a travel show that i watch as often as i can. Samantha Brown is very personable. What i like about your videos is it seems so unscripted for the most part. The ingredients to your videos are the water, the land, the sea life, the people you meet, the boat, the weather, the photography, the equipment which are all great but you both are so likeable and very articulate even if you yourself do not think so. The context of the conversations you have with the camera (us) seem so genuine that i am drawn in to the adventure with you. I like that you keep it real.
Phil W
Top quality videos on this channel. These two put so much effort must go into the compilation, music and colour correction. Jason and Nikki do a fantastic job. Best that I have seen on YT.
Having watched all the sailing videos, Jason is the creative talent for the videos with his photographic background. They both take super footage, especially Nikki’s drone shots. Nikki is an amazing, lovely and driven women who respects nature and our environment. Jason seems devoted to her. He is willing to take on big repair jobs even though that may not be his forte. He looks like he could do with a hug from Nikki on occasions. I have seen a couple onscreen. Hope he gets some when the camera is off.
Thank you for lettings us all in on your lifestyle. Please keep up the good work.
Venice Scherer
Oh it is a donation!
Venice Scherer
I set up an automatic monthly payment of $20, but it was denied. I don’t know what the problem is ~ do you?
Curious Minion
If you’re interested in regular support, you might consider joining the Wynns on Patreon. You choose how much support you will pay on a per video basis and you’re charged at the end of each month. You also get special access to Patron-only material and in-person meet-ups with Nikki and Jason. You can check out their Patreon page here: https://www.patreon.com/the_wynns and I’ll try to answer any additional questions you might have. Thanks for being part of the GWTW crew!
Curious Minion
Michael Hackett
Cook Islands…to the east? Isn’t that west/south-west of French Polynesia…in the direction of Samoa and Fiji?
Curious Minion
It is. They just misspoke.
Curious Minion
Chris Wood
Don’t be too quick to blame the chandler in Panama or even the Miami supplier for the low quality chain. After all, they surely weren’t the ones who stamped every link “G4”. Counterfeit materials are a real issue, and where material properties are critical the parts are tracked back to the source at great cost and with reams of paperwork. You may recall that even the US military has had issues with counterfeit bolts. Likely the anchor chain was manufactured outside the US and the supply chain (no pun intended) goes thru many intermediaries.
Mike Miller
Cook Islands! Consider One Foot Island in the Aitutaki Lagoon – beautiful place!
Carol McCarty
Been watching your videos for so long I felt like I was there too. What a let down to be “leaving” but I guess all good things must end. So sorry to hear about the anchor chain! I guess we all get ripped off at some point in our lives but to be out on your beautiful cat and have that happen really sucks!! Thankyou for all the wonderful videos of your travels. It makes being a land lubber a bit more bearable! Blessings! Carol
Alan Solomon
Cook Islands. Wow. Looking forward to that.
Thanks for bringing me along on your continued adventures.
Great Sailing Always,
Dave Caddel
Great video. You cannot go to the Empress hotel in Victoria Canad for high tea.
Katrina
Just found this video now and you’re living my dream! I love that you brought your cat Cleo onboard. Are you ever worried that she may jump or fall overboard at night?? Poor kitty 🐱 would be terrified if that happened. She needs an inflatable PFD too!!
Curious Minion
The cats aren’t allowed out at night unless they’re at anchor & Nikki & Jason are with them. Same for rough weather. It would be great if someone made a kitty-specific PFD but they’re all really made for dogs and the shape can actually cause cats to drown.
Curious Minion
PAT
Great watching this week but certainly feel your down day….hopefully things brighten for you two.
What a great couple….
Gary
Oh, not related to this post, but I came across A YouTube video yesterday apparently telling everyone how much you’re making of off your YouTube videos. I don’t have the link handy, but you might want to check it out. Seems to me to be kind of “in your face, in your business” sort of thing.
If it were me, I would ask YouTube to pull it, but that’s just me.
Kyle & Shelley Benger
I am wondering who you bought the chain from. We bought Acco G4 3/8” in Panama 4 years ago and it is doing awesome! We have gone 30k NM since and just end for ended this year. We bought ours from an agent (Arturo) for West Marine when we were at Shelter Bay. Let me know. Thanks Kyle (SV Blowin Bubbles)
Roger B
Unscrupulous people, too bad, is part of our lives sometimes, however, I believe no body escapes life without some sort of payback when they do harm to others. We’re with you.
Ausbin Pippin
Enjoyed the video and enjoyed the sound of the ocean. As always thank you both for sharing this.
Gerry Gilbert
I had a similar experience with my 3/8” Acco hot-dip galvanized chain after 1 year in French Polynesia in 2016 aboard my Jeanneau 45, Huzzah. We purchased it from a reputable company Fisheries Supply in Seattle prior to our trip down the coast for the ‘15 Baja Ha Ha, and ‘16 PPJ. I know it to be authentic Acco G4, and it looked just like yours when we returned home the Pacific Northwest. Ditto for our PPJ cruising buddies aboard the Corbin 39 Anakena. I’m not saying you got what you paid for, I’m simply pointing out your experience in not unusual or evidence of fraud IMHO.
Bob S.
Looked at a map and it doesn’t look like the Cook Islands are east of French Polynesia. What gives?
Jay
Great video. Loved the look and sound of the sea. You guys are living my dream.
Michael Turner
There, made the change
Mixhael Turner
O. K., here it is. I’ve followed you guys from your land motor home to finding and purchasing your catamaran. I’m getting ready to sell my home and start an adventure at 68 years of age, and alone. Which did you prefer, land or water? I’m considering a Lagoon 35 ccc or a pull camper and new truck. Any help?
Mixhael Turner
And thats Michael, don’t know where the X came from, probably typing from my cell phone
Lucille
Sounds to me as if the chain replacement with a worse one would be a matter for the police. Seems to me as if it was a disaster
attempt whether on purpose or not and could also have been a murder attempt when and if you ship broke loose when you
were both asleep at night believing that you were safely anchored and then the chain broke and been caught up in high tides
and or big winds until you awakened and or drifted off somewhere that was dangerous for you while you were sleeping. I
think that your credit card company should hear your story anyway and let them handle it. They have more resources and
know whether or not a crime was done and being in big business, will have the ability to contact the officials as to what is
going on in Panama. It is terrible what negligent mechanics do to their customers whether at sea or on the road.
Lori Hatcher
Nikki-
I love Micheal Pollan too! What are some of the podcast channels that you like?
Lorrie
You both are such upbeat folks, even in the down beat times.
That’s what makes watching your videos so enjoyable.
Sharing your trouble times makes it full circle real- such is life!
And your continual gratitude for our interest and support of you, feels so good!
Pam McClure
Felt your tiredness this time. Still beautiful and frustrating I’m sure. I can’t believe you were there a year! Tahiti. Can’t wait to see your videos from there. Thank you again for sharing.
Michael Magill
Good Morning ,
Another great video , and I also hope you broadcast the company that sold you the chain , that is now worse than the original one you had started with. The scenery was again just out of this world, and if i wrong please tell me. I thought I saw a video where you were going back to the states, and having major boat repairs and upgrades done and you were taking some time off .If that is true u both deserve it. and we will be waiting with baited breathe for you two to continue the journey and letting all of us to tag along. Smooth seas and calm winds take care you two!!
Charle williams
You guys don’t sweat the chain thing, if you purchased it on a credit card I promise they will cover it with their consumer protection coverage. Been there done that. If it was a capital one I know they would take care of it.
Stay positive!
Nancy Hill
Hey ya”ll! Living my dream! Your videos are awesome,I must say! That sucks about your anchor chain…hope you can get to the bottom of it! Looking forward to the next video…wish I was there! Take care…safe journey and fair winds!
Tom Fitch
What is the harness thing that Nikki is wearing? Some sort of a safety harness? How can you be hooked in and walk around the boat?
Robin
That’s an inflatable PFD
Curious Minion
Robin is correct – it’s a PFD. They are small and pretty flat for comfortable wear but they contain a CO2 cartridge that automatically inflates the vest if it gets wet. They also have strong strobe lights and Nikki and Jason have added a portable AIS transmitter to theirs. If it is activated (again by being submerged in water) it will broadcast its location to any vessel within 5 miles.
As for clipping onto the boat, if you take a look at the first picture in this post (the sunset pic here: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/confessions-at-sea-sailing-pacific ) you’ll see a yellow line lying loosely along each side of the boat. That’s called a jack line and it runs from bow to stern and is for clipping a harness to in case you accidentally go overboard.
Curious Minion
Tom Fitch
Cool, who knew? Thank you!
Curious Minion
;O)
Gary
I want to know WHO Curious Minion is. Nikki or Jason needs to tell us. I don’t think it’s Cloe, and not vocal enough to be Singa, so who, who, who is Curious Minion.
Steve Nicholls
Oh, such a mystery! I’m betting on Cleo….
Curious Minion
Ha! Cats are waaay too lazy to do all this work!
CM
jim
Thank you for sharing your ups and downs part of life even in the real world.
Laura
ANOTHER great video. I appreciate Jason sharing his tough times, as we all know it just can’t always be perfect. You are the best, and I am so excited to see more.
Vivien Horton
ditto!! Hope Jason is feeling positive and energized again. We love your vids!
Jeanette Brennan
Thanks for another wonderful Sunday adventure – perfect way to start the day. Hope you manage to figure out who swindled you on the anchor chain so that you can help prevent it from happening to some other unsuspecting, and trusting sailors. Until next time… 💗🙏 ⚓️⛵️
Nancy McLaughlin
Listening to talking vs music may help you stay awake, alert…on your amazing journey…..
Bill
How do I find a girl as beautiful and fun as you, that also has a love for sailing the world. Jason is a luck guy.
Paul Lacourse
Great content love the stories about your travels