Liveaboard Sailing Podcast

We're kicking off the new season with an inspiring story from Nate and Megan of Sailing Scout! After starting with minimal sailing experience (just an ASA course and a bareboat charter), they've now sailed over 20,000 nautical miles, crossing oceans with their two kids.

In this week's episode of the Liveaboard Sailing podcast, I sit down with Steve Payne, a liveaboard cruiser and YouTube creator who has been sailing around Europe for the past few years. I start off by asking Steve the age-old question, "why live on a boat?" and delve into his journey from being a professional photographer and filmmaker for decades to becoming a YouTube creator in the sailing world.We also explore the joys of the liveaboard lifestyle, and his experience sailing through the French canals. Additionally, we touch on the Friendly Flag project that Steve started, that encourages friendship and socialization on the water. Links mentioned in this episode ⬇️

In this week's episode of the Liveaboard Sailing podcast, we're joined by Kia Koropp, a seasoned sailor who completed an 11-year circumnavigation and ventured to some of the most remote and lesser-known places with her husband and two kids. We're talking places like The Gambia, Sumatra, India, Mozambique...Kia shares with us her fascinating insights and experiences on what it's like to sail to places that are not even on the radar for most sailors.Links mentioned in this episode ⬇️

In this episode I interview a solo sailor Thomas Fehrling, who has been sailing solo for years in the Mediterranean and is currently crossing the Pacific. We discuss the challenges and rewards of solo sailing, including sailing at night and managing risk factors. Thomas also shares his reasons for sailing solo and provides valuable tips for aspiring solo sailors.If you're interested in solo sailing or simply want to hear about the experiences of a seasoned sailor, this episode is for you. Join me as I delve into the world and philosophy of solo sailing.Links mentioned in this episode ⬇️

Welcome to today's episode of the podcast, where I'm thrilled to introduce my guests Nigel and Veronica and their exciting new project, called the Novara One Planet.In this episode, we'll be discussing their journey to support at-risk coastal communities to become climate-safe, using their sailing vessel Novara as the main platform. Nigel and Veronica have just embarked on a years-long journey from the UK to New Zealand, sailing through some of the world's most remote coastlines, including Greenland, the Canadian Arctic, and the South Pacific Islands. They are two professionals who have taken their careers in a new direction, quite literally, as they make their way back home.So join me as we dive into their incredible journey and learn more about their inspiring project. To learn more about their project, see the links below. Links mentioned in this episode ⬇️

Welcome to this week's episode of the podcast, where we're taking a trip to the United States and exploring the Eastern coast in a big loop. Joining me today is Deb Reimer, who, along with her husband, embarked on a one-year, 6,000-mile journey around the Great Loop after 20 years of coastal cruising in the Great Lakes. The Great Loop is a continuous waterway that includes the Atlantic, Gulf Intracoastal Waterways, the Great Lakes, Canadian Heritage Canals, and the inland rivers of America's heartland. In this episode, we'll be discussing Deb's amazing journey and sharing some general tips for anyone looking to embark on the Great Loop adventure.⭐️ Learn more about Mahina Offshore Services at mahina.com.

This week we're doing things a little differently, the main difference being that you won't hear me in this episode! I asked previous guests, Jack and Sonya, from Two the Horizon to send us a bit of a real-life update as they approach their one-year anniversary of being on the move. In their first year of cruising, they left California, went up to Canada and then south to Mexico on their Passport 42. In the first episode I did with Sonya and Jack you learned that they had lived aboard in the San Francisco Bay area for many years and operated their own boat detailing business. In this episode, Sonya and Jack flow freely from one topic to another as they look back at their first year of cruising. They talk about some of the surprises they found out about Mexico, and they share some good tips on boat maintenance while on the go. There's also an insightful look at social media as cruisers. Also heads up for anyone interested in electric sailboats, listen to the end to hear Sonya and Jack's update. Links mentioned in this episode ⬇️

Today John Neal and I are talking about sailing in Scotland, the Scottish islands, Faroes and Iceland. We discuss the appeal of these destinations, what the sailing conditions are like, and what are some must-haves for sailing in this region. We also briefly review what's the latest on the boat market in terms of cost of boats, and as usual he shares some great resources to check out. Links mentioned in this episode ⬇️

Today I am chatting with Ryan and Sophie, who are making their second appearance on the podcast! A lot has happened since I chatted to Ryan and Sophie last, so we do a bit of a catch-up and talk about preparing for and enduring a big storm in Bermuda, Ryan's solo Atlantic crossing, their new online course for aspiring sailors, getting a puppy, and more - like I said, a lot has happened! Links mentioned in this episode ⬇️

This week I'll take you to the Caribbean, with my guests Ben and Kitra, who talk to me about their first couple of years of cruising. This episode has some great tips for anyone thinking about buying a boat in the Caribbean, as that is what Kitra and Ben did – and it wasn't exactly smooth sailing. We also talk about jumping into the lifestyle without excessive preparation or expectations. I really enjoyed hearing about their attitude and approach, and how that has served them well, and I hope you enjoy this episode. Links mentioned in this episode ⬇️

Today we are talking about chasing the travel dream after retirement. My guest is Deb Akey who learned to sail in her 50s and together with her husband bought a sailboat and went cruising for 5 years. We cover topics like challenges managing a rental apartment from afar, going from lake sailors to ocean sailors and some realizations and learnings she had about offshore sailing on a two-person crew. Deb also shares some great advice for anyone considering this lifestyle, especially for those thinking of leaving after retirement.Links mentioned in this episode ⬇️

This week I'm chatting with a delightful couple, Julie and Gio Cappelli from SV Sea Fox who are full of incredibly useful tips. I talked to them shortly after they had arrived to Mexico about their journey to liveaboard sailing. In this episode we tackle all sort of topics like how they went from wanting an engineless boat with no plumbing to owning a beautiful Swedish built sailboat, and how they really dove into being super well prepared for this lifestyle change.⭐️ This episode is brought to you by Mahina Offshore Services. Learn about offshore sail training expeditions, boat selection consultation and the virtual cruising seminar on mahina.com. ❗️Special offer for May 2023: Scotland sail training expeditions leg 2 or 3 for $2000 USD per person. Learn more at mahina.com/sailing-schedule/.Links mentioned in this episode ⬇️

Today we have John Neal from Mahina Offshore Services back on the podcast, and we talk about a number of things within the sailing industry, which seems to be constantly changing. John recently visited the South Pacific and discovered a few interesting things about that market, we talk about challenges with offshore insurance and some potential solutions to that, John shares his take-aways from this year's Annapolis boatshow and of course we talk about the state of the used sailboat market for anyone who's looking to buy a boat. This episode is again jam packed of tips and advice, and a heads up - John has added a new product offering to his business, and I think you will like it.Links mentioned in this episode ⬇️ ⛵️ Virtual Offshore Cruising Seminar

In today's episode we talk about the highs and lows of sailing, and of life in general. My guests are Dev and Spandana from a Youtube channel called For Sun and Stars, and they tell me how they went from planning a two year backpacking trip to owning a sailboat. We also dive into insurance as new boat owners and what it's like to leave successful careers behind to pursue an unknown adventure. As Dev and Spandana settled in for their cruising life in the Bahamas, they were dealt another change of plans in the shape of a serious health scare. This episode packs a lot in about 50 minutes or so and makes you reflect what's important in life. Links mentioned in this episode ⬇️

This week we are going all in on boat projects!

This week we are talking about crewing on sailboats and super yachts ⛵️

This week we are diving into family cruising as I chat with Kris from Sailing With Six. Kris and his wife Shona are pursuing a life less ordinary with their four kids, while sailing the world. We talk about how they collectively learned to sail, and what it was like buying a boat in Mexico - and spoiler alert, it was not as easy as you might think! Kris also has some reassuring words for anyone thinking about sailing with kids. Links mentioned in this episode ⬇️

This week we are talking about big, ambitious goals. My guest is McKayla Bower, who's preparing for a circumnavigation and she talks us through how she got to have this goal of circumnavigating, and not just that but doing it solo. In addition to this, there is a little something extra: McKayla plans to be the first transgender person to circumnavigate. We talk about what this means, and how she is preparing for this upcoming adventure.Links mentioned in this episode ⬇️

Today we are talking about a new topic that we haven't talked about yet, and that's buying a brand new boat. My guests are Aron and Janet who decided to upgrade their existing Jeanneau to a brand new one. We talk about what the process for purchasing a new boat is like, what kinds of things the prospective owners can have input on, when does money exchange hands and more.Links mentioned in this episode ⬇️

Sailing to Alaska sounds cold, exciting, scary and magical - in this episode we find out what it really is like to sail to Alaska! My guests are Sharon and Mark from Sailing Nyad, who sailed to Alaska with their young kids, two dogs and cat. This was Mark's second trip to Alaska and this episode is full of tips and advice on how to prepare for a trip like this. Links mentioned in this episode ⬇️

We will start this season with an inspirational story of a couple who wanted to explore the world, and who went out and did just that. My guests are Warren and Erica behind the Youtube channel WE Sail. They walk us through their story of how they went from having margaritas on a beach in Mexico and getting the idea of sailing in their heads, to owning a sailboat in TWO years. So far, they've sailed from the Caribbean to French Polynesia and we talk about the whole boat buying process, the mistakes they made in their first year as new sailors and their trip across the Pacific.Links mentioned in this episode ⬇️

This week we are talking about something we haven't talked much about yet, which is solo sailing. My guest is Cally Duncan, who also used to be a landlocked Canadian but she is currently sailing the Caribbean by herself on her Ericson 38. We talk about her journey to becoming a solo sailor, what kind of experience she had before this, and generally what has life been like in the first year of her solo sailing journey. Links mentioned in this episode ⬇️

This week's episode is part cautionary tale and part inspiring story about truly working hard to make the sailing dream happen and not giving up. I'm sure there are many people out there who are planning to buy a boat that requires just a little work but that's it… and that is what my guest, David Shih thought as well. He planned to be away from his family for maybe 4-6 weeks doing a little bit of repair work on his catamaran's bulkheads before the family could join him. However, 6 weeks turned into 6 months and then almost another 6 months… This is quite the entry into sailing life and David tells how it all went down. Links mentioned in this episode ⬇️

In this episode we talk about some true sailing adventures in cold water locations like Norway, Iceland, Faroes and Greenland. You'll also hear about some pretty scary storm experiences and of course we talk about the boat that has kept the crew safe through all this. My guests are Josephine and Connor, who split their time working on super yachts in more tropical locations and sailing their own sailboat, an Island Packet 35. They are an adventurous couple who have made sailing the world's oceans both their career and their lifestyleLinks mentioned in this episode ⬇️

This week we are talking all about exploring the American east coast, and you'll hear about Lake Champlain in Vermont and New York, sailing in Maine, going up and down the ICW and also about what it's like to spend the winter in the Bahamas. My guests are Gwen and Andy from Abroad Reach Travel, who planned extensively and for many years for their cruising life, and last year they became full-time cruisers. Links mentioned in this episode ⬇️

In this episode we are going to talk about some of those epic cruising locations that many people dream about; Mexico, Central America and French Polynesia. You will also hear about some of the downsides of cruising, like running aground in El Salvador and having a dinghy stolen right off the boat - and also tips on how to avoid both of these misfortunes!My guests are Sharon and Rico from Gypsea Travellers, who live on their CSY or Caribbean Sailing Yacht sailboat with their two adorable dogs in French Polynesia, doing both boat work and work work, as Sharon works full-time while living on a sailboat. Links mentioned in this episode ⬇️

This episode is quite the tale of how to lead an adventurous life! We are talking a 4 year circumnavigation on a catamaran, van life from Alaska to Argentina and Europe, exploring Mexico on a monohull and enjoying the Caribbean on a trawler. We talk about all this and also what has made this possible, which happens to be expertise in stock trading. My guest is Patrick Schulte, who has been writing the Bumfuzzle blog for the better part of 20 years (!) and he also teaches trading to anyone who's interested on the Wanderer Financial platform. I was honestly curious about stock trading and how that actually works when you live on a sailboat so we start this episode by talking about this on a very basic level, and then we dive into the awesome adventures Pat and his family have done - and continue to do. Links mentioned in this episode ⬇️

Who doesn't want to head out there on the open ocean, cross oceans and be a real bluewater cruiser? Today's episode tells you just how to get started with that dream. Today I'm chatting with Jeremy Wyatt from World Cruising Club, and we dive into all things bluewater cruising and how to prepare for ocean crossings. World Cruising Club is the organization that manages events like the Atlantic Rally For Cruisers, or the Caribbean 1500. I ask Jeremy about these events, how does World Cruising Club help sailors who participate in these events, and we talk a lot about how to move forward when you have a dream of crossing an ocean. Links mentioned in this episode ⬇️ ❗️ Virtual Cockpit Conversations with World Cruising Club - sign up here! It's free!

Welcome to the 1 year anniversary episode!

In this episode I talk with a couple who wasn't planning on living on a boat, didn't quite even realize that was "a thing". Yet they are now on their second boat, living aboard with their two dogs in Vancouver, BC - how is that even possible!In this episode Jaclyn and Mark from Hard Departure explain how they became accidental liveaboards in Vancouver and how they are adjusting to the lifestyle while working remotely from their boat, doing a bit of boat work here and there, and learning the ins and outs of sailing. We also talk about their experience of learning to sail on their own boat and doing a liveaboard course with a sailing school. Links mentioned in this episode ⬇️

"There is no worse emergency room in the world than a sailboat."A medical emergency at sea is a worst case scenario nobody wants to experience but it's also something everyone should prepare for. Do you know what are some of the most common injuries and accidents that sailors face? Or which first aid kit you should choose for your boat? This week's guest, John Taussig from Maritime Medical Guides answers these questions and more, in this episode where we dive into first aid and emergency preparedness at sea.Maritime Medical Guides is a non-profit organization that provides a range of adventure based, maritime-specific medical training courses to help provide the sailing community with the knowledge base and hands-on skills to lead more prepared and safer adventures.With years of liveaboard experience, John is the perfect person to talk about all things safety at sea, and this episode is filled with practical tips.Links mentioned in this episode ⬇️

This week we talk all about liveaboard life at the intersection of sustainability and wanderlust. My guests, George and Sinead from Electric Vagabonds, share their story of transitioning to the liveaboard lifestyle, making the transition to an electric sailboat and off-grid life in England. This couple is chasing the opportunity to travel the world fossil fuel free, and I ask them about their decision to go electric and what their experience has been so far. We also talk about working remotely from a sailboat, surviving winters on a sailboat in the UK and more. Links mentioned in this episode ⬇️

If you have been thinking about learning to sail by doing sailing courses, then you don't want to miss this episode! I'm talking with someone whose business it is to help others embark on their sailing journeys, and I get to ask questions like how can I prepare for a sailing course and what most students find difficult to learn. My guest is Tim Geisler from Nautilus Sailing, who shares his story of how he and his wife were faced with adversity and really needed to rethink their life, and then came up with an idea of starting a different kind of sailing school. Tim is passionate about sailing and teaching, and you can hear this in his stories. We also talk about the benefits of certifications and what it's like to learn to sail on the Nautilus liveaboard courses. Links mentioned in this episode ⬇️

This week I'm bringing you a true adventure story and a very unique one at that! ⛵️ You will hear what it's like to go way off the beaten path to the river systems of South America on a small and ultralight sailboat. My guest is Stephen Ladd, the author of a new book, the 5 year voyage - exploring Latin American coasts and rivers.Stephen and his wife started their voyage in Florida, sailed down the coastal areas of Central America, and then went through the middle of South America all the way down to Buenos Aires, before they turned around for their return journey. It was quite the trip and in this interview, Stephen tells what it was like doing such an epic adventure. Get Stephen's book ⬇️

Welcome to the 100,000 downloads milestone episode!

Picture a sailboat against the backdrop of the gorgeous Greek archipelago and you'll get an idea of how everyday life looks like for Emily and Adam from Two Get Lost ⛵️ They were living in the UK until one day something happened that they took as a sign that it's time to stop dreaming and just go. Adam took his job with him and Emily reinvented herself using her professional background as a teacher, and now this couple leads a very different, fulfilled life while cruising in Greece. We talk about the costs of sailing in the Mediterranean, the logistics of working for an employer from a sailboat and many other practical aspects of the liveaboard life. Check out all the great resources Emily and Adam have created in the links below! Links mentioned in this episode ⬇️

After 20+ years with the Canadian Forces, Max and Elizabeth Shaw decided to leave their military careers behind and switch things up a bit - by going cruising, of course. They left British Columbia as a family of four and returned 7 years later as a family of five with endless stories from the South Pacific. Max and Elizabeth talk about the beauty of adventuring off the beaten path in the South Pacific and Alaska, the logistics of crossing the Pacific with a 4-month old baby, and more.Now that they have returned from their Pacific adventure they continue to live aboard their Stevens 47 sailboat in BC and Max has taken up a new career as a broker, using his cruising and liveaboard experience to help others find the right vessel for their adventures. Of course I had to ask Max about the boat shopping process, what happens behind the scenes when there are multiple offers and how much below asking price should offers be in today's sailboat market.Links mentioned in this episode ⬇️

Who hasn't dreamt about sailing around the world at some point in time? My guest, Amy Alton from Out Chasing Stars followed that dream and made it a plan, and circumnavigated over 5 years. Amy has also spent a good amount of time in the Bahamas, and we talk about some of the practical aspects of sailing in the Bahamas, like provisioning, Internet and finding shelter. In addition to being a cruiser, Amy is also an author and she writes for sailing magazines as well as a series of romance novels. And where does she get the inspiration for her travel themed novels? From the cruising life, of course! Links mentioned in this episode ⬇️

This week it's time for a deep dive into all things insurance. This episode will cover a high-level overview of the current insurance market, what exactly do insurance companies require from first time boat owners and how do we make ourselves and our boats more insurable. My guest is John Neal from Mahina Offshore Services, and he reached out to a number of insurance companies in different countries with a list of questions we put together, so the answers are coming straight from the insurance companies. And of course, since John is a boat consultant, we do talk about buying a sailboat and what we should look out for to make sure we don't buy a boat that turns out to be uninsurable. John also gives some advice on how to find a boat in this challenging market, and why we should consider insurance implications before we seal the deal on a boat. Resources mentioned in this episode ⬇️

Living on a sailboat under the California sun with a comfortable climate and amazing islands to explore nearby sounds phenomenal, and my guests Marissa and Chris from Sailing Avocet admit that the liveaboard life in California is indeed pretty darn nice. However, there are inherent frustrations that come with this lifestyle no matter how nice the setting is, and of course I ask Marissa and Chris to share some of the downsides, too. This episode has great tips for anyone considering the liveaboard life, especially in a marina, and we talk all about practical matters like costs and quality of marina facilities, how much boat work is too much to do in your slip and more. Links mentioned in this episode ⬇️

This week we go to Hawaii, to see what the liveaboard life is like in a place that many think as paradise - turns out, living on a sailboat in Hawaii is not as dreamy as you might think! Larissa and Tim from Sailboat Kolea are two adventurous free spirits, who sail the islands of Hawaii with their two ducks, and in this episode they share their experiences with all the ups and downs that comes with living in a paradise (on a sailboat ⛵️)Links mentioned in this episode ⬇️

How did a three-year sailing trip turn into a 12-year circumnavigation? David Haigh left on his sailing trip after retiring from his job at a university, and sailed around the world and in some unusual places like the great European rivers, and to St Petersburg in Russia - and by the way there's a cautionary tale attached to this story! David shares great advice about choosing crew onboard and he talks about the importance of understanding that the cruising lifestyle is not just about sailing, it's most importantly about adventure. Links mentioned in this episode ⬇️

Wouldn't it be wise and fun to learn the cruising lifestyle before you spend a very large sum of money on your own boat? This is exactly what Sarah Fingarson and Andrew Hosford did. In this interview, they share their approach to the liveaboard life, and what they have learned so far - and what they'll look out for in their own boat. You'll also learn what got this young photographer couple (and their dog!) into pursuing the cruising lifestyle in the first place.Links mentioned in this episode ⬇️

After well over a decade of sailing, what are the highlights of the cruising life? What is Mexico like as a liveaboard destination? What are some of the common boat shopping mistakes to avoid? I had A LOT of questions for Behan and Jamie from Sailing Totem, and they had all the answers. One of their key messages is that the sailing dream is achievable, and thankfully Behan and Jamie are here to tell you how to get started. And by the way, if you hear some cat meowing and background noise during this episode, it's the foster kittens Behan and Jamie were looking after! Because of course this amazing couple also helps out little animals in need ❤️To learn more about Behan and Jamie's journey, and their coaching service designed to help sailors before and during cruising, check out the links below:Links mentioned in this episode ⬇️

This week I'll take you to Australia, to hear about the liveaboard life on a small catamaran, starting with absolutely no sailing experience and learning on the go. My guests are Kyle and Hayley from Sailing Eden, and you might know them as the brains and creative minds behind the Wholesome Sailors community. We had a lovely chat about what drew this couple to a life on the ocean, what they do for a living and we talk about what it means to live consciously as a liveaboard sailor. Links mentioned in this episode ⬇️

Three generations, two boats and one dream - now this is a winning combination! This is the approach the crew of Cruising Meraki has taken to the liveaboard life, and their crew consists of two kids, two adults and two older adults, also known as the grandparents. This adventurous group started their adventure from Victoria, BC and is making their way south to warmer waters and new adventures. What is it like to cruise as a family, on one boat or two? Whose idea was this, anyway? Listen to this episode to hear how this dream developed and how the adventure is going. Links mentioned in this episode ⬇️

Season #3 is here! Let's kick off this season by looking at what's new for the podcast, and I also share a bit of a life update, too. Links mentioned in this episode ⬇️

This episode is a non-interview episode, where I, Annika, wrap up the highlights and key take-aways from season #2 interviews. And what a great season it has been! ⭐️ Lots of lessons were learned and entertaining stories were heard this season, and it has been my pleasure to share them with you all. My genuine thanks to everyone who has been tuning in this season. The podcast will take a short break over the holidays, but season #3 will resume on January 5th, 2022, with new and exciting guests. If you have enjoyed the season and the podcast so far, please consider leaving a review on Apple podcasts or wherever you might listen (if there is a review function!), as that truly helps others find the show. I have big plans for season #3, so let's get more people listening.

Boat shopping in the Caribbean sounds like a dream but as today's episode will reveal, it's not exactly straight-forward. My guests, Brioni and Iain from Red Seas, share their wild adventure of hunting for the perfect boat, with plenty of tips and advice. We also talk about how they got involved with Watts on Water and participated in disaster relief after the volcano eruption in St Vincent and the Grenadines. This episode is full of laughter and deep conversations, and it ends with an invitation from Brioni and Iain for YOU to join them in getting a taste of the cruiser experience. If you have plans to learn more about the liveaboard lifestyle in, listen to this episode and check out the links below. Links mentioned in this episode ⬇️ ❗️ Cruiser Experience with Brioni and Iain (use code LSP for 10% off for trips in 2022)❗️

Buying a sailboat far from home is something that many of us may have considered, especially if the goal is to start sailing somewhere different or if there are more sailboats with better price points elsewhere. Today's guests, Patricia and David from Sailing Milagros, are from Switzerland and they went all the way to Mexico to buy their sailboat. They are now in the middle of refitting the boat and getting her ready for sailing adventures. Patricia and David share some of the challenges they faced, and mention a few things to consider when buying a sailboat in Mexico, or anywhere far away from home. They also share a scary but educational story about sailing in the Sea of Cortez at night and what kind of problems sailors there can run into. Follow Sailing Milagros ⬇️

This week I will take you to the Pacific Northwest, to chat with a couple who has tried a few forms of non-conventional living and of course now they live on their sailboat.My guests are Danielle and Ryan from SV Bangarang, a professional couple who share their story of why they want to live their lives to the fullest, with their little 4 year old. We talk about working from a sailboat and what Danielle and Ryan find challenging in this lifestyle. There's also a story about finding a free sailboat online, so we definitely cover a few topics on this episode..! Follow Danielle and Ryan ⬇️