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7 Inspirational sailing blogs to follow in 2020

Sailing blogs are a great place to learn more about sailing from first-hand experiences. These days, the web is flooded with sailing blogs and vlogs, there are a large number of individuals and families who have started sailing blogs, eager to share their sailing adventures – whether they’re still planning their first cruise, have been out there for years or enthusiasts on their first sail. All of them are sharing their different perspectives on sailing, suggesting and describing places to sail to, sailing how-to guides, awesome photos, and more. There are so many, styles of writing, stories of the greatest and the lowest moments of the adventure.

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Book2sail is presenting you a list of some of the sailing blogs that we think you might find fun to read, and to follow this year.

DINGHY DREAMS

book2sail-dinghy dreams

Dinghy dreams is the journal of the sea gypsy Emily.

She is a solo sailing girl, that at the age of 26 decided to buy a boat, move aboard, and start sailing.
This blog is not just about the cupcakes and the rainbows, and the stunning landscapes. It`s also about being a woman in a “mans`” world, about feminism and freedom.
You can follow her adventures on her website, but watch out, she definitely has the mouth of a sailor!

SAILING TOTEM

book2sail-sailing totem

This is probably one of the most recognized sailing blogs on the web. The crew of Totem consists of Behan and Jamie, and their children Niall, Mairen, and Siobhan. Their sailing adventure began in 2008, and goes on till today, over 11 years after the first set sail.
On the blog, you can read about their experience living aboard, homeschooling children, ocean awareness, and everything you can think of related to sailing.
They also offer professional experience and guidance to those who think about moving aboard or planning a cruise.
Keep an eye on their journey on their website.

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GROWING A PAIR

book2sail-sailing totem 1

Behind Growing a pair is a family of four, who spent a year backpacking around Asia and Australia. And this time, they embarked on a new adventure, sailing around the world on their boat Fat Susan.
You can read tips on buying a boat, gadgets you need onboard and a lot of interesting stories about the awesome destinations they`ve visited on their previous journeys.
Check out the plan for their crazy family sailing adventure here, and on their vlog on YouTube.There is even a kid`s blog on their website, written by their children.

YACHT FATHOM

book2sail-yacht fathom

Sailing around the world solo is one of the greatest challenges you can take on in sailing, and that`s what Thom D`Arcy did. Thom left his home in Yarmouth, Massachusetts in May 2016 and is currently sailing around the world, alone, on his Vancouver 28, Fathom. His interesting stories and stunning photography make for a refreshing read.
Thom’s progress can be tracked here.

SWELL VOYAGE

book2sail-swell voyage

Liz is a surfer and environmentalist from California. In 2006 she left California, on her own boat, a 40ft boat which she named Swell and embarked on a life-long dream surf exploration. She has since sailed over 20,000NM to Mexico, Central America, and the South Pacific.
Her sailing boat is powered solely by wind and solar power. She wrote a book based on true stories of her adventures, challenges, and different cultures.

You can buy Liz`s book, and follow her journey on her website.

SAILING NANDJI

book2sail-sailing nanji

Yoshi and Bonita are an Australian couple who bought a yacht named Nandji and began living full time on it in 2016, with their dog Marley. They have one of the most popular YouTube sailing blogs.

Along their way, they have used their blog to showcase their adventures, create weekly YouTube videos and how to guides. They use their YouTube channel, Instagram and blog to document their life at sea, and they have also written a book about their adventures.

WHERE THE COCONUTS GROW

book2sail-Jody and Peter

An American couple Jody and Peter set sail on their 1980 Whitby 42ft Ketch named Hey Jude, chasing the dream of less ordinary life, after moving on from the corporate world. They have been sailing ever since.

In 2017 their family grew and along came a new boy in the crew – Brig. They are still sailing around the world with a baby and dog.

Want to know what`s with the coconuts? Visit their blog to find out, and go through their adventures, stories from their trips as well as tips and tricks for sailing.

Frequently asked questions

  • 1
    What are some of the key preparations I should consider prior to my yacht charter?
    • Travel Documentation

      Always ensure you have some form of acceptable identification, in legible condition and valid.

      Medication

      Double check that both you and other individuals in your group remember to bring important medications that you are currently being prescribed, accounting for the amount of time you will be at sea.

      Money & Additional expenses

      It would be prudent to budget for slightly over what you anticipate spending. Charter related expenses will be made known, however you never know whether you will need something once travelling.

      Research

      Set aside some time look up the areas you intend on visiting, both whilst chartering (as part of your anticipated itinerary) and whilst travelling to the location at which you will begin your charter.

      Supplies

      As with any journey or holiday, ensure you have adequate toiletries, perhaps some favored foods and snacks.

      Clothing

      Bring the types of clothing that will, in your estimation, suit the weather conditions of the location in which you will be chartering. It may be handy to spend some time researching a few sailing blogs and weather forecasts.

      Equipment

      All necessary equipment should be found already aboard (including safety equipment and anything required to properly operate the vessel. Though you may like to bring a few extra mod-cons to ensure you have the best of experiences.

  • 2
    What is the best way to choose the right vessel and charter for me?
    • Choosing the best vessel for you and those joining you on your yacht charter, would be dependent on your personal preference. Though we recommend considering the following points:

      • Your level of experience
      • Where you will be chartering
      • The time of year and associated weather conditions
      • The ages and competence of both yourself and those in your group

      It would be very helpful for you to conduct some basic research pertaining to all of the above, by way of asking those who you know have chartered the type of vessel or been to the location you are considering, before. Yacht charter blogs and other relevant websites that will offer you an understanding of the key factors you should consider.

      And of course, we are more than happy to help you with your decision.

  • 3
    Do I need a licence to charter a yacht?
    • That all depends on where you intend to charter. If you would like to charter a yacht within Europe, the answer would be yes. It is important to remember that the correct licencing and/or documentation for your charter is your responsibility and we would strongly advise you to enquire into the legal prerequisites of your chosen charter region, taking care to note any differences if you are to cross maritime boarders.

      Regarding Europe, you will require an International Certificate of Competence, also known as the ICC.

  • 4
    What is an APA?
    • As a rule of thumb, the fee you pay for your charter, includes the rental of the vessel and the necessary crew to operate it, all other expenses associated with the charter are separate and are financed by the APA, which stands for the Advance provisioning allowance.

      The APA generally amounts to 30% of the total charter fee, though this may vary depending on the vessel.

      Dockage fees, fuel, communications and food & beverages will all be financed by the APA. Any remaining money from the APA at the end of the charter, will be returned to you.

  • 5
    What happens if the owner/captain does not show up, or is late?
    • All boat owners are bound to have someone meeting charterers on the day of charter. It is important that you as a charterer notify us if there is something wrong with your charter. For more information read the charterer’s policy.

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