Life On Sail

After coming back from our wonderful weekend in Leucate, the weather was so nice that we decided to sail the boat. It was our very first solo sail, just the two of us. We took the boat out without any issues. Nico mastered maneuvering out of our marina slip. We successfully avoided the sandbank at the harbor entrance. This time, we went all manual because Nico wanted to test the sails. He’s been trying to fix the mainsail and made some adjustments to the halyard, but the bearings still need to be replaced. I was steering while he worked to hoist the sails. We started with the genoa, and everything went smoothly. I’m learning to luff and bear away for the first time. I still struggle to feel or determine where the wind is coming from. It’s tricky to luff and then hold a steady course to maintain speed. Nico shouts directions using everyday words instead of proper nautical terms, which is frustrating since I’ve started reading maritime guides to learn the right vocabulary.   Next, we...

Finding our Dream Vessel For those of us enchanted by the idea of owning a sailboat, the journey of finding the right one might feel like a treasure hunt. Here's a detailed guide on how to navigate the waters of sailboat acquisition, ensuring you find a vessel that matches your dreams and your practical needs. Take it with a grain of salt as it is the first time for us too! Understanding Your Sailing Dreams Before diving into the market, define what you want your sailing life to look like: - Purpose : Are you looking for a weekend cruiser, a long-distance voyager, or a boat for day sailing? Your intended use will dictate size, design, and features. For us, it's all about living aboard for as long as our budget will let us. Cruising the shoreline from wherever we buy the boat, and making at least one transatlantic sail.  So it has to be a boat above 38ft (ideally 40ft) and equipped for offshore sailing.  - Experience Level : Your sailing skills should influence your choice. A n...