Share

Liveaboard Sailing Podcast
Why Wait? Pressing Pause on Careers to Tackle a Refit and Embrace the Cruising Life
Season 6, Ep. 3
ā¢
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.
š 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 water.
š Highlights include:
ā Buying (and refitting) a project boat.
ā Lessons learned during their first year of cruising.
ā Favorite destinations, including Bonaire and the Panama Canal.
More episodes
View all episodes

8. Sailing Wisdom with Lin Pardey & David Haigh: Seamanship, Simplicity, and Offshore Lessons
33:06||Season 6, Ep. 8Lin Pardey is a name that needs little introduction in the sailing worldāher voyages, books, and philosophy of simple cruising have inspired generations of sailors. In this episode, sheās 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: āµ The evolving world of offshore sailingāwhatās changed and what hasnāt š The importance of seamanship and why simplicity often wins over complexity š Lessons from decades at sea, from storm tactics to boat preparation ā The mindset that makes long-term cruising possible
7. Lessons from Offshore: Sail Training, Preparation & Living the Dream
51:01||Season 6, Ep. 7Julie 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 thatās 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 about:āµ Their Pacific Loop: sailing from Mexico to Hawaii, Alaska, and back to the Pacific Northwestā What they learned about planning, preparation, and staying flexibleš How to prioritize refit projectsāand avoid common mistakesš The SMART goals framework for turning cruising dreams into realityš©āš« How theyāve gone from students to mentors, guiding others on their journey to life at seaWhether you're planning your first passage or dreaming of long-term cruising, this conversation is full of practical advice and inspiration.
6. Exploring the Ends of the Earth: Jimmy Cornell on High-Latitude Sailing
40:33||Season 6, Ep. 6What 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 worldās oceansāincluding multiple voyages to Antarctica and the Northwest Passage. Now, heās launched the High Latitude Challenge, an ambitious event connecting these two iconic destinations.In this episode, we talk about:āļø What makes Antarctica and the Arctic so captivating for sailorsāļø The unique challenges of high-latitude cruisingāļø Practical advice for new sailors just getting started Jimmy also shares stories from his past voyages, lessons from 200,000+ nautical miles, and his best advice for sailors preparing for offshore adventures.
5. Liveaboard Lessons: Boat Buying, Refits & Sailing to Alaska
36:37||Season 6, Ep. 5āµ Boat buying, major refits, and a first adventure to Alaskaāthis 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: āµ What matters when buying a liveaboard sailboatš§ Lessons from a refitš Taking off straight into a high-latitude adventureš The importance of having a GOOD logbook at sea
4. The Future of Cruising: Climate, Insurance & Boat Buying Trends
49:04||Season 6, Ep. 4The cruising world is changingāweather patterns are shifting, offshore insurance is getting harder to secure, and the boat market isnāt 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 under his belt, John has guided thousands of sailors through boat buying, offshore preparation, and long-term cruising.We dive into:ā How climate change is affecting cruising routes and weather patternsā The realities of todayās boat market and what buyers & sellers should expectā The tightening offshore insurance landscapeāwhy itās changing and how to prepare
2. Living Afloat in Europe: Sailing the Med, the Azores, and Beyond
43:12||Season 6, Ep. 2š From Denmark to the Azores and beyond, Leo and Pernilleās sailing journey is full of adventure, lessons, and stunning destinations. š¾ With their dog Kai by their side, theyāve 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 destinations (and the challenges of the Med!)⨠Tips for sailing with a dog⨠Winter survival tips for liveaboards⨠The importance of simplicity aboard a 35-foot boatš§ Listen now to hear their story and get inspired for your own cruising dreams.A Green Heading websiteA Green Heading on YoutubeLeo and Pernille on Instagram
1. Learning on the Go - From Florida to Thailand and Beyond
48:46||Season 6, Ep. 1Weāre 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), theyāve now sailed over 20,000 nautical miles, crossing oceans with their two kids. šāµšļø In this episode, they share:ā How they transitioned to boat lifeš The highlights of cruising the Caribbean, the Pacific, and Southeast AsiašØāš©āš§āš¦ The joys and challenges of family life aboard their vintage catamaran⨠This marks the return of the Liveaboard Sailing Podcast after a break, and I couldnāt be more excited to bring you more inspiring stories! š§Sailing Scout YoutubeSailing Scout Family Instagram
11. Friendly Flags and French Canals: A Journey Through Europe's Waterways
55:23||Season 5, Ep. 11In 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 world.We also explore the joys of the liveaboard lifestyle, and his experience sailing through the French canals. Additionally, we touch on the Friendly Flag project that Steve started, that encourages friendship and socialization on the water. Links mentioned in this episodeĀ ā¬ļøĀ š„ FriendlyFlag.netš„ Steve's Youtube channel Jaywalking the Worldš”Ā Let's be social!Come check out extra content onĀ Patreon!Come find me and fellow listeners onĀ InstagramĀ orĀ Facebook, and let's keep the conversation going. You'll find me there as Liveaboard Sailing Podcast.šµ Theme music by: Ikson - Anywhereiksonmusic.com