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Life on a Sailboat: Everything You Need to Know About Living on a Sailboat Full-Time

Living on a sailboat full-time is often romanticized as a life of endless sunsets, gentle waves, and freedom on the open sea. Many dream of casting off the lines and setting sail for a horizon of adventure and tranquility. However, the reality of life aboard a sailboat can be as challenging as it is rewarding, as frustrating as it is relaxing, and, more often than not, as mundane as it is exciting.

This blog post aims to peel back the curtain on the picturesque scenes to reveal what daily life is really like when you call a sailboat home. We will dive into the motivations, preparations, joys, and challenges of living on a sailboat full-time, providing a realistic glimpse into a lifestyle that is far from ordinary.

Our Live-Aboard Life

Our dream of living on a sailboat was a distant one for many years. But as we watched plans and dreams fall by the wayside in the wake of COVID, we made the decision to make our dream a reality. Once the borders opened up, we made a beeline for the Mediterranean and have since spent each summer living aboard our little 29-foot sailboat Whisper. Without any experience sailing or living on a sailboat, we have taught ourselves to sail and manage life on the boat along the way.

Before we took up sail life, we had been living “van life,” and we’ve come to realize there are lots of similarities but quite a few differences between the two . However, on the whole, learning to live van life first put us in good stead to take on life on a sailboat. Unlike most people, we up-sized when we moved onto a boat.

Despite the upgrade in living quarters, the learning curve and the adjustment to living on the sea were no less challenging. Nevertheless, the shift was not as scary as we thought it might be, and the reality of living on a sailboat full-time quickly became our new normal.

Initially, our plan was to buy a boat and spend one season aboard sailing the Mediterranean before selling the boat and settling down. Instead, it’s safe to say we have fallen in love with life on a sailboat. Now, as we enter our third season, we aren’t sure when we will be ready to furl the sails for good…

Get a Taste of Life on a SailBoat

We document some of the realities of living on a sailboat full-time on our YouTube Channel in our The Vanabond Sails series.

Deciding to Live on a Sailboat

The journey to becoming a full-time live aboard often starts with the desire for change.

Some people are transitioning from one stage of life to the next as careers wind up or children move out. Some yearn for adventure and excitement, while others seek a simpler way of life. Many are drawn to the promise of freedom, the allure of the sea, and the appeal of living more closely with nature. However, the decision to live on a sailboat full-time is not one to be taken lightly. It requires thoughtful consideration and planning.

For us, it was a long-held dream to sail and live aboard a sailboat. It was also a natural progression, having spent several years living and traveling by van . We were ready for a new challenge. 

It began with a conversation, then a plan, and then trawling classifieds for second-hand boat sales. Before long, the decision was set in stone, and we were on our way to Croatia to buy a boat , learn to sail it, and move aboard. 

Choosing the Right Sailboat

The type of sailboat you choose is critical and depends on your budget, sailing skills, and the kind of sailing you plan to do (coastal cruising, bluewater voyaging, etc.).

Will you prefer the size and stability of a catamaran, or will you prioritize the sailing experience of a monohull? Are you looking for something small that’s easily controlled and maneuvered by a limited (and potentially inexperienced) crew, or do you require the space of a larger vessel? Are you interested in the clean lines and comforts of modern boat designs, or do you prefer the style of older boats? There are a thousand decisions to be made when choosing a boat, and your own aspirations for boat life and, of course, your budget will be critical when it comes to making this decision. 

Spend as much time researching boats that are available in your price range, ask questions of sailors you know or on sailing forums, and, if possible, spend time aboard different types of sailboats to get a clearer picture of what life is really like on board before making a purchase.

Check out our full article on buying boat .

Emotional and Practical Considerations for Sail Life

Living on a sailboat means embracing minimalism and being comfortable with the idea of having less space and possessions.

You’ll need to consider the impact of such a lifestyle on relationships with family and friends, as it can mean spending long periods away from loved ones.

The decision also involves considering how to manage work or income while living at sea , which might include remote work, seasonal jobs, or living off savings.

There are plenty of options for those planning on working remotely while sailing. With the rise of remote work , there has never been more opportunity to work and sail.

All of these considerations represent potential challenges to adjusting to life at sea, but they are certainly not insurmountable. You just need to be honest with yourself and decide if your love of the open water and the freedom of living aboard a sailboat will be greater than the inconveniences.

Preparations and Adjustments

Transitioning to life on a sailboat involves a series of preparations and adjustments, both practical and psychological, to ensure a smooth and sustainable living experience.

Training and Skills

If you are thinking about taking up sailing, you should, of course, invest time in learning to sail, navigate, and understand weather patterns. While this may seem like a daunting task, it’s not an insurmountable one. Time on the water is the most important thing, so it’s time to sign up for sailing courses, start planning trips with sailing friends, join a local sailing club, or seek out opportunities to crew for other sailors.

Learning basic boat maintenance and repair is essential to manage the myriad challenges that come with life at sea.

Safety courses, such as first aid, sea survival, and radio operation, are also crucial for handling emergencies.

These skills are important for safe and comfortable sailing and are often legally required. Make sure you are aware of the licensing and registration requirements for sailors in the region you are preparing to sail.

In our case, I had experience sailing small dinghies as a child and thus some understanding of the fundamentals, while Kelli had zero experience. My existing marine license issued in Australia was recognized in Croatia, where we bought our boat. I only needed to acquire a VHF radio license to become adequately certified for inshore sailing in the Mediterranean. 

We paid some local sailors to come aboard and teach us both the fundamentals of our new boat (lots of docking and anchoring practice).

Downsizing and Adapting to Limited Space and Resources

As mentioned, moving onto a boat was actually upsizing for us. With a second cabin, a flushing toilet, and a large indoor table, our relatively small 29-foot monohull seemed luxurious compared to the vans we had been living in until this point. 

However, for most, moving onto a sailboat often means significant downsizing, and space becomes a premium commodity. The process of downsizing for sail life involves prioritizing essential items and learning to live without the comforts of a traditional home.

Space isn’t the only limitation on a boat. Reliance on water tanks (if you don’t have a watermaker) and solar, wind, or generator electricity often means a downshift in access to creature comforts we take for granted in a house on the grid.

Creativity in organizing and making the most of limited space and resources becomes a daily practice, requiring innovative storage solutions and multi-functional furniture. Most modern sailboats are well-designed with endless space-saving measures and designs. Nevertheless, an adjustment will likely be necessary.

Financial Planning

Financial considerations are paramount, as the cost of living on a sailboat can vary widely depending on factors like marina fees, maintenance costs, and lifestyle choices.

Setting a realistic budget that includes regular maintenance, unexpected repairs, and living expenses is essential for sustaining life at sea.

Depending on your personal aspirations for boat life, this lifestyle can be as affordable or as expensive as you want to be. For us, as a couple in our thirties still in the building and saving part of our lives and careers, we are able to live on a boat in the Mediterranean affordably and comfortably for far less than we (estimate) we would spend living a more stationary lifestyle.

Check out our full article on the Costs of Living on Sail Boat Full-Time

Overall, adjusting to the confines and challenges of sailboat living demands not only physical preparation but also mental resilience and adaptability. The transition from land to sea is a profound shift, requiring a willingness to embrace simplicity, flexibility, and a sense of adventure.

Daily Life Aboard

While there is no typical day aboard, and experiences will differ wildly from person to person and day to day, we can describe what many of our days do look like.

As we work from the boat, our weeks are generally divided into work days, Monday to Friday morning and weekends. The truth is that the novelty does wear off, and many days, especially during the working week, become just as mundane as any other lifestyle. However it never stays mundane for long, one exhilarating sail, a dolphin sighting, a picture perfect anchorage or even surviving an impromptu weather event and the thrill of living on a sailboat quickly returns.

A typical workday for us living on a sailboat often starts with the sunrise (or a little bit before if we have a lot on). Ideally, we are well rested after a still night without rolling swell or, worse, strong wind, but that isn’t always assured at sea. Mornings involve checking the weather first and foremost, all plans revolve around the direction and strength of the wind and waves. 

If the weather is calm, we usually try to work in the mornings when we are fresh and focused.

We travel slowly, often spending a few days in a quiet, well-protected anchorage, on a town quay, or in a marina before moving on a short distance along the coast. On sailing days, we often sail in the afternoon when the winds are a bit stronger in the Mediterranean. On days we are staying put, the afternoon might be spent exploring a new town, getting provisions, swimming, or finding a beach to lie on and read a book. In the evening, we will cook dinner onboard and get some more work done or watch some TV. 

Weekends look different, and we will take advantage of not needing to be close to reliable network services, completing longer passages along the coast, or visiting islands. 

Daily Differences in Sail Life

Living spaces on a sailboat are compact and multifunctional, necessitating an organized and tidy approach to prevent clutter and ensure safety. Cooking in a small galley kitchen presents its challenges, from securing pots and pans on a constantly moving boat to managing limited ingredients and storage.

Meals often need to be simple yet nutritious, requiring creativity and planning. Our approach is to cook simple, one-pot, vegetarian meals like dal or vegetable curry two or three times during the workweek and eat leftovers for lunch and dinner. On the weekend, we like to get more creative with our meals, seeking out local produce or fresh seafood and taking our time to prepare something special.

As mentioned, resource management is a critical aspect of daily sailboat life, especially when it comes to conserving water, fuel, and electricity. Efficient use of these resources is vital, whether it involves careful water usage, monitoring power consumption, or planning the next opportunity to resupply. For us, an electricity supply is mainly dependent on the sun when we are not under motor or plugged into shore power. Extended periods of cloud can alter our plans. Similarly, if we are not careful with water, more frequent visits to refill are required, which can be limiting. 

Personal hygiene and privacy take on a new meaning in the confined space of a sailboat. Showers may be quick and infrequent. In our case, we generally rinse off after a swim to bathe and take proper showers during marina stops. Personal space is limited on a sailboat and managing personal relationships can have extra challenges.

Sleeping on the boat can take some getting used to, especially when on anchor. Even on a calm day, the constant rocking of the water can be disruptive at first, and novice sailors may find they get seasick, although these symptoms usually go away after a few days. When it’s windy, or there is some swell, the noise, movement, and the ever-present worry that the boat may pull off its anchor with the movement can make it very difficult to get a good night’s sleep. 

Unforecast storms, gear failure, or some other emergency can occasionally create scary and challenging scenarios, especially if disaster strikes late at night. These situations are part of the adventure but can certainly be stressful.

Despite the challenges, daily life on a sailboat is interspersed with moments of profound beauty and peace. Whether watching dolphins play in the bow wave, enjoying a sunset over the ocean, or stargazing on a clear night, these experiences often make the hardships worthwhile, offering a sense of freedom and connection to nature that is hard to find elsewhere.

The Pros and Cons of Living on a Sailboat Full-Time

Pros: the joys of sailboat living.

Living on a sailboat brings a unique set of joys and rewards that can make the challenges seem insignificant.

+ One of the most significant benefits is the sense of freedom and adventure. Sailboat dwellers have the luxury of exploring new destinations, anchoring in secluded bays, and experiencing different cultures in a way that most people never will. The ability to call a variety of picturesque locations home, even if only temporarily, is a remarkable aspect of this lifestyle. Even compared to other forms of nomadic lifestyle, waking up in your own private bay or cove is hard to re-create. 

+ The connection with nature is unparalleled in sailboat living. Being surrounded by the vastness of the ocean, witnessing marine life up close, and experiencing the rhythms of the sea create a deep sense of harmony and peace. The simplicity of life on a boat can lead to a greater appreciation for the small things, like the beauty of a sunset, the changing colors of the sea, or the silence of a night watch under the stars.

+ Community and camaraderie are also central to the sailboat lifestyle. The sailing community is known for its close-knit, supportive nature, with fellow sailors often ready to lend a hand, share advice, or offer companionship. This sense of community extends across harbors and anchorages around the world, creating a global network of friends and contacts.

+ The personal growth and self-reliance developed through sailboat living are profound. Navigating the challenges and unpredictability of the sea fosters resilience, problem-solving skills, and a strong sense of self-confidence. The lifestyle encourages continuous learning, from mastering sailing and navigational skills to understanding weather patterns and marine ecosystems.

The Cons: The Challenges and Hardships of Liveaboard Life

While the joys of living on a sailboat are plentiful, the lifestyle also comes with its fair share of challenges and hardships. These difficulties test the resilience and adaptability of those who choose this way of life.

– One of the most significant challenges is dealing with bad weather. Storms, high winds, and rough seas can be terrifying and dangerous, requiring skill, experience (which you can only get by …experiencing it), and a calm demeanor to navigate safely (perhaps the trickiest thing to achieve). The stress from poor weather can be mentally draining, disrupt work, and put a strain on relationships.

– The learning curve required to become a confident and comfortable sailor is not small and can take many seasons while mastering sailing can take a lifetime.

– The constant exposure to the elements also means that maintenance is a never-ending task, with saltwater and sun causing wear and tear that must be regularly addressed to keep the boat functional and safe. Especially on an older boat like ours, fixing and maintaining gear and rigging is an endless cycle. Most systems and hardware on the boat are essential, and when they fail, there is often no one around to help. Constantly sorting out jammed anchors, engine or electrical issues can quickly become tiresome and (if you are trying to work) quite disruptive. It can also be quite stressful when critical systems fail.

– Isolation is another aspect of sailboat living that can be challenging. Long periods at sea or anchored in remote locations can lead to feelings of loneliness and disconnection from land-based communities. The confined space of a sailboat can strain relationships, making it essential for the crew, be it a couple, a family, or friends, to communicate effectively and give each other personal space.

– The financial aspect of sailboat living can also be a hardship. Unexpected repairs and maintenance can quickly drain savings, and the cost of mooring, fuel, and supplies can add up. Sailors must be adept at budgeting and often need to be resourceful in finding ways to sustain their lifestyle, which might include picking up temporary jobs or remote work.

– The physical demands of managing a sailboat should not be underestimated. It requires strength, stamina, and a willingness to tackle everything from sail repairs to engine troubleshooting. The learning curve can be steep, and the responsibility of keeping the boat and its occupants safe is a constant pressure.

Despite these challenges, many sailboat dwellers find that the hardships are part of what makes the lifestyle rewarding. Overcoming difficulties and learning to live in harmony with the sea can provide a profound sense of achievement and satisfaction.

Final Thoughts About Life on a Sailboat

Living on a sailboat full-time is a journey that encompasses the full spectrum of human experience, blending moments of sheer joy and beauty with times of challenge and adversity. It’s a lifestyle that demands resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace the unknown. While the romantic allure of sailing the high seas is undeniable, the realities of daily life on a sailboat are grounded in practical challenges and the necessity of continual learning and personal growth.

The decision to live on a sailboat should not be made lightly, as it involves significant changes in lifestyle, mindset, and social dynamics. However, for those who choose to embark on this adventure, it offers unparalleled opportunities for freedom, exploration, and connection with nature. The hardships encountered along the way are not just obstacles but also catalysts for growth, leading to a deeper understanding of oneself and the world.

If you have a question about living on a sailboat full-time, let us know in the comments below or shoot us an email anytime!

Fair winds and following seas!

In 2016, I had been dumped by my girlfriend, fired from my job, and the lease on my house was running out. Facing moving back in with my parents, 26, jobless and alone I decided to listen to the message the universe was trying to send me. I took off on my first solo backpacking trip, with a one-way ticket to Bangkok and a well-thumbed Lonely Planet guide. From there I wandered Southeast and Central Asia, traveled the Great Steppe, and made my way across Russia and throughout Europe.

In Estonia I met Kelli, who, despite having a less frantic travel style, shared my my restless spirit and passion for exploration. Together, we embarked on a new journey, van life. Over four years we travelled across three different continents with three different vans.

In 2022, as the world began to re-open post COVID we took an opportunity to realise a long held dream, to live aboard a sailboat. Since then we have spent two summers in the Mediterranean, sailing and living aboard our little sail boat Whisper. When we aren't sailing we continue to live our nomadic lifestyle, guided by a philosophy of slow travel and self directed adventure be it by van or backpacking.

We find excitement through our journey into the unknown, stillness and content in the beauty of the places we discover and we find ourselves in the vastness of our world.

Hopefully, we can help you find what you're looking for too. Get lost with us and find your own path.

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15 Best Sailing YouTube Channels and Popular Sailing Vlogs

Are you dreaming of setting sail around the world? Does it feel far-fetched – like you’ll never see it become a reality?

Have no fear! On this list of YouTube sailing channels, you’ll find a lot of folks who started out dreaming of this crazy lifestyle too.

From the big challenges of moving aboard to sailing to exotic locations, we’re rounding up the best sailing YouTube channels offering firsthand insight into this adventurous lifestyle.

Sailing can be a great way to live minimally while traveling the world, and these top sailing channels will show you what it’s really like to live the dream on the water (both the good, the bad, and the boat projects).

So here are the best YouTube sailing channels and vlogs for inspiration to toss conventional living out the window and start planning your life on the open seas.

In no particular order, let’s dive in!

1. Sailing SV Delos

Subscribers: 833K+

On YouTube Since: May 17, 2007

The oldest channel on this list, the captain and crew of SV Delos are considered the OGs of sailing YouTube videos.

Brian Trautman, the owner and captain of SV Delos, purchased his 2000 Amel Super Maramu 53 in 2009. Shortly after leaving his job as a software engineer in Seattle, Brian began his liveaboard adventure bringing his brother Brady along for the ride. 

While sailing in New Zealand, they welcomed additional crew members, including Brian’s now-wife Karin (or Kazza), who was backpacking through the country at the time.

Delos has seen a revolving door of guest crew members over the years, some of whom have become long-term fixtures. The crew’s Indian Ocean crossing in 2016 and 2017 holds a special place in the hearts of Delos enthusiasts.

Since those early days, Brian and Karin have tied the knot and welcomed their daughter, Sierra, who now completes their trio as they sail back across the Pacific in 2023.

HIGHLIGHTS:  Having initiated their filming endeavor in 2009, SV Delos has chronicled an incredible journey spanning over 70,000 nautical miles and amassing an astonishing 220 million video views. In 2022, Brian accomplished a remarkable 13-year circumnavigation aboard Delos.

Sailing SV Delos  is more than just a YouTube channel. Through their cinematic storytelling, the crew of SV Delos has inspired countless people worldwide, igniting the flame of wanderlust and encouraging them to embrace the vastness of the open sea and the beauty of the world beyond the horizon.

THIS CHANNEL IS FOR YOU IF: Delos has inspired so many sailors and non-sailors alike. If there’s one sailing YouTube channel you choose to binge-watch – make it this one.

2. sailing la vagabonde.

Subscribers: 1.85M+

On YouTube Since: Oct. 25, 2014

Sailing La Vagabonde , the top sailing channel on YouTube, is made up of the Australian couple Riley and Elyna and their two boys, who they’re raising onboard. 

Elyna met Riley in Greece shortly after he bought his first monohull sailboat, and they have been sailing all over the world and documenting their adventures on La Vagabonde ever since.

These sailors’ charisma and easygoing nature make them enjoyable to watch, and their videos are often funny and informative. 

This crew is quite famous in the sailing community, and they’ve even given Greta Thunberg a lift across the Atlantic Ocean.

The La Vagabonde crew has sailed all over the world – first on their Beneteau Cyclades sailboat, then on a new Outremer catamaran.

HIGHLIGHTS:  Most recently, this crew has been awaiting the build of their new Rapido Trimaran 60.

Whether you’re interested in learning more about liveaboard sailing or simply looking for some delightful entertainment, Sailing La Vagabonde is definitely worth a watch.

Other Endeavors

• Elyna and Riley recently launched Vagabonde Adventures , a sailing instruction charter company where you can learn to sail and even get ASA certified on a performance catamaran.
• Elyna also has her own sustainable swimwear line, Vaga Bella Swim , where most of the proceeds go to charity.

THIS CHANNEL IS FOR YOU IF: This couple tackles everything head-on. If you want to see what it’s like to sail in 60-knot winds in the Atlantic, swim with tiger sharks, or raise two kids onboard – this channel is for you!

3. gone with the wynns.

Subscribers: 544K+

On YouTube Since: Sep. 25, 2010

Jason and Nikki Wynn are an American couple from Texas with an insatiable thirst for adventure. 

They started their journey trekking across the US in an RV. After over five years of exploring North America, they traded their wheels for keels without  any prior sailing experience . 

They purchased a Leopard 43 sailing catamaran in Florida in 2016 and sailed it for approximately a year around the Bahamas while they got their sealegs.

Then they made plans to transit the Panama Canal and cross the Pacific Ocean to head toward Australia.

Through their captivating vlogs, Jason and Nikki share the magic of their experiences, both exploring new cultures and new island adventures above and below the water.

HIGHLIGHTS: In June of 2022, the Wynns started the process of purchasing their new HH Catamaran, featuring an electric/diesel hybrid system.

After selling their Leopard cat in New Zealand, these crazy adventurers couldn’t pass up the opportunity to explore Asia by land while awaiting the splash day of their new sailing vessel!

Gone with the Wynns is a YouTube channel that is definitely binge-worthy if you are interested in living aboard with minimal sailing experience.

As seasoned travelers, the Wynns offer valuable insights into the practical aspects of both RV and sailboat living , and we’re here to soak up their knowledge and enjoy the ride on land and water!

THIS CHANNEL IS FOR YOU IF: You want to liveaboard with no sailing experience (it can be done)! If you’re seeking to transition from RV life to boat life, you’ll find the past videos of the Wynns channel inspirational and informative.

4. tula’s endless summer.

Subscribers: 212K+

On YouTube Since: Nov. 15, 2011

Sierra and Billy of Tula’s Endless Summer are two wandering souls who have traveled around on everything from a 1988 catamaran to a 4X4 truck camper.

Accompanied by their adorable pup Jetty, Sierra and Billy embark on liveaboard boating adventures where they can be frequently spotted catching their own dinner (lobsters, fish, clams, etc.) or entertaining themselves with various water activities.

These sailors are not scared of project boats and are always up for a new challenging adventure.

HIGHLIGHTS: They spent 2021 and 2022 rebuilding a trawler they bought for $100 to cruise the pacific northwest while awaiting the delivery of their new catamaran.

In the summer of 2023, they finally received their new cruising catamaran, a Seawind 1170, and are jumping back into documenting their sailing adventure onboard as they head toward the Carribean.

THIS CHANNEL IS FOR YOU IF: Aside from the incredible liveaboard inspiration, this is a great channel if you’re looking for sailing tips, boat work hacks, or want to see how to cruise full-time with your dog.

5. sailing uma.

Subscribers: 419K+

On YouTube Since: Feb. 4, 2015

Sailing Uma  is an empowering YouTube channel that follows the journey of Dan and Kika, a young couple who set sail on their 36-foot, all-electric sailboat, Uma. 

Dan and Kika have embraced a minimalist and sustainable sailing lifestyle and inspired viewers looking to break free from conventional norms with their motto, “don’t buy a couch.”

These two architect grads rebuilt a 1972 Pearson 36 that was destined for the junkyard. They opted for a boat they could rebuild from the ground up to allow them to keep it simple and know every inch of their sailboat inside and out.

The heart of  Sailing Uma  lies in its emphasis on simplicity, resourcefulness, and eco-conscious living.

Through informative content, Dan and Kika share their experiences of living on a small sailboat, showcasing creative solutions for sustainable living and alternative energy sources.

HIGHLIGHTS: They’ve sailed over 28,000 nautical miles with only an electric motor which means they’ve used ZERO diesel fuel on their journey.

Dan and Kika have sailed Uma all over the Caribbean and the Artic. With a spirit of perseverance and optimism, these capable sailors embrace every obstacle and every boat project as an opportunity for growth and learning.

What truly sets  Sailing Uma  apart is the sense of empowerment it instills in its viewers. The channel encourages you to embrace a unique path and reminds us that extraordinary journeys are possible with determination and willingness to step beyond our comfort zones .

THE CHANNEL IS FOR YOU IF: You want to learn more about sailing sustainability, DIY boat maintenance, or explore some pretty amazing places vicariously through this couple’s adventure.

6. mj sailing.

Subscribers: 174K+

On YouTube Since: Dec. 6, 2009

MJ Sailing  is a YouTube sailing channel run by a young couple, Matt and Jessica, who grew up on the shores of Lake Michigan and embarked on a life-changing journey that led them to become seasoned sailors.

Their story began in 2012 when they decided to leave the comforts of land behind and set sail on a small sailboat to travel to the Bahamas and beyond.

Having grown up with a love for water and a deep connection to Lake Michigan, Matt and Jessica’s passion for bluewater sailing was a natural progression.

Over the years, MJ Sailing has taken viewers on a remarkable adventure spanning 35,000 nautical miles.

From the turquoise waters of the Caribbean to the rugged beauty of the Azores, they’ve navigated through diverse cultures and two Atlantic crossings, all while capturing the essence of life at sea in their videos.

HIGHLIGHTS: In 2020, Matt and Jessica embarked on a new and ambitious endeavor: building a custom 42-foot sailing catamaran.

The process of designing and constructing their dream boat has become a central focus of their channel, offering viewers a firsthand look into the challenges and detailed planning of building a boat with your own two hands.

THIS CHANNEL IS FOR YOU IF: You want to understand the ins and outs of boat building and maybe even build your own custom boat someday.

7. sailing zatara.

Subscribers: 560K+

On YouTube Since: Jun. 14, 2016

Sailing Zatara  is a popular YouTube channel created by an American sailing family from Texas. 

In 2016, Keith and Renee Whitaker decided their family needed a break from corporate America. So they traded their conventional life for a sailboat! 

Joined by their four adventurous children, Anna, Jack, Finn, and Kate – the channel offers a unique glimpse (often with a lot of added humor) into the excitement and challenges of raising a family onboard.

After putting 12,500 nautical miles under their monohull’s keel, this family decided they needed a bit more space, so they upgraded to a 58-foot Privilege catamaran.

HIGHLIGHTS: In April 2023, they completed their seven-year circumnavigation logging over 50,000 nautical miles and visiting 48 countries.

The channel’s vlogs are a delightful mix of travel and sightseeing off the boat, sailing passages, and everyday life – including homeschooling and boat maintenance projects. 

Most recently, the Zatara crew has hosted two groups of young adults for a month on their sailboat selected by an application process.

The Whitaker family’s authenticity and love for the lifestyle shine through in their vlogs, inviting viewers to be part of their extended sailing family. Their channel inspires others to explore the world with their loved ones and embrace a life of adventure.

THIS CHANNEL IS FOR YOU IF: You dream of taking your family on a cruising adventure, or you want to see how a larger crew (family) handles the ins and outs of sailing around the world on a BIG catamaran.

8. sailing millennial falon.

Subscribers: 90K+

On YouTube Since: Jan. 24, 2018

The  Sailing Millennial Falcon  crew, Khiara and Adam, are from Melbourne, Australia. (Khiara is actually from the UK, but she lived in Austraila for about a decade before they moved aboard.)

Adam wasn’t a stranger to sailing before moving aboard, having raced sailboats with his dad in Perth in his teenage and college years, but Khiara had never sailed before hatching their plan to liveaboard. Turns out she was keen to learn!

Their sailboat Millennial Falcon is a 1981 Tayana 42, which they bought in Florida in 2018.

HIGHLIGHTS: They’ve since visited 26 countries and sailed over 21,000 nautical miles, including the Bahamas and Caribean, as well as the Azores and Europe. They most recently completed a 26-day and 3600 nautical mile sail to Iceland.

This crew tends to keep it real in their videos. You won’t find drama or any unnecessary gimmicks, just great sailing content.

THIS CHANNEL IS FOR YOU IF: You want to learn more about living aboard a sailboat using resourceful problem-solving methods and a budget-conscious mindset.

9. sailing ruby rose.

Subscribers: 157K+

On YouTube Since: Mar. 15, 2015

Sailing Ruby Rose  follows the sailing couple, Nick and Terysa, as they sail all over the world aboard their sailboat, Ruby Rose and now Ruby Rose 2.

They’ve sailed everywhere from the Caribbean to the Canary Islands and have done quite a bit of chartering in Australia (Terysa’s home country). 

Nick and Teresa sailed a Southerly 38 monohull for seven years before announcing in 2019 they would upgrade to a sailing catamaran. 

HIGHLIGHTS: These meticulous content creators are known for their catamaran video review series, complete with a rating system, which they created to document the process of choosing their future sailboat.

The Ruby Rose crew recently moved aboard their new catamaran after three years in the build process.

Through a collaboration with Seawind, they tweaked the new 1370 model catamaran and have created the perfect liveaboard performance sailing catamaran for cruising.

Their channel covered the process in detail from start to finish, including the decision-making behind the design choices, changes, and upgrades.

We can’t wait to see all the places Ruby Rose 2 takes this sailing couple!

THIS CHANNEL IS FOR YOU IF: You want to learn more about buying a performance catamaran (particularly a Seawind). These guys also do a great job explaining how they balance performance with livability when choosing a sailboat.

10. sailing project atticus.

Subscribers: 253K+

On YouTube Since: Jan 9, 2014

On the YouTube channel  Sailing Project Atticus , Desiree and Jordan share the highs and lows of their sailing lifestyle, capturing the beauty of the places they visit and the challenges of life at sea.

Their mission statement, “know your world,” encapsulates their deep-seated reasons for both traveling and sharing their remarkable experiences.

This young couple found each other while working on super yachts in 2012, and it didn’t take long for them to hatch a plan to save up and sail the world.

They purchased their first sailboat, Atticus, for a mere $5,000 in Florida. It was a 1963 Allied Seawind 30 and needed a lot of work.

Fueled by passion and determination, Desiree and Jordan spent three years meticulously refitting the boat, turning it into a floating home that would carry them on unforgettable adventures.

As they continued their sailing escapades, the couple found innovative ways to sustain their passion financially. Their newfound skills in boat maintenance and willingness to take on odd jobs along the way provided the means to fund their dream of circumnavigation.

HIGHLIGHTS: Recently,  Sailing Project Atticus  reached a significant milestone with an upgrade to their dream sailboat, Atticus II, a 1997 Pacific Seacraft 40. This new vessel provides room for the arrival of a new crew member—a beautiful addition to their journey! 

As they sail with their baby aboard, the channel’s narrative has evolved, showcasing the joys and intricacies of raising a child while sailing the high seas.

THIS CHANNEL IS FOR YOU IF: You want to learn more about cruising on a minimal budget AND sailing with a baby onboard.

11. sailing yacht florence.

Subscribers: 120K+

On YouTube Since: Oct. 21, 2012

Matt and Amy on S/V Florence seized the opportunity to sail around the world when Matt received word his company’s office was closing in 2015.

Instead of waiting a decade or more to start their dream, this British couple decided to take the leap and begin their cruising adventure in just ten months!

Since then, they’ve sailed their tiny home, an Oyster Heritage 37, to the Cape Verde Islands, French Polynesia, Seychelles, and everywhere in between.

HIGHLIGHTS: In 2023, they completed a seven-year circumnavigation when they crossed the North Atlantic and currently show no signs of settling down as they plan a large refit for their boat before heading to the Arctic.

These sailors prove you can sail the world on a small, capable bluewater boat on a modest budget.

Sailing Yacht Florence showcases their sailing journey with thoughtful storytelling and beautiful cinematography that keeps their loyal YouTube viewers coming back for more.

THIS SAILING CHANNEL IS FOR YOU IF: You’re tired of waiting for the perfect opportunity to live your dream and need the inspiration take the leap and make it happen.

12. white spot pirates.

Subscribers: 93K+

On YouTube Since: Jun. 28, 2013

The only solo sailor on this list, German native Nike Steiger, bought her 33-foot fixer-upper aluminum sailboat in Panama and restored it into a formidable bluewater sailing vessel.

White Spot Pirates captures Nike’s voyages and the myriad experiences of life on the water as a lone sailor. 

With a mere 2,000 nautical miles in her sailing experience upon acquiring her boat, this channel beautifully illustrates how determination and a thirst for learning can pave the way for remarkable achievements on the water.

HIGHLIGHTS: Accompanied by her faithful companion Boga, Nike has navigated the Caribbean, the South American coastline, Central America, and Mexico, transforming into a full-blown salty-sailing lady! 

Her videos provide a vital lens into the hurdles and victories of a lone sailor’s journey. 

• Nike is the creator of an award-winning documentary about her life-changing solo sailing journey called Untie the Lines . 
• She also co-founded the non-profit organization In Mocean to raise awareness of ocean plastic pollution, specifically in remote coastal communities.

THIS CHANNEL IS FOR YOU IF: You aspire to embark on a solo sailing journey or enjoy immersing yourself in thrilling adventures on the water. This sailing channel is an incredible inspiration!

13. sailing nahoa.

Subscribers: 376K+

On YouTube Since: Jun. 13, 2012

Sailing Nahoa  is a YouTube channel created by Canadians Ben and Ashley Stobbart who saved up and sold everything to travel the world in 2015.

Since then, they’ve added two little crew members, their kids Willa and Bodhi, and have completed a circumnavigation.

This sailing family has cruised all over the world on a 2005 Lagoon 410 catamaran.

From crossing the South Pacific and Indonesia to exploring Madagascar and, most recently, rounding the Cape of Good Hope, they’ve had some fantastic (and wild) experiences along the way.

Whether catching a giant tuna off their stern or fighting off pirates during the night, this crew doesn’t shy away from sharing the exciting and scary moments of living aboard. 

HIGHLIGHTS:  The Nahoa crew recently partnered with New Zealand designer de Villiers Design to build a custom aluminum catamaran perfect for high-latitude sailing.

This couple’s new endeavor to build a custom catamaran exemplifies their unyielding quest for new horizons, less boat maintenance, and high-latitude sailing possibilities.

Sailing Nahoa is a captivating testament to the power of wanderlust and the uncharted oceans that beckon us all.

THIS CHANNEL IS FOR YOU IF: You want to circumnavigate on a production catamaran (these guys are proof it can be done), or you’re curious to see what it’s like cruising full-time with two small kids.

14. sailing doodles.

Subscribers: 594K+

On YouTube Since: Oct. 4, 2016

Sailing Doodles  is a YouTube channel and brand created by Texas native Bobby White. 

Previously a private pilot, Bobby got a wake-up call when he suffered a stroke and could no longer perform his job. Determined to make the most of his circumstances, he chose to seize the moment and embrace a new chapter by purchasing a sailboat.

Sailing Doodles has had a constant rotation of guest crew over the years. And Bobby has become somewhat famous in the YouTube and sailing world for surrounding himself with beautiful women on board.

HIGHLIGHTS: Bobby has owned and sailed many boats over the years, including a motor yacht that he cleverly named “The Dark Side.” This channel features primarily coastal cruising in exotic locations such as the Caribbean and Mediterranean. 

The channel is named for Bobby’s two Labradoodles, Maverick and Goose. Unfortunately, he lost these loyal sailing companions in 2020 and 2022, respectively. (I still hope Bobby decides to add a furry sailing crew back on this channel someday.)

THIS CHANNEL IS FOR YOU IF: You want a side of entertainment while watching sailing on YouTube. Don’t expect too many boat project tutorials on this channel!

15. sailing magic carpet.

Subscribers: 151K+

On YouTube Since: May 13, 2018

Last but certainly not least on this list, Sailing Magic Carpet  is a captivating YouTube channel that invites viewers to join the journey of Maya and Aladino, a couple with a shared passion for sailing and the open sea.

This sailing couple’s motto is “around the world as slowly as possible,” and honestly, we’re here for it! 

The channel beautifully captures their journey as they navigate the world’s oceans aboard their Swedish sailboat,  Magic Carpet,  a 1976 Vindo 32.

Maya and Aladino’s authentic chemistry and deep affection for the sailing lifestyle radiate in every episode.

Tuning into the Sailing Magic Carpet channel feels like a nostalgic journey to the roots of sailing’s romantic allure and the tranquil beauty of life on the water.

Professionally certified as a boatbuilder , Aladino’s passion extends beyond his craft, encompassing a deep love for freediving and spearfishing, a realm where his heart truly belongs in the embrace of the sea.

Maya, the channel’s artistic soul and storyteller , is also known to grace nearby rocky shores with the melodies of her violin.

HIGHLIGHTS:  The crew is currently working on a huge refit for Magic Carpet II, a Cape George 36, who is well on her way to being a worthy bluewater sailing vessel to take Maya and Aladino around the world.

The channel’s content is a compelling blend of stunning visuals and audio, personal reflections, and practical sailing tips, creating a tapestry of emotions that resonate with viewers from all walks of life .

THIS CHANNEL IS FOR YOU IF: You’re in need of true sailing inspiration! Whether an avid sailor or an armchair traveler, this channel’s inspiring narrative will stir the soul and ignite a desire to chase the winds of adventure.

Even more sailing youtube channels.

If you’re thirsty for even more sailing adventures, here are a few other channels to check out.

• Sailing Catalpa
• The O’Kelly’s
• RAN Sailing
• Sailing Nandji
• Old Sea Dog Sailing
• Sailing Soulianis
• Sailing Zephyr
• Sailing Fair Isle

And if you loved this list of inspiring sailing YouTube channels, check out these related posts for even more liveaboard and sailing inspiration.

RELATED ARTICLES

• 11 Best Sailing Instagram Accounts to Inspire You to Sail Away
• 17 Best Sailing Movies & Documentaries
• 25 Epic Sailing Songs for Sailors & Modern-Day Pirates
• 35 Best Books for Sailors: Adventures, Sailing Stories, and Guides

Need more sailing life inspiration?

Check out all our lists of sailing quotes, songs, books, and more to inspire you to live a life on the water.

Like this post? Save it on Pinterest for later.

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.

Thank you for sharing this! I love sailing, so this kind of blogging is my interest.

Glad you enjoyed it!

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10 Best Sailing YouTube Channels

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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Daniel Wade

I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

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The 10 Biggest Sailing YouTubers Right Now

Feeling a little bit blue after your yacht charter holiday? Thanks to the world wide web, you can always go on a virtual-navigation on your sofa whenever you want. Here are the top 10 sailing YouTubers who share their glorious sailing lives to millions of viewers. How does it feel like to live on your boat for five years? Is it expensive to sail around the world? Find out all the answers in their videos!

1. Sailing La Vagabonde

They are an Australian couple with the dream of circumnavigating the globe by sailboat… initially having no clue of how to sail. Elayna and Riley have now sailed over 88,395nm each across many oceans. Through their videos, they hope to inspire their fellow sailors to explore alternative options of living and to spread ocean awareness. They update the followers of their lives every Monday/Tuesday.

2. Sailing Project Atticus

Jordan and Desiree spent 3 years fixing up their 30-foot sailboat “Atticus,” and left their home, America, with only 2,000 dollars. That money took them to Isla Mujeres, Mexico. Then they had to do boat repairing jobs to save enough money to sail again. Now they are still sailing around the world on a budget and working along the way to make ends meet. They believe you don’t need a lot of money to follow your dreams, you just need a LOT of HARD WORK!

3. Finding Avalon

Jackson and Xanthe, a young couple who met in an aprés-ski bar in the Snowy Mountains of Australia and instantly bonded over a love for adventure, travel and the ocean. Jackson is and always has been a sailor, and it didn’t take long for him to make a sailor out of Xanthe. The idea of buying a yacht and sailing around the world was dreamt up by Jackson when he was traveling globally to compete in sailing regattas. 

So they bought Finding Avalon in Croatia in the middle of 2018. She is a 38ft Elan Impression from 2005 and a former charter boat. Jackson and Xanthe have traveled to many rather incredible places along the way.

4. GoSea Sailing

The GoSea family has three people and two pets, they share 28 feet of space as they embark on a mission to see as much of the world as possible. From sailing with a monkey in Africa, swimming with great white sharks buying and fixing a boat that they bought for $1 – The GoSea family film it all.

5. Sailing Zatara

After Renee and her husband entered their mid-40s, they realized they were completely exhausted with corporate America. Something definitely had to change. So, they sold their house in Texas and bought a sailboat, regardless of having no prior sailing experience and set sail with their 4 kids. Since the beginning of this crazy impromptu adventure in late 2016, the family has now sailed over 30,000 nautical miles: the first year in a monohull (Beneteau 55′), the rest in a catamaran (Privilege 585). 

6. Lazy Gecko Sailing & Adventures

Meet Jeremiah, Brittany, and their kids! They are a family that sold everything that they own, bought a sailboat, moved aboard, and are now traveling full-time! They not only sail places but also explore this crazy world by other means.

7. Free Range Sailing

Watch how Troy and Pascale cruise remote Australia in their tiny home, a 30′ yacht named Mirrool. This couple takes a minimalist approach to life and focuses on the experience of doing more with less. They spend months on their boat in remote locations where self-sufficiency is a way of life. And they are very willing to share the lessons they’ve learned with the viewers.

8. MJ Sailing

After Matt & Jessica Johnson circumnavigating the North Atlantic in their last boat Serendipity, (1989 Sabre Targa 34), this couple took on a 2 year complete refit of their new boat, Elements of Life. She is a custom aluminum 37′ Trisalu, built in Quebec in 1983. They have sailed 20,500nm since 2012….and counting!

9. Sailing Doodles

The Sailing Doodles are currently on a 10-month sail from Vancouver Canada all the way to Thailand with their two full-sized Labradoodles named Maverick and Goose. Follow along with them as they sail down the west coast of the USA, down into Mexico, and across the Pacific Ocean to Asia. You can even sail with them for $125/day, check out  their website  for more information.

10. Gone with the Wynns

Jason and Nikki Wynn, a couple of perpetual travelers, Sailors, RV’ers and modern day documentarians. They believe that sailing is like exploring the world like its 1492. This form of travel is all about the journey. Moving a pace set by the breeze, weathering storms and 100% prepared to discover the adventures we don’t yet know exist. They sail a 2005 Robertson and Caine Leopard 43 Sailing Catamaran, and they share their trips on YouTube frequently.

> More articles you might be interested in:

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GlobeSailor’s Top Tips for Anchoring on your Yacht Charter Holiday

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YouTube’s Sailing Stars

• By Erin Carey
• Updated: March 10, 2021

Armchair sailors around the globe are living vicariously these days as they watch sailing adventures unfold on YouTube. But while a handful of sailors and their channels have star power enough to earn a living, is posting videos a viable way for most of us to feed the cruising kitty? To find out, I reached out to eight video bloggers—or vloggers—and their answers were surprising. While a few report a steady, reliable income, several others were quite candid about how hard they had to work to capture what was supposed to be a laid-back lifestyle.

With 1.9 billion people tuning in to YouTube each month from 91 countries around the world, the platform reaches more viewers than any TV network. Individual channels receive a portion of their advertising revenue, so there is real potential for popular channels to earn a decent salary, but just as with music, movies or sports, the pros work seriously hard to make it look easy.

There are over 800 YouTube sailing channels now in existence, but only a handful actually draw enough attention to be called successful. Most of us are familiar with the Sailing La Vagabonde channel. With 1.5 million subscribers, it is easily the most popular sailing channel out there. Australians Riley Whitelum and Elayna Carausu have been uploading videos of their cruising adventures since November 2014, and have no doubt been an inspiration for many of the vloggers that I spoke with. While Sailing La Vagabonde’s success is difficult to match ( Delos , the second-most-popular channel, has less than half the number of subscribers), there are plenty of cruisers out there dreaming about endless palm-tree-lined sandy beaches, rum punches and dreamy sunsets. Why not film what you’re doing and share your journey on YouTube? After all, how hard could it be?

Sailing SV Delos

The crew of Delos , four adventure-seeking souls sailing around the world, seem to have mastered the video platform. Their zest for life and infectious enthusiasm make you want to quit your job and buy a boat. Brothers Brian and Brady Trautman started filming in 2010 with a $200 handheld Sony “dad-cam.” They now have over $35,000 worth of equipment, including more than 10 GoPro cameras. Having almost completed their circumnavigation, their adventures have seen them experience things most people only dream about: swimming with sperm whales off the Caribbean island of Dominica, paddleboarding with seals off Namibia’s Skeleton Coast, and diving with great white sharks at Ascension Island. With engaging content and excellent cinematography, it’s little wonder they have amassed 629,000 subscribers from their 418 episodes.

Yet their success hasn’t come easy. Brady and crewmate Alex outlined just how much work goes into their channel and how long it’s taken them to reach YouTube success. The Delos crew worked consistently for three years before they finally made it to the point where they could focus all of their time on editing and filming. Working for two hours to produce just one minute of footage, each episode often takes more than 50 hours to edit, not including the time it takes to film and rewatch the footage.

With no niche market or target demographic, the Delos team naturally produces videos they enjoy and that makes them smile. For them, it’s not about pumping out 10-minute vlogs every other day; it’s about storytelling. Earning approximately $7,000 per month from YouTube alone, Brady said their bread and butter comes from their more than 2,000 patrons. That is how they are able to sustain their lifestyle and keep sharing it with others. Merchandise and the “Buy Us a Beer” component of their website are two other revenue streams, that combined, allow the crew of four to live off $10,000 per month, leaving plenty left over for a rainy day. Admirably, the team also donated $50,000 to charity in 2019 alone.

Sailing Millennial Falcon

Speaking with the crew of Millennial Falcon , a young Australian couple from Melbourne, it was interesting to hear the perspective of up-and-coming vloggers Khiara Parker and Adam Seeber. Parker, a former model, spoke of the hours they spend down below in the cabin of their 42-foot Tayana, editing their videos and working on their brand. With 50,300 subscribers, the couple’s channel is doing remarkably well considering they have been releasing videos for about two and a half years. Yet compared with the hours they are dedicating to their channel, the rewards they are reaping don’t quite make up for the time yet. Earning roughly $430 per month from YouTube, these cruisers make most of their income from their 285 patrons, bringing in an additional $2,600 per month.

However, it’s been far from smooth sailing for this fun-loving couple, with Seeber attributing their success to the numerous boat mishaps they’ve had, such as losing their propeller—twice. They’ve also had various technical difficulties, causing them to miss weeks’ worth of income because they were unable to upload episodes. Despite filming their videos on only a GoPro and iPhone, the couple has accumulated $6,000 worth of equipment, including the necessary laptops.

Sailing Ruby Rose

Terysa Vanderloo and Nick Fabbri from Sailing Ruby Rose know all too well the amount of work it takes to build a successful channel. With 124,000 subscribers and 249 episodes under their belt, the couple often works 40-plus hours a week. Between filming, editing, creating content for social media, digital marketing, communicating with followers, and working on projects such as merchandise, designing logos, website development, networking and Patreon (the platform most vloggers use for fans to support the channel), there is little time left for much else. Vanderloo spoke of the pressure she feels to “feed the beast” that is YouTube. She also pointed out the recent press about the number of YouTubers suffering from depression and anxiety. With a need to continually upload, the pressures can be too much for some.

Vanderloo said they are only just now making a meaningful income after three years of production and 249 episodes. They earn approximately $600 per month from YouTube; the majority of earnings come from their 435 patrons and related donations.

Sailing Nandji

Bonita Herewane and Jarrad “Yoshi” Laver, a young Australian couple on a tight budget, have taken their viewers on a journey through parts of the Pacific and Southeast Asia. Sailing through the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and Indonesia, the uniqueness of their route may have contributed to their success. Then again, Australians love an underdog, and Sailing Nandji’s old boat and constant engine problems are not just an act for the camera. Despite having 110,000 subscribers, 214 episodes on YouTube and ranking 12th out of all YouTube sailing channels, these vloggers are earning only just enough to live frugally in Asia.

Cruising without a watermaker, chart plotter, life raft or autopilot (wow), and doing all of their own boatwork, these vloggers are not thrifty for the fun of it. With their videos scoring 17 million views over the past four years, they estimate they’ve earned about $24,000 through YouTube. Again, without sponsorships and their 312 patrons, they couldn’t live off their sailing channel alone. This poses another question: Is it OK to ask strangers for money to fund your liveaboard lifestyle?

Working harder than most cruisers, vloggers still have to maintain their boats and relationships. Not to mention the fact that they need to get out and explore the world to ensure that they have something to actually film and vlog about. They work extremely long hours creating content for others to watch and enjoy. They provide a service for thousands of people who are entertaining the idea of becoming cruisers themselves, and they are inspiring others to live life to the fullest. Many cruisers cite YouTube as an instrumental tool in their decision to untie the lines and sail away. Clearly there’s a market for their content, judging by the millions of views some videos receive.

Sailing Sophisticated Lady and Sailing A B Sea

If there is a recipe for sailing-channel success, one might argue that it includes young, attractive bikini-clad women. The crews behind Sailing Sophisticated Lady and Sailing A B Sea are happy to dispute that claim. All are in their 50s, and their channels have loyal followers and show that it is possible to succeed even if you’re not young and model material. (Nevertheless, it takes only one look at the top 10 sailing channels to see that perhaps those qualities don’t hurt.) Yet, with over 136,000 subscribers and 232 patrons, Rick Moore of Sailing Sophisticated Lady is proving that he definitely has something to offer. With years of experience in the film industry, Moore likes to think he provides viewers information and insight into all facets of the sailing life by way of his high-quality videos filmed with state-of-the-art equipment. Although, he was quick to add, “it takes dedication to have a successful channel, and there is no quick or easy solution for long-term success. It isn’t just one full-time job; it’s many. Sometimes being bikini-clad is not always the answer. If there’s no substance or personality, you will lose viewers very quickly.”

Sailing Britican and Sailing Trio Travels

Another two channels that have had reasonable success are Britican and Trio Travels . Both crews have one child aboard, and perhaps their popularity could be attributed to this. Yet vlogging hasn’t been without its drawbacks for the Brown family aboard Britican . Kim Brown suffered a heart problem that was caused by stress, something she attributes to producing YouTube videos. With 23,500 subscribers and 17 patrons, Kim has been working tirelessly on her channel and associated avenues of income for over six years. She does all of the production herself and spends up to two days editing each video. Yet, despite her tremendous efforts, her channel earns only $150 per month through YouTube and $230 per episode from Patreon. However, she added, “for me, YouTube is not the endgame. I don’t look at it as a way to make money. The benefit of YouTube is to let a potentially massive audience know how we can help them. It’s a marketing medium. Our primary business provides guides, consultancy and liveaboard experiences to help people live the sailing dream.”

Besides a whole lot of hard work, what are the other downsides to running a YouTube channel? With his long hair and mustache, Seeber from Millennial Falcon is often ridiculed for trying to be the next La Vagabonde , and that’s not the worst of it. Parker also spoke of the negative comments and downright nastiness they’ve experienced, making her physically shake when uploading an episode.

Of the channel producers I interviewed, not one was free of taunts, with many citing the trolling as one of the major downfalls of running a YouTube channel. “We used to get quite upset over some of the mean, angry and hurtful comments people would say, but over time, you realize it’s mostly sour grapes,” Seeber said.

Realistically, YouTube should be viewed as a marketing tool to promote yourself for other avenues of income, whether that’s merchandise such as that sold by Delos , Ruby Rose or Nandji ; liveaboard experiences offered by Trio Travels and Britican ; or Patreon, which seems like a necessity for all involved. It won’t be an easy path. Still, if you’re wasting time having fun, you’re not wasting time. As Delos ’ Brady Trautman so perfectly summed up: “Make videos for you. Film what you are inspired to film, and edit the way that makes you smile. If you start making content for the sole purpose of getting views and making money, it will show. Be honest, authentic, and do what makes you happy.”

Erin Carey and her family cruise aboard their Moody 47, Roam (@sailingtoroam).

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I Loved Tudor’s Sailing Watch Even More While Aboard an Actual Racing Yacht

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The weather report in Barcelona wasn’t looking particularly promising last month as I boarded a vessel on the Mediterranean. Leaving the Spanish coast behind me, storm clouds gathered overhead as the Swiss and French teams geared up to face off in the 37th edition of the America’s Cup. Then again, I was reminded, a bit of wind was a welcome sensation—without it, this regatta couldn’t get underway.

If you’ve never been buzzed by an AC75, the class of racing yacht used during the current America’s Cup , it can be difficult to imagine the sensation. I no longer had to imagine as the Alinghi Red Bull team’s AC75 reached its top speed of 50 knots (58 mph) and seemed to be nearly levitating as it lifted out of the water. And if it’s flying in anything resembling your general direction, this can be quite unnerving.

Even if you’re not a sailor, you’re likely familiar with America’s Cup anyway because of how frequently it intersects with the watch world. Tudor , Omega , and Panerai have all gotten in on the action, the logos of their storied brands featured prominently on mainsheets attached to each vessel’s 26.5-meter mast. For each edition of the Cup in which one of these maisons is sponsoring a team, said company will often debut a special watch, sometimes with a dedicated sailing complication such as a regatta timer. Two of the most compelling of these watches were introduced just last year: Tudor’s Pelagos FXD and FXD Chrono Alinghi Red Bull Racing Edition . As I discovered earlier this month, they become even more compelling aboard the actual yacht they’re inspired by.

The racing yacht wasn't the only thing that made me feel like a member of team Alinghi that day. I also got a chance to wear the FXD from Tudor's Pelagos line. The Pelagos collection comprises the brand's most professional diving watch, complete with heavy-duty specs, some military influence, and perhaps a bit more character than the brand’s flagship Black Bay collection. Introduced in 2012, the Pelagos line has seen continuous improvement, culminating in the recent “ FXD .” (The “FXD” is for “fixed,” a design with military provenance that secures a strap to the wrist without possibility of spring bar failure.) The black-dialed FXD immediately stole my heart upon its release late in 2023, when I dove with it in Florida.

I wasn’t the only one wearing this purpose-made FXD. The entire Alinghi Red Bull racing team—from team owner to engineer—was kitted out with them. For me, it’s a cool watch; for the sailing team, it’s essential gear. Timing is everything out on the open water. “We use a watch [the Pelagos FXD] that’s in complete sync with what we do here,” says Jaume Triay, a young engineer on the Alinghi Red Bull team who’s spent the past two years living in Barcelona to prepare for the competition. “It’s a low-weight, high-performance watch, and it’s made out of the same materials [as the AC75]; I think there’s a nice synergy.”

Everything about the Alinghi FXD is made with yacht racing in mind. The watch is made from carbon fiber to mirror the carbon-hulled AC75 yachts, with matte blue-purple dials to match the Alinghi Red Bull livery. The numbers on the bezel are arranged in the reverse orientation from those on a dive watch. Why? On a yacht, one needs to quickly calculate countdowns, which is why the numbers go from 60-0 in a counterclockwise direction, rather than the more common 0-60. I had never spent much time with either of the new FXD watches before, but had the opportunity to wear the time-only version during my time in Barcelona for the 37th edition of the America’s Cup. I’m officially a fan.

The dial is a classic Tudor affair: Done up in matte Alinghi Red Bull blue, it features a snowflake handset and matching white indices, all of which are nicely lumed with plenty of Super-LumiNova. (The indices, hands, and all bezel hashmarks glow ice blue in low light.) A red second hand matches up with red “Pelagos” text—no doubt in a reference to vintage Rolex models and in keeping with other Pelagos watches—and the rehaut, which contains the outer minute track, features the words “ALINGHI RED BULL RACING” in the upper quadrant.

“Timing is important in many aspects [of what the team does],” Triay says. “It’s important in planning, such as how much time we need to train before competing, and how much time we have to design the boat. But then also, you can think about maneuvers: Are we going to do a slow, nicely controlled maneuver, or a sharp turn executed as quickly as possible? What is best, and how do you find replicable timing in order to analyze different strategies?”

Indeed, timing was everything as we sailed out into the open ocean outside Barcelona aboard the yacht in order to watch Alinghi compete against the French team. The Swiss needed to win this particular race, lest it be forced to win three in a row in the double-round robin of the Louis Vuitton Challenger Section Series—or face elimination. I was eager to try aligning my bezel to properly time the race countdown as announced aboard the ship’s television, where the race was being broadcast live.

Stepping out onto the deck in the rain (we picked a poor day for sailing) Alinghi’s AC75 was visible in the distance, tacking hard in the driving wind and water. Its complement of ultra-skilled sailors, however, proved their competence and seamanship, crossing the starting line just as the countdown ended and gaining a significant start on the French team. Roughly 20 minutes of hard sailing later, up and down a course established by remote-controlled buoys to align with the direction of the wind, the Swiss team captured its much-needed victory.

After the win, high-fives were swapped, congratulations were offered, audible sighs of relief were exhaled. As we sailed back into harbor, we passed the AC75 furling its sails, yelling our collective “mazel tov” at the team and chase boat crews. I glanced down at the FXD and thought back to my childhood summer camp experience and the activity I most enjoyed: Sailing small Sunfish dinghies on Plunkett Reservoir. I haven’t sailed in over 20 years, but the thought suddenly crossed my mind: Maybe it’s time to sail again—Pelagos fixed firmly on wrist.

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Sailing La Vagabonde: Digital Nomads at Sea & New Boating App

Dreaming of dropping everything to sail the world? Sailing La Vagabonde Riley Whitelum & Elayna Carausu have done just that, becoming parents, digital yacht nomads and internet sensations in the process… 

They sailed greta thunburg across the atlantic and now, together with the young cruisers association, have developed a much anticipated boating community app, milly karsten reports ..

Riley Whitelum and Elayna Carausu have been sailing around the world for 9 years. With over 1.9 million subscribers to their YouTube channel, Sailing La Vagabonde, and helping to develop and launch the SeaPeople app, this Australian couple are certainly bringing a new and exciting dimension to seafaring.

‘It’s just dopamine hit after dopamine hit’, Elayna and Riley told me over a Starlink call between my London office and their boat off the coast of Amami Ōshima, Japan. 

Having met in Greece back in 2014, this Australian couple just weeks into knowing each other, took a leap of faith and set sail for the rest of the world. Elayna, tells me, “It was just meant to be one month of island hopping Greece and Turkey, and when my return flight to Australia was (…) Riley asked me, ‘do you want to come live on this boat with me and sail the world?’. Elayna was just 20, and Riley 29.

Having followed their journey on instagram and YouTube for years, I was keen to hear about their dreamlike and beautifully documented adventures first hand. However, these seasoned sailors, now parents, digital nomads, and internet sensations, also bring to light a new and continually evolving way of life, where sailors and adventurers can live and work on the go, at sea. They’re one step ahead of the working from home revolution – they’re over the horizon, and showing us what we’re missing out on. But it’s not all been picturesque archipelagos and plain sailing…

How has it been becoming digital nomads with Sailing La Vagabonde and creating content together at sea?

Elayna: It took a year for us to be able to earn a living from the YouTube channel (…) to earn what I could earn at a bar basically, it took a year for that, and it was hard work… and obviously didn’t cover the costs of setting up a production boat for bluewater cruising. 

Riley: If we go back and tell the story… We ran out of money and Elayna was making movies, but very infrequently, (…) a bit of a comical thing in between Elayna and I was that I was very practical, and I was saying well in the end what is it all for? Maybe we should be concentrating on basically anything else… 

Riley then admitted that in the beginning, with little income being made from these videos, he was sceptical, but Elayna saw potential, and asked him to give it time.

E: After a year we completely ran out of money, we had to fly back to Australia to get work. Riley worked offshore again on the oil rigs, for maybe what 3 or 4 months?… And we saved up again then flew back to the boat. 

R: But during that time our audience, which was quite small at the time, were freaking out, and they were like ‘is this going to be the end of the movies?’ … Some of those people said look, ‘sign up for this website called Patreon and we’ll all chip in a couple bucks and we can get you going again’. 

E: We got back to the boat with some savings that Riley had got off-shore, and in that time I’d set up a website with Patreon and I’d recorded an album of cover songs and got people to pre-order… it was desperate times and we got back to the boat and worked real hard for…

R: 10 more years!

What advice would you give to someone wanting to do this?

E: The only thing I would say is, don’t do it in the hopes to make money, do it out of passion.

R: It’s too hard…

E: We’ve seen people start out thinking it’s a good business plan, and hope on a boat and completely fail (…) that can’t come first, you need to sail and have fun and, have the videos be an afterthought and it’ll evolve. 

R: Or you know, the videos can be your passion, but sailing and boats has to be as well, you can’t have that as a secondary (…) you need to be tough basically, you need to be able to live a really hard life, not because you think you’ll make some money out of it (…) very few people are going to get compensated adequately if you consider it a job… If its a way of life that you enjoy, then yeah, it’s a banger way to live!

Are your parents and friends fully on-board?

E: We started at a time when travel blogging was just kind of new, (…) For our friends and family it was really surprising and weird, and when we’d go home for those first few years people didn’t really know how to talk about it with us (…) mostly they wouldn’t even ask, it was like we were doing something so out there it was hard to even talk about it. 

R: Social media still had that stigma… We operate in a bit of a grey zone, because we’re not merely Instagrammers, I like to think we’re not… We are on social media, but we’re not documentary film makers either, although we try to get as close to that as we can these days. So people didn’t know where to put us immediately…

E: We’re definitely not tik-tokers, (…) we’d rather just work really hard on YouTube, make good quality movies that people can sit down and watch and learn something, rather than the fast paced [Scrolling].

What has it been like raising your family on board?

R: The great thing is that Lenny in particular really and truly loves the boat, (…) we’ll spend more time away than he’d like, and that’s exactly how we’d want it, we want them to be excited to go back to the boat.

E: We bought them both back when they were only 6 weeks old, tiny little babies (…)  There’s so many easy little hacks, for example a chair that clips into the saloon table that clips them in when Riley and I have to go and take a reef (…) I think learning to sail trained us for children, because someone always has to be alert (…) someone has always got the kid hat on, like someone’s always aware of where the kids are and if they’ve got their life jackets on.

E: Sailing and young children are very comparable!

R: Equally disastrous!

Sailing La Vagabonde & Greta Thunberg Across the North Atlantic 

In 2019, climate activist Greta Thunberg made a double crossing of the Atlantic to attend two climate conferences, her return eastward journey was made on La Vagabonde with Riley and Elayna – a harrowing winter crossing, and one which Elayna was not convinced of doing. Yet, when asking the sailing duo what their best experience had been, they’re answer was this:

R: The most rewarding is the most difficult, so whatever your hardest passage was, arriving after that is the most rewarding, so that’s going to be the Greta Thunburg trip across the North Atlantic. 

E: We had a week to prepare for this trip, we had a really great female English sailor, Nicky Henderson (…) so we had Nicky, Riley, Me, Greta, and Greta’s Dad.

R: And Lenny…

E: Who was only one… and when we left there was snow, there was ice on our boat the day we left and it was snowing, in the Chesapeake Bay, it was freezing.

R: Milly it was a ******* disaster!

E: It took us 19 days to get across the other side, and in that time there was freezing cold weather, there was hot water from the Gulf Stream…

R: There was lightning that was striking the water right near… Nicky was at the helm, she is such a rockstar… we just cannot believe how incredible… what a leader she is! 

R: I mean I could talk about that for hours… we had to go up the rig in 20 knots… the furling line for the headsail snapped and I had to go out the front in legitimately… we don’t even know what it was, but it was well over 40, because it had sustained 40 for I don’t know how long, and then the wind picked up and that’s when the line snapped (…) I had to go forwards, like crawling on my belly to try and furl in manually the headsail, while Nicky was trying to go dead downwind… 

E: You felt ‘the sublime’ on that crossing didn’t you 

I asked what this was…

R: More philosophy… So, in order to have an encounter with ‘the sublime’ the necessary ingredients are power outside of your control, particularly if it’s nature, and you need to feel threat of your life, so your life needs to be basically out of your control (…) and it was the first time that I really felt that way. 

E: It’s a feeling of Awe… 

The SeaPeople App

Alongside their sailing adventures, bringing up a family onboard, and creating content for over 1.9 million YouTube subscribers, Elayna and Riley have been busy with a new project – working with the Young Cruisers Association to create and launch a specialised app to connect sailors around the world. 

If you’ve watched their videos, you’ll know these two don’t shy away from talking about the rainy days, and trials of living/working/parenting on a boat. They talked to me about their experiences of seafarer’s isolation, particularly through the pandemic, and their difficulties with mental health over the years. 

It’s certainly a lesser spoken aspect of living afloat… We hear of grand dreamlike adventures and are shown remarkable photos of beautifully calm or high seas, but easily miss checking on a key component of life – connection and community. And so, it seems the SeaPeople app is an exciting step in the right direction.

“SeaPeople is an app designed to bring all the elements of the human side of boating into one place. Sharing your photos, the stats of your trips, your tracking history, and communicating with other boaters has been spread across multiple platforms for too long. SeaPeople brings it all into one place.”

E: We really needed something to connect all sailors… to organise sundowners on the beach, to see who’s around you, who’s onboard, if they’ve got pets or children, where they’re going and at what speed… like you can see the world on a beautiful world map and zoom in on anyone’s boat and ask them a question, ask them if they’ve got a spare part… It’s really for connecting all seafarers. 

R: Everyone on a boat, they’re living this crazy adventure, and everyone’s got a story to tell, that’s why everyone had a blog and these disparate websites that were popping up all over the world for each individual boat… this is a way for friends and family to jump on to see where you are, what you’ve been doing, and then to see other similar people that might be nearby’

SeaPeople: The Hail Feature

For Riley and Elayna, the most exciting part of the SeaPeople app is the ‘Hail’ feature. Unlike VHF, where if someone doesn’t hear you, or the message doesn’t get through, there is no way to find that message again, this feature of the app allows you to broadcast a message which stays out there – creating a space for community, conversation, and advice. 

E: With Starlink, now is the time for an app like this.

R: These ancient devices that we’re still using, like AIS and VHF, it’s just so necessary for this to exist now, for everyone’s safety and just conveniences. 

Download the SeaPeople App

We’re excited to announce the SeaPeople app will be available to download from 10th October this year. Visit www.seapeopleapp.com

How to Watch Sailing La Vagabonde Videos

Follow Riley and Elayna’s latest Sailing La Vagabonde adventures – www.youtube.com/sailinglavagabonde

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The best sailing Youtube channels

Who says that only soccer or basketball are able to captivate millions of viewers and get them to spend hours without taking their eyes off the screen? There are many other sports disciplines that do not stop getting new followers every day around the world despite not being so famous, nor being lucky enough to have the publicity and audiovisual projection enjoyed by sports like baseball or basketball, and this is the case of sailing.

Sailing is one of the oldest maritime sports on record, which has not stopped renewing itself over the years and thanks to the emergence of streaming platforms like YouTube is getting to reach a new audience that is fascinated with the lifestyle of people who are dedicated to this sport and the landscapes that give us through their channels. And there is no better way to fall in love with a sport than watching what the sportsman sees, because it is the only real way to feel what they feel on top of their sailboats.

On the other hand, besides having the opportunity to contemplate a wide variety of spectacular landscapes from the living room of your home that will leave you with your mouth open, in these channels you will also find a pedagogical function regarding this sport with which you can learn basic concepts about sailing. Something really useful if we are thinking of buying our own sailboat and we want to have the basic knowledge to be able to sail the open sea for the first time.

For all this and because we believe that the sailing channels that are currently on YouTube are doing an exceptional job with this sport and with the thousands of viewers who every day see them and dream of being able to visit all those places in the world aboard their own sailboat, then we will make a selection of what we consider are the 10 best sailing channels on YouTube. We will explain who are the people who run each channel, how they started their journey through the world of sailing and what they show in each of their videos.

Let’s get started!

Sailing SV Delos

Accumulating over 790K followers on YouTube and with over 70,000 miles logged aboard their sailboat, Bryan Trautman and his three sailing buddies have been sharing their offshore adventures and teaching their viewers all sorts of things about the world of Sailing and their peculiar lifestyle since 2008.

Although, at the beginning Bryan only bought his sailboat for leisure outings with his wife Karin Syren, who is also currently part of the crew of the sailboat, over time he found that the idea of filming themselves while sailing to show the world what they saw was a really good one. And that doing so would not only help them defray the costs of such a lifestyle (quite high by all accounts), but would also allow millions of people around the world to fall in love with the sport and see from a more realistic perspective what sailing, with its pros and cons, was really like.

Sailing SV Delos is one of the most famous and original channels that exist about sailing today, with more than 200 videos uploaded, this channel and its four members show us their long ocean crossings in a close and realistic way, even showing their fans some of the most complicated situations in which they have been involved, which have come to put their lives at risk several times.

On the other hand, in their videos they will also give us all kinds of tips on the maintenance of a sailboat and teach us the basics to survive aboard a boat while being hundreds of miles away from home and with no one to ask for help within a radius of 100 miles.  In essence, it’s a fun, educational channel with exceptional picture quality and editing. You will not be disappointed.

Free Range Living

In this channel we will meet Troy and Pascale, a nice couple who share their adventures aboard their yacht from one of the most hidden corners of the beautiful and wild Australia.

The channel currently has more than 130K followers being their minimalist lifestyle one of its main attractions and why thousands of people every day stop to watch them. And although it may seem ironic, since this couple owns nothing more and nothing less than a 30-foot yacht called Mirrol, both believe in the importance of re-educating society to get rid of all the superficial things they don’t need and learn to live with the basics.

They show a self-sufficient lifestyle aboard a yacht while showing us their adventures sailing in the most remote and paradisiacal places in Australia. If you want to fall in love with sailing and start appreciating the little things in life, don’t hesitate to visit this wonderful channel.

Sailing La Vagabonde

Sailing La Vagabonde is probably the most famous sailing channel out there today, boasting a whopping 1,75 million followers and with over 90,000 nautical miles traveled this channel run by Greek video bloggers Riley Whitelum and Elayna Carausu keeps gaining followers who fall in love with sailing and the lifestyle that this beautiful sport offers them.

This charming couple has been sharing their life aboard their sailing catamaran, named La Vagabonde, every week since 2014. Their spontaneity and the naturalness with which they show their viewers the way they divide the tasks on board their boat, make this channel a perfect place to clear your head while enjoying some beautiful seascapes and learning a lot of things about sailing and what living from it can offer you.

RAN Sailing

If you are looking for an honest entertainment channel that shows you the true reality of living your whole life aboard a sailboat, you can’t miss the RAN Sailing channel. This channel, which now has more than 130K followers around the world, tells the story of a lovely Swedish couple who five years ago decided to leave everything behind to start living a new life outside the conventional standards of living and set out on their journey on an aluminum Beason sailboat.

This brave couple is formed by Johan Hammarlund and Malin Lof, who now have a daughter who also lives with them aboard a new, bigger boat that they had to buy in order to have room for the three of them. They are really proud to be able to show the world their Swedish lifestyle while visiting a multitude of amazing destinations. Already on their route map are countries like Alaska and Seattle, as well as a wide variety of places in their homeland of Sweden.

Sailing the world as a family is possible and if you stop by to watch some of their videos you can see for yourself. It’s really exciting to see them sailing while living a normal family life. Feel free to visit their channel to check it out!

Sailing Uma

If you’re in the mood for a true story of self-improvement where fighting for your dreams always pays off in the end, feel free to stop by Dan Deckert and Kika Mevs’ sailing channel. This couple graduated in architectural design and even had their own business about it, however they soon realized that life in the office was not what they were looking for and that they needed to see the world aboard a boat and share with others their experiences.

They both came up with a plan in which they would first acquire a small boat with which they would learn all the basics about sailing, since they knew absolutely nothing, and then they would manage to buy a bigger boat that would allow them to sail around the world. And so it was, they started making small outings on a sailboat called UMA with which they started their trips and opened their YouTube channel that now accumulates more than 400K followers.

Now this enterprising couple can boast of having one of the most influential sailing channels in the world and of having a dream boat with which to travel around the world while sharing their adventures to millions of viewers every week. Dreams can come true and watching this couple sail you can feel it. If you are having a bad day and need to watch something to clear your mind, don’t hesitate to enter their channel and watch some of their videos. They are wonderful.

Tula’s Endless Summer

Are you a sea and animal lover and have always dreamed of being able to travel around the world while enjoying the company of your adorable pet? Then you can’t miss Billy Swezey and Sierra Groth’s channel surfing with their beloved dog Jetty.

Bill describes himself as a “fish out of water” and it was very clear to him that his life would be linked to the sea, an idea he began to shape in 2013 when he decided to take the plunge and buy an old boat from a New York boatyard. The boat needed multiple repairs but that didn’t stop him from moving forward with his dream, a dream that finally took shape when he met the lovely Sierra in Florida. She was also in love with the sea and when he proposed his plan to her, she didn’t hesitate.

They both embarked on the great adventure of living aboard a boat accompanied by their faithful pet Jetty. Aboard their boat, called Tula, which gives its name to the Youtube channel, the couple shows us that family life aboard a boat is also possible and that it really has many advantages. In their channel they have already accumulated more than 175K followers with their sailing videos in which we have already been able to see how they visit idyllic destinations such as the Caribbean or the Bahamas.

In short, this channel is one of those little corners of the internet where you can always go to feel better thanks to the joy and positivity that these two adventurers and their friendly dog give off. Their plans seem to have no end and when the sea is your home, the possibilities are endless. Don’t you think?

Don’t hesitate to visit their channel to enjoy their great adventure with them!

Whitespot Pirates

If you think that sailing is only a sport for men, you should take a look at the videos shared by Nike Steiger on her channel Whitespot Pirates. For the past six years, this young woman has been inspiring millions of women around the world to not be afraid to follow their dreams, as she shows them some of the most amazing places in the world aboard her tiny aluminum boat, barely 30 feet long.

The channel has been so successful that it has been awarded both for its magnificent pedagogical function for the sport of sailing, as well as for its feminist message full of strength and hope for all young women who wish to see the world in their own way and without fear of being rejected by a traditional society.

In the channel we will meet a strong woman who decided to buy an old abandoned boat in Panama to live her dream. Nike restored the boat and started filming herself doing solo outings that she later shared with the world. Of course, if there’s a sailing channel capable of inspiring women all over the world to be fearless and to fight for what they dream of, it’s this one. Nike Steiger is a true queen of sailing and of the feminine values that we so desperately need.

Sailing Doodles

The story told by this channel is one of those that will leave you thinking for the rest of the day. The main protagonist of this very famous YouTube sailing channel, Bobby White, suffered a stroke when he was only 38 years old. His life was everything a man of his age would qualify as a success, as he was a well-known corporate pilot and was dedicated to transporting all kinds of personalities around the world. However, fate had other plans for Bobby, causing him to rethink everything he had done with his life up to that point.

His near-death experience made him look at life differently, realizing that no job, no matter how lucrative, would bring him true happiness, so he decided to go out in search of it and create a new life aboard his beautiful 37-foot C&C sailboat. So Bobby set out with his partner Laura and their two dogs on a wonderful journey that took them from his native Texas to the Caribbean paradise.

Bobby decided that the best way to make others understand the importance of living the life you really want and in a much more relaxed way than what it usually is when we live in a city, was documenting each of his trips. And that’s how their channel Sailing Doodles was founded, where we will learn the mysteries of sailing while being entertained by the very different life of this couple and their two adorable pets.

Gone with the Wynns

Jason and Nikki Wynn, a couple of perpetual travelers who decided to put aside their motorhome routes to start documenting their outings aboard their sailboat. This young American couple made the decision to make a radical change in their lives very early, at the age of 28, with the goal of sharing their passion for sailing and the sea with the entire planet. This dream became a reality when they created their sailing channel Gone with the Wynns, which today has accumulated more than 510K followers around the world.

He was a photographer and she was a makeup artist and life was going great in Dallas, to lie, but they felt they needed something more and that their lives were empty despite all the wealth they had managed to accumulate. So they decided to embark on their adventure and bought a fuel-efficient and very environmentally friendly RV, as respect for the environment and climate change awareness is also one of the main messages of their canal.

It is a channel full of incredible landscapes that will make you disconnect for a few minutes from all the chaos of your day to day life and that will make you want to run out and buy a sailboat to see what they are seeing. Don’t hesitate to visit them!

This channel tells the story of a happy married couple who suddenly felt that their life had become boring, but instead of sitting on their couch resigned to watching the years go by and trying to join their local gym to do pilates, they decided to take a big gamble by selling all their possessions to buy a sailboat and sail around the world.

Now that risky decision has paid off, with a channel with more than 170K followers and hundreds of videos with thousands of views showing us how wonderful life can be if we decide to bet on it. This lovely couple is truly a source of inspiration!

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