Liveaboard Sailing Podcast

This week, I’m joined by Aaron Bandstra , a marine surveyor based in the Pacific Northwest, for a practical conversation about boat surveys, maintenance, and what buyers and owners should really be paying attention to. We talk about what surveyors actually look for during an inspection. Aaron also shares what signs often point to a well-maintained boat. We discuss how boats that sit unused can age...

This week on the Liveaboard Sailing Podcast , John Neal from Mahina Offshore Services returns for another practical conversation—this time around shorthanded sailing. We talk about why checklists matter, how good systems reduce stress offshore, and what sailors can do to make shorthanded sailing more efficient, safer, and less overwhelming. We also shift into the current sailboat market, because f...

Mike Beemer is a marine technology instructor and sailor who, in 2025, took part in an expedition through the Northwest Passage. We spoke about what it actually takes to prepare for and sail a route like this, from the technical side of the boat to the realities of operating in ice and constantly changing conditions. We talk about the day-to-day life on board an Arctic expedition, including watchk...

🎙️ Today's guests are Julie and Gio from Pelagic Blue, who sail aboard their Malo 39, Sea Fox. ⛵️ At the time of this recording, they were preparing for a Pacific passage toward the Galapagos, and in this episode, we talk through what that actually involves, both practically and mentally. From permits and route planning to watch systems, fatigue, and decision-making at sea, this is a grounded loo...

Today’s episode is a deep dive into what solo ocean sailing actually looks like in practice. In this second conversation with Tomas Fehrling, we pick up where we left off in episode 67 back when he was in Panama, and follow his journey across the Pacific and beyond. We talk about what long passages are really like day to day, how decision-making changes when you’re alone at sea, and why experience...

After a break, the Liveaboard Sailing Podcast is back, and we’re starting with a conversation that goes straight to the heart of what makes a successful life at sea. In this episode, I’m joined by returning guests John Neal, Julie, and Gio Cappelli for a wide-ranging discussion on decision-making, preparation, and what it really takes to go cruising, and to keep going. We talk about the skills tha...

Lin Pardey is a name that needs little introduction in the sailing world—her voyages, books, and philosophy of simple cruising have inspired generations of sailors. In this episode, she’s joined by her partner David Haigh, an experienced offshore sailor and circumnavigator. Together, they share lessons on seamanship, self-reliance, and the mindset needed to cross oceans. We talk about: ⛵ The evol...

Julie and Gio from Pelagic Blue Cruising Services return to the podcast after their 15,000 nautical mile journey from Mexico to Hawaii, Alaska, and back to the Pacific Northwest. And that’s just the beginning! Along the way, they've not only explored incredible destinations but also transformed from eager cruisers to trusted mentors, helping others prepare for life at sea. In this episode, we talk...

What does it take to sail to the most remote and extreme destinations on Earth? Jimmy Cornell, legendary sailor, author, and rally founder, has spent decades exploring the world’s oceans—including multiple voyages to Antarctica and the Northwest Passage. Now, he’s launched the High Latitude Challenge, an ambitious event connecting these two iconic destinations. In this episode, we talk about: ✔️ W...

⛵ Boat buying, major refits, and a first adventure to Alaska—this episode is packed with insights for new and aspiring cruisers. My guest shares how expert guidance helped them navigate the boat-buying process, how they tackled a refit with support from Pelagic Blue Cruising Services, and what it was like taking off for an offshore shakedown cruise. Dive into: ⛵ What matters when buying a liveab...

The cruising world is changing—weather patterns are shifting, offshore insurance is getting harder to secure, and the boat market isn’t what it used to be. So what does this mean for sailors planning their next adventure? In this episode, offshore sailing expert John Neal shares his insights on the biggest trends affecting cruisers today. With decades of experience and over 400,000 nautical miles...

What happens when you buy a fixer-upper sailboat and dive headfirst into liveaboard life? Kim and Bob Stephens are here to share their story of perseverance, teamwork, and learning on the go. 🌊 From refitting their 1985 Stevens 47 to navigating their first cruising season through the Caribbean, this episode is packed with practical advice and inspiring tales for anyone dreaming of life on the wat...

🌍 From Denmark to the Azores and beyond, Leo and Pernille’s sailing journey is full of adventure, lessons, and stunning destinations. 🐾 With their dog Kai by their side, they’ve explored the Mediterranean, anchored in remote gems, and fallen in love with Ireland's wild coasts. In this episode, they share: ✨ Why their sailing life began as a creative housing solution ✨ Their favourite European...

We’re kicking off the new season with an inspiring story from Nate and Megan of Sailing Scout! After starting with minimal sailing experience (just an ASA course and a bareboat charter), they’ve now sailed over 20,000 nautical miles, crossing oceans with their two kids. 🌍⛵ 🎙️ In this episode, they share: ⚓ How they transitioned to boat life 🌎 The highlights of cruising the Caribbean, the Pacif...

In this week's episode of the Liveaboard Sailing podcast, I sit down with Steve Payne, a liveaboard cruiser and YouTube creator who has been sailing around Europe for the past few years. I start off by asking Steve the age-old question, "why live on a boat?" and delve into his journey from being a professional photographer and filmmaker for decades to becoming a YouTube creator in the sailing worl...

In this week's episode of the Liveaboard Sailing podcast, we're joined by Kia Koropp, a seasoned sailor who completed an 11-year circumnavigation and ventured to some of the most remote and lesser-known places with her husband and two kids. We're talking places like The Gambia, Sumatra, India, Mozambique...Kia shares with us her fascinating insights and experiences on what it's like to sail to pla...

In this episode I interview a solo sailor Tomas Fehrling, who has been sailing solo for years in the Mediterranean and is currently crossing the Pacific. We discuss the challenges and rewards of solo sailing, including sailing at night and managing risk factors. Tomas also shares his reasons for sailing solo and provides valuable tips for aspiring solo sailors. If you're interested in solo sailing...

Welcome to today's episode of the podcast, where I'm thrilled to introduce my guests Nigel and Veronica and their exciting new project, called the Novara One Planet. In this episode, we'll be discussing their journey to support at-risk coastal communities to become climate-safe, using their sailing vessel Novara as the main platform. Nigel and Veronica have just embarked on a years-long journey fr...

Welcome to this week's episode of the podcast, where we're taking a trip to the United States and exploring the Eastern coast in a big loop. Joining me today is Deb Reimer, who, along with her husband, embarked on a one-year, 6,000-mile journey around the Great Loop after 20 years of coastal cruising in the Great Lakes. The Great Loop is a continuous waterway that includes the Atlantic, Gulf Intra...

This week we’re doing things a little differently, the main difference being that you won’t hear me in this episode! I asked previous guests, Jack and Sonya, from Two the Horizon to send us a bit of a real-life update as they approach their one-year anniversary of being on the move. In their first year of cruising, they left California, went up to Canada and then south to Mexico on their Passport...

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

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

This week I’ll take you to the Caribbean, with my guests Ben and Kitra, who talk to me about their first couple of years of cruising. This episode has some great tips for anyone thinking about buying a boat in the Caribbean, as that is what Kitra and Ben did – and it wasn’t exactly smooth sailing. We also talk about jumping into the lifestyle without excessive preparation or expectations. I really...

Today we are talking about chasing the travel dream after retirement. My guest is Deb Akey who learned to sail in her 50s and together with her husband bought a sailboat and went cruising for 5 years. We cover topics like challenges managing a rental apartment from afar, going from lake sailors to ocean sailors and some realizations and learnings she had about offshore sailing on a two-person crew...

This week I’m chatting with a delightful couple, Julie and Gio Cappelli from SV Sea Fox who are full of incredibly useful tips. I talked to them shortly after they had arrived to Mexico about their journey to liveaboard sailing. In this episode we tackle all sort of topics like how they went from wanting an engineless boat with no plumbing to owning a beautiful Swedish-built sailboat, and how they...