WE'RE LEAVING THE BOAT... our winter plans | Boat Life Ep. 30
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- čas přidán 8. 09. 2024
- Well.... the day was bound to come at some point... it's time we figure out our winter plans. Living aboard a sailboat in New England really leaves only a couple options: a) head south b) liveaboard but face the cold c) take the boat out of the water and find another place to live. We weighed all the options intensely for months trying to figure what worked best for our future. After a lot of deliberation, I'm really happy with the choice we made. It might not make for as exciting content, but sometimes you just have to embrace the path of least resistance and I think that's what we chose. Can't wait to share this next chapter with you soon.
Penelope is really going to be our dream tiny home after the work we're going to put into her!
Big hugs,
Dana
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Your decision demonstrates potentially life saving maturity when it comes to assessing your sailing skills and comfort zones. The toughest decision for a Captain is when NOT to go.
Thanks so much! "The toughest decision for a captain is when not to go" hits home. Thanks for watching along 😊
Every place feels like home because, that's where you're together.
Amen
AMEN sister! 🙌🏼
Someone mentioned a couple episodes back that investing in the experience of an onboard, seasoned sailboat operator/person who could add to your knowledge and skills might be worth its weight in gold. I'm positive there is amongst your viewers and patrons someone who could connect you with such an individual. Best wishes.
Definitely, we decided to invest in a professional coach first before buying our boat, as we also have kids and live in southwest France - Bay of Biscay - and I feel we've learned so much faster with our coach compared to just doing it on our own. When we make our purchase, we'll be ready to head straight out, and with confidence :)
I wrote it already in the beginning when you entered the water for the first time with Penelope that I did not see you guys crossing the ocean this winter or any time soon. And I am really glad you decide to be really ready because it is a big job to cross the ocean even with good sailor experience, just had that gut feeling. So congrats to your decision you have a good amount of time to recover and give it space!
Good call. Spend a winter on the hard prepping Penelope for cruising. For the most oart it is way too late to be heading South from there after the beginning of November or even rhe middle of October.
Almost no cruisers jump offshore to the Caribean directly from the Northeast via a bluewater route anyhow. The vast majority make their way down the coast, using the Intra-Coastal Waterways, jumping offshore for short day or overnight jaunts if the weather is really good and if they are in a hurry. It's short easy overnight hop to the Bahamas from S. Florida.
There is a lot to see along the way down the East Coast, it's not something you want to miss IMHO. If you take your time and wander down to Florida slowly, it is a great liveaboard journey that can be spread out for months. We like to be going past NYC by early September at the latest, as it gets too cold and the weather gets snotty more often later than that up in the NE. Jump past the Jersey Shore to Cape May and head up into the relatively protected waters of the Delaware and then the Chesapeake. You can spend a couple of months there exploring, and barely get a taste of all there is to see there as fall begins to set in.
Be in the ICW proper and South of Norfolk by Halloween. It starts to get cold and windy-stormy in the Chesapeake after that. It's no joke in the Chesapeake when the wind picks up. Then you can take your time travelling the fairly-protected ICW and seeing the sites on your own schedule, and not so limited by weather windows in most spots ti travel south slowly in style.
Be into Florida by December to avoid the chill, or at least southern Georgia. Don't be afraid of Georgia, the Rasmus is an excellent shallow-water cruiser and doesn't get stuck when you run aground as long as you aren't going too fast. Big wide flat keel doesn't dig in. We've always been able to back off the bottom in 5 trips on the ICW when we have messed up.
Once you get to Florida you can start preparing for the Bahamas and stocking up. With your diet, which isn't all that different than ours, you'll find it difficult to stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables. We can technically live on dried rice, lentils, beans, and dried fruits/veggies and supplement that with canned vegetables after the fresh run out but, that is not exactly optimal. Fresh veggies and fruits in the Caribbean are more limited and quite expensive you will find.
Anyhow,. If you leave early enough next fall you don't need to go offshore right away. You probably will not have sufficient sailing experience to do long offshore runs by next year either. You need to build up slowly to that. A trip down the coast will be more manageable and give you more than enough excitement and scared OMG moments as newbies anyhow.
This was a really thoughtful reply!
You should hire a experienced deck hand for a crossing. Then you can learn as you go. Safely
CZcams stopped showing me your videos ...I was like, “what...they’re on a boat now!” Good stuff guys!
What I love the most when browsing the comment section is how diverse your followers are. All sorts of people. That's the best kind of community because we all can learn so much from each other. This is made possible by all you've guys conquered and dared to do over the past years. I honestly feel like I'm still going to be here watching when I'm 90 years old. And that's cool, because I feel like you two are never going to stop learning and sharing either. Merry Christmas
This comment ❤️ Thank you so much, that was such a joy to read. We are really tremendously grateful to everyone who is interested in our little adventures, it is such a privilege to have this wonderful community of people so open with kind words and advice and support. Thank you very much for your support and positivity, it really means a lot 😊 Merry Christmas!
@@WildWeRoam It's not just the adventures, it is your character (both Dana and Lou) that has drawn me into Wild We Roam...I'm 69 (with a lot of Life ahead of me) and I'm changing the way I think and you guys are part of the transformation I'm am making...also the e-book has been quite good for me...I encourage continuing chronicles written or video! I'm on board metaphorically...Merry Christmas!!
@@WildWeRoam I did not expect a reply from you, Christmas made! 🥺🙈 Love from Germany
@@donwilson1061 see, this is what I mean 🥰👍
Hey guys! Hope you're warm and cozy this winter.
Aw, thanks so much, Denine!! Hope you have a cozy winter, as well ❤️
Good choice guys, safety first! Don't rush something potentially dangerous when you're not ready yet. You'll get there and we'll stick around!
The thing I like the most on your channel is watching how you overcome things, how you have worked on Ody and Penelope, how you dealt with all the setbacks in pursuit of a dream. The beautiful landscapes are a plus, but guys, I really look forward to seeing what you are doing during the winter! :)
No failures that I see here, you guys are great. I wish i had the nerve to take the steps you guys have climbed. Most of my years have been spent dreaming of doing this and that, then marriage and kids come along and priorities change. You guys are doing what alot of us don't have the balls to do. I can't wait for your next adventure, I'll be there with you.
Im so relieved, take time to learn how to sail SAFELY THANKYOU!
lou's reaction to learning that you have jam was amazing
Knowing what you don’t know is a big step in the journey. Be well, get some rest.
I love watching your learning curve. You two have come very far. Your decisions were expected. Please take this advice. Lou has to spend time at the wheel, as a woman I LOVE that Dana helms but it is imperative for both people to understand maneuvering the vessel. The things that happen are random, my rule is things go to sh#&t fast on a boat. I have fainted from Lyme and been unable to do anything on the boat leaving my husband with no crew, and a partner below with a medical emergency. SHARE THE HELM❤️
Great decision. Keep up the videos, though!! We all want to follow your *lives* now, not just your boat ❤🌲❄🥰
GOOD CHOICE😁
PREP is what it's about beside you both deserve a break you done SO much! 😀
maybe it’s less “exciting” but it really makes a lot of sense, and ultimately it will be better for you as you’ll have time to learn everything you need, and better for the viewers because we won’t have to worry so much knowing you put in all the necessary time and effort to make both Penelope and yourselves voyage-ready ☺️ ocean crossing is such a big undertaking and rushing it could be really dangerous so it’s a really mature decision you took. proud of you guys!
So glad you'll be warm & dry for the winter months. Looking forward to seeing the cottage & what's next for you two. Stay well! 🎄💕
I’m impressed by your decision not to go! Also I am really enjoying seeing you work on the boat, because I know nothing about boats!
its good that you have the time to take your time and not be pushed by circumstances, feelings or other people. PS am impressed with Lou's shots from the anchor underwater and the sail tops! Bless you guys - hope you get to relax a bit over Christmas.
I doubt I'm the only one who would watch cinematic cottage videos with your awakening journeys :) you guys are awesome
Glad y’all are slowing down and taking time to rest and regroup. You don’t want to jump into something as big as sailing to the Caribbean without being rested and prepared. I love watching y’all’s content and will be here waiting for when y’all post anything.
It is all part of the adventure. Pre-planning can make a huge positive contribution to your life style on the water. As a boat owner, your maintenance and learning will never stop. You’ll grow stronger and more confident through the on the hard time.
You are young!!! There is no need to rush and possibly jeopardize your safety. Your adventure will be much more enjoyable because you will be so much better prepared.
I think you made the right decision!! For safety’s sake too. Study hard and be so ready when you do go and live out that adventure!! I think it is going to be so nice to see you two slow down and live in a little house! That sounds so magical!!
Prepare, learn, prepare!! And then... Just then... Go... and Sail!! With safety on board. Because the Ocean it's not. It's just not a Highway! Where you just can call a tow truck!!
From Portugal with Love for Ship's!!
Keep on Sailing!!!! And visit Portugal since May until September!! 💋💋
That is some incredible drone footage you have shown us. Well something to look forward to seeing is believing that you both have delivered another great video of your life and times. Thanks for sharing your story with us that watch your channel. Outstanding job. Happy holidays to you both.
this was a good choice and I think it'll still be pretty interesting to see content from boat fixing and all, so don't worry for that part, can't wait to see cottage life
I think it's a wise and prudent decision. Van life to sea life is 180 degrees out. And part of the journey is preparing for the big voyage! Rest and build your energy reserves back up!
I think you're making a very very smart decision to make sure you're prepared for the next adventure. Learning how to sail on your own is a big task. Set yourself up for success
I can understand your frustration at having another winter on the hard but you have done fantastically well. You should be so very proud. Well done for making the right (difficult as it was) decision. 👍😊
Okay, it may feel a little sad, but I think you made the right & warm decision! A warm summer will be coming up. And the best sailors are the ones who know how to be prepare, and know when they are not yet!
I am sad to see the new letter go, but I completely understand. Thank you for taking us on this journey with you. I love your love!
I've spend my 2020 with your videos about the boat life. Can't wait for the next year 🥳I've been watching your adventures and follwing your story since buying the van 🥰
So happy for your decision! And as much as I love following the adventures, also excited for some slow at home content. I loved when your content was on eating for super cheap while abroad, meditating, learning film, etc. And for a lot of us at home in quarantine the kind of content of "cocooning" and burrowing in and living slow is beautiful and relatable. Sending love from nyc
Great decision, take your time, and we will enjoy watching the boat become what it becomes as you work on it over winter.
Make your boot work. Have a Skipper training. Start your adventure Sous. Thanks vor sharing.
I cannot wait to see you make the boat more comfortable to live on, and then to see you enjoy it later when you're back on the water!
Much better than to watch you struggle doing things you are not ready for without certain basic needs (I imagine you really need a fridge in the Carribean) to keep you going.
I think it was the best decision.. We can't just keep going and going if we're getting more and more tired.
You hit the nail on the head. You set a GOAL. You didn't quite achieve it, but you achieved a LOT. Imagine if you hadn't set that goal and you didn't make the huge strides that you did. You'll appreciate that and it will all be a part of your bigger story. Merry Christmas.
enjoy every step you make. It's about the journey not about the rush to reach the caribien as soon as possible
Yes, don't rush. It's the journey not the destination!!!
Dear Dana and Lou, I think you made an excellent decision. Another winter on the hard with all the experience you’ve gained will enable you to prepare yourself and the boat so much more. You are so much more educated. Decisions and upgrades for the boat will be so much more based on your own knowledge, preferences and practical experience. Preparing for long passages is not a small feat and you are no longer underestimating (although I don’t think you ever did) it. One small bit of advice I would like to offer you is to try and do some sailing in an open, small boat. That will can improve your ‘wind and boat feeling’ immensely.
I love how open and honest you guys are with your emotions ❤️
If you have any doubts about the boat, fix it first, your life may depend on it, very wise decision i think and remember take your time and enjoy the work you put into her, also something I learned about boats, never in a hurry
Don’t feel bad, you both will have more time to reorganize and fix up more on your sailboat before summer time 😊👍🏼
Take a break to relax and enjoy the Holidays & some sightseeing around your cottage place area.
Yay! I'm so glad you get to have a break before your next adventure! Life is crazy and you guys are definitely doing things out of your comfort zone. It's super cool, but burn out is real! I think everyone needs a break from this year :) Can't wait to see you guys out there again, but I'm so happy that you get to live with lots of basic luxuries for a bit :) Happy holidays! Sending you guys lots of love!
I think you've made the right call, you've achieved an amazing amount in such a short time really. Re-coup, re-energise more adventures are coming! x
It doesn't matter where you go it will always feel like home, because your together. ❤
A sensible decision. Preparation is part of the journey, too.
You have plenty of time, enjoy life and each other, no matter where you are.
I am relieved. Do you find living on the boat too isolating? Do you miss interacting with more people? I do miss your Odie Adventures.
I wondered this as well
I also miss the Odie adventures. The boat seems way more stressful.
So proud of both of you to be able to make the hard, difficult decisions. We will all learn from this decision you have shared with all of us. Thank you
We feel the same way every year when we winterize our Carver 3807, before you know it you'll find yourself recommissioning your girl in the spring and that is a great feeling.
Dana & Lou, you guys are amazing. I LOVE the balance. Adventure with caution, confidence with realism, determination with flexibility - all wrapped up in your lovely partnership. This has clearly served you well through all adventures and learning curves to date and is completely in force with this decision.
Enjoy your winter season of prep and learning. If you DO make your way down the ICW there's always a place here for a bed, a shower, and a vegan kitchen (and a handy marina!) before you try for the Bahamas.
:-) Greg
Sending good wishes for cottage life-- can't wait to see everything! ❤️Thanks for always making my day brighter with your videos
Out on the hard in warmer weather, but still in the US, might help recharge those batteries. But getting those sails fixed and get outfitted with a heater while you are in the NE would be good, cause they easier to come by there. Taking some sailing lessons and get at least basic certifications, with one of you Capt certified before heading out into the big blue is something to think about. It's not just about sailing. It's the man overboard drills, how to circle round to retrieve someone safely, medical issues, paperwork when going into a new port, which flags to fly, etc. Yes, you can read over some of it but it's something else when you have to do it for the 1st time. Not to mention, having the certifications help with insurance in some cases. Always a win, win. Sorry for the last comment, I'm binge watching, ski season for me right now.
Merry Christmas, And a good Slide into the new year, Your making a good decision, you have come so far, but now you do the rest to make your home comfortable to live in for the longer trips you will be happy you took this time and your recharge will help too, you have accomplished so so much, hugs from Canada. Patience is also a cruising skill.... HUGS stay warm, and healthy, hug each other more, prowd of you both!
Wow, what a wise decision. Sometimes life choices are hard but I think you've made a good decision for you. Safe travels!!
Do what you have to do but keep us informed because we are interested. X
Good call on more experience. It will come. In addition to your continued refit over the winter, take some courses particularly on navigation, at least the US equivalent of the Coastal Yachtmaster, you can do the theory over the winter and practical in the spring. Will have a major impact on you confidence.
I think you made a good decision. Get more experienced before a big sail. And this Will gibe you both a break
Take a hot bath a take a deep breath. Spring will be here before you no it.
You two are doing great. Probably a wise decision, but you two are more ready than you know. There will always be boat work to do, even once you get cruising in beautiful places. Be prepared for that and also, know that you can do it as you go. You and your boat are both far more sea worthy than many that are already cruising.
The two of you are such a good team! It's wonderful to follow your journey!
Happy Holidays to you both! We spent from Easter to just before Thanksgiving at our cottage near Plymouth Harbor. I was particularly emotional when I left this year to our winter home a mere 15-20 miles away. The cottage was our safe haven during this crazy Covid year, and I couldn’t help but feel I was just abandoning her...so I cried when I packed up and left for the winter. I get why you’re emotional about leaving your safe haven, Penelope. Our homes are part of our families. 🥰❄️🎄⚓️💫
Good decision and I love boatwork so don't worry about your viewers.
You guys are a cute couple
You guys made the right decision, no doubt. You have come a long way on your sailing skills, but you just need more boating experience in general, especially if you want to feel confident enough to go off shore. It takes some people years to feel comfortable enough to go off shore. They way you guys are doing it, I'm sure you won't need that much time, but keep logging sailing hours! And the way your boat is setup with the aft cabin, you should take on an experienced crew next season and sail south down to Block Island and around the forks of Long Island durning the summer. Great cruising ground with plenty of interesting places to have some adventures off shore and in shore to log more sailing time. Thanks for the great vidoes!
I agree with your decision for this year. Get some more hours under your keel and then head off next winter! We will be heading south next winter as well if you want to bounce some ideas off each other, I’d be happy to talk! We have come from sail and now have a trawler and took the boat to Myrtle Beach last year but plan to get to at least Florida next winter. But this winter is a winter at home which totally stinks but we are using the time to maybe get our captain’s licenses, get some other knowledge training including first aid and then getting the house ready to sell in a few years. :).
Hello Dana! Everything is going to be fine! February, March, you can travel! The hurricane season is going to be over, and than you can travel to Caribbean seas. You have Lou who is a fantastic match and great husband. 😊💪💪
Oh, good choice. Get an Espar S2 diesel heater on the list for winter projects, and buy a bunch of spares for engine and systems, new sails with triple reef main.
Would it feel ok to take some sailing lessons? Maybe to learn to use radar and weather routing apps. Take your time if crossing ocean or Caribbean is in your sights, you are both so fantastic you could do anything.
The crystal clear waters are going to be even more delicious! DnA Santa Cruz is very proud of you both!
I’m so happy y’all decided to take a break. A pause is sometimes better than fast forward. I enjoy your videos so much!
Stay safe and have a great Xmas and New Year.
Wanting something really really bad doesn’t always mean it’s the right choice. You and Penelope need to be better prepared to be on the open ocean. Use this winter wisely to get ready. Cheers!
You made the right decision. Being fully prepared before a crossing is the smart and safe way to begin your trip!
wow that shot in the water was EPICCC
Happy days! Good choice
I found your vlog while aimlessly searching you tube on New Years Eve- I think over the past few days that I have subscribed and binge watched most of your videos! You have totally inspired me to be more adventurous ,eat better and exercise more over this next year! Happy 2021, and can’t wait to watch where life takes you next!!
You guys made the right Informed decision. You will be so happy you did when spring comes and Penelope has all her upgrades while not living on her. will make for a more comfortable adventure next year. You won't have to worry about fixing things but enjoying your sailing.
And here I am wondering if I should leave my house in 2021 - Can't wait for your return 💕
The go pro on the anchor was impressive.
I am pleased. I feel like your mum! The thought of you both crossing oceans without more practicing and then without the boat how you want it my mama hen is wanting to gather you both up under my wing and tell you “no rush my little chicks, be safer” . You have both blown me away with what you have accomplished. You are learning to sail its incredible. The ocean will be waiting. Anywhere you two go will be interesting for us. Settle, recoup that’s an adventure in itself ❤️❤️
Aw, I love the image of Momma Hen and her loving wing ❤️ Thank you so much for the kind words and support, it really does mean so much to read ❤️ Sending my love!
Still excited for the adventure and your videos as they are always so beautifully done :) Can't wait to see you in the tropics next year!
Very proud of you both getting this far!!
The best/safest sailors know the limits!!
You will be better sailors for doing this and Penelope will thank you for it many times over!!
All the best Richard.
I'm so glad for you to be able to have such vast experiences. Enjoy your rest and have a very Merry Christmas!! 🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲
I don't know how cold it gets where you are but you can get a Diesel heater, reflex or Dickinson they are amazing and it will change your life totally.
I would say you made a good choice. You'll know when you feel ready and it takes time to learn all these new skills.
Very smart and wise decision. Get to know Penelope better in all kinds of weather. Do some 2-3 day trips. Do some overnight passages. That will make the trip to the South much safer and I promiss you it still will be an adventure!
thank you for sharing these thoughts, it was great to relate to you two. I had to make a similar hard decision: i have to wait winter out to start building my van. but every experience makes us grow further, so good luck in the cottage, enjoy those normal life luxuries!
You are doing very well, and the difficult decision you made will bear superb fruit in the future. You are wonderful people. Bless you in all that you do.
With the way things are.. waiting is probably the smarter idea. Hopefully the world will be a little more normal by the end of next summer/fall anyway.
Sadly, I think that is the right decision. I think you did well to get on the water quickly, so many people have the boat on the hard for years. Now you know much more about Penelope you can prioritise the important jobs. However, I recomend getting on with it asap. Get the maintenance done ready for an early start to next season. Also, now you have some sailing experience, what about taking some professional instruction to help develop your skills? Looking forward to your adventures next year.
You made the right decision. Take alittle bit of time and get ready for the big voyage. Once your ready you will know. Then your on your own
You guys made the right choice. I admire that you both want to learn more about sailing before you venture out to new places.
I think you guys are making the right choice even though it's hard! Journeys go at their own pace and always have unexpected turns.
You 2 have done so much .. don't be upset .. it's just going to get better and better .. God bless be well .. Merry Christmas and happy New Year!!
We know exactly how you feel. My husband and I sold our house 18 months ago to full time RV. We live in the coldest part of Canada and when the border closed due to the pandemic, we couldn’t go south for the winter. We moved into the family cottage for the next 7 months. We miss our RV. We bought a 22 foot Tanzer to learn how to sail, with the dream of sailing the world one day. We are much older than you, but are so inspired by your videos. Merry Christmas and a New Year full of hope, good health, and happiness. Enjoy the cottage this winter❤️!
I think you made the perfect choice, a lot of people forget that like a car or house, boats also need maintenance as well as the sailors and crews that sail them. I look forward to seeing over winter what changes and upgrades you make to Penelope and how you cope with not being on the water.