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Alubat Updates OVNI Models

• By Cruising World Staff
• August 20, 2024

In October, the Grand Pavois in-water boat show at La Rochelle, France, will include a look at evolving plans for the OVNI 370 and OVNI 430.

These boats are designed by Mortain-Mavrikios and CBA naval architects, and are built in Les Sables d’Olonne by the Alubat shipyard. They are sisterships to the latest model in the range: the OVNI 490.

With the OVNI 370, the team has added a watertight double door. Developed in collaboration with Goiot, it opens to 90 degrees with a locking system that secures the door in the open position. The aluminum frame, seals and closing handles are designed for watertightness. The smoked plexiglass structure provides privacy while letting in light.

The galley has also evolved, with the option to integrate an additional cooler (refrigerator or freezer) in the worktop with top access. There’s also a refrigerator opposite the companionway under a central seat. Options such as a suspended sail locker or a stove can also be installed.

Aboard the OVNI 430 Deck Saloon, there is a raised chart table and dining area. This version, combined with a panoramic deckhouse, allows sailors to keep watch from inside The raised saloon also has stowage under the access step, under the seats and behind the backrests, complementing numerous compartments in this aluminum bluewater cruiser.

When will we learn more about the OVNI 490? The first hull is under construction now, and the boat is expected to premiere at Grand Pavois 2025.

Take the next step: Go to www.alubat.com .

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Cruising Cat Racing Franco Style

• By Herb McCormick
• August 20, 2024

The French are different from us. After years of covering offshore sailing, particularly the shorthanded scene, that’s always been my take. What event could possibly be more French than the Vendée Globe, the quadrennial nonstop solo race around the planet on foiling IMOCA 60 rockets that’s front-page news in France for months on end, mainly because impending catastrophes and daring Southern Ocean rescues are seemingly daily occurrences? From ports along the Brittany coast and elsewhere, this nation produces the best ocean-racing specialists, and in my opinion, the greatest among them is ironman Francis Joyon, who holds or has held almost every major voyaging record, including winning the Jules Verne Trophy in 2017 for circling the globe in just over 40 days.

Surprisingly, given their prowess across multiple racing venues, the French have always mounted horrible America’s Cup campaigns, but even there, they’ve put their personal stamp on it. When ballpoint-pen magnate Baron Bich was consistently getting smoked in his four challenges during the 12-Metre days, the old joke was we could always tell that the French were about to tack when the crew flicked their ­cigarettes over the side.

All that said, other than ­occasional boat reviews with French sailboat manufacturers, I’d never really gone ­sailing with an all-French squad. That changed early this past February, when I score a ride with legendary competitor Marc Guillemot and his team for a day of racing off St. Maarten in the annual Caribbean Multihull Challenge Race and Rally. I’m eager to discover if the French boys are really playing the game differently. 

Guillemot has enjoyed a long and productive career, the ­highlight of which was his third-place win in the 2008 Vendée aboard his IMOCA 60, Safran. Now in this mid-60s, his latest boat is a Christophe Barreau-designed 53-foot MG5 catamaran called Dazelad , roughly translated as “alternative” in English, as a nod to its innovative carbon construction and upcycled components.  

“He’s won a lot of stuff and wanted his own personal boat, his home; it’s not about sponsors,” says French yachting journalist Emmanuel van Deth, who’d hooked me up with Guillemot. “It’s a compromise, so he can cruise with friends or race with friends.”

As a compromised “retirement” vessel that Guillemot plans to charter occasionally to offset expenses, it’s still pretty quick: He nabbed an impressive third place on its maiden voyage in the 2022 Route du Rhum.

Like jockeys and movie stars, it’s always a little jarring to meet French solo sailors in person; Joyon is a certified beast, but most of them are of rather diminutive stature, as is Guillemot. His English is spotty (but way better than my French), but he has an easy, elfin smile, and an extremely laid-back demeanor. I like him immediately. His extremely cool boat, in spirit and execution, is a crazy work of nautical art, the sum of many disparate parts.

Guillemot conducts a quick tour, which is fascinating. Much of the gear is stuff he scavenged from Safran. But that is just the start of it. It is in many ways a history of and tribute to the French singlehanded racing scene, with contributions from Guillemot’s many IMOCA pals. The rudder is from one of Jérémie Beyou’s old boats; Damien Seguin supplied the daggerboards; the running rigging is off Loick Peyron’s Gitana ; Jean Le Cam donated an old spar. If Frankenstein’s monster were a boat, it would be Dazelad.

The crew of close friends, including Guillemot’s brother, Regis, who dinghies over from his big cruising cat, is also notable. Longtime pro sailor and sailing writer Nicolas Raynaud is a jolly, Falstaffian character with a ready laugh and a twinkle in his eye who definitely seems like a kindred soul.

His polar opposite is ­tactician Bruno Jourdren, quiet and studious, who’d suffered a serious accident in his youth that had permanently damaged his right arm; he sails with his hand always in his pocket. A three-time Paralympic sailor, he has also cleaned up in dedicated one-design classes such as the Melges 24, where he is a former national champion.

Before the day’s first race, Guillemot and Jourdren, huddled prerace over an iPad with the sailing instructions, are clearly very tight. Van Deth speaks of the latter in almost reverential terms: “They call Michel Desjoyeaux ‘the ­professor’ because of his navigational approach, but when it comes to tactics, Bruno is also considered an academic. If he says, ‘Go left,’ you go left. You do not question him.”

The most I can get out of Jourdren is a raised eyebrow, which is pretty much in keeping with all the previous professors in my life.

It is a strange day, weather-­wise, for the Caribbean; the generally pumping, reliable easterly trade winds are on hiatus, replaced by an unusual northwest breeze of 10 knots. With a downwind start, there is a short debate about the merits of an asymmetric kite versus a code zero headsail, with the latter getting the call. I am relegated to the foredeck with Regis and Van Deth to furl and then unfurl the code zero through tacks and jibes. Foolishly, I’ve brought only flip-flops, thinking I’d sail barefoot, as I often do in the islands. But the trampolines on Dazelad are like razor wire, and footwear is a must. Rookie mistake.

Thanks to the headsail discussion, we are slightly late for the start, but once the code zero is sheeted home and Dazelad begins manufacturing its own apparent wind, we take off, easily notching 12-plus knots, and Desjoyeaux carves through the pack and picks off the competition (though there was no catching the HH66 and Gunboat 66 at the front of the fleet). The French are cooking.

There is a refreshing squall on the last tack to the finish line in a race with a little bit of everything, including a couple of lulls in the breeze. Guillemot seems pleased and philosophical with the midfleet result. “Under 12 knots [of wind], not so good,” he says. “Twelve or more, that’s when we go.”

The sun pops out and the breeze pipes up for Race 2, and Dazelad is in jailbreak mode off the starting line, ripping around the racecourse with average speeds in the midteens. The cat spins through tacks and jibes like a Hobie, and noticeably accelerates in every puff. The results aren’t any different from the first race, but the ­sailing itself is fantastic.

And then comes lunch. In this aspect of actual French cooking, there is no question that they will raise the bar. Raynaud has effortlessly whipped together a fresh pasta dish brimming with cucumbers, melons, avocado and cheese that is nothing less than magnificent. An obligatory break for a cigarette caps off the meal. Très bien, mon ami.

It is apparently an inspiring repast as Guillemot crushes the start for the third and final contest of the day. At this stage, spinning around the same triangle course off the southern coast of St. Maarten, the entire exercise is beginning to feel a little like Groundhog Day. By this time, however, we’ve become a pretty well-honed team, and our maneuvers are fairly flawless, if I do say so myself. For this race, the only cats ahead of us at the end are the pair of 66-footers. In surfing, it’s often been said that the best surfer is the one who’s having the most fun. If that’s also the case in sailboat racing, Dazelad is the day’s clear-cut winner. Raynaud, who is rapidly becoming my idol, passes out cold beers all around.

And then, at the literal end of the day, Guillemot and his mates hastily put away the boat. They have another important appointment. The French rugby team is about to play an international match with Ireland, and they are eager to get to a bar in Marigot on the island’s French side to watch the action. Yes, they are on their merry way to guzzle brews and basically watch football. Hmm. That’s when it hits me: Maybe these French dudes aren’t so ­different from us after all.

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12 Must-See Yacht Debuts at This Year’s Cannes Fest

Cannes is the start of the official boat show season. if these dozen newbies are anything to go by, the new model year is off to a great start., julia zaltzman, julia zaltzman's most recent stories.

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For yacht shoppers, the Cannes Yachting Festival, which runs from September 10 to 15, is the place to see a raft of world debuts. The show in the tony French Riviera city marks the start of the international boat show season. Its offerings of 700 vessels from 16 to 165 feet includes many global debuts, from sailing vessels to motoryachts, to multihulls and a dozen other boat types. The show has about 4 miles of dock space.

While Cannes doesn’t have the superyacht glitz of the Monaco Yacht Show, its fleet continues to grow each year, both by units and hull lengths. Its two locations, Vieux Port and Port Canto, have very different fleets. Located in the heart of the city along the famed Croisette, Vieux Port is one of the oldest ports on the Côte d’Azur and home to the largest motoryachts and superyachts at the show. This year will also see Port Canto, the smaller exhibition area usually reserved for sailing yachts, dedicate space to motorboats with lengths of 43 feet and under.

Headliners this year will include the 148-foot Tankoa Go , the 114-foot compact explorer Fox from Pendennis, Otam’s 90-foot Sexy Me , and two new models from Azimut’s Seadeck Series of low emission yachts, the Seadeck 6 and 7.

Here are 12 must-see boats at this year’s show.

Pendennis ‘Fox’

The recently delivered, 114-foot Fox is an explorer yacht named after Falmouth-born, 19th-century scientist Robert Were Fox the Younger, who invented the compass that guided the first expedition to the South Pole. Built by Pendennis shipyard in Falmouth, U.K., the yacht marries a muscular, military-style exterior with bright and modern beach-house interiors. It sleeps 10 guests in five suites, including a full-beam owner’s suite on the main deck.

RR-MV-Requests-081924-6

Columbus Atlantique 43 ‘Frette’

The second hull in Columbus Yachts’s 141-foot Atlantique 43 series, Frette features Frette Bespoke linens—the Italian luxury brand the yacht is named after. The exterior and interior are designed by Hot Lab, with naval architecture by Hydro Tec. The yacht is defined by its large outdoor areas. A highlight is the 16-square-foot pool at the stern positioned about two feet above the waterline. Guest accommodations on Frette ‘s lower deck include five double cabins, three twins, and two VIPs that can convert into one large VIP suite.

OTAM ‘Sexy Me’

Otam’s new flagship yacht, the Otam 90 GTS Sexy Me , will make its world debut at Cannes following successful sea trials where the 92-footer hit blistering speeds of 45 knots—three knots faster than its contracted top speed. The power comes from a pair of 2,600 hp MTU engines and Arneson surface-drive propellers. Fittingly, the yacht’s helm console is inspired by racing cars with a carbon-fiber structure that resembles the protective “halo” system used by Formula 1 cars. The air intakes on the front of the yacht and “snorkel” on the hardtop purposely resemble the hood and roof scoops on luxury supercars.

60 Sunreef Power Eco

The 60 Sunreef Power Eco is the smallest model in its solar catamaran range. Launched under the Sunreef Yachts Eco flag, the 60-footer relies on engineered solar panels developed in-house by the Polish builder. The photovoltaic technology uses efficient, shock-resistant, flexible, and ultra-thin solar panels integrated in the yacht’s composite structure, including the hull, mast, superstructure, bow terrace, and bimini roof. Key features include a customizable semi-open salon, a large bow terrace and flybridge with a spa pool, a bar, a dining area, and sunpads. It may be 60 feet long, but its interior volume equals a yacht 20 feet longer.

Azimut Seadeck 6

The 58-foot Seadeck 6 is the debut model from Azimut’s Seadeck Series of low emission yachts. According to Azimut, owners can save as reduce carbon-dioxide emissions by as much as 40 percent. The savings come from a lightened carbon-fiber superstructure, a hybrid propulsion system and an optimized hull that is wider at the stern and streamlined at the bow. According Azimut, the hull shape allows the yacht to plane sooner, reducing drag at lower speeds. Azimut’s 72-foot sistership Seadeck 7 will also be at Cannes, where it will make its world debut.

Custom Line ‘Sodan’

Ferretti’s 126-foot Sodan , the eighth hull in the popular Custom Line 120 series, will be shown at Cannes this year by Burgess Yachts. Its raised pilothouse is a key feature of Francesco Paszkowski Design’s sporty exterior. The studio is also responsible for the interior, which has a functional layout and large social areas. Five well-appointed guest cabins include a full-beam owner’s suite on the main deck with a private owner’s lounge.

Tankoa Yachts ‘Go’

Tankoa is launching Go at Cannes, the first of its T450 series. The 148-footer may be the largest new yacht at the show, but it’s the first vessel under 164 feet built by the Italian yard. Go , with its steel hull and aluminum superstructure, was developed in partnership with Cassetta Yacht Design & Architecture. It’s built for an American client who increased the gross tonnage from 430GT to 450GT to allow for greater interior volume, including a large owner’s suite forward on the main deck and five lower deck guest cabins. The beach club at the stern has opening sides when at anchor and a pool. “ Go is a great addition to the Tankoa core fleet. It is an incredibly flexible platform on which we can create semi-custom yachts, offering big volumes without compromising on the sleek and elegant lines,” said Claudio Corvino, Tankoa’s sales and business development danager for the Americas and Asia-Pacific.

WiderCat ‘Acali’

Wider Centro Stile and Luca Dini Design penned the first hull in the WiderCat 92 serie s . Acali is a roomy catamaran, featuring the builder’s serial hybrid-propulsion system. The main deck is dedicated to the owner’s suite, with a private foredeck lounge that occupies almost half of the interior space on that level. Two VIP cabins and two twin guest cabins are located on the lower deck. The tender garage has a dropdown transom hatch that turns into a swim platform when lowered. On the upper deck is an additional forward cockpit, sky lounge, and helm station.

Omikron OT-60

The OT-60 is the debut model for Omikron Yachts, a new subsidiary brand owned by Greek shipbuilder Olympic Marine. The Cannes Yachting Festival marks the world premiere of the series, which has six hulls that have been completed or are in build. The interior and exterior configurations are designed by Lorenzo Argento, with naval architecture by Juan Kouyoumdjian. The interiors are styled by Ciarmoli Queda Studio, featuring natural materials, neutral colors, and tactile finishes.

Silent 62 Tri-Deck

Optimized for outdoor living and warm climate sailing, Silent Yacht’s 62 3-Deck , full-electric catamaran promises quiet, emissions-free cruising. Powered by the builder’s signature solar technology, the 62-footer has transoceanic range when cruising at eight knots. A signature design is the large flybridge entertaining space, with dining and lounging areas. It’s matched with a bright main deck salon with large windows, an open galley, and a dining area. The customizable third deck is available in three versions: an open sky lounge, a closed sky lounge, or an owner’s suite.

Sirena 48 Hybrid

This Sirena 48 is the Turkish builder’s first hybrid offering of its series. It’s powered by a serial hybrid powertrain driven by twin 213kW electric motors. When cruising at 14 knots in electric mode, it has a range of 30 nautical miles. Other changes to the regular Sirena 48 include a sleek coupe-style coach roof with glass and solar panels for a sportier look. Replacing the previous open-air flybridge, it allows natural light into the main salon while reducing weight to improve the yacht’s performance and range in pure-electric mode.

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The True Cost of Living on a Sailboat: Our Monthly Expenses

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We also earn from other affiliate websites. See our full disclaimer .

How much does it cost to live on a boat? This was my biggest question when we were planning and saving to cruise. I was clueless when it came to creating a budget for our future life aboard. I was looking for someone to tell me exactly how much it would cost ME to live on a sailboat full-time.

I quickly learned some people cruise for less than $1,000 a month and some for upwards of $10,000 a month. Most are somewhere between.

Not so dissimilar from living on land, different people cruise on all sorts of budgets.

For us, our cost of living on a sailboat isn’t so far from our land-based spending.

Part of this journey was learning to live with less, but we still maintain some creature comforts on the water.

Here is a breakdown of our cost of living on a boat full-time while cruising the US east coast.

Cost to Live on a Sailboat

Average cost of $2,424 per month*

Sailboat Maintenance Expenses

Average cost $1,006.

Maintenance, Parts & Tools ($687)

It’s no surprise boat maintenance is top of the list.

You will continuously be fixing broken things or maintaining things on a sailboat. You will also need different tools, spare parts, cleaners, etc., as you cruise.

There will be months when you won’t need much in the way of tools and parts (especially if you already have a lot of tools and spare parts onboard). Then in one month, you might spend 40% of the annual budget.

We make a strong effort to do most boat projects ourselves.

Shortly after we began cruising, our wallets learned the hard truth of paying people to work on your boat.

Since then, we’ve been our own plumber, mechanic, seamstress, and electrician.

You’ll always be learning. But if you can maintain and fix your vessel, you’ll save boatloads of cash (pun intended, I couldn’t resist).

READ NEXT: Check out our 9 Helpful Things You Need in Your Sailboat Tool Kit .

Insurance ($233).

If you are a newbie cruiser, your boat insurance options will most likely be limited. Insurance was a considerable expense in our first year. In our second year, the cost dropped from 2.8% of the boat’s value to 1.3%. (We now have restricted cruising grounds for July – November.)

Do your research and consider using a broker. Get quotes based on where you’ll be cruising and staying in hurricane season.

Miscellaneous ($86)

The miscellaneous category is everything else boat-related. This includes any small purchases we make for the boat (ex. rug for the salon), our USCG documentation, Amazon Prime membership, etc.

We also have a Boat US membership , which more than pays for itself. We get dockage and fuel discounts often. And, of course, the towing service is priceless when you run aground with only one engine. (What, just me?)

For a modest fee, this membership is a no-brainer for boat owners.

Marinas vs. Anchoring

Average cost $339.

Marina Costs

If you’ve been researching the cost of living on a boat, you know it is more economical to anchor than to dock in a marina slip. We love anchoring out, but it does come with a set of variables that dictate comfort and safety while you’re on the hook. Not to mention, it requires a lot more planning.

Marinas can be expensive, especially in popular cruising areas. Dockage is usually charged per foot, so the bigger the boat, the higher the costs associated with docking fees. However, you can find liveaboard boat marinas with slip fees that are paid monthly.

Many cruisers prefer to dock at a liveaboard marina during hurricane season and save anchoring for cruising season. This allows you to keep your cost per night at marinas down, and your overall costs balance out throughout the year.

READ NEXT: Check out our post on Liveaboard Marinas: Finding the Best One for You .

Anchoring challenges.

Dreaming of our cruising days, I had the idea we would anchor out and rarely pay for marinas.

In reality, that’s not what worked for us out of the gate. Being beginner sailors and newbies to cruising and boats in general – there was an enormous learning curve.

Learning to live this lifestyle is not always easy. And yes, marinas make it easier. Especially when you REALLY need it to be easier.

Anchoring out requires the captain to always be “on”. You must be aware of the weather, wind direction, currents, and tides. You also have to be aware of the boats around you. None of this stops when you leave the boat or when you sleep.

The reality is you need to slowly become more comfortable living on the hook.

With experience, you can build more confidence.

You’ll become more comfortable with boat systems, weather, and making repairs while on the anchor. Conserving power and water becomes more natural, and you learn how to stay warm in the cold and cool off in hot weather. With some practice, you can spend less time (and money) at marinas.

For folks dreaming of this lifestyle, I’m not saying you won’t be able to start living on the anchor immediately. But the stress level accompanying living on the hook will lower with time and experience.

Average Cost $449

Provisions are consistently one of our most significant expenses on the boat.

Anticipating my new life on the water, I knew I wanted to learn more about cooking, baking, and making things from scratch. And since we planned to live on a smaller budget, I also wanted to be conscious of spending on food.

A game I often play with myself is to see how long we can go until the next big provisioning trip.

You might be thinking – that sounds miserable. But we eat pretty darn well most of the time.

We ration veggies and fruits, ensuring we leave the hardiest for last. We start with fresh salads and other raw veggie meals, such as cilantro hummus bowls. As the freshest veggies thin out, we work our way to curries and stir-fries. Then, when the fridge grows empty, we move on to rice and bean dishes, pineapple and jalapeño pizza, and bean tacos with pickled onions and cabbage.

One skillset you develop living on a boat is the ability to eat more sustainably.

Learning to make bread, yogurt, and vegetable broth from scraps is super satisfying.

Spend time learning to make flexible meals. Use a balance of fresh, canned, and dried ingredients. Do this, and you can stretch your provisioning budget without sacrificing flavor.

You can also save money by minimizing disposables, such as paper towels, sandwich bags, plastic wrap, and aluminum foil.

READ NEXT: Check out our ideas for Flexible Meals on a Boat and our Best Zero Waste Swaps for Small Spaces .

Having sundowners is a bit of a staple in the boating community. It’s a common way to meet and greet other boaters in a marina or in an anchorage. Given that, we always like to have a few extra beers onboard or the ingredients for a simple cocktail.

We love good wine, but we managed to find some enjoyable boxed wines. (Bonus, lose the boxes at the dock, and there’s very little trash to contend with.)

When we find a deal, we stock up on beer. Nothing hits the spot like a cold beer after the anchor drops. We even discovered a reasonably priced rum we enjoy. (No boat is complete without rum!)

Expenses here are based on personal taste. For us, it was possible to have more affordable beverages and still enjoy sundowner traditions!

Average Cost $233

As a couple who dined out regularly in our Colorado ski town, it was going to be tough to start cooking three meals a day living aboard.

I read a lot of advice that said, “if you like eating out, you probably won’t stop eating out because you move on a boat.”

There is truth to this. Whenever we are in a place where eating out is convenient, we tend to fall back into old habits.

However, when we dock in remote places or anchor away from shore access, there is less (or no) opportunity to eat out.

Instead, we experiment with different types of food to make meals onboard rewarding.

We still enjoy going out to experience the local cuisine, but it has become a treat instead of how we live.

A great way to cut costs is by dining out for a late lunch rather than dinner or skipping the alcohol. Opting for a refreshing drink on the trampoline while watching the sunset isn’t a bad way to close out a night.

Average Cost $103

Diesel, gas, and propane are three resources you will continuously be aware of while living on a boat.

Here are a few adjustments we make to maximize our fuel efficiency.

• We use our sails. This isn’t easy as new sailors on a big boat. We have slowly become more confident, but it took us months of traveling on the water to start getting comfortable using the sails. We are still learning.
• We don’t put ourselves in a position where we are in a hurry or have a schedule. This almost always leads to running the engines more.
• We run on one engine. We can run one engine instead of two on our catamaran and only lose about 1 – 1.5 knots. On the ICW, we unfurl the jib to improve speed if the wind is right.
• We always make sure to travel at an optimal time for the current. Some areas of the Intercoastal Waterway can have a current that’s pushing 2-3 knots. Choosing a departure time around the current makes a big difference in travel time and fuel efficiency. 
• Heating water with the electric kettle if the engines are running or we are on shore power.
• Using hot water from the engines (when we have it) to get water boiling.
• When cooking pasta, we use a minimal amount of water. We’ll often turn the propane off and let the noodles finish cooking in the hot water.
• Quality cookware makes a big difference. Once brought to a boil, some dishes can finish cooking with the lid on. This is helpful when coming into an anchorage. Often, I’ll kill the propane, and by the time we are anchored, dinner is ready.
• If we plan to make a few trips to shore, we’ll anchor closer to the dinghy dock. This doesn’t always work out, but being conscious of it has helped us stretch our gas budget.
• If it’s a short trip to the dock and we aren’t carrying supplies, we use the kayak. Paddling is free (and fun)!

Average Cost $140

When we were saving for the cruising kitty, we found ways to cut our mobile bill by using data on our home and work WiFi. When we moved aboard, our phone plan became the primary internet source. We quickly realized we would need to rethink our data plan.

There are a lot of options for unlimited data in the US, as well as hotspot data. I recommend having at least unlimited mobile data for research and logistics involved when cruising. If you need to work from the boat, you may also want to invest in an additional mobile service as backup or satellite internet. Starlink is starting to become popular in the boating community.

Our Mobile Plan

While cruising the east coast, we use T-Mobile. With this carrier, we get unlimited data and 40GB of hotspot data each month (20GB per phone). This is on the pricier end, and we have been looking into other options, but we enjoy having the hotspot data. Even after the 40GB, we still have hotspot data at 2G. When we cruise the Bahamas, we are planning to use My Island WiFi service .

Entertainment

Average cost $23.

This category is for consumable entertainment since most other entertainment on the water is free.

Music, movies, and books are popular forms of entertainment onboard. Even when we cut down on spending, we kept a few options that provided these services. Instead of ditching all the monthly streaming apps, we looked hard at our memberships and cut back or found free services to supplement.

• Spotify membership for music (we can download or stream) $11
• Movie library on an external hard drive created before we ditched our DVDs Free
• Hulu (included with Spotify) Free
• Disney Plus (prepaid for three years during a special offer) $4
• Nexflix (included with T-Mobile plan) Free
• Tubi (a free streaming app) Free

Spotify and Audible are great for downloading books and playlists for when you are out of service or on passage. You can also download movies and shows through many streaming apps for playback when you don’t have a signal or are running on a budgeted amount of mobile data. An external hard drive of your favorite movies is also a great source of video entertainment that will never let you down.

Personal Care & Clothing

Average cost $73.

Hair & Skin Care

Go more natural with skin and hair care. Most boats won’t have spare power for hairdryers and straighteners. On top of that, the sun and humidity will destroy makeup.

Start now researching ways to simplify your personal care regimens. It will make the transition abroad much easier.

Tips for Hair & Skin Care

• Get a tinted moisturizer with SPF for your face (I like Raw Elements ), a flexible eye shadow, and waterproof mascara. Opt for reusable makeup remover cloths to cut down on waste.
• Work on a natural look for your hair, and see if you can find a style you can cut yourself. Shampoo and conditioner bars are a great way to save space and are typically made with clean ingredients that won’t harm sea life.
• Opt for a simple personal care routine. The fewer products you use, the more space, time, and money you’ll save.
• We love to use UPF clothing in combination with sunscreen. The more you can cover up, the less sunscreen you’ll need.

For us, this area is where expenses remain similar to land life. There are no unique expenses with health or dental care, although finding healthcare coverage for multiple states can be challenging.

For the lady sailors, I recommend researching ways to have a zero-waste period. A menstrual cup is something I wish I had transitioned to before cruising. It will make your life easier, plus save you money and storage space.

If you can minimize laundry and wash some stuff on board, you can limit the need to find a washing machine.

Tips for Laundry on a Boat

• Wear clothes that are easy to wash and dry and can be worn several times between washes.
• In the summer months, wear UPF synthetics and bathing suits that can be washed by hand. This will also extend their life.
• In the winter months, wear merino wool and dress in layers to get the most wears out of your clothes before washing.
• Save sheets, towels, and bulkier clothing for when you have access to a washing machine. We aim to do machine washing about once a month.

Having a solid system in place for handwashing clothes helps limit our laundry budget. We average $8 per month spent on machines.

We try to buy high-quality clothing that is durable for boat life. Once you’ve created a boat wardrobe that works, you’ll find there is little you will need.

In six months, the only clothing I have purchased is a UPF shawl, a sun hat (to replace one I lost overboard), and a tank top. I previously spent a lot of money on clothes. Now I enjoy dialing in a functional, minimalist wardrobe for living on a boat.

READ NEXT: For more on clothing for boat life, check out What to Wear Sailing and How to Downsize Your Wardrobe .

Average cost $58.

For us, our travel budget for many years has consisted of only credit card membership fees. These help us earn points that pay for our travel.

Booking a flight or rental car without worrying about how it affects the budget is a nice perk in this lifestyle. There are times you need a car to get a project done or to book a last-minute flight to visit family.

We also get an annual travel credit with the Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card. We use a lot of the credit toward Ubers and Lyfts – great for when grocery stores aren’t within walking distance or you need to make a larger provisioning run.

Getting Started With a Cruising Budget

Here are some final thoughts when creating your future sailboat cruising budget.

• The above expenses are based on actively cruising on our 38-foot catamaran. For us, extended time at the dock is just a redistribution of funds. Maintenance and fuel go down, and marina expenses go up.
• Our maintenance costs are at about 4% of the hull value. Aside from the trampoline, we have not replaced any big-ticket items, so we expect this percentage may increase over the next couple of years.
• If you hope to stretch your cruising kitty, give yourself time to overcome the learning curve. Learning to maintain, operate, cook, and just be on a boat will take time. As you get more experience, your spending habits will improve. Be patient and keep moving forward.
• I highly recommend you continue researching and reading as much as possible about the cost of living on a sailboat. Get perspectives from different cruisers. This will help you create a cruising budget that will be unique to you.

Other Resources

• Gone with the Wynns created a very detailed article and video that breakdowns their cost of living on a boat.
• Sailing Kittiwake also has a great video on the cost of living on a sailboat on a budget .

*Costs not included in this overview are health insurance, taxes, business expenses, and gifts or donations. These expenses are particular to each individual’s situation and so are excluded from this article.

Want more tips on how to get started cruising on a boat?

For more information on the reality of boat life and tips for living on the water, view our complete guide.

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Or view our web stories.

Morgan, the founder of The Home That Roams, has been living nomadically for over five years. She began her journey traveling across the U.S. in a motorhome and cruising on a liveaboard sailing catamaran. Currently, she lives full-time in a travel trailer, sharing resources on RV living and boat life to help others downsize their lives and thrive in an alternative lifestyle.

Excellent article. Thank you!

I started getting the urge to return to the sea not long after I got out of the Navy in 1974…. Started out on a 15′ Phantom…. Up to 21′ Keels, up to a 26′ Bristol and finally a 28′ Newport…. You learn alot of tricks of the trade at a working marina… Barter system, I used to go up the mast or anything Aloft in return for favors with anything that I had a problem with …. Had to give up the sailboat when I couldn’t sail it by myself anymore … Looking for a 35′-38′ trawler to live in the Tampa Bay area for the rest of my day…. From the Sea I came, back to sea I will return … Anchor’s Aweigh….

Hi George, it sounds like you have lived and breathed boats for a while! One of my favorite things about a good liveaboard marina is how everyone trades boat maintenance favors and helps each other out. I sure hope you find a good trawler to liveaboard in Tampa – sounds lovely!

Do you use a specific budgeting software or anything to track your transactions? Please share if so

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13 Best Cruising Sailboats in 2023 & Why They're Better

If you're interested in long-distance exploration at sea, cruising sailboats are a popular choice. The best cruising sailboats are designed to provide comfort, durability, and seaworthiness. From high-performance cruisers with heirloom-quality materials to versatile boats, there's something in this lineup for your skill level and preference. These boats have raised the bar and are set to provide memorable sailing experiences.

The best cruising sailboats are:

Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 54

Jeanneau sun odyssey 490, x-yachts x49, dufour grand large 460, hallberg-rassy 340, tartan 4300, island packet 420, fountaine pajot saona 47, lagoon 450f, bavaria cruiser 46.

One aspect that sets these sailboats apart is their focus on innovation and performance. Let's take a closer look at the 13 best cruising sailboats of 2023 and explore what makes them stand out from the rest.

• These cruising sailboats feature spacious interiors, sturdy hulls, and versatile sail configurations.
• These sailboats are equipped with navigation and communication systems, as well as additional features such as watermakers, generators, and refrigeration systems.
• You can buy these boats for anything between $250,000 and $1.4 million or more.
• A cruiser is a type of sailboat that is generally larger and more comfortable than a racing sailboat.

On this page:

Best cruising sailboats, why these sailboats are better, the most popular cruising sailboat.

In this section, we'll explore the 13 best cruising sailboats of 2023, highlighting their unique features and reasons why they stand out in the market.

Comfortable living space : A cruising sailboat should have a comfortable living space that can accommodate the crew for an extended period of time. This includes a spacious cabin, galley, head, and berths.

Seaworthiness : A cruising sailboat should be able to handle rough seas and adverse weather conditions. It should have a sturdy hull, a well-designed keel, and a balanced rigging system.

Sailing performance : A cruising sailboat should have good sailing performance, which includes speed, stability, and ease of handling. It should be able to sail efficiently in different wind conditions.

Safety features : A cruising sailboat should have safety features such as a reliable navigation system, adequate safety equipment, and a strong anchoring system.

Storage space : A cruising sailboat should have enough storage space for provisions, equipment, and personal belongings. This includes storage lockers, shelves, and compartments.

Energy efficiency : A cruising sailboat should have an energy-efficient system that can provide power for lighting, electronics, and other equipment without relying on shore power.

Durability : A cruising sailboat should be built to last and withstand the wear and tear of extended cruising. This includes using high-quality materials and construction techniques.

The Amel 50 is known for its luxurious and comfortable accommodations, and excellent seaworthiness. Its unique features include a spacious interior with modern design, an innovative cockpit layout, and a powerful yet easy-to-handle sailing system.

The Amel 50 has a unique feature called the "Amel Easy Docking" system, which allows for easy and precise maneuvering in tight spaces. It also has a unique "Amel Silent Block" system, which reduces noise and vibration for a more comfortable ride.

The Oyster 565 is known for its high-quality construction, attention to detail, and luxurious accommodations, as well as its excellent safety features. It provides you with exceptional performance and comfort. Its sleek hull design offers fast, stable sailing, while the spacious, high-quality interior ensures you'll enjoy your time onboard.

The Oyster 565 has a unique feature called the "Oyster Deck Saloon," which provides 360-degree views and adequate natural light in the living space. It also has a unique "Oyster DNA" system, which allows for customization of the boat to suit the owner's preferences.

With its cutting-edge design and performance, the Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 54 lets you sail in style. Its chined hull, twin rudders, and easy handling make it a pleasure to sail, while the spacious, modern interior ensures your comfort on longer voyages.

The Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 54 has a unique feature called the "Dock & Go" system, which allows for easy and precise maneuvering in tight spaces. It also has a unique "Beneteau Smart Sailing" system, which includes a suite of electronic and navigational tools for easy and safe sailing.

The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490 is known for its hard chine design, and excellent performance and stability. It offers innovative design and functionality. Its walk-around decks, unique cockpit layout, and high-quality interior make it ideal for cruising in comfort.

The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490 has a unique feature called the "Walk-Around Deck," which allows for easy and safe movement around the boat. It also has a unique "Jeanneau Sun Loft" system, which provides a flexible and customizable living space.

The X-Yachts X49 combines performance, luxury, and comfort. It is known for its high-performance hull design, excellent speed and stability. With its fast hull, advanced sailing systems, and plush interior, the X49 is perfect for both racing and cruising.

The X-Yachts X49 has a unique feature called the "X-Yachts Pure X" system, which includes a suite of performance-enhancing features such as a carbon fiber mast and boom, a racing-inspired sail plan, and a deep lead keel.

The Dufour Grand Large 460 provides you with both comfort and performance. It is known for its innovative design, featuring a self-tacking jib and retractable bow thruster for easy handling. Its spacious interior, ergonomic deck layout, and powerful sailing capabilities make it an excellent choice for long-distance cruising.

The Dufour Grand Large 460 has a unique feature called the "Dufour Easy" system, which includes a suite of tools for easy and safe sailing, such as a self-tacking jib and retractable bow thruster. It also has a unique "Dufour Grand Large Lounge" system, which provides a flexible and customizable living space.

Experience easy handling and modern style with the Hanse 458. It is known for its sleek and modern design, self-tacking jib, large swim platform. Its innovative self-tacking jib, efficient deck layout, and comfortable accommodation make it perfect for family cruising.

The Hanse 458 has a unique feature called the "Hanse Easy Sailing" system, which includes a suite of tools for easy and safe sailing, such as a self-tacking jib and retractable bow thruster. It also has a unique "Hanse Individual Cabin Concept" system, which allows for customization of the living space to suit the owner's preferences.

Known for its quality and craftsmanship, the Hallberg-Rassy 340 offers you comfort and performance in a compact package. It is known for its classic design, long waterline, spacious cockpit, and comfortable and practical accommodations. With its stable hull, efficient sailplan, and well-designed interior, it's ideal for long-range cruising on a smaller scale.

The Hallberg-Rassy 340 has a unique feature called the "Hallberg-Rassy Hardtop," which provides protection from the elements and a spacious cockpit area. It also has a unique "Hallberg-Rassy Quality Concept" system, which includes high-quality construction materials and techniques for durability and longevity.

The Tartan 4300 delivers a perfect balance of performance and comfort. It is known for its high-quality construction, cored hull and deck for added strength and durability. Its epoxy-infused hull provides lightweight strength, while the spacious, beautifully crafted interior ensures a luxurious cruising experience.

The Tartan 4300 has a unique feature called the "Tartan Infusion Molding Process," which allows for precise and consistent construction of the hull and deck for added strength and durability. It also has a unique "Tartan Smart Sailing" system, which includes a suite of electronic and navigational tools for easy and safe sailing.

For those who value comfort and classic design, the Island Packet 420 won't disappoint. It is known for its full keel design, excellent stability and seaworthiness. Its spacious, well-appointed interior and solid construction make it a reliable choice for long voyages.

The Island Packet 420 has a unique feature called the "Island Packet Full Foil Keel," which provides excellent stability and seaworthiness. It also has a unique "Island Packet Anchoring System," which includes a powerful windlass and a custom-designed anchor roller for easy and safe anchoring.

The Fountaine Pajot Saona 47 catamaran offers you the perfect combination of speed, stability, and space. Its sleek hulls and spacious, well-designed living areas make it an excellent choice for cruising with friends and family.

The Fountaine Pajot Saona 47 has a unique feature called the "Fountaine Pajot Helmsman's Position," which provides excellent visibility and control of the boat. It also has a unique "Fountaine Pajot Lounge Deck" system, which provides a spacious and comfortable living space.

Cruise in style on the Lagoon 450F, known for its spacious accommodations and excellent performance under sail. With its distinctive flybridge, comfortable cabins, and efficient sailing system, it's ideal for multi-day getaways.

The Lagoon 450F has a unique feature called the "Lagoon Flybridge," which provides excellent visibility and control of the boat. It also has a unique "Lagoon Spacious Cockpit" system, which provides a comfortable and practical living space.

The Bavaria Cruiser 46 is a versatile and stylish cruiser that offers excellent performance and comfort. It is known for its innovative design, featuring a drop-down transom for easy access to the water. Its user-friendly sailing systems, attractive interior, and practical deck layout make it an ideal choice for a wide range of cruising adventures.

The Bavaria Cruiser 46 has a unique feature called the "Bavaria Hybrid Propulsion System," which allows for energy-efficient sailing and propulsion. It also has a unique "Bavaria Smart Storage" system, which provides enough storage space for gear and supplies. Additionally, the Bavaria Cruiser 46 has a unique "Bavaria Vision" design concept, which includes a spacious and comfortable living space with plenty of natural light and ventilation.

Cruising Gear Essentials

Key features to look for

Versatile hull design.

This allows your sailboat to navigate in various conditions, making it ideal for long-distance cruising.

Efficient sail plan

By having a well-designed sail layout, your boat provides better control, handling, and propulsion.

High-quality construction

Top-quality materials and craftsmanship not only increase the boat's durability, but also enhance its performance.

Comfortable accommodations

When you spend extended periods at sea, you want your sailboat to feel like home, with adequate living space and modern amenities. For an extended sailing trip, you are going to need these 41 sailboat cruising essentials .

How they improve sailing experience

Easier boat handling.

Advanced rigging systems, self-tacking jibs, and other innovative technologies make it easier for you to manage your boat, allowing for more time spent enjoying the sea.

Increased safety

State-of-the-art navigation equipment and weather forecasting systems help you anticipate environmental changes, ensuring a safe voyage.

Sustainable power options

Many sailboats in 2023 come with solar panels, hydro generators, or hybrid propulsion options, reducing your environmental impact and providing more sustainable choices while out at sea.

Integrated connectivity

These boats boast digital systems that allow you to stay connected, monitor your journey, and update your friends and family with your adventures.

Their advantages over others

Better performance.

These boats have been designed with speed, stability, and maneuverability in mind, ensuring top-notch sailing experiences.

Longevity and value

Since they're built with high-quality materials and expert craftsmanship, these boats are certain to last, making them a wise investment.

Customization options

Many of these sailboats offer customizable features, allowing you to tailor the boat to your specific needs and preferences.

Award-winning designs

Several of these boats have received prestigious awards for their innovative features and performance, making them the ultimate cruising sailboats for any passionate sailor.

The Island Packet 420 and Lagoon 450F are the two most popular cruising sailboats known for their comfort, seaworthiness, and versatility.

The Island Packet 420 is a well-regarded cruising sailboat that has a loyal following. It is known for its spacious interior, comfortable accommodations, and good sailing performance.

The Island Packet 420 features a full keel and a cutter rig, which makes it a stable and seaworthy vessel that can handle a variety of weather conditions. The sailboat has a large master cabin, a well-equipped galley, and a comfortable salon area, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy extended periods of time at sea.

The Lagoon 450F is a popular choice for those who want to explore the world by boat. It is known for its spacious interior, stable platform, and good sailing performance.

The Lagoon 450F features a catamaran hull design, which provides a stable and comfortable platform that is ideal for long-distance cruising. The sailboat has a spacious cockpit, multiple sleeping quarters, and a well-equipped galley, making it a popular choice for those who want to travel with family or friends.

The best size cruising sailboat

The best size cruising sailboat is in the range of 40 to 50 feet. Sailboats in this size range are large enough to provide comfortable accommodations for an extended period of time at sea, yet small enough to be easily handled by a small crew or even single-handed.

Sailboats that are too small may lack the necessary amenities and space for long-distance cruising, while sailboats that are too large may be difficult to handle and require a larger crew. Ultimately, the best size cruising sailboat will depend on individual preferences, needs, and intended use, and it's important to consider factors such as comfort, safety, and ease of handling when choosing a cruising sailboat.

The safest cruising sailboat

Hallberg-Rassy 340, and Island Packet 420 are considered among the safest cruising sailboats. These sailboats are known for their sturdy construction, well-designed hulls, and reliable systems. They are also known for their ability to handle a variety of weather conditions and their comfortable accommodations. However, safety can also depend on the boat maintenance, and the skill and experience of the crew.

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Scramble to find survivors after Bayesian yacht sinks off Sicily coast

A rescue operation is ongoing for 6 missing people, including british entrepreneur mike lynch. an american was also among the missing..

One person died and six people were missing after a luxury yacht sank Monday in Italy off the coast of Palermo, the capital of Sicily, after a sudden storm hit the area, according to Italy's coast guard.

The Bayesian, a 184-feet-long, British-registered sailboat, went down just before sunrise, capsizing its 22 passengers and killing one man, the ship's cook, t he coast guard said in a statement. On Monday, rescue teams identified the body as Antiguan citizen Ricardo Thomas.

Of the 15 passengers rescued, eight were taken to a local hospital for treatment and were in stable condition, local news reported. A 1-year-old was among those rescued.

"We are providing consular support to a number of British nationals and their families following an incident in Sicily and are in contact with the local authorities," the U.K Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said in a statement emailed to USA TODAY.

The people missing were American, British, and Canadian nationals.

What caused the Bayesian to sink?

The ship sank after unexpectedly strong storms recently dumped heavy rainfall, causing flooding and landslides, in parts of the country. Among those missing are British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch, and his daughter, a person familiar with the rescue operation told Reuters.

Jonathan Bloomer, chairman of Morgan Stanley International, and Chris Morvillo, a lawyer at Clifford Chance who represented Lynch in a  U.S. trial , were among the missing. The wives of both men were also unaccounted for, said Salvatore Cocina, head of civil protection in Sicily.

"The fear is that the bodies got trapped inside the vessel," he told Reuters.

The yacht was owned by Lynch's family and had 22 people on board when it sank just before sunrise. The captain of a nearby ship told Reuters his crew rescued some survivors from a life raft, including three seriously injured.

"We managed to keep the ship in position and after the storm was over, we noticed that the ship behind us was gone," Karsten Borner said. The other boat "went flat on the water, and then down," he said.

"A little baby and the wife of the owner" were rescued, while the ship's owner and a child were missing, he said.

The boat was located 160 feet under the water and divers were deployed to inspect the wreck, according to the coast guard.

The search-and-rescue operation continued on Monday morning, a Reuters live feed showed . A helicopter and four coast guard ships were at the scene on Monday morning, according to the coast guard.

Bayesian had set sail off Amalfi Coast in July

Prosecutors in a nearby town have opened an investigation into the events leading up to the ship sinking.

The Bayesian set off for Palermo from Positano, a village on Italy's southern Amalfi Coast, on July 30, according to marinetraffic.com . It last docked in the town of Milazzo, in Messina, on Wednesday, according to VesselFinder.

The ship has the tallest aluminum mast in the world, according to Perini Navi , its manufacturer. It was built in 2008.

Contributing: Reuters

Chinese and Philippine ships collide at Sabina Shoal, a new flash point

The incident, the first time in decades that Beijing and Manila have clashed over the Sabina Shoal, may derail efforts to lower tensions in the South China Sea.

Key takeaways

Summary is AI-generated, newsroom-reviewed.

• Chinese, Philippine coast guards collide near Sabina Shoal
• Incident marks first clash in decades over Sabina Shoal
• China blames Philippines; Manila rejects claim
• Tensions rise despite recent de-escalation efforts
• Philippines files 40 diplomatic protests this year

SINGAPORE — Chinese and Philippine coast guard vessels collided early Monday near the Sabina Shoal, according to officials from both countries and security analysts tracking ship movements, opening a new flash point between the countries in their territorial dispute in the South China Sea.

While skirmishes between Chinese and Philippine ships have been increasing across the South China Sea, Monday’s incident marks the first time the countries have clashed directly over the Sabina Shoal. The collision could derail recent efforts at de-escalation in one of the world’s busiest waterways.

Early Monday morning, a Chinese coast guard vessel attempted to stop a Philippine boat from reaching the Sabina Shoal, said Gan Yu, a spokesperson for the China Coast Guard. The Philippine boat behaved “in an unprofessional and dangerous manner, resulting in a collision,” Yu said in a statement. “Responsibility lies entirely with the Philippines,” he added.

Philippine authorities rejected that account, saying two of its coast guard vessels were subject to “unlawful and aggressive maneuvers” by Chinese ships while en route to the Sabina Shoal. One of the Philippine boats was left with a hole in its deck, and another suffered “minor structural damage” after being rammed by a Chinese vessel, said Jonathan Malaya, assistant director general of the Philippine National Security Council.

China claims the vast majority of the South China Sea as its territory, although it has no legal backing to do so. Its claim includes all of the Spratly Islands archipelago, where the Sabina and Second Thomas shoals are located and where the Philippines, a U.S. security ally, has competing claims.

The Sabina Shoal, 86 miles from the Philippine island of Palawan, is one of the closest maritime features in the Spratlys to the Philippines. It is within the 200 miles that the Philippines considers its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

“The battle lines have moved closer to the Philippines,” said Ray Powell, director of SeaLight , a maritime transparency project at Stanford University’s Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation.

Since April, the Philippines has deployed a coast guard vessel, the BRP Teresa Magbanua, to the Sabina Shoal to monitor Chinese activity in the area. China’s Foreign Ministry on Monday accused the Philippines of attempting to send supplies to the BRP Teresa Magbanua “in a plot to establish permanent presence.”

China “firmly opposes” such actions and “will continue to take resolute and forceful measures” to safeguard its interests in the South China Sea, spokeswoman Mao Ning said at a regular news briefing.

A spokesman for the Philippine Coast Guard, Jay Tarriela, responded by saying the Philippines has the right to deploy any of its vessels within its EEZ.

What China is concerned about, security analysts say, is a potential repeat of what happened in 1999, when the Philippines ran aground a World War II-era ship on the Second Thomas Shoal to stake its claim over the reef.

The rusting BRP Sierra Madre , which serves as a Philippine navy outpost, has since become a singular tripwire for open conflict between China and the Philippines. Last month, following a violent encounter near the Sierra Madre, Chinese and Philippine officials met for talks and agreed to lower tensions.

What happened at the Sabina Shoal, however, suggests that was a narrow truce, Powell said. China seems “undeterred” when it comes to its broader efforts to dominate the waterway, he said.

Zhu Feng, executive director of the China Center for Collaborative Studies of the South China Sea at Nanjing University, said that from China’s view, it “cannot afford to keep its hands off” the situation at the Sabina Shoal without risking being perceived as weak or tolerant of Philippine assertiveness.

Unless there’s a meaningful resolution over the dispute at the Second Thomas Shoal, Zhu said, confrontations between China and the Philippines are likely to continue.

The Philippines has filed 40 diplomatic protests to China so far this year for violating its sovereignty, according to Manila’s Department of Foreign Affairs. Earlier this month, a pair of Chinese jets flew over another contested reef, the Scarborough Shoal, dropping flares in the path of a Philippine patrol aircraft.

The Philippines has not said whether it intends to maintain a permanent presence at the Sabina Shoal. Orlando Mercado, a former Philippine secretary of defense who oversaw the grounding of the BRP Sierra Madre, said he thinks the country should.

The clash at the Sabina Shoal shows China has “a total disregard for our maritime rights” and little interest in finding or abiding by a negotiated compromise, Mercado said. “There’s no room for appeasement anymore,” he added.

A 2016 arbitration ruling by the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea overwhelmingly sided with the Philippines, finding that China’s territorial claims to the Second Thomas Shoal were unlawful and that the reef lies inside the Philippines’ EEZ.

But Beijing rejected the ruling as “null and void” and has refused to adhere to it.

Li reported from Seoul.

The 9 Best Sailing Forums 2024

Whether you’re new to sailing or have some decent nautical miles under your belt, sailing forums are an essential part of boat life and an absolute lifesaver for so many in the sailing community.

When we moved on to our sailboat four years ago we honestly didn’t have a clue. We couldn’t sail, and we had very little experience in boat maintenance, both of which are essential skills when you live on a boat!

Along with some incredible advice from the people we met, we had the support of a much larger community of sailors, those people on sailing forums.

When there was a query we didn’t know the answer to, the internet was our friend and we turned to the best forums for sailing to help us solve problems big and small.

Now we’re a little more experienced we still use sailing forums all the time. Not quite daily anymore but certainly a lot! Especially while we’re redoing our catamaran and have so many DIY-related questions.

In this article, we give you the low down on the best sailing forums out there so that you can find the answers you’re looking for. We’ve used every single one of these forums and each has its own loyal community and niche that can help you answer any questions you have about sailboats and sailing.

They’re also awesome communities where you can connect with like-minded people, find crew or crewing opportunities, and even make long-lasting friends.

Table of Contents

• Cruisers forum
• Sailing Anarchy forums
• SailNet Community
• Sailboat Own e rs
• Sailing forum
• The Wooden Boat forum
• Yachts and Yachting

The Best Sailing Forums

Let’s delve into the best sailing forums out there! Most of these forums require you to be a member before you can comment or post, but you can still view the questions and answers without joining.

#1 Cruisers Forum

The Cruisers Forum  is our go-to sailing forum and the one you’re most likely to find if you type a question into Google that no one’s website has answered yet!

This forum has thousands of users and very dedicated and vocal core members who know an awful lot about sailing. You don’t need to sign up to read it, but you will need to become a member if you want to post a question or add comments to someone’s post.

There is such a huge range of topics and questions answered that it’s hard to keep up, but you can almost guarantee that if you’re wondering something about your boat or sailing then it has been discussed at length in the Cruisers Forum. Even things like sailing with a baby are hot topics!

As a member, you can ask pretty much anything you like, as long as it’s related to sailing and in the right category. We’d be very surprised if you didn’t get an answer!

The Different Forum Categories

The Cruisers Forum has numerous categories, but they are quite easy to sort through to find what you’re looking for.

There is an introduction section for new members, cruising categories for each popular sailing ground, sailing news, and numerous boat DIY-related categories. You’ll even find conversations on the best songs about sailing ! You will also find regional topics so you can search for things going on in your sailing area and make connections.

If you’re new to sailing then you’ll find a wealth of information on sailing itself. Questions like ‘when should you reef’, or ‘what’s the optimal heeling angle’ are commonly debated topics and you will learn an awful lot by just reading through other people’s experiences and how they handled situations.

One of the sections we find we use most are the ones dedicated to boat maintenance, where you’ll find so much first-hand experience from people undertaking projects similar to your own. The knowledge here is unreal. If you’re restoring an old boat then this is the place for you.

There are sections for all sorts of boats – from catamarans to power vessels, to small day sailors and you can often find out useful information about certain types of boats too. There was even a discussion on our very unique Kadey Krogen 38 that helped us immensely when we were trying to decide whether to buy her.

The liveaboard ‘Life Aboard a Boat’ section is one of the forum’s most popular and dives into topics on everything from how to make money aboard to the best equipment for your galley.

#2 Sailing Anarchy Forums

Sailing Anarchy  is another sailing forum we use often. It has a slightly more modern format to that of Cruisers Forum which we like, and things are easy to find. It has a large readership and loyal, passionate members who have all kinds of expertise.

You don’t need to sign up to access the forums, but like the others, you won’t be able to post or comment unless you do.

This is another sailing forum with a really wide array of categories, and you’ll find almost any question answered here (or ready to be answered!)

Different Sailing Forum Categories

Just like Cruisers Forum, Sailing Anarchy is a general sailing forum that has a huge range of topics.

There’s a general sailing section for all things actual sailing related, or a boat maintenance category, or categories related to certain types of sailing such as dinghy sailing or offshore sailing. There’s also a sailing news section and a photo section where you can post pictures of your boat!

There’s a section for people looking for crew, or looking for boats, which is especially useful for anyone seeking crewing opportunities or who is short-handed sailing.

One of the really popular sections on this sailing forum is actually the non-sailing discussion board where members discuss all kinds of totally unrelated topics. It seems strange that this would exist in a forum dedicated to sailing, but it’s a great place for people to make connections in the sailing world.

#3 SailNet Community

The SailNet Community  is yet another general sailing forum with a big following and some loyal and dedicated members.

You’ll find almost any topic here, from sailing advice to provisioning recommendations, so it’s a one-stop shop for all things sailboat related.

One of the things we actually don’t like so much about this forum is its homepage. Rather than listing all the categories, it lists the newest posts or posts recommended for you.

While this is great for regular visitors, if you’re looking for something specific it can be confusing trying to navigate to the categories page. Just a little personal preference gripe!

Forum Categories

The first category you’ll see here is the new member’s discussion board which we love. Sometimes these forums can be a little intimidating but the members here are really welcoming which will encourage you to engage.

The sailing gear discussion board is one of the most popular, with a huge amount of engagement in it, so it’s a great place to head if you’re seeking advice on new equipment or you’re fixing up your boat. There’s everything from the best lithium marine batteries to Helly Hansen vs Musto being discussed here.

There are additional forum categories for things like racing, photos, lost vessels, chartering, and seamanship skills. There is also a section on here for finding crew so it’s worth putting the feelers out on several different forums if this is what you’re looking for.

There is a section on here for sailing with kids which has a whole tonne of advice and discussions on. It’s also a great place to connect with other sailing families in different parts of the world, and potentially arrange meet-ups for the kids.

#4 YBW Forum

The YBW Forum (Yachting and Boat World) is yet another fantastic resource for any sailor, experienced or not. It’s mostly aimed at sailors in the UK, but we have found a wealth of knowledge on here for all sorts of questions, so don’t think it’s limited to people living in the UK.

The forum has a huge number of members, with some boats seeing over a million messages from users. They have a range of specific boards that you don’t find on some other forums, like the River Thames forum, especially for boaters on the Thames waterways.

The forum is laid out well, with clear categories and an easy-to-navigate home page.

Members are friendly and welcoming, and aside from the few salty grumps you find everywhere, this is a great place for newbies to ask for advice.

You’ll find quite a few alternative categories on this forum, as well as all the usual sailing and sailboat maintenance boards.

There are several boards hosted by Practical Boat Owner and Yachting World which get a lot of interest, on topics like yacht racing and liveaboard life.

There is also a book club board and a virtual pub for sailors keen for a bit of chat and banter from the comfort of their own armchair!

A useful category on this forum is the sailboats for sale section, where you can browse listed sailboats or advertise your own for sale. Alongside this, you’ll find a section for stolen or missing boats and gear so you can help keep an eye on people’s prized possessions.

#5 Sailboat Owners

Sailboat Owners is another huge forum related to sailing with a wealth of knowledge and information hidden in its message boards.

You will find a number of passionate sailboat owners readily giving away tips and advice on all kinds of subjects, so it’s a surefire place to get burning queries answered quickly and (usually) accurately and in detail.

One thing that sets this forum apart from some of the others is the extensive list of different boat brands that are discussed. You can ask questions specifically related to your make of boat and it’s likely your question will get answered by an owner or previous owner that had a similar issue.

This is super handy for DIY questions or specific sailing questions related to your own boat.

There are also sailing gear discussion boards so it’s a great place to head if you’re looking for a new winter sailing jacket or the best tender for your yacht .

#6 Sailing Forums

Sailing Forums  covers mostly racing boats, with a range of sailboats as their own categories. There is also some boards on boat maintenance, again with the primary focus being race boats and smaller sailboats.

They have a really great user layout, with a clean, uncluttered forum that’s easy to navigate. This is one of our favourites in terms of design, and there aren’t too many ads getting in the way of your searches!

The user base is extensive and the members on this forum are passionate and knowledgeable. Boards tend to get a large number of replies from sailors who know their stuff, especially when it comes to dinghy sailing and race sailing.

The forums biggest categories are on the popular Sunfish and Laser sailboats. These are much loved sailboats and very sought after, so the for sale section is pretty handy if this is the kind of boat you’re after.

If you already own one then this forum is a fantastic resource. You’ll find tips on repair, restoration, the best sailing techniques and more.

You’ll also find plentiful discussions on the Catalina 14 and the J/24 which each have their own sub headings in the forum.

We don’t use this site very often as we’re not race sailors or small boat owners, but it does have some useful tips for general sailboat maintenance so we have used it from to time and found commenters to be friendly and experienced.

#7 WoodenBoat Forum

The WoodenBoat Forum  is a huge forum with a wealth of information tucked away inside it. This is one of the better forums out there for cruisers and powerboats, but there is a lot of boards on maintenance that applies to all boats.

From the title, you would assume this forum is only for owners of wooden boats, but there’s a diverse range of information for the owners of all kinds of boats and it’s a great place to head for specific tips and advice.

It also has some great tips for anyone building a boat from scratch.

Personally, we find this forum a really great resource for our DIY jobs and we often find the comments are from really experienced people, sometimes even specialists that do the trade as their profession. It’s tips from people like these that are the most valuable.

This forum contains all the categories you would expect from a general sailing forum, from repair, to building, to design, to people and places.

The bilge is an aptly named category for basically any ‘old rubbish’. This is the general discussion board where you can come to share experience, discuss random interesting topics and make connections with other sailors. It’s your online pub, where you can go for a good old natter.

Reddit Sailing is comparable to the different Facebook groups on sailing (which are also fantastic sources of knowledge that we’ll look at below).

You can join a sub-Reddit for a huge range of different specific sailing categories and discussions from these will show up on your feed just like on Facebook.

If you’re looking for specific information or advice you can simply type it into the Reddit search bar, or you can go ahead and ask the question yourself. Just be careful not to do any kind of self-promotion on Reddit. This isn’t that kind of platform, and you’re very likely to get some abuse for it!

You can join a number of different categories that are related to sailing but are a little more specific, and these will show up in your feed when you use Reddit.

Search for sailboat cruising or liveaboard for a huge community of liveaboard sailors who are willing to offer tonnes of great advice about life aboard.

#9 Yachts and Yachting

Yachts and Yachting is one of the best forums out there for information on actual sailing. It has a large race community and many of the boards focus on getting the best sailing performance from different kinds of boats.

It’s got an intuitive layout even though the design is a little outdated, and things are easy to find. It also has a large member base of active sailors who answer questions quickly and with good advice.

There isn’t so much information on boat maintenance, so try using one of the other forums for this.

There is a HUGE range of categories here, from technique to sailing stories, to insurance questions.

One of our favorite sections is the sailing holiday destinations board which has discussions on the best cruising grounds for vacations (and sailing in general). Discussions on things like Greece vs Croatia are super useful if you’re trying to plan your next sailing season.

There are also sailing gear discussion boards with subjects as diverse as the best watches for sailing to the best sailing headlamp .

‍How To Know A Good Sailing Forum?

It’s quite easy to determine almost straight away whether or not you’re going to find worth in a sailing forum or not.

A great forum for sailing will have a large audience and membership, and frequent postings. You can check these things as soon as you enter the homepage as all the figures and dates are there to see.

You can also see straight away whether a forum is arranged in a user-friendly format simply by searching for what you’re looking for. If there are no clear categories and no search bar, then you might be looking at spending hours trying to find information.

Look for sailboat forums with free membership and ones that are well-moderated. If you’re scrolling and find an offensive comment, but don’t get a response when you report it, this should be a bit of a red flag.

You can also get an idea of how friendly members are by looking at the new member’s page and checking through some of the comments. Normally you’ll find a very friendly and welcoming group of people.

The Downsides To Sailing Forums

Of course, there are a few things to be wary of when using online forums.

Firstly, you’re likely to find a huge range of opinions. As we all know, sailing tends to generate a lot of differing opinions on the right way to do things, and oftentimes there simply isn’t a clear-cut answer.

People in sailing forums can get pretty fired up over their own opinions, and it can be hard to work out who is right. Often no one is right or wrong, it’s simply a different point of view. We find it’s worth taking an answer that we believe is right or sounds right to us, and then backing it up with a little more Google research.

Secondly, unfortunately, you can find some nastiness on these forums. On the whole, they are well regulated, and hateful posts tend to get taken down and the commenter banned, but some things do slip through the net.

Try not to take everyone’s comments seriously. It’s very easy to type out a smart-mouthed comment or berate someone for a mistake that they swear they would never make from behind the safety of a screen. Report it, ignore it, and move on. These people are not worth your precious time.

Conclusion: The Best Sailing Forums

Here are some of the best sailing forums out there to help you on your way to living the sailing dream, whether that’s living on board or simply crewing once in a while.

These forums are full of interesting and knowledgeable people who can’t wait to talk about all the things you’re desperate to learn, so make sure you spend some time checking them out, and maybe even add a comment or two yourself!

We can also highly recommend building up a community on Instagram. We’ve met so many liveaboard sailors through this social media network and learned a lot from them. Kickstart yours with some top Instagram ocean captions !

If you’re looking for more top tips on the sailing lifestyle then make sure you head to our sailing tips section , and check out our ultimate guide on living aboard .

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One comment.

I went through your blog. It is quite interesting. I would like to ask you a question. I would appreciate it if you could assist me.

When were European sailing ships discovered?

I look forward to hearing back from you.

Comments are closed.

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The Cruising Sailboat and the Lifestyle That Goes with It

There's something rather special about a sailboat...

But there's definitely something really special about a cruising sail boat. Size isn't it - large or small - they all have it. Neither do they have to be stunningly beautiful nor hugely expensive.

It's not about what they are; it's more about what they can deliver - simple pleasure, high adventure or genuine white-knuckle challenge.

Perhaps just a day sail on the lake or a trip along the coast.

A voyage across an ocean maybe, or even a circumnavigation of the world.

And best of all, by utilizing nature's free and sustainable energy resource - the wind.

But be warned - it's addictive. You could end up going the whole hog - getting rid of the shoreside assets, buying a suitable boat and living aboard .

But before you take that gient step, maybe you should charter a sailboat for a couple of weeks, just to be sure?

Either way, you'll find that they represent pure freedom; they're beguiling machines, sailing boats.

Take the beauty below for instance, reaching between the islands in one of the world's favourite cruising grounds - the Windward & Leeward Islands of the Caribbean .

So whether you're a paid-up, certifiable sailboat fanatic  familiar with all the nautical jargon and niceties of flag etiquette , or just curious about those of us who are, you're sure to find something of interest by cruising around in this website.

Who knows where you'll fetch up?

Hey, you might even start thinking about buying a sailboat of your own !

The Three Most Popular Types of Cruising Rigs...

Just a headsail and a mainsail - simple and efficient.

Is the Sloop the Best Rig for Cruising?

A smaller headsail and a staysail makes sail handling easier. 

Why the Cutter Rig Sailboat is My First Choice for Cruising .

A second mast with a mizzen sail, for greater versatility. 

Why the Ketch is Many Sailors' Favoured Rig for Offshore Cruising

Sailboat Rig Type Examples:

A Sailboat for Offshore Cruising

Owning a sailing boat, particularly one designed for  offshore and ocean sailing , can change your life.

With a few gallons of fuel, adequate food and water aboard she'll take you thousands of miles leaving a carbon footprint in her wake that would delight the most ardent environmentalist.

Hey, you can catch your own fish , make your own drinking water from seawate r (or collect nature's free offering with a raincatcher) and charge your batteries with a windcharger or solar panels - all without using a drop of fuel! 

And you don't need to be on the helm all day - a windvane self-steering gear will keep you on the straight and narrow without drawing a single precious amp from your 12volt battery bank .

With a bluewater boat  equipped in this way you could go the whole nine yards, sell your shoreside assets, cast off the shorelines together with the tedium of life ashore and set off on a  cruising life of freedom and adventure.

A surprising number of people do just this, but let's not get ahead of ourselves.

Take the accommodation below decks for example. What might look very attractive at a boat show could prove to be considerably less so when in a seaway. 

Take a look at the two alternative interior layouts below for instance...

Below Decks

It's here that the interior designer can recreate the appeal of a country cottage or splendor of a minor palace, often in the process making access to fixtures and fittings impossible without major surgery to the boat's interior. It's much better to follow the wise adage that 'form should follow function' and leave all the glitz and glamour to vehicles with wheels on.

The interior layout of a cruising boat is all important. Take a look at these two similar - but different - interior layout options...

One of them is much more suitable for long-distance offshore sailing than the other.

But which one is it, and why?

This, and all other artwork on this page by  Andrew Simpson

Multihulls for Cruising

So far we've only mentioned monohulls, but multihull sailboats  - both catamarans and trimarans - can make good cruising boats too. 

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Our ever-growing gallery of pics, specs and key performance indicators of many popular cruising boats...

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Just click on the images below to see the full details of these cruising boats that are advertised by their owners ( not through a broker or other 3rd party ) right here on sailboat-cruising.com ...

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August 19 , 2024

Skull and Bones Coming to Steam August 22

Skull and Bones will launch on Steam on August 22, the same day as the Season 3 launch, bringing adventures on the high seas to even more players on PC. In addition to a new invading sea lord on the Indian Ocean, new features, world events, and a refreshed Smuggler Pass, a significant number of mouse-and-keyboard improvements will be implemented.

Ubisoft News spoke to development team members including Lead Gameplay Programmer Yi-Xun Neo, Senior Lead UI Artist Alexandr Yantchuk, UX Designer Jonathan Debray, Senior Technical Director of UI Pascal Lavallieres, UI Artist Warren Goh, Project Manager Samuel Soh, Junior Development Tester Shafique Mohamed, and Junior Gameplay Programmer Solomon Tan. Together, they shared their insights about why they made the updates and how the patch will improve Skull and Bones for mouse-and-keyboard players.

Why did you decide to update mouse and keyboard now?

We're always looking to improve our PC experience as a whole. With the upcoming release of Skull and Bones on Steam, we wanted to revisit the keyboard-and-mouse user controls, as many aspects of it were initially based on the controller. Our goal here was to make the game feel more "PC" when using keyboard and mouse.

Our ongoing goal is to create a more seamless Skull and Bones experience for our PC players. With this round of improvements, playing Skull and Bones on PC with a mouse and keyboard will start feeling much more natural to the PC gamer, with more optimized controls, including double-click functionality, dragging and scrolling improvements with the mouse on the map, visually specialized widgets, and more.

How did you decide which features to update? How important was community feedback when making those decisions?

We're all gamers at heart, so the first thing we did was put ourselves in the shoes of a PC player and play the game on keyboard and mouse. While playing, we identified four main areas to tackle: map navigation, the shortcut bar, inventory management, and specific key binds. From these four segments, we identified key changes that would significantly improve the overall keyboard-and-mouse experience.

Throughout this process, we also worked closely with our Insiders to ensure that we were on the right track, and that we left no stone unturned.

Can you talk about the process behind some of these updates?

As one example, one of the items we noticed early in the process was that the key for disembarking from the ship to land was [S], which is not usually an "interact" button for a PC player. Typically, this would be [F] or [E] instead. However, [F] was already taken up by the action of plundering and trading with settlements.

This led us to create separate entries in the key bind selection menu for disembarking and interaction with settlements, as well as identifying other entries that could also be amended. Players can also edit the new default key bindings as they see fit.

Which of the updates are you most proud of?

The new shortcut bar, for sure. Compared to its original iteration, the way it is displayed now is much more consistent with the expected PC gaming experience. While revisiting shortcut bars, we also identified the potential to include more quality-of-life features by adding the ability to switch between different sets of shortcuts. Initially slated for a PC-only feature, it will also be added to other platforms as well.

Will you continue to monitor PC players' experiences and update the game accordingly?

This is an iterative process, and not the end of the improvements we intend to make to Skull and Bones' PC experience. Once these changes go live, we'll be actively monitoring feedback while continuing to work closely with our community to see what other refinements PC players would like to see in the game.

We also have the Insider Program, which has been running since 2022, and will continue into future seasons. This is where our players can have early access to new content in our game, and work closely with the development team to provide feedback. If you're interested, you can sign up via our website: https://www.skullandbonesgame.com/insider-program .

Full Update List

Selection States and Behaviors

Hovering over an item will no longer select it by default. Mouse-and-keyboard players can now left-click to select the item and scroll tooltip details (without performing a mouse navigation from item grid to tooltip)

Removed the concept of switching between inventories in the warehouse. Now, hovering over the item will contextually switch to the active inventory

Interacting with items, such as bringing up the actions menu, can now be done by right-clicking

Double-clicking on a hovered item will perform the first action in the actions menu (such as consume, discard, or transfer an item)

Improved overall visuals for clarity

Improved visual clarity for when an element is clickable or not

Improved scroll bar visuals

Reduced opacity of the button prompt in the objective tracker in cases where it cannot be triggered

Ease of Use in Menus

Ship loadouts (including Weapons, Armor, Furniture, and Cosmetics) now use horizontal tabs instead of vertical tabs, allowing mouse-and-keyboard players to switch between tabs by simply hovering over the category icon

When an action menu is shown, clicking anywhere outside of the action menu will close it

Decoupled settlement interaction and disembarking button-remapping options - each of them can now be separately bound

Supported [Hold] options for most [Press] keys that can be rebound

Added a shortcut to directly access Journal [J] by default

Rebound toaster notification keys for [F1] and [F2] by default

Rebound cancellation of rebinding keys to [Hold][Esc] by default

Map Navigation

Zooming in/out on the map will now be based on the mouse cursor location, not the middle of the screen

Zooming in/out of the map with the mouse wheel is now possible when the Journal is open

Dragging the map with a mouse now retains the mouse cursor and follows a 1:1 ratio, allowing the screen distance moved by the map to correspond to the equal amount of screen distance moved by the mouse

While dragging the map with a mouse, the mouse movement is clamped to the edge of the map

Mouse and Keyboard Exclusive UI

A new horizontal "action bar" is shown instead of the "action wheel" in the HUD when in mouse-and-keyboard control scheme

Switch quickly between three different action bars with the mouse wheel, with a total of 12 quick action slots. Note: players using a controller can also switch the different action wheels by pressing and holding DPAD UP/DOWN buttons

To celebrate Skull and Bones' Steam launch, the game will be available for up to 60% off from August 22 - September 4. If you want to try the game before you buy, starting on August 22, you can play on Steam for free for up to six hours with the Skull and Bones Free Trial .

Skull and Bones is available now on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Amazon Luna, and PC via Ubisoft Connect and Epic Games Store, and is now available to wishlist on Steam ahead of its August 22 release. The Skull and Bones Premium Edition, which includes the premium bonus pack, extra missions, and a Smuggler Pass token in addition to the base game, is also included with a Ubisoft+ Premium subscription

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Home » Blog » Bluewater sailboats » The best bluewater sailboats (we analyzed 2,000 boats to find out)

The best bluewater sailboats (we analyzed 2,000 boats to find out)

By Author Fiona McGlynn

Posted on Last updated: May 16, 2023

We analyzed two-thousand bluewater sailboats to bring you a list of proven offshore designs

What are the best bluewater sailboats?

This was a question we asked a lot of experienced cruisers when we decided to sail across the Pacific. We needed a boat after all, and we wanted to buy the best bluewater sailboat we could afford.

We heard a lot of strong opinions.

Some sailors thought it was reckless to go offshore in any boat that didn’t have a full keel.

Others prioritized performance, and wouldn’t dream of going anywhere in a slow boat like the Westsail 32 (a.k.a. a “Wet Snail 32”).

Opinions like these left us feeling confused like we had to choose between safety and performance.  

If we learned anything from these conversations, it’s that what makes a bluewater boat is a hotly debated topic!

However, there’s a way to cut through all the opinions and get to the bottom of it. The solution is….

We analyzed just under 2,000 boats embarking on ocean crossings (over a 12 year time period) and came up with a list of the ten best bluewater sailboats.

Where did we get our data?

The data for our best bluewater sailboats list comes from 12 years of entries in the Pacific Puddle Jump (PPJ), an annual cross-Pacific rally. We took part in 2017 and had a ball!

You can read about the methodology we used to analyze this data at the bottom of the post.

What do we mean by “best”?

We know, that word is overused on the internet!

Simply, based on our data set, these were the most common makes and models entered in the PPJ cross-Pacific rally. There were at least 10 PPJ rally entries for every make of boat on our top 10 list.

So, these boats are 100% good to go?

No! A bluewater boat isn’t necessarily a seaworthy boat. Almost every cruiser we know made substantial repairs and additions to get their offshore boat ready, adding watermakers , life rafts, solar panels, and more.

Also, you should always have a boat inspected by a professional and accredited marine surveyor before buying it or taking it offshore.

But my bluewater baby boat isn’t on this list!?

There are hundreds of excellent bluewater yachts that are not on this list. For instance, we sailed across the Pacific in a Dufour 35, which didn’t even come close to making our top 10 list.

Choosing the right boat is very much an individual journey.

Where can I find these bluewater boats for sale?

We recognize that a top 10 list won’t get you very far if you’re shopping for a bluewater boat (especially if you’re looking in the used market).

So, to help you find your perfect boat, we’re going to create a big list of bluewater boats that you can use to refine your search on Yachtworld, Craigslist, or any other places to buy a used boat .

Sign up for our newsletter to get our big list of bluewater boats list as soon as it comes out.

We’re also working on a series of posts by size class. For example, if you’re looking for a smaller boat, you can narrow it down to the best bluewater sailboats under 40 feet .

Takeaways from our analysis

There were no big surprises on an individual boat level. All of these makes are considered good cruisers, some of them are even best-selling designs! However, there were a few things that caught our eye.

“Go simple, go small, go now” still holds water

We were thrilled to see the smallest boat in our roundup at the very top of the list! Westsail 32 owners can take pride in their small but mighty yachts (and ignore all those snail-sayers).

While undoubtedly there’s been a trend towards bigger bluewater cruisers in recent years, small cruising sailboats seem to be holding their own. 60% of the monohulls on this list were under 40 feet (if you count the Valiant 40 which sneaks just under at 39.92 feet).

Cat got our tongue

So, we knew catamarans were a thing, but we didn’t fully appreciate HOW popular they’d become!

50% of our top 10 bluewater boat list consists of catamarans—a good fact to toss out the next time you’re trying to garner a happy hour invite on the party boat next door (which will undoubtedly be a catamaran).

Still got it!

We’ve got good news for all you good old boat lovers! 60% of the boats on our list were first built before 2000.

While these older models are less performance-oriented than modern designs, cruisers value these boats for their ability to stand up to rough seas and heavy weather. It just goes to show that solid bones and classic looks never go out of style.

Alright, without further ado, let’s dive into our list of the 10 best bluewater boats!

The 10 best bluewater boats

1. Westsail 32

The Westsail 32 is one of the most iconic bluewater cruisers and 19 have set out to cross the Pacific in the PPJ rally since 2009.

In 1973, this small cruising sailboat garnered a 4-page spread in Time magazine. The article inspired many Americans to set sail and the Westsail 32, with its double-ender design, set the standard for what a real bluewater cruiser should look like.

There were approximately 830 built between 1971 and 1980.

This small boat has taken sailors on ocean crossings and circumnavigations. Though considered “slow” by some, the heavily-built Westsail 32 has developed a loyal following for her other excellent offshore cruising characteristics.

If you’re interested in small bluewater sailboats, check out our post on the best small sailboats for sailing around the world .

2. Lagoon 380

The Lagoon 380 is a reliable, solidly built catamaran and considered roomy for its size. We counted 18 of them in our data set. With over 800 boats built , it may be one of the best-selling catamarans in the world. Like the other boats on this list, the Lagoon 380 has proven itself on long passages and ocean crossings, winning it many loyal fans.

3. Lagoon 440

18 Lagoon 440s have set out to cross the Pacific in the PPJ rally since 2009.

Why leave the comforts of home, when you can take them with you? The Lagoon 440 is a luxurious long-range cruiser, offering beautiful wood joinery, spacious accommodations, and a deluxe galley. Oh, and you have the option of an electric boat motor !

SAIL and Sailing Magazine have both done in-depth reviews of the Lagoon 440 if you want to learn more.

4. Amel Super Maramu (incl. SM 2000)

If you follow the adventures of SV Delos on YouTube, you probably know that the star of the show (SV Delos— in case the title didn’t give it away ) is an Amel Super Maramu. These classic bluewater sailboats can be found all over the world, proof they can go the distance.

We counted 16 Amel Super Maramus and Super Maramu 2000s in our list of PPJ entries.

Ready to join the cult of Amel? Read more about the iconic brand in Yachting World.

5. Valiant 40

When I interviewed legendary yacht designer, Bob Perry, for Good Old Boat in 2019, he told me that the Valiant 40 was one of the boats that most defined him and marked the real start of his career.

At the time, heavy displacement cruisers were considered sluggish and slow, especially in light winds.

Perry’s innovation with the Valiant 40 was to combine a classic double ender above the waterline, with an IOR racing hull shape below the waterline. The result was the first “performance cruiser”, a blockbuster hit, with over 200 boats built in the 1970s.

It’s no surprise we counted 16 Valiant 40s in our data set.

Cruising World magazine dubbed it “a fast, comfortable, and safe cruising yacht,” and there’s no doubt it’s covered some serious nautical miles.

It’s worth noting that there were blistering problems with hull numbers 120-249 (boats built between 1976 and 1981). Later models did not have this problem. Despite the blistering issues, the Valiant 40 remains one of the most highly thought of bluewater designs.

6. TAYANA 37

The Tayana 37 is another hugely popular Perry design. The first boat rolled off the production line in 1976 and since then, nearly 600 boats have been built. Beautiful classic lines and a proven track record have won the Tayana 37 a devoted following of offshore enthusiasts.

12 Tayana 37s have set out to cross the Pacific in the PPJ rally since 2009. Read more about the Tayana 37 in this Practical Sailor review .

7. Lagoon 450

If this list is starting to sound like a paid advertisement, I swear we’re not on Lagoon’s payroll! This is the third Lagoon on our list, but the data doesn’t lie. Lagoon is making some of the best cruising sailboats.

The 450 has been a hot seller for Lagoon, with over 800 built since its launch in 2014. While not a performance cat, the Lagoon 450 travels at a reasonable speed and is brimming with luxury amenities.

At least 12 owners in the PPJ rally chose the Lagoon 450 to take them across the Pacific. It’s no wonder SAIL had so many good things to say about it.

8. Fountaine Pajot Bahia 46

There were 11 Fountaine Pajot Bahia 46s in our data set.

Fountaine Pajot released the Bahia 46 in 1997, a sleek design for traveling long distances. Its generously-sized water and fuel tanks along with ample storage for cruising gear are a real plus for the self-sufficient sailor.

According to Cruising World , “Cruising-cat aficionados should put the Bahia 46 on their “must-see” list.”

9. Catalina 42 (MKI, MKII)

10 Catalina 42s (MKI and MKII) have set out to cross the Pacific in the PPJ rally since 2009.

The Catalina 42 was designed under the guidance of the legendary yacht designer and Catalina’s chief engineer, Gerry Douglas.

One of Catalina’s philosophies is to offer “as much boat for the money as possible,” and the Catalina 42 is no exception. According to Practical Sailor , Catalina aims to price its boats 15% to 20% below major production boats like Hunter and Beneteau.

Practical Sailor has a great in-depth review of the Catalina 42 .

10. Leopard 46

Since 2009, 10 Leopard 46s have embarked on Pacific crossings in the PPJ rally.

Leopards have won legions of fans for their high build quality, robust engineering, and excellent performance.

The Leopard 46 also boasts something of a racing pedigree. It was built in South Africa by Robertson and Caine and designed by Gino Morelli and Pete Melvin, who came up with the record-breaking catamaran Playstation / Cheyenne 125 .

Read more about the Leopard 46 in this Cruising World review .

Methodology

What the data is and isn’t.

The PPJ data was a real boon because it reflects a wide range of cruising boats: small, big, old, new, expensive, and affordable. We think this may be because the PPJ is a very financially accessible rally—the standard entry cost is $125 or $100 if you’re under 35 (age or boat length!).

We did look at data from other (pricier) rallies but found that the results skewed towards more expensive boats.

Needless to say, the data we used is just a sample of the bluewater boats that crossed the Pacific over the last 10+ years. Many cruisers cross oceans without participating in a rally!

Entries vs. completions

The data we used is a list of the PPJ entries, not necessarily the boats that completed the rally. In instances where we saw the same boat entered multiple years in a row, we assumed they’d postponed their crossing and deleted all but the latest entry to avoid double counting.

Boat make variations

The world of boat building and naming can get pretty complicated. Sometimes a manufacturer changes a boat’s name a year or two into production, other times the name remains the same but the boat undergoes a dramatic update.

For the most part, we’ve used SailboatData.com’s classification system (if they list the boats separately, then we have also), except where there are two separately listed models that have the same LOA, beam, and displacement.

Fiona McGlynn is an award-winning boating writer who created Waterborne as a place to learn about living aboard and traveling the world by sailboat. She has written for boating magazines including BoatUS, SAIL, Cruising World, and Good Old Boat. She’s also a contributing editor at Good Old Boat and BoatUS Magazine. In 2017, Fiona and her husband completed a 3-year, 13,000-mile voyage from Vancouver to Mexico to Australia on their 35-foot sailboat.

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My Cruiser Life Magazine

Living on a Sailboat – Cruiserlife Reality, Pros & Cons Of Boat Life In 2023

What could be more romantic or inspiring than living on a sailboat? Maybe you dream of traveling and “sailing off into the sunset.” Or maybe you dig the sailing lifestyle and are looking to join a community of like-minded people. For some, it has been a lifelong dream. Or perhaps you’ve landed here because you’re out of options, and life on a sailboat sounds cheaper than land-based obligations and a good way to save money.

Table of Contents

The dream of sailboat life, can you live aboard any boat, sail or power.

• Price Range 

Monohull or Catamaran

Dock life or off the grid, living spaces, five reasons boat life is awesome, five reasons why a liveaboard boat can be a bummer, before you do, try life on a sailboat first, sailboat life faqs.

The truth is, many reasons bring people to move onto a sailboat—or any kind of boat. If you’re unfamiliar with boat life, think of boats as floating RVs or campers. They attract all sorts of people, from wealthy travelers to people making ends meet. And just like with RVs, they range from palatial yachts to cramped, dingy things you can’t get away from fast enough.

Buying a sailboat to live on has grown in popularity in recent years and has boomed during the coronavirus era. While the global pandemic certainly slowed world travel, it has pushed more people to work from where ever they like. With unlimited data cell phone plans, you can take your boat nearly anywhere and still be connected with the world.

The first question to ask is, “What sort of boat do you want to live on?” Boats come in every shape and size to suit every boater. As a result, the choices can be overwhelming when you first consider the lifestyle.

All boats represent compromises. The vessel designer made compromises to fit all the things in the boat that they could. There are compromises in performance in favor of more creature comforts, or vice versa. 

Likewise, you’ll make compromises when you purchase a boat. You may find that the vessel of your dreams is out of your budget, so you compromise with a smaller boat or one lacking some features. You may opt for a stout bluewater boat built for ocean crossings. If that’s the case, you will invariably compromise on some liveaboard comforts that cheaper coastal cruisers might offer. 

What the boat needs to have for you to liveaboard is entirely up to you. Is your idea of the liveaboard lifestyle all about downsizing and living simply? Or is living aboard a means to an ends—a way to slowly travel the world comfortably while taking “home” with you? Do you live for the passion of actual sailing, or is sailing just a cheap way to move from place to place?

In other words, before you go boat shopping, you must narrow down your goals for the vessel. Next, we’ll look at some of the features that will make how to live on a sailboat easier, but remember that nothing is mandatory. 

Buying a Sailboat to Live On

If you’re wondering whether or not sailboat life is right for you, start by thinking about what the perfect setup would be like. Chances are you have some preconceived notions of what living on a sailboat is like. And chances are there are ways that it could be like that, but there are also ways that it could be completely different. 

Before you dive too deep into the lifestyle, don’t pigeonhole yourself into looking at only sailboats. There are tons of powerboats that you can get for similar prices as used sailboats. And motorboats have a few advantages over sailboats, especially for living aboard.

The most common types of powerboats you’ll see people living on are trawlers or cabin cruisers. First, the design of these boats means that their hull shape is better able to accommodate living space. They’ve got wide sterns and bigger interiors. They also usually have large windows and a nice view out of the living area, something most sailboats lack. 

The only thing that a powerboat can’t do is sail (obviously), and most people don’t cross oceans in them. But most people who buy sailboats to do those things never actually do them! So again, it all comes back to being honest with yourself about what you want to do with your boat. If you’re after comfortable living space and the ability to travel anywhere along the coast, a trawler should be high on your list.  

Price Range

You can’t go boat shopping (or even dreaming!) without at least some idea of your budget. You can spend anywhere from $1,000 to well over $10 million buying a sailboat. You have to narrow it down a bit!

Here are a few pointers to guide you. If you browse for a boat on Yachtworld , you can get a pretty good idea of a particular make and model’s nominal value. 

These are brokered boats, so the list prices seldom equal the sale price. But it provides a good way to analyze the market. Some will be priced very high because they are newer, have newer upgraded engines, are better maintained, or are otherwise “better.” By eliminating those, you should be able to estimate the average value of a particular make and model. 

You may find listings that look like bargains because they are priced lower. Chances are, these are project boats. Project boats require “elbow grease” or “DIY skills” to restore. A project boat is always a losing proposition because it will usually take many more dollars to get it ship-shape than it would cost to have just bought the kept up boat to begin with. 

Here’s an example. Say you’re shopping for one of the best liveaboard sailboats , like a Catalina 30, and the average price is around $18,000. Then, one day while browsing Craigslist, you see one listed for $5,000. A bargain, right? Well, it should be no surprise that the $5,000 boat “needs a little work.” But what you might not realize is that it probably needs $20,000 or more worth of work (and even that number is if you plan on putting in your own elbow grease).

The moral of this story is pretty simple—plan on paying the average price for a sailboat. Of course, there might be some bargains out there. But generally, if you want a functional, livable boat, it will cost you some cash.

Catamarans are popular choices for liveaboard boaters, especially if you plan on anchoring or traveling a lot. These boats have expansive living spaces that feel much less crowded and claustrophobic than typical boats. Even sail cats ofter raised salons with wrap-around windows and lots of fresh air flowing through.

On the flip side, it can be challenging and expensive to find a dock or repair facility in some parts of the world when you need one. So if you plan to live at a dock on a catamaran, start your search by finding the dock first. Catamarans are too wide to fit in regular slips, so marinas must put them on the limited number of bulkhead or t-head docks they have. 

Catamarans are expensive, and it’s generally not good to stretch your budget when buying a boat. If you do, you’ll have less money in the back to travel or spend on upgrades and repairs. So if the catamaran lifestyle appeals to you, double-check your numbers to ensure you can afford to do it right.

Being a liveaboard boater does not mean you must spend your life tied to a dock. You could travel regularly from your marina home base. Or you could travel and not have a home base. It all depends on how you organize your life and your obligations. 

If you intend to live as off-the-grid as possible, that should be considered when you go boat shopping. Some boats are easy to set up that way, and others are not.

If you spend a lot of time away from docks, you must come up with a plan to get some necessities. Some things are easy, and others are more difficult. You’ll have to answer questions about how you will get electrical power, fresh water, pump outs, fuel, and groceries.

Electrical Power

At a dock, you can plug in with a large extension cord and enjoy unlimited power just like you would in a home. Since all the power arrives through the one big cord, there might be some inconveniences, like you cannot blow dry your hair, make microwave popcorn, and brew coffee all at once. But generally, you’ll have outlets that work and plenty of power to run air conditioners, heaters, cooking appliances, and whatever else. 

Away from the dock and unplugged is another thing entirely. Some boats have generators that will run 24/7 to maintain the same comforts. But generators drink diesel fuel and are noisy and smelly. Most sailors who live off the grid prefer to use solar panels and a large bank of batteries to power what they need. In all but extreme cases, however, this means that some power-intensive conveniences like air conditioning and heaters are not viable options.

Fresh Water

Docks will supply city or well water for use onboard. In some cases, you plug in a hose for unlimited supply, but on most boats, you simply fill up the water tanks whenever you need to. 

Away from the dock, you’ll have to rely on the tanks alone. When they get low, you’ll need to visit a dock to refill them. Any marina will let you fill up, but most boaters combine it with a trip for fuel or a pump out. 

Some boaters catch rainwater and put it in their water tanks. Others carry jerry cans of water from shore in their dinghy. And on ocean-going boats, you can install water-making systems that desalinate seawater and make it potable. 

If water goes in the boat, it must come out, right? It is illegal to dump your toilets overboard in most parts of the world unless you are far offshore. So boats are equipped with a holding tank—the boat equivalent of the RV black water tank.

To empty the tank, you visit a pump out station. This is simply a pump that takes the tank contents and puts them in the local sewage treatment system. It is far more ecologically responsible than dumping it. 

The size of your holding tank is a significant limiting factor on most liveaboard vessels. On average, a 20-gallon tank will last a couple about one week of full-time living aboard. So plan on a weekly trip to the pump out dock. You can just use the marina’s facilities as often as possible if you live at a dock. That will extend your time between pump outs considerably.

Some places have pump out boats that will come to you. This is common in busy mooring fields or anchorages like those found in Florida. Some are provided by marinas, and others are done by local cities or counties. Interested in liveaboard marinas in Florida , visit our guide!

Living aboard doesn’t burn any engine fuel. And it’s usually easy to find gas or diesel fuel docks when traveling.

But you’ll also occasionally need cooking fuel, usually propane. You may also need fuel for your heaters during winter. Boat heaters work on diesel, propane, or solid fuels.

Finally, you’ll need a plan for groceries. For example, if you live at a dock at a marina, you might keep a car there and live like you would if you had an apartment. 

If you don’t have a car or are traveling, you will start looking for grocery stores near marinas. Walking distance becomes important, as do marina loaners cars or Uber.

You can make a lot of upgrades and modifications to make the boat you choose, but it’s not possible to fundamentally change the boat’s characteristics. If you’re thinking about living on a boat full time, you need to consider the living spaces and whether or not you and your family can comfortably live there.

Salon, Cockpit, and Staterooms

You’ll spend most of your time in the larger spaces, like the cockpit and salon. The cockpit is like the outdoor patio, and the salon is like your living room and dining room combined. Do these areas have enough space for everyone to lounge comfortably? What about regular everyday things like reading a book or watching the tv? 

Designers make boats comfortable and safe while boating, but it’s only recently that they’ve emphasized the livability aspect of their designs. As a result, many sailboats have small cockpits that are safe at sea but cramped for day-to-day life. Likewise, settees and lounges might not be engineered for comfort so much as use in rough seas. 

A common complaint that people have about boat life is the shape of the beds. Staterooms on small boats usually have v-berths, vee-shaped cushions in the bow. These can be very difficult to get in and out of, especially for couples. They nearly always involve getting trapped inside and having to climb over your partner to get out. Island berths, which stand in the center of the stateroom and can be accessed on either side, are a great upgrade. 

Galley and Head

And then there are the functional parts of the boat like the kitchen and bath (or the galley and head in boating terms). Kitchens will be much smaller than even efficiency apartments. Expect a simple gas range and small oven at the most. Some boats will have a microwave, but not all. Refrigerators are small, and on sailboats, they are often awkward top-loaders. The biggest problem you’ll find with most boat galleys is a lack of counter space and storage. 

The head is another place to analyze what living aboard would be like. Smaller boats have “wet heads.” That means that if you want to have a shower, you’ll sit on the toilet, and everything will get wet. The opposite of a wet head is a separate shower stall, which is a great upgrade if you are living aboard full time.

Pros and Cons of Life on a Sailboat

So now you’ve got some ideas about what makes up life on a sailboat—or at least a look at the variety and sorts of boats that you can liveaboard. What would make you want to take the plunge, and what would give you pause? Here are a few pros and cons to the liveaboard lifestyle.

Living on a sailboat provides an amount of freedom that people with houses can never know. Don’t like your neighbor? Change slips or move to a new marina. Sick of this town? You and your house can be in another state in a few days.

Not being tied down means you can organize your life to travel more. For example, if you aren’t tied to a local job, you could spend summers staying cool in New England and winters in Florida or The Bahamas. Or if you’re entirely untied, head off into the sunset for the Caribbean or an around the world cruise.

2. More Time On the Water

It only follows that you must like the water if you’re looking at boat life. Many people feel a special connection to nature from being near the sea, be it at the beach or on a boat. Boats provide you with endless million-dollar waterfront views that can change as much as you want to travel. You’ll enjoy your morning coffee with a whole new crowd—pelicans, dolphins, sea turtles, and manatees may be in your backyard every morning. 

3. Romantic, Slow Paced Travel

Even if you don’t cruise, there is a romantic connection to travel in every boat. Arriving in a new town by boat is unlike any other travel experience. Every town looks like the same strip malls and chain stores by car. But by boat, you can see towns like an explorer, viewing each historic waterfront and finding all the best dive bars and cruiser hangouts. 

With the right sailboat, you can travel nearly anywhere in the world. Some people dream of completing a circumnavigation, while others stick to seasonal cruising. Whatever your goal, sailboats might not be the fastest way to travel, but they are certainly the most romantic.

4. Small Space Simple Living

On the one hand, boats and RVs are the mobile equivalents of the tiny house. If the idea of downsizing your possessions and valuing experiences more than material goods appeals to you, living in the small space of a liveaboard boat might be right for you.

It might seem counterintuitive because boats are pretty complex and expensive items. But downsizing is a relative thing, and no matter how fancy the boat is, chances are the people living on it downsized their lives to get there. Boats themselves are complex, but they also prevent you from being burdened by many non-essentials.

5. Sailing Community

Finally, the sailing and boating community is full of interesting and fun people. Everywhere you go, you’ll meet boaters that come from a wide range of backgrounds who have similar interests to your own. The community is supportive and known for fun get-togethers over cocktails or pot-lucks.

1. Difficult to Find Liveaboard Marinas

If your goal is to live on a boat and stay in one place, you might find it’s hard to get a marina or anchorage that suits you. Marinas are businesses, and each one is operated to suit a particular crowd. Some welcome liveaboards while others do not. Sometimes it’s the marina policy, and other times it has to do with local city or state regulations. 

However, if you are traveling on your boat as a cruiser, you have little to worry about. Travelers and voyagers are always welcome, and transient slips at marinas for up to three months are usually readily available. 

2. Small Spaces

Wait, wasn’t “small living” a pro of living on a boat? It was, but it can suck too. Cramped spaces, storage limits, and small living get old and frustrating after a while. No matter how hard you try, you’ll wind up collecting too much stuff that you have no room to store. Downsizing is a process, not a one-time event when you live on a boat. 

And then, there are the problems that stem from sharing a small space with your partner or family. Boats offer very little in terms of private space. Even if you get off the boat everyday and travel, living together so closely for any length of time will test any relationship to the breaking point.

3. Constant Maintenance Costs and Fixing Things

Boats are constantly breaking. They float in an acidic solution 24/7, are subject to constant motion and vibration, and are full of explosive substances and toxic chemicals. Sometimes it seems like they are willfully trying to self-destruct and take you to the bottom of the ocean.

Of particular note regarding crew morale are those ever-constant maintenance issues related to the toilet plumbing. Marine heads stink—but literally (sometimes at least) and figuratively in their design and function. 

Engine problems are also a big concern, primarily for their expense. A new engine can easily cost more than you paid for the entire boat!

Repairs on boats slow down after the first year of ownership once you handle everything the vessel needs. But by then, your time will be full of preventative maintenance tasks to keep it all working well. As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

4. It’s Really Very Slow

If you’re buying a boat to travel, you might be shocked at how little traveling you can get done. Boats travel at the whim of the weather, which often means sitting in port and waiting for better conditions. There’s a lot more sitting and waiting than actually sailing. If you’re coming from the land-based road world, this is a stark contrast to hopping in your car and driving off whenever you feel like it. 

Even when you do travel, moving between five and seven miles per hour is slow. What can be done in one day in a car now takes you three to four 24-hour days of constant travel.

5. Sometimes, It’s the Worst

Maybe that’s mellow dramatic, but experienced sailors will understand the sentiment. But sometimes, it just seems like the weather or entire ocean is trying to kill you.

Then, there’s the constant inconvenience of it. Just getting a cold beer out of the fridge might involve clearing the countertop, opening the lid, taking out two top shelves, and leaning down at the very bottom to find the last bottle. Then, there are marina wifi problems, seasickness in rolly anchorages, and boat parts lost in the mail or stuck in customs. 

 Like many choices you make in life, living on a sailboat is not about the boat or the place. It’s all about your attitude. Is it an adventure or a nuisance? Of course, everyone experiences inconveniences once in a while, no matter where they live. But boats make everything seem more dramatic, causing you to doubt your choices at the first signs of discomfort.

It’s hard to describe both the pleasure and the dispair that living on a boat can provide. It’s been said that for every low-low, like a back-flowing toilet, there are high-highs, like the perfect sunset with dolphins dancing just for you. 

From my observations, most people who move aboard give it up after their second or third year. Unfortunately, many don’t make it past year one, which is always the hardest due to the steep learning curve. 

The best advice is to try sailboat life before you buy into it. Charter a boat or take some sailing lessons. Find friends with boats who will take you out and share their stories with you. Do research, go to boat shows, and try it out in any way you can before taking the plunge. And no matter what you do, remember to enjoy and savor the adventure!

Is living on a sailboat worth it?

I think so, and many others do too. But living on a sailboat is not for everyone. Boats range from luxurious yachts to cramped, floating tents. No matter what size boat you choose to live on, there will be times when you doubt that it’s worth it. 

All boats are cramped and uncomfortable at times. Life revolves around the weather, the boat, and staying safe. Sometimes it means getting out of bed at 2 am to move the boat in a storm, and sometimes it means not joining your friends at the beach party because something broke and you need to fix it. 

It’s impossible to answer whether or not living on a sailboat is worth it to you—only you can make that call. This is because sailboats offer not only a way to travel but a way to completely change your life. 

Can you legally live on a boat?

Yes, you absolutely can live on a boat. But depending on where you want to live, it can be challenging to find marinas or anchorages that will allow you to. There is nothing inherently illegal about living aboard a boat, but liveaboards are frowned on by many dockmasters and local governments. However, you can find liveaboard marinas, and many have lovely, welcoming communities of people who love their vessels, the water, and the sailing lifestyle.

Matt has been boating around Florida for over 25 years in everything from small powerboats to large cruising catamarans. He currently lives aboard a 38-foot Cabo Rico sailboat with his wife Lucy and adventure dog Chelsea. Together, they cruise between winters in The Bahamas and summers in the Chesapeake Bay.

10 Best Sailing YouTube Channels

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

June 15, 2022

If you've been planning to join the Big Blue for a sailing escapade, then you've probably watched and drawn inspiration from numerous sailing YouTube channels that are available on the web. But which are the best sailing YouTube channels? Well, let's find out.

There are a lot of pessimistic individuals out there who are probably trying to dismiss sailing YouTubers and the massive audiences as another ascendancy of what might be referred to as the "couch-potato" society. Whatever your opinion on this matter, we strongly believe that sailing YouTube channels is an excellent and modern way of exposing our beloved sport not just to sailors but to other people as well. And unless you've been living under a rock, you've probably heard or even watched several sailing YouTube channels. But which ones are the best of the bunch?

You probably do not have much time to go about research for the best sailing YouTube channels. For this reason, we've made it our duty to ravage through, do thorough research, and present you with the 10 best sailing YouTube channels. This means that you can now easily watch the glorious sailing lives that these YouTube sailors share with millions of viewers.

So if you want some inspiration or a way of learning a thing or two about sailing, you've come to the right place. These sailing YouTube channels are beautiful, fun, and will teach you a thing or two about sailing.

Table of contents

Sailing La Vagabonde

This is a sailing YouTube channel that's run by Australian video bloggers Riley Whitelum and Elayna Carausu. Founded in 2014 when the couple met in Greece, this sailing YouTube channel documents the couple's life aboard their sailing catamaran known as La Vagabonde.

This Australian couple has so far sailed over 90,000 nm across many oceans and is inspiring millions of viewers to explore living on the ocean as an alternative option. This lovely couple sustains its sailing lifestyle publishing weekly YouTube videos. Having received noteworthy media attention for sailing with Greta Thunberg from Virginia to Lisbon to raise awareness on Climate Change issues, the couple has attained patrons who are always willing to fund their travel and sailing expenses.

Onboard the La Vagabonde, they have established roles. Whitelum is tasked with taking care of boat maintenance and sailing logistics such as checking the weather and planning ahead of sailings while Carausu is tasked with cooking, cleaning, and editing the videos.

Subscribers: 1.47 million

• ‍ Spearfishing a Deserted Island! (Sailing La Vagabonde) - Ep. 12
• BOAT LIFE: Our Morning Routine Onboard
• Our Tiny Home on the Ocean
• Sailing Around the World (Sailing La Vagabonde) - Ep. 1 Intro & Sailing Turkey
• TIGER SHARKS surround our boat. WE SWIM WITH THEM! 🦈 Ep.197

Sailing SV Delos

When Brian Trautman bought a sailboat 2008, he had never envisioned that he would be so immersed in it that it would become his home; a part and parcel of his lifestyle. More than a decade later, this sailboat has covered more than 70,000nm, visited over 46 countries, and helped in creating more than 200 YouTube videos.

As one of the original and the best sailing YouTube channels, Sailing SV Delos has become a sensation among sailors as it documents the travels and adventures of a lovely crew aboard the sailing vessel, SV Delos. The crew often includes the boat owner Brian, his brother Brady, Brian's wife Karin Syren, and crew member Alex Blue. The team also invites crew members to help with sailing, boat maintenance, cleaning, and, of course, filming.

Sailing SV Delos has always kept it real and chronicled several ocean passages including some of the most challenging and intense weather conditions such as a severe lightning storm that the crew had to deal with on their way to Madagascar.

With his experience as a former electrical engineer, Brian Trautman has been able to make several improvements to the boat to ensure that they remain environment-friendly whenever they sail. The crew has also contributed to several philanthropic activities such as giving $50,000 to charities and contributing to restoration efforts in Dominica after the island was ravaged by Hurricane Maria.

Subscribers: 581K  

• ‍ Buzzed by the U.S. Coastguard Chopper
• How long can we survive out here?
• When STUFF BREAKS 😭 Middle of Nowhere
• Birth of the Two Titty Yacht Club!

Gone with the Wynns

If you want a sailing YouTube channel that offers an unscripted tale of an eccentric couple who left their everyday life to become perpetual travelers and experience whirlwind adventures, you've come to the right place. Known as Gone with the Wynns, this sailing YouTube channel chronicles the adventures of prominent travel vloggers Jason and Nikki Wynn.

The couple started by chronicling their travel adventures by buying an RV and undertook an epic road trip in search of endless exploration across the country. They went around North America and even trekked around Alaska and admit that they'd have stayed there forever had it not for the fact that they suffer from what they term as incurable sedentary life phobia.

The couple then decided to sail around the world and have been on a sailing voyage of more than 10,000nm. The couple has always been inspired by their unparalleled desire to explore, grow, learn, and share their travel experiences. To them, sailing is far more surreal as it's almost akin to exploring the world as it was done in the 1400s.

Subscribers: 333K

• ‍ Boat Tour - Custom Built Off-Grid Expedition Yacht
• First Impressions of Big Boat Life
• Daily Life aboard an Expedition Boat
• BIG BOAT LIFE & Diving Into The Surf
• SAILING THE WORLD WITH ONLY 6 MONTHS TO LIVE

Free Range Sailing

A lovely couple named Troy and Pascale, shares with the world their off-the-cuff voyage in remote Australia in their 30ft yacht named Mirrol. With their minimalist lifestyle, the couple has endeared itself to millions of viewers across the world who are always eager to see how they do more with less.

This couple has documented their simple life in some of the remotest locations in the world with the main aim of showing the rest of the world that self-sufficiency is the way of life. They show their viewers how to cruise around some of the remotest locations in Australia as they indulge in other activities such as fishing and adventure.

Subscribers: 92.5K

• We're Sailing to the Kimberley!
• LIFE ON A SMALL SAILBOAT Working, Cooking, Sailing & Exploring in our Tiny Home
• Finding Fish 🐠 🎣🐟: It's Easy When You Know How
• The Nude Latitude

RAN Sailing

If you've been looking for a sailing YouTube channel that has no fakery and no fuss, RAN Sailing is meant for you. This channel revolves around the incredible life of Johan Hammarlund and Malin Lof, an adventurous Swedish couple who were looking for a different and unique lifestyle.

Four years ago, the couple decided to sell everything they owned and set sail on its 1987 custom-built Beason aluminum sailboat. They've sailed to various destinations including their homeland of Sweden, Alaska, and Seattle. In 2019, the couple welcomed a daughter, bought a bigger boat, and continues sailing the world as a family.

They've also sailed the Pacific and have attracted even more fans across the world as they showcase an incredible Swedish lifestyle with no fuss. And despite the Coronavirus pandemic, they've assured their fans that they'll ensure that they never leave the couch as they set sail despite the current situation.

Subscribers: 103K

• The Beginning Of An Adventure
• Provisioning for an Ocean Crossing
• Drama Aboard a Swan 60
• A Crazy Or Perfect Boat? 6 Cabins In A 52 Ft Boat!
• Getting Boarded At Sea

Tula's Endless Summer

You've probably wondered whether it would be possible to bring your lovely pet to your sailing escapades. Well, a young couple known as Billy Swezey and Sierra Groth have been showing that it's possible and very inspiring thanks to their Tula's Endless Summer sailing YouTube channel.

Their sailing adventure started in 2013 when Billy bought a dilapidated boat in an abandoned boatyard in New York and set about restoring the boat. Billy, who describes himself as a water bug, then met the lovely Sierra in Florida. Since then the couple together with their dog, Jetty, have been inseparable as a Dream Team and have shown the world that taking up sailing as a lifestyle is very possible.

This lovely family has sailed in the Bahamas, the Caribbean, and other destinations on their Tula, as well as other boats. Bill describes himself as a jack of all trades who has been surfing, kiting, diving, paddling, and doing everything in the ocean. On the other hand, Sierra is a lovely girl who wishes she had the power of breathing underwater. And what about, Jetty the Gypsy? Well, this dog has seen and done a lot more than most people will ever do in their life.

In essence, Tula's Endless Summer is a superb sailing YouTube channel that vividly chronicles the life of a young and lovely couple going about their sailing escapades.

Subscribers: 132K

• CROSSING THE Gulf Stream To West End (Grand Bahama)
• How Much Does It Cost To Live On A Boat?
• First Time on an Electric Foil (We Brought Our Dog!)
• COAST GUARD INCIDENT..
• She Was FEEDING SHARKS!!!

Sailing Uma

Neither Dan Deckert nor Kika Mevs grow up sailing and never dreamt of buying a sailboat just to cruise around the world. But soon after graduating, this gorgeous couple founded a successful architectural design-consulting firm as a way of earning a living. Fortunately, Dan and Kika soon realized that the rat race wasn't their cup of tea. They both had dreams of traveling the world and seeing for themselves of the earth was a beautiful place. Again, they had been inspired when a friend advised them not to buy a couch!

Having realized that the conventional life wasn't meant for them, the couple bought a sailboat named UMA even though they didn't know anything about sailboats or sailing. They had to Google their way out and restored their lovely boat to their liking. They came up with a 5-year plan to learn step by step before sailing around the world. The plan was to start with a small boat and learn how to sail on a lake before getting a vessel that they could use for their offshore adventures.

Despite the steep learning curve, this lovely couple had solutions to many problems during their sailing escapades and now is showcasing their sailing escapes in one of the best sailing YouTube channels around. So far, they've visited 22 countries, covered 18,358 nautical miles, and have incredibly used zero gallons of diesel.

Subscribers: 254K

• Naked Night Dive + Exploring the Baths
• BOAT TOUR: The Modern Interior of our 50 yr old DREAM YACHT
• 5 Years Living offgrid on an ALL ELECTRIC Sailboat
• Biggest Waves We've Ever Seen — DAY 10 / North Atlantic Crossing
• HURRICANE SURVIVAL TACTICS (I Stayed on the boat)

Sailing Doodles

With one of the most-watched sailing YouTube channels on the internet, Bobby White and his partner Laura began their sailing escapades after Bobby suffered a medical scare in his late 30s. He was good-looking, had a flourishing career as a corporate pilot, flying the rich and famous around the world. He had suffered a stroke and his career was gone just like that!

After healing, Bobby sold everything he owned and bought a C&C 37-foot sailboat. Along with his two lovely dogs, he set sail from his native Texas to the Caribbean. He made the wise move to document his new life and that is how Sailing Doodles came to be. With his partner Laura, Bobby admits that chronicling their sailing journey on YouTube isn't as easy as many people think but it's certainly worth it to share and inspire others in a very cool way.

Subscribers: 289K  

• ‍ No Bikini Needed
• Sailing Miami Style
• Beautiful Skipper - Sailing from Phuket
• Who Needs Clothes on a Private Island?
• Group Shower on the Isle of Capri

Whitespot Pirates

Who said that sailing was only a man's stuff? Well, if you've been thinking so, you might want to have a second thought. Nike Steiger has been inspiring girls all over the world to take up sailing. Through her Whitespot Pirates YouTube channel, she's been documenting her solo-sailing escapades after she bought an abandoned boat in Panama.

For the last 6 years, she's been sharing unscripted videos of her voyages in her 30-foot aluminum boat named Karl. In addition to keeping it real with her adoring viewers, she's comprehensively detailed the wonderful highs and cyclonic lows of her sailing life. To top it all, this is an award-winning YouTube channel that documents Nike's astonishing voyages.

Subscribers: 79.6K  

• UNTIE THE LINES - A Weekly Solo Sailing Documentary
• Crash! Boom! Bang! - UNTIE THE LINES IV
• The Sailboat I bought is a COMPLETE DISASTER!
• Arriving In PARADISE With My Sailboat. A DREAM come true!
• Solo Sailing Cuba: I Am Not Allowed To Go Ashore

It takes a lot of guts to sell all your possessions and begin sailing around the world. While many couples cannot even contemplate taking such an action, it's exactly what Matt and Jessica Johnson did as soon as they realized that their life had become boring as a result of spending a lot of time in front of the TV.

But instead of taking up yoga or exercising, they decided to make a radical change by selling everything they had in their possession and began sailing around the world. Today, MJ Sailing is one of the most popular sailing YouTube Channels. This is a couple who left everything including their careers and took up a great hobby without ever regretting it.

Subscribers: 125K

• Our Engine Has Been Still for 10+ Years ... Will It Start?
• A Tour Of The Boat Graveyard
• Our Bank Account After 5 Years of Cruising & a Refit
• Our Thoughts on Going Bare
• Exploring the NUDE BEACH of St. Barth's!

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Truly Rowable Camping Sailboat

Discussion in ' Sailboats ' started by Admiral Ackbar , May 12, 2012 .

Admiral Ackbar Amphibian

Hi all, I am a longtime lurker, first time poster (thanks for many hours of informative entertainment as well as some truly epic squabbles). I'm looking for a sailboat for me and the misses to use without an engine on the Maine Islands Trail, the Great Lakes, etc., but I keep hitting a dead end. No Atlantic crossings with this one, but it will occasionally be used in some semi-unprotected waters by a semi-novice crew as a camp-cruiser. So, the issue for me has been finding the balance between a stable, ballasted, sailboat and a boat that can be rowed rather than motored for exercise/torture or when coming into port. I'm looking for as much of the following as possible: 1) Ballasted but light enough to row--probably some type of water ballast 2) 16 to 20 feet give or take a foot or two 3) Readily available on the used market for under $7K (i.e. a production boat) 4) Capable of sleeping two onboard with some degree of comfort 5) Preferably something with a headsail (mostly for practice as we would like to step up to a cutter someday) 6) Some sort of a cuddy or cabin would be great, but I'm also realistic in knowing the options will be limited if I also intend to row the thing sometimes The Sea Pearl 21 comes close, but I hate the rig and it will be tough for two to sleep onboard. Something like the Mud Hen 17 could work (maybe fill sand bags for ballast when needed), but it's pretty pricy on the used market for what it is. Any other ideas? Thanks, Eric  

Oh yeah . . . and an appropriate amount of built-in floatation is pretty much a must-have (yet oddly enough doesn't seem to be too easy to find).  

CutOnce Previous Member

I'd contact Graham Byrnes at B&B Yacht Designs - he specialises in your target usage. Since you are looking for a bargain, he might be able to point you to a used boat or a demo boat looking for a home. -- CutOnce  

bpw Senior Member

I have seen people rowing West Wight potters, seemed to go pretty well. Its amazing what you can row once up to speed, I regularly scull my 12,000 sailboat around.  

sharpii2 Senior Member

for around 7k you might have to either build your own boat or retro fit an older existing boat. A 'weekender' type sailboat, about 14 to 18 ft long, with a cuddy cabin and a 'V' berth might meet your needs. Most have a 3/4 fractional rig which, with some ingenuity, can be raised and lowered even after the boat is launched. I used to routinely raise and lower the mast of my Siren 17, while it was in the water. With such a boat, your only job would be setting up a passable rowing station. I like the idea of a short sweep. This is a single oar that goes over one side and is kept quite short, to keep the boat turning moment down. The sweep must be used with the rudder and its efficiency is probably somewhere between that of a paddle and a proper set of oars. The advantage is the shorter sweep will be much easier to stow than a yulow or a proper set of much longer oars.  

oops. wrong button.  

Thank you all. I am looking a little more seriously at the Potter 15. It's not really ballasted other than the CB, but should be stable enough for its intended purpose. Potter owners have come up with some unique rowing stations for them, and I've read that they are actually pretty enjoyable to row. Plus, it doesn't hurt that they're available and inexpensive on the used market.  

DCockey Senior Member

Admiral Ackbar said: ↑ Hi all, I am a longtime lurker, first time poster (thanks for many hours of informative entertainment as well as some truly epic squabbles). I'm looking for a sailboat for me and the misses to use without an engine on the Maine Islands Trail, the Great Lakes, etc., but I keep hitting a dead end. No Atlantic crossings with this one, but it will occasionally be used in some semi-unprotected waters by a semi-novice crew as a camp-cruiser. So, the issue for me has been finding the balance between a stable, ballasted, sailboat and a boat that can be rowed rather than motored for exercise/torture or when coming into port. I'm looking for as much of the following as possible: 1) Ballasted but light enough to row--probably some type of water ballast 2) 16 to 20 feet give or take a foot or two 3) Readily available on the used market for under $7K (i.e. a production boat) 4) Capable of sleeping two onboard with some degree of comfort 5) Preferably something with a headsail (mostly for practice as we would like to step up to a cutter someday) 6) Some sort of a cuddy or cabin would be great, but I'm also realistic in knowing the options will be limited if I also intend to row the thing sometimes The Sea Pearl 21 comes close, but I hate the rig and it will be tough for two to sleep onboard. Something like the Mud Hen 17 could work (maybe fill sand bags for ballast when needed), but it's pretty pricy on the used market for what it is. Any other ideas? Thanks, Eric Click to expand...

DCockey said: ↑ Sleeping two onboard with some degree of comfort depends on: 1) Your personal definition of comfort. 2) Size of the people involved. 3) How much room each person needs around themselves. Think about how you will actually use the boat. If you will be sleeping aboard then where will you put the gear, etc that normally occupies the space used for sleeping? If you want water ballast consider modifying a boat to add it. For Maine Island Trail you either want a boat small and light enough to pull ashore or a boat you can sleep aboard. In some parts of the country there are a reasonable number of O'Day Daysailors on the used market. Consider a yuloh or single oar off the stern for sculling. Click to expand...

Admiral Ackbar said: ↑ That said, I'm starting to lean towards a cabin-type boat such as a Potter 15, Montgomery 15 or 17, Com-Pac 16, etc. as a logical stepping stone towards getting a big cutter someday. I had some major reservations about how tough these would be to row, but reading about Larry Pardey's experiences rowing 9 tons plus at 2 knots put my fears to bed. Surely I can row against a reasonable current in something 1/10th that size. Some good reading: http://byyb.org/gaffrig/200510/article larry pardey.htm Click to expand...

Interesting comments Cut Once. But both of those designs are raid boats. They are intended to be sailed along shore in sometimes challenging conditions. The Potter, and others of its ilk (such as the Siren 17 I used to own) have greater blue water pretensions. Using them as a day sailor is bound to disappoint. But using them as a training boat for a larger real blue water boat, makes a certain amount of sense, even after you factor in the faults you mentioned. The Siren 17, I used to own, for example, could sail at a consistent 5.5 kts, once I learned her ways and got her a drifter. The trimming problem you mentioned, I did experience. Once I got her to steer herself, I often went below to pee. I found she seemed to sail faster then. As a training boat for future blue water cruises, she may not have been too bad. If I had a significant other, at the time, who was into this, I would have set up a watch system, where one tends the boat while the other rests below. This way, the boat can sail 24 hours for an indefinite period of time. Perfect for training for future blue water voyages in more capable boats. Certainly, you can do the same with a larger raid style boat, and go faster too. But its not the same as having to work around a house, traversing narrow side decks, and having to sail your way out of trouble (the auxiliary is all but useless in anything but a dead calm). All are skills one must master, if one is to make a blue water voyage one a typical blue water capable monohull. It's interesting to note that Thom Firth Jones and his wife started cruising in raid style boats (a Hobie Cat and a sailing canoe), then went on to cruising multihulls, making a good number of nearly routine blue water voyages in them. But I think they would be first to admit that, for much longer voyages (further than Bermuda, say), they would need either a larger multihull (theirs were usually in the under 30 ft range) or a much pokier monohull.  

philSweet Senior Member

I wouldn't worry too much about trying to prepare for a future keel boat and do motorless cruising now. That's kind of a non-sequitur. If you want a starter keelboat cruiser, then get a small one with all the features/hassles and learn to deal with them on a small, inexpensive scale. You can choose from thousands of 26-28 auxiliary keelboats for under $5000 at the moment. 26-28 foot is a bit awkward because it's too small to carry a dink and too big to beach, but it will carry a small kayak okay. If you want to set one up just as you stated, I think a modified Core 17 would be very good. A bit of water ballast, more flare (smaller beam at WL), and mods to accommodate rowing. Generally depower the rig and lower hull resistance and make the power disparity between sail and oar somewhat smaller. The foils on all B&B's boats look to be a bit small to my eye. I wouldn't make them any smaller when I lessened the rig. And for crying out loud, use a half-wishbone for the sprits, not a closet pole. There seems to be a good bit of interest in this spurred on by the Everglades Challenge. I'm fiddling around with something similar at the moment as well.  

messabout Senior Member

Consider something like a Lightning or Thistle that is depowered. There are plenty of them around that can be bought cheaply enough. A few years back I bought a dereliict Thistle for $75. I depowered it with a free standing rig from a Finn, removed the characteristic Thistle gratings and some of the un needed gadgetry. It made a superior beach cruiser with enough interior space, rough water ability, a good turn of speed, easily trailerable, and it was a great gunk holer that could float in eight inches of water. I never rowed it but it would scoot along nicely with a sculling oar.  

Squidly-Diddly Senior Member

I had a thread about similar size multi-use boat, but mine was more of a motor sailer. Like a "lobster dory". I'll try to dig it up later. Here it is.... http://www.boatdesign.net/forums/bo...5hp-outboard-planing-sailing-dingy-39732.html I was thinking mostly using sail for tent for most camping, or using the micro-cuddy. More of a utility/work/hunting-fishing boat.  

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scoob Junior Member

Admiral Ackbar: have you looked at the SCAMP (small craft advisor magazine project)? http://smallcraftadvisor.com/component/content/article/361 she is a John Welsford design with some additions by Kees Prins. her sailing ability is amazing. she is stable and faster than you would think. i've sailed the boat and am very impressed. intentional, under sail, capsize test - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRZNWAkdkXM (notice how hard it is to get the boat to go over) this is an at the dock capsize test without the water ballast tank filled - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=du9lvJNVqnk the person doing the testing is Howard Rice. he is a life-long sailor, mostly in sailing ocean kayaks. Howard has rounded Cape Horn, twice, on a kayak. besides the 'build it yourself' kit, or from plans, available from Small Craft Advisor, Gig Harbor Boatworks is making a fiberglass SCAMP. -- you can find a good quality M15 or M17 on the used market for about $5000. price goes down depending on condition, outboard, trailer, etc. the M17 is a better boat, cabin wise, than the M15 for two people ... mainly because there is just enough sitting headroom on the quarter berths (need the two quarter berth version for two to sit below, not the galley version). the M17's weight is 1600# (if built by Jerry Montgomery) before you load people and stuff. the M15 is much lighter, about 800# if built by Jerry Montgomery, has a more comfortable v-berth and porta-potti setup than the M17 (no compression post), but no sitting headroom. the M15 also has positive flotation. i know some people that have tried to set up a rowing station or sculling oar on the M17 and M15 ... most never use the option after trying it once. most use a 2HP outboard on the M15 and a 4 or 5 HP outboard on the M17. -- there is also a new Jerry Montgomery design available ... no used boats on the market yet ... the Sage 17. Sage 17 is 1300#, has positive flotation (option), and has sitting headroom cabin for two on two seats and a compression post free v-berth. --  

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