
Beginners Guide to Escaping the Rat Race!
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How to Buy a Boat
#26 If you’re serious about boat ownership and don’t fancy spending more time fixing things than sailing, you’re going to need a proper plan.
Location, Location, Location.
#25 Starting your world cruising adventure is not as simple as throwing a dart at a map and hoping for the best. You might hit a lovely spot, like the Mediterranean or you might end up sailing straight into a pirate-infested hellhole!
A Voyage for Madmen
#24 The 1968 Golden Globe Race was a challenge that thrust sailors into a gruelling test of endurance and isolation like no other; a legendary race that later became known as the “The Voyage for Madmen.”
Alternatives to Boat Ownership
#23 There are many downsides to owning a boat. In fact, it’s often said that the happiest day in a boat buyer’s life is when they first buy a boat, and the second happiest is when they sell it!
Catamarans vs Monohulls
#22 If you thought Trump or Brexit was a divisive topic, its nothing compared to the catamarans vs monohull debate within the cruising community!
Appeal for Assistance: Endangered Dugong Calf in Distress
Appeal for Help: The Raja Ampat Marine Park Authorities informed us that this endangered dugong calf that we’re trying to save is not their concern.
What are the Most Popular Blue Water Sailboats?
#21 Cruisers sail the oceans in all sorts of boats, from super yachts to modified barrels (I’m not kidding!)
How NOT to Buy a Boat!
#20 In many ways, your ‘new’ boat becomes an adopted member of the family with its own personality and idiosyncrasies, constantly needing attention.
DEFCON 9: What about Health Care and Insurance?
#19 This might come as a revelation, especially to folks from the USA, but the cost of family healthcare around the world is really quite affordable, even when using private healthcare providers.
DEFCON 8: What about all my Stuff?
#18 There’s an entire culture stoking a belief that more is better. However, it should come as no surprise that any endeavour involving freedom, travel, and adventure is about learning to live with less.
DEFCON 7: Won’t I be Lonely?
#17 The cruising community is wide, expansive, and very sociable. If loneliness worries you, don’t let it. The community is encouraging, and friendships and support are never far away
DEFCON 6: How do I Learn Boat Maintenance?
#16 Cruising can, at times, feel less like freedom, travel, and adventure and more like a relentless effort to keep your head above water—sometimes literally!
DEFCON 5: How do I Learn to Sail?
#15 Sailing is only one of many skillsets a cruiser must acquire but luckily, one of the easiest to obtain.
DEFCON 4: Money - How much will I need?
#14 Few "sail away" books address the gap between making the decision to go and making the money to go. Yet, this is often the biggest obstacle.
A Nice Cup of Tea
#13 As you may or may not be aware, May 21st marks International Tea Day, so I would like to pay homage to two of my favourite night watch companions: tea (quite obviously) and Eric Arthur Blair.
DEFCON 3: How do I Get my Partner Onboard?
#12 How can you ensure that your partner is fully invested, not merely because of your enthusiasm, but because they genuinely share it?
ANZAC DAY in Australia and New Zealand
#11 This week, I want to take a time-out from my usual posts in respect of ANZAC Day here in Australia.
DEFCON 2: What About the Kids’ Education?
#10 Institutional incarceration is a tried and tested form of punishment, and many kids view school that way too.
DEFCON 1: What about my Career?
#09 A well-rounded, resilient life transcends a singular job or career; it should embody a blend of problem-solving, risk-taking, and uncertainty.
DEFCONs and Elephants in the Room
#08 Inertia is fateful, but doubts, fears, and concerns don’t have to be. As Seneca so succinctly said: "It's not that we have a short time to live, but that we waste much of it."