# Gone With The Wynns
> A couple of explorers, modern-day documentarians, and cultivators of curiosity.
Public Ghost content for AI and LLM tooling. This file includes a bounded export of public pages first, then recent public posts.
Append `.md` to any post or page URL to get the content in Markdown (for example, `/example-post.md`).
## Pages
### HELLO
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/home/
Last updated: 2025-07-15T14:09:24.000Z
## **HELLO**
**WE’RE JASON AND NIKKI WYNN.** We’ve been chasing our curiosity around the world on [wheels](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/rvin/) and [keels](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/sailing/) since 2011\. Why? Because curiosity is the key to unlocking life. It pushes us outside our comfort zone, softens our assumptions, and helps us embrace the great unknown.
The more we let our curiosity lead the way, the more we discover about ourselves and the world around us. Our journey is ever-evolving but the mission remains the same: **CULTIVATE CURIOSITY**
## Start With One Of These
[](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/gear-guides/)
QUINTESSENTIAL GEAR
[](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/living-off-grid-rv-sailboat)
GETTING OFF-GRID
[](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailing)
SAILING THE WORLD
[](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/alternative-living/)
ALTERNATIVE LIVING
## Catch Up On The Latest
### OFF GRID LIVING
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/living-off-grid-rv-sailboat/
Last updated: 2025-12-23T12:32:33.000Z
## OFF GRID LIVING
We spend weeks away from civilization and sometimes land. Managing our resources is a must and we’re always looking for new and better ways to do so.
## SELF RELIANCE + SUSTAINABILITY = FREEDOM
**Self-reliance** is what lets us wander far from easy access, cell service, and well-worn paths. It's not about doing everything alone, it's about having the confidence to figure things out as we go. That's when remoteness stops feeling risky and starts feeling like freedom, a lesson we’ve learned time and again from the incredible people and communities we’ve met along the way.
**Sustainability** is thinking about what we do today and how it will affect next week, next year, the next decade, and so on. It’s the recognition that we’re all part of a living system and everything we do impacts the world around us.
In other words, we want to be out in the world living and exploring for as long as possible. Without worrying about our resources running out or our habitat disappearing. It’s practical, not political.
**But, living off the grid doesn’t have to mean sacrificing modern comforts.**
Below you will find a collection of stories about everything from renewable energy, managing waste, creating safe drinking water and even foraging for food.
### MEET SAILING VESSEL CURIOSITY
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/curiosity-sailboat/
Last updated: 2025-12-23T10:00:37.000Z
CURIOSITY² was a 2023 HH44 Sailing Catamaran. We documented everything from the build process, to handover and our short time living aboard. But, [it wasn’t all smooth sailing](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/what-happened-to-our-catamaran/) after we took delivery. Of course, all new boats have [teething issues](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/major-failure-at-sea/), especially with new designs or the first few boats off the line, but [CURIOSITY has had more than her fair share](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/we-had-to-leave-our-boat/). Which is not what we expected.
Considering this vessel was both our home and our business, the disruption to both was just too much and we needed to go another direction.
---
CURIOSITY² is our self-sufficient floating home and transportation about the world. She’s the only home or major possession we own. So we chose her, and her name, carefully. It’s not too long, not difficult to say, clear to understand and most importantly it describes the driving force behind our thirst for travel and adventure.
## S/V CURIOSITY ²
Curiosity (from Latin **curiosus* “careful, diligent, curious,” akin to **cura* “care”) is a quality related to inquisitive thinking such as exploration, investigation, and learning, evident by observation in human and animal species. Curiosity is heavily associated with all aspects of human development, in which derives the process of learning and desire to acquire knowledge and skill.
#### Additional Specs ↓
- LOA: 50.2 FT
- LWL: 43.86 FT
- BOA: 23.46 FT
- Air Draft: 72.18 FT
- Draft: 5.22 FT
- Bridge Deck Clearance: 2.7 FT
- Dry Weight: 25,794 (before we loaded our personal belongings on)
- Max Load Displacement: 31,967 LB
#### ****PARALLEL HYBRID ELECTRIC DRIVES**
Parallel hybrid engines allow us to drastically lower our fuel consumption, increase our range, efficiency, redundancy and a whole lot more. We have 2x BETA 30HP Diesel Engines and 2x 10kw electric drives.
- ****Enhanced Maneuvering –** The electric motors give us better slow propeller speeds but with rapid power and acceleration when we need it (amazing for anchoring, docking or shallow water navigation).
- ****Redundancy** – If the engine or gearbox fails on the diesel engine, we can use electric drive to get out of trouble and back underway. If the hybrid electric or batteries fail, we still have conventional propulsion via diesel engines and a gearbox.
- ****Hydro Regeneration –** The ability to use our propellers to generate power while under sail.
- ****No Generator?!** – The diesel engine drives the electric motor and generates 5kw of power (per shaft). Turning our electric motors and diesel engines into powerful generators.
#### ♻️****RENEWABLE ENERGY**
We have a robust 48v electrical system that gives us confidence to explore anywhere in the world. No matter where we sail, we know we have all the renewable energy we need to stay afloat.
- 4,232 Watts of Solar
- 43.2 kWh LiFePO4 MG House Battery Bank (48v)
- Hydro Regeneration & Generation – Thanks to our Parallel Hybrid Electric Drives mentioned above
#### 💧****WATER**
****Rain Catchment System** – We have 2 ports located near the downward slope of our forward windows that collect rainwater. There is a t-valve that directs it to where we want it to go. Either to our anchor locker (give our chain a fresh water rinse) or once we feel the dirt has been rinsed off the deck, to our water tanks.
****Watermaker** – ZEN 100 by Schenker. This quiet and efficient RO system runs off our house battery bank and turns sea water into crystal clear drinking water at a rate of 100 liters per hour. Rich at Cruise RO has been our go to watermaker man since our first day of boat ownership. He is a fellow cruiser, sells Schenker and provides the best customer service we have ever had. We very selfishly hope he never retires! If you are in need of a watermaker, give him a shout (or click).
- Use code WYNNS and get the ****Boat Show Special:** [cruiserowaterandpower.com/energy-recovery-water-makers/](https://www.cruiserowaterandpower.com/energy-recovery-water-makers/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
🔁****Water Recirculation System**
I don’t like the idea of wasting water while I wait for the water to get hot, nor do I like having a cold shower. So, in our shower (and eventually our galley sink) we have a hot water recirculation system.
It’s a simple piece of plumbing that connects to our shower outlet. We flip a small lever, and the water is diverted back into our water tank. Once the water is hot, we flip the lever back to release the water out of the shower head. Voilà, hot shower and no water wasted.
- [https://amzn.to/3Vhz1mG](https://amzn.to/3Vhz1mG?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### SELF-RELIANCE + SUSTAINABILITY = FREEDOM
- **Self-Reliance:** To rely on our own resources and limit our need for a marina or fuel dock.
- **Sustainability:** Thinking about what we do today and how it will affect next week, next year, the next decade, and so on. It’s the recognition that we’re all part of a living system and that everything we do impacts the world around us.
We want to be out in the world living and exploring for as long as possible. Both in terms of not having to worry about our resources or our habitat disappearing. It’s practical, not political.
### 💨SAILS
The wind is our fuel and the sails are our engine. And, there are at least 3 really good reasons to hoist the sails.
1. We can sail A LOT faster than we can motor.
2. With hydrogeneration, we can pump a lot of power back into our battery bank while we are sailing.
3. Sailing is a ton of fun!
Sailing is our primary mode of propulsion and we chose our sails carefully (with a lot of expert help). We teamed up with [Doyle Sails](https://www.doylesails.com/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) and [C-Tech](https://www.c-techcomposites.com/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) out of New Zealand to create our arsenal for *almost* any conditions. Because we are not experts, we leaned on the Doyle Sails team heavily to help guide us to the right sails for CURIOSITY, our cruising style and our intended cruising route (always important factors). They have not steered us wrong. We have a beautiful suite of lightweight Stratis sails that are easy to handle.
**Sail Plan, Specs, Crossover Chart and more here:**
[Sailing When We NEVER Thought We Could (our full sail plan)We’re diving deep into CURIOSITY’S full sail plan, how it compares to our old boat and the sail we feel we’re missing.Gone With The WynnsNikki Wynn](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sail-plan/)
### ⛽**Fuel (polishing) Filter System**
This is the #1 engine maintenance system I wished we had on our last boat. We’ve had 2 big issues with our fuel in the past (which makes our engines inoperable).
1. Getting bad fuel (algae, water, gunk).
2. We didn’t use the fuel fast enough (because we mostly sail) and having it go bad.
Now that we have a boat that sails even better and has electric motors, the diesel is just backup. But obviously we want the engines to work when we need them (navigating down a narrow river or a dangerous cut with lots of current). Which makes having a KTI fuel filter and transfer system a no brainer. Now we never have to worry about fuel, we know it is good to go!
If you don’t know about this system and have diesel engines, we highly recommend checking them out.
- **$250 off with Code GWW24**: [https://bit.ly/KTI-WYNNS](https://bit.ly/KTI-WYNNS?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
Jason shows how our fuel filter system works in this video:
[Letting Locals Sail Our New BoatWe love our peaceful days at sea but our most memorable moments are always the ones shared with friends. Which is why this week we decided to take all our new Filipino friends sailing. Because they have shared so much of their world with us, now we want to showGone With The WynnsNikki Wynn](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/letting-locals-sail-our-new-boat/)
### ⚓GROUND TACKLE
[Ground Tackle: Docking, Mooring & AnchoringIf all the biohackers and medical podcasts have taught us anything, it’s that sleep is super important. And good sleep, starts with being damned sure your boat is secure and isn’t going anywhere. Because none of us want the nightmare of busting off the dock in a storm, or draggingGone With The WynnsNikki Wynn](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/ground-tackle/)
- **Primary Anchor**
- [35kg Rocna MK2](https://bit.ly/wynns%5Frocna?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- 61 Meters of 10mm SS316 Chain
- 23 Meters of Nylon Rode
- **Secondary / Backup Anchor**
- [65lb Mantus M1 Anchor](https://bit.ly/MantusWynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- 15 Meters of 10mm SS316 Chain
- 46 Meters of Nylon Rode
#### 📡COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT
****Wireless Headsets, AKA, Relationship Savers** – In stressful situations like docking, anchoring, mooring, packing the mainsail, etc. Being able to communicate in a calm, conversational voice is why cruisers often call them “relationship savers”. Plus they are fantastic for communicating while one of us is going up the mast.
****Starlink** – When we’re sailing across oceans we use the “Mobile Priority 50GB” plan and it costs us $250/mo. But as soon as we anchor near land, we switch to “Mobile Global” which saves us $50/mo and gives us unlimited data. Only caveat is we must remember to switch back to the Mobile Priority before heading out for a passage. So far it’s been working great. We’re using a hand-me-down Standard Actuated Dish with a temporary install (Thanks Casey!). Once we get a new dish and do a hard-install on the plate HH designed, we’ll update this listing.
****Iridium Go! Exec** – Before Starlink there was Iridium. It’s barebones internet, but it’s how we downloaded wind, weather and routing while offshore. It also acts as an emergency backup for satellite communications (phone calls, internet & text). We keep it by the ditch bag, if we have to leave the boat in a panic we can hit the SOS button and communicate with the authorities via phone or text. We used to carry an inReach as a backup, but now we have this instead. We ordered our kit through Predict Wind and they have discounted plans for sailors with Starlink.
- PredictWind: [bit.ly/PredictWind-WYNNS](https://bit.ly/PredictWind-WYNNS?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
****GPS Tracking Map** – Since we’re talking connections, there’s huge peace of mind for family and friends with the Predict Wind Tracking Map. We have the Data Hub which integrates with our chart plotter, GPS and nav equipment to track our boat while we sail about the world. We share posts while we’re on passage and people logged into the map can follow our progress. We share ours with our virtual crew as well, it’s a cool way for our biggest supporters to follow the journey in real-time.
[Best Headsets for SailingHeadsets come in handy for calm communications while mooring, docking, going up the mast, putting up sails, working in an engine bay…Gone With The WynnsNikki Wynn](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/headsets-relationship-savers/)
[Where The Wynns BlowWelcome to the live tracking map. Where do The Wynn’s go? Whichever way the wind blows!Gone With The WynnsNikki Wynn](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/map/)
### 🚣🏻♂️TENDER
- **2023 OC Tender 330 Carbon** – We put [Rigid vs Inflatable tenders to the test](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/dinghy-rigid-vs-inflatable) and the OC won our hearts. We met the team in New Zealand that hand builds these and it was such a cool experience we had to document it: [How Small Boats Are Built](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/how-small-boats-are-built). It’s built super strong yet it’s lightweight, it’s fast to plane and it has drastically more internal volume because there aren’t tubes. We splurged for the full carbon version and added the anchor lid, alloy delta panel and wheels. The 3.3 meter tender is the absolute max we can fit on our davits. If you’re a hardcore sailor make sure and check out the[ sailing version of the OC](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailing-dinghy).
[Our Search For The Ultimate Dinghy (rigid vs inflatable)There are a lot of decisions to be made when it comes to our new floating home. Sooo many more than when we purchased our first boat. Because Curiosity was a 10-year-old used production boat that hundreds before us had already spec’d out. We had a wealth of knowledgeGone With The WynnsNikki Wynn](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/dinghy-rigid-vs-inflatable/)
[Should We Get A Sailing Dinghy?We’re on the hunt for a new dinghy and this new convertible boat could be a serious contender. Row it, motor it, or rig it up and sail it. Genius!Gone With The WynnsNikki Wynn](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/should-we-get-a-sailing-dinghy/)
- **2023 ZeroJet** – We were on a mission to find [The Best Small Electric Motor](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/electric-dinghy-testing), and that’s when we came across ZeroJet. It’s a 20hp equivalent that is integrated directly into the tender. Combined with the OC Tender it has plenty of speed, enough range and it’s a lot of freakin’ fun to drive (hello 360’s). An unexpected benefit – not having an outboard motor banging around when we lift the tender will no doubt preserve our paint job.
[How Far Can Our ELECTRIC Boat Go?Does an electric tender actually have the stamina needed to work for cruising life? Until now, we honestly didn’t know how long or far we could go with our electric jet propulsion. I guess we just haven’t been playing with our dinghy enough! 😉 So today we’re putting it to theGone With The WynnsNikki Wynn](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/how-far-can-our-electric-boat-go/)
- Our tender is joined with the big boat and registered in the Republic of the Marshall Islands. If you register with RMI it’s only a small fee to add the tender to the paperwork.
### 🏄🏻♂️All The Fun Stuff
While we are a lightweight and nimble cruising boat, we still have all the "necessary" adventure gear. But we are uber picky about what takes up our valuable storage space. So we have dedicated [gear guides](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/gear-guides/) for each of the following:
[Boards For LiveAboards🏄🏻If you’re living full-time on a sailboat your gonna want some water toys. We could dive into leisure stuff like a giant 6 person inflatable flamingo, but that stuff is easy to figure out. Boards (SUP, Foil) on the other hand are a little more complicated. Especially if you wantGone With The WynnsJason](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/boards-for-liveaboards/)
[Best Electric Bikes For Boat LifeA bicycle is sailors best friend and the best way to explore land. But getting them to land is typically the issue. Well, that and the harsh marine environment. We’ve had many folding bicycles over the years. First through our road trippin’ years and then aboard Curiosity 1\. But, beforeGone With The WynnsNikki Wynn](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/best-e-bikes-for-boat-life/)
[Gear We Use For Diving From Our SailboatWhen living on a sailboat, on the ocean, it’s a no brainer to have a mini dive shop on board. For our fellow #UnderwaterWorld lovers out there, here is our full dive gear set up and tips.Gone With The WynnsNikki Wynn](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/diving-from-sailboat/)
### PROTECTION AND SAFETY
**Custom Fenders** – We found Fendertex through PYI and saw them for the first time at the [Cannes Boat Show](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/electrifying-tender). Once we realized how much it cost to repair the paint job on CURIOSITY, we thought it’s best to protect it. These fenders are the best in the world. They pack down tiny, blow up fast and can withstand the weight of a tractor. PYI is the same company that sells the MaxProp we had on our previous boat, and they sell the Jefa systems installed on our HH44 and the coolest multipurpose boat hook/brush/camera mount called Revolve.
If you’re in need to boat gear they’ve offered a 10% discount off most anything in their catalogue, just use the code WYNNS: [pyiinc.com/](https://www.pyiinc.com/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**Mooring & Dock Lines** – We received some beautiful lines from a new company out of the USA called Sail Locker. They have been supporters of ours for a long time and they have a cool story. The initial launch is dock lines which you can find here: [amzn.to/3wKLF3J](https://amzn.to/3wKLF3J?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
[A Search & Rescue Expert ExplainsSailing across a giant and seemingly endless stretch of ocean is an adventure like no other! BUT it comes with a fair set of risks. Even the saltiest of sailors with impeccable seamanship can find themselves in a unfortunate situation. Luckily, we’ve had a couple of US Coast Guard VeteransGone With The WynnsNikki Wynn](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/safety-at-sea/)
## S/V CURIOSITY I
2016-2022
#### ALL SAILBOAT SHOPPING VIDEOS
We [purchased our first boat, Curiosity](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/exhausting-journey-buying-cruising-sailboat) on April 21, 2016 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. We didn’t have a clue how to sail but as per our usual, we were overly optimistic and under qualified. But, we lucked out with [Kent](http://justcatamarans.net/about-us-sales/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) from Just Catamarans (an excellent broker with loads of sailing experience). It was the beginning of a new chapter and whole new way of life for us. Starting with [sailing school ](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailing-school-miami-crew-scarface) and ending six years later, halfway around the world in [New Zealand](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/end-of-boat-life).
[Boat Shopping - Gone With The WynnsSearching for the perfect boat and all the gear to go with it.Gone With The Wynns](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/sailboat-shopping/)
**Disclosure:** While we were given a small discount on our HH44, we paid a lot of money for this vessel. The discount was given in exchange for the publicity our HH44 will naturally receive (because we document our life and travels). We retain full creative control and all opinions are our own.
### Sailing
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailing/
Last updated: 2026-03-27T12:49:47.000Z
A form of travel that really is all about the journey. Moving at a pace set by the breeze, weathering storms and discovering new territory.
### Alaska Bound
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/alaska-canada-adventures/
Last updated: 2025-11-06T11:49:27.000Z
### THE GREAT ALASKAN ROAD TRIP IS THE ULTIMATE RV ADVENTURE, BUT IT’S ALSO ONE OF THE MOST INTIMIDATING.
Whether you choose to go by the Alaskan Marine Highway via ferries, through the Canadian Rockies or go for the whole enchilada, it’s an epic road trip. Traversing through some of the USA and Canada’s most remote, wild and stunning terrain is an experience we will never forget and highly recommend.
### Stories
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/blog/
Last updated: 2025-11-06T11:49:32.000Z
# Life Is An Adventure
#### It doesn’t matter what form of travel or how far you go, just that you do.
We’re given an unknown and finite amount of time in life, which is why it’s important not to squander it away. In pursuit of not squandering, we’re dedicated to acquiring experiences and finding the exotic in everyday life. We share in hopes of inspiring you to find your adventure.
### wild camping
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/wild-camping/
Last updated: 2025-11-06T11:49:38.000Z
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# Wild Camping
#### We love being out in the wild.
While staying in a campground with lots of amenities and full hookups has its allure, our absolute favorite type of camping is Boondocking or as we like to say, Wild Camping!\[/vc\_column\_text\]\[/vc\_column\]\[/vc\_row\]\[vc\_row\]\[vc\_column\]\[vc\_column\_text\]Driving deep into the wild where the views are never ending and the sounds are au nat-ur-el! Sure there are no hook ups (water, electric, cable or sewer) but it doesn’t mean you have to live like a heathen. That is the beauty of traveling in an RV, it has all the comforts of home no matter where you park it!
A major bonus of Wild Camping is a reduced carbon footprint and lower costs. When I mention the words **eco-friendly and RV** in the same sentence, most every time it’s met with a roll of the eyes and a scoff. I can’t say I blame the naysayers, before being an RV’er I thought the same way: *“RV’s can’t be green, right?”* **But that’s why we share, to challenge the way people think about RV’ing and travel in general.**
Below is a collection of videos and information that we hope inspires you to get out there, in the wild, and experience life, travel and RV’ing in an unexpected way.\[/vc\_column\_text\]\[/vc\_column\]\[/vc\_row\]\[vc\_row\]\[vc\_column\]\[vc\_empty\_space\]
\[vc\_empty\_space\]\[/vc\_column\]\[/vc\_row\]\[vc\_row\]\[vc\_column\]\[vc\_basic\_grid post\_type=”post” max\_items=”-1″ style=”load-more” items\_per\_page=”9″ item=”13402″ btn\_style=”outline-custom” btn\_outline\_custom\_color=”#70ccd4″ btn\_outline\_custom\_hover\_background=”#70ccd4″ btn\_outline\_custom\_hover\_text=”#ffffff” btn\_shape=”square” btn\_align=”center” btn\_button\_block=”true” grid\_id=”vc\_gid:1539021187962-b4e7ef16-4290-9″ taxonomies=”999″\]\[/vc\_column\]\[/vc\_row\]\[vc\_row\]\[vc\_column\]\[vc\_empty\_space\]\[vc\_empty\_space\]\[/vc\_column\]\[/vc\_row\]\[vc\_row\]\[vc\_column\]\[vc\_cta h2=”Want To Say Thanks?” txt\_align=”center” shape=”square” style=”custom” add\_button=”bottom” btn\_title=”Tip Jar” btn\_style=”outline-custom” btn\_outline\_custom\_color=”#ffffff” btn\_outline\_custom\_hover\_background=”#f9d63c” btn\_outline\_custom\_hover\_text=”#ffffff” btn\_shape=”square” btn\_align=”center” btn\_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gonewiththewynns.com%2Ftip-jar||” custom\_background=”#70ccd4″ custom\_text=”#ffffff”\]
Has our info saved you money or perhaps our travel tips improved your trip? If you want to show us some digital love, check out our Tip Jar for some ideas.
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### Thank You for the Love
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/thanks-for-the-real-love/
Last updated: 2020-04-01T04:00:33.000Z
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# Thank You For The Love!
Your transaction has been completed, and a receipt for your contribution has been emailed to you. Log into your PayPal account to view transaction details.
[](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/a7ii%5F20180616-%5FA728530%5F2-years.jpg)
Creating and sharing our lives/adventures with the world is loads of fun, but it’s also a lot of work. Thanks so much for taking the time to send us some love. We’re thankful for every click, video view, share and of course every dollar! Your support helps us create and share without any added fillers. **Watch out world, we’re Free Range explorers!**
Hopefully, we’ll have the opportunity to shake your hand and say thank you in person someday.
Now, turn off the computer and **Go Outside and Play**!
Your favorite happy travelers,
Nikki and Jason Wynn\[/vc\_column\_text\]\[/vc\_column\]\[/vc\_row\]
### Creators at Work 🧑💻
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar/
Last updated: 2026-03-24T15:42:10.000Z
### Shop Our Gear Guides
An easy way to get the gear you need *and* put money in our production fund without costing you extra. When we find a product we love, we add it to one of our Gear Guides. If you use our discount code or click our affiliate link (purchase within 24hrs) then we receive a few pennies too! It’s a win-wynn! (sorry, I had to)
[Gear Guides For Sailing, RV’ing and Living Off The GridWe’re not encouraging you to buy stuff you don’t need, but any grand adventure requires some gear. We’ve been traveling full time since 2011 and have purchased a lot of gear that has stood the test of time and continues to travel with us.Gone With The Wynns](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/gear-guides/)
### This won’t cost you a penny
Sharing is the ultimate social love. Share a link to our website or videos wherever you virtually hang out. Email, pin it, post it or tell the person sitting next to you.
### Make Money & Travel
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/make-money-travel/
Last updated: 2025-11-06T11:49:50.000Z
Travel as lifestyle, not a vacation
This Make Money and Travel series exists as a source of inspiration. Sharing examples of real people around the world making a living, with no fixed office and the freedom to roam, proves where there is a will, there is a way.
### Our Gear
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/store/
Last updated: 2024-05-08T07:42:49.000Z
## Our Gear
Any grand adventure requires gear we can trust. Especially when we are far, far away from civilization. These guides feature the best of our arsenal, the gear we wished we had and occasionally tips on what to avoid.
### composting toilet
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/composting-toilet-5f91de84413236f39dcb7345/
Last updated: 2025-11-06T11:49:58.000Z
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# Composting Toilet
#### It doesn’t use any water, environmentally friendly and we don’t have to worry about a stinkin’ black tank!
A composting toilet is one of the best off the grid mods we’ve made. Sound too good to be true? Click on any of the posts below for more information. We’ll have you raving about your toilet to all your friends in no time. Seriously.\[/vc\_column\_text\]\[/vc\_column\]\[/vc\_row\]\[vc\_row\]\[vc\_column\]\[vc\_empty\_space\]
\[vc\_empty\_space\]\[/vc\_column\]\[/vc\_row\]\[vc\_row\]\[vc\_column\]\[vc\_basic\_grid post\_type=”post” max\_items=”-1″ style=”load-more” items\_per\_page=”9″ item=”13402″ btn\_style=”outline-custom” btn\_outline\_custom\_color=”#666666″ btn\_outline\_custom\_hover\_background=”#33cccc” btn\_outline\_custom\_hover\_text=”#ffffff” btn\_size=”lg” btn\_align=”center” btn\_button\_block=”true” grid\_id=”vc\_gid:1538940056878-0b696f85-e4a2-4″ taxonomies=”997″\]\[/vc\_column\]\[/vc\_row\]\[vc\_row\]\[vc\_column\]\[vc\_empty\_space\]\[/vc\_column\]\[/vc\_row\]\[vc\_row\]\[vc\_column\]\[vc\_cta h2=”Want to purchase a composting toilet?” h4=”We list the details and discount code in our shop!” txt\_align=”center” style=”custom” add\_button=”bottom” btn\_title=”Check it out!” btn\_color=”white” btn\_align=”center” custom\_background=”#33cccc” custom\_text=”#ffffff” btn\_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gonewiththewynns.com%2Fproduct%2Fnatures-head-self-contained-composting-toilet-with-close-quarters-spider-handle-design||”\]\[/vc\_cta\]\[/vc\_column\]\[/vc\_row\]
### roy the RV
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/roy-the-rv/
Last updated: 2025-11-06T11:50:05.000Z
# **Meet Roy**
While we’ve only been **full time** on the road since 2010, we’ve had quite the progression of RV’s leading up to our full time lifestyle. We have owned and traveled in a 1985 VW Camper, a 2009 31ft Damon Avanti and a 2010 [32ft Monaco Vesta](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/windy-the-rv/). Now here we are with a rear engine [2014 33ft Fleetwood Excursion 33D](http://www.fleetwoodrv.com/excursion/features/interior?ref=gonewiththewynns.com).
**Meet Roy, our home on wheels from December 2013 – April 2014.**
**Roy is a test unit that we are leasing from Fleetwood. If you want to know how we ended up with Roy, read this:** [**Our Next Adventure**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/new-rv-adventure/)
# Why the name Roy?
We really struggled with what to name this new beast of an RV. The bold black and gold swirls on the outside, the dark black leather on the inside…it’s comfortable and feels oddly familiar (like a bachelor pad, maybe?). We kept trying to put our finger on exactly what embodied this new environment. We thought of a modern day RV version of Sanford and Sons or maybe if National Lampoon and the Griswold’s were to do Vegas again in an RV. But none of it was quite right. Then we started thinking about an old man…a feisty, flirty and a slightly flashy old man. One that acts like he is still 25, only dates women under 25 and enjoys the finer things in life. That’s when it hit us. THIS RV IS GRANDPA ROY! No wonder it felt so familiar, it’s the motor industry’s version of Jason’s Grandpa Roy! Now of course we do realize most of you haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Grandpa Roy. So you’ll just have to take our word for it when we tell you, he’s a gambling man who is always ready for an adventure.
### **We’re eco-conscious people and let’s face it, traveling in an RV doesn’t seem like the most eco-friendly way to go.**
But just like the old saying goes, *you can’t judge a book by it’s cover…*well you can’t judge an RV on mpg’s alone. It’s all about the details and of course the mods, mods, mods! Now, some of these details and mods are just as much about keeping us comfortable and [**working while on the road**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/travel-money-wynns/) as they are about keeping our carbon footprint down.
## **Factory details that make a nice difference:**
- air ride suspension – cushy ride
- 2 slides – it’s nice to spread out
- LED lights – 90% more efficient over halogen bulbs
- [washer/dryer combo](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/easy-rv-laundry/) – makes doing laundry a cinch
- 2000 watt pure sine wave inverter – keeps our gadgets safe from damage
- 6 gallon hot water tank – why heat more water than you need
- whole house carbon based water filtration – every extra bit helps
- [central vacuum system](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/rv-friendly-vacuum/) – one less bulky item to store/buy
- [auto gen start](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/best-rv-boondocking-gear/) – just in case we forget to turn off a big draw appliance
- heated and sealed basement compartments – makes [winter camping](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/winterize-rv/) much easier
## **Mods and add on’s that make life on and off the cord better:**
## [**Composting Toilet**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/composting-toilet/)
Separates the pee from the poo and turns waste into compost! Uses no water, no chemicals and we use Coco COIR because it’s more sustainable than Peat Moss. The big bonus is no more black tank and extended [boondocking](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/rvin/)!
## **Water**
We have two goals with the investment in our RV water system: Create pure healthy drinking water from any available source that tastes so good we never have to purchase bottled water, AND reduce the flow so we can conserve water every day.
- **45 PSI Water Regulator** – Reduces water flow into fresh water tank to conserve water and reduce extreme pressure when connected to a standard water hose faucet. This is the one we’ve had for 5 years: [Camco 40055 Brass Water Pressure Regulator](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003BZD08U/ref=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003BZD08U&linkCode=as2&tag=gonwitthewyn-20&ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
If I was to upgrade I’d buy this one for a little bit more money: [Valterra Brass Adjustable Water Regulator](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003YJLAIK/ref=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003YJLAIK&linkCode=as2&tag=gonwitthewyn-20&ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- ***On The Go* Portable Water Softener** – Improves taste and odor, lengthens the life of appliances, prevents rust and scale buildup by reducing Calcium and other impurities in water. Here’s the link to ours: [On the GO Portable Water Softener](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001FCE0MQ/ref=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001FCE0MQ&linkCode=as2&tag=gonwitthewyn-20&ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- **Tabletop Water Distiller** – Heats water into vapor then condenses steam back into water to create clean healthy drinking water from any clear water source (ocean, pond, streams, lakes…). [H2o Labs 100SS Water Distiller](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005R3VB44/ref=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005R3VB44&linkCode=as2&tag=gonwitthewyn-20&ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
and
- **Faucet Aerators and showerhead** – All help to reduce water consumption for everyday use. Stay tuned for how to videos soon! Here are the links to ours: [Oxygenics Evolution Shower Head](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002CTUTQW/ref=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002CTUTQW&linkCode=as2&tag=gonwitthewyn-20&ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
and [Neoperl Faucet Aerator 1.0 gpm](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00279JC8S/ref=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00279JC8S&linkCode=as2&tag=gonwitthewyn-20&ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- **Soda Maker** – Instead of purchasing typical sodas or even the natural/organic variety we make our own. We use our on-board organic herb garden plus fruits from the market to make simple tasty beverages with zero wasted plastic bottles. [SodaStream Source](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EPEAM2S/ref=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00EPEAM2S&linkCode=as2&tag=gonwitthewyn-20&ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
## [**Solar**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/solar/)
- **Go Power’ing the RV** – On our last RV we had a [killer solar set up](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/solar/) and we’ve just added the newest technology in flex panels to the roof (03/2014). Lightweight, flexible, more powerful, and way more aerodynamic than the standard glass panels. Here’s exactly what we had installed: [Go Power 100 WATT FLEXIBLE SOLAR KIT](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HSLZRWK/ref=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00HSLZRWK&linkCode=as2&tag=gonwitthewyn-20&ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
and 4 [Go Power 100 Watt Flexible Solar Panel](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HZ4TU82/ref=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00HZ4TU82&linkCode=as2&tag=gonwitthewyn-20&ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- We also have a [*GoPower*](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/portable-solar-kit/) Portable 120 Watt Panel with 45ft of cable which allows us to follow the sun for max solar input. [Go Power! 120W Portable Solar](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009MIPH4K/ref=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B009MIPH4K&linkCode=as2&tag=gonwitthewyn-20&ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- ***Sun Oven*** – Cooking with the sun keeps the heat out of the RV and requires no electricity or gas, just a sunny day! [All American Sun Oven](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BW6TZ2K/ref=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00BW6TZ2K&linkCode=as2&tag=gonwitthewyn-20&ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- **All things USB** – [Solio](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/free-solio) makes a rad collection of solar lights and mini solar chargers perfect for hiking, in the car or carrying in your hand/man bag. This keeps our cell phones, cameras, tablets, etc. charged on the go. These are also perfect for over seas travel. You don’t have to worry about power adapters or burning up your gear if you bring your own power with you! [Solio Classic2 Solar Charger](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007S3KXDQ/ref=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007S3KXDQ&linkCode=as2&tag=gonwitthewyn-20&ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- **Solar Shower** – a five gallon solar heated bladder with a shower nozzle. Perfect for rinsing off after a hike or washing dishes outside. [Seattle Sports Camp Shower](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001F1ZPNA/ref=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001F1ZPNA&linkCode=as2&tag=gonwitthewyn-20&ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
## [**Staying connected on the road – Phone, Internet, and Free Wi-Fi**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/mobile-internet/)
Mobile 4G Vehicle Cellular Signal Booster Kit
– This set up gives us a major boost on our cell signal as well as our mobile 4g data!
- **WiFiRanger Sky + Go2** **for Free Wi-Fi** – These little devices strengthen any accessible WiFi signal while providing built-in firewall security between us and others on the public WiFi.
- **Wilson Sleek 4G for Phone/Data in toad** – This booster provides a strong reliable signal in weak-signal areas, reducing lost connections and speeding data rates.
- [Click here for more on each of these devices.](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/mobile-internet/)
## [**A good toad**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/how-to-rv-tow-car/)
Our convertible Smart Car is eco friendly and great MPG(about 40); 85% recyclable and 95% reclaimable. We have the RoadMaster Sterling All-Terrain non binding tow bar and the BrakeMaster breaking system. That about sums it up. Do you have an RV mod that made your travels better or questions about our new home? If so, drop us a note in the comment box below.
## **Our Other Top RV Upgrades**
- Replaced the stock vent fan with [MaxxFan Deluxe Smoke Lid](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002OW5JG2/ref=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002OW5JG2&linkCode=as2&tag=gonwitthewyn-20&ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
. A must upgrade for us since Nikki cannot reach the fan knob to open it (the MaxxFan has a remote) and the auto setting that opens the vent and adjusts the fan speed based on temperature is a lifesaver for the kitties.
- Covered the bathroom vent with a [Maxxair Fan/Mate Black Vent Cover](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002OWCLBI/ref=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002OWCLBI&linkCode=as2&tag=gonwitthewyn-20&ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
This vent cover allows us to keep the vent open during rain storms and while driving down the road.
We’ll keep this page updated as we continue to live with our #FleetwoodRoy and as we find new upgrades and add-ons to share. Let us know if you have any questions in the comments below.
//
### solar power
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/solar/
Last updated: 2025-11-06T11:50:11.000Z
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# Solar Power
Solar power is our main source of electricity and we’ve learned way more about it over the years than we ever imagined! From our current sailboat and past RV Solar Setups to explanations on what it is and how it works, we try to keep things as simple as possible with these complex systems.
Click on any of the posts below for more information on solar, inverters, chargers and panels.\[/vc\_column\_text\]\[vc\_empty\_space\]
\[vc\_empty\_space\]\[/vc\_column\]\[/vc\_row\]\[vc\_row\]\[vc\_column\]\[vc\_basic\_grid post\_type=”post” max\_items=”-1″ style=”load-more” items\_per\_page=”9″ item=”13402″ btn\_style=”outline-custom” btn\_outline\_custom\_color=”#70ccd4″ btn\_outline\_custom\_hover\_background=”#f9d63c” btn\_outline\_custom\_hover\_text=”#ffffff” btn\_shape=”square” btn\_size=”lg” btn\_align=”center” grid\_id=”vc\_gid:1538979198789-856366f2-a1ec-2″ taxonomies=”998, 1593, 1594″\]\[/vc\_column\]\[/vc\_row\]\[vc\_row\]\[vc\_column\]\[vc\_empty\_space\]
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### Van & RV Life
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/rvin/
Last updated: 2024-04-14T08:19:41.000Z
More than a road trip, this is a lifestyle.
Be it a Van or an RV, it is your ride anywhere, anytime with no flight or hotel reservations to be booked. We wanted to take an epic road trip around North America. So, we decided to make the road our home.
Our first introduction to Van Life was a 1985 VW Vanagon that we camped in, drove to our wedding, honeymooned in and almost hit the road full time in.
When we decided leave our sticks-n-bricks home in Texas, we knew we wanted something with more space and a bit more reliable.
### Disclaimer & Privacy Policy
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/disclaimer/
Last updated: 2025-11-06T11:50:26.000Z
### Disclaimer, Privacy Policy, Warning, Notice and anything else Legalish
This is GoneWithTheWynns.com …in the random case you’ve forgotten where you are. (It happens to the best of us, especially after a few rums.) It is owned and operated by us, Jason and Nikki Wynn.
We’re not big on bureaucracy but sometimes there’s no getting around it. We have to keep the powers at be happy so they will continue to show our humble website to you…our humble, loyal and all around good peeps.
### Here’s the short version of what you should know.
We send emails to the people who sign up for our newsletter/email notifications (not on the list, you should be, sign up here). We only send them if you sign up and you can unsubscribe anytime you want. There’s always a link at the bottom of every email to do so.
We ask for some basic information (like your name) when you choose to leave a comment here on our website.
We don’t hoard your information to sell to aliens or Dr. Evil. We have ZERO interest in collecting your data, let alone giving it to other people. The only thing we keep track of is your name, your email address and which corner of the world you’re from. That’s it and no one else will ever see that information.
If at any time you want us to remove your information, we will be happy to do so.
### Now the long version with all the legalish CYA stuff.
When visitors leave comments on this website we collect the data shown in the comments form, and also the visitor’s IP address and browser user agent string to help spam detection.
If you are using a Gravatar service, an anonymized string created from your email address (sometimes called a hash) may also be provided to that service. After approval of your comment, this will make your profile picture visible to the public in the context of your comment. You can review the Gravatar service privacy policy at Automattic here: [https://automattic.com/privacy/](https://automattic.com/privacy/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com).
We offer e-mail subscriptions (which allows users to receive an e-mail every time a blog is posted), blog post subscriptions and comment subscriptions.
To initiate and process subscriptions, the following information is used: subscriber’s email address and the ID of the post or comment (depending on the specific subscription being processed). In the event of a new subscription being initiated, we also collect some basic server data, including all of the subscribing user’s HTTP request headers, the IP address from which the subscribing user is viewing the page, and the URI which was given in order to access the page (REQUEST\_URI and DOCUMENT\_URI). This server data is used for the exclusive purpose of monitoring and preventing abuse and spam. [Functionality cookies](https://jetpack.com/support/cookies/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com#subscriptions) are set for a duration of 347 days to remember a visitor’s blog and post subscription choices if, in fact, they have an active subscription.
How to Opt Out Of Subscriptions: You may manage or opt out of existing subscriptions by clicking on the subscription tools at the bottom of any subscription e-mail. There are links to “unsubscribe” as well as links to change your e-mail settings under “manage subscriptions”. You may also clear all functionality cookies through your browser settings. Each browser is a little different, so look at your browser’s Help menu to learn the correct way to modify your cookies.
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How To Limit Or Disable Cookies: You can choose to have your computer warn you each time a cookie is being sent, or you can choose to turn off all cookies and delete any previously-set cookies. This is managed through your browser settings. Each browser is a little different, so look at your browser’s Help menu to learn the correct way to modify your cookies. Note that if you deactivate the setting of cookies in your Internet browser, not all functions of our Website may be entirely usable.
Gone With The Wynns uses third-party service providers to service various aspects of the website. Third parties may collect certain aspects of personal data and/or use cookies to deliver their services. Third-party service provider’s use of your personal information is dictated by their respective privacy policies.
We use the following third parties:
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We use the following third-party advertisers:
Google AdSense: We use [Google AdSense](https://www.google.com/adsense/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) to display ads on some of our pages. You can review Google’s in-depth privacy policy regarding advertising [here](http://www.google.com/policies/privacy/ads/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com). That page also provides information on how to manage what information is collected by Google and how to opt out of collection using [Ads Settings](https://www.google.com/ads/preferences/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) and other methods.
Amazon Ads: We use Amazon Native Shopping Ads and Amazon CPM Ads to display ads on some of our pages. You can review Amazon’s privacy policy regarding advertising [here](https://advertising.amazon.com/blog/gdpr?ref=gonewiththewynns.com). The links on that page also describe what data is collected and how to opt out of personalized advertising using [Amazon Advertizing Preferences](https://www.amazon.co.uk/adprefs?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) and other methods.
How To Out of Personalized Internet Advertising Altogether: You always have the choice to experience this website (or any other website) without personalized advertising based on your web browsing activity by visiting the [DAA’s Consumer Choice page](http://optout.aboutads.info/?c=2&ref=gonewiththewynns.com#!/), the [NAI’s website](http://optout.networkadvertising.org/?c=1&ref=gonewiththewynns.com#!/), and/or the [EU online choices page](http://www.youronlinechoices.com/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) from each of your browsers or devices. To avoid personalized advertising based on your mobile app activity, you can install the [DAA’s AppChoices app here](http://www.aboutads.info/appchoices?ref=gonewiththewynns.com). Note that even if you choose not to have your activity tracked by third parties for advertising services, you will still see non-personalized ads on our site.
We engage in select affiliate marketing, which is done by embedding tracking links into the website. If you click on a link for an affiliate partnership, a cookie will be placed on your browser to track any sales for purposes of commissions.
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Note/ The collection of any data by other third party service providers is dictated by their respective privacy policies.
### Here’s The Disclaimer Stuff
The information on this website is for entertainment and general information purposes only. Enjoy at your own risk. No shoes or shirt required. While we try to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no guaranties of any kind about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability about any products, services, or anything else you may find here. Any reliance you place on anything on this website is strictly at your own risk. We always encourage you to do your own research and most importantly don’t believe everything you see and read on the internet.
All thoughts, opinions and statements are our own and not our cats or employers (wait, that’s us), vendors, companies or anyone else. While we are for hire for photo, video, writing, public speaking, mediocre acting and who knows what else, the opinions expressed on this website are our own and can’t and won’t be purchased. Promotional articles and videos will be notated in the rare instance we decide something is worth of promoting here.
We may occasionally post a link to someone else’s website, a company website, and Amazon link, etc; we don’t have control over those websites and provide the link as a convenience only – a hyperlink to an external website does NOT imply endorsement or affiliation with that person, product, service or company.
If we are compensated or received promotional consideration we will always note that in the post, typically at the bottom starting with the word DISCLAIMER.
All [photos](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/traveling-art) and[ videos ](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/videos/)are property of Gone With The Wynns unless otherwise credited. These photos and videos may not be reproduced, copied, distributed or used elsewhere without written permission from us. It’s our work and our livelihood. Taking them is like stealing food off our plate. Please don’t steal them or we will have to get our lawyers to come after you…and nobody wants that. However, if you would like to purchase our works, feel free to [contact us](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/contact/); Our beer and chocolate fund is always running low.
Our name, logos, and anything else associated with Gone With the Wynn’s is owned by us (the wynns) and cannot be used without written permission from us. Gone With the Wynn’s is a Registered Trademark. We are not affiliated with Leopard Catamaran, Monaco, Fleetwood, or any other company we use or recommend on this website. We do NOT claim rights in the trademarks or copyrights of others.
If we missed anything let us know about it and we will update accordingly. Until then, please go outside and play. You deserve an adventure.
## Clearing Things Up About Sponsorships
There is always a lot of confusion about what certain words mean. While we do sometimes receive products for review purposes and have had a few products sponsored (meaning they give us the product and then they get to tout that we use their product), we are not affiliated with or partnered with any companies. Here are some definitions from Wikipedia.
- Sponsorship is a cash and/or in-kind fee paid to a property (typically in sports, arts, entertainment or causes) in return for access to the exploitable commercial potential associated with that property, according to IEG. While the sponsoree (property being sponsored) may be nonprofit, unlike philanthropy, sponsorship is done with the expectation of a commercial return. While sponsorship can deliver increased awareness, brand building and propensity to purchase, it is different from advertising. Unlike advertising, sponsorship can not communicate specific product attributes. Nor can it stand alone, as sponsorship requires support elements.
- An affiliate is a commercial entity with a relationship with a peer or a larger entity. A corporation may be referred to as an affiliate of another when it is related to it but not strictly controlled by it, as with a subsidiary relationship, or when it is desired to avoid the appearance of control. This is sometimes seen with companies that need to avoid restrictive laws (or negative public opinion) on foreign ownership.
- A partnership is an arrangement where parties, known as partners, agree to cooperate to advance their mutual interests. The partners in a partnership may be individuals, businesses, interest-based organizations, schools,governments or combinations thereof.
---
Copyright © Gone With the Wynns 2010-2018
### Hello
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/hello/
Last updated: 2025-11-06T11:50:33.000Z
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# Hello
#### We’re Jason and Nikki Wynn.
Way back in the day (circa 2011) we traded in everyday life to satisfy our wear-out-your-shoes sense of adventure. Now, the world is our home and this little corner of the internet is where we share our discoveries and lessons learned along the way.
Our first six years of travel were an [epic road trip](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/rvin/) around North America with an awe inspiring highlight being our trek around[ Alaska](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/alaska-canada-adventures/). We might have stayed if we weren’t suffering from an incurable case of Sedentary Lifeaphobia (and summer lasted forever).
Now we’re two years and 10,000 nautical miles into a [sailing voyage](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailing/) about the world. We’re always on the move with an irrefutable desire to search, explore, discover, grow, learn and share.
We share in hopes of inspiring you to find your adventure.
So, welcome aboard! We’re stoked you’ve stopped by and hope you’ll stick around for the rest of the journey (spoiler alert, there is no end).
We’ve done our best to organize the years of misadventures and lessons learned but, don’t hesitate to drop us a comment if you need some navigation help.\[/vc\_column\_text\]\[/vc\_column\]\[vc\_column width=”1/2″\]\[vc\_empty\_space height=”25px”\]
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## Don’t miss a beat!
####
#### We’ll let you know when
#### we hit the publish button,
#### host a meetup or
#### have big news to tell you.
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## Looking for information or Inspiration
#### START WITH ONE OF THESE
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# [GEAR](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/store/)
## WE USE
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# [living](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/living-off-grid-rv-sailboat/)
## off the grid
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# [SAILING](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailing/)
## THE WORLD
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# [JOIN](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar/)
## THE CREW
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### FAQ
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/faq/
Last updated: 2025-11-06T11:50:40.000Z
# FAQ’s
#### Or…The Stuff we get asked most often
We’ve done a few Q&A’s over the years. You can check those out here: [https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/category/qa](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/qa/)
And just for fun, here is a blast from the past interview from our RV’ing days.It answers some of the common questions…
### **Most common questions**
**How can I contact you?**
The absolute best way to reach us is by leaving a comment in the “comments” section of any blog post. We read every comment and do our best to respond to as many people as possible. It’s best if you leave a comment or question in a related blog post (for example please ask solar questions in our solar posts, NOT a post about a town or adventure). We’re also on social media and you can find those links in our [Contact Us](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/contact/) page. We took our email addresses off the site as it just became way too much and we couldn’t keep up. If you really want to pin us down, we give our patreons priority responses: [patreon.com](https://www.patreon.com/the%5Fwynns?ty=h&ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**Your Map shows that you are in XYZ but your facebook/instagram shows another place and your most recent article shows you somewhere else. Where are you really?!?**It takes days to edit, select images, write and publish our videos. We’re not “real time” bloggers as it’s incredibly hard to edit that quickly, much less have reliable internet to upload at any given moment with how we travel.
**We love what you do, how can we support you?**
First off, thank you! If it wasn’t for people just like you we wouldn’t be able to survive on the road and share our experiences through video, writing and photography. We keep a list of ways people can keep us sharing on our[**Tip Jar Page**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar/). We can’t thank you enough for asking, each comment receive on this page from supporters is like a huge high-five and a hug, it makes us all warm and fuzzy inside 🙂
**Are you rich?**
No, but oh how we wish! We’re enriching our lives, not our bank accounts as the saying goes. We both come from working class families and through continued hard work, penny pinching and diversified income streams, we manage to keep ourselves afloat.
**How can you afford this?**
The short answer is we work just like everyone else. We’re not retired or independently wealthy. We worked really really really (that’s right, 3 ‘reallys’) hard and saved up for the initial take off and we still work…..you can do it too! Now, we make our money on the road through photography, video and travel writing. We wrote a post about it here: [**How We Make Money and Travel**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/travel-money-wynns/)**.**
**What did you do to save enough money to start this traveling lifestyle?**
The best way to get the answer to that is to read our Make Money and Travel story mentioned in the question above. Jason owned a successful photography company and Nikki owned a successful makeup & styling business.
**What Kind of Camera are you filming with?**
Coming from a photography background I’ve used Canon Cameras my whole life. But what worked back then doesn’t work as well for filming our adventures on the fly. Check out [Gear Store](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/store/) for the latest scoop on our fave gadgets.
**I have XYZ product and it’s broken/doesn’t work/I don’t know how to use it/etc. can you help me?**
We honestly wish we had the time to help everyone but if you’ve seen our “hot not to” videos you’re better off calling the mfr. direct and seeking their tech support.
**Can you do a review on ABC product or the XYZ brand RV or sailboat?**
We like helping where we can but we are not Consumer Reports and we do not have the resources to review every product on the market. We research products that we need, want or solve a problem in our life. Once we’ve had some experience we may review them or at least add them to our [gear store](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/store/) if we really love them. We aren’t paid for our reviews. As for RV and boat reviews, we share from experience which means if we haven’t traveled in it, we most likely can’t give you a reasonable review of our experience.
**Are there any Movies that inspired you?**
This may sound sad or depressing but I’m gonna lay it out there anyway. *Revolutionary Road* (2008) A story of real dreams crumbling under the “American Dream”. *Into the Wild* (2007) A young man abandons his possessions to travel across the USA and Canada with the goal of living in the great Alaskan Wilderness.
**How do I get my face or an image to show up when I leave a comment?**
It’s super simple, visit [https://en.gravatar.com/](https://en.gravatar.com/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) and once you sign up you can have the image appear anytime you leave a comment on any website. So go on what are you waiting for? Show us your best side 🙂 We wanna see ya.
**Are you sponsored, or do you have advertisers?**
We don’t have sponsors. We have worked with a few various companies over the years but it was always you provide X service for X fee. Year One we purchased a Damon Avanti but had to return it because it was a lemon. Year two we contacted Monaco and they made sure we got a good deal on the purchase of the “new to the market” Monaco Vesta, no strings attached (we paid for the RV, it was not given to us). After two+ adventurous years on the road, learning and sharing we gained a little attention. So, we became [test dummies for Fleetwood](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/story-behind-our-rv-design/) for 2 years in an effort to try and improve the dinosaur that is the RV industry. But we still had to pay for use of the RV, provide feedback to the engineering team and designers, still wasn’t a sponsorship or given to us. We do have a few like minded companies that we work with, create content for, and sometimes we write about our experiences because this is a website about our life, and that is part of our life. If we really like a product, we will accept the product for review purposes. This way our opinions are not purchased and we are still free to write whatever we like about said product and our experiences with it.
**Is anyone paying you to write this blog?**
No. We keep this blog to help others learn (and maybe be inspired) from our travels. Because we are living and traveling full time we get loads of questions about our lifestyle. We share to help answer those questions, show a glimpse into the life of a full time traveler and hopefully inspire others to find their own adventure along the way.
**What’s with all the green talk?**
We are eco minded people so we have added some very cool eco-friendly options/gadgets to our RV’s and sailboat like [solar ](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/solar/)and a [composting toilet](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/composting-toilet/) to help reduce our carbon footprint. The more we explore of this amazing planet, the more we want to preserve it. We try to be easy on the environment in our daily lives. You can read more on our [Wild Camping ](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/wild-camping/)page.
**Do you have a home base?**
No. We sold everything, packed up the 2 cats, and hit the road back in 2011\. Since then it’s been whatever we fit in the RV and now the sailboat.
**Why don’t you post more often?**
We do our best to post regularly however we are not always in an area with Internet. So, please be patient and we’ll get another fun video up shortly.
**Can you create a website/social media/video for me?**
We are not web developers, we barely grasp social media and we don’t often do videos for other people/companies. It’s a ton of work just keeping up with our website and social media accounts, thankfully it’s a labor of love.
**Your cat looks like a leopard, is he?**
Yes, he is part leopard (a silver Bengal actually), the most beautiful cat with the best attitude ever (most of the time)! We rescued him back in 2009 after he was taken from a bad breeder. BTW – we let Singa write a post, if you’re interested read the [RV Traveling Cats](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/traveling-cats/) article. FYI, our other cat is Cleo. She is a tabby, feels like a teddy bear and growls like one too. She sometimes sounds grumpy but is a total softy.
**How do the cats like traveling?**
They are fantastic travel companions and love exploring new climates, territories and hunting new creatures.
**How do you select the places and products you feature?**
Mainly from research, tips from friends and viewers who live or have visited before. We search out companies that are passionate about being green, sustainable, organic, biodynamic, slow food, local ingredients, etc. We visit the location, and if we love it we feature it. As simple as that.
**Jason, how did a guy like you get such a hot wife?**
Really guys, no love…..thanks. – Jason
**You’re and Idiot, how can you misspell ……..?**
Dunno how, ooops. Never claimed to be an English major or a wordsmith.
**What kind of Fuel Mileage do you get in that RV or sailboat?**
Our Leopard Catamaran burns about .5 gallons per hour when we run the engines. But we have sails and we try to use those and not the engines. As for the RV’s official numbers vary depending on factors like temperature, elevation and such. In perfect conditions we could get 18 MPG from the monaco vesta! OK so that number was only when we were driving empty and slightly downhill! Ha. Want to know more? Check out our detailed posts on the
- [Monaco Vesta Fuel Economy](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/vesta-fuel-economy/)
- [Fleetwood Excursion Fuel Economy](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/fleetwood-excursion-fuel-economy/)
- [Fleetwood Bounder Fuel Economy](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/bounder-gas-rv-fuel-economy-mpg/)
**You’re driving an RV, you’re not Green/Sustainable/Eco Minded. I’m so much greener than you.**
Yes we traveled by RV and we don’t claim to be the greenest people on the planet. We are eco minded and try to do our best. We’d love to hear any recommendations you have on making our travels more eco-friendly. You can check out some of our green initiatives thought this site BEFORE you email us.
**Does Nikki Drive the RV?**
Of course she does! Granted she usually is in the back working on the computer while I drive, but it’s because I have a weak stomach and she has a stomach of steel! Gotta love her for that. You can check out her solo RV trip here: [**Nikki Goes Solo**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/solo-rv-road-trip/)
**Do you drive that little car on the roads?**
Seriously? We get this question so often it’s frustrating! YES! A smart car is a car, we drive it on the roads. I know the smart car looks tiny but it has been the best tow car!
**Jason, why don’t you shave more often, you look like a dirty hippie?**
Disposable Razors are wasteful, specialty heads cost a small fortune, or maybe the real reason is I’m a little lazy! I use a beard trimmer every few days to keep it under control, and I feel pretty good about it.
**Can I get some free stuff from you?**
Actually, YES (or maybe)! Several of the companies we’ve met along the way offer discounts, swag, etc. When they are willing to offer up a product, we are willing to give it to one of you!
**How many RVs have you owned?**
We consider our “introduction” to RVing to be our little 1985 VW Vanagon that we bought to drive to our wedding back in 2006\. Several years later we purchased our first “real” RV in the hopes of hitting the road to find a new place to live and work. In order here are the Motorhomes we’ve had: 2009 31′ Damon Avanti; 2011 32′ Monaco Vesta; 2014 33′ Fleetwood Excursion; 2016 33′ Fleetwood Bounder. Now of course, we live aboard our sailboat, a 43′ Leopard Catamaran.
**How can I travel full-time and still make money?**
We received this question so often we began an entire segment to answer the question of How To Make Money and Travel. Check it out here: [www.gonewiththewynns.com/make-money-travel](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/make-money-travel/)
#### Want to learn a little more about our travels check out our[ **About** Page](http://https//www.gonewiththewynns.com/about?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### windy the RV
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/windy-the-rv/
Last updated: 2025-11-06T11:48:14.000Z
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# Meet Windy
#### She was our full time home on wheels February 2011 – December 2013
[](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/windytherv.jpg)
**We are eco-conscious people and let’s face it, traveling in an RV doesn’t seem like the most eco-friendly way to go. But, the industry has evolved since your grandparents’ gas guzzling 1980’s motorhome. Technology is changing and ever so very slowly…so is the RV industry.**
#### **The Deets**
A 32 foot, 2011 Monaco Vesta. Front-engine coach with a low center of gravity, air bag suspension and the first RV ever with wind-tunnel-tested aerodynamics. I know…seriously, it took till now! To no surprise, the testing improved the fuel efficiency. We average around 11-13 mpg which isn’t exactly winning any eco awards but its about double the old standard. (more on our [fuel economy here](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/vesta-fuel-economy/)) We can run a Bio Diesel Blend of B20 (not always easy to find) without any conversions and this is the most contemporary small class A we could find. So, it was an excellent start to a more eco-friendly home on the road.
#### **It’s NOT a Contest – It’s Simple**
We are experimenting in living more simply and sharing our findings. Mostly, because for us the simpler we make our lives, the more free we feel and the happier we seem to get. And then there is our planet. Oh yeah, we are selfish that way. The more we see of our amazing planet, the more we want to preserve it.
We’re not the most eco-friendly people on the planet, not even close to it, not trying to be. Shrinking our personal footprint isn’t going to save the world. Sure, our personal footprints are important but it’s not the big picture. We’re not pointing fingers at those that live differently, looking for a gold star or anything of the sort. We want to do our part to change the big picture. So that doing the right thing becomes the norm, not the gallant tree hugger exception.
Then there are those lovely unexpected bonuses of going green…like saving money and [boondocking](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/free-camping/) longer and more comfortably!
### **Some of the ways we’ve found to green up Windy:**
#### [Solar](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/category/rvin/solar-rvin)
**Solar Kit –** A total of 600 Watts of Solar + 3000 Watt pure sine inverter*GoPower* [Extreme Solar Kit](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/extreme-rv-solar/) (with PowerBoost – supercharges the batteries to 14.5 for overnight use)[*GoPower*](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/portable-solar-kit/) Portable 120 Watt Panel with 45ft of cable allows us to follow the sun for max solar input.
[**All American Sun Oven**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/all-american-sun-oven) – Cooking with the sun keeps the heat out of the RV and requires no electricity or gas, just a sunny day!
**All things USB** – Solio makes a rad collection of [solar lights](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/solio-clip-mini-solar-usb-rechargeable-led-light) and [mini solar chargers](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/solio-xcellerator-and-hub-battery-pack-blackwhite) perfect for hiking, in the car or carrying in your hand/man bag. This keeps our cell phones, cameras, tablets and etc. charged on the go. These are also perfect for over seas travel. You don’t have to worry about power adapters or burning up your gear if you bring your own power with you!
[**Solar Shower**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/seattle-sports-camp-shower) – a five gallon solar heated bladder with a shower nozzle. Perfect for rinsing off after a hike or washing dishes.
#### [**Composting Toilet**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/category/rvin/composting-toilet-rvin)
Separates the pee from the poo and turns waste into compost! Uses no water, no chemicals and we use Coco COIR because it’s more sustainable than Peat Moss.
#### **LED Lights**
We switched out over 40 bulbs! All LED lighting inside reduces electric consumption over 90% and produces zero heat vs. standard Halogen bulbs.
#### **Water – Any Source**
We have two goals with the investment in our RV water system: Create pure drinking water that tastes good so we never have to purchase bottled water, AND reduce the flow so we can conserve water every day. With our simple water purification system we can create great tasting clean water from any clear water source. This provides us with pure healthy drinking water whether we’re at a campground or living off the cord relying on lake or river water.
- [**Triple Water Filtration**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/culligan-rv-700-level-1-recreational-vehicle-water-filter) – A series of 3 Carbon based filters help reduce bacteria, chlorine, bad taste and odors.
- [**45 PSI Water Regulator**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/valterra-a01-1117vp-brass-lead-free-adjustable-water-regulator) – Reduces water flow into fresh water tank to conserve water and reduce extreme pressure when connected to a standard water hose faucet.
- [***On The Go* Portable Water Softener**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/portable-water-softener) – Improves taste and odor, lengthens the life of appliances, prevents rust and scale buildup by reducing Calcium and other impurities in water.
- [***H2O Labs* Tabletop Water Distiller** ](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/water-distiller-countertop-white-enamel-glass-collection)– Heats water into vapor then condenses steam back into water to create clean healthy drinking water from any clear water source.
- [**Faucet Aerators**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/neoperl-faucet-aerator-water-saving-bathroom-kitchen-1-0-gpm)**,** [**Oxygenics showerhead**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/rv-shower-head-body-spa-brushed-nickel-by-etl) **and shut off valve** – All help to reduce water consumption for everyday use.
- [**SodaStream** ](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EPEALGU/ref=as%5Fli%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00EPEALGU&linkCode=as2&tag=gonwitthewyn-20&linkId=T7CSSSQHMYDZUF4N&ref=gonewiththewynns.com)– Instead of purchasing typical sodas or even the natural/organic variety we make our own. We use our on-board organic herb garden plus fruits from the market to make simple tasty beverages and no wasted plastic bottles.
#### **One Smart Toad**
Convertible Smart Car is eco friendly and great MPG(about 40); 85% recyclable and 95% reclaimable.
#### **It’s about more than just the RV**
From growing herbs on board to sustainable clothing to supporting local breweries, restaurants and farmers markets to riding our bikes to explore nearby towns; we seek out the best eco-friendly options each town has to offer.**Engine Horsepower Upgrade**
Our 300HP upgrade has sparked quite the controversy on our website, on the forums, and so on and so on! So let us try and clear up some of the questions:
- **Do you have the Engine Update?:** The engine upgrade **is** installed on our Windy.
- **What is the Engine Upgrade?:** 40 more horsepower. The 2011 Monaco Vesta RVs were shipped with a 260 Horsepower International MaxxForce Front Engine Diesel. Our Vesta has been upgraded to 300 Horsepower to match the 2012 models.
- **Is there a noticeable Performance Increase?:** The increase in horsepower is great for off-the-line acceleration, it’s also a vast improvement for highway merging.
- **Any change in Fuel Economy?:** We track all the fuel economy in a series of updates called [Real Fuel Economy of the Monaco Vesta](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/vesta-fuel-economy/). At this time we haven’t seen any real change in the fuel economy in relation to the extra horsepower.
- **Can I get an Engine Brake on the Vesta?:** At this time there is no Engine Brake compatible with the 2011 Vesta Maxxforce Engine. I don’t think there will ever be an Exhaust Brake upgrade offered because of the EGR style exhaust scrubbing.
- **Can I Upgrade my Engine?:** The upgrade is NOT available for any other 2011 Vesta. According to Monaco: if you want 300 horsepower you’ll need to either purchase our Windy, or a new 2013 Vesta.
I wish I had better news for all the Vesta owners out there, but this is one thing that helps our Windy stand out from the crowd, and was offered to us as a *test* from the factory.
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### We're Jason & Nikki Wynn
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/about/
Last updated: 2026-10-17T16:22:47.000Z
## We're Jason & Nikki Wynn
We’ve been chasing our curiosity around the world on wheels and keels since 2011\. Why? Because curiosity is the key to unlocking life. It pushes us outside our comfort zone, softens our assumptions, and helps us embrace the great unknown. The more we let our curiosity lead the way, the more we discover about ourselves and the world around us.
**Once upon a time**, we set out on an adventure to find a new place to call home. What happened next is one long winded and life changing journey.
## The Backstory
At 28 years old (circa 2010) we made a decision to make a major change in our lives. Sure, we enjoyed our careers (Jason as a photographer, Nikki as a makeup artist) and urban life in Dallas, Texas but something was missing.
We were yearning for more nature in our lives and we knew the typical boy meets girl, couple gets mortgage payment, 2 ½ kids, two weeks of vacation a year and retire at 65 (if you survive)…was not *our* Dream. Sound Familiar?
After many long nights of dreaming and scheming, we came up with the idea of a cross country trip to find a new place to call home. So, we made the big decision to sell everything (4000 sq ft of accumulated stuff we didn’t need), pack up our 2 cats and hit the road in the most American way. [ In an RV 🚐.](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/rvin/)
We soon discovered, we didn't *have* to live anywhere. We could live anywhere we could park it.
[Van & RV LifeWe’ve been road trippin’ around North America since 2011, have rented vans in New Zealand and Europe, and we inspired Jason’s mom to go full time Van Life. So yea, we’re fans.Gone With The Wynns](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/rvin/)
## Trading Wheels 🚐 for Keels ⛵️
In 2016 we knew we wanted to explore even further and without a lick of experience, we purchased our first sailboat. A [43ft catamaran](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/exhausting-journey-buying-cruising-sailboat/) no less🙈. Some thought we were insane, others called us brave. The debate is still ongoing.
A decade later, we have managed to sail halfway around the world...
[Life At SeaExploring the world like its 1492.Gone With The Wynns](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/sailing/)
We [sold our first boat](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/selling-our-boat) and [built another one](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/curiosity-sailboat). But that story had a very [sad ending](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/we-had-to-leave-our-boat/).
[We’re Selling Our Boat Back to HHWell, this is not a video we expected to make but, we are selling our boat back to HH. Thank you for your patience, support and understanding. We have much to fill you in on and lot of plans for the days and months ahead. Van shopping, boat shopping, sailing.Gone With The WynnsNikki Wynn](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/were-selling-our-boat-back-to-hh/)
Now we have [converted a van](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/stealth-van-build/) for exploring North America and made a very [risky bid on a pocket explorer yacht](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/the-riskiest-boat-purchase-ever/) for the extreme ends of the world. Because "normal" life just isn't for us.
Now, UNDRA (our explorer yacht) is our home and main vehicle. Curiosity is our compass. Human connection, adventure, alternative living, and self-reliance are the stories we chase.
[Meet UNDRAUNDRA is a 2023 Dutch-built, aluminum 50-foot long-range explorer yacht designed for remote voyages and sustainable living. This is our third bluewater, ocean crossing vessel. Our previous vessels were both Sailing Catamarans named CURIOSITY. UNDRA marked a dramatic change—and the beginning of an entirely different kindGone With The WynnsNikki Wynn](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/explorer-yacht-undra/)
## Normal is a setting on a washing machine.
Everyone's idea of normal is different. Life on the move is our normal. We're not overly talented, smart, rich, lucky, or retired. We are ordinary people who have forged our way into an extraordinary life. You can too.
Because life is the adventure! There are no rules, or boxes that you must fit in or lines in the sand. Sometimes that means taking drastic turns and unknown paths. It's scary and exciting all at the same time.
## We share a lot but, these are the stories we love most.
### Inspiring Encounters
We talk to strangers and accept invitations without fear or reservations. But people are busy (even on remote islands) and travelers are a dime a dozen. It takes time to talk to strangers, and even more time to have a real connection. Going the extra mile to get to know someone is a commitment. Which is why these are our most treasured experiences as travelers.
[Inspiring Encounters - Gone With The WynnsEach day we set off into the world with curiosity as our guide and compass. We talk to strangers and accept invitations without fear or reservations. But people are busy (even on remote islands) and travelers are a dime a dozen. It takes time to talk to strangers, and even more time to have a real connection. Going the extra mile to get to know someone is a commitment. Which is why these are our most treasured experiences.Gone With The Wynns](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/inspiring-encounters/)
### Alternative Living
There are plenty of opinions about how one should go about life, travel, adventure and everything in between. Variety, it’s the spice of life, right?
We learn so much from the people we meet along the way! People who have forgone the mainstream, seek freedom and live on the margins. People who are creative, unique and have challenged our ideas of home and community.
[Alternative LivingThese are people who are doing things differently. Forgoing the mainstream, seeking freedom and living on the margins. Creative, unique and inspiring people who challenge our ideas of home and community.Gone With The Wynns](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/alternative-living/)
### Self Reliance
This is what lets us wander far from easy access, cell service, and well-worn paths. Self Reliance isn't about doing everything alone, it's about having the confidence to figure things out as we go. That's when remoteness stops feeling risky and starts feeling like freedom, a lesson we’ve learned time and again from the incredible people and communities we’ve met along the way.
[Self RelianceSelf-reliance is what lets us wander far from easy access, cell service, and well-worn paths. It’s not about doing everything alone, it’s about having the confidence to figure things out as we go. That’s when remoteness stops feeling risky and starts feeling like freedom. A lesson we’ve learned time and again from the people and communities we’ve met along the way.Gone With The Wynns](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/off-the-grid/)
## Posts
### Is England Beating France at Its Own Game?
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/is-england-beating-france-at-its-own-game/
Last updated: 2026-10-18T13:00:00.000Z
One of our favorite things about boat life (aka, slow travel) is discovering all the things we don't yet know we're missing.
Which brings us to English bubbles.
We've been cruising along the coast of [England](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/united-kingdom/) for months now, happily exploring little harbors, meeting [interesting people](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/inspiring-encounters/), and doing our part to support the local pub economy.
But vineyards? Wineries? Well, let's just say they were not on our radar.
That is until we got an email from Andy, one of our [Curiosity Crew](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar/), who is a self-proclaimed "enthusiastic consumer". He was even so bold as to claim England has "some of the best sparkling wine you will have ever tasted".
And, being the curious (and easily persuaded) people we are, we agreed to investigate.
Turns out, Andy wasn't just blowing bubbles. England has been making some serious waves in the wine world.
The Brits have been scooping up international awards and even beating Champagne in blind tastings. In 2025, an English sparkling wine was named Champion at the International Wine Challenge, **the first time in the competition's history the top prize didn't go to Champagne.**
Who knew?! Certainly not us...and apparently, not many people do.
But why? What's changed? And why is England suddenly giving Champagne a run for its money?
This one time, the answer just might be at the bottom of a bottle.
---
It's days like these that remind us why we chose this life. Not because we have some grand list of places to see or things to accomplish, but because we love the freedom to be curious. To change plans, say yes to an unexpected invitation, and see where it leads.
And to Andy, thank you for opening our taste buds to an entirely new world. Cheers! 🥂
---
💤 Get early access to Beam’s biggest sale of the year! Save up to 50% off sitewide + get a FREE gift with code WYNNS: [https://shopbeam.com/WYNNS](https://shopbeam.com/WYNNS?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### Hiding From The Wind, Up a River
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/hiding-from-the-wind-up-a-river/
Last updated: 2026-10-15T20:05:13.000Z
Hiding up a river from the wind is something sailors have done since forever.
But to be more specific, we're in The River Dart. Which has a long maritime and naval history including even the Mayflower.
So, weather and FOMO being what it is, we decided to see how far we could take our little electric tender before either the battery or the tide told us to turn around.
Because it’s a funny sort of river. At low tide, some of it disappears. Which means stopping for a pint in a 500-year-old church pub is both a very good idea and potentially a terrible one.
So this became a small mission to follow the river, poke around a few old villages, test the limits of our electric setup, and hopefully not end the day sitting in the mud.
**Full info on our dinghy, the motor and more...**
[Our Full Dinghy Setup & Must HavesWhether you're shopping for your own dinghy setup or just curious about what works for us, this guide covers our complete setup from the core vessel to essential safety gear, here's everything we use and why it matters. The Tender When we bought UNDRA, she came with aGone With The WynnsNikki Wynn](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/our-full-dinghy-setup/)
### Fix One Thing, Break Another
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/fix-one-thing-break-another/
Last updated: 2026-10-04T13:00:24.000Z
We’ve only been cruising aboard UNDRA for a couple of months, and most of that time we’ve had friends and family aboard. So when we finally found ourselves alone, with nowhere we had to be, it was time to start working through the growing list of little mysteries, maintenance jobs and things that just weren’t working quite right.
Some things went surprisingly well. Others left us scratching our heads...and then Jason decided to update our navigation software.
An update we’ve been extremely hesitant to do because, well...it had never been done. The boat sat for over two years with a sticky note attached to the screen that literally read **“DO NOT UPDATE SOFTWARE.”**
But the system has been glitchy, there are features we simply haven’t been able to get working, and now we’re approaching three years without an update. So, after talking with both the original installer and Simrad, it was finally time.
Rip off the sticky note. Hit download. Install.
What could possibly go wrong?!
### Change of plans...
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/change-of-plans/
Last updated: 2026-09-27T13:22:35.000Z
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### These Waves Hit Harder Than Expected
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/these-waves-hit-harder-than-expected/
Last updated: 2026-09-20T13:00:40.000Z
You know the old saying, “A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor”? Well, that’s what today’s passage was all about.
**For the first time, we really get to see how UNDRA behaves when things get sporty, and where our own comfort limits begin.**
Because if 10 years of sailing around the world have taught us anything, it’s that while we can’t control the sea state, we can control how we react to it. And by the end of this one, we had a lot more confidence in the boat, and in ourselves as her crew.
---
[Gear Guides For Sailing, RV’ing and Living Off The GridWe’re not encouraging you to buy stuff you don’t need, but any grand adventure requires some gear. We’ve been traveling full time since 2011 and have purchased a lot of gear that has stood the test of time and continues to travel with us.Gone With The Wynns](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/gear-guides/)
### We Had No Idea England Was Like This
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/no-idea-england-was-like-this/
Last updated: 2026-09-13T13:00:43.000Z
**We have had a very incomplete picture of** [**England**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/united-kingdom/)**.** We immediately think London, royalty and castles. Then quaint countryside, pubs, fish n chips and sticky toffee pudding. We certainly did not think of striking white cliffs, rugged coastlines or dinosaur-lined beaches.
But the Jurassic Coast is full of things we somehow never associated with England at all. Fossils in the cliffs, a village emptied by war, giant coastal walks, military ranges that change where we can anchor, strange little discoveries everywhere.
And sadly, [Mary](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/family-travel/) only has a few days left aboard, so we are squeezing as much out of them as we can.
### Mom’s First Adventure Aboard Our Explorer Yacht
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/moms-first-explorer-yacht/
Last updated: 2026-09-06T12:59:59.000Z
We spend a lot of time thinking and planning our next destination. The route, what we'll do when we get there…
But the reality is, the place is only a small part of it. What really makes a place memorable is who we get to share it with. So having [Jason's mom Mary](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/family-travel/) here in England makes everything feel extra special. Especially because it's been a year and a half since we spent time together.
We wander through the ruins of an ancient castle, watch a solar eclipse, share a few meals, and deal with the occasional surprise boat life throws at us. But mostly, we just get to spend time together.
Because the hardest part of this life isn't the weather, the logistics, or the constant maintenance.
It's being far away from the people we love.
And that’s what makes this first adventure with Mom aboard feel so special.
---
More about Mary here:
💦 Stay Salty! Get your free LMNT Sample Pack with any purchase at: [drinkLMNT.com/GoneWithTheWynns](https://www.drinklmnt.com/GoneWithTheWynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### Just The Two of Us...
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/just-the-two-of-us/
Last updated: 2026-08-30T13:33:08.000Z
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### One Design Problem Is Limiting Our Entire Boat
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/problem-limiting-our-entire-boat/
Last updated: 2026-08-23T13:00:33.000Z
We love this boat. We love the space, the ruggedness, and how capable she feels. But there's one deceptively small problem that is holding up a whole list of bigger plans.
Our dinghy.
This little boat is our work truck. It gets us to shore, hauls groceries and gear, and lets us explore all the places UNDRA can’t go.
Right now, we don't have a solid, safe place to lift and store a dinghy. Especially when we're offshore in big seas. Which is NOT a problem we expected to have when we bought UNDRA.
Looking at our boat, you’d think we had plenty of options for storing a tender. There’s a crane on the boat deck and another set of davits off the stern.
Oh, how looks can be deceiving.
Because neither of our options are trustworthy. And until we solve that, a surprisingly long list of other things stays on hold too. Including upgrading to a properly sized tender and storage for the paddleboards, foil boards, kayak and bikes.
We’ve been wrestling with this issue behind the scenes for a while now. And the deeper we dug into it, the more we realized we had made a pretty big assumption when we bought this boat.
Which had my high school coach's voice rattling around in my head. Because he used to say, “You know what happens when you assume? It makes an ASS out of U and ME.”
So this week’s video is about what we found, what it means for UNDRA, and why we could really use your help with what comes next.
If you are a **naval architect, marine engineer, or aluminum fabricator** with experience designing and building tender systems, we’d genuinely love to hear from you. We’re currently in the UK but happy to travel within a reasonable distance in Europe for the right team.
You can email us: wynns\_dinghy@altmail.kr
\*Please know that this email address is just for dinghy davit conversations and will stop working once we have found a solution. For all other things, please use our [contact page](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/contact/).
---
Also, a big thanks to this videos sponsor, Beam Dream, for helping quiet the monkey brain around here. 😴 Beam Dream is giving you early access to the Labor Day sale with code WYNNS at checkout. Get up to 46% off for a limited time: [shopbeam.com/WYNNS](https://shopbeam.com/wynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### Why We've Been Quiet
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/why-weve-been-quiet/
Last updated: 2026-08-16T14:26:44.000Z
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### We'll Never Look at Honey the Same Again
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/never-look-at-honey-the-same/
Last updated: 2026-08-09T13:00:21.000Z
This is one of my favorite types of experiences to share.
Where one of you, who already knows how much we love digging into a place, extends an invitation that is simply too good to pass up.
Not just, "You should visit this place."
More like, "You need to do this."
That is exactly what happened here on the Isle of Purbeck.
One of our [Curiosity Crew members](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar/), Merv, lives here. He had a mooring ball near his house, invited us to tie up [UNDRA,](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/explorer-yacht-undra/) and opened a door into a world we knew almost nothing about.
That's how we ended up with The Bee Man, [Robert Field](https://www.fieldhoney.co.uk/pages/robert-field?ref=gonewiththewynns.com). He manages around 900 hives, which at peak season means roughly 67 million bees under his care.
And after decades of doing this, there are still things the bees do that he can't explain.
This week's story follows one curious invitation into a side of The Isle of Purbeck we never would have experienced on our own. Where an ordinary jar of honey turned out to be a whole lot less ordinary than we thought.
---
If you liked this episode, this is a collection of similar stories that we love:
[Inspiring Encounters - Gone With The WynnsEach day we set off into the world with curiosity as our guide and compass. We talk to strangers and accept invitations without fear or reservations. But people are busy (even on remote islands) and travelers are a dime a dozen. It takes time to talk to strangers, and even more time to have a real connection. Going the extra mile to get to know someone is a commitment. Which is why these are our most treasured experiences.Gone With The Wynns](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/inspiring-encounters/)
**🦈 Thank you to our sponsor Surfshark VPN.** Don't let the scammers get you. Get an extra layer of protection: Go to [https://surfshark.com/wynns](https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsurfshark.com%2Fwynns&data=05%7C02%7C%7Ceca4da78ff48468e885508def4aa2d48%7Cacc1677f96304e38baed2cf96b1d8087%7C0%7C0%7C639217208929606578%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=fgKvRmd7ZPwoeM%2F1hjQJ3nPkCXeQbjl%2B%2BjOgTYMBto0%3D&reserved=0&ref=gonewiththewynns.com) or use code WYNNS at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN.
### We Invited a Family to Live on Our Boat for a Month
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/family-for-a-month/
Last updated: 2026-08-02T13:00:19.000Z
As you already know, we [bought this boat at auction](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/the-riskiest-boat-purchase-ever/) after she [sat unused](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/auction-boat-but-does-it-work/) for over two years. After a big round of [upgrades and repairs,](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/mods-maintenance/) we're only a couple of weeks into properly cruising and living aboard UNDRA.
We are still learning her systems, discovering her quirks, and figuring out routines that normally only have to work for the two of us. We haven't even been in salt water long enough to commission the watermaker yet. 🙈
So naturally, this seemed like the perfect time to invite our longtime friends from Texas, a family of four with zero boat-life experience, to move aboard for a month. 🤪
We have traveled together before. Just last year, [we explored Uganda](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/uganda/), so we already know we like taking on big adventures together. But this is not just another trip. This is them living *in* our floating home.
The tricky part is that none of us are in vacation mode. The adults are working and the kids are taking online summer school.
So add in things like learning to conserve water and power, adapting to tides and weather, compounded by getting six very different humans fed, clean, charged, entertained, and moving in roughly the same direction...
That’s a lot to adapt to (for *all* of us).
All six of us are figuring this out at the same time. The difference is that Jason and I are also the ones responsible for running the boat, managing the systems, keeping UNDRA afloat, and making sure everyone stays safe.
There are also a lot of exciting firsts. First wild dolphins, early morning paddle boarding, learning to drive the tender and tie knots.
UNDRA still feels remarkably comfortable with six people aboard. But comfortable does not necessarily mean easy. Then again, we have a 12-year-old and a 15-year-old on board, so easy was probably out the window before the trip even began.
Turns out the hardest part of having guests aboard has very little to do with the boat.
### Secure Accessories For Boat & Van Life
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/magnetic-accessories-boat-van/
Last updated: 2026-08-01T11:38:29.000Z
I have a slight obsession with magnets and tape. Ok, more specifically neodymium magnets and nano tape. Mostly because after so many years of van and boat life, its my favorite way to secure something without having to bolt or glue it down.
### Nano Tape
Nano tape comes in all different thicknesses and strength. I use it to hang art on the walls, keep soap dispensers in place and just about anything else I can think of. It's removable and some is even reusable: [https://amzn.to/4wvy5uP](https://amzn.to/4wvy5uP?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
[](https://amzn.to/4wvy5uP?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### Marine (and Van or RV) Window Shades
UNDRA has a lot of clear glass, which is beautiful, but the amount of light and heat streaming inside was intense. Even after adding curtains and sheer blinds, it could still feel bright enough to need sunglasses indoors. Thankfully, Anthony from Magne Shade reached out after noticing our issue, and he was right, these shades are the best I have ever seen! The custom exterior shades attach with incredibly strong magnets, so there are no snaps or buttons to rust or suction cups to come undone. They have stayed firmly in place through high winds, dramatically reduced the glare, and made a very noticeable difference in the temperature inside. They were also surprisingly easy to install.
Magne Shade: [magneshademarine.com/](https://magneshademarine.com/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### Magnetic Accessories
This obsession started in [our van](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/stealth-van-build/). We have glasses, plates, bowls, the paper towel holder, the spice jars, we went all in. Everything has a magnet cast into the base and sticks to a metal pad, so nothing shakes, rattles, slides, or breaks while we're moving. When we bought UNDRA we brought a bunch of it over with us, and the spice jars turned out to be the sleeper hit. There's a pull-out spice rack built into the boat and it's metal, so the jars just snap to it, which effectively doubled my storage in there (I can hang them upside down under the shelf above).
And, because Silwy [sponsored one of our videos ](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/stealth-van-build/)last year, we have a discount code, which I think works on top of any other sales they have going on. Just use code **WYNNS,** for **10% off** your order: [silwy.de/wynns](https://silwy.de/wynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### Inside Our 50ft Aluminum Explorer Yacht
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/inside-our-50ft-aluminum-explorer-yacht/
Last updated: 2026-07-19T13:00:57.000Z
We could have filmed a tour six months ago. But it wouldn't have been this tour.
Back then, she was a stranger. A boat we won at auction (still can't quite believe we did that), full of systems we hadn't tested, cabinets we hadn't opened, and quirks we hadn't yet discovered.
Now, she is [UNDRA](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/explorer-yacht-undra/), and there are little pieces of us tucked into the corners. Art from Argentina on the walls. Coffee gear taking over its rightful territory. Tools, camera gear, boat parts, winter layers, swimsuits, spices, fenders...all the little things that make life afloat work.
Including the cabinet Jason has lovingly stocked and dubbed "the Mexican cabinet." Because you can take the Texan out of Texas…
We also got to meet the people who built her. The hands behind every wire and every plank of Scandinavian oak. Hearing their stories changed the way we see her.
Which means it finally feels like the right time for a proper tour.
UNDRA is a 50-foot aluminum yacht. In the world of expedition boats, that makes her compact. A pocket yacht, technically. But step inside and she does a very convincing impression of something much larger.
Of course, she is not perfect. No boat is. Some systems are still waiting for updates. The tender situation is still a puzzle we have not fully solved. And yes, there are a few tight spaces where you really must be flexible and patient.
But that is also the tradeoff that makes UNDRA work for us. She is small enough for the two of us to handle, efficient enough to make sense, rugged enough to go farther than most boats, and comfortable enough to feel like home.
This is not the full deep dive into every system, locker, or future project. That would be a whole series. This is us introducing you to our home.
So, welcome aboard. We're awfully excited to finally have you over.
**P.S.**
If you want the full specs, you can find that here↓
[Meet UNDRAA 2023 Dutch built GlobeMaster 50 LRX (long range explorer). UNDRA is a rugged all aluminum explorer yacht designed for remote voyages and sustainable living. This is our third bluewater, ocean crossing vessel. Our previous vessels were both Sailing Catamarans named CURIOSITY. This vessel was a big change and theGone With The WynnsNikki Wynn](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/explorer-yacht-undra/)
Deeper Dives ↓
[All Electric Off-Grid KitchenWe’ve been living off-grid as nomads for over a decade. To say we’ve learned a lot over the years would be an understatement. Our traveling homes have gone from: glamping in our gold 1985 Volkswagon Vanagon (back when Jason’s hair was longer than mine), to fourGone With The WynnsNikki Wynn](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/electric-off-grid-kitchen/)
[Ground Tackle: Docking, Mooring & AnchoringIf all the biohackers and medical podcasts have taught us anything, it’s that sleep is super important. And good sleep, starts with being damned sure your boat is secure and isn’t going anywhere. Because none of us want the nightmare of busting off the dock in a storm,Gone With The WynnsNikki Wynn](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/ground-tackle/)
### Crossing the World’s Busiest Ocean Highway
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/busiest-ocean-highway/
Last updated: 2026-07-12T13:00:50.000Z
We’ve crossed a lot of ocean, and generally, once we leave the shore, that’s when the stress begins to fade. The ocean can feel like a wide-open playground.
But zoom out on the charts over the English Channel and it looks like utter chaos.
Ferries running on schedules. Cargo ships holding their lanes. Fishing boats, sailboats, shallow banks, commercial traffic, and shifting current all funneling through the same narrow stretch of water.
More than 400 vessels pass through here every day.
There are no traffic lights or painted lines, but there are lanes, rules, radio channels, and traffic control. It is, in reality, remarkably organized.
That did not make it any less intimidating.
Luckily, my First Mate, Chief Engineer, Purser, and resident over-planner happens to be exceptionally good at this sort of thing. And this was one of those passages where most of the real work happened before we ever left the dock.
Sure, we have crossed much bigger stretches of water before. But this was our first true crossing aboard UNDRA.
After months of commissioning, refit work, troubleshooting, and preparation, we were finally pointing her toward open water.
And somewhere between the shipping lanes and the white cliffs, it began to feel like the journey had finally started.
### Our Full Dinghy Setup & Must Haves
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/our-full-dinghy-setup/
Last updated: 2026-10-15T20:04:14.000Z
Whether you're shopping for your own dinghy setup or just curious about what works for us, this guide covers our complete setup from the core vessel to essential safety gear, here's everything we use and why it matters.
## The Tender
When we bought UNDRA, she came with a Talamex tender. A fine enough tender but too small (max capacity 5 people) and not the driest ride. It will be replaced, we're just not sure with what...yet. Maybe another OC Tender, maybe a custom aluminium tender, perhaps another Highfield... we're honestly not sure.
Our previous tender (and still one of our top faves) was the [**330 OC Tender**](https://octenders.co.nz/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)with full carbon construction. It's one of the lightest tenders out there and an excellent balance of performance and practicality.
## Electric Propulsion
We LOVE electric dinghy motors and they just make sense for us.
- Silent operation, sort of (when you're flying at 15 knots, there's going to be wind and water noise)
- No more searching out fuel on remote islands or worrying about storing it
- No more worrying about bad fuel or filtering gunk out of it
- Minimal maintenance requirements
- Instant torque for responsive handling
We really loved our [**Zero Jet electric motor** ](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/how-far-can-our-electric-boat-go/)on our OC Tender. It had speed, range and was just wildly practical.
If we had a working davit system, we would have just gotten another one. But we don't. So we needed an electric motor to go with the tender we have. After a lot of research, it seemed the [top contenders we found at METS ](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/top-electric-outboards/)back in 2024 were still the leaders. Specifically, the [**Momentum M10 outboard**](https://momentumelectricmarine.com/products/m10?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)**.** It's simple, light weight, has excellent range, is an easy peasy install and transferable to whatever we end up with next.
[Hiding From The Wind, Up a RiverHiding up a river from the wind is something sailors have done since forever. But to be more specific, we're in The River Dart. Which has a long maritime and naval history including even the Mayflower. So, weather and FOMO being what it is, we decided to see howGone With The WynnsNikki Wynn](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/hiding-from-the-wind-up-a-river/)
## Docking & Anchoring Equipment
Dinghy docks are a rare sight in most of the remote islands. Which means we're either anchoring out and swimming to shore or we're tying up to whatever structure, commercial dock or tree we can find. So to protect our investment we utilize:
- 15 foot dedicated stern line for when we need both ends need to be secured.
- Mantus Marine dinghy anchor (preferably 2) - Yes two, one bow and one stern. Because sometimes we need to anchor with the bow pointing into the waves (nothing worse than coming back to the little boat after its crashed onto the shore from breaking waves that built up from a storm...ask me how I know). Plus these tiny anchors come with a nice carrying bag and nylon rode.
[Home - Mantus MarineMantus Anchors & Ground Tackle Mantus Marine Boat Accessories Mantus Dinghy LET’S RIDE Mantus Scuba & Compressor Compact, Light, Portable Mantus Marine Lights & Clamps Designed for Life on the Water Mantus Swivel The Strongest Link in Your Chain Explore Buy Now Mooring Snap Shackle The Strongest Link in Your Chain Explore Buy Now Mantus Hook Stronger,…Mantus Marine](https://www.mantusmarine.com/?affiliates=31&ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- 3 feet of 1/4 inch stainless steel chain
- Additional 1/4 inch stainless steel shackle for rope rode attachment (also from [mantus marine](https://www.mantusmarine.com/?affiliates=31&ref=gonewiththewynns.com)).
## Safety Equipment
- [Floating VHF ](https://amzn.to/43fFOBA?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) ours has GPS coordinates on the display, an emergency light and the battery lasts a long time. Also great to have on in a busy anchorage instead of leaving the big boat VHF on.
- [Mantus Marine Navigation Light](https://www.mantusmarine.com/?affiliates=31&ref=gonewiththewynns.com) for the transom, ensuring visibility during evening hours and night time explorations.
- Manual Bilge pump
- Compact Emergency Medical Kit - Deciding what goes in a medical kit varies from person to person. For me, I think of the worst case scenario and try to plan for that. So trauma bandages, a [Tourniquet ](https://amzn.to/4hBZ1Rj?ref=gonewiththewynns.com), and hydration packs are all basics for us. I like the adventure medical kits because they are good solid kits and supplies. There are sooo many starter kits to chose from based on your activities and needs. Even if you build your own, you can use these kits as guides.
[Adventure Medical KitsAdventure Medical KitsAmazon.com](https://amzn.to/4h7nnSV?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### A Different Kind of Boat Life
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/a-different-kind-of-boat-life/
Last updated: 2026-07-05T13:00:39.000Z
We didn’t set out to buy a motor yacht.
That feels a little strange to say, even now, six months into owning one. For the past ten years, sailing was the way we moved through the world. It shaped our plans, our patience, our weather windows, and, honestly, a good chunk of our identity.
But life afloat has a way of reshaping our ideas.
We've left the inland waterways for the North Sea, motoring along the coast of Belgium and setting ourselves up for our first big crossing aboard UNDRA. And we can't help but compare, contrast and contemplate what this new way of life has in store for us.
Our first real ocean crossing will be the English Channel. It’s a short hop by nautical standards, but it feels like a meaningful one.
And the funny thing is, cruising is never as much about movement as it may seem.
After a decade of living on boats, one thing has become very clear, most of boat life happens at anchor. Ninety percent, give or take. The passages matter, of course. The vessel needs to be safe, capable, and trustworthy. But the real test is whether we can live comfortable and self-sufficient in the places we've worked so hard to reach.
UNDRA was not the obvious choice for two longtime sailors. But she may be the right tool for where we want to go next. Higher latitudes, fjords, mountains, and sometimes ice. A very different kind of cruising from the tropical waters we’ve known so well.
We're still wrapping our heads around the shift.
Because this next chapter doesn’t look the way we imagined. But for the first time in a long time, it feels like we're on the right path.
And that's exactly why we're following it.
### The Last Thing Standing Between Us and Open Water
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/the-last-thing/
Last updated: 2026-06-28T13:00:56.000Z
Sea trial. It's the one day we actually want a little drama on the water and, of course, we get a suspiciously polite sea.
Lovely for a picnic on deck. Less helpful when you're trying to test the one system designed to tame the roll.
There are some boat projects that feel optional. Nice-to-have or future-us problems.
And then there are the ones that become the thing everything else is waiting on. For us, the stabilizer was that thing.
After weeks of refit work, rewiring, crawling into lockers, chasing parts, and keeping our optimism above the waterline, it was finally time to find out if UNDRA's new gyro actually worked.
On paper, it should. In theory, it would make life aboard more comfortable, more livable, and more stable both underway and at anchor. And stability matters. Because if something needs attention in the middle of a crossing and one of us needs to climb into the engine bay, that is not the moment we want UNDRA rolling rail to rail.
But boats have a way of humbling theory.
So, with the whole team and then some onboard, we left the dock and went searching for wind and waves. Not too much drama, but enough to answer the question that had been sitting in the back of our minds since this whole refit began:
How big of a difference will it make?
Of course, because this is boat life, the answer was not as simple as "yes" and "off we go." The sea trial revealed one more thing that needed changing. Which led to more projects. Which led to Jason cutting the wrong pipe. Which led to a new nickname that, unfortunately for him, may stick.
But somewhere between the success, the new gear, and the chaos, we hit that familiar point every cruiser knows well.
The boat is not done, but we are close enough. Because if we wait until everything is perfect, we may never leave.
So we stopped waiting. And for the first time in several weeks, the view out the window is actually changing.
---
As we are making upgrades and changes, I am updating our [gear guides](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/gear-guides/). So if you are curious about what or why, you can find it there. If you don't see what you are looking for, let us know!
[Ground Tackle: Docking, Mooring & AnchoringIf all the biohackers and medical podcasts have taught us anything, it’s that sleep is super important. And good sleep, starts with being damned sure your boat is secure and isn’t going anywhere. Because none of us want the nightmare of busting off the dock in a storm,Gone With The WynnsNikki Wynn](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/ground-tackle/)
[Tool Bag EssentialsThere are sooo many tools you MIGHT need on a boat. It’s easy to get swept up in thinking: I better buy this just in case. But those three words, just in case, can rule your life on a boat. Before you know it you’re carrying a thousandGone With The WynnsJason](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tool-bag/)
### We're Live Tracking!
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/were-live-tracking/
Last updated: 2026-06-21T18:44:28.000Z
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### This Cost a Fortune... We Removed It Anyway
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/this-cost-a-fortune-we-removed-it-anyway/
Last updated: 2026-06-14T14:00:14.000Z
After a month at the boatyard (well, four months total), UNDRA is finally back in the water.
The whole reason for this haul out was simple: we wanted to shape UNDRA into the boat we believe she can be. That meant adding a few things we felt were missing for true bluewater cruising... and removing a few that didn't fit the way we travel.
As we dug deeper, we kept discovering things aboard that made us scratch our heads. One of the more surprising finds was a massive, insanely expensive industrial hydraulic setup. It was unlike anything we have ever seen and served only a single purpose.
And for the way we cruise... it made absolutely no sense. So, we made the decision to remove it.
Of course, that was just one item on a very long boatyard to-do list. Over the past month we also tackled [corrosion protection](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/corrosion-test/), battery replacements, bottom paint touch-ups, carpentry repairs... and so much more.
All leading up to the moment of truth.
Would she float? Would anything leak? Would all the unfinished projects somehow come together in time?
Join us for our final push of boatyard chaos as UNDRA returns to where she belongs, the water!
P.S.
If you missed it the first time around, here is our post/video with Jess from MPS all about corrosion protection. If you are a boat owner, it is full of important information:
[The Invisible Problem That Can Destroy A Boat (stray current)We bought UNDRA (OON-drah) at auction. No survey, no sea trial. And there was one thing we couldn’t stop thinking about… the electrical system. More specifically, stray current (hello PTSD). It’s the invisible killer of boats. It doesn’t care how new your wiring is, how expensiveGone With The WynnsNikki Wynn](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/corrosion-test/)
### Update From The Engine Room
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/update-from-the-engine-room/
Last updated: 2026-06-08T18:56:17.000Z
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### Tool Bag Essentials
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tool-bag/
Last updated: 2026-06-28T08:53:26.000Z
There are sooo many tools you **MIGHT** need on a boat. It's easy to get swept up in thinking: *I better buy this just in case*. But those three words, *just in case*, can rule your life on a boat. Before you know it you're carrying a thousand pounds of (debatably) unnecessary tools, spare pumps, paints, old parts that might be ok, random bolts, wires and plumbing.
Trust me, it’s not hypothetical. We had too many spares and crappy old tools on our first boat. Before I knew it we had filled all the empty bilges, the entire closet in the guest cabin, and the forward V-Berth with extra stuff that we kept *just in case*.
I'm not a hoarder by nature, but boat life can be a slippery slope when it comes to preparing for *anything and everything*. And most of those "extras" we didn't touch until we donated them after selling our boat.
After a decade of cruising I have learned a few things.
- There are only a handful of tools I use often.
- Sometimes brand (quality) really matters and you get what you pay for.
- The cruising community is generous and generally people are happy to loan a tool to a sailor in need.
- There are hardware stores in most cities around the world.
- And most importantly: Islanders are crafty, you can always find someone to lend a hand or figure out a way to temporarily fix most problems.
So with that in mind, I'm only going to list the tools that I use the most, or feel are absolute necessary.
### Strippers, Nippers, Pliers, Tethers
We've had Knipex for years and they are the highest quality tools I have ever owned. They actually hold up in the salty, humid marine environment. Look closely when ordering because some tools have a 'tether' option which allows for a quick connect safety line to be attached for jobs up the mast or when you're hovering over the water. Many of their tools come in standard *and* 1000v insulated. Because our vessels are generally more voltage (24 & 48), we chose the insulated versions which I've linked below. They have standard versions which are less expensive, but they are built to the same quality standards.
- Adjustable Pliers No Teeth: [amzn.to/4hbtI0X](https://amzn.to/4hbtI0X?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Adjustable Pliers with Teeth: [amzn.to/3YrscR0](https://amzn.to/3YrscR0?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Tiny Plier set: [amzn.to/3NtIzGa](https://amzn.to/3NtIzGa?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Extra Slim Cobra: [https://amzn.to/4eAYLnG](https://amzn.to/4eAYLnG?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Electronic Super Knips: [amzn.to/3Y6c3iw](https://amzn.to/3Y6c3iw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Electrician's Shears: [https://amzn.to/4wdlo7k](https://amzn.to/4wdlo7k?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Wire Stripper: [amzn.to/3A0UwA4](https://amzn.to/3A0UwA4?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Long Nose Pliers: [amzn.to/3NuolfA](https://amzn.to/3NuolfA?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Multi Crimp Pliers: [amzn.to/48aVRRB](https://amzn.to/48aVRRB?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Needle Nose Locking Plier: [https://amzn.to/4uXm53F](https://amzn.to/4uXm53F?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Snap Knife: [amzn.to/3A3WvDL](https://amzn.to/3A3WvDL?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- KnipExtend Tethers: [https://amzn.to/3SwKNdW](https://amzn.to/3SwKNdW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Tether System: [amzn.to/3Y7574w](https://amzn.to/3Y7574w?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Tethered Tool Bag: [amzn.to/4f5Y1Eb](https://amzn.to/4f5Y1Eb?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### Rachets, Screwdrivers, Wrenches...
I first saw Wera tools in Nikki's cousin Matt's garage. It was love at first site and the quality is on par with my Knipex tools. Wera has some very boat friendly Stainless Steel tools, 1000v insulated tools and compact smart tools that I use for most projects. And anyone that touches my L-keys is seriously impressed…totally worth the investment :)
- Zyklop 3/8 Socket Set: [https://amzn.to/4ybcOrR](https://amzn.to/4ybcOrR?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Zyklop Pocket Socket: [amzn.to/3YaODZi](https://amzn.to/3YaODZi?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Stainless L-Keys: [amzn.to/3BILusa](https://amzn.to/3BILusa?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Interchangeable Screwdriver Set 1000v: [amzn.to/4dOPsg9](https://amzn.to/4dOPsg9?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Kraftform Micro Screwdriver: [amzn.to/4dNCZcG](https://amzn.to/4dNCZcG?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Safe-Torque Wrench: [amzn.to/4066naA](https://amzn.to/4066naA?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### Power Tools
On CURIOSITY 1 we had Milwaukee tools. They were great, I had no complaints with the quality or how long they lasted. But after sailing a third of the way around the world, I noticed Makita tools were available in every country (even in remote Tonga). Makita has a great reputation and they've served us well so far.
Choose your brand wisely, for example DeWALT and RYOBI may be huge in the USA, but it's difficult to find their power tools outside of the Americas.
- 18v Driver-Drill kit: [amzn.to/3U7k6dK](https://amzn.to/3U7k6dK?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Drill & Screw Bit Set: [amzn.to/4eLa5Ls](https://amzn.to/4eLa5Ls?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Random Orbit Sander: [amzn.to/48c6NhC](https://amzn.to/48c6NhC?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Multi-Tool: [amzn.to/40aBa6f](https://amzn.to/40aBa6f?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Cut-Off Angle Grinder: [amzn.to/3A9NBVd](https://amzn.to/3A9NBVd?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Wet/Dry Vacuum: [amzn.to/3Y4UkId](https://amzn.to/3Y4UkId?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Cordless Floor Vac: [amzn.to/3A9eFny](https://amzn.to/3A9eFny?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- 2.0 AH Li Batt: [amzn.to/400XI9A](https://amzn.to/400XI9A?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- 3.0 AH Li Batt Set: [amzn.to/48bJCEh](https://amzn.to/48bJCEh?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### AMP Clamp
I went a little overboard with my amp clamp. It's a great AC/DC multi-meter and amp clamp, it's super accurate, has Bluetooth for remote measurements and an iFlex current probe. It's feature rich, but technically it's made for commercial and industrial electricians. It's above my paygrade and Nikki had a mild heart attack when she saw the credit card bill. But hey, ask for forgiveness, not permission. Right?
- Fluke 376FC: [amzn.to/4dUwwMW](https://amzn.to/4dUwwMW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Less "pro" options
- Fluke: [amzn.to/485Wc8d](https://amzn.to/485Wc8d?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Blue Sea: [amzn.to/3Yqwc3Z](https://amzn.to/3Yqwc3Z?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Klein Tools: [amzn.to/4f4uJGb](https://amzn.to/4f4uJGb?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### Multitool
Kent from Just Catamarans used to give me crap because I always used a Gerber. One day he couldn't take it anymore and gifted me a Leatherman. Just for the record I think they're both great. However this Leatherman is stainless and it's a tool I keep for quick access and take in the dinghy. Because often it's the only tool I need to get random jobs done.
- [amzn.to/48atOle](https://amzn.to/48atOle?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### Butane Torch
Huge fan of dual purpose tools on a boat. Toast a sweet crème brûlée or melt the tip of a freshly cut line, or carefully melt the heat shrink onto a tidy wiring job.
- What I have now: [amzn.to/3BFPfOP](https://amzn.to/3BFPfOP?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- This one is more electric specific: [amzn.to/3NO0Q1n](https://amzn.to/3NO0Q1n?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### Infrared Temperature Gun
I use it to read everything from the temperature of our windows in sun, the solar panels mid-day, cold beer, freezer temperature, battery temperatures, engine temperatures, etc. This little $20 version has worked great for us.
- [amzn.to/3Yoauh0](https://amzn.to/3Yoauh0?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### Endoscope Camera
See up the mast, down tubes, across bilges, in all the hard-to-reach places.
- [amzn.to/4dK3QGs](https://amzn.to/4dK3QGs?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### Flexible Grabber
Surprisingly helpful, the magnet is strong enough to help grab even stainless steel nuts/bolts.
- [amzn.to/3Yo98Ts](https://amzn.to/3Yo98Ts?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### Smart Soldering Iron
I've only used this a couple times, but it is tiny and works like a champ.
- [amzn.to/4eKKEK0](https://amzn.to/4eKKEK0?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### Mini Saw
Sometimes I need to cut stuff. This one is multipurpose and small, but still gets the job done.
- [amzn.to/4dKAIyF](https://amzn.to/4dKAIyF?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
This list isn't comprehensive, or everything we have stashed in our lockers, but it covers what I think are the essentials. That said, if there's a tool or two that you feel is a must-have, please share in the comments below.
The links in this gear guide are mostly to Amazon. We may get a small affiliate commission if you add it to your cart and purchase same day. But the main reason we use Amazon is because it's the easiest way for us to link to most any product and they have "stores" around the world.
### We Finally Brought the Last Pieces Home
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/the-last-pieces-home/
Last updated: 2026-05-31T16:54:07.000Z
We're back at home (excited I can say that we have one), and right now our home is sitting inside a shed in the Netherlands.
We only had a few days to check in on the projects (which yes, are behind schedule) before we had to leave again. Because we still had unfinished business in the Philippines.
A stack of boxes from our last boat filled with life vests, galley ware, splicing kits, bicycles, foil boards...all remnants of a boat chapter that had a very abrupt and unexpected ending.
After a year of quotes well over $10,000 and every creative shipping attempt you can imagine, we finally gave up. At least on the shipping part. This was just going to have to be a do-it-yourself job.
But while we were there, our friends Darrell and Shannon, the ones who'd been storing everything for us, pulled us behind the scenes of something they've dedicated their lives to out there. And it turned out to be one of the most fascinating and inspiring off-grid projects we've seen in a while. So we're excited to share it with you and hear what you think.
Overall, it was a whirlwind trip. Over 28 hours to get there, roughly 48 hours on the ground, and another 30+ hours getting back to UNDRA. And somewhere between spending time with old friends, battling jet lag, and hauling a mountain of boxes through airports, we were left with an unexpected feeling.
Completeness.
The loose ends are finally getting tied up.
The projects are moving forward. The boat is starting to feel like home. And for the first time in a long time, the excitement of getting back in the water is outweighing the endless to-do lists.
There's a sense of forward momentum now. Clarity. Relief. Excitement for what's ahead.
And after all the unexpected twists and turns of the last couple years... that feels pretty freaking good.
---
A big thank you to Darrell and Shannon. Getting to see what you and your team are creating in the Philippines reminds us that sometimes the simplest solutions can have huge impacts.
- More about their projects here: [https://cleanwaterinternational.org/](https://cleanwaterinternational.org/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### 600 Miles Across the Most Feared Ocean on Earth
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/600-miles-drake-passage/
Last updated: 2026-05-24T13:00:16.000Z
Well friends, this is it. Our final chapter from [Antarctica](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/antarctica/).
After a month of icebergs, penguins, whales, wild weather, and some of the most surreal landscapes we have ever laid eyes on… it was finally time to point Icebird north and begin the long sail back to South America.
But of course, leaving Antarctica isn’t exactly simple.
Between us and civilization lies the Drake Passage. A stretch of Southern Ocean with one of the most notorious reputations on Earth.
The Drake can be calm enough to make you question the legends… or rough enough to remind you exactly why sailors speak about it with so much respect. And the difference between those two experiences often comes down to one thing: timing.
Weather predictions have never been better, but they are just that. Predictions, not premonitions.
So, we picked our window and did what any good sailor does...pray the seas are in a good mood.
Now pour yourself a beverage and settle in, because this is a big one!
---
### Curiosity Crew
The brave souls who [support our madness](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar/) and were crazy enough to say yes to living on a small boat like a scrappy bunch of kids at summer camp.
- Steve Morrison - @dragonfly.495
- Tougy Morrison (Steve's daughter) - @tougymorrison
- Douglas Gilchrist - @skiriderdoug
- [Mike Harrington](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/first-explorer-yacht/) \- @mvgallivant
- Jason (J-Dog) Knight - @binarybana
### S/V Icebird Crew
Our trusty captains and chef. For more check out: [Icebird Expeditions](https://icebird-expeditions.com/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Alex (chef) Tolchev - @alex\_tolchev
- Alex (Sasha) Trushevsky - @atrushevsky
- Catherine Hew - @icebirdexpeditions\_
### Tender Package....
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tender-package/
Last updated: 2026-05-19T18:49:50.000Z
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### We Didn't Expect This in Antarctica
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/we-didnt-expect-this-in-antarctica/
Last updated: 2026-05-18T09:14:12.000Z
It's not a definable aha moment, but somewhere along the way, what we came to see started fading into the background and something else took over.
We came to [Antarctica](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/antarctica/) for the ice and the wildlife. And we have had plenty of both. What we didn't expect was just how much our small crew would affect this trip. Then again, maybe we should've seen that coming. One small boat and ten humans for weeks on end has a way of turning strangers into something else entirely. And maybe that is part of why we ditched the boat entirely this week to sleep on ice. 🤷🏻♀️
There were moments where things escalated quickly. Leopard seals, questionable decisions, and possibly the worst place in Antarctica to park a dinghy.
At one point, it took four lines and two hours to get ourselves out of a situation that somehow also left us with fresh cabbage...which is not a sentence I ever imagined saying.
And somewhere in between all of this, the penguins, and the storms, I realized the best part of Antarctica wasn’t what I expected at all.
---
### Curiosity Crew
The brave souls who [support our madness](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar/) and were crazy enough to say yes to living on a small boat like a scrappy bunch of kids at summer camp.
- Steve Morrison - @dragonfly.495
- Tougy Morrison (Steve's daughter) - @tougymorrison
- Douglas Gilchrist - @skiriderdoug
- [Mike Harrington](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/first-explorer-yacht/) \- @mvgallivant
- Jason (J-Dog) Knight - @binarybana
### S/V Icebird Crew
Our trusty [Icebird Expedition](https://icebird-expeditions.com/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) captains and chef.
- Alex (chef) Tolchev - @alex\_tolchev
- Alex (Sasha) Trushevsky - @atrushevsky
- Catherine Hew - @icebirdexpeditions\_
### The Antarctica Most People Never Get to See
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/antarctica-most-never-get-to-see/
Last updated: 2026-05-17T10:04:53.000Z
After Deception Island, we thought we'd recalibrated. That we understood Antarctica isn't a place you can anticipate. But no amount of Attenborough documentaries or YouTube rabbit holes can prepare you for what it actually feels like to be here. It's not just different. It's like living on a different planet.
But it's not just the place. It's who we're here with and how we're exploring. It's just the ten of us out here on a small yacht. Experiencing a place that relatively few get to see, in a way that even fewer do.
Exploring the world on a small boat vs a cruise ship always opens up a whole other side to a place. But that feeling is intensified here.
Over the next few days, a paddle through icebergs turns into a standoff with 1,000 pounds of muscle and teeth, we find our best motivation for climbing to the top is a rapid descent, and a barbecue invitation comes from a place three countries say belongs to them. Which happens to be on top of five inches of penguin poop. Because apparently that is prized territory down here.
Every time we say "it can't get any wilder than this." Antarctica kept proving us wrong.
---
### Curiosity Crew
The brave souls who [support our madness](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar/) and were crazy enough to say yes to living on a small boat like a scrappy bunch of kids at summer camp.
- Steve Morrison - @dragonfly.495
- Tougy Morrison (Steve's daughter) - @tougymorrison
- Douglas Gilchrist - @skiriderdoug
- [Mike Harrington](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/first-explorer-yacht/) \- @mvgallivant
- Jason (J-Dog) Knight - @binarybana
### S/V Icebird Crew
Our trusty captains and chef. For more check out: [Icebird Expeditions](https://icebird-expeditions.com/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Alex (chef) Tolchev - @alex\_tolchev
- Alex (Sasha) Trushevsky - @atrushevsky
- Catherine Hew - @icebirdexpeditions\_
### Update From The Boat Yard
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/update-from-the-boat-yard/
Last updated: 2026-05-02T12:28:22.000Z
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### We Sailed Into an ACTIVE VOLCANO…in Antarctica!
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailed-into-an-active-volcano/
Last updated: 2026-04-29T10:31:25.000Z
When Cath told us the entrance is called Neptune's Bellows, that probably should have given us pause.
But it didn't.
We pointed Icebird straight at the crack in the cliffside that sailors missed for *years.* Because you can't see it unless you are directly in front of it. That's the thing about Deception Island, nothing about it is what it seems. From the outside, it's just another island. From the inside, the ground is literally boiling beneath your feet.
This was our first real day on land in Antarctica, and I still can't believe what we walked into. Steaming volcanic beaches, thousands upon thousands of penguins, ruins that tell one of the darkest chapters in Antarctic history, and an ending to the day that none of us saw coming.
---
If you've been to Antarctica on a cruise ship, you might be watching some of this and thinking, wait, they can't do that. And you're right, you couldn't. But that's because those rules are designed to manage the impact of large groups of people, which makes complete sense when you're rotating a hundred visitors through a site. Icebird is classified as a yacht (fewer than 12 passengers) and operates under permits from the Australian government (where the boat is registered). We still follow every environmental protocol under the Antarctic Treaty, but with just a handful of us going ashore, the operation looks very different.
### Curiosity Crew
Who exactly is the Curiosity Crew? They are you, our subscribers who have [become members](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar/)…the folks [behind the scenes](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/crew-only/) who help make these stories possible—and every now and then, step into them with us.
- Steve Morrison - @dragonfly.495
- Tougy Morrison (Steve's daughter) - @tougymorrison
- Douglas Gilchrist - @skiriderdoug
- [Mike Harrington](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/first-explorer-yacht/) \- @mvgallivant
- Jason (J-Dog) Knight - @binarybana
### S/V Icebird Crew
[Icebird-Expeditions - Bespoke Adventures in AntarcticaIcebird Expeditions offers exclusive small-group sailing adventures to Antarctica, designed for those seeking freedom, flexibility, and authentic exploration. Unlike traditional cruises, our expeditions are handcrafted for adventurers who want to ski untouched peaks, kayak among icebergs, or captureIcebird-ExpeditionsIcebird Expeditions](https://www.icebird-expeditions.com/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Alex (chef) Tolchev - @alex\_tolchev
- Alex (Sasha) Trushevsky - @atrushevsky
- Catherine Hew - @icebirdexpeditions\_
### Most Boats Can't Handle This (full tour)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailboat-in-antarctica/
Last updated: 2026-05-17T09:27:23.000Z
Before Antarctica smacks us in the face, we felt we should properly introduce you to this small, floating decision we’ve made.
Her name is Icebird. She’s a 60 foot expedition sailboat, captained by Cath, who’s spent 23 years down here and carries it like someone who’s already met the worst this place can dish out.
There are ten of us onboard. TEN! On one boat.
That includes me, Jason, Cath and crew… plus five of you, our [Curiosity Crew](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar/), who said “yes” and trusted us enough to follow this idea all the way to Antarctica.
We sleep in bunks stacked like kids at summer camp. We share one shower (a social experiment in itself). And every morning, we wake up to a pilothouse view that feels a bit like living inside a Nat Geo documentary… except we still have to make coffee and not crash the boat.
This video is part introduction, part tour, and a bit of an investigation. Because sailing Antarctica is uncharted chunks of ocean, fast-moving weather, and the kind of remoteness where if something breaks…you are the only repair person or supply store for a thousand miles.
Cath walks us through what it actually takes to bring a boat to the bottom of the world, and why Icebird is built different. (Her aero rig alone will have your head doing cartwheels.)
And then, as tends to happen when you set humans on a glacier there was sledding, racing, and if you can believe it… paragliding.
---
One final note, because we know some of you are wondering how we're doing things that cruise ship passengers can't. Icebird carries fewer than 12 passengers, which puts her in a completely different category than the big ships. The rules cruise ships follow exist because they're managing the impact of landing a hundred people at a time, and that makes total sense. But with only six or seven of us going ashore, our footprint is just fundamentally different. Captain Cath is fully permitted through the Australian government and we follow the Antarctic Treaty's environmental guidelines. We just don't require the same level of crowd management.
### Curiosity Crew
What is the Curiosity Crew? They are some of you, our subscribers who have [become members](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar/)…the folks [behind the scenes](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/crew-only/) who help make these stories possible—and every now and then, step into them with us.
- Steve Morrison - @dragonfly.495
- Tougy Morrison (Steve's daughter) - @tougymorrison
- Douglas Gilchrist - @skiriderdoug
- [Mike Harrington](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/first-explorer-yacht/) \- @mvgallivant
- Jason (J-Dog) Knight - @binarybana
### S/V Icebird Crew
[Icebird-Expeditions - Bespoke Adventures in AntarcticaIcebird Expeditions offers exclusive small-group sailing adventures to Antarctica, designed for those seeking freedom, flexibility, and authentic exploration. Unlike traditional cruises, our expeditions are handcrafted for adventurers who want to ski untouched peaks, kayak among icebergs, or captureIcebird-ExpeditionsIcebird Expeditions](https://www.icebird-expeditions.com/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Alex (chef) Tolchev - @alex\_tolchev
- Alex (Sasha) Trushevsky - @atrushevsky
- Catherine Hew - @icebirdexpeditions\_
### Ground Tackle: Docking, Mooring & Anchoring
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/ground-tackle/
Last updated: 2026-07-19T10:43:06.000Z
If all the biohackers and medical podcasts have taught us anything, it's that sleep is super important. And good sleep, starts with being damned sure your boat is secure and isn't going anywhere. Because none of us want the nightmare of busting off the dock in a storm, or dragging anchor and landing onto a reef, to become a reality!
In other words, we take our ground tackle gear seriously. I can promise you, the only thing worse for crew morale than a being hangry, is being sleep deprived.
### RELATIONSHIP SAVERS (aka, calm communication)
Yes, I'm starting with headsets. If you end up yelling at each other, then throwing your first mate overboard because you can't catch a mooring ball, or you've hit the dock before getting tied up...well, the rest of this guide won't really matter.
These are the best headsets on the market and are purpose built for high wind and background noise. So we can hear each other no matter what's getting thrown at us. But don't worry, there is a mute button...and trust me, it's handy.
- Multisport (most affordable): [amzn.to/3Bihp2h](https://amzn.to/3Bihp2h?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Crew Headset (most waterproof): [amzn.to/3TKRxCm](https://amzn.to/3TKRxCm?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### ANCHORS
We've had several different anchors throughout our sailing career. And we can say without a doubt: don't cheap out on this one. The newest designs bite better, hold longer and hook in more types of seabed than the old-school plow or claw style anchors. Even if you buy a new boat, and it comes with an old style anchor (you'd be surprised how many boat builders use a plow because it's cheap), we'd recommend getting it off your boat before cruising.
We have used the Mantus and the Rocna MK2 in a wide variety of bottoms and weather. Both have performed flawlessly. We're not dinking around trying to get the hook to bite, it just does.
- **Primary Anchor**
- [105lbs – M1 Performance Galvanized Steel Mantus Anchor ](https://www.mantusmarine.com/?affiliates=31&v=28886f13f578&ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- 100 Meters of 10mm Vetus DIN766 Hot Dipped Galvanized Chain
- 60 Meters of Nylon Rode
### SNUBBER & CHAIN HOOK
The Mantus Snubber Pendant is cool because it attaches to chain or line rode. So it makes for a great all in one snubber be it anchoring or mooring. We also have the Mantus chain hook, because we like options depending on the situation.
- Snubber, Chain Hook & Swivel: [https://bit.ly/MantusWynns](https://bit.ly/MantusWynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### Chain
Over the years, we've had galvanized and stainless steel chain. No matter which one you choose, quality matters! For an ocean going vessel, you want a reputable brand that will stand behind their product.
Galvanized is the workhorse. Affordable, widely available, and totally adequate for most cruisers. But not all galvanized chain is equal: **hot-dip galvanizing** is far superior to electroplated, with a thicker zinc coating that actually holds up to the abuse of daily use, repeated deployment and retrieval. Over time it will start to rust and flake.
Stainless looks beautiful and resists corrosion without the maintenance. Your deck and anchor locker stay a lot cleaner. It flakes into the anchor locker more easily. But it's expensive and can suffer from crevice corrosion in low-oxygen environments.
Stainless will outlast galvanized by a significant margin in a marine environment, but with a big caveat: galvanized chain that's properly maintained (rinsed and stored with good ventilation) can last 10–15 years, while neglected stainless can fail catastrophically and without warning due to crevice corrosion. So stainless wins on lifespan in ideal conditions (rinsed and stored with good ventilation), but galvanized is arguably more predictable because it shows its wear visibly as the zinc coating degrades, giving you time to act before it becomes a safety issue.
Either way, quality is non-negotiable! Look for ISO or G4/G7 rated chain with consistent link sizing and a smooth, even finish.
We had good results with our ACCO Peerless (USA company) Hot Dipped chain on CURIOSITY 1\. So, for UNDRA we have decided to test out VETUS hot dipped galvanized chain. VETUS is a local company here in the Netherlands and they carry both galvanized and stainless chain. But since we had already ordered a galvanized anchor (not realizing the chain that came with the boat was NOT hot dipped and insufficient for salt water) we decided to go for galvanized chain. So, we will see how we fare over the next year. If it's too much rust for our aluminum boat, we can always upgrade to stainless in a couple of years.
### ROLL-UP BOAT HOOK
This is the coolest multi-use gadget. It's a flexible carbon fiber pole that rolls out to become a long, lightweight pole (think 90's slap bracelet). We have multiple tips including a soft brush, firm brush, action camera mount and boat hook.
- [Revolve Boat Hook](https://www.pyiinc.com/revolve/boathook.html?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) (use code WYNNS for 10% off)
### FENDERS
These are by far the most impressive fenders we had ever seen. Cleverly designed to save space, protect the boat and last a very long time. We found Fendertex through PYI and saw them for the first time at the [Cannes Boat Show (see them in action here)](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/electrifying-tender/). They are the only inflatable textile fender in the yachting market.
**Space Saver** \- This was a huge selling point for us. Fenders take up a ton of space if you have to leave them inflated. These pack down tiny and blow up fast.
**Robust** \- The insanely strong fabric on the outside takes a beating without looking like a frayed knot AND there is no harsh rubber creating scuffs and marks on the boat. Add a set of covers on top and now those rusty nails sticking out of an old pier or the barnacle lined dock are far less intimidating. Plus, these fenders can withstand the weight of a tractor. Which means they won't compress if a massive steel yacht cuts it too close or a big storm is pinning us to a dock.
We got our fenders through PYI, which is the same company that sells MaxProp (the feathering props we had on CURIOSITY 1), and they sell the Jefa steering systems, PSS Shaft Seal, premium hose clamps...and they have the cool multipurpose boat hook/brush/camera mount we mentioned above. So, if you’re in need of boat gear, they’ve offered a 10% discount off most anything in their catalogue. Depending on what you are ordering, that can really add up!
- **Get 10% OFF with code WYNNS:** [**www.pyiinc.com**](https://www.pyiinc.com/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### MOORING & DOCK LINES
UNDRA came with dock lines. But on our last boat we had dock lines from a new company out of the USA called Sail Locker. It was started by our friends [Mel & Coop who are US Coast Guard Veterans](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/teaching-coasties-to-be-cruisers/). So they know how important safety is. We also picked up some eye spliced small poly line for the tender. They have been supporters of ours for a long time and we're stoked to now be customers of theirs.
- **Sail Locker Lines:** [**amzn.to/3wKLF3J**](https://amzn.to/3wKLF3J?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### Tender Tackle
We've been using the Mantus dinghy anchor since it first launched and it's been incredible. We have ordered it for every tender since. It easily packs down, it holds tight on most types of seabed, and with a little extra SS chain it won't move even with a short 3:1 scope. We only use SS ground tackle on the tender. Plus it's safer with bare hands because it doesn't rust or flake.
- [2.5 lb Dinghy Anchor](https://bit.ly/MantusWynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) (comes with rope and 1 SS shackle)
- 10 ft of 1/4 inch SS chain: [amzn.to/3ZFIDtF](https://amzn.to/3ZFIDtF?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Extra [1/4 inch SS shackle](https://bit.ly/MantusWynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) to attach to rope rode
### Getting to Antarctica Did NOT Go As Planned
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/getting-to-antarctica/
Last updated: 2026-04-13T17:08:49.000Z
A year ago, Antarctica was just a dream we put out into the universe. Then one of you introduced us to Captain Cath, and suddenly it was real. Flights booked, bags packed, [Curiosity Crew](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar/) assembled.
But Antarctica doesn't care about your plans.
What was supposed to be a quick overnight in Punta Arenas, Chile turned into something else entirely. And honestly? We wouldn't change a thing. Because it really is about the journey as much as the destination.
The chaos of cancelations and delays served up an unexpected adventure. One that allowed us to soak up everything from the historic streets of Punta Arenas to wild Patagonian forests, delectable discoveries, and a crew of virtual acquaintances becoming real friends while waiting for the bottom of the world to let us in...
### 🌿 Curious About Foraging?
If watching us wander through Patagonia nibbling on wild berries sparked your curiosity (or mild concern 😅), you’re not alone. Foraging is one of those skills that feels magical… but it definitely comes with a learning curve (and risk).
If you've never been foraging before, I highly recommend trying a foraging experience first before going out on your own. We went on [our first tour back in 2014](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/asheville-adventure-zipline-whitewater-forage/) and we haven't stopped foraging since.
There are A LOT of great books and resources out there to learn from. But the key is always finding a good guide for the area you are foraging in. It's always more fun to go with a local if you can or at least ask the locals about anything you are uncertain of.
### 📱 Apps (helpful—but not foolproof)
These tools can be incredibly helpful for learning, journaling, and building awareness in the field. But they’re not perfect. When in doubt… don’t eat it.
- WildForager
- Gather: The Foraging App
- iNaturalist / Seek by iNaturalist
- PictureThis
- PlantNet
- Fieldbook
### Curiosity Crew
Who are these people? These are some of our [Curiosity Crew members](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar/)… the folks [behind the scenes](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/crew-only/) who help make these stories possible—and every now and then, step into them with us.
- Steve Morrison - @dragonfly.495
- Tougy Morrison (Steve's daughter) - @tougymorrison
- Douglas Gilchrist - @skiriderdoug
- [Mike Harrington](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/first-explorer-yacht/) \- @mvgallivant
- Jason (J-Dog) Knight - @binarybana
### S/V Icebird Crew
[Icebird-Expeditions - Bespoke Adventures in AntarcticaIcebird Expeditions offers exclusive small-group sailing adventures to Antarctica, designed for those seeking freedom, flexibility, and authentic exploration. Unlike traditional cruises, our expeditions are handcrafted for adventurers who want to ski untouched peaks, kayak among icebergs, or captureIcebird-ExpeditionsIcebird Expeditions](https://www.icebird-expeditions.com/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Alex (chef) Tolchev - @alex\_tolchev
- Alex (Sasha) Trushevsky - @atrushevsky
- Catherine Hew - @icebirdexpeditions\_
---
### 📲Stay Connected
A big thanks to Saily for their support - Get an exclusive 15% discount on Saily data plans! Use code WYNNS at checkout. Download Saily app or go to [https://saily.com/wynns ](https://saily.com/wynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### Behind The Scenes: Antarctica, Argentina & What's Next
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/behind-the-scenes-antarctica-argentina-whats-next/
Last updated: 2026-04-05T13:24:20.000Z
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### We have to leave 😬 (but let the upgrades begin!)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/we-have-to-leave-upgrades-begin/
Last updated: 2026-03-29T13:00:31.000Z
We've officially maxed out our time in Europe, which means, ready or not, we have to leave. And the problem? The boat is definitely not ready.
The kicker is, we must be gone for at least 90 days. And that's time we didn't want to waste. So, we're not just prepping [UNDRA (pronounced OON-drah) ](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/explorer-yacht-undra/)to sit, but to be worked on while we’re gone.
What was supposed to be a straightforward "get things ready for haul out" day quickly turned into a full-blown scramble. One project led to another, timelines shrank, and suddenly we were racing the clock with way more on our plate than expected. And to make things even more interesting… we were doing a lot of it for the very first time.
But the hardest part of leaving isn't the prep work. It's not being here for the actual haul out and work being done. Because if there's one thing we've learned, it's that some of the biggest lessons happen in the messy middle. The problem solving, the unexpected hiccups, the figuring-it-out-as-you-go moments. But time and visa restrictions are not on our side. So, we're handing over the keys and trusting we made all the right decisions.
Did we get everything done in time? No. Did we miss anything important? I don't think so. And what exactly are we changing while she's out of the water? Well… that's where things get interesting!
We've got a list of small repairs and modifications but only 2 big upgrades. A cockpit transformation and a stabilization upgrade. Neither of which we'll be around to see come to life. So, it will be a big reveal for all of us when we return!
### We Accidentally Took Our Boat Into an Ice Field
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/is-this-boat-ice-proof/
Last updated: 2026-05-15T15:30:00.000Z
You know that feeling when you’re technically allowed to do the thing… but maybe shouldn’t be? That was us.
We headed out on the water to troubleshoot some navigation gear. Boring stuff really. The water was calm, the sun was shining and it was beautiful. We even stopped for a little photoshoot.
Then we went through the the world’s only naviduct, the [**Krabbersgat**](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naviduct?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) in the Netherlands.
And I genuinely don't know what to say other than: we entered another world.
No briefing. No *Ice Navigation 101*. Just a sea of white and us wondering, "how ice proof is this boat?"
We've sailed halfway around the world...but in that moment I felt like a 6-year-old who had been handed the keys to a Ferrari.
So, if you want to see how we (and the boat) handled our first time ice breaking, then settle in. Because this is one of the wildest things we have ever experienced!
---
Thanks to our sponsor Saily for keeping us connected! 🌎 Get an exclusive 15% discount on Saily data plans when you use code "WYNNS" at checkout. Download the Saily app or go to [saily.com/wynns](https://saily.com/wynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com).
### Adventure in Progress (Antarctica)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/adventure-in-progress-antarctica/
Last updated: 2026-03-08T13:10:46.000Z
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### The Invisible Problem That Can Destroy A Boat (stray current)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/corrosion-test/
Last updated: 2026-06-14T08:33:20.000Z
We bought UNDRA (OON-drah) at auction. No survey, no sea trial. And there was one thing we couldn’t stop thinking about… the electrical system. More specifically, stray current (hello PTSD).
It’s the invisible killer of boats. It doesn’t care how new your wiring is, how expensive your systems are, or how confident your installer was. If it’s there, it can quietly destroy props, shafts, rudders, deck fittings, bottom paint and more. And it happens far faster than most people realize.
This time, we’re not taking any chances. We brought in the corrosion expert from [Marine Protection Systems](https://www.marineprosystems.com/about?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) to run a full inspection and teach us what we should have known years ago… and we filmed every second of it.
This video dives deep into one of the most important (and most overlooked) parts of boat ownership: Galvanic corrosion, stray current, anodes, shore power protection, and how it all actually works.
The wild part? The tests themselves are surprisingly simple but so rarely done. Or, only done once it's visibly clear there is a problem!
So, whether you’re floating on aluminum, fiberglass, carbon, wood, or anything in between, there’s something in here for you. Our new friends Jess and Brian have a rare gift for turning complicated science into plain English, and we’re so grateful they walked us through it. And let us share with you.
### 🔥Hot Takes
**The tests are simple...either your numbers are where they should be or they are not.** If they are not, that's when you call in a corrosion [expert like Jess and Brian](https://www.marineprosystems.com/about?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) to help you track down the culprit.
We fully understand some of you are not boaters and have zero interest in this type of video. But for those of you who are, we would love to know what you thought of this episode. Do you find these deep dives interesting? Did you understand all of it, some of it, none of it? Your feedback helps us know if we nailed it or need to dial it in.
## Resources and Tools (not sponsored)
**Free Downloadable Guides**
Want to go deeper? MPS offers a whole library of free downloadable guides. From choosing the right anodes to understanding shore power connections: [marineprosystems.com/resources](https://www.marineprosystems.com/resources?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
If you suspect you have an issue and want to hire MPS to survey your vessel, contact them through [their website](https://www.marineprosystems.com/about?ref=gonewiththewynns.com). They travel all around the world and work on private and commercial ships from cruiser size to giant gigayachts. As Jess mentioned in the video, they do lots of free education as well. We met them at the METS show in 2024 and 2025, but they speak at other shows too.
**Multimeter For Testing:**
- Fluke (the one I have but it's overkill): [amzn.to/4qNX20M](https://amzn.to/4qNX20M?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Klein Tools (a more affordable option): [amzn.to/4rBfafK](https://amzn.to/4rBfafK?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Uni-T High Resolution for Low Voltage: [amzn.to/3OlYD0C](https://amzn.to/3OlYD0C?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**Silver Reference Electrode**
The best way to test anodes, bonding, look for stray and circulating currents on your boat. Often called a CRE (corrosion reference electrode) below are the two versions we've owned.
- MPS: [bit.ly/MPS-CRE](https://bit.ly/MPS-CRE?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- BoatZincs: [bit.ly/BZ-CRE](https://bit.ly/BZ-CRE?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**Anodes**
Aluminum anodes are best for aluminum boats.
BUT...if you have a Fiberglass, Carbon Fiber or Wood boat, then Maddox andoes are better than Zinc: [marineprosystems.com/maddox](https://www.marineprosystems.com/maddox?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**Isolation Transformer**
"The gold standard for protection" as Jess said. It's a must have for yachts that plug into shore power, especially at a marina. On our yacht [UNDRA](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/explorer-yacht-undra/), we have the Mastervolt Mass GI 7.0 installed.
### Antarctica…but first
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/antarctica-but-first/
Last updated: 2026-02-22T13:52:41.000Z
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### Stuck in Maritime Purgatory (Re-Naming Our Boat)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/maritime-purgatory/
Last updated: 2026-04-25T12:24:36.000Z
We’ve been keeping a secret… sort of. For months now, our boat has been living a double life, caught somewhere between bureaucracy and ancient maritime tradition.
This week, we’re finally revealing her new name, the meaning behind it, and why we technically can’t make it official just yet. It’s a name that feels like the natural evolution of our curiosity. But it turns out, you can’t just rename a boat without answering to both the government *and* Poseidon.
Right now, we’re stuck somewhere in between. And if our luck with the action camera in this video is any indication, Poseidon may already be collecting his tax.
### Boat Life Below Freezing
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/boat-life-below-freezing/
Last updated: 2026-02-08T14:00:08.000Z
Here's something strange. It's freezing outside, the wind is blowing 30 knots, snow is piling up everywhere, and we're... comfortable?! On a boat?!
For two people who spent the last decade chasing tropical weather in minimal clothing, this is new territory. We half expected to be layered up and miserable. Instead we're debating whether to turn the heat *down*.
So this week we're bringing you aboard for our first taste of winter boat life. Show you all the details that make the difference (and the one thing we're still struggling with).
P.S.
Thank you for being a part of our journey. 🤗
### Robbed…And It Forced Us To Simplify
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/robbed-and-it-forced-us-to-simplify/
Last updated: 2026-02-01T14:00:52.000Z
A couple months ago [we were robbed in Amsterdam](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/targeted-by-thieves/). Our camera was stolen, along with half a terabyte of footage. 😭 It sucked. But that's not what this video is about.
We've since replaced the gear, and in the process, something unexpected happened. The way we capture our adventures has shifted. We've gone for a simpler setup, fewer barriers, and honestly, we've never felt lighter.
We didn't choose this experiment. But it's made us realize how much we were overcomplicating something that should be simple. Funny how that works. Sometimes we don't take the time to rethink the way we do things until we're forced to.
The full breakdown on all our photo and video gear ⬇
[All Our Photo & Video Gear - Gone With The Wynns\[…\]Gone With The WynnsNikki Wynn](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear/)
### All Our Photo & Video Gear
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear/
Last updated: 2026-03-03T14:01:51.000Z
We’ve been documenting [our nomadic life](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/about-us/) for well over a decade now (gulp), and we’re pretty picky about our gear. Our camera needs are directly tied to our shooting style and lifestyle. Let me explain…
#### ADVENTURE FILMMAKING
We’re travelers who live on a boat, sometimes a van and sometimes out of a backpack. We travel to some of the most remote places on earth and our needs are unique…but who’s aren’t?!?
We don’t consider ourselves cinematic videographers. We’re documentarians. We capture life as it happens, (guerilla-style) in the moment (not setting up scripted scenes).
The ongoing presence of water, sand, sun, and salt is an absolutely brutal environment. Not to mention the wind, which is a never-ending audio nightmare.
From land to sea, our camera and editing gear must be rugged enough to survive the adventure, yet compact enough to fit in our backpacks.
We buy the best gear we can afford, but not necessarily always the ‘best’ gear on the market. After all, we’re not working for National Geographic (but maybe someday).
**SONY FX3**
Update\*\*\*. Sadly, [this camera was stolen](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/targeted-by-thieves/). But it's still our top choice.
This full-frame camera is relatively small and yet so powerful. It takes beautiful photos, videos, and the autofocus is hard to beat. Its a beast in low light and has a built in fan to keep it from overheating in the tropics! It’s our numero uno and is our best camera.
- Buy from Amazon: [https://amzn.to/3DJObY8](https://amzn.to/3DJObY8?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Buy from B&H: [https://bhpho.to/44VovUq](https://bhpho.to/44VovUq?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**Sony FX30**
This full-frame camera is relatively small and yet so powerful. It takes beautiful photos, videos, and the autofocus is hard to beat. Its a beast in low light and has a built in fan to keep it from overheating in the tropics! It’s our numero uno and is our best camera.
- Buy from Amazon: [https://amzn.to/3QrQTsN](https://amzn.to/3QrQTsN?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Buy from B&H: [https://bhpho.to/45gBPm8](https://bhpho.to/45gBPm8?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**Accessories For Sony Cameras**
- SD Cards: [https://amzn.to/47jrure](https://amzn.to/47jrure?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- SONY Z Battery: [https://amzn.to/2X2NHbi](https://amzn.to/2X2NHbi?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Slide Light Strap (better than a wrist strap): [https://amzn.to/3bN1mrl](https://amzn.to/3bN1mrl?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### TRIPODS
- MANFROTTO BEFREE VIDEO TRIPOD: [https://amzn.to/3KxCrvx](https://amzn.to/3KxCrvx?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- GORILLAPOD 3K PRO: [https://amzn.to/39HezAA](https://amzn.to/39HezAA?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### **LENSES**
**SONY 20 F1.8 G**
20mm is the perfect lens for vlogging, selfies and capturing in cramped spaces. I researched off-brand lenses that are 20%-50% less expensive, I looked at zoom lenses, but none can beat the performance of this lens. Specifically corner distortion, pin cushioning, edge light fall off, and chromatic aberrations. Plus it’s lightweight so it’s easy to take on a hike.
- Buy from Amazon: [https://amzn.to/44Qdtj8](https://amzn.to/44Qdtj8?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Buy from B&H: [https://bhpho.to/3qlBJLa](https://bhpho.to/3qlBJLa?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**SONY 24 F1.4 GM**
A beautiful prime lens great for that added buttery bokeh, wide enough for landscapes, and a great low light lens (hello starry nights). TYI the “GM” means its Sony’s highest quality glass. This is the first fixed lens we purchased but I’m using it less because it’s not quite wide enough for run and gun filming.
- Buy from Amazon: [https://amzn.to/2X0LQnq](https://amzn.to/2X0LQnq?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Buy from B&H: [https://bhpho.to/3dNKEtC](https://bhpho.to/3dNKEtC?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**SONY 16-35 F2.8 GM**
This lens allows us to get those wide-angle shots in small spaces (like our boat). It’s sharp all the way to the edges which set it a notch above most wide-angle zooms.
- Buy from Amazon: [https://amzn.to/3bPmiOt](https://amzn.to/3bPmiOt?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Buy from B&H: [https://bhpho.to/3dMSow4](https://bhpho.to/3dMSow4?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**SONY 24-70MM F2.8 GM II**
This is the best overall lens. It’s what we have on the camera 70% of the time. The new II version focuses even faster and is slightly sharper.
- Buy from Amazon: [https://amzn.to/44WxZhZ](https://amzn.to/44WxZhZ?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Buy from B&H: [https://bhpho.to/3KsB7Kw](https://bhpho.to/3KsB7Kw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**SONY FE 24-105MM F4 G OSS**
Not quite as sharp as the 24-70 GM but it does have built in lens stabilizers and a little extra reach. This is the lens I use mostly for hiking or on the APS-C FX30.
- Buy from Amazon: [https://amzn.to/2UBA8OI](https://amzn.to/2UBA8OI?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Buy from B&H: [https://bhpho.to/2hTqMNy](https://bhpho.to/2hTqMNy?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### **FILTERS**
**ND Filters (neutral density)**
This is by far the most important filter and we have them for every camera we own. They act like sunglasses for your camera, reducing light entry without changing colors. This allows us to use the 180-degree rule to set our shutter speed to double my fps. If you want silky motion blur (water, clouds) and wider apertures in bright light for shallow depth-of-field (bokeh), and properly exposed shots, you need an ND. I buy the 82mm size so it works with all my lenses. I have a 3-stop ND8 and a 6-stop ND64.
- Buy from Amazon: [https://amzn.to/45fbc0N](https://amzn.to/45fbc0N?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Buy from B&H: [https://bhpho.to/44WyyID](https://bhpho.to/44WyyID?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**ND16+PL FILTER 82MM**
For Landscape Photography I use an ND+PL. The ND allows me to use a lower shutter speed for capturing movement in water, you know those creamy waterfall shots. A must if you’re shooting outdoors in full sun or near water. PolarPro is expensive but the glass is sharp, don’t go budget when you buy filters it can reduce the quality of expensive lenses like the ones we have.
- Buy from Amazon: [https://amzn.to/39CXAiF](https://amzn.to/39CXAiF?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Buy from B&H: [https://bhpho.to/2X1B0gR](https://bhpho.to/2X1B0gR?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**CIRCULAR POLARIZER**
For Action Photography I use a non-ND polarizer to cut the glare off water, glass and punch up the sky. I love the look a good polarizer gives to an image.
- Buy from Amazon: [https://amzn.to/3aCo70U](https://amzn.to/3aCo70U?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Buy from B&H: [https://bhpho.to/39AIme3](https://bhpho.to/39AIme3?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**Iphone 17 Pro**
After our [camera was stolen in Amsterdam](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/targeted-by-thieves/), we picked up an iPhone 17 Pro as a stopgap — and it has become our favorite camera. The video quality is genuinely impressive, but that's not really why we love it. It's always on us and we're capturing moments we would've skipped before because pulling out the "big" camera felt like too much. Less gear to worry about, less attention drawn to us, and the footage just flows straight to our Macs without thinking about it. It's not replacing our DSLR for everything, but it's earned "main camera" status.
**Accessories For Iphone 17 Pro**
- Case: [https://amzn.to/4rlXiF0](https://amzn.to/4rlXiF0?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Filters: [https://amzn.to/3ZHuevU](https://amzn.to/3ZHuevU?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) and adapter plate: [https://amzn.to/3OVSqbM](https://amzn.to/3OVSqbM?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Hard Drive: [https://amzn.to/4an4jQi](https://amzn.to/4an4jQi?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Light (with hotshoe): [https://amzn.to/3LVrGHr](https://amzn.to/3LVrGHr?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Adapter For Any Tripod: [https://amzn.to/4tt1sx1](https://amzn.to/4tt1sx1?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Magsafe Tripod: [https://amzn.to/4tceM8F](https://amzn.to/4tceM8F?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Magsafe Light: [https://amzn.to/49TUHMM](https://amzn.to/49TUHMM?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Magsafe Battery Pack: [https://amzn.to/4qR3dCd](https://amzn.to/4qR3dCd?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### DRONES
**DJI MAVIC 3 (what we have) DJI MAVIC 4 (what we would buy today)**
Incredible quality, simple color grading from d-Log with the DJI LUT, and smooth gimbal movements. But most importantly plenty of speed to fight the wind and keep up with our boat while sailing or the dinghy when exploring. We always get the ‘FLY MORE’ combo because 1 battery is never enough. (We opted for the non-Cine version because we don’t need ProRes, the massive files would just clog up our workflow.)
**Mavic 3**
- Buy from DJI: [https://bit.ly/mavic3-wynn](https://bit.ly/mavic3-wynn?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Buy from Amazon: [https://amzn.to/3L8WAa9](https://amzn.to/3L8WAa9?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Buy from B&H: [https://bhpho.to/3B93RSI](https://bhpho.to/3B93RSI?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**Mavic 4**
- Buy From Amazon: [https://amzn.to/4taebEr](https://amzn.to/4taebEr?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**ND Filters** [https://amzn.to/3ZK4e30](https://amzn.to/3ZK4e30?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
## ACTION CAMERAS
#### DJI OSMO ACTION 5 Pro
Better low light performance, 10-bit D Log M for enhanced color control, 160+ min battery, Dual Touch Screens, Removeable Lens, Waterproof, connects to 2x DJI MIC 2, it truly is the best Action Camera on the market.
- Buy from DJI: [https://bit.ly/DJIAC5Pro](https://bit.ly/DJIAC5Pro?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Buy from Amazon: [https://amzn.to/4ammgwI](https://amzn.to/4ammgwI?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Buy from B&H: [https://bit.ly/DJIAC5Pro](https://bit.ly/DJIAC5Pro?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**ND Filters** [https://amzn.to/4rJYcf1](https://amzn.to/4rJYcf1?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**DJI OSMO 360**
For those unique perspectives and hard to capture all in one frame shots. For any 360 camera, I will warn you they capture a lot of footage and editing can be a beast if you don’t plan!
Buy from Amazon: [https://amzn.to/46lSgAe](https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F46lSgAe&data=05%7C02%7C%7Ce1a19bc61c8241f3c7ef08de6002915b%7Cacc1677f96304e38baed2cf96b1d8087%7C0%7C0%7C639053761314351098%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=0eZlJhf8eGVHJVLnlgXVRFTr58trP%2F9XeJQlu9WuFQ0%3D&reserved=0&ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
Fast SD Card (V60 or higer): [https://amzn.to/4r5Vlw4](https://amzn.to/4r5Vlw4?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**TWIST-LOCK SUCTION MOUNT**
- Buy from Amazon: [https://amzn.to/2UWT3lE](https://amzn.to/2UWT3lE?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Buy from B&H: [https://bhpho.to/2w5zQ96](https://bhpho.to/2w5zQ96?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
## AUDIO
**DJI MIC 3**
Brilliant in high winds and works perfectly for Voice Over. Connects directly to the DJI Action Cameras, Pocket, or Sony mi Shoe (with [this adapter](https://amzn.to/3WpzQtC?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)) for clear audio in extreme conditions. Works with most any camera or smart phone through bluetooth, the mic jack, usb-c or iPhone plug. You can capture audio directly to the mic as a backup, this is especially helpful in loud situations.
- Buy from Amazon: [https://amzn.to/4qSrIiA](https://amzn.to/4qSrIiA?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**Hollyland M2**
When our DJI Mic’s were stolen, we decided to try out the more affordable Hollyland M2 mics. The big draw (aside from price) was the ability to connect and record to 4 mics. We often find ourselves in situations where it’s more than just the two of us, and it’s hard to share a mic. We’ve been pleasantly surprised.
- Buy From Amazon: [https://amzn.to/3ZaIgpK](https://amzn.to/3ZaIgpK?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### RODE VIDMIC PRO+
The go-to shotgun mic for most vloggers, it’s a solid choice and the “+” version turns on when you power on the camera helping to reduce the missed audio issues of the previous version of this mic.
- Buy from Amazon: [https://amzn.to/2wVafQK](https://amzn.to/2wVafQK?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Buy from B&H: [https://bhpho.to/3bKCTTr](https://bhpho.to/3bKCTTr?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
## BAGS
**BAGS**
We go for function and quality over price. It has paid off. Most of our bags are 7+ years old and still going strong.
#### WANDRD PRVKE 21 BACKPACK 21L
Perfect for outdoor adventures. Rugged, water-resistant, rolltop, and comfortable.
- Buy from Amazon: [https://amzn.to/342Bm8B](https://amzn.to/342Bm8B?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Buy from B&H: [https://bhpho.to/3bKtzz0](https://bhpho.to/3bKtzz0?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### PEAK DESIGN EVERYDAY BACKPACK 20L
This a smart-looking, well-designed all-around backpack for photo/video, travel, as an overnight bag, or just touring around the city.
- Buy from Amazon: [https://amzn.to/2xK6TQp](https://amzn.to/2xK6TQp?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Buy from B&H: [https://bhpho.to/2QYofA3](https://bhpho.to/2QYofA3?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### ONA BRIXTON MESSENGER BAG
Gender-neutral bag for when we don’t want to haul around a backpack. Fits enough camera gear for the day plus a safe spot for the iPad. Durable, water-resistant canvas and I love the double pockets in the front.
- Buy from Amazon: [https://amzn.to/456WEQO](https://amzn.to/456WEQO?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Buy from B&H: [https://bhpho.to/2wJP0RX](https://bhpho.to/2wJP0RX?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
## ACCESSORIES
**HIGH-SPEED CARD READER**
- Buy from B&H: [https://bhpho.to/45hxTkO](https://bhpho.to/45hxTkO?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Buy from Amazon:[ https://amzn.to/2WdTWbs](https://amzn.to/45ggeu0?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**HIGH SPEED CF EXPRESS TYPE A CARDS**
Best for Sony a7S and FX
- Buy from Amazon: [https://amzn.to/47jrure](https://amzn.to/47jrure?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Buy from B&H: [https://bhpho.to/43Y0drA](https://bhpho.to/43Y0drA?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### 🎶 MUSIC IN OUR VIDEOS
- We Use Artlist and you can get 2 Months for FREE with this link: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### 🎨 CREATIVE ASSETS FOR VIDEO (SFX, TEMPLATES & PRESETS)
- [https://bit.ly/motion-array-GWTW](https://bit.ly/motion-array-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### 🙏 THANK YOU!
The links above are affiliate links. An affiliate link simply means that if you click through and purchase (it costs you nothing extra) we get a few pennies too. If you enjoy what we do here, shopping through these links is a great way to support our work.
### What It's Like to Captain a 50ft Explorer Yacht
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/what-its-like-to-captain-a-50ft-explorer-yacht/
Last updated: 2026-01-25T14:38:45.000Z
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### MAIDEN VOYAGE - The Start of Our Next Chapter
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/maiden-voyage-the-start-of-our-next-chapter/
Last updated: 2026-01-18T14:00:52.000Z
**Maiden Voyages Still Make Our Hearts Race**
We’ve sailed across oceans and have lived aboard for nearly a decade.
And yet… when we untied the lines this time, our hearts were pumping like it was the first time.
This isn’t just another departure, it is the start of an entirely new chapter. A boat we bought in the most unconventional way possible. Systems we’re still learning. A route that demanded our full attention from the very first minute and that familiar *what-are-we-doing* energy that comes with stepping into the unknown.
There’s something sacred about a maiden voyage. It’s the moment where preparation meets reality, confidence wrestles with doubt, and you find out, very quickly, just what you've gotten yourself into.
This journey reminded us why we keep choosing this life. Why the hard parts are worth it. Why the unknown still pulls us forward, even when it’s intimidating. Especially when it’s intimidating.
So, if you’ve ever stood on the edge of something new, equal parts thrilled and terrified, this one is for you.
### Winter Boat Life ❄️ The Upgrade We Need
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/winter-boat-life-the-upgrade-we-need/
Last updated: 2026-01-11T14:16:15.000Z
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### First Sea Trial After 2 Years at the Dock!
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/first-sea-trial-after-2-years-at-the-dock/
Last updated: 2026-01-04T14:00:57.000Z
After two years sitting still, we finally did it, we got this boat off the dock. But not before discovering *why boats really don’t like being ignored.*
What started as a simple “one last thing” turned into a deep dive. Dead batteries, corrosion mysteries, and the kind of troubleshooting that reminds us that the learning never stops when you own a boat. Add in tight Dutch canals, a new-to-us control system, and our very first time driving this vessel…and yeah, we were a little nervous
This isn’t a glamorous sea trial. It's a real one. One where we learned a lot (like how the boat sounds and feels underway) and most importantly, that the boat actually works.
Next up: Our Maiden Voyage! Canals, the busiest shipping lane in Europe, locks and bridges, and fuel docks - oh my. Place your bets now folks, who will ding it first? Or do we make it unscathed? 🎰 😜
As always, thanks for being here, you help make this journey possible.
### Our First Christmas Market (& A Thank You)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/our-first-christmas-market-a-thank-you/
Last updated: 2025-12-25T14:00:36.000Z
We found Santa in The Netherlands! After years of dreaming about European Christmas markets, we're finally wandering through our first one in The Hague. Couldn't let the moment pass without sharing it with you.
Sending lots of love,
Nikki and Jason
### We Bought an Auction Boat…But Does It Even Work?
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/auction-boat-but-does-it-work/
Last updated: 2026-01-19T11:31:25.000Z
After the chaos of the Baja 1000, we're back in the Netherlands facing a very different kind of challenge: **finding out if our auction boat actually works.**
The truth is, we don’t really know yet. The boat only has 48 hours on the engine, just enough for commissioning and delivery. And since its delivery in 2023, it has been sitting. For two years. 😬
Until now, we've had no idea if we actually bought a functioning boat, or just a really expensive project.
So this week, we roll up our sleeves and start digging into the fuel, water, and engine systems to find out what actually works, and what doesn’t.
It’s messy, a little nerve-wracking, and very much a “waiting for the other shoe to drop” kind of week.
### behind the scenes
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/behind-the-scenes-dec-2025/
Last updated: 2025-12-16T18:09:34.000Z
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### The Most Dangerous Ride of Our Lives: Baja 1000
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/most-dangerous-baja-1000/
Last updated: 2025-12-23T11:43:49.000Z
The Baja 1000 is approximately 1000 miles of endless possibilities for bad decisions. Also known as, an adventure.
It is the **toughest off road race in the world** with hundreds of miles of brutal desert, mountains, and coastal terrain, that only about 40% of teams even finish. With zero experience, we were hoping to be part of that 40%.
This is our Baja story, cobbled together from the action cameras that survived, phone footage from our team, other teams and even some of you.
Because sadly just days after the race, our camera was stolen in Amsterdam ([that story here)](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/targeted-by-thieves/). And with it, most of the footage from one of the wildest adventures we’ve ever attempted: racing the Baja 1000 with the Dirty Amigos.
But here’s the thing. We don’t need perfect footage to tell this story. Because Baja isn’t polished, it's raw.
We blew parts, we limped through miles we should’ve flown over, and the hits just kept coming. And then, like only Baja can, we found ourselves facing the decision no racer wants to make.
So this is the story of how The Dirty Amigos fought, broke, and kept going anyway. Because the Baja 1000 isn’t just a race…it’s an adventure. And we came here for one thing, to have fun. Even when everything goes sideways.
---
To Peter, Joe, Chad, Oliver, Hunter, Kirk, Matt and Scott, you have given us an unforgettable experience together. You are our Dirty Amigos for life!
Thank you to everyone who helped by sharing photos and videos with us. Because this video was a tough one to cobble together after our camera and footage was stolen.
And thank you sooo much to all of our [Curiosity Crew](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar/) for your support. This story was shared thanks to you.
### ROBBED! How We Were Targeted by Thieves
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/targeted-by-thieves/
Last updated: 2025-11-30T14:00:53.000Z
We’ve traveled for over a decade without anything like this ever happening… until now. Our camera and most of our Baja 1000 footage were stolen in seconds. This video shares the full story and what we've learned so hopefully this doesn't happen to you.
While we are gutted about the loss of our best gear and our irreplaceable footage 😭, we're thankful it wasn't worse. We're also incredibly grateful for you and this community. Thank you for being here and a part of our journey.
### Thankful To Have A Home!
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/thankful-to-have-a-home/
Last updated: 2025-11-27T18:03:24.000Z
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### The Riskiest Boat Purchase Ever! No Survey. No Sea Trial.
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/the-riskiest-boat-purchase-ever/
Last updated: 2025-11-23T14:00:36.000Z
We’ve made a lot of wild decisions over our years of travel… but nothing compares to this.
After months of searching for the perfect go anywhere, high latitude vessel, we ended up buying the one boat we never thought we’d own. And we bought it **at auction** without ever starting the engine, doing a survey, or taking it for a sea trial.
In 48 hours, we went from casually bidding to draining our entire bank account for a boat we'd only seen once. **No warranty. No guarantees. No turning back.**
This is either the smartest or stupidest decision we've ever made, and we're about to find out which. Come aboard as we reveal our new adventure home, why we fell in love with this vessel, what it is lacking and share the wild story that got us here.
P.S.
We'll post a full dedicated page about the boat soon. Pics, specs, future plans and more are all on their way.
### New Boat, Baja 1000 & Sailing Antarctica!
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/new-boat-baja-1000-antarctica/
Last updated: 2025-11-09T14:00:53.000Z
This year is shaping up to be the most ambitious one we’ve ever taken on. Between desert racing, a surprise shift in our sailing plans, and a cold-weather expedition we never imagined would happen, everything in our world seems to be accelerating at once.
We’ve been juggling major decisions, unexpected detours, and a few life-changing opportunities behind the scenes, and now it’s time to finally bring you into the glorious chaos.
If you’re curious how a new boat, the Baja 1000, and Antarctica all landed in our laps at seemingly the same time…well, that's what this video is all about.
I don't think we've ever been more excited!
### Baja 1000
If you want to see the schedule and race map for the Baja 1000, we're the 5-1600 class: [https://www.score-international.com/](https://www.score-international.com/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com). If you are going to be there, or even racing yourself, drop us a note below and we'll keep an eye out for you!
### Antarctica
More about Captain Cathrine and our Expedition to Antarctica: [https://www.icebird-expeditions.com/](https://www.icebird-expeditions.com/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
---
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### Rare Crew Opportunity & Once in a Lifetime Expedition!
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/rare-crew-opportunity/
Last updated: 2025-11-02T17:31:26.000Z
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### It's Decision Time! Choosing Our Explorer Yacht
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/choosing-our-explorer-yacht/
Last updated: 2025-10-26T12:58:23.000Z
After six months, countless miles, and what feels like a hundred boats later… it’s decision making time.
We’ve toured and sailed everything from sleek catamarans to sturdy steel explorer yachts. We've tested, learned, and challenged almost every idea we've had about life at sea. And somewhere between the engine rooms, stabilizers, and wind generators, we discovered what *really* matters for our next chapter.
This isn’t just about finding a boat, it’s about choosing the right tool for the adventure ahead. One strong enough for icy fjords, self-sufficient enough for remote destinations, and (hopefully) small enough that we can still handle it just the two of us.
In this episode, we finally break it all down. What did we learn? What surprised us? And are we really ready to pull the trigger? After half a year of research, we're feeling a lot more confident about our decision.
P.S.
A huge thank you to everyone who has invited us aboard, shared your experience and in general just help encourage us through this journey!
---
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### Owning a 103 Year Old Vessel: Dream or Madness?
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/owning-a-103-year-old-vessel/
Last updated: 2025-12-23T11:54:30.000Z
Stepping aboard [*Argonaut II*](https://www.youtube.com/@MV%5FArgonaut?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) felt like stepping into a Jules Verne novel. Brass gauges, an air-start engine, and stories carved into every plank.
This 103-year-old yacht has lived many lives: corporate cruiser, mission boat, private explorer, and now, a floating time capsule sailing the Pacific Northwest. And incredibly, it still runs like a dream.
We spent a day with Nicholas, who's owned her for four years and sailed over 5,000 nautical miles, to answer the question every classic boat dreamer wrestles with: Is this actually doable, or are we romanticizing something that will consume our lives?
Partly because we’re still toying with the idea of owning a classic boat ourselves… and partly because how could we *not* be curious about a ship that looks like it sailed straight out of a story book?
Is it madness? Maybe. But if you're the type who gets goosebumps from mechanical simplicity, who loves the satisfaction of a fresh coat of varnish, and who wants their boat ownership to mean something beyond just the cruising...then maybe it's the sanest thing you could do?
---
**🙏🏻Thank you...**
To [our members](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar/) who help make these videos possible.
To Nicholas for being such a passionate caretaker of [Argonaut II](https://www.argonaut1922.com/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com).
To AG1 for helping to support this episode: Head to [drinkag1.com/gonewiththewynns ](https://drinkag1.com/gonewiththewynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)to get a free AG1 welcome kit when you first subscribe!
### Shenanigans, Boat Shopping and Other Stuff
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/shenanigans-boat-shopping-and-other-stuff/
Last updated: 2025-10-12T13:00:54.000Z
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### The Ultimate Explorer Yacht Test
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/the-ultimate-explorer-yacht-test/
Last updated: 2025-10-09T18:44:09.000Z
**The final test is here, and Mother Nature decided to show up.**
After weeks of suspiciously calm seas in [Alaska](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/first-explorer-yacht/) and the first part of [BC](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/testing-an-explorer-yacht/), we finally got what we came for! Big waves, strong winds, and the answer to our biggest question: are stabilizers on a monohull really better than a catamaran?
This [64-foot trawler](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/first-explorer-yacht/) has been smooth, quiet, and surprisingly efficient, but comfort means nothing if it can’t take a beating. So, when 30 knots of wind and steep, choppy seas rolled in, we pointed the bow straight into it. What happened next was part science experiment, part thrill ride, and a whole lot of respect.
Between dodging whirlpools, hauling crab pots, and hanging out with whales, this final stretch gave us what we came looking for and more.
So after three videos and eight hundred miles along the coast from Alaska to the San Juans, what's your verdict? Could you and would you be willing to venture into high latitudes on an explorer yacht like this? I think you know our answer by now.
---
🙏🏻 Another huge thanks to [Mike, Mia](https://www.instagram.com/mvgallivant/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com), and Geoff for the incredible opportunity, the good times and the friendship!
---
**💦 Stay salty!** Get your free LMNT Sample Pack with any purchase at:
- [drinkLMNT.com/GoneWithTheWynns](https://www.drinklmnt.com/GoneWithTheWynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### What It's Actually Like, at Sea, on an Explorer Yacht
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/testing-an-explorer-yacht/
Last updated: 2025-09-28T13:00:13.000Z
We’re about halfway through our journey from Alaska to Puget Sound, and it’s time to put our assumptions about explorer yachts to the test. On the surface, these boats are big, bold, and undeniably capable. The EarthRoamer of the sea. But do they also live up to the "motorboat" stereotypes of being loud, smelly, and fuel-guzzling beasts?
Assumptions, as they often are, can be a lot like Swiss cheese. Full of holes and melt when tested in the real world. So, we’re setting aside theory and diving headfirst into the ultimate field test.
But this trip isn’t only about engines, fuel burn, and comfort at sea. It’s about discovering how far a vessel like this can take us. Is a yacht like this the right tool for our next journey (high latitude fjords and glaciers).
Join us as we swap assumptions for real-world answers and discover one incredible anchorage after another along the way. Zipping past sea lions, paddling into hidden coves, and hiking through towering forests where few people ever set foot.
---
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### Our First Passage on an Explorer Yacht
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/first-explorer-yacht/
Last updated: 2025-09-21T13:00:48.000Z
We're wanting to take on high latitude fjords and glaciers with our next floating home, which means we need a proper explorer yacht (sail or motor). And shopping for a vessel dockside is like judging a restaurant by its menu. You get a sense of the possibilities, but you're missing the most important part, the actual experience! Sure, it's great for checking out the layout and design...but nothing, and we mean nothing, compares to real world, hands on experience.
Since nobody likes a tease, we’re taking the next step in our explorer yacht journey. For the next couple of weeks, we’ll be living aboard [**M/V GALLIVANT**](https://mvgallivant.com/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com), a 64-foot Northern Marine trawler.
She belongs to longtime [Curiosity Crew](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/join-us/#/portal/signup) member [Mike Harrington](https://www.instagram.com/mvgallivant/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) and his lovely wife Mia. Mike’s no stranger to boats, he has built and owned several over the years. So when he invited us to join the passage from Ketchikan, Alaska down to his homeport in the San Juan Islands, our answer was an enthusiastic *YES, PLEASE!*
Join us for our first couple of days aboard as we get to know the vessel, the crew, and share our first impressions of life on the other, motorized, side of cruising.
### Come Hang With Us!
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/come-hang-with-us/
Last updated: 2025-09-14T17:57:42.000Z
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### Million Dollar Yacht or Affordable Explorer?
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/million-dollar-yacht-or-affordable-explorer/
Last updated: 2025-09-07T19:54:09.000Z
Last week we stepped aboard a 1965 vintage yacht, but this week? Totally different story. We check out two serious explorer yachts that actually make sense for what we're planning. One that's practically brand new (and way beyond what we can spend) and another that's older but feels like something we could actually make work.
The side-by-side comparison was so helpful. We could really see the differences in how each vessel was set up and what kind of adventures they're built for. But here's the sticky part, when you're looking for a boat that can handle the cold, rough and extremely beautiful places we want to go, you're not picking from thousands anymore. It's more like dozens.
So this whole trip answered some big questions. But honestly, it created even more. Everyone keeps asking us about sailing boats, and yeah, we're still looking. But the used market for sailboats that can handle high latitudes is pretty thin. It seems like everything decent is brand new. So we're keeping our options open.
The biggest thing we've figured out through all this is that whatever we pick next isn't forever. It's just the next chapter. We're not trying to find our dream boat that we'll keep until we're 80\. We just need the right boat for this adventure. After that? Who knows what we'll want to do next.
---
If you want to check out the full specs on either of the boats, you can find them here: [https://www.devalk.nl/](https://www.devalk.nl/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### Alaska! (and other big news)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/alaska-and-other-big-news/
Last updated: 2025-09-06T04:49:40.000Z
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### Reality Check: Could This 1965 Classic Be Our Next Boat?
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/1965-classic-fedship/
Last updated: 2025-08-31T13:00:29.000Z
We found ourselves completely smitten with this gorgeous 1965 classic yacht in the Netherlands! With stunning teak decks, beautiful wood details, and that timeless vintage charm, she's everything we love about classic boats. But is she the right liveaboard vessel for us? Is she right for the high latitude chapter of our cruising journey?
These are the questions we aim to answer as we tour every inch of this 50-foot 1965 Feadship Akerboom. From her spacious salon with incredible ceiling height to the luxurious owner's cabin with a (spoiler alert) jacuzzi tub! We're being brutally honest about what it would really take to own a nearly 60-year-old vessel, including the varnishing, repairs, and upgrades needed for long distance cruising.
Speaking of long distance cruising. Let's quickly take a look at the **fuel burn rate**. This is a full displacement vessel, meaning it's very fuel efficient vs a go-fast plaining yacht. Without getting detailed notes from the current owner, I can't be certain, but based on the boat and the engines below is a general ballpark estimate.
A 1965 Fedship Akerboom cruising at 7 knots of speed, burns approximately 3 gallons per hour. With the 1600 liter tank, that's a hair under a 1000 nautical mile range.
For comparison sake, on [our 2005 Leopard 43 Sailing Catamaran](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sweet-life-sailing-dream-boat/):
- With both engines we could motor at 7 knots of speed and would burn around 2 gallons per hour. That is a 333 nautical mile range (and why we needed to carry at least 8 full jerry cans for any ocean crossing).
What do you think, would you take on a classic like this? Do you already own a classic yacht and have some words of wisdom to share?
P.S. We're not leaving the Netherlands just yet. We've got two more true blue explorer yachts to show you in the next episode that might be the perfect fit!
**The Swan**
This 1965 Feadship may not be our next boat but if it is perfect for you, the full specs and listings can be found here (no kick backs for us or any affiliation):
- [devalk.nl/en/yachtbrokerage/811106/FEADSHIP-AKERBOOM-.html](https://www.devalk.nl/en/yachtbrokerage/811106/FEADSHIP-AKERBOOM-.html?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**💦 Stay salty!** Get your free LMNT Sample Pack with any purchase at:
- [drinkLMNT.com/GoneWithTheWynns](https://www.drinklmnt.com/GoneWithTheWynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### Are We Buying Another Boat? (Life Update + What's Next)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/are-we-buying-another-boat-life-update-whats-next/
Last updated: 2025-08-24T13:00:50.000Z
The big question we keep getting is: *“Are you two buying another boat?”*
The short answer is yes. In this week’s video, we share what’s been happening behind the scenes, the types of boats we’re considering (and why), and what this next chapter of our journey could look like.
It’s part life update, part boat shopping, and a whole lot of dreaming about where we might go next.
As always, we’d love to hear your thoughts. If you know of a vessel that might fit our wishlist… please drop us a note in the comments!
### Self-Drive Safari: The Unfiltered Reality of Doing It Yourself
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/on-safari-no-guides/
Last updated: 2025-12-29T13:11:32.000Z
We thought, *how hard could it be to take ourselves on an African safari?* Turns out, when the trip starts with a dead battery, black smoke, and zero professional guidance, the answer is: pretty wild.
From lions and giraffes to hippos and crocs, and even one very elusive leopard, we explored what felt like every inch of Uganda’s biggest national park. It turns out the driving is half the adventure… and the boat safari to the base of Murchison Falls is the other half. 🚙🐘🦁🐆🌊
I don't think a self-drive safari is for everyone but we loved the freedom and flexibility of being on our own (plus, it saved us a lot money). After talking to some of the other people we met in the park, it sounds like Uganda has the least amount of infrastructure compared to the more popular African countries for safari. (Kruger, Masai Mara, Botswana) BUT...it also sounded the most diverse and rugged. So, considering we survived and dare I say thrived in Uganda, it should be all smooth, self-drive safaris from here on out. Right?!
### How This Remote Ugandan Village Lives Completely Off-Grid
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/inside-a-local-community-in-uganda/
Last updated: 2025-12-29T13:07:54.000Z
We're back with part two of our Uganda series, and this one takes us even deeper into the country.
Our destination? Teddy's home village in the Mindi district. A place where school happens under trees, bricks are made by hand, and everyone knows everyone. It felt like we were exploring the African Frontier.
You know we're always chasing authentic experiences, but this one hit different. Being welcomed into Teddy's community reminded us why we fell in love with travel in the first place. It's the people we meet along the way.
There were so many highlights but a few really stand out. Like spending an afternoon at the local school and watching shy village kids transform into giggling bundles of energy. Taking long walks through the misty highlands and trading banana pancakes for fresh maize. And getting a glimpse into their daily life that most travelers never see. It was a rare and unique experience that we will remember forever.
Coming up in Part 3: We're heading to the famous national park for the Big Five safari experience. Three completely different sides of Uganda, each one more incredible than the last.
### Boat Shopping is in Full Force
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/boat-shopping-is-in-full-force/
Last updated: 2025-08-03T13:27:28.000Z
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### Not What We Expected From Africa
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/cup-of-something-unexpected/
Last updated: 2025-12-29T13:06:43.000Z
Six Texans. Two vehicles that probably shouldn't have passed inspection. One Ugandan (Teddy) who's been waxing on about his home country for years.
Not exactly our typical Wynns intro—but then again, this wasn’t our typical trip.
We’ve been dreaming up this [African](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/africa/) adventure for over a year now, alongside our longtime Texas friends Hunter, Emily, and their two girls Parker, and Juliet.
The plan was simple: see Uganda. Not the brochure version with scheduled game drives and luxury lodges, but Teddy's Uganda. The real thing.
Plus we like simple plans, it leaves room for the unexpected. And let me tell you, we couldn't have prepared ourselves for it all anyway.
The vehicles were questionable. The city is chaos with swarms of boda bodas (motorcycle taxis) weaving in every direction. The roads were dirt, a deep shade of terracotta red that got into everything...your clothes, your camera, your soul. And the people, well, you know that feeling when a strangers excitement catches you off guard? That was an every day experience. It's one of those places you just have to immerse yourself in.
And then… there was the coffee.
We had no idea that we would start the journey off with such a question-every-assumption bang. "My friend Robert has a cabin at his coffee farm we can stay at. It's in the hills of the Lake Victoria Basin and has epic views."
Teddy knew what he was doing. He knew this first stop would shake us up—and it did.
This video is just the beginning of our Ugandan road trip, filled with rough roads, questionable suspension, coffee revelations, cultural growth, and the kind of welcome that makes you understand why some travelers never go home.
Thank you for being a part of the journey!
**🐂 🍌☕️ Robert & Rugyeyo Farms:** If you happen to find yourselves in Uganda, you can reach out to Robert and his farm on Facebook: [facebook.com/rugyeyo/](https://www.facebook.com/rugyeyo/) (notice that I lead with the cow first 😉)
---
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- Go to https://surfshark.com/wynns or use code WYNNS at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN!
### This Village Has No Roads - Only Canals and Boats
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/no-roads-only-boats/
Last updated: 2025-07-20T13:00:51.000Z
What if I told you there's a village where cars are completely banned, roads were never built and everyone travels by boat?
Welcome to Giethoorn, Netherlands - a place so unique it feels like stepping into a fairy tale. This isn't some tourist attraction built for show... it's a real village where 2,800 people actually live, connected by 180 bridges and a network of canals that were accidentally created centuries ago.
Behind the scenes, we've been planning and preparing for an epic trip to Uganda with some longtime friends from Texas. When we realized we'd have a layover in Amsterdam, we thought - why not finally check out this little fairytale village we'd heard so much about?
We spent two incredible days exploring this car-free paradise. And I don't know if it was the water or the perfectly manicured landscapes, but I have never had a more beautiful or relaxing layover.
Next stop, UGANDA!
### Uganda Update & Meet The Wynnterns
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/uganda-update-meet-the-wynnterns/
Last updated: 2025-07-15T13:16:10.000Z
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### ALASKA to PATAGONIA: Our First Look at an Explorer Yacht
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/alaska-to-patagonia-explorer-yacht/
Last updated: 2025-07-05T15:00:52.000Z
We’ve said we’re open to *all* seafaring possibilities for our next big adventure, and we meant it. From sails to steel, we’re exploring every option for a...wait for it...pause for effect...Alaska to Patagonia journey.
Which means we need a vessel fit for pole to pole extreme conditions and all the heat in between. A run of the mill production boat really won't cut it for high latitude sailing.
So this week we teamed up with our friends Rico and Victoria from NautiStyles to get our first serious look at an explorer yacht. AKA a vessel that’s built like a tank and can handle long range cruising to remote locations.
We explored two very different vessels that really got our wheels spinning with possibilities. The first is a classic DeFever (which you can [watch over on Nauti Styles](https://www.youtube.com/@NautiStyles/videos?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) channel) and the second is a one of a kind [1997 Real Ship](https://www.yachtworld.com/yacht/1997-real-ships-61-islander-9819346/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) (yes, that's actually the manufacturer's name). This 61-foot steel beast caught our attention because it simply looks like nothing else we've ever seen. And at **$599k** it's a lot of bang for buck.
## Kites, Hybrids, and the Future
Of course, considering any motor vessel would require a huge shift from our sailing mindset. BUT, we like challenging norms and the idea of a kite system is super intriguing. Especially paired with efficient toroidal props and hybrid motors. So it could be a really cool project.
## What's Next?
This is just the beginning of our exploration into explorer vessels. We've got a whole list of sailing and motor vessels to step on before we make any final decisions.
Whether we end up under sail or under power, we'll bring you along for whatever adventure comes next.
- The First Tour With NautiStyles: [https://www.youtube.com/@NautiStyles/videos](https://www.youtube.com/@NautiStyles/videos?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- The Real Ship Listing with all the specs: [http://qr.boats.com/qr/s/9819346/303319/](http://qr.boats.com/qr/s/9819346/303319/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### Real Time Update, Uganda Be Kidding Me!
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/real-time-update-uganda-be-kidding-me/
Last updated: 2025-07-04T13:48:44.000Z
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### DIY Adventure Van - Our Stealth Base Camp
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/stealth-van-build/
Last updated: 2025-12-23T11:45:33.000Z
### Our Stealthy Adventure Van Is Finally Taking Shape!
We’ve been chasing our curiosity around the world on wheels and keels [since 2010](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/about-us/). But it's always been one or the other. Camper or sailboat. And now...well, we're aiming to do both simultaneously 🚐⛵. We’re building a stealthy little base camp on wheels while we're searching for our next floating home.
Finding the right boat for what we have in mind will take time. But a base camp on wheels, that one is much easier. Mostly because we've owned, rented and borrowed enough campers to know what we do and don't want. And for this next chapter, we're sticking with the motto: **K**eep **I**t **S**imple **S**tupid
### Stealth and Function Over Flash
We prioritized adventure-ready functionality over Instagram-worthy aesthetics. The less attention, the better – especially when we're planning to take this thing through Central and potentially South America. Every decision was made with three things in mind: weight, simplicity, and getting us from one adventure to the next.
Our van build is light, unique and wildly functional.
But here's the fun twist, we're bringing a little *boat logic* into van life. It has saved us a ton of weight and money. However, only time will tell us how well blocks, lines and cleats work while off roading.
In this video we are walking you through our very DIY, still-in-progress, van conversion. It’s rough and tough in all the right ways and filled with tiny hacks that make life on the move way more enjoyable.
## The DEETS
This list is intended to provide a little guidance if you're building out your own tiny home (land or water).
Some of the links below are affiliate links (meaning we make a small commission if you click and order) and others are to companies (for example Just Cats, Upfit, etc.) that we don't get commissions on. We're sharing because we hope it helps you the same as others have helped us. And if you can learn from our research and/or mistakes, that's a win. Also if you're reading over this post and think of something you love and think we need to know about, please share it in the comments! This post will be updated over time and it will be even better with input from our experienced crew (that's you!).
### **Electrical**
We worked with [Just Catamarans](https://justcatamarans.net/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) to select the best electrical gear for our needs. They had suggestions for everything from Stupid Simple (what we went with) to run-everything-like-you're-on-the-grid upgrades. We know what our goals and travel plans are for now. If and when our plans evolve, so will our set up.
As we mentioned in the video, the Victron inverter is only a backup that allows us to charge laptops, phones, and other low wattage devices while driving. Most importantly, it is an easy backup should there ever be an issue with our battery pack. We can use it to charge our battery pack too, but hopefully our solar will keep up with our needs. Because charging the battery pack with the inverter is not the most efficient solution. Should we find the solar isn't keeping up, we will install the Car Charger listed below.
- Victron 375 Inverter [https://amzn.to/4nkjVbL](https://amzn.to/4nkjVbL?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- EcoFlow Delta 2 Max Kit with 2 x 220w Solar [https://amzn.to/4np2veb](https://amzn.to/4np2veb?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- EcoFlow Car Charger [https://amzn.to/45MaUSE](https://amzn.to/45MaUSE?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- IP68 Electrical Connectors [https://amzn.to/4l1hzwT](https://amzn.to/4l1hzwT?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Roof Solar Magnets (Not for use while driving) [https://amzn.to/44A6pcJ](https://amzn.to/44A6pcJ?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### **Interior Buildout**
Instagram and YouTube are an endless feed of beautiful, built to look like a tiny oasis van builds. And some have EVERY piece of tech and gear you can find installed. But I can't imagine many of them fall within the manufacturers payload limits. For our van we were motivated by simplicity, function, weight and price.
We found Upfit Supply on YouTube and when we called, a real person answered the phone! Novel idea these days. The guy knew the products well, answered all my questions and confirmed we had everything in our cart for our specific model of van. However, they didn't carry the 3M insulation we wanted, so we ordered that from another company. Our Transit came with an insulated rubber floor, so we laid the new floor on top of it to insulate it even better. Overkill, but it's soo much quieter now.
Walls and Floor $2861 + Insulation $655 + Cabinets $360 = **$3876**
- Floor [https://bit.ly/StaGrip-Floor](https://bit.ly/StaGrip-Floor?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Walls [https://bit.ly/DuraTherm-Walls](https://bit.ly/DuraTherm-Walls?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Ceiling [https://bit.ly/DuraTherm-Ceiling](https://bit.ly/DuraTherm-Ceiling?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Insulation [https://bit.ly/3M-insulation](https://bit.ly/3M-insulation?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Cabinets [https://www.ikea.com/us/en/cat/besta-storage-system-46053/](https://www.ikea.com/us/en/cat/besta-storage-system-46053/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Storage Bins [https://amzn.to/3IjAYKV](https://amzn.to/3IjAYKV?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Magnets for Bins [https://amzn.to/45MDymz](https://amzn.to/45MDymz?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### **Best Sailor Inspired Lifting Bed in a Van**(?)
We wanted a lifting bed that was lightweight, affordable, easy to install and not electric powered. Which did not seem to exist. Even the general fixed platform bed kits were at around $2k. Soooo expensive! We weren't in love with any of the options out there. So, we turned to our sailing roots and we found a solution that we think is genius.
But the one thing we're not in love with is the bed frame. I've reluctantly linked to it below. Use it as a guide for what not to buy. The issue is the frame folds in half for shipping purposes, which makes it less user friendly for a hoisting system. We needed a solid frame. We added some additional support and it will do fine for now, but I'd guess there's a better frame. We'll keep our eye out and update if we find something better.
As for the Japanese mattress...it is comfortable (firm support), yet thin so we can hoist the bed to the ceiling. And the kapok pillows are awesome. I would like a whole mattress made out of the stuff!
- Bed Lift System [https://amzn.to/3I5uQ93](https://amzn.to/3I5uQ93?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Bed Frame [https://amzn.to/4lxQ8Le](https://amzn.to/4lxQ8Le?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Mattress [https://amzn.to/3ZSeO8S](https://amzn.to/3ZSeO8S?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Pillows [https://amzn.to/4l1iayD](https://amzn.to/4l1iayD?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Linen Sheets [https://amzn.to/4erlMHS](https://amzn.to/4erlMHS?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### **NO AC?!? Just Fans**
We lived on a boat for years without A/C and were fine 90% of the time. So we're keeping it simple with the van for now. If we're in a situation where it's unbearably hot we can easily rent an AirBNB or get a Hotel. But ventilation is super important in small enclosed spaces and having a rain cover is essential.
- MaxxFan Deluxe Model 07500K [https://amzn.to/44iWsyZ](https://amzn.to/44iWsyZ?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- 12v Plug to power the fan from the battery pack [https://amzn.to/3G16UTV](https://amzn.to/3G16UTV?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Rechargeable Portable Fan [https://amzn.to/4evl9wW](https://amzn.to/4evl9wW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### **Practical Van Gear**
There are a few vanlife necessities that make living on the road more tolerable.
- Sunshades [https://amzn.to/4ketndU](https://amzn.to/4ketndU?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Bug Screens [https://amzn.to/3HXJr6H](https://amzn.to/3HXJr6H?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Bug Deterrent [https://amzn.to/3I57h06](https://amzn.to/3I57h06?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Natural Air Freshener [https://amzn.to/4l7Zptw](https://amzn.to/4l7Zptw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Water Purification [https://amzn.to/4lwaGDL](https://amzn.to/4lwaGDL?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Seat back Organizer [https://amzn.to/3TOehRE](https://amzn.to/3TOehRE?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Ladder [https://amzn.to/4nqM9lk](https://amzn.to/4nqM9lk?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### **Water Without Plumbing**
We've kept it super simple in the water department. A fully portable faucet that works for showers and a pop-up sink basin for doing dishes.
- Rinse Kit [https://amzn.to/4kffIn4](https://amzn.to/4kffIn4?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Popup Sink [https://amzn.to/3HXkwjE](https://amzn.to/3HXkwjE?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### **Kitchen**
We splurged for the 1200 watt blender because it needs to crush ice (we like smoothies), we found the best little multi-cooker that makes whole meals in less time, a people powered coffee system, and magnetic dishware that doesn't rattle or move while driving down the road.
Yes, Silwy is a paid sponsor in the video, but we would have had their gear regardless. They seriously have the most clever RV and boat friendly products. We have the plates, bowels, paper towel holder, bar tray, whiskey glasses, wine glasses, magnetic XXL kits, spice jars, insulated mug and more. I love it all and highly recommend checking them out. And, if you use our discount code **WYNNS,** you'll get **10% off** your order.
- Silwy [https://silwy.de/wynns](https://silwy.de/wynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Multicooker [https://amzn.to/4lo0KvU](https://amzn.to/4lo0KvU?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Blender [https://amzn.to/4er1EWl](https://amzn.to/4er1EWl?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Kettle [https://amzn.to/4ly7yr2](https://amzn.to/4ly7yr2?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Coffee Brewer [https://amzn.to/4kYSaE4](https://amzn.to/4kYSaE4?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Grinder [https://amzn.to/3IjPRNj](https://amzn.to/3IjPRNj?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Scale [https://amzn.to/3ZUdkuN](https://amzn.to/3ZUdkuN?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### **Portable Toilet**
If the need arises we may upgrade to a composting toilet in the future. The [Nature's Head](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/composting-toilet/) we used to own is still a great toilet, but there are more compact options now that are even better for a tiny van build.
- Toilet [https://amzn.to/44mV5zv](https://amzn.to/44mV5zv?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Pee Powder [https://amzn.to/44q2spQ](https://amzn.to/44q2spQ?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### **Convertible Office & Dining Space**
The bases of the tables and chairs are heavy enough to keep them in place while driving (we still secure them for good measure), but not so heavy they can't be easily moved outside for alfresco working or eating. The tables raise up and down so they can double as a kitchen prep space, standing desk, or sitting desk.
The chairs are outdoor chairs that may be a summer find only. Outdoor is best because we 100% will use them outdoors. They are comfortable, breathable and not too loungy to act as an office chair. If I find a non-Ikea option I will link it here in the future.
We purposely chose not to have the captains chairs swivel. While this feature is nice in theory, we found we rarely used it because it's not the most comfortable. In the future should we decide we want a swivel, it can be retrofitted fairly easy.
- Tables [https://amzn.to/3I1lzPl](https://amzn.to/3I1lzPl?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Chair [https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/vaesman-armchair-outdoor-black-40211637/](https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/vaesman-armchair-outdoor-black-40211637/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### Sailing The Dreamiest Hybrid Electric Catamaran
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/60-solar-hybrid-electric-catamaran/
Last updated: 2025-06-15T13:10:44.000Z
**When Xquisite invited us to go for a test sail on their Solar 60, we thought "why not?" - even though it's WAY beyond our budget! 😅**
At $3.6 million this isn't just any catamaran, it's a fully loaded home and adventure base camp like nothing we've seen before. In fact, we kept marveling at the fact it's "only 60 ft" because it just felt like so much more. From a vented full-size washer/dryer, to a hydraulic boom vang that keeps even the most annoying side swell quiet, to an ice machine that actually works (because it's a residential fridge!). And then there's a toy locker big enough to fit TWO rigid paddleboards.
Not to mention we lived aboard for 5 nights without plugging into shore power or running a generator once. So, it really does live up to the name "Solar 60."
It's more boat than the two of us need (or want)...but it has us very excited about what the future sub 60ft models will look like. Dear genie...🧞♂️
*Not sponsored - just two sailors dreaming big and sharing the experience.*
### Hello From Newport
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/hello-from-newport/
Last updated: 2025-06-14T02:30:38.000Z
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### A Floating Commune for Sailors?
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/a-floating-commune-for-sailors/
Last updated: 2025-06-08T13:00:54.000Z
We kept hearing rumors about this mysterious sailing community in the Bahamas. A marina and full service yacht community that borders on utopian. A place where they have supposedly solved almost every pain point of boat ownership. It all sounded a little... too perfect.
But we just kept hearing about the new Xquisite Catamaran Base from seemingly everyone. So we packed our curiosity, our cameras, and set off to the Bahamas to see if it was the real deal—or just hype.
We sailed the boats, spent time at "the base" and talked to actual owners to get the real scoop.
What we discovered, let's just say, it's the closest thing to a sailing commune that we've ever seen. It's all still a bit unbelievable.
### An Unexpected 3 Days In Türkiye
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/an-unexpected-3-days-in-turkiye/
Last updated: 2025-06-01T13:01:00.000Z
Istanbul wasn't on our radar but when a last minute invitation came, we couldn't say no.
We've said "yes" to a lot of off the cuff opportunities in the last couple of months, even if it derails us from other goals (let's just say the van build progress is slow). This trip to Istanbul was one of them.
It's not procrastination, I swear. We are excited about finishing the van build and making our way towards Mexico and beyond. It's more that it has been a brutal 24 months of delays, limbo and starting over. We thought we would be sailing through Africa right about now. We had the next few years of our lives all planned out. But sometimes things don't work out to plan. And part of keeping our chins up, bouncing back and figuring out "what's next"...is giving ourselves permission to just say "yes" to any opportunity that sounds fun.
So, when a last minute invitation came our way to attend the President's International Yacht Race in Istanbul, Türkiye, we weren't going to say no. Because we've never been to Türkiye and why not. But honestly, the biggest draw was that our friends [Rico and Victoria](https://www.youtube.com/@NautiStyles?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) were going. We've become close over the past few years and this opportunity to travel together was just too good to pass up.
The trip was short and sweet, especially considering it was international, but it was just enough to know we NEED to come back. The city of Istanbul was charming but this region of the world is where civilization began. Places like Cappadocia with its balloon festival, bronze age carved homes and towering rock formations are calling to us next.
Photo by [Timur Garifov](https://unsplash.com/@timgarifov?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit)
Photo by [Tomas Tuma](https://unsplash.com/@tomastuma?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit)
A proper overland trip through Mesopotamia is officially on our bucket list!
### The Fastest Cat You’ve Never Heard Of (full tour)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/fastest-cat/
Last updated: 2025-05-18T13:00:58.000Z
We're back in Florida working away on our van build and exploring some potential boat options with our old friend Terry. Lucky us, he just so happened to have one of the most rare, custom and fastest catamarans on the water for sale.
It's a used Schionning and if you've never heard of it, you're not alone! These unique performance cats are more common in the southern hemisphere. But even still, there are only about five on the market worldwide right now.
Fortunately the owner of the boat was keen to take us out for a test sail. We hit an impressive 14+ knots of speed without even trying!
So join us for a quick van update and a beautiful sail on a boat that completely blew us away.
To Mark and Narin, Universe is an incredible vessel and I can only imagine how many memories you have created over the years. Thanks for taking us out for an incredible sail.
If you want more information on Universe, you can see the listing here:
[G-Force 1500 Catamaran | Cruising Catamaran |Just CatamaransThe G-Force 1500 Catamaran, a high-performance cruising catamaran designed for speed, comfort, and luxury. Explore its features with Just Catamarans today!Just Catamarans](https://justcatamarans.net/catamaran-listing/schionning-g-force-1500-universe/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### To Türkiye
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/to-turkiye/
Last updated: 2025-05-17T09:23:46.000Z
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### This Electric Boat Changes Everything...Or Does It?
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/electric-boat-changes-everything/
Last updated: 2025-05-11T13:00:38.000Z
After two weeks of living aboard this unique electric sailboat, we’ve got thoughts. From solar power to silent motors, the Windelo 54 promises a quieter, and more self-sufficient way to cruise—but does it really live up to the hype?
In this weeks video, we take you behind the scenes of life on a fully decked-out solar-electric catamaran. We share what worked brilliantly, what we would change, and the surprising performance of this high tech setup. From real-time speed and power tests to honest impressions of noise levels, daily energy consumption, and typical life at anchor—we touch on it all.
Whether you're dreaming of an electric boat or just curious how this hybrid cruiser handles life off the grid, this is one is for you.
Thank you again to our lovely friends [Beth and Paul](https://www.youtube.com/@SailingSecondStar-pj3ww?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) for trusting us with their beautiful floating home!
### Life at Sea on a Hybrid Electric Sailboat
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/life-at-sea-hybrid-electric-sailboat/
Last updated: 2025-05-04T13:00:44.000Z
When our friends let us borrow their brand new hybrid electric catamaran, we didn't just take it for a spin - we disappeared for a couple of weeks into pure Bahamian bliss. And this week we slipped deep into *cruiser mode*, embracing the rhythm of the sea, the wind, and a pace of life that moves with the tides.
From getting shrimp pedicures in hidden caves to rum tastings at sunset and freediving with turtles! This is the kind of adventure, slow living, connection and quiet joys that only the sea can offer. It feels as though every moment aboard Second Star is a reminder of why lifestyle is so magical. It's been a much needed seafarers retreat. Plus, throw in some ninja-like-stealth-silent motoring and moonlight sailing and it's about as close to perfection as a life at sea gets.
So sit back, kick your feet up, grab a cold beverage and take a little virtual escape with us in the Exuma's.
Want to know more about Second Star? She’s our friends Windelo 54 with electric motors, a massive solar install, the biggest forward cockpit we’ve ever seen, and a hull made from volcanic rock. In last weeks episode we gave a full tour:
[The Most Unique Catamaran We’ve Ever SailedAfter nearly nine months of being docked, we’re finally back to sailing! And not just anywhere—we’re right where our very first big sailing adventure began almost nine years ago: the Bahamas. Bahamas Bound! Sailing Across The Gulf Stream\[…\]Gone With The WynnsNikki Wynn Only this time, we’Gone With The WynnsNikki Wynn](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/most-unique-catamaran/)
### Behind The Scenes (April 2025)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/behind-the-scenes-april-2025/
Last updated: 2025-04-27T16:23:55.000Z
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### The Most Unique Catamaran We’ve Ever Sailed
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/most-unique-catamaran/
Last updated: 2025-04-20T13:08:11.000Z
After nearly nine months of being docked, we’re finally back to sailing! And not just anywhere—we’re right where our very first big sailing adventure began almost nine years ago: the Bahamas.
[Bahamas Bound! Sailing Across The Gulf Stream\[…\]Gone With The WynnsNikki Wynn](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/bahamas-sailing-crossing-gulf-stream/)
Only this time, we’re doing it aboard a vessel unlike anything we’ve ever sailed.
We're so grateful to our lovely friends [Beth and Paul](https://www.youtube.com/@SailingSecondStar-pj3ww?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) for trusting us with their floating home!Especially because *Second Star* isn’t just any catamaran. She’s a Windelo—a marvel of modern marine engineering. With electric motors, massive solar panels, the biggest forward cockpit we’ve ever seen, and a hull made from volcanic rock (yep, really. It's called basalt.).
The Bahamas have welcomed us back with familiar faces, gin-clear water, and classic champagne sailing conditions—a much-needed reminder of why we fell in love with this lifestyle in the first place. Plus there’s something special about returning to our roots… even if the boat we’re on is from the future.
Come aboard and join us as we rediscover the joy of sailing—electric style—in one of the most beautiful places on Earth.
### Real Chocolate vs What You're Actually Eating
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/real-chocolate/
Last updated: 2025-04-13T13:00:54.000Z
Most of us settle for ordinary…but I think it's only because we don't know about the extraordinary. So we accept the familiar without seeking the remarkable. Like Chocolate, for example.
Most of us grow up thinking we know what it is. But the truth is kind of shocking—that sweet, familiar taste you've known your whole life? It’s a far cry from what the ancient Mayans and Aztecs considered *a gift from the gods.* Because *c*hocolate was once the chosen ceremonial beverage. They believed it gave strength, vitality, and even mystical or hallucinogenic effects during ceremonies. (And they weren't far off! Cacao is packed with natural compounds like theobromine, magnesium, and antioxidants that boost mood, energy, and heart health.)
But deep in the volcanic foothills of the Philippines, one family is preserving something truly rare: one of only 19 officially recognized heirloom cacao sites in the world. What we discovered on this small farm completely changed how we see (and taste) chocolate.
Because this isn’t just some generic bar wrapped in pretty packaging. This is the **real deal**—and it’s *nothing* like what you’ll find in stores.
In our last video, [we took you behind the scenes at Malagos Chocolate](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/rarest-cacao-farms/), where regenerative farming and traditional methods create cacao with flavors so complex, mass-produced chocolate doesn’t even come close.
Now, we’re diving even deeper—into the chocolate-making process itself. From meticulous bean selection to low-temperature roasting that preserves natural fruity notes, we uncover the secrets behind why most chocolate doesn’t taste like... well, *chocolate worthy of an Aztec ceremony* anymore.
**P.S.**
After you watch, let us know what you think—and if you’ve ever tried pure, unadulterated cacao liquor. We’re still buzzing from the taste test!
**P.P.S.**
For those of you who love the details: we asked Rex if they test for heavy metals in their chocolate. Turns out they do... and there are **none.** Zero. Nada. He sent us the reports and it totally floored us. Especially since most commercial chocolate is...You guessed it...loaded with heavy metals (such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and arsenic (As).
**Learn more about our friends at Malagos Chocolate here:**
- [malagoschocolate.com](https://malagoschocolate.com/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### Sunset on Second Star
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sunset-on-second-star/
Last updated: 2025-04-12T12:51:12.000Z
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### Inside One Of The World's Rarest Cacao Farms
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/rarest-cacao-farms/
Last updated: 2025-12-23T11:52:06.000Z
We crossed the waters to one of the Philippines' most untamed islands—Mindanao. All because we wanted to see a chocolate farm. Well, technically it's a cacao farm.
Honestly, we didn't have a clue what we were getting ourselves into. Only that our new sailing friend Rex said he runs his family farm and they grow rare heirloom cacao. But really, all I heard was chocolate farm. That was enough and I couldn't invite myself over fast enough.
But turns out, Malagos Chocolate isn't just a farm—it's a real working farm where African night crawlers help create the fertilizer, chili-garlic concoctions keep the bugs at bay, and rare ancient trees have been growing for generations.
It also isn't just farming; it's a stubborn act of preservation. The odds are terrible. The work is relentless. Only 5% of the cacao flowers survive to become fruit. Yet here they stand, the Puentespina family, guardians of **one of only 19 recognized heirloom cacao sites on the entire planet.**
We quickly learned good chocolate is alive. Like, *fermenting, breathing, culture-rich* alive. And the revelation hit us as we stood there with sticky fingers and a mouth full of cacao seeds. We knew this wasn’t just about chocolate anymore.
This is a story about taste, toil, trees, and the humans behind the best chocolate we’ve ever had.
If you ever get the chance to go to the Philippines, please do yourself a favor; go visit the farm and make sure to say hello to our friend Rex and his family. It's well worth the trip!
- Malagos Chocolate: [malagoschocolate.com/](https://malagoschocolate.com/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Malagos Resort: [https://www.malagos.com/](https://www.malagos.com/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### No Boat, What Next?
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/no-boat-what-next/
Last updated: 2025-03-30T13:00:16.000Z
The game of life often takes unexpected turns, and our journey becomes something entirely different from what we imagined. But this is more like a complete U-turn. One that requires us to *return to start* or at least the last known point of certainty and begin again.
If you've watched our latest video, you already know the big news: [we've sold our boat back to HH](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/were-selling-our-boat-back-to-hh/). It wasn't an easy decision, and the move has been equally as challenging. The past couple of weeks have been a whirlwind of emotions, logistics, and adjustments as we've transitioned to...well, nomads in transition.
## Moving Our Emotional Baggage
Moving (be it a family home or a boat) isn't just about relocating possessions—it's about saying goodbye to a home, a lifestyle, and in many ways, a dream. We've experienced the full spectrum of emotions: disappointment, relief, sadness, and even moments of unexpected peace. There were tears as we carried the last boxes off, remembering all the memories we'd created in that small, floating space we called home.
But through it all, we've held onto what matters most: our resilience, our gratitude for the experiences we've had, and our excitement for what's still to come.
## What Happens Now?
The question we've been asking ourselves (and the one we've been asked countless times): "What's next?"
The honest answer is: we're taking it day by day. While this wasn't part of our original plan, we're embracing this detour with the same spirit of adventure that led us to boat life in the first place.
Here's what we know for sure:
1. **We're taking a breath.** Before rushing into any new decisions, we're giving ourselves permission to not have a plan. This past year has been mentally, emotionally, and financially draining, and we need time to recharge.
2. **We're still drawn to the water.** The sailing bug hasn't left us! We'll be getting out on the water with friends while we figure out our next move.
3. **We're exploring boats.** We'll be looking at a wide variety of boats and considering various paths forward, but we're committed to making deliberate, thoughtful choices rather than reactive ones.
While we're not rushing to buy a boat, we're excited to get back out on the water soon. We miss the wind in the sails and the horizon stretching before us. It's what feels most like home, regardless of which boat we're on.
## Finding Gratitude in Change
If there's one thing boat life taught us, it's adaptability. Plans change, weather shifts, and sometimes you have to chart a new course entirely.
We're incredibly grateful for:
- The amazing community that has supported us through this transition
- The countless lessons we learned living aboard
- The freedom to choose our next adventure
- The perspective that comes from weathering unexpected storms
## Looking Forward
In the meantime we are going to be stretching our sea legs, reconnecting with old friends, slowly building out our van and keeping our options open as we navigate this next chapter.
Thank you for being part of our journey—the smooth sails and the rough waters alike. We can't wait to share the next adventure with you, whatever form it takes.
P.S.
Here is the link to the Japanese futon we've been sleeping on [amzn.to/3FJAWLr](https://amzn.to/3FJAWLr?ref=gonewiththewynns.com). If you like a more firm mattress, it works great as a spare bed!
### We're Selling Our Boat Back to HH
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/were-selling-our-boat-back-to-hh/
Last updated: 2025-12-23T10:01:45.000Z
Well, this is not a video we expected to make but, we are selling our boat back to HH.
Thank you for your patience, support and understanding. We have much to fill you in on and lot of plans for the days and months ahead. Van shopping, boat shopping, sailing... So stay tuned and we'll see you soon.
### How Far Can Our ELECTRIC Boat Go?
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/how-far-can-our-electric-boat-go/
Last updated: 2025-03-09T13:00:21.000Z
Does an electric tender actually have the stamina needed to work for cruising life? Until now, we honestly didn't know how long or far we could go with our electric jet propulsion. I guess we just haven't been playing with our dinghy enough! 😉
So today we're putting it to the test - no fancy lab conditions, just real cruiser life. We're hitting the water to see exactly what our electric setup can handle while doing all the things we normally do: exploring coastlines, finding snorkel spots, and getting into a bit of trouble (because what's an adventure without something unexpected?).
We hadn't intended on a "tool time" segment but then again, we never do. But hey, we said we wanted this to be a "normal" day of cruising…and getting things stuck up your intake is about as normal as it gets. Right?! Plus Jason somehow volunteered himself for a man overboard drill at 17 knots! It's a good reminder not to make statements you aren't willing to back up. His pucker effect and landing was… well, you'll see.
We share our honest thoughts on "range anxiety," all our data collected and even which speeds give us the most efficient performance.
So, whether you're just looking for a watery visual escape, e-curious or considering electric propulsion for your own boat, we think you'll enjoy this ~~little~~ big dinghy adventure.
All the information on our OC Tender, Zero Jet propulsion, ground tackle, safety equipment and more can be found in this [gear guide](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/our-full-dinghy-setup/):
[Our Full Dinghy Setup & Must HavesWhether you’re shopping for your own tender setup or just curious about what works for us, this guide covers our complete setup from the core vessel to essential safety gear, here’s everything we use and why it matters. The Tender At the heart of our setup is the 330 OCGone With The WynnsNikki Wynn](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/our-full-dinghy-setup/)
### Our Accidental Guide In The Philippines
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/accidental-guide-in-the-philippines/
Last updated: 2025-03-02T14:03:57.000Z
Sometimes the best tour guide is the one who was never meant to be one.
For the past seven months our boat has been waylaid in Samal's marina. Over the months we have taken flights in and out, spent endless hours taking care of general maintenance, making small repairs, sending emails, researching, making phone calls, having expert consultations…doing just about everything other than getting to know this little paradise called Island Garden City of Samal.
But this week we stepped off of the boat and out of the marina. No plans. Just curiosity. What followed wasn't a carefully orchestrated tour, but something better. Because true exploration happens not when we follow a map, but when we follow our curiosity.
P.S.
Thank you for being a part of our journey!
### ⚡️HYBRID & ELECTRIC SAILING: Is It Still Too Early?
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/hybrid-electric-sailing-too-early/
Last updated: 2025-02-23T14:00:10.000Z
The marine industry is experiencing a significant shift when it comes to the world of propulsion. And while all-electric blue water sailboats probably won't be mainstream for a while, hybrid set ups are quickly becoming the industry standard and it is game-changing!
Let's be real though. Diesel isn't going anywhere (for now) when it comes to blue water cruising. But, these hybrid systems aren't about eliminating diesel (be it an engine or a generator) as much as they are about maximizing efficiency. Because hello redundancy, increased range, flexibility, and reduced dependency on diesel fuel.
And, unlike the slow evolution we've seen with diesel engines over the decades, this year alone has brought us at least three brand-new electric propulsion systems designed from the ground up. Even major players like Yanmar and Volvo Penta are now entering a space previously dominated by smaller, innovative companies.
So, we wanted to share our recent explorations into the latest hybrid and electric motors showcased at METS in Amsterdam, and give you our two cents on it all.
Here are the standout hybrid and electric solutions we dive into in the video:
**ePropulsion Inboard & Pod Drives**
- Complete integrated solutions with batteries, motor, throttle, and charger
- Available in multiple configurations (inboard, outboard, pod drives)
- 96-volt system with reduced cable size and amperage
- Single-source solution eliminates the finger-pointing that can happen with multi-vendor systems
**Yanmar SDe SERIES**
- Electric sail drives available in 7kW, 10kW, and 15kW models
- Oil-cooled closed system that doesn't require raw water cooling
- Drop-in replacement for older Yanmar YM series engines
- Used in Yanmar's own test boat for extended real-world evaluation
**Integrel E-Drive**
- New electric motor that sits between a diesel engine and gearbox
- Smart system that regulates engine load for optimal fuel efficiency
- Integration with Navico navigation systems for automatic transition to electric in zero-emission zones
## Beyond The Hype
We're genuinely excited about how approachable this technology is becoming, and we also appreciate the newfound realism in how these systems are being presented. We need less hype and more realistic expectations about performance, range, and capabilities.
Because while full electric propulsion for blue water cruising still faces challenges with current battery and solar technology, we believe we're on the cusp of significant advances. Future improvements in battery density and solar efficiency will eventually make all-electric ocean crossings more practical and less tactical (thank you[ Sailing Uma](https://www.youtube.com/sailinguma?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) and all you early adopters we don't know yet!).
Until then, hybrid systems offer compelling advantages, particularly for those who value redundancy, flexibility, and reduced dependency on diesel fuel.
## We Want to Hear From You!
These are just our opinions based on our experience, research and conversations - but what about you? Have you had experience with electric or hybrid propulsion on your boat? What are your thoughts on the current state of the technology? Would you consider installing one of these systems on your vessel?
Share your experiences and questions in the comments below. And if you happen to have one of these systems installed on your boat, and wouldn't mind us joining you for a sail or a passage, let us know - we're itching to experience more of these hybrid and electric systems firsthand!
### Prepping Our Sailboat To Go NOWHERE
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailboat-to-nowhere/
Last updated: 2025-02-16T14:00:02.000Z
Over the years our journey has taken some unexpected turns, but this is the longest we've ever been firmly planted at a marina. And while "stuck" isn't our best look, we're working on embracing our circumstances – even if it isn't where we planned to be. Because when you can't change the wind, you adjust your sails.
So this week we're tackling boat maintenance (because boats don't like sitting still any more than we do!), testing out some exciting new toys (spoiler alert: we're going to need a lot of practice), and finding joy in the small victories of boat life.
---
**Plus, A New** [**Gear Guide**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/gear-guides/)**!** If you've been looking for a SUP or foil boards, here's our two cents worth.
[Boards For LiveAboards🏄🏻If you’re living full-time on a sailboat your gonna want some water toys. We could dive into leisure stuff like a giant 6 person inflatable flamingo, but that stuff is easy to figure out. Boards (SUP, Foil) on the other hand are a little more complicated. Especially if you wantGone With The WynnsJason](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/boards-for-liveaboards/)
### Boards For LiveAboards🏄🏻
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/boards-for-liveaboards/
Last updated: 2025-02-16T10:12:31.000Z
If you're living full-time on a sailboat your gonna want some water toys. We could dive into leisure stuff like a [giant 6 person inflatable flamingo](https://amzn.to/3X314Xh?ref=gonewiththewynns.com), but that stuff is easy to figure out. Boards (SUP, Foil) on the other hand are a little more complicated. Especially if you want them to be multi-purpose for everyone from kids to adults and from wing foiling to tender towing, there is a lot to consider.
The products below are what we own. We don't get commission from the companies we recommend, but some of the links are for Amazon and we do get a small commission if you click through and purchase.
## **SUPs**
We prefer SUPs over kayaks because it gets us up higher, so we can see down and into the water to spot fish life. It makes for a comfortable swim platform floating behind the boat when we're chillin on anchor or for towing along when we're snorkeling. We use our SUPs to paddle to shore when there's a rocky beach, or a shore break where we're uncomfortable landing the tender. And, I feel like it's more of a full body workout vs a kayak.
We debated back and forth about rigid vs. inflatable SUPs. There is no doubt that a similar rigid board will perform better, it will last longer, and the custom boards can be a functional piece of art. The downside is they cost more, they can bash into the boat and cause damage, they can get scratched up during a beach landing, and storing them out of the sun can be a challenge on a small boat. For us, and our boat, rigid didn't make sense.
We've had wide SUPs designed for comfort cruising in the past, and they were great for beginners, but this time we wanted a little more performance. We wanted 12' or longer with a narrow design made for higher speeds with good glide performance. Feb 2024 we purchased a nice X500 Touring Board and beautiful all carbon paddle from Decathlon. It was a sweet setup but the glue failed after 2 rides. We were able to get a refund but we were afraid to purchase another. Which had us searching and researching again.
We ended up with the YellowV 13' Tugela. It checked all the boxes, and since they are owned by Vetus it was easy to get it shipped in via a local distributor in Cebu (Vetus is a huge boat parts distributor so there's a good chance there's a dealer near you.)
[YellowV iSUP board Heartbeat 13 “TUGELA”The sportier bigger brother of the YVSUP11\. The YellowV Tugela is a 13’ race/tour SUP board. Especially for those who want to go even…VETUS](https://webshop.vetus.com/en/product/yellowv-isup-board-heartbeat-13-tugela?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
We've owned it since June 2024 and so far no issues with using it in the humid, tropical heat of the Philippines. We've been very happy with this model. The price sits firmly in the middle of the pack in comparison to other similar iSUPs. It comes with a bunch of accessories including a paddle that converts into a kayak paddle. If you have lots of visitors, or kids, it might be a good option to add the kayak seat. We're thinking about ordering one so we have it for newbies and guests who prefer kayaking.
I spent days researching, reading reviews, scouring the manufacturer websites, and these boards were my 2 runner ups:
- Comfortable for Any Level Rider: BOTE Wulf Aero 11' 4" [https://amzn.to/40ZDKuP](https://amzn.to/40ZDKuP?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Performance Almost as Good as a Rigid: Bluefin Carbon 12' [https://amzn.to/431HH4D](https://amzn.to/431HH4D?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
## **Foil Boards**
I'm not gonna lie, this one had my head spinning. When we decided to look into foil boards the options are endlessly overwhelming. Then when we chose to go with Foil Drive to convert our boards into eFoils, it got even more technical. If you're new to foiling I'm going to recommend you check out Foil Drive's website and YouTube channel. They have a [Blog Page](https://foildrive.com/blogs/blogs?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) that includes a section called "GUIDES" that help you select board and wing sizes. There is also a "MASTERCLASS SERIES" that goes through the process of e-foiling. Both were VERY helpful for us.
### **How we chose our boards**
We've been into board sports forever, from snowboarding to wakeboarding. We've [ridden on eFoils](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/endless-wave/) in the past and had a blast. And we've been surfing and kiteboarding a handful of times, but we wouldn't call ourselves regulars at those sports yet. So we aren't total newbies, we don't have a ton of experience either.
We wanted boards, foils and wings that would challenge us and be able to transition from learning to wing foiling and eventually to surfing. I put together a list using AXIS and the Foil Drive websites, and before ordering I confirmed with each of them I was getting what I truly needed. Both were responsive and helpful. These setups are good for all-around use that will keep up as our skills increase. However if we get 100% hooked on winging or surfing, then we may need to add another mast or select a different motor placement. Here's what we ended up with.
**Feeling Sporty**
- [AXIS 50L Board](https://axisfoils.com/collections/foil-drive/products/axis-foil-drive-50l-board?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- [Max AXIS Integrated Mast](https://foildrive.com/collections/axis-integration/products/foil-drive-assist-max-x-axis-integrated-mast?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- [Spitfire 960](https://axisfoils.com/products/spitfire-960?%5Fpos=1&%5Fsid=29f0d5a61&%5Fss=r&ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- [375 Progressive Rear Wing](https://axisfoils.com/products/375-progressive-carbon-rear-wing?%5Fpos=1&%5Fsid=cf8fc9349&%5Fss=r&ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- [Ultrashort Advance+ Fueslage](https://axisfoils.com/products/black-ultrashort-advance-fuselage?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- [Mast Doodad](https://foildrive.com/collections/axis-integration/products/axis-doodad?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**Perfect for Cruising**
- [AXIS 60L Board](https://axisfoils.com/collections/foil-drive/products/axis-foil-drive-60l-board?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- [Max AXIS Integrated Mast](https://foildrive.com/collections/axis-integration/products/foil-drive-assist-max-x-axis-integrated-mast?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- [Spitfire 1030](https://axisfoils.com/products/spitfire-1030?%5Fpos=1&%5Fsid=bc3502432&%5Fss=r&ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- [400 Progressive Rear Wing](https://axisfoils.com/products/400-progressive-carbon-rear-wing?%5Fpos=3&%5Fsid=a89446c84&%5Fss=r&ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- [Ultrashort Advance+ Fueslage](https://axisfoils.com/products/black-ultrashort-advance-fuselage?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- [Mast Doodad](https://foildrive.com/collections/axis-integration/products/axis-doodad?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**Extras**
- [Spare MAX Power Battery](https://foildrive.com/collections/batteries/products/foil-drive-max-power-battery?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- [Inline Battery Checker](https://foildrive.com/products/inline-battery-checker?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- [AXIS Power Carbon High Modulus 820 Mast](https://axisfoils.com/products/power-carbon-high-modulus-foil-mast-base-plate-82?%5Fpos=9&%5Fsid=f9185e499&%5Fss=r&ref=gonewiththewynns.com) We ordered an additional mast so we can foil behind the tender. This will help us get comfortable getting pulled so when we pick up a wing it won't feel as foreign. Also towing behind a tender is easier for first time foilers, that way they can learn foiling and not have to worry about controlling the throttle at the same time.
**Things to Consider**
Our Australian buddy Victor turned us onto The Foil Drive brand and they are killing it! They started with a simple retro-fit kit called Assist Plus that easily converts any board and mast into an eFoil (it's perfect if you already own a setup for kiting). When we ordered they had just launched the Assist MAX battery, Gen2 Drive and the integrated mast and board collab with AXIS. Since we ordered our setup in June '24 they've launched some new products we'd highly consider.
- Titanium hardware will help eliminate rust.
- New travel size batteries which can be taken on an airplane.
- An even more powerful battery called HIGH POWER MAX.
When we placed our order, one thing we didn't fully understand about Foil Drive, that I feel is worth a knowing. These are not designed to be like other eFoil brands with a massive battery that you just ride like a Jet Ski. The Foil Drive systems are designed to be **"FOIL ASSIST"** which makes them incredibly versatile. Meaning you can **wing foil, surf foil, wake foil and even foil on flat water**. We understood the versatility and that's what drew us to the system, but don't expect to be foiling full throttle for 2 hours…our play time last about an hour. If we want to play longer, that's where we need to learn how to pump, wing or surf…and that's the fun part!
A HUGE Shout-Out to our friend Victor for introducing us to this idea. He's the one that first showed us the Foil Drive and his "pumping to get ripped workout plan". Thank you Victor, and I hope we can come foiling with you one of these days.
### Back on Board 🏄🏻(behind the scenes update)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/back-on-board-behind-the-scenes/
Last updated: 2025-02-14T13:00:00.000Z
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### Our life in limbo
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/our-life-in-limbo/
Last updated: 2025-02-09T14:00:11.000Z
Sometimes the best stories come from the unplanned chapters. At least that's what we keep telling ourselves as we fumble about trying to find our way forward.
We have made our way back to the Philippines and back to the boat. Join us as we share a glimpse into our unexpected extended stay on Samal Island - from colorful local markets and mouthwatering Filipino cuisine to finding joy in everyday tasks. Because in the end, it's not about where we're going, or how we get there, but how we choose to live each day.
Thank you for sticking with us through all the ups and downs. 🤗
[Best Electric Bikes For Boat LifeA bicycle is sailors best friend and the best way to explore land. But getting them to land is typically the issue. Well, that and the harsh marine environment. We’ve had many folding bicycles over the years. First through our road trippin’ years and then aboard Curiosity 1\. But, beforeGone With The WynnsNikki Wynn](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/best-e-bikes-for-boat-life/)
### We're Building Something New (and it's personal)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/were-building-something-new/
Last updated: 2025-02-02T14:00:02.000Z
We have been working on a project behind the scenes for far longer than I care to admit (covid kind of squashed our momentum). And it's finally time to let you in on it.
It all started years ago—before the boats, the RVs, and full-time travel—when Jason’s childhood bedroom doubled as his mom’s office and I took a leap that changed my life forever. And now, in a full-circle moment, we’re taking on a brand-new adventure together.
It's still a work in progress but we're excited about it! Plus, we feel by putting this out into the world, especially to all of you, it's no longer just an idea. It's real, it's happening and we're very curious to hear what you think.
Thanks for being a part of our community here. We sooo appreciate you being a part of all of world. 💗
### Top Electric Outboards: What’s New and Worth Buying
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/top-electric-outboards/
Last updated: 2025-02-16T09:13:15.000Z
Electric motors have come a looong way and we couldn’t be more excited about what 2025 has in store! From tiny but mighty to full-planing-power, there are finally some good **electric** **outboard** options that give gas engines real competition.
During our recent trip to METSTRADE in Amsterdam (think CES, but for boats), we had the chance to explore the latest and greatest in electric outboards.
Each motor seemed to have at least one standout feature from the competition, but they all share a common goal: making electric boating more accessible and efficient than ever.
### Big Takeaways
The electric motor space is perpetually in motion. Stats change from month to month, products promoted to launch in January might be pushed back till August, and it's nearly impossible to compare unless you're in a tender doing a side-by-side in the exact same conditions (sorta [like what we did in New Zealand](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/electric-dinghy-testing/) a couple years back). The thing is, I think all these companies are learning from the motors that are out in the wild, and doing their best to keep up with an ever expanding market.
So we made the tables below as a baseline to get you started. Because there's no doubt numbers will be different once these motors are getting substantial real-world use.
### Motor Comparison
| | kW | Weight (kg) | HP Replacement | Performance (Power to Weight: watts/kg) |
| -------- | -- | -------------------- | -------------- | --------------------------------------- |
| ZeroJet | 18 | 38 | 25 | 474 |
| MiTek | 12 | 46 | 15 | 261 |
| Momentum | 10 | 30 (with mount) | 15 | 333 |
| ION | 6 | 32 | 8 | 188 |
| Momentum | 2 | 11 kg (19 with batt) | 3 | 182 (does not include batt) |
### Battery Comparison
| | Watts (kWh) | Weight (kg) | Performance (watt hours/kg) |
| ----------- | ----------- | ----------- | --------------------------- |
| Momentum | 6.4 @ 72V | 37 | 173 |
| ZeroJet | 5.4 @ 48V | 50 | 108 |
| Ilmor Ion | 4.4 @ 48V | 32 | 138 |
| ePropulsion | 3 @ 48V | 33 | 91 |
Battery comparison is an interesting one. If we quickly look at the stats above it looks like Momentum wins in the performance metric by a longshot. But you'll notice they are using 72V while the other companies are using 48V. Manufacturers have told us they prefer 48V because it’s safer. We’ve also been told a standard electrician can work on 48V, but anything higher needs a high voltage certified electrician. But for me the biggest downside with 72V is you’re locked into a proprietary system, meaning you cannot use 3rd party batteries as easily. And trust me, if you have an issue in a country that doesn’t like shipping/receiving lithium batteries, this could become a major headache.
One other thing we learned about batteries from ZeroJet: Sometimes companies under-spec the information on their website. The ZJ website says the battery is 5 kWh but in reality, it’s 5.38 kWh. Also, in the video Neil from ZJ says “we use Super B LFP...and it’s quite a high-performance battery”. But look at the battery comparison table and it seems their battery is heavy. So, we asked why, and turns out their battery casing houses additional components like relays, switches and diagnostic sensors as well as the Lithium cells.
So just like the motor, use the table for reference, but know it isn’t providing a full picture. What matters most is the complete package including the Motor, mounts, props, batteries, connector cables, etc.
### Are Electric Outboards Better Than Gas?
With electric there is almost no maintenance and it’s much quieter compared to gas powered engines. And for the first time, we’re seeing motors with a power-to-weight ratio that rivals combustion engines—an impressive leap forward for electric boating.
However, electric still doesn’t have the range that gas does. In our opinion, the motors are there, but we need a leap in battery technology to fully bridge the gap.
But, depending on your body of water, electric may be your only option. Many lakes around the world have banned gas-powered boats (and more are talking of doing the same). The reasons vary, but most often it is because of environmental concerns and/or drinking water quality.
### Do We Like Our Electric Jet Tender?
Overwhelmingly yes! The range and power suit our needs well and there has NOT been even one time when we thought, "it would be really nice to have gas right now". But there have been numerous times we have been thankful to have a quiet motor, no prop to catch lines or debris and we are uber grateful not to be searching out and lugging gasoline back to the boat. We plan to do a full review of our tender, ground tackle and the electric jet propulsion soon. So stay tuned.
Have you already made the switch to electric or thinking about it? Let us know in the comments below!
### Behind The Scenes In San Antonio
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/behind-the-scenes-in-san-antonio/
Last updated: 2025-01-17T16:48:54.000Z
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### How Sailing Is Changing!
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/how-sailing-is-changing/
Last updated: 2025-01-12T14:00:14.000Z
Sailing has been slowly becoming more tech forward each year...but I think 2025 is going to be a big leap forward. Because every piece of gear seems to be getting design upgrades, sensors and apps.
We made our way to the biggest show in technology when it comes to all things maritime, the Metstrade in Amsterdam. It's like the CES of the boating world and it did not disappoint! And despite our best efforts, we didn't get to explore everything we wanted to. But, that's only because there was sooo much to dive into.
There are new innovations in just about every single area you can think of. We found new discoveries in lightning protection, anchor monitoring, anchoring, rigging, and even sensors that can tell you when it might be time to replace your rigging.🤯
So, if you are a boater, or even thinking of buying a boat (new or used), this episode is for you.
### New Year, New Plans (sort of)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/new-year-new-plans/
Last updated: 2025-01-05T14:00:47.000Z
Happy New Year!
I can't believe it's 2025! As a little kid I used to think we would all be living like the Jetsons by 2025\. And while we're not that far off, we're not exactly zooming around in flying suitcase cars yet either.
On the other hand, I never dreamed I would end up living on a sailboat like Sinbad either. So I suppose the takeaway is: life rarely goes the way we think it will.
With that sentiment in mind, we sat down to share where we are right now, some thoughts on 2024, what's next for us and what we *think* we are doing in 2025\.
---
If you didn't catch this one a few years ago, I take you back to my childhood home in West Texas. It might explain a lot...or at least it could surprise you.
[Road Trip To My Hometown - Gone With The WynnsIt’s been a long time since we’ve taken a road trip much less visited my hometown. And for the first time, I’m taking you with me.Gone With The WynnsNikki Wynn](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/road-trip-hometown/)
### Some of our faves from 2024
[Inside The Philippines Most Dangerous Wild FoodThis week we make our way to the island of Coron in norther part of Palawan. We sailed here after just one conversation about the most toxic yet profitable wild food in the Philippines. But you know us, we never turn down an invitation! We’re just too curious.Gone With The WynnsNikki Wynn](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/poisonous-but-profitable-wild-harvests-in-the-philippines/)
[The Island Of No Return (sailing the Philippines)Once upon a time not so long ago, there was a small island in the Philippines no sailor would dare venture to. Because despite it’s beauty, Culion was known by many notorious names; The Island of The Living Dead, The Island of Pain, The Island of No Return. The citizensGone With The WynnsNikki Wynn](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/island-of-no-return/)
[1000 Year Old Philippines Design (reviving the lost art of sailing)It’s a very rare occasion for us to tour a vessel designed over a thousand years ago. So rare in fact, it’s our first ever! Much less to be invited over by the builder and captain himself. But naturally, when such an opportunity does presents itself, we always show upGone With The WynnsNikki Wynn](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/1000-year-old-philippines-design-sailing/)
[FINDING SUNKEN TREASURE IN THE PHILIPPINESWe may have to make some major boat modifications soon, because treasure hunting could be our new full-time gig! Turns out the Philippines are one of the world’s biggest hotspots for shipwrecks and lost treasure. 🤯 As luck would have it, we meet a legendary sea explorer (we’re talkingGone With The WynnsJason](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/treasure-in-the-philippines/)
[This is what travel should feel likeGent is a city that, like its beer, hit us with its smooth complexity and charm. It’s a university town, that feels alive with youthful buzz. The coffee shops, cafes and seemingly every ornate corner was draped in wide eyed scholars. We heard accents and met students from all overGone With The WynnsNikki Wynn](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/gent-belgium-by-boat/)
### Tips & Tricks For Leaving The Boat
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/leaving-the-boat/
Last updated: 2024-12-29T14:00:45.000Z
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### Home For The Holidays
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/home-for-the-holidays/
Last updated: 2024-12-22T13:12:23.000Z
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### This is what travel should feel like
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/gent-belgium-by-boat/
Last updated: 2026-01-19T14:00:53.000Z
Gent is a city that, like its beer, hit us with its smooth complexity and charm. It's a university town, that feels alive with youthful buzz. The coffee shops, cafes and seemingly every ornate corner was draped in wide eyed scholars. We heard accents and met students from all over the world.
And the bikes...well, let's just say it’s a city where bicycles rule the streets as much as the centuries-old buildings. The locals ride like they were born on a bike, and then there was us. The travelers struggling to avoid running into something (or someone) because we're gawking at the views. But in our defense, the these medieval towers and crow stepped gables are worthy of gawking at.
Then, of course, there’s the beer. You can’t walk five feet without passing a café offering a beer list that was at times three hundred bottles strong. Whatever your poison is, it’s here.
Plus, it’s just sooo easy to slip into the groove of it all. Which was as simple as snacking on mussels and fries (not French fries, mind you, but Belgian fries), and watching the world go by.
Over the past few weeks, it feels like we've seen and done a lot. While at the same time, we haven't even scratched the surface of Belgium. But, its been just enough to wet our whistle and whet our appetite. We'll be back for more.
## Best Belgian Beers (we had this trip)
We kept a running list of every beer we tried and rated them on a scale of 1-10\. While I won't list out every beer we tried, here are the ones worth seeking out. Because these made the top of our list with an 8, 9, or 10\.
### 10 - Perfection In A Bottle
- Westveltren 12
- Gulden Draak Quadruple
- Delirium Blond 2024 barrel aged
### 9 - You Have Won My Heart
- Silly Scotch
- WESTVELTREN BLOND 9
- Herberg Bruin 9
- Delirium
- Gouden Carolus Imperial Dark 11%
### 8 - Never A Disappointing Sip
- Chimay Strong Blonde
- Adriaen Tripel
- St. Bernard 12
- Artevelde Grand Cru
- St Hubertus Tripel
- Paix Dieu tripel
- St. Idesbald donker 8
- Nonkel Pater
- Deugniet Goud Blond
- Westveltren 10
- Delirium 2023 Black Barrel Aged
- Liefmans Goudenband 8
- Chimay Grande Reserve
### New Year, New Project
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/new-year-new-project/
Last updated: 2024-12-13T01:25:52.000Z
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### The Only Country Where Beer is a UNESCO World Treasure
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/beer-is-a-unesco-world-treasure/
Last updated: 2024-12-08T14:00:01.000Z
If you told us a few months ago that we would be drinking beer, in a country where it is considered a *world cultural heritage*, we would have laughed (probably mid-sip of a Philippine ale). But here we are, [on a canal trip through Belgium](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/belgium-on-a-canal-boat/). And I can confidently say this country has elevated beer to an art form. And possibly a religion.
Now, before I go losing all my non beer drinkers, who are no doubt rolling their eyes, let me tell you: It’s not *just* beer. At least not here. It’s about the traditions, the people, and the passion. These brewers aren’t just making beer, it’s a way of life and an actual UNESCO-recognized heritage.
That’s right, for Belgian’s, beer is so engrained in their culture it’s protected like the Taj Mahal. And we are sipping our way through it. Because every barrel tells a story, and every brew is a tribute to craftsmanship passed down through generations. So give the video a watch and by the end, we hope you’ll better understand what we’re waxing on about.
> *If wine is the muse of France’s fine art,*
> *Then beer is Belgium’s beating heart.*
> *A symphony poured in amber and gold,*
> *A tapestry rich, a story retold.*
> *Where monks once whispered in corridors deep,*
> *Crafting secrets their barrels keep.*
> *From Trappist ales to lambic’s surprise,*
> *Each sip unveils where history lies.*
> *So, raise a glass, let the story flow,*
> *Of Belgium’s brews, where passions grow.*
> *For as wine to France is cherished near,*
> *To Belgium’s soul, there’s nothing like beer.*
### Our Accidental Marina Stay
If you want a marina off the beaten path when in Gent, then we can recommend Jachthaven GLV: [jachthavenglv.be](https://www.jachthavenglv.be/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) It may not have been our initially intended stop but it was kismet.
A big thanks to the marina manager and our new friend Lesley for spending time with a couple of beer enthusiastic travelers on your day off.
### Deliriously Good Time
Serendipity was seriously on our side in Gent. Because what are the odds that we would pop into a marina, get to chatting about our Delirium Brewery tour we had just booked, all while unknowingly standing next to the family owners! They could have simply said hello and gone about their evening but they didn't. They instantly invited us to join them for a beer. Belgian hospitality knows no bounds.
Thank you to the De Laet family and our fabulous guide Simon for a deliriously good time. Should you find yourself in Gent, and you should, make sure to take the full tour for yourself. Brewery Huyghe: [brouwerijhuyghe.be/en/visit](https://www.brouwerijhuyghe.be/en/visit?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### Ultimate Canal Boat Cruising (36 hours in Bruges)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/ultimate-canal-boat-cruising/
Last updated: 2024-11-24T14:00:20.000Z
Even when the mist is hanging thick and the sun is sleeping in, there’s a certain poetry to canal boat life. And it certainly doesn't take long to get in the flow of things.
Everything about the canals demand patience, from waiting for bridges to open to watching the boat rise and fall in a lock. Experiences like this remind us to slow down and just enjoy the little things. The rhythm of it slows our pulse—until it doesn’t. Because just when we think we're entering a lull, there's a freighter to dodge or another boat who needs a jumpstart. Never a dull moment when boating through Belgium.
We're only a couple of days into [living aboard this 37ft vessel](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/belgium-on-a-canal-boat/) and today we're floating into the "Venice of the North"…AKA Bruges.
Spoiler alert, it is everything people said it would be—bridges, towers, cobblestones, and charm that oozes around every corner. It’s touristy, sure, but deservedly so. It feels like stepping into a living museum that smells faintly of sugar, salt and malt. The buildings are painted with history, and the canals weave it all together. Sure, this isn't exactly the same Bruges traders and explores once hauled their spices and wool to 900 years ago. But according to UNESCO, it's as medieval as we're going to get in the 21st century.
In the moment and even looking back now, I think it might be the most beautiful city we've ever been to.
---
Did you miss last weeks video? The one where we moved aboard this canal boat? If so, here it is.
[Cruising Belgium On A Canal Boat (full tour)We’re not cruising the vast open ocean but we are navigating the floating existence that is canal boat life. In Belgium no less (home of the best beer in the world)! Because canals in Europe are the waters between worlds. They are a reminder of the interconnectedness of people, places,Gone With The WynnsNikki Wynn](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/belgium-on-a-canal-boat/)
### Charter Your Own Canal Boat
We found Le Boat through a general google search as we were looking into boat options here in Belgium. They have been offering up their boats for over 55 years, the prices were super affordable and they had last minute availability. So our search ended. They have river and canal boat locations in the UK, Ireland, all over Europe & Canada. So, if you fancy a trip of your own, check them out (no boating experience needed): [leboat.com](https://www.leboat.com/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### Cruising Belgium On A Canal Boat (full tour)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/belgium-on-a-canal-boat/
Last updated: 2024-11-17T14:00:47.000Z
We're not cruising the vast open ocean but we are navigating the floating existence that is canal boat life. In Belgium no less (home of the best beer in the world)! Because canals in Europe are the waters between worlds. They are a reminder of the interconnectedness of people, places, and even time itself. Which is why I think we are so drawn to them. European canals connect inland villages to the sea and flow from one country into another, like veins in the earth.
Traders and travelers have used these waterways for over 900 years and now, so will we. We're moving aboard a 37-foot purpose built vessel for novices like us wanting to cruise the canals. Aka, enough bumpers and fenders to take on the stone walls of any lock or bridge.
Join us for a full tour of our new home on the water, a few humbling bridge encounters and our first impressions of boat life in Belgium.
### Try Before You Buy
If you have never tried out boat life, chartering is the easiest way to test the waters. Be it on the ocean, river, lake or canal. If you are considering the lifestyle, we highly recommend trying BEFORE buying. Of course, if you have a friend with a boat, even better ([that's how we got started](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/kamping-adventure-san-diego/)). But, there is no substitute for the experience of being in charge of your own vessel.
### Charter Your Own Canal Boat
We found Le Boat through a general google search as we were looking into boat options here in Belgium. They have been offering up their boats for over 55 years, the prices were super affordable and they had last minute availability. So our search ended. We sent an email with a few questions and very quickly got a reply from a fan. Turns out, Le Boat watches our videos and very kindly offered up their Horizon 30 for our trip. Thank you Le Boat!
They have river and canal boat locations in the UK, Ireland, all over Europe (Scotland, we're coming for you) & Canada. So, if you fancy a trip of your own, check them out: [leboat.com](https://www.leboat.com/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### Our first Canal Experience
In the video, we gave a shout out to our friend [David of Cruising The Cut](https://www.youtube.com/@CruisingTheCut?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) for introducing us to canal boating and joining us for our first ever canal boat adventure on a narrowboat in the UK. If you missed those episodes, here they are. It was an incredible journey!
[THE ULTIMATE CANAL ADVENTURE BEGINS (full tour)Over the next couple of weeks, we’re going to be experiencing life on the canals as we navigate locks, bridges, tunnels, and aqueducts as we cross from the UK to Wales.Gone With The WynnsNikki Wynn](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/the-ultimate-canal-adventure-begins-full-tour/)
[DAILY LIFE ABOARD A CANAL BOAT (cruising Great Britain)Today, we’re going to become lock masters (or so we think). This isn’t our first time to navigate a canal or locks (hello Panama Canal). But we never operated the locks and when cruising on a narrowboat, it’s practically a part of daily life.Gone With The WynnsNikki Wynn](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/daily-life-aboard-a-canal-boat-cruising-great-britain/)
[Our Most EXCITING Day of NarrowboatingThis is our biggest day on the canals! We cross the highest aqueduct in the world, go through the longest, darkest tunnel in Wales and make our way to the source of it all, horseshoe falls.Gone With The WynnsNikki Wynn](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/our-most-exciting-day-of-narrowboating/)
### We Had to Leave our Boat...Here’s Why
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/we-had-to-leave-our-boat/
Last updated: 2024-11-10T14:00:04.000Z
When we took delivery and set sail for the Philippines nine months ago, we had no idea our journey would take such an unexpected turn. From sludge in our diesel engines, corrosion, stray current and discovering serious issues with our start batteries, this year has thrown us challenges we never could have anticipated.
So, in this week’s video we’re sharing why we had to step away from CURIOSITY for a bit, and how we’re finding a path forward.
### Boat Problems, Big and Small
We have a general list of cosmetic and typical new boat teething issues. A few cracks in the laminate here and there, we need a water drainage solution here, a frustratingly unreliable fridge, some delamination on our solar panels… But our small boat problems quickly spiraled into something much bigger. It has all escalated into issues that make sailing CURIOSITY feel unsafe.
### Stray Current & Strained Nerves
Our most serious issue stems from stray current. This elusive problem has been with us since day one, slowly corroding our boat’s metal components. The rusting and pitting, especially on our anchor and chain (critical equipment that keeps us safe on the water) have put us on edge when it comes to our vessel’s safety. Then of course, there are our overcharging AGM batteries that we discovered in our last video.
It's Gutting, having the trust in our vessel shaken so early on. Because when it comes to sailing, we must trust this vessel with our lives, anything less is reckless seamanship.
There is a lot of work to be done to regain that trust. So naturally, all these challenges have been frustrating and emotionally draining, especially since CURIOSITY is more than just a vessel—it’s our home, business, dream…
### Taking a Break From CURIOSITY
With so many issues going on, we realized that we needed to give HH Catamarans time to work through these warranty problems and to find solutions. So, after months tied up at the dock, we chose to step away from the boat for our own mental health.
Troubleshooting has been complex and taken much longer than anyone ever expected. BUT, HH has reassured us they are committed to solving the issues, making it right and extending our warranty for any components impacted by stray current. A promise that allows us to breathe a little easier as we wait for these repairs.
### A Spontaneous Trip to the Land of Spontaneous Fermentation, Belgium
Faced with unknown downtime, we decided to dust off a dream that’s been sitting in the back of Jason’s mind. Taste “the world’s best beer”, so we set off for Belgium! An unexpected but much-needed adventure that’s already been full of surprises (hello medieval cities by canal boat).
Plus, it gives us a good excuse to attend METS, the world’s largest marine technology show. So, if you have any gear or products that you want us to investigate, let us know!
After that??? We’re as in the dark about our next steps as you are—but the adventure continues no matter what happens. Thanks for being a part of it all with us!
### Taking an unexpected break…
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/taking-an-unexpected-break/
Last updated: 2024-11-03T18:23:06.000Z
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### Major Failure At Sea
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/major-failure-at-sea/
Last updated: 2025-12-28T14:12:03.000Z
**\*\*\*\*UPDATE\*\*\*\***
CURIOSITY² was a 2023 HH44 Sailing Catamaran. We documented everything from the build process, to handover and our short time living aboard. But, [it wasn’t all smooth sailing](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/major-failure-at-sea/) after we took delivery. Of course, all new boats have teething issues, especially with new designs or the first few boats off the line, but [CURIOSITY has had more than her fair share](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/we-had-to-leave-our-boat/). Which is not what we or HH expected. We came to an agreement and sold the vessel back to HH.
---
Life at sea always presents new challenges. And as sailors, we expect to [weather cyclones](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/surviving-cyclone-tonga/) and [battle big waves](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/biggest-waves-sea/) but those forces can be anticipated. It's the unforeseen that tests our resolve the most. Like getting a [huge hole in our boat](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/scariest-days-at-sea/) mid-passage or having [armed men jump aboard](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/pirate-territory-midnight-boarding/) at midnight. It's impossible to prepare ourselves for all the scenarios we've had, could have and will inevitably encounter.
But this passage was a real doozey, and may have knocked our [*huge hole in the boat*](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/scariest-days-at-sea/) moment out of first place for our scariest day at sea. Because navigating a sea full of debris with dying wind, no propulsion, sizzling batteries, and toxic fumes might take the cake. Spoiler alert, we survived.
All things considered, we were sooo incredibly fortunate it all happened on a calm morning, in a protected bay, during normal business hours, and just hours from our planned port of call. Had it been the middle of the night with rough seas and mid-ocean, this all could have been much, much worse.
The overcharging event should not have happened and it took us all by surprise. But, the team at HH Catamarans was on top of it the moment we called them. Thank you Paul, Ricardo, Chris, Jerry and the rest of the team for your swift and unwavering support at such a critical time. HH has assured us they are working on a solution that will ensure the same event does not happen again.
## Heaps Learned
Every passage teaches us something new and this one was chalk full of takeaways.
- **Rotten Eggs?** Everything we've ever read about warning signs that a battery is being overcharged, says to be aware of a rotten egg smell. But those fumes we experienced were just straight toxic burning chemical smells. They didn't remind us of rotten eggs at all. But now we know! And according to Jason, it smells like burning hair with too much hairspray. 😆🤷🏻♀️
- **Engine (and battery) Inspections** When at sea we do regular inspections and keep a log of engine temps, pressure, hours...and for the batteries we note the state of charge. But now, I will add a temperature check to that list. And you better believe we will install a battery temperature sensor that can be setup with an audible alarm.
- **External Regulator?** HH believes they understand what caused our overcharging event, and they are working on a solution. In the interim, we spoke to several electrical engineers that specialize in marine systems. After we explained the situation, 90% had the same answer: You need a smart external regulator attached to the alternator. Both Wakespeed and Balmar were mentioned as good options. But, we need to wait and see what HH's solution is first.
- **Face Masks** Typically we have some good face masks on board for sanding projects and such. But, because it's a new boat, we hadn't stocked up on any yet. They would have been helpful in this situation and we will make it a part of our standard tool kit.
- **Carbon Monoxide Detectors** Overcharging batteries don't emit Carbon Monoxide, however most carbon monoxide detectors will detect hydrogen fumes from batteries. We have smoke detectors and we purchased carbon monoxide detectors while in Cebu. BUT, we never thought to put one outside in the cockpit. We will now, because that is where the fumes hit first. Without any breeze, the fumes were being vented out of the engine compartment, caught in a wind eddy, then circled back into the cockpit!
### Good Friends Are Priceless Piece of Mind
We never feel alone, even when we're hundreds of miles out to sea. And knowing someone is watching our backs, on standby and ready to jump into action is a massive confidence boost.
We know our [Curiosity Crew](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/join-us/) is watching our [tracking map](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/map/) and reading our real time updates. If we needed anything, you guys would be all over it. Thank you!🤗
And then there is [Kent from Just Catamarans](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailboat-shopping-cruising-catamaran/). He is the guy that helped us find, buy, sail and refit our first catamaran. He is a rare and exceptional human we are fortunate enough to call our friend.
He has been our at sea emergency contact since our very first ocean crossing (which makes mom happy). He is the kind of guy that never turns his phone to "do not disturb" mode and always answers unknown numbers. Why? Because it could be us or one of his other sailing friends calling from a sat phone. He and the team at Just Cats have helped us through almost every major, and minor, boat emergency we've been faced with. Both Kent and Raf were both ready and waiting on standby should we need them. We don't say it enough: Thanks for being there for us guys. 👊🏼
---
⚡Our tools, fenders, headsets and more can all be found in our gear guides:
[Gear Guides For Sailing, RV’ing and Living Off The GridWe’re not encouraging you to buy stuff you don’t need, but any grand adventure requires some gear. We’ve been traveling full time since 2011 and have purchased a lot of gear that has stood the test of time and continues to travel with us.Gone With The Wynns](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/gear-guides/)
### In Bruges, By Le Boat
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/in-bruges-by-le-boat/
Last updated: 2024-10-23T19:54:21.000Z
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### Life At Sea, Never A Dull Moment
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/life-at-sea-never-a-dull-moment/
Last updated: 2024-10-20T13:00:03.000Z
Our final passage here in the Philippines continues. It's just the two of us again as we've said goodbye to our [coastie friends Mel and Coop](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/teaching-coasties-to-be-cruisers/). And don't you know, the moment we're out to sea and on our own again, that's when good ol' murphy's law starts to kick in. But hey, it wouldn't be boat life if there wasn't something to fix. Because a life at sea is anything but dull.
## BONUS
The boat projects this week inspired us to create two new [gear guides](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/gear-guides/) for you. We take requests. So if there is something you are itching to know about, let us know.
[Best Headsets for SailingHeadsets come in handy for calm communications while mooring, docking, going up the mast, putting up sails, working in an engine bay…Gone With The WynnsNikki Wynn](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/headsets-relationship-savers/)
[Tool Bag EssentialsThere are sooo many tools you MIGHT need on a boat. It’s easy to get swept up in thinking: I better buy this just in case. But those three words, just in case, can rule your life on a boat. Before you know it you’re carrying a thousand pounds ofGone With The WynnsJason](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tool-bag/)
**And…here’s the mini bluetooth temperature sensors we use.**
These little guys are super affordable and have been incredibly helpful! We can monitor the indoor and outdoor temp and humidity anywhere in the boat. Including monitoring the fridge/freezer temps.
Plus, we have watched what happens when we try out different settings on our AC. Which has helped us determine the best setting for dehumidification and power use. We can keep an eye on temps inside our tech spaces. We can see how hot it gets where we store paint and general chemicals. And of course, we can monitor temp and humidity inside our fridge when we think it's not working right.
Another cool feature is how we can have preset ranges for temp and humidity on the app. Then we get alerts if anything is out of our set range.
- **Buy Them From Amazon:** [https://amzn.to/3LknrkP](https://amzn.to/3LknrkP?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### Headsets (relationship savers)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/headsets-relationship-savers/
Last updated: 2024-10-19T07:44:32.000Z
We had always glossed over the idea of headsets. They seemed a bit over the top…like something only super-yachts or race boats used. But, my oh my, how wrong we were.
Our lightbulb moment came while we were sailing with our friends aboard [Ticket To Ride](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/we-moved-on-the-ultimate-performance-catamaran-full-tour/). We watched them calmly work together to pull up anchor and set sail so effortlessly, it was inspiring.
They didn't have to rely on hand signals (although they still used them) and there were none of the oh so typical "I can't hear you" or "stop yelling at me". They could focus on the task at hand instead of making hand signals. Then of course, they could actually hear each other. No matter how loud the wind was (or the extra crew), there were no miscommunications or delays on actions or quick maneuver's needed. By the end of our two weeks together, we knew we had to have a set for ourselves.
We've found our headsets come in handy for calm communications while catching a mooring ball, docking, going up the mast, putting up sails, working in a tech space or in an engine bay...and I could go on and on.
There's no more yelling from opposite ends of the boat. Or getting so frustrated with your first mate for not doing what you need, that you throw them overboard.
There are several brands and options out there. But we learned there are a few key things you want to look for.
- **Mesh:** This creates a network between all the comms devices, so an entire group can communicate on one network. Basically a Bluetooth connection is only between 2 headsets, and a mesh network allows more than 2\. This is great if you have crew on board.
- **Fit:** Not to big, not to small, but just right. They have to be comfortable or you won't want to wear them. Some fit like a pair of headphones a DJ would wear. Which is great if you are a DJ but not if you have lines whipping around your head and still want to hear what's happening around you. Some resemble in ear pods that would pair with your phone. Those are too flimsy and bound to fall out.
- **Noise Reduction:** Some have automatic noise reduction built in to reduce wind or other ambient noises. Just to be clear, noise reduction is not noise cancelling. It's important to be able to hear what's happening around you on a boat, if you remove all background noise it would not be safe.
After a lot of searching, I landed on headsets from SENA. They sit on the ears (they don't go over the ears) so you can still hear ambient noise. For example, if someone from the dock your approaching is trying to communicate with you. The band across the back of the head keeps the headset securely on our noggins, even while doing "boat yoga" in a bilge or anchor locker. They are purpose built for high wind and they reduce background noise. So we can hear each other no matter what's getting thrown at us. But don't worry, there is a mute button...and trust me, it's handy.
- Multisport (most affordable): [amzn.to/3Bihp2h](https://amzn.to/3Bihp2h?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Crew Headset (most waterproof): [amzn.to/3TKRxCm](https://amzn.to/3TKRxCm?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
On Ticket To Ride they used the Eartech headsets. The audio was clear, they have a removeable battery for easy charging, they are comfortable to wear and the overall quality was good. The headset only covers one ear, leaving the other ear open to hear ambient noise. A quick flip up of the microphone and it goes into mute mode. We ultimately decided against these because they were bulky, and near the end of our trip, a line hit the headset, flipped it off Frank's head and threw it into the water...unfortunately it was not waterproof. But, if over the ear style is your preference I can solidly recommend these as a good option.
- Eartech Ultralite: [amzn.to/4h0AQ05](https://amzn.to/4h0AQ05?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- They now offer a similar product to the SENA, if you want to compare: [amzn.to/4eFqctU](https://amzn.to/4eFqctU?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### We left CURIOSITY for Belgium
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/we-left-curiosity-for-belgium/
Last updated: 2024-10-13T16:12:36.000Z
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### A Search & Rescue Expert Explains
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/safety-at-sea/
Last updated: 2024-10-16T08:03:25.000Z
Sailing across a giant and seemingly endless stretch of ocean is an adventure like no other! BUT it comes with a fair set of risks. Even the saltiest of sailors with impeccable seamanship can find themselves in a unfortunate situation.
Luckily, we've had a couple of [US Coast Guard Veterans on our passage from Cebu to Siargao Island](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/teaching-coasties-to-be-cruisers/). And while we've been showing them a slice of cruiser life, they have shared invaluable tips that could save us a lot of embarrassment, stress, pain and potentially our lives.
Coop has spent his entire professional career in the USCG and is a Search and Rescue Specialist. He shares some cautionary tales, busts some of the myths we've been told over the years, and gives us a couple of invaluable resources for world cruisers. Plus, this was just a really good excuse to evaluate our safety gear and procedures with a pro.
We have done our best to compile as much of the information as we could into this video and post. Because should any of us ever find ourselves in a situation at sea, we don't want to make any silly mistakes that could leave us stranded.
> My hope is that emergency beacon users understand that a properly powered, registered and readily accessible EPIRB or PLB could be the difference between life and death in a maritime distress situation. There is no substitute. Have confidence that your closest Rescue Coordination Center will find someone to come rescue you. It might take a while, so hang in there. Someone will be coming. - Kevin "Coop" Cooper
## **Biggest Takeaways**
- **You can contact the coast guard about almost anything.**
- They operate rescue co-ordination centers that cover much of the world. These SAR locations can coordinate help from any available source be it advice from a medical professional, fuel or a tow from Good Samaritan nearby, a commercial operator or the coast guard themselves.
- **Don't wait until the situation becomes dire.**
- Contact the coast guard as soon as you have a situation you are concerned about. At a minimum they can keep an eye on you and check in to make sure nothing has escalated.
- **Know who to call…because location matters.**
- There are search and rescue centers all over the world, managed by all types of authorities. It's good to have a phone number and email address at the ready for both your home port and the hubs along your intended route. Here are two websites that are super easy to use so you can locate the best SAR center
## Find Rescue Coordination Centers Worldwide
- Global Sar Hub: [globalsarhub.com/sea-sar](https://www.globalsarhub.com/sea-sar.html?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Search And Rescue Contacts: [sarcontacts.info](https://sarcontacts.info/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
## Understanding Rescue Protocols
Knowing how to signal for help and knowing what to expect can make an emergency situation far less scary and intimidating. It can also help expedite rescue efforts. Both of these websites are fantastic resources.
- US Coast Guard’s Boating Safety: [uscgboating.org](https://www.uscgboating.org/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- International Maritime Organization (IMO): [imo.org](http://www.imo.org/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
## Emergency Location Beacons
There are several brands and options out there. But, here are the ones we've chosen. We chose a simple EPIRB since we have the top of the line PLBs integrated into our life jackets.
- EPIRB: [amzn.to/4gRa760](https://amzn.to/4gRa760?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- PLB + GPS + AIS (these go inside our life jackets): [amzn.to/3ZJkPoZ](https://amzn.to/3ZJkPoZ?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### Information we provide when registering our beacon.
When registering, there is an option to provide specific details and a link. In a search and rescue situation, we want to provide them with as much helpful information as possible. And visuals are incredibly helpful. So, we write out the basics in the registration description, but we include a link to a cloud file that includes documents with full descriptions and photos of:
- Vessel
- Tender
- Paddle Boards
- Safety gear on board
- All Crew members & their emergency contacts
- Our Next of Kin and Important Contacts
- Our [Tracking Map](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/map/)
## Lifejacket
Not all lifejackets are created equal, not all are meant for offshore, and not all of them are designed for a PLB+AIS device. This is one piece of equipment as ocean crossing sailors we don't compromise on: [amzn.to/47S96q8](https://amzn.to/47S96q8?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
## **Other Offshore Safety Gear**
There's lots more to consider like life raft, flares, medical kits, go-bags, inflatable markers, etc... But that's a subject for another video and post. So if that's something you are interested in, please let us know.
## **Did We Forget Something?**
If you know of a resource we should add or an important piece of information we're missing here, please let us know! Because as Coop said, it's all about helping each other be better mariners.
### Is Living On A Boat Worth It?
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/is-living-on-a-boat-worth-it/
Last updated: 2024-09-29T13:00:40.000Z
Is living on a boat *really* worth it? Are the rewards of sailing around the world worth all the work? These are questions we get asked all the time. It's also what Mel and Coop, our seasoned Coast Guard veterans, wanted to find out when they signed up as our [Curiosity Crew.](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/join-us/) Because they are beautifully rooted in Hawaii but are contemplating setting sail on a boat of their own.
So, after a full week of sailing with wild tides, unsettled weather, and anchoring challenges, we find out. Is liveaboard life what they expected? Did we crush their dreams or further fuel the fire?
---
Looking for the headsets we use or maybe our favorite sailing apps? You'll find it all in our [Gear Guides](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/gear-guides/):
[Gear Guides For Sailing, RV’ing and Living Off The GridWe’re not encouraging you to buy stuff you don’t need, but any grand adventure requires some gear. We’ve been traveling full time since 2011 and have purchased a lot of gear that has stood the test of time and continues to travel with us.Gone With The Wynns](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/gear-guides/)
### Solar Panel Situation Explained
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/solar-panel-situation-explained/
Last updated: 2024-09-28T07:48:03.000Z
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### Teaching Coasties To Be Cruisers
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/teaching-coasties-to-be-cruisers/
Last updated: 2024-09-29T03:32:54.000Z
After a whirlwind month of [warranty work at the HH factory](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/what-happened-to-our-catamaran/), we’re finally ready to set sail again! But we won't be taking on this next leg of the journey alone.
We’ve invited two [new crew members on board](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/next-country-crew-opportunity/), seasoned Coast Guard veterans who have spent their careers at sea—but they’re spankin' new to the world of liveaboard life. They’ve been dreaming of a different kind of life at sea, one with the kind of remote island adventures you can only experience from a sailboat (we know that feeling).
And we were curious to see how well-seasoned mariners would handle the uncharted waters of passage making as a cruiser.
So join us for our first few days back in our home and back at sea. We say goodbye to the island of Cebu and head for the typhoon-free zone of Mindanao. Which will be our final destination here in the Philippines.
A huge thanks to Mel and Coop, and all of you who are a part of our supporting [Curiosity Crew](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/#/portal/signup). These videos are possible because of you. Stay tuned for more crew opportunities like this coming up.
### What Happened To Our New Catamaran?
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/what-happened-to-our-catamaran/
Last updated: 2025-12-23T10:00:03.000Z
**\*\*\*\*UPDATE\*\*\*\***
CURIOSITY² was a 2023 HH44 Sailing Catamaran. We documented everything from the build process, to handover and our short time living aboard. But, [it wasn’t all smooth sailing](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/what-happened-to-our-catamaran/) after we took delivery. Of course, all new boats have [teething issues](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/major-failure-at-sea/), especially with new designs or the first few boats off the line, but [CURIOSITY has had more than her fair share](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/we-had-to-leave-our-boat/). Which is not what we expected.
Considering this vessel was both our home and our business, the disruption to both was just too much and we needed to go another direction.
We came to an agreement and sold the vessel back to HH.
---
We’re in Cebu, Philippines at the HH Catamarans factory for our first round of warranty repairs. Sadly, things didn’t go as expected.
The boat wasn’t in great shape, many of the jobs didn’t get done, and not all the work done was up to spec.
This is a new factory for HH, and CURIOSITY is the first finished boat they have worked on. So, it was a bit painful and it took far longer than expected. Let's just say it was a series of unfortunate events for all of us.
As you can imagine, everyone at HH feels TERRIBLE about the whole situation. They have assured us that they stand behind their product and their customers.
The Cebu factory now has new management, new systems in place, additional experts (especially in the finishing departments), enhanced training programs and it has undergone major infrastructure changes. Just before we left, we were able to meet Rudy, the new general manager. He is an impressive gentleman with 24 years in design and manufacturing in the marine, automotive, aerospace and defense industries. He shared some of his grand plans for the Cebu factory and I do believe him when he says all future work will be up to the high standards HH is known for.
So, while it has been a very stressful and expensive five plus weeks of living out of hotels. We are happy to be back in our home and preparing for our next big passage. Plus, we get to share the journey with some of you, our Curiosity Crew!
Life is a wild ride, thanks for riding this roller coaster with us.
### Why We Haven't We Moved in 7 Weeks.
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/why-we-havent-we-moved-in-6-weeks/
Last updated: 2024-09-04T13:00:47.000Z
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### Let The Warranty Work Begin...
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/let-the-warranty-work-begin/
Last updated: 2024-09-01T13:00:28.000Z
We have finally made it to the HH Catamarans factory in Cebu. This has been the longest 469 mile sail of my life! (slight exaggeration) But it very well may be our slowest. 🐌 With minimal wind, our current prop pitch and sick engines, most days we only averaged 4 to 5kts.
But, that is why we are here! We are eager to get our motors diagnosed, our prop pitch adjusted and soooo much more.
The good news is, because we had so many chill days of motor sailing, we've been able to keep up with video editing, pack all our belongings away and prepare the boat for haul out.
We will dive deeper into all the service items in the next episode. Because I know you are all eager to know the full scope of the work being done. And, if you stay until the bitter end of the video, there's a bit of a spoiler as to what's next.
### Dentist & Dermatologist
Getting good recommendations for doctors as a traveler can be hard. Luckily the local sailing community in the Philippines is a welcoming and helpful bunch. So we've been very fortunate! (Thank you Ed and Hector!) If you find yourselves in Cebu and need a dentist or dermatologist, we had a fantastic experience with both these doctors.
- Dermatologist: Dr. Hope Solano, +63 0917 104 7494
- Dentist: Dr. Danny Borromeo, +63 032 238 4303
### Self-Tacking Staysail: not just for heavy weather
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/self-tacking-staysail/
Last updated: 2024-08-28T13:31:37.000Z
_This post is for subscribers only._
### The Mental Game Is Hard, Sailing Is Easy
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/mental-is-hard-sailing-is-easy/
Last updated: 2024-08-25T13:00:58.000Z
We're on the final stretch of our sail to Cebu for warranty work. It's been seven days so far, but it feels like we've been at this 5am anchor up, sail/motor all day, and anchor down at 5pm routine for weeks.
Our haul out date is growing closer and the health of our engines is in question. The wind hasn't been helping us out much, so there's no time for taking it easy or exploring. At this point, our only mission is to get there. But it seems each day presents new challenges.
The last time we left you, we had a terrifying midnight boarding. It turned out to be the coast guard but still, the event left us more jittery than a quad shot of espresso. Which of course, nothing makes every obstacle feel more challenging than a little sleep deprivation.
Let the (mental) games begin.
Because don't you know, just when we needed a solid anchorage for a good nights rest...
Land and sand every where, nary a patch for me.
### Sailing In Pirate Territory (midnight boarding)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/pirate-territory-midnight-boarding/
Last updated: 2024-08-18T13:00:43.000Z
The Sulu Sea has been one of the most dangerous bodies of water in the world since the pre-colonial era. And while it is arguably safter than it has ever been, the risks are still very real and mostly concentrated to certain areas known as Red Zones.
Sailing through, or around, the Southern Sulu Sea is to be done very cautiously. We are avoiding the Red Zones but we are getting close as we sail south to Cebu. So, when a group of armed men tried boarding our vessel at midnight, we were preparing ourselves for the worst. 🫣
Luckily, we get to think of this experience as a test, or a practice drill. But certainly its had us running through our emergency procedure protocol!
## Safety At Sea - Avoiding Pirates
While each sailor has their own "how I would defend myself if" scenarios, we're not going to get into all of that. But we don't mind sharing some of how we decide what bodies of water to sail through.
How safe an ocean, or country, is for sailors isn't as simple as checking for travel advisories. It takes a bit more digging but seems to get a little easier every year (thanks internet).
In general, we try to get a broad view of the area we are sailing to and then dial it in. Websites like ReCaap focus mostly on cargo and big ships but they have a lot of good info, alerts, training videos and incident reports. We check our governments maritime, coast guard and travel websites plus our intended destination and the EU & AU sites too. Since our vessel is [registered with the Marshall Islands](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/why-we-did-not-register-our-boat-in-the-usa/), we also get regular email updates from their offices.
Social media is fantastic for connecting with anyone else who has, or is sailing the area. Because local knowledge is always the best! And of course once we've landed in a new country we chat with local boaters, ask at the chandlery, a marina or just about anyone that we see hanging out on the water. Even a good pub can be a helpful place to get the scoop on what's good and what should be skipped.
We also keep an eye on local news to stay up to date on any new unrest that pops up (Facebook is a big news source used by most countries).
Honestly, even a quick search of "how safe is it to sail in \_\_\_\_" will give you a decent jump start when it comes to route planning.
It's easy enough to find out about the Red Zones and simply avoid them. Outside of those hotspots, the number of pirate attacks and kidnappings against sailors in private vessels are incredibly rare. We are far more likely to get struck by lightning, get in a car accident or attacked by a feral animal on land!
So, we do our research, prepare ourselves as best as possible and sail on. Because...
> Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. **Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure**. The fearful are caught as often as the bold. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. -Helen Keller
### Best Sailing Apps
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/best-sailing-apps/
Last updated: 2025-01-28T17:41:41.000Z
We are taking a break from our regularly scheduled episode this week but, we do have a special, crew only video just for you.
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### Sailing When We NEVER Thought We Could (our full sail plan)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sail-plan/
Last updated: 2024-10-11T05:39:12.000Z
Our 469 mile passage across the Sulu Sea has been an unexpected challenge. Because these border line doldrum, *never-above-10-knots-of-wind* days are putting CURIOSITY to the test.
We wanted a boat that would sail on the days we never could before (light wind). And surprisingly, we've been able to keep a decent pace on days we didn't think we would be able to sail at all (only 5-8 knots of wind). Which has made this whole passage with compromised engines, a lot less stressful.
We haven't talked much about performance, our sails or general setup yet. Mostly because we've been waiting until we had used everything (more than once). And we have been using every single sail we have. Sometimes, all in one day.
So, if you're ready for a deep dive into CURIOSITY'S sail plan, how it compares to our old boat and what we feel we're missing…this one is for you.
### CURIOSITY 1
She was a 2005 Leopard 43 and we only had a mainsail (a 15 year old one at that), genoa and an asymmetrical spinnaker. That basic set up got us almost halfway around the world and across some fairly gnarly patches of ocean. But, that doesn't mean we didn't wish we had more in the toolbox!
### The AHA Moment!
We really owe a lot of credit to our friends aboard [s/v Ticket To Ride](https://hh55tickettoride.com/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) for helping us figure out which sails we wanted. Frank and Mary Grace took us out to sea one day with the sole purpose of seeing every single sail they had in action. We learned sooo much that day.
[This Is Why We Want A Performance Catamaran!Why let go of our perfectly good cruising catamaran to get a go-fast boat? Spoiler alert, it has nothing to do with racing or going fast. It’s all about maximizing the journey.Gone With The WynnsNikki Wynn](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/this-is-why-we-want-a-performance-catamaran/)
### 💨HH44 CURIOSITY Sail Plan
We wanted an arsenal for *almost* any conditions. Because sailing is our primary mode of propulsion and we can sail A LOT faster than we can motor. Plus, with hydrogeneration, we can pump a lot of power back into our battery bank while we are sailing.
Our biggest concerns were all about keeping it light, easy to handle (because it's just the two of us) and honestly...easy to trim (because we like good shape but we're not experts). Which is how we ended up with [Doyle Stratis](https://www.doylesails.com/innovation/stratis-technology/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) sails and [C-Tech Battens](https://www.c-techcomposites.com/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com).
As you can see from our crossover chart below, we're pretty good for most conditions. We haven't splurged for a J1 or a storm sail yet (Dear Santa). We were kind of hoping we wouldn't ever need them. And we're still holding on to that thought for the storm sail. We figure with satellite internet, we can avoid that kind of weather (wishful thinking, I know).
#### Main Sail ↓
- AREA: 74 sqm
- LUFF: 16.9 m
- FOOT: 6.0 m
- Reef Points: 3 (Karver Hook System)
- Doyle Stratis 1100: Carbon Fiber and Technora Primary Fibers
- Battens: [C-Tech carbon fiber](https://www.c-tech.co.nz/products/sail-battens?ref=gonewiththewynns.com), 7 internal batten pockets and patches
#### Solent (Jib) ↓
- AREA: 51 sqm
- Range: 42 - 125 degrees TWA and 4 - 25 knots AWS
- LUFF: 17.5 m
- FOOT: 6.6 m
- 1 Reef Patch (yes, because we're cruisers and maybe one day we get lazy and want to just furl reef)
- Doyle Stratis 1100: Carbon Fiber and Technora Primary Fibers
#### ****Self Tacking Staysail** ↓
- AREA: 26 sqm
- Range: 42 - 135 degrees TWA and 18 - 37 knots AWS
- LUFF: 14.1 m with Uni Directional Luff Sling
- FOOT: 4.0 m
- Doyle Stratis 1100: Carbon Fiber and Technora Primary Fibers
#### ****Cableless Reacher** ↓
- AREA: 106 sqm
- Range: 50 - 135 degrees TWA and 4 - 18 knots AWS
- LUFF: 18.3 m
- FOOT: 10.4 m
- Stratis 1100: Carbon Fiber and Technora Primary Fibers
- No Torsional cable required (love it!)
- Our unique stripes are Doyles Sail Art. It is a digital print on the outside surface of the sail.
#### ****Furling Asymmetric Spinnaker** ↓
- AREA: 134 sqm
- Range: 75 - 150 degrees TWA and 4 - 15 knots AWS
- LUFF: 18.7m
- FOOT: 10.0m
- Sailcloth: Contender Superkote 150
HH44 CURIOSITY Sail Crossover Chart
### Life At Sea: Chill Mornings In The Galley
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/breakfast-routine/
Last updated: 2024-07-29T00:53:53.000Z
This week we're doing something a little different. Join us for a relaxed morning in the galley as we go through our typical rituals and recipes. We talk about our favorite kitchen gear, share some thoughts on how our galley is set up and how our appliances are working out so far. #TeamDishwasher
## Nut Milk Recipe
I use a 1:3 ratio. But play with the amounts to find your preferred thickness and taste. And try it with different seeds, nuts and grains because it works with: walnut, cashew, almond, hemp seed, macadamia, hazelnut, fresh coconut meat, flax seed, pistachio, sesame...
- 1 cup of nuts
- 3 cups of water (2 cups if you want it more like cream or half and half / 4 cups if you want a 2% milk style)
**OPTIONAL INGREDIENTS**
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or [vanilla bean paste](https://amzn.to/3YgfVPz?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) is even tastier if you can get it!)
- 1 tablespoon of your fave sweetener (honey, maple syrup, sugar, dates...)
- Pinch of salt
In this video we're making Cashew Nut Milk. If you didn't catch our story about how wild cashews are harvested in the Philippines, give it a watch! It will completely change how you think about cashews.
[Inside The Philippines Most Dangerous Wild FoodThis week we make our way to the island of Coron in norther part of Palawan. We sailed here after just one conversation about the most toxic yet profitable wild food in the Philippines. But you know us, we never turn down an invitation! We’re just too curious.Gone With The WynnsNikki Wynn](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/poisonous-but-profitable-wild-harvests-in-the-philippines/)
**Galley Equipment**
- Undeniably The Best Blender: [https://amzn.to/3SrVFGV](https://amzn.to/3SrVFGV?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Personal Blender (the one I would have purchased if it were available here): [https://amzn.to/4ddKGJL](https://amzn.to/4ddKGJL?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Nut Milk Strainer: [https://amzn.to/4fmIMrC](https://amzn.to/4fmIMrC?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Sealed Milk Canister (or salad dressing shaker): [https://amzn.to/46lY0Jk](https://amzn.to/46lY0Jk?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Milk Frother: [https://amzn.to/3y32asY](https://amzn.to/3y32asY?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**Coffee**
- Easiest, Compact, Grind & Brew, One-Cup Machine: [https://amzn.to/3A0s7Kc](https://amzn.to/3A0s7Kc?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
## **Go To Oat Muffins**
(made with whatever else I can get my hands on: bananas, plantain, nuts, nut pulp, fresh shredded coconut, chocolate chips...)This recipe makes 12 muffins.
**Ingredients**
- 1½ cups rolled oats
- 1 cup whole milk (or coconut milk: [https://amzn.to/3A3Arcg](https://amzn.to/3A3Arcg?ref=gonewiththewynns.com))
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 (or 1/2 cup if you prefer sweeter muffins) packed brown sugar (muscovado)
- 2 large eggs lightly beaten
- 1 large banana/plantain or 2 smaller ones
- Nut pulp left over from nut milk (I have used up to 3/4 a cup with no issues nor need to vary the other ingredients.)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1¼ teaspoons baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
**Instructions**
Preheat the oven to 425F.
In a large bowl, stir together the oats and milk. Add the brown sugar, oil, and eggs. Stir to combine.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. (You'll notice I didn't bother to do this in the video, I am a lazy cook with recipes I know well. But doing this in a separate bowl means your dry ingredients are better distributed.)
Add the flour mixture and stir together just until combined. Divide the batter among the muffin pan.
Bake for 7 minutes at 425F. Reduce the oven temperature to 350F and continue baking for 10 to 12 minutes or until the centers are springy to the touch and the muffins are golden brown. If you are using convection or similar, cut back on your baking time accordingly.
**Galley Equipment**
- Silicone Muffin Pan: [https://amzn.to/46l5FY8](https://amzn.to/46l5FY8?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Good Silicone Spatula: [https://amzn.to/3WGLFvO](https://amzn.to/3WGLFvO?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**Other Items Mentioned**
- Vintage Style Silicone Placemat: [https://amzn.to/4cY1Yu6](https://amzn.to/4cY1Yu6?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Food Safe Silicone Sealant: [https://amzn.to/3y4scMt](https://amzn.to/3y4scMt?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
Check out all of our galley gadgets and gear here:
[All Electric Off-Grid KitchenWe’ve been living off-grid as nomads for over a decade. To say we’ve learned a lot over the years would be an understatement. Our traveling homes have gone from: glamping in our gold 1985 Volkswagon Vanagon (back when Jason’s hair was longer than mine), to four differentGone With The WynnsNikki Wynn](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/electric-off-grid-kitchen/)
I made the video below 9 years ago (my cherry hair phase🙈) and the tips still hold up today...including my non-slip, no scratch, no rattle trick of using silicone sealant on the bottom of dishes.
[Simple Tricks to Make Any Dishes RV SafeA couple of nifty tricks I’ve found to make any dishes RV safe! Because I don’t believe in drinking wine from plastic cups and eating off paper plates.Gone With The WynnsNikki Wynn](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tricks-to-make-dishes-rv-safe/)
#### 🙏 YOU MAKE THESE VIDS POSSIBLE
Thank you for watching! Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### All Electric Off-Grid Kitchen
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/electric-off-grid-kitchen/
Last updated: 2026-07-19T10:20:45.000Z
We’ve been living off-grid as nomads for over a decade. To say we’ve learned a lot over the years would be an understatement. Our traveling homes have gone from: glamping in our gold 1985 Volkswagon Vanagon (back when Jason’s hair was longer than mine), to four [different RV’s](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/rvin/), to [sailing catamarans](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/sailing-lifestyle/) to now living aboard an aluminium explorer yacht (and sometimes our [self-built van](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/stealth-van-build/)).
No matter what type of traveling home we have, the galley is our communal center point. We love food, we love cooking and we love making an event out of it. We can make a whole day revolve around what eventually ends up on the dinner table. Spearfishing, foraging…a trip to the farmers market, it’s all part of the adventure.
So, without further ado, here is a running list of our fave floating (or rolling) kitchen appliances, gadgets and gear.
We're only a few months into living aboard UNDRA, so we'll keep updating the list as we go.
## Dishwasher
A good dishwasher is at the top of Jason's galley "must haves" (and all of [#TeamJason](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/10-year-battle-over-a-dishwasher/)). We've tried a lot of different units and this small but mighty Siemens (SR45ZS09MS) is impressive. It’s big enough to hold a full service for 6 people (big plates, small plates, cups, mugs, flatware...) but compact. Plus it's quiet and does an excellent job.
## Coffee (and Tea)
Continuing along the theme of "must haves". We’re pour over people. We prefer light and bright coffee and Jason loves the morning ritual that comes with using the v60\. But what we’ve learned over the years is: Hand-pour intimidates guests and high-quality light roast coffee is difficult to find as we travel.
When it came time to outfit our coffee nook, we went down a month-long rabbit hole learning way more than we ever wanted to about espresso machines, grinders, and coffee makers. We ultimately landed on the Fellow Suite of equipment because it’s the perfect balance of craft and ease. Jason can dial in a sweet [high-altitude Panama pour-over](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/geisha-most-expensive-coffee/), yet a complete novice can batch brew a large pot of [Uganda medium roast](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/cup-of-something-unexpected/).
- **Ode 2 Grinder** [amzn.to/4wNv4G3](https://amzn.to/4wNv4G3?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) – It all starts with a good grind. This grinder is compact and surprisingly quiet. It is the best all-around grinder allowing us to dial in a V60, French Press, and even espresso grind (if we decide to purchase one in the future). \*\*Do NOT purchase a “GbW” (Grind by Weight) any movement will mess up the built-in scale and over/under grind the amount of coffee.
- **Aiden Drip Brewer** [amzn.to/3RKkr7Y](https://amzn.to/3RKkr7Y?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) – Step by step guided brewing instructions so anyone can brew a good cup. Precision temperatures, bloom, pulse and dual shower head for good extraction. Full custom brew profiles to dial in and repeat that perfect cup.
- **Kettle** [amzn.to/3RDQI0x](https://amzn.to/3RDQI0x?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) – Jason wanted the Stagg for precision pour-over, but Nikki wanted a faster spout for teas. The Corvo EKG Pro is a good compromise, plus it’s less fragile and space hungry…which is important on a boat.
- **Coffee Scale** \- [amzn.to/4vDW21V](https://amzn.to/4vDW21V?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) We like the Timemore scale, it’s affordable, accurate, and won’t shut off halfway through measuring your pour.
We still highly recommend these options:
- **Jura C9** [amzn.to/44UiwRv](https://amzn.to/44UiwRv?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) Our Ena 4 (on the last boat) was compact and awesome, but in Europe they discontinued it and eventually came out with the C9 after we purchased our setup. It’s the best compact bean to cup automatic machine.
- **Hario V60** [amzn.to/4f8EWnW](https://amzn.to/4f8EWnW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) Affordable, compact, tasty light roast extractions.
- **Aeropress** [amzn.to/4f9bj5X](https://amzn.to/4f9bj5X?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) Best brewer to “clean up” a mediocre coffee.
## Stove Top
Our Stove Top is a Kenyon Bridge Induction. It's a proper 4 burner stove, with evenly spaced out burners, works great and doesn't scorch pans. I have zero complaints about it. Best induction cooktop we've ever had.
Induction cooking is all-around better than any electric, gas, or propane stove I have ever tried. Plus it's very energy-efficient, creates less heat, cooks faster, has better temperature control and is way safer than cooking with gas.
## Fave Pots & Pans
Induction cooking does require special pans. You’ll need cast iron, magnetic stainless steel or essentially any pan that a magnet will stick to. Copper, aluminum, glass, and non-magnetic stainless steel (including 18/10 and 18/8) cookware won’t work.
- Frying Pans: [https://amzn.to/3zW9qam](https://amzn.to/3zW9qam?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Pots: [https://amzn.to/4c0uNVp](https://amzn.to/4c0uNVp?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Stove Top Pressure Cooker (a must for rice, beans and soups): [https://amzn.to/4dhAS0B](https://amzn.to/4dhAS0B?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
## Oven
We have a basic compact oven with microwave function from Ikea. So far so good. But my favorite (and the one I would buy today) is the Breville Smart Oven. They have different sizes depending on how much space you have and they work exceptionally well.
Smart Oven: [https://amzn.to/3SqJdqK](https://amzn.to/3SqJdqK?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
Most of the time it is just the two of us, so we decided to get a very small toaster oven. Because we like toast and a toaster oven is so multifunctional. We ended up with the Safecourt 6-in-1 Power Oven. Which is almost identical to the Our Place Wonder Oven. It's the smallest toaster oven we could find that had an air fry option and wasn't an eye sore in the galley.
## Storage & Accessories
Silwy is not cheap but has some insanely smart, boat and camper friendly and space saving magnetic galley ware. In our van we have A LOT of Silwy (paper towel holder, spice jars, plates, bowls...). On the boat, we use the spice jars and the magnet POWER Bundles for all our counter top gadgets. You can order similar magnets online but theirs are really the best.
If you use our discount code **WYNNS,** you'll get **10% off** your order: [https://silwy.de/wynns](https://silwy.de/wynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### Food Storage
I am a big fan of the collapsible silicone food storage containers. They are plastic free, lightweight and space saving: [https://amzn.to/4wdgOXk](https://amzn.to/4wdgOXk?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### Fruit and Veggie Keepers
We find fruit and veggies last a lot longer if we clean and store them in vented storage tubs in the fridge. The basket keeps water from sitting, the vents allow for some air flow, keeps mold from creeping in, but still keeps the food plump and hydrated. Plus, it makes for an organized fridge.
These are not the exact tubs we have (can't find them online) but they would work the same.
- [https://amzn.to/3YBBCcK](https://amzn.to/3YBBCcK?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- [https://amzn.to/4fgxtjA](https://amzn.to/4fgxtjA?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### Yogurt Maker
Homemade yogurt (or kefir) is so incredibly easy to make and the benefits of yummy pro-biotic-infused yogurt are undeniable. It’s incredibly good for your gut, your wallet, and the biggest kicker for us travelers…. availability. Some remote islands don’t have fresh produce, much less yogurt. We store a year’s worth of cultures in a small container in our freezer. We use fresh milk when we can get it. Otherwise, we use box milk (UHT). We make a fresh batch every week. This is why a yogurt maker is a must-have on our boat. There are lots of options out there all similarly priced...all work decent.
- Yogurt Starters: [https://amzn.to/3coM6Eo](https://amzn.to/3coM6Eo?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Dash Yogurt Maker:[https://amzn.to/2PvGnia](https://amzn.to/2PvGnia?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Other Yogurt Makers:[ https://amzn.to/36pncAZ](https://amzn.to/36pncAZ?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### Blender
We consume a lot of smoothies but of course, there are lots of uses for a good blender. Making nut milk, frozen margaritas, soups, salsa, bean dips, hummus, guacamole, pesto…I could go on. I have the best affordable option I could find in the Netherlands. But one day, I will upgrade to a Vitamix.
- Vitamix 5200 – [https://amzn.to/3SrVFGV](https://amzn.to/3SrVFGV?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- (affordable luxury without stepping up to a Vitamix) Breville Fresh & Furious – [https://amzn.to/2TKOlK1](https://amzn.to/2TKOlK1?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Personal Blender (the one I would have purchased if it were available at the time): [https://amzn.to/4ddKGJL](https://amzn.to/4ddKGJL?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**Nut Milk Making Supplies**
- Strainer: [https://amzn.to/4fmIMrC](https://amzn.to/4fmIMrC?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Sealed Milk Canister (or salad dressing shaker): [https://amzn.to/46lY0Jk](https://amzn.to/46lY0Jk?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**Mini Bluetooth Temperature Humidity Sensors**
These little guys are super affordable and have been incredibly helpful! We can monitor the indoor and outdoor temp and humidity anywhere in the boat. Including monitoring the fridge/freezer temps.
Plus, we have watched what happens when we try out different settings on our AC. Which has helped us determine the best setting for dehumidification and power use. We can keep an eye on temps inside our tech spaces. We can see how hot it gets where we store glues and general chemicals.
Another cool feature is how we can have preset ranges for temp and humidity on the app. Then we get alerts if anything is out of our set range.
- **Buy Them From Amazon:** [https://amzn.to/3LknrkP](https://amzn.to/3LknrkP?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### Thank you!
Ups, downs and all arounds, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, share, and toss a tip in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of [**FREE ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### Escaping Typhoons
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/escaping-typhoons/
Last updated: 2024-07-26T12:06:04.000Z
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### Sailing 469 Miles For Warranty Work
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailing-469-miles-for-warranty-work/
Last updated: 2024-07-21T13:00:27.000Z
Our 469 mile passage to the HH factory in Cebu has begun. We're sailing all that way for warranty work. We had originally planned to sail north to Subic Bay because it was an easier sail and we had faith that Asia Pacific Marine would do a fine job. But once we discovered the engine issue, HH said they'd prefer to tackle the work at their factory, instead of a yard. Our haul-out appointment is in less than 10 days, so we won't have much time to play...but there's always time for a little exploration.
Like all our sailing in the Philippines, we can't sail overnight. There are too many small fishing vessels, and fishing debris, that are difficult to see during the day, much less at night. And while radar is fantastic, the fishing buoys are simply to small to be picked up. Which means for this passage, we are in for a lot of long days of sailing and each night we'll have to hunt for a safe anchorage.
We have very little wind predicted, if any at all, and our engines are running hot and drinking coolant like a drought is coming. So our goal is to sail as much as possible and motor as little as possible.
Thankfully, we bought a boat with light wind sailing in mind. Albeit not with this exact scenario in mind, but it makes for a good challenge. Now we're about to find out just how low we can go.
Plus, as the miles and days tick by we get back into old passage making pastimes. Like making pineapple beer!
Full Tepache recipe can be found here👇
[Fermenting In Isolation! How To Make Tepache (Pineapple Beer)We’re stuck in isolation in Fiji, we have limited supplies and budget. There has never been a better time to start fermenting. Let’s make pineapple beer!Gone With The WynnsNikki Wynn](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/fermenting-tepache/)
#### 🙏 WE COULDN’T MAKE THESE VIDS WITHOUT YOU!
Thank you for watching and an extra special thanks to all of our CURIOSITY CREW members who help make these videos possible. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### Time For Some Warranty Work
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/time-for-some-warranty-work/
Last updated: 2024-07-20T04:35:29.000Z
After three months and 1200+ nautical miles sailed, we've given CURIOSITY one heck of a shakedown cruise. But as with any boat and especially a new boat, we have racked up a nice list of warranty work we need to sort out.
At this point we were a little on the fence about where to go:
- Subic - The team at Asia Pacific Marine had taken such good care of us when we were there. We trust them and their work and it was only a few hundred miles away.
- Cebu - HH Catamarans has recently set up a second factory here and naturally, would prefer we come to them. But they haven't finished building their dock, haul out facility or marina. So they had to verify they could actually make the haul out happen.
Now, you already know which direction we end up going...but at the time, we didn't.
Join us as we say goodbye to El Nido and set sail for a boat yard. And it's as if CURIOSITY knows she's headed in for repairs. Because she starts coughing up more work to add to the list. #BoatLife
### Mini Bluetooth Temperature Humidity Sensors
These little guys are super affordable and have been incredibly helpful! We can monitor the indoor and outdoor temp and humidity anywhere in the boat.
We have watched what happens when we try out different settings on our AC. Which has helped us determine the best setting for dehumidification and power use. We can keep an eye on temps inside our tech spaces. We can see how hot it gets where we store paint and general chemicals. And of course, we can monitor temp and humidity inside our fridge when we think it's not working right.
Another cool feature is how we can have preset ranges for temp and humidity on the app. Then we get alerts if anything is out of our set range.
- **Buy Them From Amazon:** [https://amzn.to/3LknrkP](https://amzn.to/3LknrkP?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🙏 YOU MAKE THESE VIDS POSSIBLE
Thank you for watching! Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### BACK ON THE WATER (+ meet the crew)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/back-on-the-water-meet-the-crew/
Last updated: 2024-08-28T10:54:21.000Z
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### Letting Locals Sail Our New Boat
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/letting-locals-sail-our-new-boat/
Last updated: 2024-07-07T13:00:38.000Z
We love our peaceful days at sea but our most memorable moments are always the ones shared with friends. Which is why this week we decided to take all our new Filipino friends sailing. Because they have shared so much of their world with us, now we want to show them a little of ours.
⛽**Fuel (polishing) Filter System**
This is the #1 engine maintenance system I wished we had on our last boat. We’ve had 2 big issues with our fuel in the past (which makes our engines inoperable).
1. Getting bad fuel (algae, water, gunk).
2. We didn’t use the fuel fast enough (because we mostly sail) and having it go bad.
Now that we have a boat that sails even better and has electric motors, the diesel is just backup. But obviously we want the engines to work when we need them (navigating down a narrow river or a dangerous cut with lots of current). Which makes having a KTI fuel filter and transfer system a no brainer. Now we never have to worry about fuel, we know it is good to go!
If you don’t know about this system and have diesel engines, we highly recommend checking them out.
- **$250 off with Code GWW24**: [https://bit.ly/KTI-WYNNS](https://bit.ly/KTI-WYNNS?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
⚓ALL OUR BOAT GEAR (OR AT LEAST MOST OF IT)
We get so many questions about all of the gear we use and we are trying to remember to show it as we use it or at least list it out on our "Meet Curiosity" page. But, if you see something you want to know more about, just let us know in the comments below.
[MEET SAILING VESSEL CURIOSITYThis is our self-sufficient floating home, base camp and transportation about the world. She is the only home or major possession we own.Gone With The WynnsNikki Wynn](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/curiosity-sailboat/)
#### 🙏 YOU MAKE THESE VIDS POSSIBLE
Thank you for watching! Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### 1000 Year Old Philippines Design (reviving the lost art of sailing)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/1000-year-old-philippines-design-sailing/
Last updated: 2025-12-23T11:48:14.000Z
It's a very rare occasion for us to tour **a vessel designed over a thousand years ago.** So rare in fact, it's our first ever! Much less to be invited over by the builder and captain himself.
But naturally, when such an opportunity does presents itself, we always show up with a camera. Because these [inspiring encounters](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/inspiring-encounters/) are the stories we love to share the most.
### **A Lost** Art
Our new friend Gener is a native of the Palawan province of the Philippines. He comes from a long line of sea fearing people and even his father and grandfather were sailors.
Yet, Gener didn't learn to sail from his father or grandfather. Because right about the time he was old enough to take to sea, most mariners had already traded their sails for engines.
### **Passions Ignited**
In 2008 Gener crewed on a sailing yacht from Palawan to Africa. He witnessed thriving traditional sailing cultures in the Indian Ocean and Middle East and began questioning why ancient Filipino sailing traditions were in danger of extinction.
Gener was inspired to revive native sailing, natural navigation and boat building techniques in his home province of Palawan.
### Building The Balatik
The paraw project was launched to revive Palawan’s ancient sailing traditions and bring back the local art of sailing, natural navigation and paraw building.
> “A return to sailing makes sense – our marine environment is under threat and fuel prices are rising. Learning to sail again will help Palaweños escape dependence on gasoline and diesel while, at the same time, giving them a deeper understanding and respect for the sea.” - Gener Paduga
The paraw was constructed using materials sourced from the forest and Filipino traditional boat-building techniques. The whole project was well documented: [palawanparaw.wordpress.com](https://palawanparaw.wordpress.com/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
[palawanparaw.wordpress.com](https://palawanparaw.wordpress.com/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### **The Balatik Today**
It is the largest paraw in existence at 72 feet. Designed after paraw that once sailed Palawan waters centuries ago, transporting cargo and passengers.
From November to May The Balatik makes 3-5 day expeditions in Palawan waters through Tao Philippines. Guests experience the beauty of Palawan while learning about the role of sailing in the islands’ history and culture.
From June to October The Balatik is used for educational and social welfare projects around Palawan such as those already run by the Tao Kalahi Foundation.
### About those engine anodes...
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/about-those-engine-anodes/
Last updated: 2024-06-22T13:05:50.000Z
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### The least romantic anniversary ever?
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/least-romantic-anniversary/
Last updated: 2024-06-16T13:00:29.000Z
So it’s our anniversary and while this isn’t how we expected to celebrate, being practical can be kinda sexy.
Anniversaries, birthdays and holidays started to blur when we became nomads. Because between weather, inaccurate charts, bureaucracy and equipment breakdowns, we never know where we will be or what we will be doing. Over time we have learned to write our schedule in the sand at low tied. Because that’s about how reliable a schedule is for us.
Of all our years together, and all things considered, it's not our most romantic anniversary every. But it’s been highly practical and productive. ❤️🔥
...
As promised, here is the very first video we ever made. 🙈 We didn't understand framerates (or most of the video features of our camera) and we were terribly uncomfortable in front of the camera. But now you know, we've been nerdy about nature from day one.
### Best Electric Bikes For Boat Life
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/best-e-bikes-for-boat-life/
Last updated: 2024-06-26T09:31:42.000Z
A bicycle is sailors best friend and the best way to explore land. But getting them to land is typically the issue. Well, that and the harsh marine environment.
We've had many folding bicycles over the years. First through our [road trippin'](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/rvin/) years and then aboard Curiosity 1\. But, before we get into what works best, let's talk about what didn't.
## **Folding Bikes**
Most folding bicycles are simply not cut out for boat life...much less electric bikes. Weight is a big issue. It’s a challenge to move them from the storage locker, to the tender, and onto land without damaging something along the way. And then there is all that metal...so much rust! The bikes below came over with us from our last [RV](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/rvin/) and only lasted one season before they got the boot.
## **Most Electric Folding Bikes**
Then came along e-bikes and the temptation to have bikes was back again. So we ended up with some Blix e-bikes for our 2019 trip back to the USA. They were the perfect car replacement for while we were in the city and[ living Van Life](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/van-life-mom). Once again, we were hooked on having bikes. But after a few months, we realized they would still be to heavy and potentially too much maintenance (rust) to live on a boat.
**Bike Weight**: With Battery: 55lbs Without Battery: 47.5lbs
But, if you're not a boater and just looking for a great looking and great performing bike, then I would still recommend them. Get An **Extra $100 off** if you use the discount Code WYNN100: [Blix Website](http://blixbike.com/?aff=22&ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
## **Lightest Folding Eclectic Bike In The World**
For CURIOSITY 2, we knew we were looking for a needle in a haystack. We wanted versatile, compact, low maintenance and lightweight.
So, we searched out the lightest electric folding bike in the world. Thankfully, Carbo makes such a bike. It weighs 29 lbs (13kg) including the battery! They achieve this with a belt drive and carbon fiber construction.
#### Carbo Electric Bike
Use code ****WYNNS100** at checkout to get ****$100 off per bike PLUS** you’ll still get any bonus incentives/discounts they’re running on the website
[Buy From Carbo](https://ridecarbo.com/wynns100?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
The carbon construction and belt drive (less metal) is what really makes this bike so boat friendly. They don't have even a speck of rust and there is relatively nothing to maintain other than checking tires. It’s sooo easy to move them around the boat as is. But, pop out the seat (which is also the Li battery) and it’s feather light.
The bikes are so light that when not powered on, you forget they are electric. Power them on and choose your level of power assist pedaling or hit the throttle if you are tapped out and want a free ride.
**General Specs ↓**
- Carbon Fiber Frame
- Belt Drive
- 250W Motor (optional 350W)
- 36V, 7Ah (optional 10.5Ah)
- 40-65 km Range
- Schwalbe Big Apple tires
- Speed + Torque sensor
- Hydraulic Disc brakes
- 13.3 kg
We have been very happy with our [Carbo bikes](https://ridecarbo.com/wynns100?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) and still haven't found anything that can beat them. So, we signed up for their affiliate program. Which means if you use code WYNNS100 you get **$100 off per bike PLUS** you’ll still get any bonus incentives/discounts they’re running on the website. And we get a few pennies too. Don't worry, you can sign up too and pass the discount along to all your friends. Or, just send them our way.😉
You can see where we store them in this video:
[THE HONEYMOON IS OVERIt seems every other day we notice a new leak, chaffing, missing screw or something that is a little off kilter. And, as it seems to go with boat life, while trying to fix or diagnose the initial problem, we find another.Gone With The WynnsNikki Wynn](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/honeymoon-is-over/)
Catch them in action as we put them to the test with a brutal cross island trip in this video:
[Turning Inconvenience Into An AdventureOur week takes an unexpected turn when our efforts to renew our visas fail. We must make a mad dash to civilization or risk being in the Philippines illegally. Because no matter how far away we sail, or how remote the destination, bureaucracy is the one thing we cannot escape.Gone With The WynnsNikki Wynn](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/turning-inconvenience-into-an-adventure/)
### Our Next Country Is…(plus a crew opportunity)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/next-country-crew-opportunity/
Last updated: 2024-09-14T03:55:14.000Z
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### Causing Trouble Sailing Into Palawan
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/causing-trouble-sailing-into-palawan/
Last updated: 2024-06-09T13:12:46.000Z
You know the old saying, don’t count your chickens before they hatch? Well, I was reminded of this sentiment more than once this week. Because each time I made a proclamation about how “great or easy” things were…I was met with a swift stick or security guards. 🤦🏻♀️
Never a dull moment.
We’re sailing through the Palawan province here in the Philippines to a beautiful little spot called El Nido. We’re meeting up with an old friend and a few new ones. And misadventures aside, we find ourselves surrounded by stunning landscapes, unbelievably hospitable people and meals worthy of royalty.
If you want to scope out our new Filipino friends, you can here:
- Sid – [instagram.com/sidmaderazo/](http://instagram.com/sidmaderazo/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Kat –[ instagram.com/bentobykat/](https://www.instagram.com/bentobykat/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Sam – [instagram.com/\_samyg/](https://www.instagram.com/%5Fsamyg/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Essa – [instagram.com/essasantos/](https://www.instagram.com/essasantos/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
You may remember Joshua from these episodes (he’s one of those endangered species that isn’t on social media):
[WE TRIED SHEEP FARMING (in New Zealand)In New Zealand, sheep outnumber humans by 5 to 1\. So, when the opportunity came up to join a farm for a day, we only asked one question; “can we borrow a pair of gum boots”?Gone With The WynnsNikki Wynn](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/we-tried-sheep-farming-in-new-zealand/)
[WILD & REMOTE BOAT LIFE IN THE FIORDLANDSWe’re back on the water! And lucky us, mother nature has given us a rare winter weather window. We have exactly 24 hours of ideal conditions for exploring New Zealand’s Fiordlands.Gone With The WynnsNikki Wynn](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/wild-remote-boat-life-in-the-fiordlands/)
### Warranty Work & New Website Features!
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/warranty-work-new-website-features/
Last updated: 2024-06-02T12:16:55.000Z
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### Warranty Work Begins🛠️
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/warranty-work-begins/
Last updated: 2024-05-28T00:57:46.000Z
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### The Island Of No Return (sailing the Philippines)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/island-of-no-return/
Last updated: 2024-05-26T14:28:17.000Z
Once upon a time not so long ago, there was a small island in the Philippines no sailor would dare venture to. Because despite it's beauty, Culion was known by many notorious names; The Island of The Living Dead, The Island of Pain, The Island of No Return.
The citizens of Culion were not criminals, but they were feared and they were prisoners, sentenced never to leave the island. And while times have changed, the story and the island are far from ancient history.
Beneath the tropical façade of a quaint fisherman’s village lies tales of an ancient disease, ingenuity and survival. A place so complex and curious that we simply couldn’t just sail by.
A big thanks to Pastor Hermie for sharing his story about life then and now in Culion. If you are curious, you can find Hermie on Facebook here:
### Why We Did NOT Register Our Boat In The USA
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/why-we-did-not-register-our-boat-in-the-usa/
Last updated: 2024-05-24T23:57:26.000Z
This is the story about how and why a couple of Americans ended up with a floating piece of the Marshal Islands. (Fun fact, we’ve never actually been to Bikini or The Marshal Islands)
We did NOT register our boat in the USA and so far, it’s been the best decision! BUT, (because there’s always a but) it’s not right for every boat. The reasons why and how we ended up choosing the Marshall Islands has been an illuminating journey. One including a maritime lawyer, an insurance agent and a CPA.
We’ve spent more time and money through this process than I care to admit…but, at least we can share everything we’ve learned with you…including a recorded video session with our Maritime Lawyer (still can’t believe we got approval for this!).
Hopefully this helps answer the big question, *Why Bikini, so many of you had*. If anything was unclear or if it sparked questions about something else you want to see us make a video about, let us know.
#### 🙏 YOU MAKE THESE VIDS POSSIBLE
Thank you for watching! Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### Behind The Lens (remote conversations)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/behind-the-lens-remote-conversations/
Last updated: 2024-05-22T11:40:48.000Z
Here’s a quick peek behind the lens. We’ve got some very juicy insider information coming soon...
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### Inside The Philippines Most Dangerous Wild Food
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/poisonous-but-profitable-wild-harvests-in-the-philippines/
Last updated: 2025-12-23T11:49:27.000Z
The sailing community has led us to some wild experiences before, but this one really took us by surprise. It’s one of those chance encounters that has turned out to be one of our favorite stories and experiences so far.
This week we make our way to the island of Coron (stunning destination) in the northern part of Palawan. And we sailed here after just one curious conversation about the most profitable and wild growing (aka FREE) food in the Philippines. Because you know us, we never turn down an invitation!
We meet up with a sailor who is looking to turn the Philippines most abundant and wild growing nut into big business. The only caveat, it’s highly toxic.
Talk about an [inspiring encounter](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/inspiring-encounters/)! Raul went from not knowing anything about cashews to now being one of the leading experts in the industry. His passion for contributing to his community and tapping into the wild potential growing all around them is infectious. We learned heaps and now we are more intrigued in cashews than we ever thought possible.
Getting to know people like Raul through our travels and share a peek into how this community is working together…really is our favorite part. I hope you enjoy these types of stories as much as we do.
#### FOLLOW RAUL’S JOURNEY
You can keep up with Raul and the latest happenings at the Palawan Cashew Company here:
#### 🙏 YOU MAKE THESE VIDS POSSIBLE
Thank you for watching! Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### Drowning In Decision Fatigue! (Passage Planning)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/drowning-in-decision-fatigue-passage-planning/
Last updated: 2024-05-22T11:55:26.000Z
Major behind the scenes update today. We’re deep in passage planning mode
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### Turning Inconvenience Into An Adventure
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/turning-inconvenience-into-an-adventure/
Last updated: 2024-05-21T10:15:30.000Z
Our week takes an unexpected turn when our efforts to renew our visas fail. We must make a mad dash to civilization or risk being in the Philippines illegally. Oh the bureaucracy of a life at sea. Because no matter how far away we sail, or how remote the destination, bureaucracy is the one thing we cannot escape.
And, rather than take the easy route, we decided to turn the whole inconvenience into a challenge.
Our passports and paperwork arrived in time AND made it back to us before our bums could even recover. All in, we were only without them for about a week. 😲 Which was way faster than we expected. The government has approved we’re good to explore the country for the next 60 days. 🥳
#### 🚵🏻 EBIKES
After our [family e-bike adventure in Tuscany](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tuscany-cycle-wine), we knew wanted bikes for the boat. Because while the tender is our car on the water, e-bikes are the best way to get around on land. The biggest hurdle was finding boat friendly bikes. Because most e-bikes are so heavy! As in 40-75lbs. Which makes them hard to move around the boat, get into the tender, and transport to land without damaging something along the way.
But, [thanks to your recommendations](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/launching-our-catamaran-first-time), we found CARBO! The lightest electric folding bike in the world! That statement had me hooked from the beginning. The Carbo weighs 29 lbs (13kg) with the battery. They achieve this with a belt drive and carbon construction. It’s easy to move around the boat and becomes super lightweight if we pop out the battery (the seat post).
If you want to see more, we gave a decent tour of them in this video: [gonewiththewynns.com/honeymoon-is-over](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/honeymoon-is-over)
**GET $100 OFF! –** We signed up for their ambassador program which means if you use our discount code, you’ll get $100 off per bike. Plus, the discount works on top of any incentives or discounts running on their website.
- CARBO Website: [ridecarbo.com/wynns100](http://ridecarbo.com/wynns100?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Discount code: **WYNNS100**
#### 🙏 YOU MAKE THESE VIDS POSSIBLE
Thank you for watching! Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### Learning How to Sail (again)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/learning-how-to-sail-again/
Last updated: 2024-05-21T10:13:07.000Z
It’s hard to believe it’s already been two months since we moved aboard CURIOSITY. It has gone by in the blink of an eye. On one had it feels like we should have accomplished more by now and on the other, I am shocked at everything we have managed to do.
Getting to know a brand-new vessel is a wild, emotional, thrilling and complex experience. We find ourselves challenged, exhilarated and often exhausted (in all the best ways). This weeks passage proved to be all that in hyper drive.
We set sail for what we thought would be a leisurely 250 nm sail from Subic to the northern part of Palawan here in the Philippines. How naïve! Mother nature had a full mix of wind and waves in store for us. It felt like we were learning how to sail all over again.
#### KEEP CALM AND SAIL ON (WIRELESS HEADSETS)
Headsets are amazing and worth every penny. In stressful situations like docking, anchoring, mooring, packing the mainsail, etc. Being able to communicate in a calm, conversational voice is why cruisers often call them “marriage savers”. Here’s the link to ours: [amzn.to/3IvD7jO](https://amzn.to/3IvD7jO?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### ROLL UP BOAT HOOK (AND DECK BRUSH TOO!)
We found this bad boy at the [Cannes Boat Show](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/electrifying-tender). It is the coolest multipurpose boat hook called Revolve. It has a bunch of different end attachments so that it can be a boat hook, deck brush or camera mount. They are made by PYI (which is the same company that sells MaxProp feathering props, Jeffa steering systems, Fendertex fenders and bunch of other cool stuff). If you’re in need of boat gear they’ve offered a **10% discount** off most anything in their catalogue, just **use the code WYNNS.**
#### ALL OUR BOAT GEAR (OR AT LEAST MOST OF IT)
We get so many questions about all of the gear we use and we are trying to remember to show it as we use it or at least list it out on our boat page. But, if you see something you want to know more about, just let us know in the comments below.
- [gonewiththewynns.com/curiosity-sailboat](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/curiosity-sailboat)
#### 🙏 YOU MAKE THESE VIDS POSSIBLE
Thank you for watching! Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### Make It Rain🌧️(how our catchment system works)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/make-it-rain-rainwater-harvesting/
Last updated: 2024-05-22T12:21:16.000Z
Today we're walking you through how our rainwater catchment system works, how we keep only the "clean" water coming into our tanks and how we purify it before drinking it.
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### THE HONEYMOON IS OVER
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/honeymoon-is-over/
Last updated: 2024-04-08T14:01:30.000Z
I would love to say we’re in shakedown mode, but I think troubleshooting mode would be more appropriate. It seems every other day we notice a new leak, chaffing, missing screw or something that is a little off kilter. And, as it seems to go with boat life, while trying to fix or diagnose the initial problem, we find another.
So, I think it’s safe to say our honeymoon period is over and real boat life is back in full effect. We’re ready to set sail to the next set of islands but the boat is not. At least not yet.
Grab a tube of elbow grease (or just some butter for your popcorn) and join us for a week of problem solving, jury rigging, chandlery hopping and casting off the lines.
**🚲 Carbo eBikes**
Most eBikes are so heavy it’s a challenge to move them from the locker, to the tender, and onto land without damaging something along the way. The Carbo weighs 29 lbs (13kg) with the battery, and they achieve this with a belt drive and carbon construction. It’s easily maneuverable around the boat as is, but pop out the battery and it’s feather light. If you use the discount code **WYNNS100** at checkout, you’ll get $100 off per bike and you’ll still get any bonus incentives/discounts they’re running on the website: [ridecarbo.com/wynns100](https://ridecarbo.com/wynns100?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**Best Fenders Ever!** – We found Fendertex through PYI and saw them for the first time at the [Cannes Boat Show](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/electrifying-tender). These fenders are the best we have ever seen. They pack down tiny, blow up fast and can withstand the weight of a tractor. PYI is the same company that sells the MaxProp we had on our previous boat, and they sell the Jefa systems installed on our HH44 and the coolest multipurpose boat hook/brush/camera mount called Revolve. In other words, they make a lot of great boat stuff. If you’re in need of new gear, they’ve offered a10% discount off most anything in their catalogue, just use the code WYNNS.
**Wireless Headsets, AKA, Relationship Savers** – Need to easily communicate while up at the top of the mast? Or on a super windy day while anchoring? We always thought we were good at communicating. We keep our tempers calm and the yelling to a minimum. Headsets always seemed silly or pompous like we were trying to be a superyacht or something. Well, I can tell you with 100% certainty: Headsets are amazing and worth every penny. In stressful situations like docking, anchoring, mooring, packing the mainsail, etc. Being able to communicate in a calm, conversational voice is why cruisers often call them “marriage savers”. Here’s the link to ours: [amzn.to/3IvD7jO](https://amzn.to/3IvD7jO?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### ⛵ ALL OUR BOAT GEAR (OR AT LEAST MOST OF IT)
We get so many questions about all of the gear we use and we are trying to remember to show it as we use it or at least list it out on our boat page. But, if you see something you want to know more about, just let us know in the comments below.
- [gonewiththewynns.com/curiosity-sailboat](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/curiosity-sailboat)
#### 🙏 YOU MAKE THESE VIDS POSSIBLE
Thank you for watching! Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### RESCUING WILD ANIMALS IN THE PHILIPPINES
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/rescuing-wild-animals-philippines/
Last updated: 2024-04-15T09:46:35.000Z
We stumble our way into some of the wildest adventures. Which is a kind way of saying, we don’t always know that much about the places we visit. We learn as explore.
And this week, we took a deep dive into the endangered side of this Megadiverse country. Because it turns out, the Philippines is home to some of the world’s rarest animals. As in nearly half of all the creatures found on these islands exist nowhere else.
But all this unique biodiversity has its challenges. Which we are about to get up close and personal with. So, grab your animal loving friends for this one, or wrangle up the whole family, because we are about to have some rare encounters.
If you’re curious, and want to learn more about WIN or Ocean Adventure I’ve listed their websites below. If you find yourself in Subic Bay, Philippines we highly recommend you stop by and see all their rehab and rescue residents for yourself.
- Wild Life In Need – [wildlifeinneed.org/](https://wildlifeinneed.org/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Ocean Adventure – [oceanadventure.ph/who-we-are/](https://oceanadventure.ph/who-we-are/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🙏 YOU MAKE THESE VIDS POSSIBLE
Thank you for watching! Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### Out to Sea.
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/out-to-sea/
Last updated: 2024-05-31T11:30:53.000Z
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### FINDING SUNKEN TREASURE IN THE PHILIPPINES
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/treasure-in-the-philippines/
Last updated: 2025-01-05T02:11:09.000Z
We may have to make some major boat modifications soon, because treasure hunting could be our new full-time gig! Turns out the Philippines are one of the world’s biggest hotspots for shipwrecks and lost treasure. 🤯
As luck would have it, we meet a legendary sea explorer (we’re talking Jacques Cousteau meets Indian Jones) who offers up his list of over 200 undiscovered shipwrecks. 🪙🏴☠️💰 Considering the insane discoveries he has made; the list could make us legendary too. CURIOSITY 3.0, Gone With Ship Hunters?
If that isn’t enough to whet your appetite, then our next encounter should. We meet up with our new friend Jay who is a local sailor and Filipino food expert. She takes us all over the Subic area introducing us to the local markets and delicacies. Fair warning…don’t watch if you are hungry.
#### VASCO’S RESTAURANT, RESORT & MARITIME MUSEUM
Vasco’s doesn’t have a website but you can find them on google maps or ask anyone in Subic Bay and they will point you in the right direction.
#### JAY – SHE TRIED AND TASTED
If you find yourself in the Philippines and need help with anything food, provisioning or general shopping related, Jay is your woman. She is incredibly resourceful and has helped us stock up on much needed spices, dried goods and other household items as well as the fresh stuff.
- Instagram – [@SheTriedAndTasted](https://www.instagram.com/shetriedandtasted/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🙏 YOU MAKE THESE VIDS POSSIBLE
Thank you for watching! Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
#### 🍏AG1, THE BEST ALL IN ONE SUPPLEMENT
- Get a year supply of vitamin D3+K2 & 5 travel packs FREE with your first purchase: [https://drinkAG1.com/gonewiththewynns](https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=comments&redir%5Ftoken=QUFFLUhqbXNnRExiM2tHNjhMaFhuQWNRODVsODVqdVczUXxBQ3Jtc0tueFlxWFVsb2lNZXRCUUdZRU85NUVfN3VlRENrSDBHMkUzRkpiVWpqa294aW5kTmVqaHJOakVaLWNkdG93Wjh5MzVIY0pxNjBJN3lqeVBvQnBrZ1RUOFpLQTFVdHpOWk1wS1VLQzdLekx2MGMyb1RtUQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fdrinkag1.com%2Fgonewiththewynns&ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
### Stamps and Sunsets?
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/stamps-and-sunsets/
Last updated: 2024-05-31T11:35:43.000Z
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### SEA TRIAL IS OVER (WE SAILED ACROSS THE SOUTH CHINA SEA)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/we-sailed-across-south-china-sea/
Last updated: 2025-07-15T13:43:06.000Z
**\*\*\*\*UPDATE\*\*\*\***
CURIOSITY² was a 2023 HH44 Sailing Catamaran. We documented everything from the build process, to handover and our short time living aboard. But, [it wasn’t all smooth sailing](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/major-failure-at-sea/) after we took delivery. Of course, all new boats have teething issues, especially with new designs or the first few boats off the line, but [CURIOSITY has had more than her fair share](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/we-had-to-leave-our-boat/). Which is not what we or HH expected.
---
This might be a new record of firsts. It’s the final day of our first passage aboard our [brand-new Catamaran](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/curiosity-sailboat) (not something I ever thought I would say). It’s our first check in to a new country, our first night at anchor and our first nights alone. 🤯
It’s all been a lot. A lot of good, but a lot.
We’re in a strange state of disbelief coupled with a euphoric honeymoon stage of being in love with our new home. And seems you guys are right there with us! There were thousands of comments on last weeks video and I swear, we have read almost every one of them. It’s surreal experiencing this new chapter of life with a rally squad. You being excited, makes it all soooo much more exciting for us.🙏🏼
Which is why we thought we should take the time to follow up with some answers to your most asked questions and our first impressions of CURIOSITY2. Because we know you are dying to know, after the past 2 years, is it everything we hoped and dreamed it would be?
Everything up until this moment really has felt like sea trials. Let the new adventure begin…
#### 🙏 WE COULDN’T MAKE THESE VIDS WITHOUT YOU!
Thank you for watching! Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
#### 🦈GET SURFSHARK VPN
Enter promo code WYNNS for 3 extra months FREE!
- [surfshark.deals/WYNNS](https://surfshark.deals/WYNNS?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO
- We Use Artlist: Get 2 Months for FREE with this link: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Romeo, Gidon Schocken
### A MAD DASH OUT OF CHINA (OUR FIRST SAIL)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/mad-dash-our-first-sail/
Last updated: 2025-07-15T13:39:27.000Z
**\*\*\*\*UPDATE\*\*\*\***
CURIOSITY² was a 2023 HH44 Sailing Catamaran. We documented everything from the build process, to handover and our short time living aboard. But, [it wasn’t all smooth sailing](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/major-failure-at-sea/) after we took delivery. Of course, all new boats have teething issues, especially with new designs or the first few boats off the line, but [CURIOSITY has had more than her fair share](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/we-had-to-leave-our-boat/). Which is not what we or HH expected.
---
We’ve just been handed our brand new [HH44 Catamaran](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/curiosity-sailboat) (a 2 year dream in the making). And we only have 3 days before we must sail the boat out of the country.
Most sailors would take it slow for the [shakedown period and coastal cruise](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/category/sailing/shakedown-cruise) for the first month or so while they get to know the vessel. But, we don’t have that luxury.
Because this boat was built for export and once completed, it must be exported out of the country. So no local cruising for us. Due to the weather patterns and time of year, our best option right now is to sail the 600+ miles across the South China Sea, through the Taiwan Straits (notoriously treacherous bit of water) and into the Philippines. That’s one helluva first sail! Welcome to the world S/V CURIOSITY.
In other words this is not a shakedown cruise. This is a multi-day Bluewater passage that will have to serve as our shakedown.
Goodbye China and hello Philippines.
We owe a lot of thanks to so many people for helping us during these pivotal days. A big thanks to the HH Team for helping us successfully out of China (Molly and Anna, you both deserve big red envelopes!)
Casey, you are a mad man in all the best ways. Thanks for being so helpful and most importantly, making a stressful time a lot more fun! Looking forward to sharing an anchorage one day soon! (P.S. you can follow Casey and Erin on Instagram @endlessplaytime)
**And to all our Patrons**, these videos wouldn’t be possible without you. So Thank YOU!
If you would like access to real time updates and behind the scenes videos, [consider joining the crew](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar).
#### 🍏AG1, THE BEST ALL IN ONE SUPPLEMENT
- Get a year supply of vitamin D3+K2 & 5 travel packs FREE with your first purchase: [https://drinkAG1.com/gonewiththewynns](https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=comments&redir%5Ftoken=QUFFLUhqbXNnRExiM2tHNjhMaFhuQWNRODVsODVqdVczUXxBQ3Jtc0tueFlxWFVsb2lNZXRCUUdZRU85NUVfN3VlRENrSDBHMkUzRkpiVWpqa294aW5kTmVqaHJOakVaLWNkdG93Wjh5MzVIY0pxNjBJN3lqeVBvQnBrZ1RUOFpLQTFVdHpOWk1wS1VLQzdLekx2MGMyb1RtUQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fdrinkag1.com%2Fgonewiththewynns&ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO
- We Use Artlist: Get 2 Months for FREE with this link: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – I Am DayLight, Suraj Nepal, Ben Noble, Giants and Pilgrims, Yestalgia
### HydroRegeneration…So Much Free Power!
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/hydroregeneration-so-much-free-power/
Last updated: 2024-05-31T11:47:07.000Z
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### MOVE IN AND GET OUT OF CHINA!
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/move-in-get-out-of-china/
Last updated: 2024-04-08T13:57:37.000Z
It’s been 2 years since we put down a deposit for our HH44 Catamaran. Now the big acceptance day is finally here, and we don’t have even a moment to soak it all in.
We have exactly 4 days to move into a brand-new boat, prepare for our first big passage, provision up and sail out of China. 🫨 It’s a tall order. There is nothing worse than a sailor on a schedule. And we are on an extremely tight schedule. Our only option now is to pull it all together in time.
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO
- We Use Artlist: Get 2 Months for FREE with this link: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Campagna, We Are The Good, Nuer Self
#### 🙏 WE COULDN’T MAKE THESE VIDS WITHOUT YOU!
Thank you for watching! Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### We’re Sailing The Philippines!
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/were-sailing-the-philippines/
Last updated: 2024-05-31T11:51:41.000Z
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### First Day At Sea!
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/first-day-at-sea/
Last updated: 2024-05-31T11:53:19.000Z
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### Live Tracking For CURIOSITY!
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/live-tracking-for-curiosity/
Last updated: 2024-05-31T11:55:50.000Z
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### We’re moving aboard!
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/were-moving-aboard/
Last updated: 2024-05-31T11:58:41.000Z
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### First Sail On Our New Hybrid Electric Catamaran
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/first-sail-on-our-new-hybrid-electric-catamaran/
Last updated: 2024-03-29T05:12:54.000Z
And so, it begins…
Two years ago, we put down a deposit on a catamaran that was little more than designs on paper. It was an insane financial commitment and huge leap of faith that it would be the boat of our dreams. And ever since that day…we have been preparing for this one. The day we would go on our first sail aboard [CURIOSITY²](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/curiosity-sailboat), our spankin’ new HH44.
#### 🦈BEST DEAL OF THE YEAR ON SURFSHARK VPN
- [Get up to 6 extra months FREE: https://surfshark.deals/WYNNS](https://surfshark.deals/WYNNS?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO
- We Use Artlist: Get 2 Months for FREE with this link: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Moarn, MooveKa, Jimit, Dr. Paranoid, Steven Beddall, Paper Planes, Balloon Planet
#### 🙏 WE COULDN’T MAKE THESE VIDS WITHOUT YOU!
Thank you for watching! Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### Americans In China (not what we expected 🤯)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/americans-in-china/
Last updated: 2025-01-03T01:48:05.000Z
China is not all what we expected and trust me, as a couple of Americans, we certainly had some reservations about trekking through the country without a real plan. But, then again we never thought we would explore China. Much less an ancient city on the Southern Silk Road where hieroglyphics are still used. Yet, that is exactly where we find ourselves.
We have seen, experienced and shared a lot with you over the last decade. But the Yunnan Province and the old town of Lijiang completely took us by surprise. This is officially one of my favorite places in the world.
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO
- We Use Artlist: Get 2 Months for FREE with this link: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Annie Zhou, Steven Beddall, Aves, Roie Shpigler, Borrtex, Ziggy
#### 🙏 WE COULDN’T MAKE THESE VIDS WITHOUT YOU!
Thank you for watching! Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### CURIOSITY SAILS!
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/curiosity-sails/
Last updated: 2024-05-31T12:00:27.000Z
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### OUR UNEXPECTED JOURNEY THROUGH CHINA (by highspeed bullet train)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/unexpected-journey-through-china/
Last updated: 2024-01-22T15:12:28.000Z
Traveling through China isn’t something we ever thought we would do. It’s a controversial country to many people, especially Americans. And it’s not an easy country to get into (the visa process is long).
Because we are building a boat with[ HH Catamarans](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/curiosity-sailboat), and their main factory is here…we were able to get business visas. And we have been ALL business with our trips (turns out managing a new boat build is a full-time job).
Thankfully, our boat is on the final stretch and sea trials begin soon. Which means we will be ready to sail out of here before the end of the month!
But we are in [China](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/category/china)! A country we never thought we would have the opportunity to see, much less experience. There’s no way we could let ourselves sail out of here without exploring at least a little bit of the country first. So, we decided to take a one-week hiatus from the factory and do exactly that.
China is a huge country with some of the most incredible landscapes we’ve never seen. Luckily, China has the biggest highspeed railway network in the world. So, we decided to pick a direction and go as far as we could. A 2100km journey from Xiamen to the start of the Tibet Mountains in the Yunnan Province.
And let me tell you, China isn’t at all what we expected.
From jamming in an ancient Stone Forest to impromptu tea ceremonies…this was a trip for the books. And, we’re only halfway! See you next week for part two.
#### 🍏AG1
Drink your vitamins! Because it’s almost impossible to get everything our bodies need from food. So we fill in the nutritional gaps with AG1.
- [drinkAG1.com/gonewiththewynns ](https://drinkag1.com/gonewiththewynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO
- We Use Artlist: Get 2 Months for FREE with this link: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Ian Post, The North, Roie Shpigler, Annie Zhou, Borden Lulu
#### 🙏 WE COULDN’T MAKE THESE VIDS WITHOUT YOU!
Thank you for watching! Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### It's Going To Be Big!
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/its-going-to-be-big/
Last updated: 2024-05-31T12:03:25.000Z
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### Happy Holidays!!!
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/happy-holidays/
Last updated: 2024-05-31T12:13:58.000Z
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### Biggest Argument Settled! (boat build update)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/biggest-argument-settled-boat-build/
Last updated: 2025-01-09T15:08:02.000Z
It’s been a big week here at the HH factory filled with completed installations and even a little time out on the water. Our [HH44 CURIOSITY](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/curiosity-sailboat) is getting so close to being complete we can taste the salt on our lips. Mast is stepped, propellers are fitted, copper bottom paint is on and the dinghy is commissioned. Now all we need are some sails and we are ready to get wet.
Plus, we reveal the completed installation of what has no doubt been [the most debated piece of equipment of this entire boat building saga](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/battle-over-a-dishwasher).
Never in my wildest dreams did I think building a new boat would be this much work. And we’re not even the ones doing the labor.
Our days and nights are filled to the brim with decisions to be made, parts to be purchased and logistics to be planned (oh how I have NOT missed maritime bureaucracy). The closer handover day gets, the more complicated the logistics seem to get. Boat insurance for SE Asia looks expensive and potentially difficult to obtain. We’re still searching for the port of least resistance to check into the Philippines and sailing out of China, well that is a whole other kettle of fish.
So many adventures ahead with so many variables to plan for. We have gained a boat load of knowledge over the past 2 years (much more than expected) and we still have soooo much more to learn.
Thank you so much for being a part of this untethered journey with us. It’s been a rollercoaster of a year, and I don’t expect 2024 will be anything less. So, rest up, have the most wonderful holiday break and we will see you in the new year!
**Our Tender:** [https://octenders.co.nz/](https://octenders.co.nz/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
[HOW SMALL BOATS ARE MADEWe’ve explored big catamaran factories and boutique yacht builders but today we’re getting an in-depth look at our first small boat workshop. Specifically, a fiberglass/carbon fiber cruising tender made to last a lifetime.Gone With The WynnsNikki Wynn](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/how-small-boats-are-made/)
**Tender Propulsion:** [https://www.zerojet.com/](https://www.zerojet.com/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
[ELECTRIC BOATING JUST GOT REAL! (testing the best 5 electric motors)We’re on the hunt for a new electric-powered dinghy. Because there are a lot of benefits when going all-electric and only a few downsides. Plus, our new catamaran will practically be a floating renewable power plant, so it seems silly not to go electric with our tender. Our questGone With The WynnsNikki Wynn](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/electric-dinghy-testing/)
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO
- We Use Artlist: Get 2 Months for FREE with this link: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Ikoliks, Paper Planes, B, Roie Shpigler, Suraj Nepal
#### 🙏 WE COULDN’T MAKE THESE VIDS WITHOUT YOU!
Thank you for watching! Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### Launching Our Catamaran For The First Time
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/launching-our-catamaran-first-time/
Last updated: 2025-07-01T09:48:11.000Z
Splash day is always exciting. It doesn’t matter if it’s simply splashing a boat after light maintenance work or a full-blown intensive refit. There’s always some risk and a little anxiety about all the ways it could go wrong.
And today is our soft launch day. A.K.A, our new catamaran CURIOSITY is going in the water for the very first time! It’s like watching a baby being born! Well, sort of.
A soft lunch is more like a dress rehearsal. It’s the first splash to make sure she floats, and everything is working smoothly before final touches and test sailing begin. It’s still a big event.
So, we made our way back to the HH Catamarans factory for the big day. And like most things with boats, nothing goes exactly to plan and there is never a dull moment.
Unfortunately, there was a bit of an issue with our rigging and the mast couldn’t go on. These things do occasionally happen (wrong part or wrong size gets shipped out) and everyone has to hustle to remedy the issue. It’s not terribly surprising considering we are the first HH44 Ocean Cruising Catamaran. Hull #1 and #2 were both the Sport Cruising versions that have a different mast and rigging (we’ll get into those details when the mast goes on).
Unsurprising or not, it was a sting to learn of yet another delay. Especially when emotionally, we feel like a couple of stray dogs, staring into the window of a bacon factory. So close, and yet soooo far away.
First world problems at best and to quote Vanilla Sky, “the sweet isn’t as sweet without the sour”. There’s far more sweetness ahead and speaking of sweet…CURIOSITY looks delightfully delicious floating in the water.
#### 🍏BEST ALL IN ONE GREEN DRINK
- Get a 1 year supply of vitamin D3+K2 & 5 travel packs FREE with your first purchase: [drinkAG1.com/gonewiththewynns](https://drinkag1.com/gonewiththewynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
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- Artists – Cosmonkey, Every Z, Paper Planes
#### 🙏 WE COULDN’T MAKE THESE VIDS WITHOUT YOU!
Thank you for watching! Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### Let the projects begin…
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/let-the-projects-begin/
Last updated: 2024-05-31T12:18:47.000Z
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### My 36 Hour Career as a Superyacht Mate
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/36-hour-superyacht-mate/
Last updated: 2023-11-28T18:06:13.000Z
Welcome back to the colossal 135ft Sailing Yacht known as DESTINATION. Last week we watched [Jason sharpen his culinary skills as Sous Chef](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/superyacht-chef-for-36-hours). Now, it’s my turn as we set sail from Monaco to Palma.
I’ve snagged the role of Mate which means I am responsible for everything from keeping a vigilant watch (hello man overboard drill) to engine checks (does not go off without a hitch) and even playing spiderman up the mast (150 feet up in the air!). And, despite our many sea going miles, the challenges of operating a superyacht of this caliber are unlike anything we’ve experienced before. The contrast between our humble boat and the grandeur of Destination is striking to say the least.
Join us for Part 2 of this sea fearing adventure, where we see if my cruising sea legs are strong enough for a shot at being professional crew.
A huge thank you to [S/Y Destination](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/destination-superyacht-full-tour), Captain Mike and the entire crew for having us aboard. We know that being pro crew isn’t always so much fun, but we had a blast. Thanks for showing us what true maritime professionals look like.
#### 🧑🏼🍳CHEF MURRAY’S ACADEMY & FREE COOKBOOK
Murray is quite a renowned private chef. He has cookbooks (some free), videos and full blow courses on everything from home cooking to becoming a private chef (land and/or sea). You can check it all out on his website.
- [privatechefacademy.net/](https://www.privatechefacademy.net/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### ⛵S/Y DESTINATION IS FOR SALE
As you might remember from our [first sail aboard Destination](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/destination-superyacht-full-tour), she is for sale.
You can find the full specs & price and on the listing: [northropandjohnson.com/yachts-for-sale/destination-134-alloy-yachts](https://www.northropandjohnson.com/yachts-for-sale/destination-134-alloy?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🦈BEST deal of the year on SURFSHARK VPN
- [Get up to 6 extra months FREE: https://surfshark.deals/WYNNS](https://surfshark.deals/WYNNS?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
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#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO
- We Use Artlist: Get 2 Months for FREE with this link: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Ziv Moran, Benj Heard, Oliver Michael, Ardie Son, Crosstown Traffic, Orkas, Randy Sharp, I Am Daylight
#### 🙏 WE COULDN’T MAKE THESE VIDS WITHOUT YOU!
Thank you for watching! Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### CURIOSITY FLOATS!
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/curiosity-floats/
Last updated: 2024-05-31T12:24:50.000Z
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### I Became A Superyacht Chef For 36 Hours
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/superyacht-chef-for-36-hours/
Last updated: 2023-11-28T18:04:56.000Z
Superyachts don’t typically fascinate us much. But getting paid to sail to some of the world’s most exotic places, now that piques my curiosity!
Over the years and various anchorages, we’ve made friends with a few people who are professional Yacht Crew. We know they have almost no expenses (room & board are covered by the ship), get paid well and have at least a few months off each year. Pretty much sounds like a dream job for any nomadic heart. But what the job really entails…well, that’s hard to grasp without some firsthand experience.
So, when our friend [Captain Mike](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/destination-superyacht-full-tour) invited us to be part of the crew aboard S/Y Destination for the passage from Monaco to Mallorca, there was no hesitation. Just a resounding YES! We wanted to go sailing so bad we would have done any job, scrubbing toilets and bilges included. But, we lucked out with primo gigs. As the photo suggests, Jason is the Sous Chef. 😲
You know by now (all too well) [Jason doesn’t do the cooking, he does the dishes](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/battle-over-a-dishwasher). So, this is a man outside of his element. Will he be able to cut it in the kitchen? How much dough do these maritime maestros rake in? Will Jason’s culinary skills sink or swim? You’ll just have to click the play button to find out.
A huge thank you to [S/Y Destination](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/destination-superyacht-full-tour), Captain Mike, Chef Murray and the entire crew for having us aboard. I know not all passages are that calm or fun, but we had a blast. Thanks for showing us what true maritime professionals look like.
### Our Biggest Takeaway from Chef Murray
Becoming a private chef isn’t hard, especially if you like cooking and good food. We were shocked at how high the demand is for private chefs (both on land and on the water). Honestly, Murray had us thinking hard about starting a new career. Jason and I already know we work well together on a boat and in stressful situations. So, who knows!? For now, we’ll take Murray’s Master Home Cooking class and see how we do.
#### 🧑🏼🍳CHEF MURRAY’S ACADEMY
Murray really is quite a renowned chef. He has cookbooks (some free), videos and full blow courses on everything from home cooking to becoming a private chef (land and/or sea). You can check it all out on his website.
- [privatechefacademy.net/](https://www.privatechefacademy.net/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### ⛵S/Y DESTINATION is For Sale
As you might remember from our first sail aboard Destination, she is for sale.
She is a 2003 Alloy Yachts – Dubois Sloop – Length 134’6 (41m)
You can find the full specs & price and on the listing: [northropandjohnson.com/yachts-for-sale/destination-134-alloy-yachts](https://www.northropandjohnson.com/yachts-for-sale/destination-134-alloy?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🍏AG1
Drink your vitamins! Because it’s almost impossible to get everything our bodies need from food. So we fill in the nutritional gaps with AG1.
- [drinkAG1.com/gonewiththewynns ](https://drinkag1.com/gonewiththewynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO
- We Use Artlist: Get 2 Months for FREE with this link: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists –Dan Zeitune, Louis Adrien, Amos Ever Hadani, Anthony Vega, Sahara, Itai Armon, Yehezkel Raz (additional tracks from Motion Array)
#### 🙏 WE COULDN’T MAKE THESE VIDS WITHOUT YOU!
Thank you for watching! Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### What’s REALLY going on.
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/whats-really-going-on-hh44/
Last updated: 2023-11-28T18:03:23.000Z
We have been avoiding the “when are you getting your boat” question for a while…but not anymore. The original plan was to splash this summer (obviously that didn’t happen) but now that HH has launched the first two hulls of the HH44 (01 and 02), we’re next. So today we’re talking about why we’re not sailing our new boat (yet), what our sailing plans are and what we’re doing in-between.
Oh yes, and we’re doing it all while exploring the windy but beautiful Palma de Mallorca, Spain!
If you have sailed around the Philippines or Indonesia and have any tips, resources, or must see recommendations we would love to hear them.
#### 🟠Try Headspace for FREE
- 60 day free trial: [https://headspace-web.app.link/e/GWTW](https://headspace-web.app.link/e/GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) Use code: WYNNS60
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO
- We Use Artlist: Get 2 Months for FREE with this link: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Manga Corta, Hanjo Gabler, Serrana de Balas, Rafi B. Levi
#### 🎨 CREATIVE ASSETS IN THIS VIDEO (SFX, TEMPLATES & PRESETS)
- [https://bit.ly/motion-array-GWTW](https://bit.ly/motion-array-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🙏 WE COULDN’T MAKE THESE VIDS WITHOUT YOU!
Thank you for watching! Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### Big reveals from the factory!
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/big-reveals-from-the-factory/
Last updated: 2024-05-31T12:29:44.000Z
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### We’ve got baggage.
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/weve-got-baggage/
Last updated: 2024-05-31T12:26:48.000Z
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### We made it…but that’s it.
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/we-made-it-but-thats-it/
Last updated: 2024-05-31T12:33:49.000Z
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### First Ever HH44 Hybrid Electric Catamaran
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/first-hh44-hybrid-electric-catamaran/
Last updated: 2026-10-15T19:35:51.000Z
UPDATE\*\*\*\* All new boats have teething issues, but CURIOSITY had more than her fair share. Which is not what we expected. We came to an agreement and sold the vessel back to HH.
Considering this vessel was both our home and our business, the disruption to both was just too much and we needed to go another direction.
[https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/curiosity-sailboat](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/curiosity-sailboat/)
☝Full Details Here
---
It’s finally here, the first sea trials aboard the new HH44! The anticipation has been palpable, and we feel a bit like kids on Christmas morning. Hoping we get everything we’ve asked for and a few surprises too.
Because this is a brand-new design from the ground up, not simply a variation on an older model. And while this may not be our boat, it’s mighty close. And the owner of hull number one, S/V BLISS, along with a long line of future owners are all eager to see how she will handle.
These sea trials are all about testing the boat and the systems in every way. Will she point, how is the motion and noise, how much regen will we get…so many things! HH will push everything to the max to ensure the vessel meets the safety and strength of their design specs. Which includes flying a hull!
Needless to say, we are pleased as punch to be a part of this whole process and spoiler alert, she does not disappoint!
We are over the moon about the boat, all her potential and of our course, finally having a home again. It’s so close we can taste it, or maybe that’s just the leftover salt on my lips…
### FLYING A HULL IS ABOUT SAFETY
Flying a hull and foiling is going to become more and more standard as boats evolve. We’ve already seen it with racing and it is the natural evolution as designs improve. But, it sounds scary to some and reckless to others.
HH designs their boats with a high power to weight ratio, not with the intention of flying a hull, but to give the boat great light air performance (sailing on light wind days is certainly safer). The ability to fly the hull is by-product of that. And as we say in the video: most HH owners aren’t racing and will never fly a hull on their own. But, without that high power to weight ratio, a sailboat will never perform well in light air.
The structures, the appendages, the deck gear, the ropes and the sails are all spec’d to handle the maximum possible load that the boat can produce (which occurs at hull fly).
So during sea trials, in order to test everything and make sure the boat is strong enough, and up to HH standards, the boat must be pushed to the MAX. Skilled captains (such as Chris and Ben), have the task of taking all the equipment to maximum load. But flying a hull on the HH44 is a seriously skilled effort. They had to throw out the reefing guide and work hard, and you can see their concentration in the video. Flying a hull isn’t something that is easy to accidentally do.
Which is why you won’t catch us, or most other HH owners, ever doing so. But it does give us peace of mind knowing our boat is strong enough to do so with extra safety margins built in. (Just incase we ever get caught in freak squall or a massive storm)
The alternative to flying a hull at sea trials, are AWS (Apparent Wind Speed) limits which are set by the builder (and its what most builders do). Which is why it’s important to follow reefing guides set on cruising boats or you risk a dismasting, breaking equipment, structural failures and so on. But according to HH, this should never happen on one of their boats. Because they have already tested it at max pressure to make sure the boat doesn’t break.
If it’s safer to build a boat stronger, then why build a boat to AWS limits? Simple: It is cheaper (and lighter) to build a catamaran with AWS limits. Everything can be downsized: equipment, mast, rigging, sails, and even the structure can be built cheaper with less laminate and lower quality resins. But this isn’t the route HH takes. And for us, it’s that design and engineering philosophy that really sets them apart from other catamaran manufacturers.
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO
- We Use Artlist: Get 2 Months for FREE with this link: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Out of Flux, Flint, Jozeque, Sero, Yarin Primak
#### 🎨 CREATIVE ASSETS IN THIS VIDEO (SFX, TEMPLATES & PRESETS)
- [https://bit.ly/motion-array-GWTW](https://bit.ly/motion-array-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🙏 WE COULDN’T MAKE THESE VIDS WITHOUT YOU!
Thank you for watching! Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ways you can show your support.](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### Sailing On A 135-Foot Superyacht (+Full Tour)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/destination-superyacht-full-tour/
Last updated: 2023-10-30T09:55:33.000Z
Never did I ever think I would be sailing a Superyacht! A once in a lifetime opportunity. But thanks to a wild case of serendipity, and our friend Captain Mike, we had what was no doubt one of the best (and most luxurious) days of sailing we’ve ever had!
Captain Mike is a patron of ours that we got to know during our time in New Zealand. He has been the captain of DESTINATION, a 135-foot aluminum sailing yacht, for almost 20 years. So, he knows a thing or two about boats and has helped us with more than a few projects. [Including installing our new sails and tramps.](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/curiosity-new-sails)
We became good friends and now here we all are in Cannes, France! It’s been well over a year since our time together in New Zealand. But the sailing community is a small world (even when the boats aren’t). We knew we would meet up again but, never did I ever think it would be while he was on the job.
It was an unforgettable experience aboard one of the world’s most beautiful sailing superyachts. Thank you Mike and Sailing Yacht DESTINATION!
### **MORE ABOUT DESTINATION**
2003 Alloy Yachts – Dubois Sloop – Length 134’6 (41m)
- Full Specs Here: [northropandjohnson.com/yachts-for-sale/destination-134-alloy-yachts](https://www.northropandjohnson.com/yachts-for-sale/destination-134-alloy-yachts?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🧑🏼🍳 SUPERYACHT CHEF MURRAY’S COOKING SCHOOL
- [https://www.privatechefacademy.net/](https://www.privatechefacademy.net/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO
- We Use Artlist: Get 2 Months for FREE with this link: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – SLPSTRM, Ikoliks, Kevin Graham, Rex Banner, Wav Two
#### 🎨 CREATIVE ASSETS IN THIS VIDEO (SFX, TEMPLATES & PRESETS)
- [https://bit.ly/motion-array-GWTW](https://bit.ly/motion-array-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🙏 WE COULDN’T MAKE THESE VIDS WITHOUT YOU!
Thank you for watching! Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### Hi From SPAIN?! Big Updates
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/hi-from-spain-big-updates/
Last updated: 2024-05-31T12:35:34.000Z
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### Surprising Finds At The Boat Show 🤩
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/surprising-finds-cannes/
Last updated: 2023-10-30T09:51:56.000Z
Cruising around the Cannes Boat Show we found some surprising characters. There were sailing stars from all around the globe! What are they doing here in France?!?
Some were surprisingly boat shopping and others…well, you’ll have to watch the video to find out what they were up to.
When we decided to attend the boat show, it was to hopefully find some new gear and get out sailing aboard the first HH44\. But somehow, everything always comes back to people and relationships. The sailing community is just as strong off the water as it is on the water. We were surprised to see so many familiar faces but, it was **the best** surprise ever. Because sailing is grand but like most things in life, it’s way more fun with friends.
And now we have a few more sailors to keep an eye out for.
- The O’Kelly’s –[ youtube.com/@TheOKellys ](https://www.youtube.com/@TheOKellys?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- For Sun And Stars – [youtube.com/@ForSunandStars](https://www.youtube.com/@ForSunandStars?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Sailing Zatara – [youtube.com/@SailingZatara](https://www.youtube.com/@SailingZatara?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Sailing AWEN – [youtube.com/@SailingAWEN ](https://www.youtube.com/@SailingAWEN?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO
- We Use Artlist: Get 2 Months for FREE with this link: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Jurgen Brischar, Crosstown Traffic
#### 🎨 CREATIVE ASSETS IN THIS VIDEO (SFX, TEMPLATES & PRESETS)
- [https://bit.ly/motion-array-GWTW](https://bit.ly/motion-array-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🙏 WE COULDN’T MAKE THESE VIDS WITHOUT YOU!
Thank you for watching! Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### An Electrifying Tender Reveal! (And Gear Shopping At The Boat Show)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/electrifying-tender/
Last updated: 2023-11-13T21:02:22.000Z
One of the problems with [a new boat](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/curiosity-sailboat) is that it comes completely empty. We need so much freaking stuff! And we’re not just talking about housewares like forks, plates and sheets. We need a lot of serious stuff like a dinghy, a life raft, life vests, fenders… But of course, we need toys too. Because what fun is a sailboat without at least a couple of paddle boards, a foil board and dive gear?
We figured the best place to shop for all things boats is a boat show. Right?! As it turns out, we had more than one incentive to make our way to the Cannes Boat Show…or excuse me, this is France, so it’s the Cannes Yachting Festival.
The more boat shows we attend, the more we realize just how different each one is. From everyone we’ve talked to, it sounds like the boot Düsseldorf show may be the best for gear and toy shopping. If have another suggestion, we’re all ears.
And just for fun, here are all the different boat shows we’ve attended over the years.
- [MOTORBOATIN MANIA – PALM BEACH INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/palm-beach-boat-show)
- [BOAT SHOPPING: BETTER THAN EXPECTED!](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/catamaran-shopping)
- [TESLA OF THE OCEAN? (miami boat show)](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tesla-miami-boat-show)
#### 🚣🏼SEARCHING FOR THE PERFECT DINGHY
-
-
-
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO
- We Use Artlist: Get 2 Months for FREE with this link: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Lalinea
#### 🎨 CREATIVE ASSETS IN THIS VIDEO (SFX, TEMPLATES & PRESETS)
- [https://bit.ly/motion-array-GWTW](https://bit.ly/motion-array-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🙏 WE COULDN’T MAKE THESE VIDS WITHOUT YOU!
Thank you for watching! Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### How Our Hybrid Electric Catamaran Works
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/how-our-hybrid-electric-catamaran-works/
Last updated: 2025-12-23T11:57:01.000Z
UPDATE!!!
CURIOSITY² was a 2023 HH44 Sailing Catamaran. We documented everything from the build process, to handover and our short time living aboard. But, [it wasn’t all smooth sailing](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/what-happened-to-our-catamaran/) after we took delivery. Of course, all new boats have [teething issues](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/major-failure-at-sea/), especially with new designs or the first few boats off the line, but [CURIOSITY has had more than her fair share](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/we-had-to-leave-our-boat/). Which is not what we expected.
Considering this vessel was both our home and our business, the disruption to both was just too much and we needed to go another direction.
---
Having [a self-sufficient boat](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/curiosity-sailboat) isn’t negotiable for us. Because we spend weeks and sometimes months away from civilization. So, managing our resources is a must and we’re always looking for better ways to do so. And that is exactly where Hybrid Electric comes in.
It’s all about drastically increasing our range, efficiency, redundancy and a whole lot more. Any manufacturer who isn’t installing a similar system will. Because Parallel Hybrid motors have all the benefits of both electric and diesel propulsion but with even more functionality…like hydrogeneration.
It’s a simple system but it has many modes and that is why we have dedicated an entire video to our hybrid electric set up. So, if you’ve been curious about what it is, how it works or who it’s for…this one is for you.
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO
- We Use Artlist: Get 2 Months for FREE with this link: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Yarin Primak
#### 🎨 CREATIVE ASSETS IN THIS VIDEO (SFX, TEMPLATES & PRESETS)
- [https://bit.ly/motion-array-GWTW](https://bit.ly/motion-array-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🙏 WE COULDN’T MAKE THESE VIDS WITHOUT YOU!
Thank you for watching! Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### We flew a hull today!?!
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/we-flew-a-hull-today/
Last updated: 2024-05-31T12:38:12.000Z
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### Sea Trials: Sailing The New HH88 Super Yacht
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sea-trials-sailing-the-new-hh88-super-yacht/
Last updated: 2023-11-13T21:03:07.000Z
The best part of spending time at the HH factory (aside from watching our boat being built) is getting to know the other owners. The person we’ve gotten to know best is Sean. He is a fellow YouTuber and soon to be owner of HH88, the first super catamaran for HH.
We’ve spent a lot of evenings bonding over the highs and lows of building a new boat. And anytime Jason and I are feeling overwhelmed, we just go for a quick look at all that is involved with building a boat twice the size in every direction. 🤯 It’s a good reminder of just how simple our 44ft boat is.
The HH88 is a super strong all-carbon vessel designed to sail around the world in style and comfort! And lucky us, Sean invited us aboard for a sail during his sea trials. Where we get a *behind the scenes* look at what it’s like to sail, live and certify this super yacht for international waters.
#### Sketch To Sea
Catch up with Sean, Jamie and the crew of HH88 Crazy Love here: [https://www.youtube.com/@sketchtosea3750](https://www.youtube.com/@sketchtosea3750?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO
- We Use Artlist: Get 2 Months for FREE with this link: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Yarin Primak, Ikoliks, Notize, WOOLFSON
#### 🎨 CREATIVE ASSETS IN THIS VIDEO (SFX, TEMPLATES & PRESETS)
- [https://bit.ly/motion-array-GWTW](https://bit.ly/motion-array-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🙏 WE COULDN’T MAKE THESE VIDS WITHOUT YOU!
Thank you for watching! Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### First Ever Tour Of The New HH44 Catamaran (Before Commissioning)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/first-ever-tour-of-the-new-hh44-catamaran-before-commissioning/
Last updated: 2023-12-01T06:52:44.000Z
Today is a big day! We get our first ever look at a completed HH44 catamaran.
We have gotten to know the boat through the building process, but we have never seen what she will really look like. You know, without tape, tools, and protective coverings all over everything.
Hull #1 has already been shipped out to France, and this is hull #2 which is about to be shipped out to her new owners in the USA. But before she gets loaded up, we get a full tour!
So, this is our first look at the finished interior, fully installed electronics and a demo of how the systems on this boat work.
Spoiler alert, she is even sexier and smarter than we expected. Excited doesn’t begin to describe how we feel!
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO
- We Use Artlist: Get 2 Months for FREE with this link: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Matthew Magenta, Eminence Landscapes, Yuval Maayan,
#### 🎨 CREATIVE ASSETS IN THIS VIDEO (SFX, TEMPLATES & PRESETS)
- [https://bit.ly/motion-array-GWTW](https://bit.ly/motion-array-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🙏 WE COULDN’T MAKE THESE VIDS WITHOUT YOU!
Thank you for watching! Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### We’re In Cannes!
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/were-in-cannes/
Last updated: 2024-05-31T12:41:10.000Z
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### Boat Build Update: So Close, And So Far Away…
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/boat-build-update-so-close-and-so-far-away/
Last updated: 2023-12-01T06:54:04.000Z
We’re back at the HH factory and wow, we are sooo close to splash time…yet so far away. Or so it feels. The final decisions must be made, and this is our last chance for any final negotiations on changes. It’s an overwhelming and exciting time. Which is why for this boat update, we’re taking you behind the scenes on what our days really look like here at the factory.
**Why Aren’t We Sailing Yet? Boat Delays?**
Our original contract delivery date was July. But it’s rare for any boat manufacturer (or service yard) to deliver on time. Just ask any boat owner. Why the manufactures don’t just give a more realistic time frame from the get-go is beyond me. Because I don’t know anyone that would be upset about something being completed early. But I know lots of people that get very upset about delays.🤷🏻♀️
Yes, there have been some delays over the past year due to Covid and typhoons and just general supply or production delays. We thought we would be cruising by now, but so goes it.
I snapped a photo of this sign at a Mexican restaurant in California a year ago. I have kept it as a reminder for these kinds of moments.
When it comes to our boat, good is what we care about most. And we know Paul Hakes (the builder of HH Catamarans) won’t sacrifice good for fast or cheap (cheap isn’t in his vocabulary, as is reflected in the price of our Variation Orders 🙀). His stubborn reputation for quality above all else is why we wanted an HH in the first place. So, we wait. Sometimes patiently…sometimes not.
According to the production team we are only about 30 days away. And assuming mother nature plays nice, and nothing catastrophic happens, I think that’s a fair estimate. Which means it’s time for us to get serious about outfitting our new home. Safety gear, medical kits, spares, basic housewares, food and all the other things we’ll need to make our first ocean crossing. 💸💸💸 If I get any good advice from my therapist on how not to stress about all the money flying out to sea, I’ll let you know.
**Will Jason Get A Dishwasher**
This is the million-dollar question. I have found (yes, I have been the one pushing for this one, because happy husband, happy life) a dishwasher that is good quality, fits our unique space requirements and HH is willing to install. But now the question is, can we negotiate a reasonable installation cost? Because this falls into the “variation order” category. And anything that is a VO comes with a very high price tag. Because it’s not a part of their standard options and will take them more time than something that is. And anyone who has owned a boat (new or used), knows that things get quoted in thousands, not in hundreds. We must make a decision soon or it will be too late. So, stay tuned… 🙈
**Drama Minimizing Headsets**
Wireless headsets are often called “Marriage Savers” for a reason. I don’t know how we survived without them our first 6 years of sailing. For CURIOSITY 2 we’re going all in, trying to make things as easy as possible, and not yelling at each other is a good start.
Hand signals are great when things are calm (no wind) and you have at least one hand free. But this is rare…and rarely when communication matters the most. Because there are so many times when your head is down and your hands are full when mooring, anchoring or tackling a sail. This is why we now have headsets.
We experienced the calming effect of [headsets on TTR, the HH55](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/we-moved-on-the-ultimate-performance-catamaran-full-tour/) we sailed in the Tuamotus. They had the Eartec Brand, which we heavily considered purchasing: [https://amzn.to/3sNoDHm](https://amzn.to/3sNoDHm?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) The upside is you can flip the mic up and it mutes the microphone. The downsides: They are bulky and they’re not waterproof (or even water resistant). The downsides became evident when [a line hit the headset and threw it into the water.](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/this-is-why-we-want-a-performance-catamaran/) Even though I jumped in to rescue the headset, it was toast!
We chose the SENA Bluetooth Expand [https://amzn.to/45HXnbX](https://amzn.to/45HXnbX?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) These are made for active situations like biking, horse riding, climbing, etc, so it’s a stable and secure fit. Plus they are water resistant (unfortunately they don’t provide an IP rating), but at least they claim “rain or shine”. It also has advanced noise control to reduce ambient noise and rumble from wind. The only downside I see is if you want to grumble something under your breath you’re partner will definitely be able to hear…so remember be kind when you’re wired up 😊.
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO
- We Use Artlist: Get 2 Months for FREE with this link: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Lance Conrad, LUMINAR
#### 🎨 CREATIVE ASSETS IN THIS VIDEO (SFX, TEMPLATES & PRESETS)
- [https://bit.ly/motion-array-GWTW](https://bit.ly/motion-array-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🙏 WE COULDN’T MAKE THESE VIDS WITHOUT YOU!
Thank you for watching! Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### A Brand New Look For a New Era!
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/a-brand-new-look-for-a-new-era/
Last updated: 2024-06-03T11:51:30.000Z
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### Boat Updates and MORE!
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/boat-updates-and-more/
Last updated: 2024-05-31T12:43:51.000Z
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### The Shakedown Sail, BREAKING (in) A New Boat
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/the-shakedown-sail-breaking-in-a-new-boat/
Last updated: 2023-11-13T19:21:44.000Z
Getting a new sailboat is sort of like starting a new relationship. Sure, it’s exciting but the jitters and uncertainty can take away from of the joy and create anxiety. Because there are no shortcuts to deep familiarity.
Nothing prepares you for the overwhelming process that is getting to know a new boat and new systems. Even if you’ve been sailing for years, mistakes are inevitable, and things will break. It’s all a part of the learning process.
Then, of course, there is the art of making it a home.
This week, you get an intimate peek at this awkward phase as we fumble our way through the shakedown sail. Join us for our final sail aboard Ruby Rose 2.
Thanks again to Nick and Terysa for having us aboard for such a big adventure! It’s the beginning of a new chapter and we’re looking forward to seeing where this one takes you.
#### ⛵ More on Nick, Terysa & Ruby Rose 2
- [youtube.com/@sailingrubyrose](https://www.youtube.com/@sailingrubyrose?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO
- We Use Artlist: Get 2 Months for FREE with this link: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Marc Robillard, Hanjo Gabler, Russo, Michael Shynes
#### 🎨 CREATIVE ASSETS IN THIS VIDEO (SFX, TEMPLATES & PRESETS)
- [https://bit.ly/motion-array-GWTW](https://bit.ly/motion-array-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🙏 WE COULDN’T MAKE THESE VIDS WITHOUT YOU!
Thank you for watching! Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### Sailing The NEW Seawind 1370 (owners review)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailing-the-new-seawind-1370-honest-review/
Last updated: 2023-11-16T04:32:56.000Z
This is a big moment! We are setting sail for the very first passage aboard the spanking new Seawind 1370 catamaran. While this is hull #2, it is the **first Seawind 1370** to be delivered to its owners.
It’s our long-time friends Nick and Terysa’s new boat Ruby Rose 2\. They have been documenting the build of this boat for the past 2 years (an extra-long wait thanks to covid) and naturally, their videos have created a lot of hype, buzz and anticipation.
But Nick and Terysa were monohull sailors, and this is their first Catamaran. So, the burning question is, does the boat live up to the hype? Does it meet the expectations they set? We are super keen to find out!
Because there is the anticipation (something we are experiencing now) and then there is the reality of the completed vessel. How does she sail? How is the layout? How are the systems? Soooo many questions…and we get some brutally honest answers. Because let’s face it, **no boat is perfect.**
Join us for the very first passage aboard Ruby Rose 2 in Thailand.
Congratulations Nick and Terysa, Ruby Rose 2 is a beautiful boat. She will fit you like a glove in no time. Thanks again for having us aboard for such a big adventure! We are looking forward to sharing an anchorage one day very soon.
#### ⛵ More on Nick, Terysa & Ruby Rose
- [youtube.com/@sailingrubyrose](https://www.youtube.com/@sailingrubyrose?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🚁The New DJI AIR 3 Drone
- Buy from DJI: [https://bit.ly/Air3](https://bit.ly/Air3?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Buy from Amazon: [https://amzn.to/3OpSBbo](https://amzn.to/3OpSBbo?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Buy from B&H: [https://bhpho.to/3OIMUqx](https://bhpho.to/3OIMUqx?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO
- We Use Artlist: Get 2 Months for FREE with this link: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gwtw.ghost.io)
- Artists – Alex Grohl, Teo Laza, Kicktracks, Steve Poloni, Katrina Stone, Francesco DAndrea
#### 🎨 CREATIVE ASSETS IN THIS VIDEO (SFX, TEMPLATES & PRESETS)
- [https://bit.ly/motion-array-GWTW](https://bit.ly/motion-array-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🙏 WE COULDN’T MAKE THESE VIDS WITHOUT YOU!
Thank you for watching! Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### The Most Impressive Off Grid Island We’Ve Ever Seen (full systems tour)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/the-most-impressive-off-grid-island-weve-ever-seen-full-systems-tour/
Last updated: 2023-11-16T12:33:03.000Z
Self-reliance is a necessary way of life as a sailor. The longer we plan to be at sea, or on a remote uninhabited island, the more self-sustainable we need to be. Which is why we always say, **Self-Reliance + Sustainability = Freedom.**
Naturally, we’re always on the hunt for new ideas on how to better manage our floating home and limited resources.
And if there is one thing we have learned over the years, it’s that most of us will commit to almost anything if it saves us time or money. But it can’t come at the cost of comfort or convivence. In other words, the world isn’t going to move to foot pumps for water to save money on electricity.
But, if you can guarantee some solar panels will pay for themselves and then provide years of free electricity, then who wouldn’t want that!?
So, when a long-time viewer and patron reached out about a remote island in Thailand with luxurious villas that have been off grid for over 20 years…we knew we had to check it out.
And wow, it really is the most impressive and inspiring off grid systems we have ever seen. We’re talking about a serious little slice of paradise completely designed and engineered to work with nature from the ground up.
I really love their mantra, *If you take care of nature, nature will take care of you.*
Our minds are now reeling with ideas for our boat and hopefully you found a little inspiration too.
If anyone happens to know of a small version of the grey water treatment to remove soap, we would love to know about it. Or a small, boat friendly hydroponic system, we’re all about that too. While we can make sprouts (easy to do) and we have grown herbs in the past…most countries do NOT want us brining in any soil or seeds. So we always have to give them away before we sail away. So the idea of having a simple hydroponic system that we could use for fast growing plants like lettuce, would be very cool and eliminate at least the soil issue.
#### 🌴More about The Racha’s Environmental Efforts
[https://www.theracha.com/environment/](https://www.theracha.com/environment/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO
- We Use Artlist: Get 2 Months for FREE with this link: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Idokay, Beat Blitz, Yarin Primak, Yehezkel Raz
#### 🎨 CREATIVE ASSETS IN THIS VIDEO (SFX, TEMPLATES & PRESETS)
- [https://bit.ly/motion-array-GWTW](https://bit.ly/motion-array-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🙏 WE COULDN’T MAKE THESE VIDS WITHOUT YOU!
Thank you for watching! Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### Sailing On A Brand New Boat!
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailing-on-a-brand-new-boat/
Last updated: 2024-05-31T12:46:01.000Z
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### International Healthcare As A Nomad
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/international-healthcare-as-a-nomad/
Last updated: 2026-04-04T13:23:12.000Z
When we dream about exploring the world we envision [dramatic landscapes](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/wild-remote-boat-life-in-the-fiordlands/), [swimming with whales](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/swim-whales-moorea), and [exciting new food](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sea-farming-nz). Not [exotic rashes](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/remote-island-hospital), food poisoning, or dengue fever.
So, what happens if you get deathly ill at sea? Or have a serious injury on a remote island? What do you do about regular doctor’s visits while in a foreign country?
All good questions. But first, if you want to see what healthcare abroad looks like, the video above is from our time in Thailand in 2023\. I needed to see an ENT and get all of our regular checkups done (OBGYN, Dentist, Dermatologist). So we thought *why not get it all done and then some!*?! It turned out to be a much bigger (and cheaper) adventure than we expected!
### An Ounce of Prevention is worth a Pound of Cure
Just as we maintain our boat to prevent aging and fatigue, we want to maintain our bodies and minds. Something we haven’t been as good at as we would like…but we are working on it! Most every doctor tells us preventative health is the key to a long, happy life.
### International Health Insurance
We sailors and digital nomads don’t live in a world built with us in mind. Domestic health insurance doesn’t work abroad and while some countries have universal health coverage for their citizens, it does not cover us as travelers. We have to pay out of pocket or have insurance that covers us in that country. Even if you are lucky enough to be a citizen of a country with a good health program, it won’t do you any good if you aren’t in your home country.
Thankfully, there are insurance plans tailored for all types of traveling lifestyles. And we are not talking about insurance aimed at the typical vacationer. We’re talking legit global health plans for full time travelers and expats.
In 2022 I had my first surgery in a foreign country and filed my first claim with my international health insurance. So, right after that, it felt like a good time to cover the subject of healthcare abroad. The costs, quality of care, and in general share what we’ve learned over the years from our smattering of global medical experiences.
### **Quality of Care Abroad**
Overall, we’ve been able to find caring, knowledgeable, and experienced doctors throughout our travels. In some places, like Panama, South Africa, Thailand and New Zealand, we have experienced an incredible quality of care at a fraction of what it would cost in the USA.
**Research.** It’s the key to setting realistic expectations and planning out routine appointments. There will be a few countries, or remote areas, you’ll want to be self-sufficient and avoid medical services. But there will be some countries you will want to get everything taken care of and then some!
- Check your local government sites and the country you are visiting for any advisories:
- USA: [travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- IAMAT has a lot of good information – [https://www.iamat.org/general-resources](https://www.iamat.org/general-resources?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- The CDC lists a lot of resources: [https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/travel-information-centers ](https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/travel-information-centers?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Ask your fellow travelers. May seem obvious but it’s also a great way to get a recommendation for a good doctor.
- General internet searches like “health care as a traveler in (country you are traveling to)” .
### **Medical For Extreme Remote Travel**
For the extremely remote islands we’ve been to, the services and facilities have been bare bones. On some islands, there is nothing…because there are no people. In these cases, we have our [satellite communications](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailboat-wifi-phone-satellite) and make sure to come fully prepared to take care of ourselves.
We have insurance that includes telemedicine, emergency evacuation and repatriation. We have taken first-aid classes and have had additional training on severe wounds.
We have an extensive medical kit specially designed for sailors who might not have access to a hospital or trained medical personnel. These kits can be purchased online or at boat shows. They are great for most situations and you can always add extras to suit your needs.
- **Our Adventure Medical Kit**: [https://amzn.to/3tbiW3t](https://amzn.to/3tbiW3t?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- **Variety of Medical Kits (including ones for pets)**: [https://amzn.to/3QpR5IX](https://amzn.to/3QpR5IX?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
If you want to really kick it up a notch, some companies specialize in **offshore medical training, telemedicine & custom kits** used by cruisers and professional Yachts. Like these:
- [https://www.msos.org.uk/](https://www.msos.org.uk/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- [https://www.medaire.com/yachts/owner](https://www.medaire.com/yachts/owner?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
And then there are **wilderness medical courses** like those from NOLS: [https://www.nols.edu/courses/wm/](https://www.nols.edu/courses/wm/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### **FREE Ships Captains Medical Guide**
If nothing else (or in addition), download the Ships Captains Medical Guide. It is put together by the UK government for practical medical guidance (non-doctors) working onboard a ship. It covers just about everything including basic first aid, poisoning, sexually transmitted diseases, and how to deal with a burial at sea.
- [https://www.academia.edu/29415592/THE\_SHIP\_CAPTAINS\_MEDICAL\_GUIDE](https://www.academia.edu/29415592/THE%5FSHIP%5FCAPTAINS%5FMEDICAL%5FGUIDE?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### **You May NEED Proof of Insurance to Travel**
More and more it’s becoming a requirement to have international health insurance to enter certain countries. Especially as sailors or anyone applying for visas. For example, Panama and New Zealand both requested we have proof of health insurance before they approved our visa.
### **Murky Waters of Global Health Insurance**
There are a lot of different options out there and they are NOT created equal. It’s all in the details and what your specific needs are. But it’s also about the reputation of the insurer**.** No point in paying for insurance if they don’t pay the claims.
There are websites like [TrustPilot](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/cignaglobal.com?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) that have reviews, but navigating the murky waters of health insurance isn’t my forte. This is why we [use an agent](https://healthisinternational.com/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com). Having an agent doesn’t cost us anything extra, but it means we can get quotes from multiple companies all at once. And, we have someone who can help guide us to the right plan based on our style of travel, locations, and needs.
Arno has been our agent for several years now. He is a fellow traveler and sailor who makes it his business to know all the plans, which company has a good reputation, and which doesn’t. He helps travelers from all over the world. A quick glance at his website will give you an idea of some of the companies and services out there. We don’t get anything if you click or buy insurance through him…but if you reach out, tell him we sent you.
- [healthisinternational.com](https://healthisinternational.com/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### Some things to consider
- **What countries are covered?** Some companies are specific to a handful of neighboring countries while others cover practically every country except a handful of ones where health care is more expensive, such as the USA. (For example, our insurance works anywhere in the world except the USA). To include these, you can expect an additional cost or you may be required to purchase another plan entirely to cover that one “special” place.
- **Types of Coverage:** Most policies will have a huge list of treatments that are both covered and not covered. If service is not covered automatically, you may be able to add it such as dental, vision, maternity, physical therapy, and mental health services.
- **Sports/Diving?** Sports can be something as benign as hiking – you don’t want to find out you’re not covered *after* you break your leg on a tree root.
- **Emergency health coverage, evacuation, and repatriation**.
- **Pre-Existing and chronic conditions:** I don’t have a lot of experience with this, but I have heard both good and bad stories. Read the fine print and understand exactly what you are covered for and if there are limits or special requirements.
- **Telemedicine:** Access to doctors through phone, email, or video. Very handy in remote areas or when there are limited healthcare facilities.
### **Our Health Insurance**
**The premiums for international health insurance vary dramatically**. Because there are so many factors like age, location, medical history, and coverage needs. There is no such thing as a straightforward comparison of plans because no two plans are the same. Different levels of coverage, limitations, and exclusions, each of which affects the overall cost of a plan.
So, take these numbers with a grain of salt.
Our current plan (2023) is through a company called Expatriate (purchased through Arno we mentioned above). It is a Catastrophic plan that cost us just under $2100 for our premium and has a deductible of $5500 per incident.
Our catastrophic plan ONLY covers emergencies or major medical procedures**.** Catastrophic plans are the most affordable because we pay out of pocket for general care. Which outside of the USA isn’t a big deal because, in comparison, it can be very affordable!
Our insurance works worldwide (excluding the USA). If we spend time in our home country, we would need to get a USA-specific plan for while we are there.
#### **Medications**
We’ve found Meds and prescriptions are easy to get, and easy to stock up on as we travel. It’s common to have a doctor write an extra prescription, or even recommend ones as a precaution for our travels. Especially as offshore sailors. If you are headed into an area with malaria or want some broad-spectrum antibiotics or steroids to keep on the boat, just ask.
Anytime we schedule a consultation with a doctor, we check our medical kit and make notes on what we need to update. We tell the doctor about our situation, where we’re sailing and what the scrips are for. So far we’ve never been told “no”. For safety at sea, we keep a wide variety of prescriptions in our kit with notes on what they treat such as “bacterial infection” or “severe sinus infection”.
### Final Thoughts
We’re not experts and can only speak from our own experiences. We’ve found healthcare abroad can be great…as long as you’re prepared and do a little research on the area you are visiting in advance.
If you have questions or want us to elaborate on something, drop us a note down below. I can’t promise I will have the answer, but we’ll do our best.
### 🙏THANK YOU!
This article and video are made possible because of you! If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### The things we do.
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/the-things-we-do/
Last updated: 2024-05-31T12:47:42.000Z
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### Ask Our Naval Architect...
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/jason-asks-our-naval-architect/
Last updated: 2024-05-31T12:50:20.000Z
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### Real Time Update
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/real-time-update/
Last updated: 2024-06-03T11:54:26.000Z
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### The Joy Of Monsoon Season (Sailing Thailand)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/monsoon-season-sailing-thailand/
Last updated: 2025-09-18T22:52:57.000Z
This probably seems painfully obvious but chartering a sailboat doesn’t guarantee anyone any actual sailing or fair weather. And coaxing mother nature to blow our way has never been our forte. But determination on the other hand is something we have in spades, and we were determined to sail this boat!
So we find ourselves in a delicate dance with the elusive winds of monsoon season as we make our way to the renowned Phi Phi islands. Home to some of the best diving in the country, nature’s most ferocious winged tormentors (mosquitoes), long tailed monkeys and stunning ocean meets jungle views.
We’re back in our cruisers paradise of sail, eat, dive, explore, eat, sleep and repeat. It’s all sunshine and curry date nights until the skies crack open and the rain cascades down like a waterfall. Our boat springs a leak and so does does Jason’s exuberance. Apparently, a monsoon is his sirens song.
#### 🦈GET SURFSHARK VPN
The best tool to unblock the internet. Enter promo code WYNNS for 3 extra months FREE!
- [surfshark.deals/WYNNS](https://surfshark.deals/WYNNS?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🍏AG1 THE BEST ALL IN ONE GREEN DRINK
- Get a 1 year supply of Vitamin D + 5 individual travel packs FREE with your first purchase: [drinkAG1.com/gonewiththewynns](https://drinkag1.com/gonewiththewynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO
- We Use Artlist: Get 2 Months for FREE with this link: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Guesthouse, Beat Blitz, Rex Banner, The Cliff, Beauregard, Paper Planes
#### 🎨 CREATIVE ASSETS IN THIS VIDEO (SFX, TEMPLATES & PRESETS)
- [https://bit.ly/motion-array-GWTW](https://bit.ly/motion-array-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🙏 WE COULDN’T MAKE THESE VIDS WITHOUT YOU!
Thank you for watching! Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### Chartering A Catamaran (AKA, Try Before You Buy!)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/chartering-our-first-catamaran/
Last updated: 2025-09-18T22:54:16.000Z
We’ve been feeling seasick but, in a homesick kind of way. Like a fish out of water, we start drying out and struggle to breathe if we’ve been away too long. So, to say this past year has left us parched would be an understatement.
Our boat is still a couple of months away from us being able to move aboard and sail away. Patience has never been my virtue and it’s our 17th wedding anniversary celebration! So, we decided to quench our thirst and do something we have never done before. Charter a boat.
Which is funny because the first thing we tell people when they ask us for advice on how to get into sailing is: Look for a sailing club near you, take a sailing course and/or charter a boat.
If you’ve been following along for a while, then you already know we didn’t do any of this when we started. We bought a boat, then learned how to sail and only joined in our first sailing club race last year. We’ve also been known to roll boulders uphill, but we don’t advise it. It’s our public service, we do things the hard way, so you don’t have to.
Typically, we don’t recommend anything we haven’t personally experienced. Yet we’ve been encouraging people to charter a boat for years. In theory it’s a good idea but what is the reality? What is the cost? Is it worth the cost?
We’re about to find out. Join us in Phuket, Thailand as we set sail for a week on our first sailing charter.
#### **More Thoughts On Chartering A Sailboat**
As Jason mentioned in the video, there are a lot of different ways to charter a boat. Before you go searching out a charter, list out what your goals are. Then go searching for a charter that meets that list.
Because the sea of choices can be a bit overwhelming and the experience aboard each will no doubt be different. And price isn’t always an indication of what you will get. Because depending on what your goals are, the $1000 a week boat on a lake only a short road trip from your home could be a far better value than a $5000 charter an ocean away.
There are a ton of live aboard cruisers out there who will rent out their cabins. We’ve met plenty of sailors along our journey who do this. Some of it is legal, some not. Some of them provide an incredible service and experience, some of them not.
So be cautious when searching online. My advice is to make sure they are a legit operation (not just taking cash under the table) and have proper insurance for having paid guests onboard. But don’t let that scare you. Because if you are looking to be a liveaboard, it could be the most insightful and helpful trip of your life.
Then of course there are the big boys. Sort of like the Marriot Hotels of the charter world. Sunsail & Moorings are both huge companies with bases all over the world with a wide variety of services and boats. Once we had tickets booked to Phuket and knew we wanted to get on a boat, seeing that Sunsail had a base here made the decision for us easy. We were booking last minute and honestly didn’t want to have to do a bunch of research to vet a company or a boat. We only had one goal, stress free time out on the water. Sunsail had a couple of Leopard catamarans, a boat we are extremely familiar with. So our search was done and we made the right choice for our goal. The whole process was painfully easy, stress free and took out all the hard work. So, thank you Sunsail…even easier than we expected.
- **Sunsail Thailand** – [https://bit.ly/3pY5vFk](https://bit.ly/3pY5vFk?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) They have a map with a suggested itinerary that includes some of our stops if you want to see where we were.
#### S/V CURIOSITY
- Curiosity 2 is a hybrid electric HH44 Catamaran splashing late summer of 2023\. Catch the full scoop here: [gonewiththewynns.com/curiosity-sailboat](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/curiosity-sailboat)
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO
- We Use Artlist: Get 2 Months for FREE with this link: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Syncro, Kick Lee, Assaf Ayalon, Skygaze, DaniHaDani, Warmkeys, Doug Kaufman
#### 🎨 CREATIVE ASSETS IN THIS VIDEO (SFX, TEMPLATES & PRESETS)
- [https://bit.ly/motion-array-GWTW](https://bit.ly/motion-array-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🙏 WE COULDN’T MAKE THESE VIDS WITHOUT YOU!
Thank you for watching! Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ways you can show your support**.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### Deep Thoughts On Our Helm Station
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/deep-thoughts-on-our-helm-station/
Last updated: 2024-06-03T12:09:22.000Z
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### The HARDEST Decision When Buying A Catamaran
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/the-hardest-decision-when-buying-a-catamaran/
Last updated: 2023-12-01T06:53:02.000Z
The biggest benefit to hanging around such a [bespoke boat factory](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/boat-building-devil-is-in-the-details/) is the unfettered access to some of the world’s leading experts. Because it seems there are new specialists coming in to collaborate on different boats every month.
And lucky us, we managed to make friends with Erik Berzins while he was visiting the factory. He is a Yacht designer and all-around incredible engineer at [Morrelli & Melvin](https://www.morrellimelvin.com/about-morrelli-melvin/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com). If you know who M&M is, then you already know they are regarded as some of the best designers in the world. And wow, we learned heaps about all things sailing while carpooling to the factory and exploring on weekends together.
He designs and manages a wide variety of projects including some very cutting-edge multihulls with mighty fancy appendages (daggerboards, foils, winglets, rudders). And considering we wanted to make a video explaining why we choose NOT to get daggerboards…we knew he was just the person to help us break down exactly what all these different appendages do.
To get or not to get daggerboards, that is the question. And it was a huge, difficult decision we had to ponder for weeks. Especially because of this other option we never knew about called winglets.
Striking the balance between performance, maintenance, ease & cost isn’t easy. At the end of the day, we wanted a cruising boat. We’re willing to sacrifice a little bit of performance for ease of use and maintenance. Especially with the option of adding the winglets for a boost. It seems to be the perfect goldilocks middle solution for us.
#### S/V CURIOSITY
- Curiosity 2 is a hybrid electric HH44 Catamaran splashing late summer of 2023\. Catch the full scoop here: [gonewiththewynns.com/curiosity-sailboat](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/curiosity-sailboat)
#### 🍏AG1 THE BEST ALL IN ONE GREEN DRINK
- Get a 1 year supply of Vitamin D + 5 individual travel packs FREE with your first purchase: [drinkAG1.com/gonewiththewynns](https://drinkag1.com/gonewiththewynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🦈GET SURFSHARK VPN
The best tool to unblock the internet. Enter promo code WYNNS for 3 extra months FREE!
- - [surfshark.deals/WYNNS](https://surfshark.deals/WYNNS?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC In This Video
- We Use Artlist: Get 2 Months for FREE with this link: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Ian Post, Rex Banner
#### 🎨 CREATIVE ASSETS IN THIS VIDEO (SFX, TEMPLATES & PRESETS)
- [https://bit.ly/motion-array-GWTW](https://bit.ly/motion-array-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🙏 WE COULDN’T MAKE THESE VIDS WITHOUT YOU!
Thank you for watching! Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ways you can show your support**.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### It’s a big week.
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/its-a-big-week/
Last updated: 2023-12-01T07:25:18.000Z
There are different seasons of life. And for whatever reason, it feels like this is the season where life is hurling at us like a wrecking ball (cue Miley Cyrus). Maybe it’s a midlife crisis. Or maybe it’s just life.
A huge thanks for hanging out and celebrating life with us week after week, year after year. It’s been a wild ride and apparently, we’re not even halfway there yet. 😉
#### AG1 THE BEST ALL IN ONE GREEN DRINK
- Get a 1 year supply of Vitamin D + 5 individual travel packs FREE with your first purchase: [drinkAG1.com/gonewiththewynns](https://drinkag1.com/gonewiththewynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🦈GET SURFSHARK VPN
Enter promo code WYNNS for 3 extra months FREE!
- - [surfshark.deals/WYNNS](https://surfshark.deals/WYNNS?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC & SOUND EFFECTS IN THIS VIDEO
- We Use Artlist: Get 2 Months for FREE with this link: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Marc Robillard, Be Still the Earth, Rex Banner, SoundKeeper, Russo & Weinberg, Annie Zhou
#### 🎨 CREATIVE ASSETS IN THIS VIDEO (SFX, TEMPLATES & PRESETS)
- [https://bit.ly/motion-array-GWTW](https://bit.ly/motion-array-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🙏 WE COULDN’T MAKE THESE VIDS WITHOUT YOU!
Thank you for watching! Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ways you can show your support**.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### Floating Dive Shop - Freediving, Scuba, Snorkel
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/diving-from-sailboat/
Last updated: 2024-06-26T09:38:02.000Z
It’s a no brainer to have a mini dive shop when living on a sailboat. And not once have we regretted the investment. Because we...
- Dive On Our Own Schedule
- Avoid The Busy Times and Crowds
- Dive Remote Areas Where The Are No Dive Operators
- Handy For Underwater Boat Repairs & Maintenance
- Make New Friends By Filling Their Tanks
We’re not experts on scuba diving, freediving (which we really love) or dive gear. But if it’s listed here, it means it works for us and has earned its place aboard.
## The Curiosity Dive Shop
## Freediving / Snorkeling Gear
**Nikki –** I like my low profile mask and prefer a simple snorkel. But the big thing to note here is my freediving fins. Every pair of fins I tried on were way, way too big and wide for my size seven foot. The SporaSub fins were the only ones I found that fit me. I can wear them with or without socks/booties.
- Freediving Mask: [https://amzn.to/3TXdbnN](https://amzn.to/3TXdbnN?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Freediving Snorkel: [https://amzn.to/3TF6uoM](https://amzn.to/3TF6uoM?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Freediving Fins: [http://amzn.to/2kIYmlf](http://amzn.to/2kIYmlf?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Scuba/Snorkel Fins: [https://amzn.to/4avMqMz](https://amzn.to/4avMqMz?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**Jason**
- Freediving Mask: [https://amzn.to/3TF6uoM](https://amzn.to/3TF6uoM?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Freediving Snorkel: [https://amzn.to/3TF6uoM](https://amzn.to/3TF6uoM?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Freediving Fins: [http://amzn.to/2kIhljK](http://amzn.to/2kIhljK?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Scuba/Snorkel Fins: [https://amzn.to/4avMqMz](https://amzn.to/4avMqMz?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
## Scuba
### BC/Reg/Octopus/Dive Computer/Tanks
The AquaLung Travel Set was affordable and the perfect compact starter set for us aboard Curiosity 1\. It comes with the BC, regulator, octopus and dive computer. We’ve been happy with the whole kit.
For CURIOSITY2, we wanted something easier, more compact and lighter weight. Especially for doing any underwater work on the boat. So, we went all in on the Mantus Mini Scuba Set!
- AquaLung Travel Set: [https://amzn.to/2GmypV0](https://amzn.to/2GmypV0?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Mantus Scuba: [https://bit.ly/MantusWynns](https://bit.ly/MantusWynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### Dive Watch
This has been a big one. It’s an all around beast of a watch which has taken our freediving/scuba game to the next level.
With or without tanks, in saltwater or freshwater, breathing nitrox, trimix or freediving, the computer is made for it all. The surface GPS navigation with full-color onscreen mapping and location reference has already been seriously sweet addition for drift diving and strong current pass dives. We’re able to mark our entry and exit spots. It’s a smartwatch and dive computer combined into one…with too many features to list here.
- **Garmin Descent:** [https://amzn.to/2Rsfjlq](https://amzn.to/2Rsfjlq?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
## Breathing Air Compressor
We had a Bauer Oceanus on CURIOSITY 1\. But to be honest, we didn't scuba nearly as much as we free dove (it’s a lot less gear to fuss with). So, when it came time to put a compressor in CURIOSITY 2, we decided on a Mantus. It's a tad more compact, lighter weight and more affordable.
We can still fill tanks, go on dives and tackle all our underwater boat jobs like servicing the prop, transducers, etc.
- Mantus Scuba: [bit.ly/MantusWynns](https://bit.ly/MantusWynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### Dinghy Diving
Don’t forget to bring your dive flag with you: [https://amzn.to/3TV8iv8](https://amzn.to/3TV8iv8?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
Make sure you have a solid anchor and plenty of rode for deep water. We love love love our Mantus dingy anchor! Mantus just makes good stuff that works well: [http://bit.ly/MantusWynns](http://bit.ly/MantusWynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### 📷 Underwater Photo & Video 🎥
We have fallen in love with underwater photography as much as being underwater. Our gear is not top notch professional, but it gets the job done. Expect to see a legit rig/lighting kit added here someday soon (Dear Santa…).
**Affordable Quality**
Our main underwater camera is the Sony rx100v with underwater housing. It’s hands down the best entry-level setup. It’s affordable but leaps and bounds better quality over any consumer action camera.
**Sony RX 100 V**
- Buy From Amazon – [https://amzn.to/2LFukzr](https://amzn.to/2LFukzr?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Buy From B&H – [https://bhpho.to/2FxEUXV](https://bhpho.to/2FxEUXV?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**Underwater Housing**
- Buy From Amazon – [https://amzn.to/30j6EVw](https://amzn.to/30j6EVw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Buy From B&H – [https://bhpho.to/2hW8HhV](https://bhpho.to/2hW8HhV?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**DJI OSMO ACTION 4**
This camera keeps the magnetic mount that we love so much and has a huge 1/1.3″ sensor. Good low light performance, 10-bit D Log M for enhanced color control, and 160 min battery.
- Buy from DJI: [https://bit.ly/DJIAction-4](https://bit.ly/DJIAction-4?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Buy from Amazon: [https://amzn.to/43XZA1c](https://amzn.to/43XZA1c?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Buy from B&H: [https://bhpho.to/3qbmvZ7](https://bhpho.to/3qbmvZ7?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### Did We Miss Something?
If we didn’t list a piece of gear that you want to know about or we did but you still have questions, drop us a note in the comment box below and we’ll update the post. If you would like to see a video review or a deeper dive into a specific piece of gear, let us know that too.
### Boat Building: The Devil Is In The Details
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/boat-building-devil-is-in-the-details/
Last updated: 2025-07-01T09:47:58.000Z
Ah, the captivating realm of boat building, where all the magic happens. Or so we are learning. The biggest advantage to being at the factory for our boat build is getting to see all the guts, how it all comes together and learning from the pros. We have been spending A LOT of time with the HH crew and diving into the nitty-gritty details that make these floating marvels worthy of sailing the world’s oceans.
And this week, we take a peek into the heart and soul of boat construction, where every minuscule detail counts and the devil himself hangs out. From design tolerances to why epoxy is superior, we’re pulling back the curtain on the wizardry that goes into building our HH44 and all their other vessels.
Getting unfettered access to the HH factory, the people, and the process has been invaluable. This is obviously a highly talented crew and every step of the process is carefully thought out. From the materials they choose to the intricate electrical systems, it’s clear that attention to detail is their secret sauce. Which gives us a ton of confidence in our boat for when the time comes to set sail. Because Ricardo is right, something will inevitably fail. And when it does, we will know exactly where it is and how to get to it. Fixing it will be another beast all together, but that’s future us problems. For now, we’re soaking up all the knowledge we can and enjoying this part of the journey.
#### DON’T KNOW WHO HH CATAMARANS IS?
Obviously we’re fairly biased, because this who we chose to build our dream boat, but HH builds the highest quality performance catamarans out there. It’s a USA based company with one factory in the Philippines and one in China. You can learn a lot more about them and all the boats they build on their website.
- HH Website: [hhcatamarans.com/hh44-wynns](https://www.hhcatamarans.com/hh44-wynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- More About Our Boat:
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC & SOUND EFFECTS IN THIS VIDEO
- We Use Artlist: Get 2 Months for FREE with this link: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Eyal Raz
#### 🎨 CREATIVE ASSETS IN THIS VIDEO (SFX, TEMPLATES & PRESETS)
- [https://bit.ly/motion-array-GWTW](https://bit.ly/motion-array-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🙏 WE COULDN’T MAKE THESE VIDS WITHOUT YOU!
Thank you for watching! Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ways you can show your support**.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### Visa Situation & Cost of Living in China
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/visa-situation-cost-of-living-in-china/
Last updated: 2024-06-03T12:13:28.000Z
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### First Impressions Of Our New Catamaran
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/first-impressions-new-boat/
Last updated: 2025-07-15T13:36:11.000Z
**\*\*\*\*UPDATE\*\*\*\***
CURIOSITY² was a 2023 HH44 Sailing Catamaran. We documented everything from the build process, to handover and our short time living aboard. But, [it wasn’t all smooth sailing](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/major-failure-at-sea/) after we took delivery. Of course, all new boats have teething issues, especially with new designs or the first few boats off the line, but [CURIOSITY has had more than her fair share](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/we-had-to-leave-our-boat/). Which is not what we or HH expected.
Considering this vessel was both our home and our business, the disruption to both was just too much and we needed to go another direction.
---
We have landed at the HH factory and I have never been more excited, nervous, and overwhelmed. Because we are about to see our new catamaran for the very first time. Ok, it’s probably the same emotions I felt on [the day we signed the boat build contract](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/hybrid-electric-catamaran-reveal) but somehow it feels different.
It’s been almost a year since we [sold Curiosity in New Zealand](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/the-end-of-boat-life/) and began[ the build of Curiosity 2](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/new-hybrid-catamaran-update/). And when we purchased, the HH44 was little more than a concept with a few digital renderings. They hadn’t even started building the molds yet but it [ticked all the boxes we really wanted in a boat.](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/10-crucial-features)
In concept, it was as close to “the perfect boat” as we could imagine. Because HH would be building it from the ground up with strength, performance, and self-reliance in mind. There’s no way any retrofit we could ever do would be nearly as good…right?!
Now it’s no longer a concept, it’s a real boat and I can’t help myself, I have a lot of expectations. So yes, I am excited but I am also nervous.
**We need your help!** There is so much to cover between being in a new country and with building this boat, but we don’t want to get lost in nerdy details…unless that is what YOU want. If you have questions or topics you would like to see us dive into during this last phase of the build, we want to hear them. If you have curiosities about China, we want to know that too! Let us know what you want to see through our lens in the comments below. Then we’ll do our best to fulfil the requests in an upcoming video or blog post.
#### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Thank you for watching! Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
####
### Curiosity Build Update! (splash date & sail plans)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/curiosity-build-update-splash-date-sail-plans/
Last updated: 2024-06-03T12:17:41.000Z
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### Our Most EXCITING Day of Narrowboating
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/our-most-exciting-day-of-narrowboating/
Last updated: 2024-10-10T10:52:33.000Z
We have crossed a lot of borders by land, air, and sea. But never have we ever had anything as stunning, or as memorable, as this crossing from England to Wales by narrowboat.
If I had to describe navigating the Llangollen canal in one sentence, it would be: High action in slow motion. The first 11 miles are designated as a world heritage site for its beauty and historic engineering…and it’s easy to see why.
Join us today as we cross the stream in the sky (aka the highest aqueduct in the world), go through the longest, darkest tunnel in Wales and make our way to the source of it all, horseshoe falls. This is the day we’ve been waiting for and the whole reason we choose this canal as our first narrowboat adventure.
#### 🛟Cruising The Cut
If you missed [our first narrowboat video with David Johns](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/the-ultimate-canal-adventure-begins-full-tour/), AKA Cruising The Cut…then you missed a lot. David has an entire channel dedicated to all things associated with cruising the canals of Great Britain. It's called [Cruising The Cut](https://www.youtube.com/@CruisingTheCut/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com). And he couldn’t resist the opportunity to make a video about us, a couple of American sailors having a go at narrowboating.
#### **Hire Your Own Narrowboat**
ABC Boat Hire was David’s recommendation, and he was spot on. They agreed to host us and the whole experience was smooth as butter. They have locations all over Britain so you can pick up at one marina and drop off at another, make a loop or whatever your heart desires. Aside from food, the boat had everything we needed for the trip including training on how to operate these long narrowboats.
No previous boating experience needed! So this is truly an adventure for anyone and by the end of this series, I bet it will be on your bucket list too (if it wasn’t already).
- [abcboathire.com/](https://www.abcboathire.com/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
[All Our Photo & Video Gear - Gone With The Wynns\[…\]Gone With The WynnsNikki Wynn](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear/)
### Daily Life Aboard A Canal Boat (cruising Great Britain)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/daily-life-aboard-a-canal-boat-cruising-great-britain/
Last updated: 2024-10-10T10:52:21.000Z
Our first narrowboating adventure continues and today, we’re going to become lock masters (or so we think). This isn’t our first time to navigate a canal or locks (hello [Panama Canal)](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/transit-panama-canal-sailboat). But we never operated the locks and when cruising on a narrowboat, it’s practically a part of daily life. And as in most cases, I let Jason be guinea pig.
Grab a beverage and settle in for a stunning day of cruising the cut, floating in locks and boating uphill.
#### **Want More Narrowboating?**
If you missed last weeks video and [our time with the Canal King](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/the-ultimate-canal-adventure-begins-full-tour/), AKA, David Johns, AKA Cruising The Cut…then you missed a lot. David has an entire channel dedicated to all things associated with cruising the canals of Great Britain. And he couldn’t resist the opportunity to make a video about us, a couple of American sailors having a go at narrowboating.
- **Watch David’s Video Here:** [youtu.be/aYFU3wwJ\_aA](https://youtu.be/aYFU3wwJ%5FaA?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### **HIRE YOUR OWN NARROWBOAT**
ABC Boat Hire was David’s recommendation and he was spot on. They agreed to host us and the whole experience was smooth as butter. They have locations all over Britain so you can pick up at one marina and drop off at another, make a loop or whatever your heart desires. Aside from food, the boat had everything we needed for the trip including training on how to operate these long narrowboats.
No previous boating experience needed! So this is truly an adventure for anyone and by the end of this series, I bet it will be on your bucket list too (if it wasn’t already).
- [abcboathire.com/](https://www.abcboathire.com/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🙏 WE COULDN’T MAKE THESE VIDS WITHOUT YOU!
Thank you for watching! Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### The Ultimate Canal Adventure Begins (full tour)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/the-ultimate-canal-adventure-begins-full-tour/
Last updated: 2024-10-10T10:55:13.000Z
We’ve moved aboard a Narrowboat! And, even if you don’t know what a Narrowboat is, you’ve probably seen one on a postcard or in a movie. Because there are hundreds of these long, colorful, steel hulls lining the canals that run all through Great Britain.
Living aboard a Narrowboat is a huge bucket list adventure and we’re so excited to share it all with you! Over the next couple of weeks, we’re going to be experiencing life on the canals as we navigate locks, bridges, tunnels, and aqueducts.
Lucky us, we have The Canal King himself as our Narrowboating mentor. If you are a Cruising The Cut fan, then you already know we’re off to a good start!
#### **Cruising The Cut**
David Johns is loved by many for his videos, including us. But let me tell you, he is even more fun in person! We didn’t give him enough kudos in this video (we gush about him at the end of the trip) but he was a huge help in making the whole trip happen including being our taxi driver. Next time…because there will be a next time, we’ll get a bigger boat and try to convince David to come with us for the whole experience.
- **Watch David’s Video Here:** [youtu.be/aYFU3wwJ\_aA](https://youtu.be/aYFU3wwJ%5FaA?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- **Learn More About Narrowboating on Cruising The Cuts FAQ page:** [cruisingthecut.co.uk/f-a-q/](https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/f-a-q/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### **Hire Your Own Narrowboat**
ABC Boat Hire was David’s recommendation, and he was spot on. They agreed to host us and the whole experience was smooth as butter. They have locations all over Britain so you can pick up at one marina and drop off at another, make a loop or whatever your heart desires. Aside from food, the boat had everything we needed for the trip including training on how to operate these long narrowboats.
No previous boating experience needed! So this is truly an adventure for anyone and by the end of this series, I bet it will be on your bucket list too (if it wasn’t already).
- [abcboathire.com/](https://www.abcboathire.com/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🙏 WE COULDN’T MAKE THESE VIDS WITHOUT YOU!
Thank you for watching! Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### TUSCANY: Cycle. Drink. Eat. Repeat.
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tuscany-cycle-drink-eat-repeat/
Last updated: 2023-11-13T19:40:08.000Z
Convincing my family to go to [Tuscany is a dream I honestly never thought would happen](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/our-home-in-tuscany-full-tour/). Because between all the ups and downs of life, it’s easy to let dreams slip away.
But between doctors appointments, work and the ongoing commitments of life, things magically fell into place! My aunt Rebecca, uncle Mike and cousins (Matt & Keri) all managed to commit to the family trip of a lifetime. We already admitted [the trip didn’t turn out the way we hoped](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/when-things-dont-go-as-plannedi-messed-up/)…but, we still had some magical days. The kind of days that fill you up until you’re drunk on life and all the art, wine, food and people that make it worth living.
This was one of them. So grab a glass and join us for a tour of Tuscany on two wheels.
#### On The Road In Chianti
A huge thanks to our friends Michele and Nanna who not only recommended and helped us set up the bike tour at YEP but also volunteered to meet us at each location with my Aunt and Uncle. Our time in Tuscany wouldn’t have been the same without you. 🙏
Now let’s talk about YEP. It’s a husband and wife run bike shop. Alessio (the husband) was our guide and having him with us made us feel like locals everywhere we went. If you want to do the same trip, something more adventurous or perhaps more low key, the team at YEP can make any trip on two wheels happen. They do tours or you can rent the bikes, grab some suggested routes and make your own adventure. But we highly recommend the guided tour!
- [https://www.yep-bike.com/en/](https://www.yep-bike.com/en/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC & SOUND EFFECTS IN THIS VIDEO
- We Use Artlist & Motion Array: Get 2 Months for FREE with this link: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artist – Young Rich Pixies, Ziv Moran, Giants and Pilgrims, ORKAS
- Motion Array Songs – Sound Juicer
#### 🙏 WE COULDN’T MAKE THESE VIDS WITHOUT YOU!
Thank you for watching! Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### She is in the paint booth!
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/she-is-in-the-paint-booth/
Last updated: 2024-06-03T12:24:14.000Z
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### BOAT SHOPPING: Better Than Expected!
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/boat-shopping-better-than-expected/
Last updated: 2023-11-13T19:41:12.000Z
We made our way around the only Multihull boat show in the world with one mission, to see what’s new and innovative.
The show is held in La Grande-Motte France, which was [just a day’s drive from where we were in Italy](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/when-things-dont-go-as-plannedi-messed-up/). And with [our new boat](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/curiosity-sailboat) being so close to being finished, we couldn’t deny the opportunity to do some last-minute idea shopping. To see which catamaran builders were being innovative, thinking modular, and getting creative with how to best use these tiny spaces. Because we sailors are a varied bunch with different needs, jobs, passions, and hobbies. One size does not fit all.
As for these sailors, if you’ve been with us for a while then chances are you already know what our priorities are. If not, we made a video about the top [10 CRUCIAL FEATURES OUR NEW BOAT MUST HAVE](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/10-crucial-features).
Because we are world cruising sailors who like spending extended time in very remote areas. Not because we’re hermits (ok, maybe a little) but because we generally like the natural beauty and unique people that inhabit such places.
So last year when we decided to put our life savings (and then some) into [a new boat](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/curiosity-sailboat), it was because finally, there was a boat that ticked all our boxes.
1. Sub 50 Feet
2. Performance Cruiser (for light wind sailing & less motoring)
3. Hybrid Electric Propulsion
4. Huge Lithium Battery Bank (no need for marina or shore power)
5. Renewable energy – Solar & Hydrogeneration (enough so we don’t need a generator)
6. Rain Capture (saves water maker energy & filters plus a good backup)
7. All Electric Galley (no need for searching out propane & safer)
8. Forward Facing Nav Desk (best location for foul weather, night watch & working full time)
9. Workshop (because the reality of sailing is fixing things in exotic locations)
10. Comfort (protection from the elements, good air flow, quality furniture)
The [HH44](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/curiosity-sailboat) still is the only boat that ticks all these boxes. But, if we were looking for something a little bigger, there are a few exciting new options hitting the water! The execution may or may not hit the mark depending on how discerning you are, but the ideas are marvelous and that’s what we’re focusing on.
#### 🦈GET SURFSHARK VPN
Enter promo code WYNNS for 3 extra months FREE!
- [https://surfshark.deals/WYNNS](https://surfshark.deals/WYNNS?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC & SOUND EFFECTS IN THIS VIDEO
- Get 2 Months for FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artist – The Hunts
#### 🙏 WE COULDN’T MAKE THESE VIDS WITHOUT YOU!
Thank you for watching! Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### Did We Choose The Right Boat? (HH44 vs HH52)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/did-we-choose-the-right-boat-hh44-vs-hh52/
Last updated: 2023-11-13T19:46:55.000Z
How a boat ages says a lot about the build materials and quality. And, there just so happened to be a three-year-old HH50 on display at the La Grande Motte boat show. Which prompted us to hop in the camper van and drive the 9 hours from Italy to France. (Ok, that plus the temptation of all the other new catamarans we could step foot on.) The HH50 is the closest in fit, finish, and size to [our soon-to-be HH44](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/curiosity-sailboat). Plus, HH just announced the new and highly tempting [HH52](https://www.hhcatamarans.com/hh44-wynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) which naturally leads to the question, should we upgrade?
There are seemingly more options than ever when it comes to new boats and that’s both good and bad. Good because there really is no such thing as “One Size Fits All”. Bad because all these options can lead to decision fatigue. (Just wait for next week’s video, the boats just keep getting better!)
Thankfully, we aren’t actually boat shopping. Because it would be a tough call with all the new options on the market! We are nearing the end of our build and still feeling solid in our decision. But let’s be honest, for 99% of us, budget decides what boat we get.
And speaking of budget, let’s talk price for those of you contemplating or simply curious as to what the cost of a new boat is.
We asked for updated pricing because it has gone up significantly, all across the market and on all boats since we signed in early 2022\. This is the beauty of most boat contracts, it locks in the pricing at the current time. Because inevitably, the prices will go up with inflation.
### Base Price vs Fully Equipped
Before I list out the base prices, let’s chat for a second about what that means and [thank our Patrons](https://www.patreon.com/the%5Fwynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) for making informational breakdown posts like this possible. We’re in the works of conducting interviews with other buyers from other manufacturers so we can really hash out the cost and fun/pain of building a new boat. So stay tuned.
Because base prices can be EXTREMELY misleading and frustrating. Some new catamarans will be listed with an attractive low base price of $495k but that will be little more than a polished hull. The fully equipped price will be drastically different, sometimes double or more than the base price. Because if you can’t get a decently outfitted 7-year-old used production boat for that price, you certainly won’t get a decently built new catamaran for that price!
[](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e9/26/e9265740-cf9f-4d22-8ec3-333b3b0a4788/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/used-boats-for-sale.png?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
Let’s face it, boats are freaking expensive. Especially catamarans. There are loads of scrappy sailors who make it work on a shoestring budget and they are mighty impressive. Captain Fatty Goodlander literally wrote a book on it: [How To Inexpensively and Safely Buy, Outfit, and Sail a Small Vessel Around the World](https://amzn.to/40QTj5T?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
But it won’t be aboard a new boat, especially a new catamaran. These are 2-4 bedroom off-grid homes that can turn salt water into drinking water, harness the sun for power and use the wind to cross oceans. And, when it comes to something we expect to carry us safely across an ocean, cheap isn’t our priority, quality and safety are.
Even our [18-year-old Leopard 43 was $380k](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/curiosity-sailboat) (granted, she is a well-loved fully set up for off-grid living vessel). If someone is trying to sell you a new boat for that price, are you sure you want it?
So when comparing boats, do not use base price, and keep in mind you get what you pay for. Some will ask what the “sail away or fully equipped” price will be. I don’t like that either because everyone’s idea of fully equipped will be different. Ask for the price and options sheet, check the boxes you will want, get your total, and then start comparing. You will notice the seemingly affordable boat starts to become the same price or even surpass the seemingly more expensive boats.
From our experience, most buyers will check off at least $200k in options from any manufacturer. This isn’t necessarily because a builder is trying to deceive or lure in a buyer (sometimes it is). Every single sailor’s wants and needs will be different. Not everyone will be offshore sailing and need a watermaker or heaps of solar on the cabin top. Some prefer manual winches and the never-ending challenge of grinding a mainsail up while others will want an electric push button.
### HH44 & HH52 Pricing
#### [HH44-OC](https://www.hhcatamarans.com/hh44-wynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) (Ocean Cruiser, no dagger boards): Starts at $957k USD
I will say HH comes with far more as standard than most boats we looked into. (5-year warranty, quality hardware & Karver reefing systems, toughened glass windows, electric dinghy lift, SeaDek, sofa cushions throughout, PowerPlex digital switching, Rocna anchor, anchor chain, blinds for all windows and hatches…and the list goes on). So there are a lot fewer boxes to tick. The OC version is the version we chose and we’re still happy with that choice for our needs.
#### [HH44-SC](https://www.hhcatamarans.com/hh44-wynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) (Sports Cruiser, daggerboards, carbon mast, carbon rudder, more racing-oriented gear): Starts at $1.325m USD
At first glance, there is a big price difference between the two models but it’s not just because of the added performance gear. The SC comes standard with paint, the hybrid electric eco-drive, a huge lithium battery bank, a cabin top full of solar, and all the B&G navigation equipment. All of these options are boxes we needed to tick on our OC. So again, this is why you want to ask for the price & options lists on whatever boat you are looking at. We still saved money by not opting for the SC version and we weren’t interested in all of the extra gear and performance upgrades. The OC will already be a massive upgrade for us in comfort, performance, ease, and joy of sailing. Unlike our friends [s/v Endless Playtime](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/finally-we-get-this-trimaran-sailing/) who absolutely wanted the extra performance gear. They will 100% participate in races and rallies and take full advantage of all that the SC offers. Different sailors, different boats.
#### HH52-OCF (Ocean Cruising Forward Cockpit): Starts at $1.57m USD – HH52-OC (Ocean Cruising): Starts at $1.62m USD
Again, the Ocean Cruising versions are more cruiser oriented with standard mini keels and a Carbon backbone with E-glass construction.
#### HH52-SCF (Sport Cruising Forward Cockpit): Starts at $1.9m USD – HH52-SC (Sport Cruising): Starts at $1.95m USD
It can get a little confusing here: The HH44 models share the same carbon & E-glass construction. But on the HH52 when you buy the SC you get a full-carbon boat, which is one of the biggest upgrades. The Sport Cruising versions also come with curved carbon daggerboards, carbon mast, aramid stays, custom carbon rudders, and other high-performance sailing upgrades.
### Final Thoughts
Not that we take our own advice (notice the increase in grey hair over the last 6 years?) but here it is anyway. New or used, don’t max yourself out on the boat purchase. There will be unexpected extra costs down the road you simply can’t foresee at the time of signing. Even “normal” things like registration, documentation, taxes, insurance, and delivery can throw in unexpected curve balls (more on those subjects soon 😤). So don’t forget to save some cash for the cruising kitty.
### Sailor Talk - What Would You Do Differently?
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailor-talk-what-would-you-do-differently/
Last updated: 2024-06-03T12:26:44.000Z
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### Hanging With The King of the Canals
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/hanging-with-the-king-of-the-canals/
Last updated: 2024-06-03T12:30:14.000Z
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### We’re Narrowboaters now…and other updates.
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/were-narrowboaters-now-and-other-updates/
Last updated: 2024-06-03T12:33:06.000Z
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### When Things Don’t Go As Planned…(I messed up)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/when-things-dont-go-as-plannedi-messed-up/
Last updated: 2023-12-01T07:26:04.000Z
Have you ever heard the saying, “Don’t bite off more than you can chew because nobody looks attractive spitting it back out.”? Well, that’s been me for the past few weeks. I had a plan, it started to change, and rather than let it be what it was, I held onto it desperately. That was a mistake…
“Easy does it” hasn’t ever been a part of my mantra. But this time my desire to create the dream vacation and keep up with everything else collided in a less-than-desirable way. I couldn’t let the whole situation just slide by without acknowledging it. Then of course, because it involves the people I love most, I tend to be extra emotional about it all.
Luckily it wasn’t an epic failure, and nothing was ruined, just a very good reminder to set reasonable expectations.
And speaking of expectations…that is what has led us to the boat show. We are itching to get a peek at a now 3-year-old HH50 Ocean Cruiser. How has it held up? What’s the wear and tear look like? What problems or issues has the owner run into? These are all things we’re eager to know.
I believe it’s the first Ocean Cruiser HH ever built and will be a much more realistic expectation of what our HH44 OC will resemble. Because we didn’t go for the Sport Cruiser with the carbon mast and daggerboards. So we shall see…
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC & SOUND EFFECTS IN THIS VIDEO
- Get 2 Months for FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artist – Cayson Renshaw, Benj Heard, Amick Culter
#### 🙏 WE COULDN’T MAKE THESE VIDS WITHOUT YOU!
Thank you for watching! Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### So, we’re in France…
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/so-were-in-france/
Last updated: 2024-06-03T12:35:16.000Z
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### Making Jewels Like Its 1903 (Florence, Italy)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/making-jewels-like-its-1903-florence-italy/
Last updated: 2023-11-13T19:48:12.000Z
So, this is Italy. More specifically, the rolling hills, art, and architecture of Tuscany that everyone falls in love with. If you’ve been here, then you already know what I’m talking about. If you haven’t, you will probably be scheming on how to get here by the end of this series.
Sometimes it’s hard to believe our own luck. So many of our most memorable moments have been nothing more than serendipity. And this week, we have an unintentional theme of exploring Tuscany through the ages. (Which I suppose shouldn’t be such a surprise in a country as ancient as Italy.) Because we arrived in San Casciano in Val di Pesa just in time for the medieval carnival.
Then, as you all know, we’re suckers for learning how things are made. So, when we were invited to the last remaining goldsmith on Florence’s famous Ponte Vecchio (aka, the gold bridge), we couldn’t say no. Turns out that making gold jewels is a lot like making pasta.
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC & SOUND EFFECTS IN THIS VIDEO
- Get 2 Months for FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artist – Alon Ohana, Paper Planes, ANBR, Ziv Moran, Bob Hart
#### 🙏 WE COULDN’T MAKE THESE VIDS WITHOUT YOU!
Thank you for watching! Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### Updates From Italy
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/updates-from-italy/
Last updated: 2024-06-03T12:38:20.000Z
_This post is for paying subscribers only._
### Our Home In Tuscany (full tour)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/our-home-in-tuscany-full-tour/
Last updated: 2023-12-01T07:26:23.000Z
Living out of suitcases from one accommodation to the next is NOT our preferred mode of travel. To be perfectly honest, we find it exhausting. We much prefer to travel with our home and over the past 12 years we’ve spent as much time exploring the world by land yacht as we have by sea.
But we have never attempted a trip of this magnitude before. Not because of the distance or the terrain but because of the people we’re attempting to do the trip with. Tuscany is a dream we honestly didn’t think would ever happen. But every once in a while, the stars align, and seemingly, things just fall into place.
Taking on Italy in our typical Wynn fashion will be a challenge. Because we are so used to traveling on our own, with no set schedule or mission other than to gain a deeper understanding of the world around us. It’s easy with just the two of us to let our curiosity set the course. BUT, we have never attempted such a trip with 6 additional people in tow. This is a family trip with a vast variety of interests, physical abilities, and experiences. So I don’t have any rainbow-filled fantasies that this will be a smooth journey with no potholes or wrong turns. But I can guarantee it will be an adventure!
#### 🚙THE Lippert TEST CAMPERS
Lippert doesn’t rent out their [test campers](https://lci.ink/wynnsIG?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) so we are very appreciative they are loaning them to us for this trip. And it will be a thorough test! Most importantly, we are grateful the Italy teams took the time to meet with us and hear out our ideas on a couple of new products we would like to see exist in the marine market. We are not big fish in this ocean and far from experts in our field. But they certainly have treated us like we were.
- Lippert Website: [lci.ink/Lippert](https://lci.ink/webwynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🦈GET SURFSHARK VPN
Enter promo code WYNNS for 83% off and 3 extra months FREE!
- [https://surfshark.deals/WYNNS](https://surfshark.deals/WYNNS?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC & SOUND EFFECTS IN THIS VIDEO
- Get 2 Months for FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artist – Louis Adrien, Ziv Moran, Jonezen
#### 🙏 WE COULDN’T MAKE THESE VIDS WITHOUT YOU!
Thank you for watching! Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### Our New Catamaran – Paint, Windows & Winches
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/our-new-catamaran-paint-windows-winches/
Last updated: 2023-12-01T07:28:17.000Z
It’s been a while since we’ve given you an update on our new [HH44 catamaran](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/curiosity-sailboat) and this is a big one! There has been a flurry of activity behind the scenes and we have a few big surprises in the coming weeks. Because…we’re finally on our way to the HH factory! But we’re taking the long route.
The whole factory experience was a lot more in-depth and expansive than we ever anticipated. We have so much footage, we could have made this a one-hour episode! Because we didn’t even get to the design team with their high-performance 3D printers, the training on winch maintenance, or how hatches are made. But that just means we have a few more pearls to share with you later.
But most importantly, the trip was a success, and we feel like we have a from-the-ground-up understanding of the day-to-day equipment we will trust to take us around the world on our sailboat safely. Hopefully, you do too! And I don’t have to tell you how excited we will be to see our new boat’s beautiful, flat, toughened glass windows. Because we still get a slight nervous tick just thinking about re-bedding our old windows.😵💫
As for Curiosity, it is really exciting to see her taking shape. HH is making great progress at the factory and (knock on wood) seems to be moving along smoothly with no major setbacks or surprises. Fingers crossed that everything continues to move forward with no issues. And don’t worry, we’re going to keep the updates coming on the boat and we’ll dive into a lot more detail soon.
This sanding (or fairing) process takes weeks and is an incredible amount of work. Underneath those suits are probably some very shredded gents. I shall give them all a Texas-size hug when we get there.
I am so excited to see those folding transoms I can hardly contain myself! That bit of extra security during big seas is going to have me sleeping like a baby. And those side boarding gates, well grocery loading and stepping onto a dock just got a whole lot easier.
[](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e9/26/e9265740-cf9f-4d22-8ec3-333b3b0a4788/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/cockpit.png?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
We’re soooo excited about the weeks ahead and know it will fly by in the blink of an eye. Our next stop is in Italy, which involves making a family dream come true and some unique problem-solving for our workshop and navigation areas. So, if you have any travel tips for Tuscany, we would love to hear them!
#### ⚓Thank You Lewmar for Hosting Us
If you find yourselves in Havant, England stop into the Lewmar showroom and tell them we said hi. Or, if you can’t make it there and have questions or feedback on anything Lewmar, they want to hear from you! You can find all their product and contact information on their website. They’ll also be reading the comments here if you want to share your thoughts below.
- Lewmar: [https://lci.ink/Wynn](https://lci.ink/Wynn?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC & SOUND EFFECTS IN THIS VIDEO
- Get 2 Months for FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artist – Kicktracks, London Art Gang
#### 🙏 WE COULDN’T MAKE THESE VIDS WITHOUT YOU!
Thank you for watching! Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### SOLO AND 65, My Mom On Van Life After 4 Years
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/solo-and-65-my-mom-on-van-life-after-4-years/
Last updated: 2023-12-01T07:28:46.000Z
It’s been 4 years now since Jason’s mom (Mary) boldly decided to sell everything and ditch her city apartment for Van Life. It was a drastic downsizing and a huge leap of faith for a single, non-retired 60-year-old.
Van, RV, or boat, it’s a big lifestyle change with a steep learning curve on where to park, managing limited resources, and becoming savvy with new technical systems.
She has had a backseat pass to our nomadic journey over the past decade, but it isn’t the same as living it. And her life on the road hasn’t been an easy transition. Mary has been deflated, struck down, and shocked in more ways than one.
But WOW, we are blown away by how she has adapted over the years! So, grab a beer (Mary’s beverage of choice) and join us for a trip to mom’s house.
#### Mary’s Instagram
- [instagram.com/marys\_van/](https://www.instagram.com/marys%5Fvan/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### Other videos with Mary’s Van
- VAN LIFE WITH MY MOM: [gonewiththewynns.com/van-life-mom](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/van-life-mom)
- VAN LIFE REALITIES – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: [gonewiththewynns.com/van-life-reality](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/van-life-reality)
- VAN LIFE GUIDE TO MOOCHDOCKING: [gonewiththewynns.com/moochdocking](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/moochdocking)
#### Van Mods/Upgrades We Made For Mom
- 2 x 250AH Go Power Lithium Batteries (best direct replacement for her battery compartment size): [https://amzn.to/3TceQ6W](https://amzn.to/3TceQ6W?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Hybrid Inverter: [https://amzn.to/425LdYP](https://amzn.to/425LdYP?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- 2 x 50W Solar Panels: [https://amzn.to/2TJtkwM ](https://amzn.to/2TJtkwM?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- UV Water Purifier: [gonewiththewynns.com/product/water-purification](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/water-purification)
- $100 off With Discount Code: WYNNS
- Wifi Booster: [wifiranger.com/shop/product/158-converge-denali](https://wifiranger.com/shop/product/158-converge-denali?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- 5% discount code: [WFRWYNN](https://bit.ly/eliteAC?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Battery Monitor: [https://amzn.to/3mPiBmk](https://amzn.to/3mPiBmk?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Soft Start: [gonewiththewynns.com/product/air-conditioning-off-grid](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/air-conditioning-off-grid)
- $25 off discount code: GWTW
- Espresso Machine: [https://amzn.to/2VV8DR0](https://amzn.to/2VV8DR0?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC & SOUND EFFECTS IN THIS VIDEO
- Get 2 Months for FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artist – Out of Flux
#### 🙏 WE COULDN’T MAKE THESE VIDS WITHOUT YOU!
Thank you for watching! Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### ⚡ Lightning And An Electric Boat?
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/lightning-and-an-electric-boat/
Last updated: 2023-11-13T19:53:38.000Z
Lightning damage isn’t something that keeps us up at night, but just the thought of getting struck makes my heart sink to my stomach. Because it’s not something we can escape or avoid. It can be fatal at worse and kill our electronics at best.
Now here we are, building a[ hybrid electric catamaran](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/curiosity-sailboat) with an all-electric galley and a whole bunch of other fancy electronics that we would like to keep shiny and new for a long time. This means we’ve been doing a ton of research on lightning protection, strikes, and the aftermath of a strike. And, as the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. So, in this video, we visit a couple of boats recently hit by lightning to get some firsthand experience and check out the latest lightning prevention tech that is making some very bold claims.
Opinions and claims fly from all directions about lightning prevention on a sailboat. But the reality is, we haven’t found a solution that is recommended by the insurance companies or one that they are willing to give a discount on for installation…which says a lot. After filming this video we spent days that led to weeks researching all the current options. We know more about lightning than we ever wanted to know. And sadly it seems a lot of solutions are just snake oil.
The answer seems simple to us. There are ways to recreate lightning in a lab. If a company wants to prove its lightning prevention system works, all they need to do is take it to the lab and film what happens. Or maybe I’m oversimplifying and expecting too much? If the [Sandia National Lab could simulate lightning in 1982](https://newsreleases.sandia.gov/lightning%5Flab/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) and fire it at an F14 Navy Fighter Jet, why can’t we take a little aluminum dome and blast a lightning bolt at it?
Loose Cannon wrote some interesting articles about both systems and his findings only cause more concern:
-
-
In other words, we’re still not convinced about any lightning prevention options yet. And until we are, our best protection is grounded in a [good insurance policy](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/how-to-yacht-insurance).
#### Lightning & Hybrid Electric Engines
The [Ecodrive on our new HH44](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/curiosity-sailboat) is a parallel hybrid (more on this soon), not a serial hybrid with electric motors relying on a generator. And our parallel hybrid is built on two separate mechanically aspirated diesel engines, not an electronically computer-controlled common rail system such as the Yanmars mentioned in the video. What does this mean? Should the entire boat ever be fried from a lightning strike, our engines will still start and we can motor along to safety.
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC & SOUND EFFECTS IN THIS VIDEO
- Get 2 Months for FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Sunny Fruit, Rex Banner
#### 🙏 WE COULDN’T MAKE THESE VIDS WITHOUT YOU!
Thank you for watching! Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### Trimaran Life: What We REALLY Think
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/trimaran-life-what-we-really-think/
Last updated: 2023-12-01T07:29:19.000Z
Well, now that we’ve navigated the seas on a Trimaran, everyone’s clamoring to know…which is the superior vessel, a Catamaran or Trimaran? And that’s just one of the countless queries, including the curious case of how a pooch does her business while aboard a boat.
Reasonable questions, all things considered. This was our maiden voyage as caretakers of another couple’s vessel and our first time manning the helm of a NEEL 47 trimaran. Add in a four-legged friend and it was a feast of fresh experiences.
So, we figured we should provide some insight into your most burning questions about life on three hulls.
#### TRY BEFORE YOU BUY!
If there is one nugget of wisdom I would give to any boat buyer, whether you seek a mono or multihull it would be to **try it before you buy it**. Charter boats are a dime a dozen, from the well-worn to shiny new, high performance or coastal cruiser. And there’s no better way to properly judge a boat than to live in it and sail it. So, go judge for yourself (and don’t take our, or anyone else’s, word for it)!
**The Rocket Scientists**: [endlessplaytime.com/](https://www.endlessplaytime.com/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- The podcast interview: [itsnotrocketsciencepodcast.com/](https://www.itsnotrocketsciencepodcast.com/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### S/V SUPERNOVA
Supernova is a NEEL 47 Trimaran. You can see a full tour of her here: [gonewiththewynns.com/sailing-trimaran-full-tour](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailing-our-first-trimaran-full-tour/) and if you want to continue to follow her journey with Katy and Craig, you can find them here: [instagram.com/sailing.supernova/](https://www.instagram.com/sailing.supernova/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO
- Get 2 Months for FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Perle Blanche
#### 🙏 WE COULDN’T MAKE THESE VIDS WITHOUT YOU!
Thank you for watching! Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### FINALLY! We Get This Trimaran Sailing
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/finally-we-get-this-trimaran-sailing/
Last updated: 2023-11-13T19:56:00.000Z
We’re in the final days of our first boat delivery and so far, it has been quite the rollercoaster of a journey. Not at all what we expected but perhaps more interesting. Because we’ve learned a lot through the trial and error of figuring out a new boat, new systems, and new problems.
But…this is the day things finally start coming together.
There have been days of joy, frustration, excitement, uncertainty, and in the end, a little satisfaction. Friendships were forged, memories were made, and experience was gained. All in all, a successful mission and one we’re glad we took on.
And more importantly, one we’re glad [Katy](https://www.instagram.com/thekatylynch/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) and [Craig](https://www.instagram.com/craigulliott/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) were willing to let us take on. Because had they not been willing to hand over their floating home, we wouldn’t have met them or been able to have such an experience with all the other Patrons they allowed us to bring along. Plus, we had the honor of sailing with[ Yoshimi](https://www.instagram.com/yoshimi%5Fdog/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com). The coolest boat dog on the seven seas. So, thank you, Katy and Craig!
#### S/V Supernova
Supernova is a NEEL 47 Trimaran. You can see a full tour of her here: [gonewiththewynns.com/sailing-trimaran-full-tour](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailing-our-first-trimaran-full-tour/) and if you want to continue to follow her journey with Katy and Craig, you can find them here: [instagram.com/sailing.supernova/](https://www.instagram.com/sailing.supernova/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO
- Get 2 Months for FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Katrina Stone, Moon, Hotham, Yestalgia
#### 🙏 WE COULDN’T MAKE THESE VIDS WITHOUT YOU!
Thank you for watching! Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### Knowing When To Bail Out
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/knowing-when-to-bail-out/
Last updated: 2023-11-13T19:56:53.000Z
Our first Boat Delivery continues as we’ve taken the helm of our friend’s [47ft Trimaran, Supernova](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailing-our-first-trimaran-full-tour/). We tackled [all the repairs](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/why-this-new-trimaran-has-so-many-problems/) (from [our first few days at sea](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/not-what-we-expected-rough-start/)) and set sail for what we thought would be a thrilling voyage.
We were so sure that this was going to be a grand sail that we invited [3 patrons](https://www.patreon.com/the%5Fwynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) along for the journey. Because why not, even misery loves company. But little did we know…
Expect the unexpected, for the winds of fate rarely blow in the direction we expect. I know this and yet, I still find myself flabbergasted on too many occasions. This week’s sail was one of them. It was a humbling lesson in patience, perseverance, and making the tough decision to bail out.
Life at sea is a fickle mistress. But isn’t that what makes it all the more exciting?
A love note to our crew.
Suzanne, Joe, and Kara, you jumped into the deep end with us and we love you to the moon and back. There is the romanticized idea of sailing and then there is the real thing. You experienced the real deal in all its unglamorized, troubleshooting glory. Thank you for going on an adventure with us.
#### THE GIRL WHO ESCAPED
When Kara isn’t hugging a bucket on a boat with The Wynns, she is out in the world sharing the story about how she survived a serial killer as a means to help educate those who work with victims and empower individuals to be the best version of themselves they can be, regardless of their past. We had hoped to have her share her story and lessons learned about perseverance while we all sat on the bow…but the winds of fate had other plans.
She really is a huge inspiration and really does have a movie coming out this week! You may not believe me but it’s not something we coordinated, we didn’t even know about the movie before she came aboard.
Kara’s Website – [kararobinsonchamberlain.com/](https://www.kararobinsonchamberlain.com/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
The Girl Who Escaped: The Kara Robinson Story is airing on Lifetime 2.11.23 @ 8p est
directly followed by Escaping Captivity: The Kara Robinson Story!
[More about the movie here](https://www.kararobinsonchamberlain.com/thegirlwhoescaped?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) and [the documentary here.](https://www.kararobinsonchamberlain.com/escapingcaptivity?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### S/V Supernova
Supernova is a NEEL 47 Trimaran. You can see a full tour of her here: [gonewiththewynns.com/sailing-trimaran-full-tour](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailing-our-first-trimaran-full-tour/) and if you want to continue to follow her journey with Katy and Craig, you can find them here: [instagram.com/sailing.supernova/](https://www.instagram.com/sailing.supernova/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO
- Get 2 Months for FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Ikoliks, Tony Petersen, Livingrooms, Tomas Herudek, Sand Diver
#### 🙏 WE COULDN’T MAKE THESE VIDS WITHOUT YOU!
Thank you for watching! Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### 10 Year Battle Over A Dishwasher
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/10-year-battle-over-a-dishwasher/
Last updated: 2024-04-15T03:44:25.000Z
To have or not have that is the question.
Dishwashers save time, water, and energy. But do they? Jason will tell you the claims the dishwasher companies make are true and then some. But me, nah! I say those claims are based on the average American household and not these resource-conscious sailors.
And now we’re in the middle of building our new [HH44 catamaran](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/curiosity-sailboat) and the dishwasher debate is heating up again.
The problem is, we both make good arguments for and against the dishwasher. But it’s all based on hypotheticals. Because we’ve never actually had a dishwasher on an RV, Van, boat, or any tiny home. We don’t have any real-world experience to base our arguments on. Until now!
We’re living aboard our friend’s [47ft NEEL Trimaran](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailing-our-first-trimaran-full-tour/) as we sail it from Charleston to Miami. And they have a dishwasher that has finally given us the opportunity for a showdown. **Sailor VS Dishwasher**.
This isn’t a video we ever thought we would make and as for the results…well, we’re turning to you for help. Give it a watch and then pick your Wynn.
The dishwasher on this boat is [a Bosch unit from Europe](https://www.bosch-home.com.my/product-list/dishwashers/freestanding-dishwashers/compact-dishwasher/SKS62E32EU?ref=gonewiththewynns.com#/Tabs=section-technicalspecs/Togglebox=746970702/Togglebox=1895554311/) (because that’s where the boat was built), and a quick search on [Freestanding Dishwashers on Amazon](https://amzn.to/3HwsSM9?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) brings up some very interesting options. But are we willing to give up our precious cabinet storage space for a dishwasher? That is the biggest question we still have plaguing us. Until we move in, I just don’t think we can answer that.
Which is why we’re interested in your feedback. Do you have a dishwasher in your tiny home? Would you recommend it? Let us know.
#### S/V Supernova
Supernova is a NEEL 47 Trimaran. You can see a full tour of her here: [gonewiththewynns.com/sailing-trimaran-full-tour](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailing-our-first-trimaran-full-tour/) and if you want to continue to follow her journey with Katy and Craig, you can find them here: [instagram.com/sailing.supernova/](https://www.instagram.com/sailing.supernova/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO
- Get 2 Months for FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Milano, Out of Flux, Russo, Ido Maimon
#### 🙏 WE COULDN’T MAKE THESE VIDS WITHOUT YOU!
Thank you for watching! Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### Why This New Trimaran Has So Many Problems
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/why-this-new-trimaran-has-so-many-problems/
Last updated: 2023-11-13T19:58:13.000Z
Welcome back to Trimaran Life. Last time we embarked on a voyage down the coast of South Carolina, aboard our friend’s 47ft NEEL Trimaran. But, as with all seafaring voyages, we encountered our fair share of challenges and discovered more than a few issues with the boat.
Some of you were left wondering why this sleek and shiny new vessel seemed to be plagued with so many problems. But, as seasoned sailors know all too well, no boat is immune to the harsh realities of life at sea.
But fear not, we don’t shy away from a challenge! Today, we are joining forces with the owners of the Trimaran, Katy and Craig, as we set out to tackle some of these issues. But, as with any boat project, things are bound to go awry, and not everything goes according to plan.
Plus, we’ll also dive into the reasons behind their move from their Nautitech 40 Catamaran to the NEEL 47 and whether they miss anything about their old boat.
So, gather your tools, roll up your sleeves and join us for some problem-solving. It’s time to get this Trimaran shipshape again!
#### ⛽Cool Fuel Transfer Pump
- [https://amzn.to/3WviBnT](https://amzn.to/3WviBnT?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🥝Athletic Greens!
- Get your 1-year supply of Vitamin D3K2 + 5 travel packs FREE with your first purchase at: [https://athleticgreens.com/gonewiththewynns](https://athleticgreens.com/gonewiththewynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### S/V Supernova
Supernova is a NEEL 47 Trimaran. You can see a full tour of her here: [gonewiththewynns.com/sailing-trimaran-full-tour](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailing-our-first-trimaran-full-tour/) and if you want to continue to follow her journey with Katy and Craig, you can find them here: [instagram.com/sailing.supernova/](https://www.instagram.com/sailing.supernova/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO
- Get 2 Months for FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Ge Filter Fish, Yarin Primak, Francesco D’Andrea
#### 🙏 WE COULDN’T MAKE THESE VIDS WITHOUT YOU!
Thank you for watching! Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### Not What We Expected (rough start)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/not-what-we-expected-rough-start/
Last updated: 2023-11-13T19:58:37.000Z
A new adventure begins as we set sail for what almost feels like the first time again. We’re jumping off the deep end here and no doubt many will call us cavalier. Because we’re taking a 47-foot Trimaran, a type of boat we have never sailed and have zero experience on, out to sea on an offshore passage.
Would we have liked a test sail first??? Of course! But it was a quick handover, the weather was fickle, and here we are. But it’s certainly not our first offshore passage and we like a good challenge. And a challenge is exactly what we got!
Grab your popcorn because this one is a rollercoaster.
Hindsight is 20/20 and sometimes ignorance is bliss. Had we known what we were in for, there are so many times we wouldn’t have left the dock…this one included. But at the end of the day, it all worked out. We live, we learn, and we explore. See you next week!
#### S/V Supernova
Supernova is a NEEL 47 Trimaran. You can see a full tour of her here: [gonewiththewynns.com/sailing-trimaran-full-tour](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailing-our-first-trimaran-full-tour/) and if you want to continue to follow her journey with Katy and Craig, you can find them here: [instagram.com/sailing.supernova/](https://www.instagram.com/sailing.supernova/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO
- Get 2 Months for FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Rex Banner, Tomas Herudek, Seth Parson, Paper Planes
#### 🙏 WE COULDN’T MAKE THESE VIDS WITHOUT YOU!
Thank you for watching! Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### Sailing Our First Trimaran (full tour)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailing-our-first-trimaran-full-tour/
Last updated: 2023-11-13T19:58:59.000Z
Our quest for more multihull experience continues and this time we’re the skippers of more hulls than we’ve ever had before! We are being trusted to transport a 47ft Neel Trimaran from Charleston, South Carolina to Miami, Florida.
Have we ever sailed a trimaran? No. Have we ever been skippers of any other vessel aside from [our catamaran Curiosity](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/curiosity-sailboat)? Nope!
It’s a wildly different boat from our old catamaran with completely different gear, tech, and maneuverability. It’s our first delivery gig and it will be a learning experience no doubt.
Today we’re preparing for the big trip and we’re giving you a full tour of this unique vessel that will be our home for the next several weeks.
#### S/V Supernova
Supernova is a NEEL 47 Trimaran owned by our friends Katy and Craig. If you want to continue to follow their journey aboard, you can find them here: [instagram.com/sailing.supernova/](https://www.instagram.com/sailing.supernova/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO
- Get 2 Months for FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – The Lighthearts, The Nightjars
#### 🙏 WE COULDN’T MAKE THESE VIDS WITHOUT YOU!
Thank you for watching! Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### An Honest Conversation About Buying Boats
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/an-honest-conversation-about-buying-boats/
Last updated: 2024-04-15T03:41:35.000Z
Happy New Year friends!
Hopefully, this is the first of many in-depth conversations we’ll share in 2023\. And we’re starting off with our new friends Frank and Mary Grace aboard Ticket To Ride. We spent a couple of weeks with them[ in the Tuamotus looking to gain some experience](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/we-moved-on-the-ultimate-performance-catamaran-full-tour/) and insight regarding performance cruising.
They also started off in a great production catamaran and then moved on to a performance cat. Spending time with them felt like a peek into what our own journey may be like. And we wanted to know a lot more about that evolution.
Because there is no such thing as a perfect boat, but there are different boats for different types of sailors, for different types of cruising, and for different seasons of life. As a sailor evolves, so does their boat.
So, grab a beverage and settle in for an insightful conversation about the evolution of these sailors.
#### ⛵S/V TICKET TO RIDE
If you enjoyed our conversation, these two keep a blog that is a lovely mix of personal musing and lessons learned. Below are a few we recommend checking out.
- [Why Buy a “Ticket to Ride” When We Could Just “Let It Be?” or Why We Bought a Performance Cat.](https://hh55tickettoride.com/2020/11/01/why-buy-a-ticket-to-ride-when-we-could-just-let-it-be-or-why-we-bought-a-performance-cat/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- [The Wynns, the boat, the years; what have we learned?](https://hh55tickettoride.com/2022/11/12/the-wynns-the-boat-the-years-what-have-we-learned/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- [Cruising With And Without A Dog On Our Sailboat](https://hh55tickettoride.com/2020/11/30/cruising-with-and-without-a-dog-on-our-sailboat/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🙏 MADE POSSIBLE BY YOU!
Thank you for watching! Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### A Very Merry Message (and what’s ahead in 2023)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/a-very-merry-message-and-whats-ahead-in-2023/
Last updated: 2023-11-13T20:00:53.000Z
Merry Christmas and happy holidays! We made this special video to say thanks and give you the scoop on what’s ahead.
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO
- Get 2 Months for FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artist – Foster
#### 🙏 WE COULDN’T MAKE THESE VIDS WITHOUT YOU!
Thank you for watching! Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### Our First Time On Land In Weeks!
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/our-first-time-on-land-in-weeks/
Last updated: 2023-11-13T20:01:38.000Z
It’s hard to believe that our time aboard Ticket To Ride has come to an end. The Tuamotus are a magical place but as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. Oh, how we will miss marveling at the fifty shades of blue, vibrant coral, and the vast array of fishy friends.
Plus, there is something special about the relationships forged when sailing…or any big extended adventure. We have deepened our connections with family and friends (old and new) while underway, at anchor, or toiling away at boat projects. It can also be a fast track to the end of a relationship. 😬 Because it is a lot of togetherness. We see each other in every light and in a variety of situations from relaxed to pumped up and stressed. So, you know if you like each other at the end of a sailing adventure you really, really like each other.
While we may be leaving our new friends and Fakarava for now, the memories of this incredible trip will stay with us forever.
Join us for a beautiful downwind sail to Fakarava. We make our way to land for the first time in weeks, take a bike trip around the island, and have our first meal out.🤯
#### ⛵S/V TICKET TO RIDE
If you missed the introduction to Frank, Mary Grace, and Ticket To Ride, you can catch up here: [gonewiththewynns.com/performance-catamaran-full-tour](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/we-moved-on-the-ultimate-performance-catamaran-full-tour/)
You can learn even more over at the TTR Blog: [https://hh55tickettoride.com/](https://hh55tickettoride.com/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
Mary Grace wrote an interesting article from our time onboard and all our discussions about new tech on boats. It’s great insight for anyone shopping or planning a refit! [https://hh55tickettoride.com/2022/11/12/the-wynns-the-boat-the-years-what-have-we-learned/](https://hh55tickettoride.com/2022/11/12/the-wynns-the-boat-the-years-what-have-we-learned/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO
- Get 2 Months for FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Kids Fly, SOURWAH, Auralen, Alex Grohl, Letra, Angel Salazar, Young Rich Pixies, Dear Gravity
#### 🙏 WE COULDN’T MAKE THESE VIDS WITHOUT YOU!
Thank you for watching! Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### Let’s Clear A Few Things Up
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/lets-clear-a-few-things-up/
Last updated: 2023-11-13T20:03:52.000Z
Having sponsors as a creator is something we have never talked about. Then we realized no one else does either and we probably should. Because leaving it unspoken opens the door to a lot of assumptions.
The ethics of sponsorships and transparency are important, and we try to make it clear when we are being sponsored. But, based on many of the comments we get, we’re not doing a good enough job.
So, this is our attempt to provide some clarity and insight on the subject and open a conversation.
Sponsorships are not evil. Sponsorships work when they are relevant to us (the creator) and the viewer is aware of what’s happening and both are satisfied with the content. But, that’s just our opinion. We are curious as to what your thoughts are. Let us know in the comments. It will help shape how we handle sponsorships in the future.
If you want to dive a little deeper into the subject, we highly recommend Tom Scott’s video, [YouTubers have to declare ads. Why doesn’t anyone else?](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-x8DYTOv7w&t=415s&ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
And Pom Wonderful Presents, the greatest movie ever sold. Because it’s insanity.
### This Is Why We Want A Performance Catamaran!
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/this-is-why-we-want-a-performance-catamaran/
Last updated: 2024-08-04T08:39:09.000Z
Why let go of our perfectly good cruising catamaran to get a go-fast boat? That is a question we have gotten a lot of since we sold Curiosity. Spoiler alert, it has nothing to do with racing or going fast. It’s all about maximizing the journey.
And the boat we’re on now, or more importantly, the captains, are all about the journey. Sailors after our own hearts!
With Frank and Mary Grace, it’s all about having fun! They cherry-pick their weather windows, anchorages, and gear to enhance the experience, not endure it. It’s what most of us aim for but it seems they really have it dialed in.
When we woke up this morning there was barely a breath of wind…maybe 5 knots. The sky is cloudy and the ever-present threat of rain is off in the distance. We tried to tell Frank that maybe it was not the best day for Champagne Sailing. But he said *it’s gonna be a perfect day out there, trust me. And we can still have fun, even if it’s raining*!
By the time we got the Mainsail up, we had 7 knots of breeze and it slowly filled in 10+ knots. Talk about perfect conditions for a test sail. Last week s/v Ticket To Ride blew our minds with her upwind sailing and now she’s ready to flex with her light breeze performance reaching and running. Because we’re on a mission today. We’re deep in research mode for our new boat and we need to place an order for the sails soon. So, the goal is to head out to sea, try to hit all points of sail, and use some sails we haven’t seen flying yet. It’s going to be a sleigh ride!
#### ⛵S/V TICKET TO RIDE
If you missed the introduction to Frank, Mary Grace, and Ticket To Ride, you can catch up here: [gonewiththewynns.com/performance-catamaran-full-tour](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/we-moved-on-the-ultimate-performance-catamaran-full-tour/)
You can learn even more over at the TTR Blog: [https://hh55tickettoride.com/](https://hh55tickettoride.com/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
Mary Grace wrote an interesting article from our time onboard and all the discussions we had about new tech on boats. It’s great insight for anyone shopping or planning a refit! [https://hh55tickettoride.com/2022/11/12/the-wynns-the-boat-the-years-what-have-we-learned/](https://hh55tickettoride.com/2022/11/12/the-wynns-the-boat-the-years-what-have-we-learned/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🙏 WE COULDN’T MAKE THESE VIDS WITHOUT YOU!
Thank you for watching! Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### “They” Say This Is The Worst Sail On A Catamaran?
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/is-this-the-worst-sail-on-a-catamaran/
Last updated: 2023-11-13T20:04:59.000Z
Beating upwind is never anyone’s favorite point sail. It’s called BEATING for a reason and it’s a beating no matter what kind of boat you are on. The critics will tell you catamarans can’t sail upwind. And to some degree (pun intended), depending on the boat, they are correct.
Today we have a 60-nautical-mile sail. It’s upwind the entire way from Fakarava to Tahanea and we’re aboard a 55ft performance catamaran. This the critics will say, makes for an even rougher ride because performance boats are built for speed, not comfort. But again, it all depends on the boat, and there is only one true way to judge any boat. You have to sail it!
So join us as we head out to sea and explore another ring of coral out here in the Tuamotus! And at the end of our beating, we’re rewarded with a dive that has more fish life than we’ve ever seen! 🤯
#### ⛵S/V TICKET TO RIDE
If you missed the introduction to Frank, Mary Grace, and Ticket To Ride, you can catch up here: [gonewiththewynns.com/performance-catamaran-full-tour](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/we-moved-on-the-ultimate-performance-catamaran-full-tour/)
And, they keep a blog of their travels aboard TTR if you want to learn more about them, their vessel, and where they have sailed: [https://hh55tickettoride.com/](https://hh55tickettoride.com/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO
- Get 2 Months for FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Sunny Fruit, Semo, ORKAS, Florian, River Lume, SPEARFISHER, Out Of Flux
#### 🙏 WE COULDN’T MAKE THESE VIDS WITHOUT YOU!
Thank you for watching! Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### Life Far Away From Civilization
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/this-is-life-far-away-from-civilization/
Last updated: 2023-11-13T20:05:39.000Z
Raw and remote. That pretty much sums up the Tuamotu archipelago. It’s easily one of our top 5 sailing destinations in the world. Pristine waters, abundant marine life, and just outside of the hurricane zone. Sailing here on our own boat was a dream (and one we hope to repeat). But until then, we are doing the next best thing. Sailing with friends!
But Fakarava is waaaaay out here, and it’s a coral atoll. Meaning there isn’t much in the form of supplies, and fertile soil for growing food is minimal. Locals have to be self-sufficient because survival this far from the mainland requires great planning and patience. Today you’ll get a little taste of what it’s like to go on a supply mission to one of the most remote islands in the world.
Plus, we test some new cameras and have the most gorgeous champagne sail to our favorite dive spot of all time. Sharks, sharks, and more sharks. Hundreds of them! So put on your flippers and jump in!
#### ⛵S/V TICKET TO RIDE
If you missed the introduction to Frank, Mary Grace, and Ticket To Ride, you can catch up here: [gonewiththewynns.com/performance-catamaran-full-tour](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/we-moved-on-the-ultimate-performance-catamaran-full-tour/)
And, they keep a blog of their travels aboard TTR if you want to learn more about them, their vessel, and where they have sailed: [https://hh55tickettoride.com/](https://hh55tickettoride.com/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 📸DJI Osmo Action 3
What did you think of the Osmo Action 3? We’ve had all the previous versions but this one really packs a solid punch that should stand the test of time. It’s less expensive than a GoPro but just as pro…and has quick-release mounts (sooo handy). You can read all the specs on the site, but as sailors, divers and hikers, our favorite features are the 4K/120fps, 160-minute battery, and waterproof up to 16m (52.4 feet). There is a firmware update that should launch in late November adding 10-bit color, and a few other spankin’ new features that will make this little camera even more powerful.
- [Buy From DJI – bit.ly/DJIOsmoAction3](https://bit.ly/DJIOsmoAction3?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**PRO-TIP**
The “Combo Kits” are the best bang for the buck. We have the “**Osmo Action 3 Diving Combo**” (includes the Camera + Extreme Battery, Waterproof Case, Floating Handle, Anti-Fog Inserts, and accessories) and the “**Osmo Action 3 Adventure Combo**” (includes the Camera + Extreme Battery, 2 Additional Extreme Batteries, Battery Case, 1.5m Extension Rod, and accessories).
#### Other DJI Gear in this video
- DJI MIC [https://bit.ly/3HxjZjf](https://bit.ly/3HxjZjf?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- DJI Mavic 3 [https://bit.ly/mavic3-wynn](https://bit.ly/mavic3-wynn?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- There’s a brand new, more affordable version of the Mavic that’s worth a look if you don’t need the pro features: [https://bit.ly/DJIMavic3-Classic](https://bit.ly/DJIMavic3-Classic?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**Black Friday Deals**
If you’re considering upgrading gear, make sure and check out their Black Friday Deals happening through Nov 28: [https://bit.ly/DJI-BLKFRI-22](https://bit.ly/DJI-BLKFRI-22?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO
- Get 2 Months for FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – We Are The Good, Nuer Self, Magiksolo, Milano, Yehezkel Raz, Out Of Flux
#### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Thank you for watching! Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### We Moved On The ULTIMATE Performance Catamaran (full tour)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/we-moved-on-the-ultimate-performance-catamaran-full-tour/
Last updated: 2023-11-13T20:26:29.000Z
[CURIOSITY 2](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/curiosity-sailboat) will be the first of her kind and is still being built. So, in the meantime, we’re going to be living aboard a few different performance sailboats to expand our sailing experience and soak up some knowledge from our fellow world cruising sailors.
And we are starting at the top because we have moved aboard the big sister of our future boat. It’s an HH55 named Ticket To Ride and it is the most impressive, comfortable, performance catamaran we have ever sailed!
The owners, Frank and Mary Grace, have racked up nearly 30,000 nautical miles in less than 4 years on this vessel. They have had this boat flying a hull at 28 knots of speed (because it’s that high caliber of a race boat) but they are cruisers at heart, not racers. They are fellow Texans, have been following our journey, and reached out the moment they heard we were looking to up our sailing game. It was a dreamy invitation we instantly said YES to. And here we are!
#### ⛵Ticket To Ride
Mary Grace and Frank keep a blog of their travels aboard TTR if you want to learn more about them, their vessel, and where they have been (hello Alaska!). I know you didn’t get to know a lot about them in this episode because we focused mostly on Ticket To Ride (she is a show stopper)…but stay tuned because they are the salt of the earth. The kind of sailors that you want to share an anchorage, an adventure, a meal, and many many sunsets with.
- [hh55tickettoride.com/](https://hh55tickettoride.com/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO
- Get 2 Months for FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Tiko Tiko, Alex Grohl, Randy Sharp, Semo
#### 🙏 WE COULDN’T MAKE THESE VIDS WITHOUT YOU!
Thank you for watching! Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### Luxury Yacht Living Cheaper Than A House? (full tour & monthly costs)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/luxury-yacht-living-cheaper-than-a-house-full-tour-monthly-costs/
Last updated: 2024-04-15T06:46:45.000Z
Living on a yacht can sound like a lot of things. And to us, it always sounded bonkers expensive. A pipe dream. But the reality is there is a boat for every budget. Chances are, you can take whatever your cost of living is now and move onto a boat for the same price. Or maybe even a lot less.
Seriously. We’ve maintained the [same general budget](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/our-expenses/) for the last 10 years. From a condo in Downtown Dallas Texas to [road trippers in a 33ft motor home](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/rv-living-cost) to liveaboard cruisers on a [44ft sailing catamaran](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/our-expenses/).
Another case in point is our friends Rico and Victoria (the couple in the photo with us). They lived in [Los Angeles California on a power yacht](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9p%5F-hoZ7MLU&t=88s&ref=gonewiththewynns.com) that cost under $200k. I’m pretty sure you can’t get a parking space in LA for under $200k.
And so today, we’re stepping into the Motor Yacht world. Which honestly isn’t a type of boating we have ever considered or spent a lot of time exploring. Because for us, we want to travel around the world, and it just makes more sense (efficiency, redundancy, safety, etc.) to have a sailboat.
But not everyone is looking to sail around the world. Power boats make a lot of sense for coastal cruisers, river cruising, ice breakers, or as a liveaboard in a home port.
Rico and Victoria have invited us into their world to tour a 66’ Hampton Yacht. It’s a deep dive into what living aboard a luxury yacht like this looks like. We chat about polarization between sailors and motor boaters, maintenance, running costs, fuel prices, and even dockage fees.
So, what did you think? Are you a power boater, a sailor, or just a lover of all things nautical? We’re suckers for any home that travels. And while we won’t be giving up our sails anytime soon, we certainly see the appeal. If we had a job that kept us tied to a dock most days, I could see us opting for a vintage tug boat. I have always wanted to renovate one and who doesn’t love an old tugboat!?
This beauty operates as an expedition cruise in Alaska. Perhaps in our next life?
Check out Victoria and Rico’s channels
- NautiStyles: [youtube.com/c/NautiStyles/videos](https://www.youtube.com/c/NautiStyles/videos?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- NautiGuys: [youtube.com/channel/UCOAWkOlfIRz89o8GO3W3H0w](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOAWkOlfIRz89o8GO3W3H0w?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
Boat Listing for the 66′ Hampton Yacht: [denisonyachtsales.com/yacht-listings/broker/66-Hampton-Cpmy-2007-Ft-Lauderdale-Florida/2783406](https://www.denisonyachtsales.com/yacht-listings/broker/66-Hampton-Cpmy-2007-Ft-Lauderdale-Florida/2783406?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO
- Get 2 Months for FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Cosmonkey
#### 🙏 WE COULDN’T MAKE THESE VIDS WITHOUT YOU!
Thank you for watching! Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### Cleaning Up New York’S Toxic Waterways
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/cleaning-up-new-yorks-toxic-waterways/
Last updated: 2023-11-13T20:34:51.000Z
We’re back in the USA! And through a series of fortunate events, we ended up in New York City, on a stage in Central Park, in front of 60,000 people.
And that wasn’t even the highlight! It was our time on the (sometimes) very shitty Hudson River with a few dozen creators and a few million oysters.
If it all sounds a bit wild and weird, it’s because it was. Join us for a unique and unexpected adventure. Plus, we’ll catch you up on where we’ve been and where we’re headed next (spoiler alert it includes a very fast boat)!
If you didn’t see our videos while we were in the Tuamotus, or just want to reminisce, watch them here: [gonewiththewynns.com/category/french-polynesia/tuamotu](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/tuamotu/)
#### Billion Oyster Project
- [billionoysterproject.org/](https://www.billionoysterproject.org/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🦈GET SURFSHARK VPN
Enter promo code WYNNS for 83% off and 3 extra months FREE!
- [https://surfshark.deals/WYNNS](https://surfshark.deals/WYNNS?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO
- Get 2 Months for FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – FASSounds, Southside Aces, Cosmonkey, Rex Banner
#### 🙏 We Couldn’t Make These Vids Without You!
Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### How Small Boats Are Made
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/how-small-boats-are-made/
Last updated: 2023-11-13T20:37:29.000Z
We’ve toured a [big production catamaran factory](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/catamaran-factory-tour) and a couple of [boutique yacht builders](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/building-sailboat-south-africa) but today we’re getting an in-depth look at our first small boat workshop. Specifically, a fiberglass/carbon fiber cruising tender made to last a lifetime. Why? Because we’re curious people and love learning how things we use are made!
As you may have guessed, we’re pretty impressed with this little dinghy. There are some other really neat rigid tenders out there, but as far as size and weight go, the [OC Tender](https://bit.ly/octenders?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) is the only one we’ve found (so far) that ticks all our boxes. But, we haven’t tried them all! If you have a fave dinghy you think fits our criteria, we would love to hear about it.
#### OUR TENDER NEEDS & WANTS
Our new home is all about being self-reliant: rainwater capture, renewable energy, wind, and electric propulsion powered. We want our dinghy to be more of the same.
- **Tender Size:** On [Curiosity2](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/curiosity-sailboat), HH has built-in some super-strong carbon fiber dinghy davits than can hold up to an 11-foot tender with a max weight of 440lbs.
- **Desired Cruising Speed:** 10-15 knots. I say cruising speed because with electric motors we don’t want to be at top speed all the time, that would tap our batteries out quickly. Going at 50-75% will give us a lot more range. But, knowing we have that burst of power for running against a strong current or getting out of the way of a larger vessel, is priceless.
- **Desired Range:** 20 miles. A normal day of dingy-ing around for us is anywhere between 10-20 miles (exploring, diving, grocery run).
#### Dinghy Testing We’ve Done So Far
- Rigid vs Inflatable: [gonewiththewynns.com/dinghy-rigid-vs-inflatable](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/dinghy-rigid-vs-inflatable)
- Electric Engine Testing: [gonewiththewynns.com/electric-dinghy-testing](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/electric-dinghy-testing)
- Convertible Sailing Dinghy: [gonewiththewynns.com/sailing-dinghy](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/should-we-get-a-sailing-dinghy/)
#### 🦈GET SURFSHARK VPN
Enter promo code WYNNS for 83% off and 3 extra months FREE!
- [https://surfshark.deals/WYNNS](https://surfshark.deals/WYNNS?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO
- Get 2 Months for FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Giants and Pilgrims
#### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### Should We Get A Sailing Dinghy?
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/should-we-get-a-sailing-dinghy/
Last updated: 2023-11-13T20:41:49.000Z
We’re on the hunt for a new dinghy to go with our [44ft hybrid electric catamaran](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/curiosity-sailboat). And because our new cat will be loaded with renewable energy (we’re trying to be as self-sufficient as possible) we’ve been exploring the world of electric motors. But one major downside of most electric boats is the limited range.
Which got us thinking about other alternatives…like a convertible boat. Row it, motor it, or rig it up and sail it. Genius! Or so it seems, there’s only one way to find out.
Fair warning, this video may cause you to want a sailing dinghy.
### **OUR TENDER WANTS & NEEDS**
[Curiosity 2](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/curiosity-sailboat) can hold up to an 11-foot (3.4 meter) tender with a max weight of 440lbs.
Our quest began when we compared our top choice rigid and inflatable dinghies. Which left us leaning heavily towards the OC Tender because of its quality and the potential to be a lifelong boat.
- [OUR SEARCH FOR THE ULTIMATE DINGHY (RIGID VS INFLATABLE)](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/dinghy-rigid-vs-inflatable)
Then, we put the 5 best electric motors we could find to the test. There were two that completely blew us away and one that hit the sweet spot of all our wants and needs.
- [ELECTRIC BOATING JUST GOT REAL! (TESTING THE BEST 5 ELECTRIC MOTORS)](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/electric-dinghy-testing)
But now, our decision just got more complicated. If we go for the sailing version of the OC we can’t get the insanely fast & fun electric jet motor, because it gets integrated into the hull. Hmmm, decisions, decisions. If you want to learn more about OC sailing tenders, just click the link below and it will take you there.
- [OC Sailing Tenders](https://bit.ly/SailingTender?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
🙈🙉🙊 FULL DISCLOSURE
This video is not sponsored by OC Tenders nor do we get any sort of incentive or compensation should you purchase. But if you do, please let them know they should buy us a beer for the recommendation. 🍻
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 💻FREE EDITING SOFTWARE
- [Download For Free: https://bit.ly/fxhome-gwtw](https://bit.ly/fxhome-gwtw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
- Source – Artlist, Get 2 Months for FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Generation Lost, Konstantin Garbuzyuk
#### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### New Electric Hybrid Catamaran Update
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/new-hybrid-catamaran-update/
Last updated: 2023-11-13T20:42:21.000Z
Now that we’ve wrapped up our [South Island road trip](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/new-zealand/), it’s time to start diving into the new boat build. [CURIOSITY 2](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/curiosity-sailboat) is well underway and we have a big update with videos from the factory to share!
If you didn’t know we are buying a new boat, probably best to watch this video first: [gonewiththewynns.com/hybrid-electric-catamaran-reveal](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/hybrid-electric-catamaran-reveal)
If you already know and have been dying for an update…what are you waiting for, click play!
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 💻FREE EDITING SOFTWARE
- [Download For Free: https://bit.ly/fxhome-gwtw](https://bit.ly/fxhome-gwtw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
- Source – Artlist, Get 2 Months for FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Orkas
#### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### Inside A Solar Powered Soda Factory
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/inside-a-solar-powered-soda-factory/
Last updated: 2024-04-15T09:48:01.000Z
This week’s adventure is one part wild nature, one part Willy Wonka. We’re on the home stretch of our road trip around the South Island of New Zealand. We didn’t intentionally plan it this way but, we saved the best for last. This is the most beautiful stretch of coastline! Towering pancake rocks, snowcapped mountains off in the distance, and misty cloud-covered rain forests. It’s a stunning drive that has officially made our top 10 list.
Plus, you finally get to meet the sailors who loaned us the lemon-covered truck we’ve been driving. They show us their 1947 wooden boat and we get put to work at their soda factory. They really took the whole idea of a homemade lemonade stand to the next level.
And speaking of getting put to work, I think we’re going to have to start a special series and call it *Clean Jobs?* (we’re open to suggestions) Because like the American TV series Dirty Jobs, we like learning how things are made, and how people make a living. But we’re global and are drawn to people who make the extra effort to make their trade more sustainable.
We hope you enjoy the mix of wild nature and local trade in this week’s video.
**Peter & Marlene (AKA, Mr & Mrs. Pete)**
If you find yourself in New Zealand and want to say hello to Peter and Marleen: [https://petesnatural.co.nz/](https://petesnatural.co.nz/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### Our South Island Road Trip Route
[Our South Island Road Trip Route](https://maps.roadtrippers.com/trips/38111797?utm%5Fcampaign=trip%5Fguide&utm%5Fmedium=share&utm%5Fsource=embed)
**What’s With The MAP?**
This is a free website and app from Roadtrippers. It’s been our go-to app for discovering weird roadside attractions (hello [Cano’s Castle](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/canos-trash-castle-colorado)) and wild places to camp ([Trona Pinnacles](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/trona-pinnacles-wild-camping)). The **free version** is fantastic and packed with all the essential features. But, we have the Plus account because it’s better for an extended trip (like this one). Plus unlocks features like live traffic, notes for each stop, collaborating with friends, and offline maps (handy during the trip since the internet is intermittent).
- Roadtrippers (free): [https://roadtrippers.com/?via=thewynns](https://roadtrippers.com/?via=thewynns&ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Roadtrippers Plus: [https://roadtrippers.com/plus/?via=thewynns](https://roadtrippers.com/plus/?via=thewynns&ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Use promo code **THEWYNNS for $5 off**
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 💻Free Editing Software
- [Download For Free: https://bit.ly/fxhome-gwtw](https://bit.ly/fxhome-gwtw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
- Source – Artlist, Get 2 Months for FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Katrina Stone, Sunny Fruit, Giants and Pilgrims, Marc Robillard, Kicktracks, Ido Maimon, Ziv Moran
#### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### The Best Beach Except…(do not swim here)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/the-best-beach-except-do-not-swim-here/
Last updated: 2023-11-15T18:23:11.000Z
We’re over halfway through our road trip around the South Island of New Zealand, and we’ve reached the untamed coast. AKA the west coast. AKA the wild west. It’s notoriously rugged and now that we’re here, we’re starting to understand why it has garnered such a reputation. Even our beach house came with a welcome and a warning: **Extremely Dangerous, Do Not Swim In The Sea**. 😲
Because there is something wild that happens between the Tasman Sea and the highest peaks in the Southern Alps. This week, we’re getting a taste of both. From the most dangerous beach we’ve ever seen to New Zealand’s fastest-moving glaciers.
#### Project Drawdown
As promised, here is one of our favorite climate resources. Project Drawdown conducts an ongoing review and analysis of practices and technologies that are able to reduce greenhouse gas concentrations in Earth’s atmosphere and also are 1) currently available, 2) growing in scale, 3) financially viable, 4) able to have a net positive impact, and 5) quantifiable under different scenarios.
- [https://drawdown.org/](https://drawdown.org/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### Our South Island Road Trip Route
[Our South Island Road Trip Route](https://maps.roadtrippers.com/trips/38111797?utm%5Fcampaign=trip%5Fguide&utm%5Fmedium=share&utm%5Fsource=embed)
**What’s With The MAP?**
This is a free website and app from Roadtrippers. It’s been our go-to app for discovering weird roadside attractions (hello [Cano’s Castle](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/canos-trash-castle-colorado)) and wild places to camp ([Trona Pinnacles](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/trona-pinnacles-wild-camping)). The **free version** is fantastic and packed with all the essential features. But, we have the Plus account because it’s better for an extended trip (like this one). Plus unlocks features like live traffic, notes for each stop, collaborating with friends, and offline maps (handy during the trip since the internet is intermittent).
- Roadtrippers (free): [https://roadtrippers.com/?via=thewynns](https://roadtrippers.com/?via=thewynns&ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Roadtrippers Plus: [https://roadtrippers.com/plus/?via=thewynns](https://roadtrippers.com/plus/?via=thewynns&ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Use promo code **THEWYNNS for $5 off**
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 💻Free Editing Software
- [Download For Free: https://bit.ly/fxhome-gwtw](https://bit.ly/fxhome-gwtw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
- Source – Artlist, Get 2 Months for FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Duce Williams, Ben Winwood, The Duke of Norfolk, Paper Planes, ANBR
#### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### Wild & Remote Boat Life In The Fiordlands
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/wild-remote-boat-life-in-the-fiordlands/
Last updated: 2023-11-16T12:53:38.000Z
We’re back on the water and, as you can tell by the thumbnail, it’s not a big boat…and it’s not warm. But it is the best vessel for exploring the more remote fingers of the Fiordlands. And lucky us, mother nature has given us a rare winter weather window. We have exactly 24 hours of ideal conditions for exploring New Zealand’s wettest, oldest, and biggest national park.
So gear up, because we’re headed off the grid and deep into the wilds of the Fiordlands.
#### Our Friend Joshua
Ini and Joshua will soon be opening their home to guests and you can stay with them too! This isn’t a sponsored plug, simply an opportunity to connect with a fellow adventurer should you find yourself on the South Island of New Zealand (and hopefully you do). You can see their lodge here: [gonewiththewynns.com/sheep-farming-new-zealand](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/we-tried-sheep-farming-in-new-zealand/)
- [southerncoastlodge.com/](https://southerncoastlodge.com/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### DOC Huts
There are over 950 unique huts throughout New Zealand. They are managed by the Department Of Conservation and we highly recommend making a proper kiwi trek and booking at least one night in a hut when you make it to NZ.
#### Our South Island Road Trip Route
[Our South Island Road Trip Route](https://maps.roadtrippers.com/trips/38111797?utm%5Fcampaign=trip%5Fguide&utm%5Fmedium=share&utm%5Fsource=embed)
**What’s With The MAP?**
This is a free website and app from Roadtrippers. It’s been our go-to app for discovering weird roadside attractions (hello [Cano’s Castle](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/canos-trash-castle-colorado)) and wild places to camp ([Trona Pinnacles](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/trona-pinnacles-wild-camping)). The **free version** is fantastic and packed with all the essential features. But, we have the Plus account because it’s better for an extended trip (like this one). Plus unlocks features like live traffic, notes for each stop, collaborating with friends, and offline maps (handy during the trip since the internet is intermittent).
- Roadtrippers (free): [https://roadtrippers.com/?via=thewynns](https://roadtrippers.com/?via=thewynns&ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Roadtrippers Plus: [https://roadtrippers.com/plus/?via=thewynns](https://roadtrippers.com/plus/?via=thewynns&ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Use promo code **THEWYNNS for $5 off**
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 💻Free Editing Software
- [Download For Free: https://bit.ly/fxhome-gwtw](https://bit.ly/fxhome-gwtw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
- Source – Artlist, Get 2 Months for FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Tiko Tiko, Sean Magwire, Warm Keys, Dan Pundak, Omri Smadar
#### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### A Day In The Life of A New Zealand Sheep Farmer
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/we-tried-sheep-farming-in-new-zealand/
Last updated: 2024-04-15T09:47:24.000Z
One of the reasons we like traveling around the world with our home (even though we are boatless at the moment) is because it allows us to move slower. To dig in and really get to know a place. Everything from flora and fauna to the trade and infrastructure.
And here in New Zealand, sheep outnumber humans by 5 to 1\. So when the opportunity came up to join a farm for a day, we only asked one question; “can we borrow a pair of gum boots”?
Welcome to the deep south! We’re officially halfway through our South Island road trip and we’re really starting to lean into the aimlessness. No plans or expectations, just the open road and whatever opportunities cross our path.
We didn’t set out to learn about sheep herding or where wool comes from, but I am glad we did. And in Orepuki of all places. A tiny township with a goldmine of kiwi character.
**Southern Coast Lodge**
Ini and Joshua will soon be open for guests and you can stay with them too: [southerncoastlodge.com/](https://southerncoastlodge.com/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### Our South Island Road Trip Route
[Our South Island Road Trip Route](https://maps.roadtrippers.com/trips/38111797?utm%5Fcampaign=trip%5Fguide&utm%5Fmedium=share&utm%5Fsource=embed)
**What’s With The MAP?**
This is a free website and app from Roadtrippers. It’s been our go-to app for discovering weird roadside attractions (hello [Cano’s Castle](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/canos-trash-castle-colorado)) and wild places to camp ([Trona Pinnacles](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/trona-pinnacles-wild-camping)). The **free version** is fantastic and packed with all the essential features. But, we have the Plus account because it’s better for an extended trip (like this one). Plus unlocks features like live traffic, notes for each stop, collaborating with friends, and offline maps (handy during the trip since the internet is intermittent).
- Roadtrippers (free): [https://roadtrippers.com/?via=thewynns](https://roadtrippers.com/?via=thewynns&ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Roadtrippers Plus: [https://roadtrippers.com/plus/?via=thewynns](https://roadtrippers.com/plus/?via=thewynns&ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Use promo code **THEWYNNS for $5 off**
#### 🧘🏻FXhome Free Editing Software
- [Download For Free: https://bit.ly/fxhome-gwtw](https://bit.ly/fxhome-gwtw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
- Source – Artlist, Get 2 Months for FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Rodellos Machine, Dan Pundak, Eric Andrew Taylor, Rex Banner, Logan Pilcher
#### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### Climbing The Worlds Steepest Street
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/climbing-the-worlds-steepest-street/
Last updated: 2023-11-15T18:04:57.000Z
Our South Island Road Trip continues, and we had some rare and unexpected bucket list adventures this week. I say unexpected because we didn’t actually know they existed before. But that’s what makes travel so exciting isn’t it…discovering something new?
Climbing the world’s steepest street and seeing the rarest penguins surf ashore to nest wasn’t on our New Zealand bucket list. But they are now, complete with checkmarks and well-documented evidence. As you can tell, it was a real cliffhanger.
If you’ve missed some episodes and didn’t know we sold our boat and have a new hybrid electric under construction, you can catch up here: [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLG5YKEqC5FqvZgiKn7tIcfK67af6Ls0da](https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLG5YKEqC5FqvZgiKn7tIcfK67af6Ls0da&ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### Our South Island Interactive Road Trip Route
[Our South Island Road Trip Route](https://maps.roadtrippers.com/trips/38111797?utm%5Fcampaign=trip%5Fguide&utm%5Fmedium=share&utm%5Fsource=embed)
**What’s With The MAP?**
This is a free website and app from Roadtrippers. It’s been our go-to app for discovering weird roadside attractions (hello [Cano’s Castle](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/canos-trash-castle-colorado)) and wild places to camp ([Trona Pinnacles](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/trona-pinnacles-wild-camping)). The **free version** is fantastic and packed with all the essential features. But, we have the Plus account because it’s better for an extended trip (like this one). Plus unlocks features like live traffic, notes for each stop, collaborating with friends, and offline maps (handy during the trip since the internet is intermittent).
- Roadtrippers (free): [https://roadtrippers.com/?via=thewynns](https://roadtrippers.com/?via=thewynns&ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Roadtrippers Plus: [https://roadtrippers.com/plus/?via=thewynns](https://roadtrippers.com/plus/?via=thewynns&ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Use promo code **THEWYNNS for $5 off**
#### 🧘🏻BETTER HELP
- [betterhelp.com/GoneWithTheWynns](https://betterhelp.com/GoneWithTheWynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Using our link gives you 10% off your first month of therapy
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
- Source – Artlist, Get 2 Months for FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Racoon Racoon, C.K. Martin, Jane & The Boy, Evert Z
#### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### We’Re In A Weird Place (+what’s next & boat update)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/roadtrip-to-nowhere/
Last updated: 2023-11-15T18:03:23.000Z
We have never been more untethered than we are right now. We don’t have any major possessions. No home, no boat, no van, not even a sleeping bag. And it’s WEIRD!
Granted, this is just a phase. A long layover, or a short story, in-between the chapters. It’s a phase I call limbo and I don’t like it. Never have.
One would think that this wouldn’t be a big deal after a decade of being nomadic. Change is our only constant. But we’ve always had a place to call home, a place to lay our heads at night and now we don’t. We’re experiencing a strange sense of aimlessness like we’re suspended in zero gravity and our bodies and minds need time to adjust.
So, we’re on a road trip around the South Island of New Zealand learning to embrace the aimlessness.
If you’ve missed some episodes and didn’t know we sold our boat and have a new hybrid electric under construction, you can catch up here: [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLG5YKEqC5FqvZgiKn7tIcfK67af6Ls0da](https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLG5YKEqC5FqvZgiKn7tIcfK67af6Ls0da&ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### Our South Island Interactive Road Trip Route
[Our South Island Road Trip Route](https://maps.roadtrippers.com/trips/38111797?utm%5Fcampaign=trip%5Fguide&utm%5Fmedium=share&utm%5Fsource=embed)
**What’s With The MAP?**
This is a free website and app from Roadtrippers. It’s been our go-to app for discovering weird roadside attractions (hello [Cano’s Castle](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/canos-trash-castle-colorado)) and wild places to camp ([Trona Pinnacles](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/trona-pinnacles-wild-camping)). The **free version** is fantastic and packed with all the essential features. But, we have the Plus account because it’s better for an extended trip (like this one). Plus unlocks features like live traffic, notes for each stop, collaborating with friends, and offline maps (handy during the trip since the internet is intermittent).
- Roadtrippers (free): [https://roadtrippers.com/?via=thewynns](https://roadtrippers.com/?via=thewynns&ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Roadtrippers Plus: [https://roadtrippers.com/plus/?via=thewynns](https://roadtrippers.com/plus/?via=thewynns&ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Use promo code **THEWYNNS for $5 off**
#### 🦈SURFSHARK VPN💻
- [surfshark.deals/wynns](https://surfshark.deals/wynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- 83%0ff +3 Months Free
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
- Source – Artlist, Get 2 Months for FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Ardie Son, Balloon Planet, Alex Makemusic
#### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### The End of Boat Life
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/the-end-of-boat-life/
Last updated: 2023-11-16T03:48:02.000Z
It’s official, we are no longer the owners of Curiosity. Moving out of the boat that has been our home for the last 6 years is bittersweet. Because we’re not just saying goodbye to the boat, but to almost all our possessions. We’re only taking what we can carry onto the plane…which isn’t much.
The long process of cleaning and carefully choosing which items to pack left us feeling a little out of sorts. So many memories, feelings, dreams, and goals have all been made aboard this vessel.
Luckily, we’ve got three weeks in middle earth (The South Island of New Zealand) to revive ourselves and prepare for the exciting times ahead. And nothing does that better than diving deep into nature.
- **See The Trip:** [**gonewiththewynns.com/south-island-road-trip**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/south-island-road-trip-join-us/)
### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
- Source – Artlist, Get 2 Months for FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gwtw.ghost.io)
- Artists – Cayson Renshaw, Paper Planes, Low Light, Claire Kelly, Luna Keller
### 🙏🏻Thank You
Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### ELECTRIC BOATING JUST GOT REAL! (testing the best 5 electric motors)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/electric-dinghy-testing/
Last updated: 2024-10-16T09:11:55.000Z
We’re on the hunt for a new electric-powered dinghy. Because there are a lot of benefits when going all-electric and only a few downsides. Plus, [our new catamaran](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/curiosity-sailboat) will practically be a floating renewable power plant, so it seems silly not to go electric with our tender.
Our quest began last week when we compared our [top choice rigid and inflatable dinghies (so far)](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/dinghy-rigid-vs-inflatable). And this week, we’re putting the 5 best electric motors we could find to the test. Because the manufacturers make a lot of claims when it comes to speed, range, and weight. But there’s only one way to know if any of them is a realistic option for our needs.
Spoiler alert, there are two that completely blew us away…and one that does 360s!
#### OUR TENDER NEEDS & WANTS
Our new home is all about being efficient and self-reliant, using renewable energy and electric propulsion…we want our dinghy to be more of the same.
On [Curiosity2](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/curiosity-sailboat), HH has built-in some super-strong carbon fiber dinghy davits than can hold an 11-foot tender with a max weight of 440lbs.
**Desired Cruising Speed: 10-15 knots**
I say cruising speed because with electric motors we don’t want to be at top speed all the time, that would tap our batteries out quick. Going at 50-75% will give us a lot more range. But, knowing we have that burst of power for running against a strong current or getting out of the way of a larger vessel, is priceless.
**Desired Range: 20 miles**
A normal day of dingy-ing around for us is anywhere between 10-20 miles (exploring, diving, grocery run…). But in these early stages, we’re trying to stay open-minded and we’re testing a wide variety of motors.
#### FAMILIAR & ENJOYABLE, BUT TOO SLOW
**Our Top Speed:** 4 knots on the Highfield / 4.5 knots on the OC
**Realistic Cruising Speed:** 3 knots
The overall experience with the Spirit feels just like the motoring experience we’re used to, but without the motoring noise. A few things worth noting are the portable solar panel and hydrogeneration options for sailing dinghies. If you already own a 2.5hp or 3hp engine you will most likely be very pleased with this little guy.
Full Details: [epropulsion.com/spirit-1](https://www.epropulsion.com/spirit-1/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
If you are in New Zealand, contact Adam at Beacon Marine: [beaconmarine.nz](https://www.beaconmarine.nz/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### PORTABLE, POWERFUL, LIGHTWEIGHT CONTENDER
**Our Top Speed:** 6.7 knots on the OC
**Realistic Cruising Speed:** 5 knots
Looking at this setup, it’s hard to believe. Full Stop. Weighing in at half the weight of the Spirit 1.0 and yet double the power. MotoSkiff has been making tweaks and improvements and now claims to get a top speed of 12 knots. If so, this could be a serious contender and market disrupter. We hope to take it for another test spin with the newest updates before we leave New Zealand.
**Full Details:** [motoskiff.com](https://motoskiff.com/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**Navy 3.0 Motor Weight:** 24.3 kg / 53.6 lbs **Navy 6.0 Motor Weight:** 36 kg / 79.4 lbs
**Battery Weights:** E80 – 53 kg / 116.8 lbs E175 – 87 kg / 191.8 lbs
We knew these were on the heavy side for our needs, but the reality hit hard when we started setting them up. I am sure it would work great for trolling on a lake, or canal, but not so much for a mid-size tender to a sailboat.
#### ELECTRIC JET ENGINE DREAM
**Our Top Speed:** 19 knots on the OC
**Realistic Cruising Speed:** 10-15 knots
If I’m being totally honest, I really didn’t want to like it. I thought it would be a novelty, and no way would it work as a sailboat tender. But, we haven’t found anything else in this speed and range that could compete. Much less anything else this much fun. Electric boating just got real and it makes me very excited about what the future of this space will look like. Because this isn’t just a mode of transportation, it’s an experience. If you have the budget, can you please buy us one too!
**Full Details:** [https://www.zerojet.nz](https://www.zerojet.nz/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🙈🙉🙊 FULL DISCLOSURE
This video was not sponsored by any of the boats or motors mentioned or reviewed. We don’t get any sort of incentive should you purchase. But if you do, please let them know they should buy us a beer for the recommendation. 🍻
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO
- Get 2 Months for FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Michael Shynes, Francesco Dandrea
#### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of [**ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### Our Search For The Ultimate Dinghy (rigid vs inflatable)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/dinghy-rigid-vs-inflatable/
Last updated: 2025-02-23T08:30:03.000Z
There are a lot of decisions to be made when it comes to our new floating home. Sooo many more than when we purchased our first boat. Because Curiosity was a 10-year-old used production boat that hundreds before us had already spec’d out. We had a wealth of knowledge to tap into for almost every aspect of the boat. Just what we needed as two green tadpoles.
But [Curiosity2](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/curiosity-sailboat) is a brand-new design and boat in every way. She will be hull #3, meaning only the 3rd ever in existence, a blank canvas. And first up, we need a car. AKA, a dink, a dinghy, a tender. There are A LOT of options out there, but we want our dinghy to be much like our boat. Lightweight, nimble, and powered by electric propulsion.
Luckily, we’re in New Zealand. The island country where there are more boats than people and some world-class marine ingenuity. And we may have just found the last dinghy we’ll ever buy!?
What do you think? Do you like our top options or is there another tender we should be considering and testing?
#### OFFSHORE CRUISING TENDERS
We spoke to the team at OC about the anchor locker cover and adding a false floor. I have good news and bad news: They do have a lid and it should be added to their site in the near future. For the floor, they claim it’s a dry ride and all you’ll need is a sponge to clean up every now and again. Oh well, fixing 50% of our gripes isn’t bad at all 🙂
Full Details: [https://octenders.co.nz](https://octenders.co.nz/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### HIGHFIELD CLASSIC
We’ve had such a great experience with our Highfield CL340 and that is the reason it’s our inflatable rib of choice. It’s hard to beat their broad range of boats and options.
Full Details: [https://www.highfieldboats.com](https://www.highfieldboats.com/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
If you are in New Zealand, contact Jonathan at Aakron Xpress: [aakronxpress.co.nz](https://www.aakronxpress.co.nz/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🙈🙉🙊FULL DISCLOSURE
This video was sponsored by Surfshark VPN and not by any of the boats mentioned or reviewed. We don’t get any sort of incentive should you purchase. But if you do, please let them know they should buy us a beer for the recommendation. 🍻
#### 🦈GET SURFSHARK VPN
Enter promo code WYNNS for 83% off and 3 extra months FREE!
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#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO
- Get 2 Months for FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Ikoliks, Lalinea, Rodellos Machine, I Am Daylight, Modern Aquatic
#### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### This Will Make Or Break The Sale Of Our Boat
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/make-or-break-the-sale/
Last updated: 2023-11-13T21:29:55.000Z
It’s judgment day. We have accepted an offer on Curiosity but it’s the survey and sea trial that will make or break the sale of our boat. Because the hired judge (surveyor) is here to expose all of Curiosity’s imperfections, determine if she is seaworthy and if we’ve been good or bad boat owners.
The prospective buyers have flown into New Zealand all the way from Washington State to take part in the process and set foot aboard their potential new home for the first time. We like to think we do an acceptable job of keeping our girl in ship shape, but we’re about to learn the truth. So no pressure, right?!
So what’s next? Once all the surveyor’s reports come back, Jamie and Anne will submit their “conditional acceptance” and the condition is the points of negotiation (the items found that need repair). Assuming all goes well, we could be boatless in just a couple of weeks. 😳
A huge thanks to Jamie and Anne for being open and incredibly kind. While it’s not a done deal (anything could happen between now and closing… hopefully not) we feel like no matter what, we gained new friends that we are excited to share an anchorage with one day.
#### **WANT TO SEE THE EXTENDED INTERVIEW WITH JAMIE AND ANNE?**
- Check it out on Patreon: [patreon.com/the\_wynns](https://www.patreon.com/the%5Fwynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### **🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO**
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### **🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO**
- Get 2 Months for FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Michael Shynes, Ian Post, Assaf Ayalon, Racoon Racoon
#### **🙏 THANK YOU!**
Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### Our New Hybrid Electric Catamaran
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/hybrid-electric-catamaran-reveal/
Last updated: 2025-12-23T10:03:29.000Z
## UPDATE!!!!
CURIOSITY² was a 2023 HH44 Sailing Catamaran. We documented everything from the build process, to handover and our short time living aboard. But, [it wasn’t all smooth sailing](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/what-happened-to-our-catamaran/) after we took delivery. Of course, all new boats have [teething issues](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/major-failure-at-sea/), especially with new designs or the first few boats off the line, but [CURIOSITY has had more than her fair share](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/we-had-to-leave-our-boat/). Which is not what we expected.
Considering this vessel was both our home and our business, the disruption to both was just too much and we needed to go another direction. We came to an agreement and sold the boat back.
---
We’ve been building our dream boat “in theory” for years. Which has never been in the form of sketches but rather a list of features that would create the most self-sufficient boat possible. Because…
### **SELF-RELIANCE + SUSTAINABILITY = FREEDOM**
**Self-Reliance:** To rely on our own resources and limit our need for a marina or fuel dock.
**Sustainability:** Thinking about what we do today and how it will affect next week, next year, the next decade, and so on. It’s the recognition that we’re all part of a living system and everything we do impacts the world around us.
In other words, we want to be out in the world living and exploring for as long as possible. Both in terms of not having to worry about our resources or our habitat disappearing. It’s practical, not political.
And we know we’re not the only ones seeking this kind of freedom because we have you! Our community of like-minded people we’ve been having this exact conversation with for the past decade. It doesn’t matter if you are in an RV, Tiny House, Sailboat, Motorboat, Homestead, Farm, Ranch or Off-Grid Island Resort…at the end of the day, we’ve all connected over our love for nature and our desire to be in it.
**This new boat is** the continuation of that conversation and desire. **This is not** the ultimate, all-time perfect eco boat or zero-footprint anything. Not even close. It’s the best option that we could find working with viable, available solutions. It’s the type of innovation we want to support, encourage and see way more of. Selfishly of course. Because we would love nothing more than to one day announce our all-time perfect sustainable boat with living hulls made of oysters and other bivalve mollusks that naturally propel the boat as they filter feed and improve the water as we travel the world’s oceans. It may seem preposterous now but in my defense, prior to 1961 most people didn’t think humans would be living in outer space…so anything is possible.
But until then, here is the sexiest, most self-sufficient sub-50-foot sailing catamaran we will soon call home!
This is the beginning of a very exciting journey and because we share it with you (thank you for being a part of it) we want to hear your thoughts! What are you most interested in as we build this boat? What systems or features you would like us to dive into as things progress? Is there a feature or a piece of tech you don’t see that you think we should consider? We’re all ears and eyes!
**Full Disclosure:** Transparency is important to us because we want you to understand what our relationship with HH Catamarans means and how it will affect our content. The short answer is, that it won’t. We did receive a small discount on the purchase of our boat in exchange for the publicity HH Catamarans will receive. But HH fully agreed that it was important we retain full creative freedom and continue to create as we always have, by sharing our honest experiences. It’s because of this shared desire for transparency that we are very much looking forward to working with and owning an HH Catamaran.
### Last Boat Project As Owners
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/last-boat-project/
Last updated: 2023-12-01T07:30:49.000Z
We’re down to our last couple of weeks as boat owners and our task list is dwindling. But we still have one final project to tackle together.
And don’t you know, just when we need to be most productive…we get infected! We have Covid. Which has set us back but hasn’t completely derailed us. So if you’ve been wondering why we’ve been so quiet, that’s why.
Join us for one last boat project and some good news about what’s next.
#### **🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO**
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### **🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO**
- Get 2 Months for FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Modern Aquatic, Huan, Far West
#### **🙏 THANK YOU!**
Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### More Challenging Than We Expected
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/more-challenging-than-expected/
Last updated: 2023-12-01T07:31:08.000Z
Our time in New Zealand is dwindling as we only have so much time left on our visas but still sooo much to do. And it turns out that preparing ourselves for what’s next and selling our boat abroad is more challenging than we expected.
This week we’re focused on getting Curiosity show ready and pairing our personal belongings down to a few suitcases. But the background list of decisions to be made seems to be growing by the day and so do our feelings of overwhelm.
**P.S.**
We’re taking some administrative time to catch up behind the scenes so there won’t be a new video on Sunday, June 5th. But we’ll be back on the 12th and hopefully with lots of good news!
#### **⛵CURIOSITY IS FOR SALE**
- [justcatamarans.net/catamaran-listing/2005-leopard-43-catamaran-curiosity/](https://justcatamarans.net/catamaran-listing/2005-leopard-43-catamaran-curiosity/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
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#### **SURFSHARK VPN**
- [surfshark.deals/wynns](https://surfshark.deals/wynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- 83%0ff +3 Months Free
#### **🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO**
- Get 2 Months for FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Out of Flux, Brooklyn Classical, Ziv Moran, Generation Lost, Laurel Violet
#### **🙏 THANK YOU!**
Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### Sailing to Salvation Island
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/salvation-island/
Last updated: 2023-11-13T21:40:59.000Z
We say goodbye to Coromandel and spend the week island hopping our way back towards the Auckland area. Our first port of call is the island of [Waiheke](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/boat-life-isle-of-wine), again.
This time we’re aiming for the east side and more specifically the dinghy-up winery at Man O’ War. Because our wine bar is empty and that doesn’t bode well with the crew of CURIOSITY.
But this is sailing in New Zealand and the winds move in mysterious ways and in turn so must we.
Ironically, instead of satisfying our thirsty desires at a beachside winery, we find ourselves on a wild island once reserved for those seeking salvation from the devil’s spirit.
#### **🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO**
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### **🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO**
- Get 2 Months for FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – The Hunts, Max Hickson, Low Light, The Whiskey Wasps, Sean Twomey, Milano, Far West, Hey Judy
#### **🙏 THANK YOU!**
Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### 10 Crucial Features Our New Boat Must Have
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/10-crucial-features/
Last updated: 2024-08-01T09:24:53.000Z
We’ve been quietly dreaming of our next boat over the past few years. During that time, we came up with a checklist of features we weren’t willing to compromise on. In other words, we said we wouldn’t buy another boat until we could build it with at least our top 10 features.
But now our dream boat is going to become a reality (big reveal coming soon)! So today we’re sharing what the top 10 must-haves are and our philosophy on why.
### **SELF-RELIANCE + SUSTAINABILITY = FREEDOM**
Self-Reliance: To rely on our own resources and limit our need for a marina or fuel dock.
Sustainability: Thinking about what we do today and how it will affect next week, next year, the next decade and so on. It’s the recognition that we’re all part of a living system and everything we do impacts the world around us.
#### **🙏 THANK YOU!**
Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### When It’s Not What You Expected
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/when-its-not-expected/
Last updated: 2023-11-13T21:52:07.000Z
Expectations are a funny thing. They can be helpful and at other times they can be our demise. When it comes to travel or new experiences, we know it’s best to have no expectations. But being the silly humans we are, we can’t help ourselves.
We read a review, check out a website or watch someone else’s video and think, “ok, I’m prepared, that’s what this experience will be like”. Especially if it’s a popular, and well-worn path.
This week we set out on a mission to get to some of New Zealand’s most popular and exotic beaches. Which happens to be on the exact opposite side of the Coromandel peninsula. Painfully close as the crow flies, yet so far away by sea.
Luckily, we received an unexpected offer, hatched a plan, and knew exactly what we were in for…or so we thought.
Turned out the whole experience was just one charming surprise after another. What we expected to be straightforward wasn’t. What we expected to be a romantic couple’s adventure turned into a community event. What we expected to be a crowded destination turned out to be secluded and romantic. Plus, I expected something to go awry and it didn’t!
But that is the beauty of travel. The only thing we can, and should, expect is the unexpected.
So, my dear friends, I am happy to report, that we had the most unexpected and positively pleasant Coromandel journey.
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- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### **🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO**
- Artlist, Get 2 Months for FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Sean Magwire, OK Otter, Prophecy Playground, Semo, Ian Post, Randy Sharp, Con Davison, Aves, Chris Mason, Noa Bentor, Campagna
#### **🙏 THANK YOU!**
Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### A Day In The Life Of A SEA FARMER
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sea-farming-nz/
Last updated: 2024-04-15T09:48:41.000Z
On our [sail to New Zealand](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/brutal-sail-breaking-stuff), I envisioned all sorts of things we would see. Dairy farms, sheep, hobbits, and of course [glowworms](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/childhood-fantasy-come-true). But sea farming wasn’t even on my radar. That is until the skipper of one of the local mussel boats reached out.
Turns out mussel farming is a booming business worldwide and in New Zealand, they are scooping up more than 320 million dollars a year.
The world’s population is growing, and we need to produce more food. But we’re running out of land to farm and the land we are using is degrading faster than it can recover. But there is a type of sea farming that could be the future of a lot of our food.
So, we’re swapping out boat life to have a crack at being sea farmers. Also because this is probably as close as we’ll ever get to being on Deadliest Catch.
Well, what do you think? Could we hack it? Maybe on a small scale?
Huge thanks to Chris and the crew of Untouchable for making us feel like part of the team for a day. (And a little behind-the-scenes secret: They started at 5 am, but were kind enough to swing by at 7 to pick us up🙏🏻). If you want to taste the fruits of their labor then pick up some Green-Lipped Mussels. They’re endemic to New Zealand and exported all around the world. They make an excellent Cioppino stew (especially with fresh oysters and snapper).
#### **BECOME A SEA FARMER**
I have done a lot of digging into farming shellfish and kelp and it is a seriously underutilized market! I can’t say we’re gonna run out and start our first ocean farm tomorrow, but it is appealing.
I found a nonprofit organization called GreenWave which has an incredible and affordable program that helps people get into the business. They train and support ocean farmers and work with coastal communities around the world.
The founder has a great story, and the website is worth checking out just for some fun facts on shellfish and seaweed: [greenwave.org/](https://www.greenwave.org/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### **SURFSHARK VPN**
- [surfshark.deals/wynns](https://surfshark.deals/wynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- 83%0ff +3 Months Free
#### **🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO**
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### **🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO**
- Artlist, Get 2 Months for FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Artists – Rex Banner, Low Light
#### **🙏 THANK YOU!**
Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### We’re Selling Our Boat
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/selling-our-boat/
Last updated: 2023-11-14T15:43:05.000Z
We’re dropping some big news today. One chapter is ending and another is soon to begin. Our journey is ever-evolving, hopefully never-ending, and the mission remains the same, to **Cultivate Curiosity.** All the details are in the video so I won’t wax on about it.
As for what’s next…well, Curiosity is officially on the market but we still have a few more adventures planned before we say goodbye. As excited about the new boat as we are, saying goodbye to this one is going to be hard.
#### **CURIOSITY FOR SALE**
- [justcatamarans.net/catamaran-listing/2005-leopard-43-catamaran-curiosity/](https://justcatamarans.net/catamaran-listing/2005-leopard-43-catamaran-curiosity/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### **🙏 THANK YOU!**
Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### Sailing is Stupid (and splendid, here’s why)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailing-is-stupid/
Last updated: 2023-11-14T15:44:10.000Z
Being on a boat in a spectacular place on a beautiful day is splendid. But sailing isn’t the fastest, easiest, or most comfortable way to travel or live.
So why do we revel in discomfort? This is a question I ask myself after every sleepless night or rough voyage across a sporting sea (we sailors say sporting so it doesn’t sound like we’re complaining). Because being a liveaboard, is a very mixed bag. It’s completely impractical and yet we think it’s the greatest way to exist on the planet. We love it and here is a theory on why.
We humans crave a good dose of adversity. We need struggle, growth, emotionality, aspiration, and conflict. Because when we overcome, achieve, or reach the other side we feel fulfilled. It makes life exciting and meaningful. AKA, a life of adventure.
**adventure**/ədˈvɛntʃə/*noun*an unusual and exciting or daring experience.
So, while we may claim to live simply (because we have less space or fewer things because we have nowhere to put them), life aboard a moving vessel is anything but simple. It is complex and challenging and that is precisely why we are drawn to it. Like a moth to a flame.
#### **WATER FILTRATION & PURIFICATION**
**10% OFF any Acuva System!** We have the **Arrow 5** and we installed the **Arrow 2** on Jason’s mom’s van.
- **Buy From Acuva –** [**bit.ly/WynnsUVwater**](https://bit.ly/WynnsUVwater?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Enter Promo Code **WYNNS** at checkout
**Re-Mineralize**
We like this addition because we have a reverse osmosis watermaker. By adding this inline filter to our Acuva, we get the alkaline and antioxidant qualities of spring water. This alkaline antioxidant filter provides abundant active hydrogen. It also increases the reduction of power by increasing pH, making small water clusters, and providing beneficial minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium.
- **Re-Mineralize Filter –** iSpring 10″ Inline Minerals Filter FX15
- **Buy From Amazon –** [**https://amzn.to/2XfGr9G**](https://amzn.to/2XfGr9G?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### **🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO**
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### **🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO**
- Artlist, Get 2 Months for FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Russo & Weinberg, Dani Jalali, Soundroll, Skrxlla, Logan Pilcher
#### **🙏 THANK YOU!**
Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### Boat Life On The Isle of Wine
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/boat-life-isle-of-wine/
Last updated: 2023-11-14T15:44:48.000Z
My fingernails are peeling off in layers, sort of like an onion, and together with the caulk residue, it looks like the remnants of a french manicure gone bad. I also managed to bash my pinky toe on the last batten just before we slid it into the mainsail. I will no doubt lose that toenail.
And then there is Jason’s thumb, which had an altercation with a razor blade. It’s the lingering physical evidence of the last three weeks of boat projects. Clearly, this round was particularly harsh on the extremities.
These two sailors are parched and our bodies and minds are in need of a little R&R. So, we set sail for the Isle of Wine.
It’s been called the Martha’s Vineyard of New Zealand, the honeymoon destination and the Aucklanders escape from the city. It’s the country’s 11th largest island but the second-most densely populated at a whopping 7,689.
It is none other than the island of Waiheke.
#### **ARTY TRAILS**
There are hiking trails all around the island but you’ll only catch the art every 2 years as it’s a biennial event (only every 2 years). How lucky were we!
Sculpture On The Gulf: [https://sotg.nz/](https://sotg.nz/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### **OUR TINY E-BIKES**
The e-bikes in this video are NOT perfect and I would hesitate to recommend them. We also have an e-bike we DO recommend. Here is the scoop on both.
**Tiny Jetson e-bikes:** We’re thrilled to have them and they are better than nothing. They are the smallest, lightest (34 lbs), most compact folding e-bikes we could find at the time (circa 2019).
- **The Bad –** The bike is not ideal for taller or heavier individuals. It struggles to maintain speed when climbing hills and depending on your weight, slows to almost a stop if it’s really steep. It has a responsive rear brake but is not reliable on a steep downhill. The seat is uncomfortable for long rides. It has a limited range of 17 miles (because of no pedals).
- **The Good –** The E-Bike doesn’t have pedals, a chain, or cassette (less to rust and maintain). The bike can fold down and fit in almost any of our large storage lockers (main deciding factor) and is easy to load up in the dinghy. They are really affordable for an e-bike…but you get what you pay for.
- **Buy Jetson Bolt –** [**https://amzn.to/345fV8t**](https://amzn.to/345fV8t?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**GREAT e-bikes:** If we had a bigger dry storage locker that could have fit our[ Blix E-Bikes](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/gift-guide-2019)…we would have loaded those up in our crates. We absolutely love those bikes and miss not having them. If you have the room, go for a Blix or similar quality. You will never need to rent another island bike and they are a helluva good time!
Full Blix Review: [gonewiththewynns.com/gift-guide-2019](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/gift-guide-2019)
- **Buy From Blix –** [**http://blixbike.com?aff=22**](http://blixbike.com/?aff=22&ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Extra $100 off!!! Use Discount Code: Wynn100
#### **🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO**
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### **🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO**
- Artlist, Get 2 Months for FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Sean Magwire, Niahn ft GRP, Jamie Rutherford, Evert Z, Alex Makemusic, Stefano Mastronardi, Sean Twomey, Luc Allieres, Anthony Lazaro, James Forest
#### **🙏 THANK YOU!**
Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### Getting Back Modern Day Luxuries
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/modern-day-luxuries/
Last updated: 2023-11-14T15:46:57.000Z
Modern-day comforts like electric-powered heat and cooling aren’t just for those who live on land. Thanks to our solar and lithium batteries, we have added some serious off-grid luxuries to our floating home.
We’ve never been the kind of people who only seek out perfectly sunny 75-degree days. We love all seasons and some of the world’s most extreme landscapes (and life) are in the most extreme environments. Which means we need to prepare ourselves for a wide variety of conditions.
Now, there are plenty of opinions about how one should go about life, travel, adventure, and everything in between. Variety, it’s the spice of life. It’s not one size fits all.
As for us, we like to travel with the comforts of home. We believe boat life and comfort can, and do, coexist. It doesn’t have to be one or the other. There are plenty of challenges between dodging wild weather systems, navigating bureaucracy, searching out safe harbors, and learning how to fix anything. No need to wake up with a heat rash in the tropics or with icicles on our noses in the higher latitudes.
We’ve done plenty of both over the past decade and agree it should be avoided if possible. Our home is our vessel, and for us, these upgrades help make long-term travel more sustainable.
#### Surfshark VPN Discount
- [surfshark.deals/wynns](https://surfshark.deals/wynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### All our off-grid info
- [gonewiththewynns.com/living-off-grid-rv-sailboat](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/living-off-grid-rv-sailboat)
#### Flexible Solar Panels
Just a direct replacement for the 6, 100-watt Flex Panels that were damaged in the storm. Flexible panels are the only way to go for the hardtop because they allow us to walk on them to get to our sails, the reefing lines, and the traveler. These panels are built to withstand the marine environment, they can curve up to 30 degrees, and are 82% lighter than framed solar panels (plus you can’t stub your toe on them). The latest version (come out mid-2022) is 110w with a super heavy-duty ETFE coating.
- GoPower! Panels: [https://amzn.to/382X4iV](https://amzn.to/382X4iV?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Browse All GoPower! Gear: [http://bit.ly/gonewiththewynns](http://bit.ly/gonewiththewynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### Off-Grid AC, Heat, Dehumidifier
We installed 2 (1 aft, 1 forward) Webasto FCF Platinum 1600 btu units with Easy Start & Easy Touch Control Display
The Easy Start device (made by Micro Air) is what allows us to run the AC without having to run a generator or being plugged into shore power. It’s a beautiful thing!
The compressor on an air conditioner has a huge power spike as it starts up. Because of this spike, it requires a lot of power to start an A/C, typically a large generator or 30-50amp shore power supply. But the Easy Start does exactly as the name implies, it eases the start.
EasyStart is a custom-developed soft starter for single-phase motors. It can deliver 65-75% start current reduction as compared to a compressor’s LRA (locked-rotor amperage). In other words, it eases the start enough so we can run it through our inverter to power our AC off our lithium batteries.
Here is a video where we share the installation of the Easy Start on our old ACs right after we bought Curiosity, and some fun testing showing how the easy start works.
#### Easy Start & Easy Touch Discount Codes!
Go to [MicroAir.net](https://www.microair.net/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) to purchase
- $25 off Easy Start: **GWTW**
- $20 off EasyTouch Marine Touchscreen Control Displays: **GWTWDISPLAY**
- $75 off EasyTouch Marine Control Displays Kit: **GWTWComplete**
A note from Micro Air: *These are non-stackable codes. A customer can order 3 EasyStarts in one order and each one is discounted. But add a different part, and the system won’t accept a second code. In other words, you will need to make separate orders to garner the full value of all discounts. It’s a function of our eCommerce platform. Shipping cost is based on weight so you are not taking a financial hit on that front.*
#### **🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO**
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### **🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO**
- Artlist, Get 2 Months for FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists –
#### **🙏 THANK YOU!**
Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### Sailing The Biggest Race In New Zealand (you can too)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/biggest-race-in-nz/
Last updated: 2024-04-15T03:27:12.000Z
Despite having ZERO racing experience or knowledge, we said YES to sailing in the biggest club racing series in New Zealand. To be honest, we’ve never even watched a race (In all fairness, we don’t watch any sports. Our excuse is we’re participators, not spectators).
So why go racing now?!? Good question.
They say the fastest way to be a better sailor is to race. And, after casually sailing around on our friends [cruising/race boat Slime](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/buying-a-race-boat-for-cruising/)…we were curious to see what a real race looks like.
It seems going into things full tilt and blind is sort of our unintentional style. It’s how we got into sailing in the first place so it really should be no surprise. We’ve practically made a career out of being underqualified and overly optimistic. Ya know, winging it.
#### Race Report:
The Doyle Sails Wednesday Series at the RNZYS (Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron) is the largest club racing series in New Zealand.
(All stats are approximate from David’s watch)
- Temp: 75°f (23°c)
- Race Course Distance: 13.9NM in a straight line
- Distance Sailed: Because this is sailing and there’s no such thing as straight lines. So, a total distance of 16.3 Nautical Miles.
- Race Time: 1 hour 20 min (2 hours dock to dock)
- Top Speed: 19kts
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO
- Artlist, Get 2 Months for FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Ikolis, Guesthouse, SLPSTRM, Katrina Stone
#### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### The Wind Is Our Fuel, Sails are our Engine
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/curiosity-new-sails/
Last updated: 2023-11-14T16:21:02.000Z
Curiosity is getting a huge upgrade in performance and handling this week. Because our new Ullman sails have arrived!
We’ve taken down and put up our genoa dozens of times, but this is our first time to ever remove our mainsail. Which is original to the boat circa 2005 🙀. Plus, we made a couple of adjustments to the new sail to increase performance in higher wind speeds. So, we find a few surprises along the way.
And, true to most boat projects, fitting them took about three times longer than expected. Which should have been expected. Rookies.
It just so happened, we made a new friend at Great Barrier who is the captain of a modest 138-foot sailboat (and one of [our patrons](https://www.patreon.com/the%5Fwynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)!). Thankfully he offered to give us a hand, otherwise, we would probably still be at it. (Thank you, Mike!)
#### Free Morning Brew Newsletter
- [https://bit.ly/mbgonewiththewynns](https://bit.ly/mbgonewiththewynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 💻 EDITING TEMPLATES
- [https://bit.ly/motion-array-GWTW](https://bit.ly/motion-array-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO
- Artlist, Get 2 Months for FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Eldar Kedem, the Hunts, Team Callahan, Lone Wild
- From Motion Array – Down to Little Italy, The Great World
#### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### This Upgrade Changes Everything!
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/this-changes-everything/
Last updated: 2025-12-23T12:03:15.000Z
UPDATE\*\*\* Please note, this video is now over a year old and newer/better technology has hit the market.
---
Picking up the hook and moving on is always a bittersweet moment. But alas, summer doesn’t last forever and neither does our visa. Aotea is but one glorious piece of this sweet kiwi pie.
“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” — Gandalf.
But, thanks to one powerful new upgrade, firing up the engines to pick up the anchor is way more exciting! We have sooo much more power and Jason is pumped to tell you all about it.
So, we say goodbye to the barrier and set sail for the wilds of the city. Our new sails are waiting for us (whoop whoop) and a few more exciting new upgrades. Because this is #BoatLife and the projects never end.
---
We’ve been using this high output alternator system since mid-December 2021\. So far it’s worked well. There were a few bugs in the beginning with our setup, but the techs at the company helped us sort it out.
Everything was surprisingly ‘plug and play’ for the most part. Even the exact wiring guide for our catamaran (with 2 Yanmar 39s) was sent before we installed it. If you have a good understanding of 12v wiring, and the tools to do the installation, you could probably do it yourself. I personally don’t own proper big boy wire cutters or hydraulic crimpers for such thick cables, so I knew right away it was best to hire a pro.
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### LIVING OFF GRID BY LAND & SEA
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/living-off-grid-land-sea/
Last updated: 2024-04-15T09:49:21.000Z
The island of Aotea is just 62 nautical miles from the city center of Auckland, New Zealand, and yet completely off the grid. There are no utilities (water, electricity, trash collection) which means living or operating a business here requires a fair amount of self-reliance.
Lucky us, we were chatting up the cool Wharram catamaran next to us, and turns out they are locals! Kiri grew up on the island and her partner Mark is originally from the mainland but moved to Aotea 15 years ago. Together they have been slowly working towards building the dream life of living off the land and sea.
And when I say building, I mean using reclaimed materials they have hiked through the bush and hand-assembled. Complete with teepees, a wood-burning hot tub, and a skate park. Yes, I said skate park.
So, when they offered to take us on an adventure around the island and deep into their bush paradise, we couldn’t say no.
I am so excited to share this adventure with you. Getting a glimpse into someone else’s journey and seeing their progress motivates and inspires me. I hope it does the same for you.
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO
- Source – Artlist, Get 2 Months for FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Sun Tailor, Rodellos Machine, Young Lords, Energy Plus
#### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### A Sailor Built This Island Sanctuary
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailor-built-island-sanctuary/
Last updated: 2024-04-15T08:52:25.000Z
This is a story about a sailor who fell in love with an island.
And I’m not a scientist but I have significant evidence that shows the exploration of almost anything will make you fall in love with it. Or, at the very least, you will like it more.
Let me explain.
Some 25 years ago, [a psychologist made two strangers fall in love in his laboratory](https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/0146167297234003?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) by asking increasingly personal questions and staring into each other’s eyes for four minutes.
I call this exploration: curiosity + connection = love
I believe we can apply this method to almost anything. For example, I have personally experienced this with a [baby humpback whale](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/swim-whales-moorea). I had never met a whale before [sailing to French Polynesia](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/land-ho-sailing-pacific-ocean).
We were swimming just outside the island lagoon in Moorea when I had my first encounter. It was a tiny newborn baby whale weighing just over a ton. We were both very curious about each other, becoming increasingly personal, and [stared into each other’s eyes for at least four minutes](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/swim-whales-moorea).
I can confirm it was the eye-to-eye connection that sent Cupid’s arrow straight through my heart.
I fell hopelessly in love with that whale and subsequently, all whales. And while I can’t speak for the whale, I am fairly certain the feeling was mutual.
And this is but one example. I have had similar experiences with a [stray kitten](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/saving-life-isolation) in Fiji, the island country of [Niue](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/incredible-unknown-island), [coffee](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/geisha-most-expensive-coffee), my [sailing sister Kate](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/goodbye-sailing-with-friends) and the list goes on.
So, when we found out that a fellow sailor had fallen in love with the Great Barrier and built a sanctuary on it…well, we must pay homage.
**More About Glenfern Sanctuary**: [https://www.glenfern.org.nz/](https://www.glenfern.org.nz/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO
- Source – Artlist, Get 2 Months for FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – The Hunts, Ian Post, Tony Petersen
#### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### The Joy of Simple Living at Sea (coastal foraging)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/living-at-sea-coastal-foraging/
Last updated: 2025-12-23T12:21:38.000Z
Foraging is such a delightful pastime. It’s less about dinner and a lot more about the joy of being in nature. I can come home empty-handed and still be pleased as punch with how I spent my day.
Why? Because foraging isn’t hiking, snorkeling, or wandering aimlessly. Searching for wild food means I have to slow down and look. There is an intimacy to it. I take stock of the world around me in a completely different way.
So join us for a little coastal foraging at Aotea (Great Barrier Island). It’s a catch, cook & play with new tech kinda day. Yes, tech. Because we’re equal part documentarians and explorers.
We have a new drone ([accidentally drowned our last one](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/wild-sail-great-barrier/)), action camera, and wireless mics!
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
- Source – Artlist, Get 2 Months for FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Low Light, Paper Planes, Slpstrm
#### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### Buying A Race Boat For Cruising? (full tour)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/buying-a-race-boat-for-cruising/
Last updated: 2025-12-23T12:18:30.000Z
We have never considered a race boat as a cruising boat…but now we are!
Let me explain.
We always assumed race boats required expertise. That there would be a certain amount of intensity involved reserved for only serious sailors. Not for the cruisy sailor who just loves travel and being out on the water. We were sorely mistaken.
Sure, there are all kinds of sailboats floating about the world for all different types of sailors and all sorts of sailing environments. And just because a boat was built with one thing in mind, doesn’t mean it’s limited to that one thing.
And that’s what our new friends Paul, Sharon, and Georgie showed us. A race boat can also be a rad family cruising boat. Which is also what they are learning. Because it’s a brand spanking new world to them too!
It’s always exciting to step aboard a new boat, take note of the differences, the similarities, and the completely unknown. But stepping off Curiosity and onto Slime wasn’t exactly going from one cat to another. It was more like going from a mini-van to Ferrari. This is entering a whole new world of sailing.
**You can find more of Slime and Paul on Instagram:** [**instagram.com/foilnz\_sailingslime/**](https://www.instagram.com/foilnz%5Fsailingslime/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### A Voyage From East To West
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/from-east-to-west/
Last updated: 2023-11-14T16:29:02.000Z
We are literally and philosophically being blown away by Great Barrier Island.
A blow is headed our way and the wind is going to make a hard 180-degree shift. This is why we are on a voyage from east to west. And wow…the weather and sea state changes dramatically around this island!
Philosophically, the ancient forests (or bush as they call it here) are nothing short of breathtaking. There are heaps of tramping trails all over the island and we thought, why not start with the highest point? Because we live as close to sea level as one can possibly get and going up 2,057 feet should be a piece of cake. 🤦🏻♀️
Mt. Hirakimata…aka, the original Stairmaster.
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
- Source – Artlist, Get 2 Months for FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Artists – Fiona Harte, Katrina Stone, Paper Planes, Stefano Mastronardi, Claire Kelly, The Hunts
#### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### A Wild Sail To Great Barrier
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/wild-sail-great-barrier/
Last updated: 2025-12-23T12:19:00.000Z
We’re sailors again and if you can’t tell, we’re just a tad excited about it. Our first stop is Great Barrier Island, and the sea shows us no mercy for our initiation.
We dive full force into cruiser mode. It feels good (albeit a tad nippy) to be moving at a pace set by the wind, out in the wild, self-reliant, foraging for food, and checking the weather multiple times a day.
If this is any indication as to what sailing around New Zealand is going to be like…we’re in for a very wild ride. And I am looking forward to the adventure!
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### Is This The Secret to Boat Work?
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/secret-to-boat-work/
Last updated: 2023-11-14T16:32:26.000Z
*Sailing around the world* is a sexy way of saying that we’re fixing our boat in exotic locations. And we’ve had oodles of recommendations from people on; tools we need, spare parts to keep, medical certifications we should get, mechanical and electrical manuals to buy, etc…
But NOT ONE SINGLE PERSON has ever recommended pole dancing classes!?!
I’m ashamed I haven’t thought of it until now because it could be the ultimate secret to mastering mast work. What could be sexier than dancing your way up 65-feet to replace a halyard?
I can think of nothing.
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
- Source – Artlist, Get 2 Months for FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Rex Banner, Bamtone, Beo
#### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### Not Your Average Office (tour & work routine)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/office/
Last updated: 2023-11-16T12:41:06.000Z
We’re showing you a side of life we never have before, our floating office and work routine. Why? Because it’s what we spend a major chunk of time doing every week.
And working remotely has (finally) become a norm in society which means it’s more possible than ever to work from anywhere! A boat, an RV, a quaint Greek café, or at the top of the hill next to cows in New Zealand. Whatever floats your boat.
A while back we asked on [Instagram](https://instagram.com/the%5Fwynns/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) if you would be interested in an office tour and the response was a resounding YES, with lots of questions on what you wanted to see and deets you had to know. So, here it is.
We tried to incorporate all your requests including what didn’t work and why. What programs we use, who does what, and a rundown on all our gear.
We did not dive into how to create videos because that’s an overwhelming topic that we couldn’t possibly squeeze into one video (nor is it a subject we want to cover. We’re all about the adventures, the nomadic lifestyle, and the gear that makes the lifestyle possible). Plus, there are a lot of great courses and YouTube channels out there dedicated to video editing and storytelling.
If you have any trouble viewing the video above, here is a link to YouTube: [https://youtu.be/aWXAgdDv\_gA](https://youtu.be/aWXAgdDv%5FgA?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### Jason’s Office Setup
**Mouse**
Logitech MX Anywhere
- Buy From B&H – [https://bhpho.to/3p8ZeU0](https://bhpho.to/3p8ZeU0?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Buy From Amazon – [https://amzn.to/32eEbXa](https://amzn.to/32eEbXa?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**Headphones**
Sony WH-1000
- Buy From B&H – [https://bhpho.to/3oYMH5N](https://bhpho.to/3oYMH5N?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Buy From Amazon – [https://amzn.to/30u1w6M](https://amzn.to/30u1w6M?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**Photo/Video/Design Editing Console**
Loupedeck CT
- Buy From B&H – [https://bhpho.to/3m6EOco](https://bhpho.to/3m6EOco?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Buy From Amazon – [https://amzn.to/3s5GyXn](https://amzn.to/3s5GyXn?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**Hard Drives**
Samsung T7 USB-3.2 1GB/s
- Buy From B&H – [https://bhpho.to/3s72vFl](https://bhpho.to/3s72vFl?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Buy From Amazon – [https://amzn.to/3F1nNbc](https://amzn.to/3F1nNbc?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
Sandisk Extreme Portable SSD USB-C 1GB/s (these are nice because they are more rugged with drop protection, dust, and water resistance).
- Buy From B&H – [https://bhpho.to/3m8k2JJ](https://bhpho.to/3m8k2JJ?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Buy From Amazon – [https://amzn.to/3q0DadB](https://amzn.to/3q0DadB?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**Laptop Stand**
Too old to recommend. Happy to hear your recommendations!
**Laptop**
AMD RYZEN POWERED ASUS ROG ZEPHYRUS DUO 15 SE GX-551QS
- AMD Website (latest version) – [amd.com/creatorsgetamd](https://www.amd.com/creatorsgetamd?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Similar from Amazon – [https://amzn.to/3F5zAVV](https://amzn.to/3F5zAVV?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**Card Reader**
Satechi USB C UHS-II 312 MB/s
- Buy From Amazon – [https://amzn.to/32ap6Ga](https://amzn.to/32ap6Ga?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### NIKKI’S OFFICE SETUP
**Mouse**
Base model Logitech which I wouldn’t recommend. Jason’s mouse is much nicer.
**Laptop Stand**
NEXSTAND
- Buy From Amazon – [https://amzn.to/3p2MIpj](https://amzn.to/3p2MIpj?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**Hard Drive**
Currently using a Samsung 870 PRO w/Enclosure. But, it’s getting older and I will switch to:
Sandisk Extreme Portable SSD USB-C 1050MB/s (these are nice because they are more rugged with drop protection, dust, and water resistance).
- Buy From B&H – [https://bhpho.to/3m8k2JJ](https://bhpho.to/3m8k2JJ?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Buy From Amazon – [https://amzn.to/3q0DadB](https://amzn.to/3q0DadB?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**Laptop**
ASUS ROG ZEPHYRUS G14
- AMD Website (latest version) – [amd.com/creatorsgetamd](https://www.amd.com/creatorsgetamd?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Similar From Amazon – [https://amzn.to/3oXAzBL](https://amzn.to/3oXAzBL?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**Tablet**
ipad Pro 11 inch
- Buy From B&H – [https://bhpho.to/3se49F9](https://bhpho.to/3se49F9?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Buy From Amazon – [https://amzn.to/3E3obVk](https://amzn.to/3E3obVk?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**Tablet Stand**
So old it’s no longer made anymore. Sorry.
**Phone**
iPhone 12 Pro (we share a phone so there isn’t one listed for Jason)
- Buy From B&H – [https://bhpho.to/3F3M0O7](https://bhpho.to/3F3M0O7?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Buy From Amazon – [https://amzn.to/3p45f4u](https://amzn.to/3p45f4u?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### **GENERAL OFFICE EXTRAS**
**Printer**
We never anticipated using the printer as much as we have. Otherwise, we would have gone for a different model. But we do highly recommend having one on a world cruising boat.
**Waterproof Case**
Ugo
This comes in various sizes for everything from phones to tablets and smaller laptops. Waterproof, floating & lightweight. Perfect for boat life!
- Buy From Ugo: [http://ugowear.com?aff=5](http://ugowear.com/?aff=5&ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Use discount code WYNN for 20% off
**Backpacks**
WANDRD PRVKE 21 BACKPACK 21L
This is our newest bag and is our go-to for outdoor adventures. Rugged, water-resistant, rolltop, and comfortable.
- Buy from Amazon: [https://amzn.to/342Bm8B](https://amzn.to/342Bm8B?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Buy from B&H: [https://bhpho.to/3bKtzz0](https://bhpho.to/3bKtzz0?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
PEAK DESIGN EVERYDAY BACKPACK 20L
This a smart-looking, well-designed all-around backpack for photo/video, travel, as an overnight bag, or just touring around the city.
- Buy from Amazon: [https://amzn.to/2xK6TQp](https://amzn.to/2xK6TQp?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Buy from B&H: [https://bhpho.to/2QYofA3](https://bhpho.to/2QYofA3?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
ONA BRIXTON MESSENGER BAG
Gender-neutral bag for when we don’t want to haul around a backpack. Fits enough camera gear for the day plus a safe spot for the iPad. Durable, water-resistant canvas, and I love the double pockets in the front.
- Buy from Amazon: [https://amzn.to/2w5ZBWS](https://amzn.to/2w5ZBWS?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Buy from B&H: [https://bhpho.to/2wJP0RX](https://bhpho.to/2wJP0RX?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### **🙏 THANK YOU!**
Each item is handpicked and we never recommend anything we don’t personally use or love.
The links above are affiliate links. An affiliate link simply means that if you click through and purchase (it costs you nothing extra) we get a few pennies too. If you enjoy what we do here, shopping through these links is a great way to support our work…so thank you!
### First Day At Anchor & Harassed By Bullies 🐂
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/harassed-by-bullies/
Last updated: 2023-11-14T16:40:10.000Z
5 months ago, we [limped into Marsden Cove Marina](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/snuck-into-nz/) with a battered and bruised CURIOSITY. Taking the old phrase “a boat is a hole in the water that you throw money into”, to a new literal level.
Sure, we had a lot of work with this refit, but we never anticipated such a long stay (rookie mistake). We thought *we’ll be cruising again by September.* But #BoatLife. Nothing ever goes to plan, much less to schedule or budget. Add in COVID lockdowns, shipping delays and we were beyond just waylaid. Even the baked-on barnacles hiding out in the thru-hulls were starting to grow roots.
But today, we finally make our way back out into the world and spend our first day on anchor. The idea was to slowly ease back into life on the hook with a casual day of exploring a new bay. All was going well until we unwittingly attracted too much attention with our cameras.
Sure, it could have happened anywhere in the world, but somehow, the whole altercation felt very [New Zealand](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/new-zealand/).
Psst, If you have any trouble viewing the video, here is the YouTube link: [youtu.be/LJ5jh9grDVY](https://youtu.be/LJ5jh9grDVY?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
- Source – Artlist, Get 2 Months for FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Captain Qubz, beo, Faith Richards, We Are The Good
#### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### Sails Update
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sails-update/
Last updated: 2023-11-14T16:40:37.000Z
A few weeks ago we made a [Buyer Beware](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailmakers-stole-our-money/) video about how we ordered sails and after the final payment, we were ghosted. Today we have an update and are happy to say the whole debacle has come to a close.
Watch The Update on YouTube ▶ [https://youtu.be/MzJO9GYHBLE](https://youtu.be/MzJO9GYHBLE?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### READY OR NOT! OUR BOAT IS GOING IN THE WATER.
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/boat-is-going-in-the-water/
Last updated: 2023-12-01T07:31:33.000Z
After a long 8 weeks in the boatyard, we are putting CURIOSITY back in the water where she belongs! The project list isn’t complete (when is it ever?) but I am ready for the sea. Ready to test out our work, explore New Zealand and live more untethered.
Today is step one of getting back to life at sea. It’s splash day!!!
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
- Source – Artlist, Get 2 Months for FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – The Hunts, Bob Hart, Bamtone, Generation Lost
#### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### CAULKED and LOADED, Windows are going in!
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/windows-are-going-in/
Last updated: 2023-11-14T16:41:40.000Z
We finally get windows!!! And Jason gets his hands on an electric caulk gun. 😬 Life may never be the same.
If all goes well, this could be our last week of life on the hard. (But this is boat life; nothing goes to plan.) It won’t be the end of the projects, just the ones that we needed to be on the hard for. Like any home, the work here is never done. But, we see the light at the end of the tunnel and are looking forward to our first night out at anchor in a very loooong time.
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
- Source – Artlist, Get 2 Months for FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Orkas, Mika Sade, Francesco Dandrea, Balloon Planet, Rex Banner
#### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Ups, downs, and all arounds, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our gear, and toss a tip in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### BOAT REFIT: NO PANE, NO GAIN
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/boat-refit-no-pane/
Last updated: 2023-12-08T15:54:14.000Z
No pane, go gain. *Really Nikki?* Yes, it was too appropriate, I couldn’t help myself. Because if the whole hard-work-pays-off mantra remains true…we’re going to be rolling in the rewards of strong, clear, and leak-free everything for the next 15 years.
This week we’re locked and loaded with fully charged batteries on all fronts. We’re taking no prisoners and leave no window, caulk, or rust stain behind. Everything must go! Sail, Sail, Sail!
Sorry, I’ll stop there. Enjoy the video and thanks for joining us.
▶ **Watch it on YouTube**: [https://youtu.be/yXT-GqUa5nI](https://youtu.be/yXT-GqUa5nI?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
- Source – Artlist, Get 2 Months for FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Mika Sade, Ofrin, Omri Smadar, Niahn, Oliver Dodge
#### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Ups, downs, and all arounds, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our gear, and toss a tip in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### How The Sailmakers Stole Our Money
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailmakers-stole-our-money/
Last updated: 2024-04-15T08:50:46.000Z
This is a cautionary tale about how we ordered sails from a reputable sail manufacturer, paid in full, and 21 months later, we have no sails.
This is not a video we wanted to make. We were really hoping there was a reasonable explanation for why our sails were never delivered or why our money wasn’t returned. But unfortunately, the more we learn, the more shocked and disappointed we are. The writing is on the wall: We are out of a substantial amount of money and we aren’t getting the sails we paid for.
We feel we have been scammed! And we need to warn the sailing community so hopefully, no one else ends up in a similar situation.
In this video, we share the sequence of events, the sailmakers we ordered from, and what we’ve learned from this experience. (Video on YouTube: [https://youtu.be/wjSNtWbx8oI](https://youtu.be/wjSNtWbx8oI?ref=gonewiththewynns.com))
#### Update!
We are happy to say the whole debacle has come to a close. Full story here: ▶ [https://youtu.be/MzJO9GYHBLE](https://youtu.be/MzJO9GYHBLE?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**Court Case**
Here is the court case I mention in the video: [Quantum Sail Design Grp. v. Jannie Reuvers Sails, Ltd.](https://casetext.com/case/quantum-sail-design-grp-llc-v-jannie-reuvers-sails-ltd-1?%5F%5Fcf%5Fchl%5Fjschl%5Ftk%5F%5F=ActugHJb%5FlwOlwzgX.saoLKjzhVBRQ59movluOQ6ZHs-1636259719-0-gaNycGzNCP0&ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
P.S.
**We Love** [**South Africa!**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/south-africa/) It’s very important to us this is clear. The last thing we want to do is create a negative association with South Africa and the sailing community in South Africa. Because aside from this one event, we have had nothing but positive experiences in South Africa and with the [beautiful South African people](https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLG5YKEqC5Fqti2NwKhnNO6VIQdhb9%5FvQ9&ref=gonewiththewynns.com) we have met along the way.
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Ups, downs, and all arounds, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### THIS WAS NOT THE PLAN
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/not-the-plan/
Last updated: 2023-11-14T16:48:33.000Z
Well, we hit a few setbacks this week. Boat life on the hard is hard!
I would love to say we’ve taken it all in stride but that would be a lie. Lockdowns, delays, and a very disappointing bit of fraud have left us tittering on the edge of breaking down some days.
The weeks have turned into months and now we’re in for a few more. BUT we’re injured not defeated. Progress is still being made and my determination has a tensile strength that’s off the charts. So unless New Zealand runs out of chocolate in the next couple of weeks, we’re gonna splash this boat!
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
- Source – Artlist, Get 2 Months for FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Rex Banner, Ben Potter, Eldar Kedem, Magiksolo
#### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Thanks for joining us, it wouldn’t be the same without you. 🤗
Ups, downs, and all arounds, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our gear, and toss a tip in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### FIRST TIME HAND HARVESTING SEA SCALLOPS (catch, cook & boat tour)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/harvesting-sea-scallops/
Last updated: 2023-11-14T16:52:05.000Z
Sailors are generally a friendly and sympathetic bunch. And by sympathetic, I mean to the woes of boat life and the toll that weeks of life on the hard can take. So, when our neighbors invited us to take a break and come aboard for an adventure, we didn’t hesitate.
We take our first plunge into the frigid New Zealand sea and go on a mission to collect our lunch from the bottom of the ocean floor! Plus we finish our day off with a tour of their 52′ Chincogan Catamaran. It’s a beautiful (and chilly) adventure.
Surprisingly, the gonads were just as delightful as the scallop muscle itself. I did a little research and couldn’t find a solid conclusion as to why we’ve never been served them before. Other than it doesn’t freeze well. But, if there is a restauranteur or commercial fisherman that knows the answer, please fill us in.
Huge thanks to Rick and Vicki for the invite and for allowing us to bring all of you along for the ride.
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
- Source – Artlist, Get 2 Months for FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Rex Banner, Ben Potter, Eldar Kedem, Magiksolo
#### 🙏 WE COULDN’T MAKE THESE VIDS WITHOUT YOU!
Thank you for watching! Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ways you can show your support.](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### HEADS, HOLES & LEAKS (oh my)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/heads-holes-leaks/
Last updated: 2023-11-14T16:52:53.000Z
Remember that giant hole in our boat? Ya know, the one we got on our wild and crazy sail [crossing the Pacific from Tonga to New Zealand](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/scariest-days-at-sea/)? Well, today we dive into the how, why (was it a design flaw?), and patching of it all.
Plus, we make some more holes and patch those up too. It’s been a whole lotta boat projects and boat banter. We’ve learned a lot, had some fun and we’re soooo much closer to being seaworthy again!
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
- Source – Artlist, Get 2 Months for FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Mika Sade, Rex Banner, Family Kush, Russo & Weinberg
### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Thanks for joining us, it wouldn’t be the same without you. 🤗
Ups, downs, and all arounds, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our gear, and toss a tip in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of**[ ways you can show your support.](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)**
### A CHILDHOOD FANTASY COME TRUE
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/childhood-fantasy-come-true/
Last updated: 2024-07-20T07:36:11.000Z
Searching out glowworms was on my bucket list long before we set sail for New Zealand. But between the winter weather, lockdown, and boat projects, we haven’t explored much beyond the marine chandlers.
Until now!
I had a toy Gloworm as a little girl that was practically attached to my chest. To me he wasn’t a toy, he was my beacon of safety in the dark.
So you can imagine how my inner child squealed when David Attenborough showed me that my beloved glowworm was alive and well in New Zealand.
And not just a glowworm but a whole galaxy of them…now that is a childhood fantasy come true.
We knew trying to capture bioluminescent creatures wasn’t going to be easy. And we knew our gear wasn’t quite right…but wow, it was sooo much more of a commitment than we could have ever anticipated.
Without further ado, here is what we made of 10 hours inside a limestone cave with one of New Zealand’s most magical natural wonders.
As if capturing glowworms on camera isn’t challenging enough…we decided to get photos of us too. Turns out, standing still and looking natural for a full 35-60 seconds is my greatest challenge. But, this is as close to being in an Avatar movie as I will ever get…so it was worth it!
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
- Source – Artlist, Get 2 Months for FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Yuriy Leontiev, Ardie Son, The David Roy Collective, Michael FK, Eleven Tales
### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Thanks for joining us, it wouldn’t be the same without you. 🤗
Ups, downs, and all arounds, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our gear, and toss a tip in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### Ripping Our Windows Out For The LAST TIME
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/ripping-our-windows-out/
Last updated: 2023-11-14T16:53:53.000Z
Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine [these windows](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/windows-falling-out-jason-leaving) would become the bain of my existence. Yet here we are. BUT, dare I say, this is it. We’re ripping out these old cracked panes in my arse and we’re not doing it alone.
I am all about “do it yourself” and save a few bucks but sometimes it pays to hire professional help. Especially when the professional claims to have a “special tool” that will get the job done ten times faster. It sounds like snake oil but spoiler alert, it totally worked!
If only there was a “special tool” for everything.
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
- Source – Artlist, Get 2 Months for FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Mika Sade, AM Beef, Katrina Stone
### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Thanks for joining us, it wouldn’t be the same without you. 🤗
Ups, downs, and all arounds, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our gear, and toss a tip in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### TAKING OUR BOAT ON A ROAD TRIP
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/boat-on-a-road-trip/
Last updated: 2023-11-14T16:54:32.000Z
It’s haul-out day and we’ve only hauled our boat out of the water a handful of times. And of course, my imagination is running wild with all the ways it could go wrong. (I may have developed a touch of post-traumatic boat syndrome after this past year.)
Plus, the tight quarters of a marina always make the hairs on the back of my neck stand at attention. Marsden Cove is a well-maintained marina with dock fenders everywhere which helps calm the don’t-add-to-the-repair-list nerves.
But, by the time we were at the haul-out ramp I was completely enthralled with the slipway trailer. I was impressed, to say the least, and it’s a good thing. Because aside from Curiosity’s trip from the factory 16 years ago, this is no doubt her longest road trip ever.
#### 🦈 VPN
Get Surfshark VPN at: [https://surfshark.deals/wynns](https://surfshark.deals/wynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) Enter WYNNS for 83% off & 3 extra months for free.
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
- Source – Artlist, Get 2 Months for FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Mika Sade, Ian Post, Dazey Chain, Sunny Fruit, Low Light
### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Thanks for joining us, it wouldn’t be the same without you. 🤗
Ups, downs, and all arounds, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our gear, and toss a tip in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### Boat Work Sucks, Lets Get Out Of Here.
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/lets-get-out-of-here/
Last updated: 2023-11-14T16:54:57.000Z
Sometimes in boat life, when the going gets tough, the tough get going. As in jump in the dinghy and float away kinda going.
Don’t get me wrong, I like boat work. Or at least I like the feeling of accomplishment and self-reliance that comes with tackling maintenance and refit jobs. But at some point, my patience for boat work starts to run dry.
My optimism, motivation, and cheery disposition start handing in resignation notices. All noting their reason for leaving as, “all work and no play”. Ugh, millennials.
You get a glimpse of this mental strike at about the 7-minute mark in today’s video. So, to maintain mental status, we will be scheduling playtime in between jobs from now on. (lockdown laws permitting of course)
#### THE BUTYL TAPE
Butyl tape is a **rubber adhesive that is** extremely durable, has good flex properties, and is often used where an airtight bond is needed. Like a hatch on a sailboat. Once we have the job done and survive a few rainstorms I’ll give you an update.
- [Butyl Tape: https://amzn.to/38XCzRT](https://amzn.to/38XCzRT?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
- Source – Artlist, Get 2 Months for FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Mika Sade, Luke Melville, Rex Banner, Ethan Rank, Roie Shpigler, Ian Post
### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Thanks for joining us, it wouldn’t be the same without you. 🤗
Ups, downs, and all arounds, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our gear, and toss a tip in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### NEVER UNDERESTIMATE BOAT WORK
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/never-underestimate-boat-work/
Last updated: 2023-11-14T16:55:31.000Z
Underqualified and Overly Optimistic. That might be our new motto because it’s quickly becoming the running theme.
This week we gave ourselves 2 seemingly simple tasks. Replace a couple of leaky hatches and remove the old fridge and freezer.
Spoiler alert, neither went according to plan. At this point, it should come as no surprise. Because this is boat life. Everything takes twice as long and if The Wynn’s are in charge, double it again.
Never underestimate boat work.
#### What’s With The Butyl Tape?
Butyl tape is a **rubber adhesive that is** extremely durable, has good flex properties, and is often used where an airtight bond is needed. Like a hatch on a sailboat! I haven’t fully convinced Jason to give up his caulk gun…but he is curious. Once we have the job done and survive a few of these rainstorms with no leaks I’ll give you an update.
- [Butyl Tape: https://amzn.to/38XCzRT](https://amzn.to/38XCzRT?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
- Source – Artlist, Get 2 Months for FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Mika Sade, Notize, Ian Post, Dan Pundak, Dan Zeitune
### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Thanks for joining us, it wouldn’t be the same without you. 🤗
Ups, downs, and all arounds, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our gear, and toss a tip in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### The Shower Situation
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/shower-situation/
Last updated: 2023-11-14T16:56:24.000Z
Living on a sailboat, we are our own floating island. Disconnected from the rest of the world. Until recently, we hadn’t realized just how disconnected we’ve been.
Our boat hasn’t docked at a marina or plugged into the grid in 4 years! That’s 4 years of living at anchor and being self-reliant for all our resources. We capture, create, and purify our own water, carefully manage our waste and rely on the sun for power.
We prefer life on the hook, but we weren’t aiming for any remote living or off-the-grid goals. It has simply been a by-product of living on a sailboat in mostly remote locations where marinas don’t exist.
Now here we are, in New Zealand, a civilized and developed country. CURIOSITY is tied securely to a marina dock and we have access to all its modern luxuries. And it’s weird.
There are lots of little things, like not pointing into the wind, that reminds me I’m not in my normal element. But for whatever reason, the shower situation shocked me the most. Yes, the shower.
That’s when I knew my years of living in the warmth of the tropics, bathing in the ocean, and washing my clothes in the rain had officially changed me.
Showering is something we all do (I hope), so I’m curious to hear your thoughts on this one.
**Question For You**
Our solar showers are reaching the end of their life. If you know of a well-made and even more efficient brand, I would love suggestions. Ours are leftover from our camping days, so I’m guessing there must be a more rugged version out there by now.
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
- Source – Artlist, Get 2 Months for FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Mika Sade, Rex Banner
### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Thanks for joining us, it wouldn’t be the same without you. 🤗
Ups, downs, and all arounds, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our gear, and toss a tip in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### This Just Got Complicated
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/this-got-complicated/
Last updated: 2023-11-14T16:56:58.000Z
I’m a glass-half-full kinda person. I like to think of optimism as being my superpower and it has gotten me through a lot. But somehow, I have the sneaking suspicion that my powers are about to be tested again.
Last week we officially dove into what will, in the end, be our biggest boat refit ever. We started by ripping out our port-side windows. It was like ripping off a band-aid, it stung at first but then felt good to have it done. Progress was officially underway.
We patted ourselves on the back for our brave start and promised ourselves we would dive in deep and get the boat cruising ready by October.
But, as the Scottish proverb goes, the best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry.
And awry it is. The Delta variant has arrived in New Zealand and we’re officially in a Level 4 lockdown for the foreseeable future. It felt as though Life had just delivered us a bucket full of lemons, contactless of course, with a note attached.
*Dear Wynns,*
*The stores are all out of sugar due to panic buying. But you should be fine, we hear optimism can be substituted one for one. Let us know how the lemonade turns out.*
*\-Life*
Touché. This will indeed make things complicated, but not impossible. So, challenge accepted! We still have plenty of projects we can tackle, even in lockdown. Starting with our power problems.
#### **About That 240v-12v Smart Charger**
We bought the Victron [**IP22 12v/30a 240v** ](https://www.victronenergy.com/chargers/blue-smart-ip22-charger?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)charger. It’s the least expensive way we found to charge our 120v boat with lithium batteries from a 240v power supply. And since the power draw from the charger is so low, we can use a standard travel adapter when we sail to other countries that have 240v power.
But, our Friend Raf at Just Catamarans recommended a slightly more expensive model that is well worth looking into. It is the [**Phoenix Smart IP43** ](https://www.victronenergy.com/chargers/phoenix-smart-ip43-charger?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)50a charger. The thing I like about this product; the power cord is removable so I wouldn’t need to use a travel adapter. I could just buy a cord for each country when I arrive. If we want to go BIG, he said we should check out the [**Skylla IP65 120-240v charger**](https://amzn.to/3zsXPdN?ref=gonewiththewynns.com).
If you’re researching in the USA, the main thing to check *before* purchasing is the voltage. If you want it to work when you leave the Americas, the input voltage needs to be 240v. If you don’t want Victron, NOCO now has a line of 120v-240v chargers which are worth a look too. Here’s a link to their [**NOCO GENIUSPRO 50**](https://amzn.to/3DvkUzc?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)which we also considered, but couldn’t purchase here in NZ.
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
- Source – Artlist, Get 2 Months for FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Michael Shynes, Mika Sade, Katrina Stone, Low Light
### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Thanks for joining us, it wouldn’t be the same without you. 🤗
Ups, downs, and all arounds, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our gear, and toss a tip in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### Our Biggest Boat Repair Begins!
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/biggest-boat-repair-begins/
Last updated: 2023-11-14T17:06:42.000Z
We’re diving into the biggest refit of our liveaboard lives. Our boat project list is overwhelmingly long and we’re woefully underqualified for pretty much every job on the list. Except for changing out the water filter, I’ve got that one down without fail.
But we’re going to tackle it the only way we know-how, one job at a time. And we’re starting with the biggest, most expensive repair first. Spoiler alert, it’s not the hole in the cockpit (but we’ll explain our plan with that too).
Drill, chisel, go!
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
####
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
- Source – Artlist, Get 2 Months for FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Mika Sade, AM Beef, Denitia, Dan Zeitune, Rex Banner
###
### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Thanks for joining us, it wouldn’t be the same without you. 🤗
Ups, downs, and all arounds, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our gear, and toss a tip in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of**[ ways you can show your support.](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)**
### HOW DO WE STILL LIKE EACH OTHER? (not just a road trip 3)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/still-like-each-other/
Last updated: 2024-07-20T07:36:29.000Z
It’s hard to believe any two humans could still like each other after spending as much time together as we have. We work together, cook together, cross oceans together. I think the only thing we don’t do together is shower. And that’s only because our shower isn’t big enough to fit both of us.
Yet somehow, even after 10 years of spending 24/7 together, we’re still happy being together. Sometimes we’re accused of being too happy…of being fakes…because nobody smiles that much in real life.
Oh, but we do.
Charlie Chapman’s song Smile is pretty much our mantra for life.
*Smile what’s the use of crying*
*You’ll find that life is still worthwhile*
*If you just smile*
Speaking of worthwhile, we make our way to the Waipoua Forest here in New Zealand. It’s my favorite part of this whole road trip! Forests in general are my happy place but the Waipoua is home to the biggest, oldest living species in New Zealand. And there aren’t many places in the world where you can stand in front of a 2000-year-old species! Grandiose to say the least.
Plus, we couldn’t give back the van without sharing at least one dump station experience. You’ll never look at a teapot the same.
It was the perfect end to our anniversary road trip. It’s been a wonderfully wild 15 years together. But now the question is, how, where and what shall we do over the next 15 years?
I really hope it includes space exploration.
#### The Story of Us
If you somehow missed part 1 or 2 of this series, you should go back and catch up. Because this is part 3 and we all know how it goes with a series. The first is usually the best and it just gets confusing if you start at the end.
- [How We Met & Other Untold Stories (not just a road trip 1)](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/road-trip-memory-lane-nz/)
- [The Teen We Never Told You About (not just a road trip 2)](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/never-told-road-trip-2/)
#### Meet Sadi Brooke, My sister, and the teen we raised.
- [sadibrooke.com/](https://www.sadibrooke.com/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- [instagram.com/sadibrooke/](https://www.instagram.com/sadibrooke/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**ROADTRIPPERS?**
[Roadtrippers is a FREE app](https://roadtrippers.com/?via=thewynns&ref=gonewiththewynns.com) (and website) that came out right about the same time we hit the road [full time in our RV](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/rvin) circa 2011 (couldn’t have been more perfect timing). We hit it off straight away and have been friends ever since. It’s been our go-to road trip app for discovering weird roadside attractions (hello [Cano’s Castle](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/canos-trash-castle-colorado)) and wild places to camp ([Trona Pinnacles](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/trona-pinnacles-wild-camping)).
The free version is awesome and packed with all the important features. But, if you are a serious road tripper, or going on an extended trip, there is a paid “Plus” subscription. Plus gets rid of ads and unlocks features like live traffic and offline maps (very useful during the trip).
- Roadtrippers (free): [https://roadtrippers.com/?via=thewynns](https://roadtrippers.com/?via=thewynns&ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Roadtrippers Plus: [https://roadtrippers.com/plus/?via=thewynns](https://roadtrippers.com/plus/?via=thewynns&ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Use promo code THEWYNNS for $5 off
#### 🚐 Camper Van Rental
- Maui – [https://bit.ly/wynnmaui](https://bit.ly/wynnmaui?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
- Source – Artlist, Get 2 Months for FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Paper Planes, Vic Davi, Low Light, Mountaintops, Sivan Talmor, Family Kush, Sajan Nauriyal, Phillip Vo, Hadar Sopher
### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Thanks for joining us, it wouldn’t be the same without you. 🤗
Ups, downs, and all arounds, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our gear, and toss a tip in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### The Teen We Never Told You About (not just a road trip 2)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/never-told-road-trip-2/
Last updated: 2024-07-20T07:36:52.000Z
Our road trip down memory lane and around New Zealand continues. We cover a lot of ground in this story from both lanes as our weather takes a dramatic turn and so does our marriage.
Ok, perhaps that last sentence was a tad dramatic, but we are talking about raising a teenager…so drama comes with the territory. Rewarding yes, but far more daunting than any stormy sea.
And speaking of stormy seas, we get a peek at just how gnarly the meeting of two seas can be!
If you somehow missed our last story, you should go back and catch up. Because this is part 2 of a 3-part series and we all know how it goes with series. The first is usually the best and it just gets confusing if you start in the middle.
- [How We Met & Other Untold Stories (not just a road trip 1)](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/road-trip-memory-lane-nz/)
#### Meet Sadi Brooke, My sister and the teen we raised.
- [sadibrooke.com/](https://www.sadibrooke.com/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- [instagram.com/sadibrooke/](https://www.instagram.com/sadibrooke/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**ROADTRIPPERS?**
We’re long-time fans and friends with the humans behind Roadtrippers. That’s why we collaborated with them for this road trip.
[Roadtrippers is a FREE app](https://roadtrippers.com/?via=thewynns&ref=gonewiththewynns.com) (and website) that came out right about the same time we hit the road [full time in our RV](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/rvin) circa 2011 (couldn’t have been more perfect timing). We hit it off straight away and have been friends ever since. It’s been our go-to road trip app for discovering weird roadside attractions (hello [Cano’s Castle](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/canos-trash-castle-colorado)) and wild places to camp ([Trona Pinnacles](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/trona-pinnacles-wild-camping)).
The free version is awesome and packed with all the important features. But, if you are a serious road tripper, or going on an extended trip, there is a paid “Plus” subscription. Plus gets rid of ads and unlocks features like live traffic and offline maps (very useful during the trip).
- Roadtrippers (free): [https://roadtrippers.com/?via=thewynns](https://roadtrippers.com/?via=thewynns&ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Roadtrippers Plus: [https://roadtrippers.com/plus/?via=thewynns](https://roadtrippers.com/plus/?via=thewynns&ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Use promo code THEWYNNS for $5 off
#### 🚐 Camper Van Rental
- Maui – [https://bit.ly/wynnmaui](https://bit.ly/wynnmaui?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
- Source – Artlist, Get 2 Months for FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Paper Planes, Anbr, Funky Giraffe, Hanjo Gabler, Jamie Bathgate, Jim Gavin, Sunny Fruit, Spearfisher
### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Thanks for joining us, it wouldn’t be the same without you. 🤗
Ups, downs, and all arounds, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our gear, and toss a tip in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### How We Met & Other Untold Stories (not just a road trip 1)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/road-trip-memory-lane-nz/
Last updated: 2024-07-20T07:29:50.000Z
We’re trading our keels for wheels! Because that’s how our adventure together started 15 years ago when we drove our ’85 VW van from Texas to Florida to get hitched. Seems only fitting we should celebrate with yet another road trip. This time we’re driving around the northland of New Zealand with its dramatic coastlines, ancient forests, and cascading waterfalls.
Along the way, we’ll take a byway of our journey together. It begins in the land before Facebook, with a girl on a mission to escape her small-town country life. Two days after high school graduation she headed to the big city in pursuit of misadventures, opportunity, and independence.
She was bright-eyed, bushy-tailed, and ready for anything…except a persistent and annoyingly confident gold-hued boy. Little did she know he would turn out to be her biggest adventure of all.
This is the story of us. A road trip down memory lane, part one.
**ROADTRIPPERS?**
We’re long-time fans and friends with the humans behind Roadtrippers. That’s why we teamed up with them for this road trip.
[Roadtrippers is a FREE app](https://roadtrippers.com/?via=thewynns&ref=gonewiththewynns.com) (and website) that came out right about the same time we hit the road [full time in our RV](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/rvin) circa 2011 (couldn’t have been more perfect timing). We hit it off straight away and have been friends ever since. It’s been our go-to road trip app for discovering weird roadside attractions (hello [Cano’s Castle](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/canos-trash-castle-colorado)) and wild places to camp ([Trona Pinnacles](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/trona-pinnacles-wild-camping)).
The free version is awesome and packed with all the important features. But, if you are a serious road tripper, or going on an extended trip, there is a paid “Plus” subscription. Plus gets rid of ads and unlocks features like live traffic and offline maps (very useful during the trip).
- Roadtrippers (free): [https://roadtrippers.com/?via=thewynns](https://roadtrippers.com/?via=thewynns&ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Roadtrippers Plus: [https://roadtrippers.com/plus/?via=thewynns](https://roadtrippers.com/plus/?via=thewynns&ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Use promo code THEWYNNS for $5 off
#### 🚐 Camper Van Rental
- Maui – [https://bit.ly/wynnmaui](https://bit.ly/wynnmaui?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
- Source – Artlist, Get 2 Months for FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Paper Planes, Kevin Graham, Low Light, Giants and Pilgrims, Ian Post
### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Thanks for joining us, it wouldn’t be the same without you. 🤗
Ups, downs, and all arounds, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our gear, and toss a tip in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### BORDERS CLOSED! How we snuck into New Zealand.
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/snuck-into-nz/
Last updated: 2023-11-14T17:05:37.000Z
How did we sneak into New Zealand when borders in the Pacific are closed tighter than a thru-hull with 5200?
Many kiwis are stuck abroad, loads of sailors have been denied entry into NZ, and dozens of boats sit abandoned here with owners who desperately want to return.
So naturally, there’s a lot of curiosity and assumptions flowing as to how in the heck we managed to get approval to sail into NZ.
We’re fresh off the Bay of Islands quarantine dock and we need to make our way further south for repairs. Along the way, we spill the beans on how and why we were approved for entry into New Zealand (even though borders are COVID-Closed).
And you may want a warm cuppa tea for this one because we are NOT in the tropics anymore. We’ve dropped 20 degrees in latitude, we’re down 40 plus in Fahrenheit and the horizon is lined with dramatic mountainous, volcanic landscapes. It’s a whole new world (cue the Disney music).
### RESOURCES
**BORDERS CLOSED COVID-19 Vessel “Flow Chart”**
- [https://www.customs.govt.nz/globalassets/documents/covid-19/vessels-arriving-in-new-zealand-guide.pdf](https://www.customs.govt.nz/globalassets/documents/covid-19/vessels-arriving-in-new-zealand-guide.pdf?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**Additional NZ Yacht Arrival COVID-19 Resource**
- [https://www.health.govt.nz/system/files/documents/pages/covid-19-guidance-for-small-craft-and-yacht-arrivals-in-nz-sept2020.pdf](https://www.health.govt.nz/system/files/documents/pages/covid-19-guidance-for-small-craft-and-yacht-arrivals-in-nz-sept2020.pdf?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
There are other NZ Government agencies that must be considered such as the Ministry of Health, MPI, Immigration, Biosecurity, and others. That’s what made our heads spin and when we chose to contact an agent.
- John Martin (Our NZ Agent): [https://www.3sixtymarine.com/](https://www.3sixtymarine.com/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
Get Surfshark VPN
- [surfshark.deals/wynns](https://surfshark.deals/wynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) – Enter promo code WYNNS for 83% off & 3 extra months for free!
### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Thanks for joining us, it wouldn’t be the same without you. 🤗
Ups, downs, and all arounds, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our gear, and toss a tip in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
- Source – Artlist, Get 2 Months for FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Paper Planes, Duce Williams
### Our Scariest Days At Sea (4 days from land)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/scariest-days-at-sea/
Last updated: 2024-10-25T09:08:22.000Z
There are times when sailing feels like Murphy’s Law in action. Because if anything can go wrong, it will. And, most likely, it will happen at night.
Today’s story picks up where we left you hanging last week. With the news that our life raft locker, and all its contents, had been taken by the sea.
Staring down at the gaping hole in our cockpit I made the decision to carefully pack away my wild imagination and put it in our waterproof, fireproof safe with our other precious valuables.
And even though we’ve been on terra firma for a couple of weeks now, I still haven’t retrieved it. Because my mind is still reeling and I don’t know what to think about all that has happened on this voyage. One part of me wants to chalk it all up to a calamity of coincidence and the other part of me wonders what nautical deity we must have pissed off.
Either way, I’m starting to understand why sailors are such superstitious folk.
Grab a tall glass of something good and settle in for what is no doubt our scariest days at sea. I hereby dub this passage, and chapter of our lives, as “Lessons In Fortitude With Murphy”.
### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Thanks for joining us, it wouldn’t be the same without you. 🤗
Ups, downs and all arounds, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our gear, and toss a tip in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
- Source – Artlist, Get 2 Months for FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Michele Nobler, Michael Shynes, Ian Post, Katrina Stone
### LIVING 500 MILES FROM LAND (sailing to New Zealand)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/500-miles-from-land/
Last updated: 2023-11-14T17:13:36.000Z
We always say curiosity is our philosophy, our driving force, and the key to unlocking life. But after our first few days of [sailing to New Zealand](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/brutal-sail-breaking-stuff/), I couldn’t help but think, “curiosity killed the cat”.
We weren’t defeated by any means but perhaps a little deflated. The metaphorical version of our dinghy Minion.
And as much as we didn’t want to make an emergency stop at Minerva Reef it was a much-needed opportunity to patch and pump ourselves back up. Because ya know, “curiosity killed the cat but satisfaction brought it back”.
Our voyage to New Zealand continues and the seas are sporting but we’re feeling spry. We’re settling into the rhythm of life at sea and just as we thought the worst of our troubles were behind us…the sea reared up and snatched our safety blanket right out from underneath us.
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
- Source – Artlist, Get 2 Months for FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Giants and Pilgrims, Marshall Usinger, DayFox, Rodellos Machine (Cooking Song “Down to Little Italy” from Motion Array)
### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Ups, downs and all arounds, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our gear, and toss a tip in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### Our Most BRUTAL Sail (& breaking stuff)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/brutal-sail-breaking-stuff/
Last updated: 2023-11-14T17:17:22.000Z
Most borders throughout the Pacific are still closed due to the pandemic. But, New Zealand has an application for [vessels needing major refit work](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/boat-life-complicated)…and that’s definitely us!
We [applied, were approved](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/big-changes/), and now we’re setting sail for a 1,300 nautical mile voyage from the tropics in The Kingdom of Tonga to the wilds of winter in New Zealand. We’ll drop 20 degrees in Fahrenheit and latitude. (hello roaring 40’s)
It’s our most ambitious voyage yet and is supposed to be a non-stop 10-day passage. But, we have a brutal start that has us altering the course just three days in.
### Chocolate Banana Coconut Bread
As promised at the end of the video, here is my tropical-inspired banana bread recipie.
**Ingredients:**
- 1/4 cup toasted and chopped walnuts
- 1/3 cup toasted coconut
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- 1 2/3 cups flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 4 VERY ripe large bananas mashed
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
**Instructions:**
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together. Mix in chopped walnuts & coconut. Whisk bananas, sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla. Fold the flour mixture into the egg mix.
- Scoop into muffin cups or spread into a brownie pan. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle the top with a few extra nuts, coconut, and 1 tablespoon of sugar.
- Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (14-18 min). Let cool and serve at room temperature.
### Why NOT Stop At Minerva Reef?
You might be wondering why we were so hesitant to stop at Minerva Reef. Well….because of covid, typical maritime law and regulations have disappeared all around the world. The new rules in New Zealand state that days at sea will only count towards quarantine from the last port of call. So any stop, even at a reef where there isn’t any land or people, resets the clock. AND, because we had checked out of Tonga (the country that claims ownership of Minerva reef) we were no longer allowed in the country for any reason…including emergencies. So, if the Tongan navy wants to show up and kick us out, they 100% can.
But when at sea and there’s a scary storm headed our way and our boat’s compromised..we do what we gotta do to stay safe (rules be damned). So we stopped.
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
- Source – Artlist, Get 2 Months for FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Racoon Racoon, Low Light
### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Ups, downs and all arounds, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our gear, and toss a tip in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### Full Moon Sailing and Dancing (life at sea)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/full-moon-sailing-dancing/
Last updated: 2023-11-14T17:18:30.000Z
Have you ever danced in the soft light of a full moon at sea? Sails fill in like a softbox lighting the deck as a stage. Only the brightest of stars show up. The wind howls, the waves bow, and the views are glowing.
Magical only begins to describe it.
It’s not often that all the elements are so inviting and gentle. We have to bask in these memories and hold on tight. Because the storms are coming and we’ll need to remember why we choose to live on a boat.
But, if you have ever wondered what a perfectly pleasant sea voyage looks like, for us, this is it!
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
- Source – Artlist, Get 2 Months for FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Mika Sade, John Coggins, Marshall Usinger, Low Light, Assaf Ayalon
### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Ups, downs and all arounds, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our gear store, and toss a tip in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### Off-Grid Island Homestead Feeds 16 people A Day
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/off-grid-homestead-uoleva/
Last updated: 2025-12-23T12:05:02.000Z
Ha’apai is a sailor’s paradise for as long as the trade winds hold. And unfortunately, there is a northerly blow headed our way. Which means we’re going to need to move along, even if we don’t want to.
And we don’t! We’ve only scratched the surface of a few islands and considering there are 62 here, that isn’t saying much. But, we have yet to win an argument with mother nature and we’ve learned better than to even try.
Luckily, we’ve made a couple of friends who are keen to show us around before we set off into the horizon. So, not only do we have a lovely day of exploring remote islands and reefs, but we also get a full tour of their off-grid, self-built island homestead!
Glen and Karen started a little eco-resort on **Uoleva** island six years ago called Fanifo Lofa (it means kitesurf in Tongan). I bet you can’t guess what sport Glen is into?
In non-covid times, when borders are open, kite surfers from all over the world flock to their eco-resort to kite, eat, sleep and repeat. But, like the rest of Tonga and most of the South Pacific, they haven’t had a guest since 2019.
We met them as we dropped off Dior (from [Nomuka Island](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/self-reliant-living/)) for her first kiteboarding lesson. We were the first new faces, and of course, the first sailboat they’ve seen since 2019\. Can you imagine?!?
They were so excited to see us sail into the anchorage it didn’t take long to get a dinner invitation. And while I didn’t film our dinner together, I should have. Karen is a whiz in the kitchen! It was a heavenly green leafy-filled meal! And considering finding fresh greens in Tonga has been a real challenge for us, her meals were to die for. She even shared a few of their “good as gold” tomatoes, which had our grins stretching ear-to-ear (it’d been over 4 months since we’d had a fresh tomato).
Sometimes, I think unexpected weather is mother nature’s way of ensuring we don’t get our fill of a place. She allows us one delectable bite and then pushes us along. Just a taste to ensure we’ll be itching to come back. Maybe next time we’ll have enough time to book some kiteboarding lessons.
### An Entire Island To Ourselves
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/island-to-ourselves/
Last updated: 2023-11-14T17:22:22.000Z
Sailing through the Haʻapai islands feels like a vivid dream. The borders are closed to the Kingdom of Tonga and we’re the only sailboat out here. At times it feels like we’re the last remaining humans on earth. Far away from the western world with islands mostly uninhabited and yet, all the evidence they were here.
A strange and beautiful dream.
Speaking of beautiful dreams, we have the loveliest stowaway join us for this passage. Dior is taking advantage of her idle time during covid to learn how to kitesurf on a neighboring island. As if we didn’t already adore her from our time together on Nomuka…she was an absolute joy to have on board.
You can learn more about Dior and her family through their website [https://www.whalediscoveries.com/our-story](https://www.whalediscoveries.com/our-story?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) and get social with them on Instagram.
- Whale Discoveries: [https://www.instagram.com/whale\_discoveries/](https://www.instagram.com/whale%5Fdiscoveries/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Dior:[ https://www.instagram.com/diorsheen/](https://www.instagram.com/diorsheen/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### A short note about a long-winded problem.
Trash. Seeing how much trash reaches even these remote and uninhabited places can be shocking. It’s a complicated subject but the reality is, many of these island countries don’t have waste management, can’t store or treat it properly or afford to ship recyclables to another country. Leaving them with no real solution or alternatives.
We have thought many times about diving into the subject of rubbish. What we’ve learned, how sailors and islands manage (or sometimes don’t manage) rubbish. It’s a trashy subject with some harsh realities and much-needed solutions.
**Question is**, would you be interested in seeing a video about how sailors (and islands) deal with trash? Let us know in the comments.
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
- Source – Artlist, Get 2 Months for FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Paper Planes, Generation Lost, Giants and Pilgrims, Kick Lee, Be Still The Earth
### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Ups, downs and all arounds, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our gear store, and toss a tip in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### Big Changes Ahead (how we plan a passage)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/big-changes/
Last updated: 2024-04-15T03:24:50.000Z
We’re in for some cool changes and not just because we’re about to drop 20 degrees in latitude and Fahrenheit!
A while back [we applied for entry into New Zealand](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/caulked-up-preparing-for-passage/) and they’ve approved our application! It’s exciting and intimidating. Not only will we be sailing into the roaring ’40s, but it’s also the start of winter in New Zealand. Which isn’t ideal but we’ve got good reasons as to why we’re gonna go for it.
What’s next, why, when, and how are all divulged in today’s video along with another exciting announcement!
### Passage Planning & The Roaring 40’s
Some of you are probably thinking the salt has corroded our brains, but we are excited about entering the Roaring 40’s. And not because the old maritime sayings inspire confidence; “Below 40 degrees there is no law, beyond 50 there is no god”, because they don’t!?! But, extreme weather usually comes with extremely beautiful landscapes and sporting conditions. We’re cautiously optimistic and looking forward to the challenges!
Luckily with today’s advanced weather technology, it’s easy enough to (mostly) avoid those wicked 30ft waves and gale-force winds. Even in the wilds of winter.
#### Resources
Here’s a quick recap of the books/websites/apps we mentioned that we use for passage planning.
- Ocean Atlas – [https://amzn.to/3btCiYr](https://amzn.to/3btCiYr?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- World Cruising Routes – [https://amzn.to/3yeUm2c](https://amzn.to/3yeUm2c?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- World Voyage Planner – (not as helpful as the Cruising Routes above but good info for a newbie) [https://amzn.to/33JBM4p](https://amzn.to/33JBM4p?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Noonsite – [https://www.noonsite.com/](https://www.noonsite.com/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Predict Wind & Offshore Routing –
### 15th Wedding Anniversary Road Trip
It all started with a road trip 15 years ago. We drove our ’85 VW van from Texas to Florida to get hitched and spent our honeymoon taking a different route back. Seems only fitting we should celebrate with yet another epic road trip. This time, around the north island of New Zealand!
But, we need your help! This is our first time in New Zealand and it’s winter. We’re looking for your tips on where to go, stay and what to do? Help us plan the trip and we’ll take you along for the romantic (hopefully) adventure!
We’ll sail into The Bay of Islands, check-in, and quarantine in Opua. So, our trip will start and end on the boat there.
Here is a link to our trip map on Roadtrippers so you can see our tentative route and what’s around. As your tips roll in, we’ll update the map!
- **Anniversary Road Trip Map:** [**http://bit.ly/WYNNS15**](http://bit.ly/WYNNS15?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### What’s Roadtrippers?
**Important disclosure,** we are long-time fans and friends with the humans behind Roadtrippers and they are sponsoring a video for our road trip in New Zealand (So stoked, thanks guys!).
Roadtrippers is a **FREE app** that came out right about the same time we hit the road [full time in our RV](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/rvin) circa 2011 (couldn’t have been more perfect timing). We hit it off straight away and have been friends ever since. It’s been our go-to app for discovering weird roadside attractions (hello [Cano’s Castle](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/canos-trash-castle-colorado)) and unearthly places to explore ([Trona Pinnacles](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/trona-pinnacles-wild-camping)).
It works great on a desktop and is available as an app on android and IOS. The free version is awesome. But there is a paid “Plus” subscription that gets rid of the ads and unlocks additional features like live traffic and offline maps (very useful during the road trip).
- **Roadtrippers (free): [https://roadtrippers.com/?via=thewynns](https://roadtrippers.com/?via=thewynns&ref=gonewiththewynns.com)**
- **Roadtrippers Plus: [https://roadtrippers.com/plus/?via=thewynns](https://roadtrippers.com/plus/?via=thewynns&ref=gonewiththewynns.com)**
- If you want to try out PLUS, they have given us a special **$5-off promo code**: THE WYNNS
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
- Source – Artlist, Get 2 Months for FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Kipp Wilde, Be Still the Earth, I Am Fowler, The Hunts, Oliver Dodge
### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Ups, downs and all arounds, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our gear store, and toss a tip in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### LIFE INSIDE A REMOTE ISLAND VILLAGE
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/life-inside-remote-island-village/
Last updated: 2024-04-15T09:56:16.000Z
You know that old saying, it takes a village? Well, living on a remote island in the South Pacific that saying couldn’t be more true.
We sailed to the island of Nomuka thinking we would stay for a day or two…which we’ve overshot by a couple of weeks now. Because this is one of those places and The Sheens are one of those families that make you feel at home. Ya know, the kind of people who treat you like family, put you to work, and demonstrate a kind of love that makes you never want to leave.
Last time they gave us a [tour of their quirky upcycled home and farm complete with swimming horses](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/self-reliant-living/). If you weren’t already in love with this family after that, then buckle up. Because what happens next is the stuff voyager dreams are made of.
There’s just enough of a danger element to get the heart racing, a good old-fashioned hunt and gather, and plenty of surprise guests. The Sheens take us to meet their Dolphriends, the rally-ready red rooster, and their village.
#### Giveaway
Omaze is giving away a **vintage, electric converted Land Rover Defender** 110 that has been restored by Himalaya. Plus 20,000! For a chance to win go to [https://omaze.com/wynns](https://omaze.com/wynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
It’s all-in support of the [African Community and Conservation Foundation](https://africanccf.org/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com). Their mission is to contribute to a world in which people and wildlife live together sustainably forever. They do incredible work to preserve important African wilderness areas and empower local communities in those spaces.
#### MORE SHEEN’S
You can learn more about Dave, Tris & Dior on their website [https://www.whalediscoveries.com/our-story](https://www.whalediscoveries.com/our-story?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) and get social with them on Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/whale\_discoveries/](https://www.instagram.com/whale%5Fdiscoveries/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
AND, Dior is a future award-winning chef!!! She has an Instagram page dedicated to her delectable, island-grown yummy bytes you will want to check out. That way you can say *I discovered her in her early days before she became famous*.
- [https://www.instagram.com/yummmybytes/](https://www.instagram.com/yummmybytes/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**Inspiration & Help Needed**
As if the Sheen family wasn’t nice enough already, they have helped create the NICE Society (Nomuka Island Conservation Environment Society).
A community-run society created for the people and environment of Nomuka. They are undertaking huge projects to help tackle local issues like rubbish, animal welfare, and protecting the marine environment. You can learn more about the society and inquire about donating or volunteering on their Facebook page:
#### THE COMEDIC EXTRA’S
They may ask for a retraction but I am gonna share Tom and Cyril’s Instagram too. Because if you find yourself in Tonga anytime soon, you should bring them a bottle of rum in exchange for a few stories.
- Tom: [https://www.instagram.com/old\_tomorrow/](https://www.instagram.com/old%5Ftomorrow/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Cyril: [https://www.instagram.com/syshackles/](https://www.instagram.com/syshackles/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
- Source – Artlist, Get 2 Months for FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Jane & The Boy, A.M. Beef, Ian Post, Maya Isac
### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Ups, downs and all arounds, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our gear store, and toss a tip in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### SELF RELIANT LIVING ON A REMOTE ISLAND (full tour)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/self-reliant-living/
Last updated: 2024-04-15T09:56:31.000Z
There’s a lot to be said about self-reliance and minds far greater than mine have already written extensively on the subject. But I think Gandhi summed it up nicely when he said, “Everyone wants to be strong and self-sufficient, but few are willing to put in the work necessary to achieve worthy goals”.
Soo damned true!
There’s tremendous freedom to be found in self-reliance, but it does require a lot of work. Which is why we admire those who are working hard towards it. And occasionally, we meet some truly inspiring characters who have indeed achieved worthy goals.
The Sheen family on the remote island of Nomuka are now among our faves. Dave, Tris and Dior have built a unique off-grid, animal-filled, and self-sustainable home. They are incredible sailors, explorers, nature lovers, and thankfully they are not camera shy.
Join us for a look into what life is like on the remote island of Nomuka in the South Pacific. Complete with climbing trees for food, swimming with horses, and cooling off with a cold coconut at the end of every day.
#### More Sheen’s
You can learn more about Dave, Tris & Dior on their website [https://www.whalediscoveries.com/our-story](https://www.whalediscoveries.com/our-story?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) and get social with them on insta: [https://www.instagram.com/whale\_discoveries/](https://www.instagram.com/whale%5Fdiscoveries/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
AND, Dior is a future award-winning chef!!! She has an Instagram page dedicated to her delectable, island-grown yummy bytes you will want to check out. That way you can say *I discovered her in her early days, before she became famous*.
- [https://www.instagram.com/yummmybytes/](https://www.instagram.com/yummmybytes/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**Inspiration & Help Needed**
As if the Sheen family wasn’t nice enough already, they have helped create the NICE Society (Nomuka Island Conservation Environment Society)
A community-run society created for the people and environment of Nomuka. They are undertaking huge projects to help tackle local issues like rubbish, animal welfare, and protecting the marine environment. You can learn more about the society and inquire about donating or volunteering on their Facebook page:
#### The Comedic Extra’s
They may ask for a retraction but I am gonna share Tom and Cyril’s Instagram too. Because if you find yourself in Tonga anytime soon, you should bring them a bottle of rum in exchange for a few stories.
- Tom: [https://www.instagram.com/old\_tomorrow/](https://www.instagram.com/old%5Ftomorrow/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Cyril: [https://www.instagram.com/syshackles/](https://www.instagram.com/syshackles/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
- Source – Artlist, Get 2 Months for FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Evgeny Bardyuzha, Lux-Inspira, Ian Post, ORKAS
### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Ups, downs and all arounds, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our gear store, and toss a tip in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### It’s A Sailors Life For Me
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailors-life-for-me/
Last updated: 2023-11-14T17:26:23.000Z
You know you’ve been living remotely when sailing to an island population of 20,000 feels like arriving in the big city. It’s all about perspective. And, in the island country of Tonga, Nuku’alofa is the big city. It’s the capital of the Kingdom, the hub, and the launchpad for exploring the other islands. Which is exactly what we intend to do…stock up and head out!
Join us for a couple of days basking in the convenient luxuries of being in “the city” contrasted by sailing away from civilization and back into the wild deep blue.
#### Man about Tonga
Saia really is the man about Tonga. He lives on the main island of Tongatapu but makes regular trips to Vava’u to visit his parents. This is how we first met him, and if you find yourself at The Vava’u BoatYard, you’ll most likely run into him hanging with Cyril and the gang. He knows the islands, the stores, and the people. So, if you need a guide for just about anything or want some supplies gathered on one island and shipped to another, he is the man.
- Saia Instagram: @saia\_will
#### BEAUTIFUL MOMENTS ARE BEST SHARED
You’ll see a familiar face on this voyage. Our friend [Cyril from the boatyard](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/not-expected-mast-find) joins us for his first passage! He has worked on boats for over a decade. He has purchased and is refitting a boat, and yet he has never experienced a proper sail. It made what was already a special occasion a little sweeter and his sentiments at the end of the video sum it all up perfectly. He’s hooked.
#### ⛵Sailing Gear Mentioned
- Feathering Props: [gonewiththewynns.com/product/feathering-props](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/feathering-props)
- Bridal Hook & Anchor: [gonewiththewynns.com/product/mantus-anchor](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/mantus-anchor)
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
- Source – Artlist, Get 2 Months for FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Kipp Wilde, Be Still the Earth, I Am Fowler, The Hunts, Oliver Dodge
### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Ups, downs and all arounds, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our gear store, and toss a tip in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### 24 HOURS AT SEA (the allure of sailing)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/24-hours-at-sea/
Last updated: 2023-11-14T17:26:59.000Z
Today we’re setting sail on the open ocean for what feels like our maiden voyage all over again.
It was August 2019 when we sailed into the harbor here in Vava’u, Tonga. A LOT has happened since then, including surviving a couple of cyclone seasons, a pandemic, a 7-month quarantine layover in Fiji, and a remote island boat refit.
It’s been a long time since we’ve lost sight of land and experienced the raw power of the sea. Out here, the ocean controls everything and we’re just along for the ride. Which to me is the allure of sailing. It’s a rare state of mind and body where we’re reminded of what it is to be human, vulnerable, to endure, survive, and thrive.
24 hours at sea is but a drop of water in the bucket for a voyaging seafarer. But for these dehydrated sailors, it feels like a tall glass of water.
#### Beautiful Moments Are Best Shared
You’ll see a familiar face on this voyage. Our friend [Cyril from the boatyard](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/not-expected-mast-find) joins us for his very first passage! He has worked on boats for over a decade, has purchased and is refitting a boat, and yet he has never experienced a proper sail! It made what was already a special occasion a little sweeter.
#### Seaspeak
**Spoiler alert**, we tested out a new segment idea this week called SEASPEAK. Let us know in the comments if you would be interested in seeing us integrate more of those to help explain the nautical things we sailors say.
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### Surfshark VPN
- 83% off and 3 extra months for free: [https://surfshark.deals/wynns](https://surfshark.deals/wynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
- Source: http://bit.ly/FilterTheWynns
- Artists – Stuart Moore, Mark Dee, Stan Forebee
### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Ups, downs and all arounds, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our gear store, and toss a tip in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### SHE CAULKED IT UP! (preparing for an ocean passage)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/caulked-up-preparing-for-passage/
Last updated: 2023-11-14T17:32:18.000Z
Our last open ocean, overnight passage was August 2019\. We [sailed from Niue to Tonga](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/overwhelmed-sailing-tonga) and talked about how we were feeling a little overwhelmed with the boat work we knew we had ahead of us. (Ha, we had no idea just how challenging things would get. Ahhh, the pre-pandemic life.)
These chill day [sails around the island group of Vava’u](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/tonga/) have been beautiful but we’re itching to stretch our sea legs! The [cyclone season](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/surviving-cyclone-tonga) is finally winding down and we’ve got the perfect weather window for sailing south to the main island of Tongatapu.
But…before we can head out to sea, we’ve got some work to do on Curiosity to keep the water out and the air in.
#### A note about the Flag…
We caulked up more than just the windows! (yes, I could have taken the time to do a “pretty” job and smooth it all out but it’s a temporary patch…because it’s all getting ripped out and replaced soon). And yes, a big oops here, we flew our own state flag upside down and didn’t even notice. Clearly, our wind instrument isn’t the only thing with a few corroded wires. We’ll get it turned right side up and apologize to all those offended, it was an honest, albeit absent-minded, mistake and not intentional disrespect. 😬
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
- Artists – Rodellos Machine, Ian Post, Michael Shynes
- Music Source, Artlist: Get 2 Months Free [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Ups, downs and all arounds, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our gear store, and toss a tip in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### SAILING TO EXPLORE AN UNINHABITED PARADISE
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailing-explore-paradise/
Last updated: 2023-11-14T17:39:39.000Z
I’ve always dreamed about it but never thought we would experience the world as it was for explorers back in the 19th century or earlier. The Kingdom of Tonga as a society is vastly different but we are currently the only sailors exploring it. Which might be as close to sailing like it’s 1492 as we ever get, and it blows my mind.
There are a couple of other sailors stuck here too but none with their boats in the water sailing the islands. It’s just us.
Tonga is one of the few remaining Covid free countries in the world. It’s one of the unexpected perks of being incredibly remote with limited tourism. They were able to close their borders and keep the virus out.
But, despite the lack of a virus, along with border closures and no tourists came curfews, defunct airports, fewer ferries, and restrictions on yacht movement. Add in a continually active cyclone season and it hasn’t been easy for anyone to move about the country.
Restrictions haven’t eased but the cyclone season has and our resolve to endure bureaucracy in the name of exploration is strong.
Tonga has 170 islands spread out over 270,000 square miles of ocean. Only 36 of them are inhabited. How could we call ourselves cultivators of curiosity if we don’t seek them out?
We named our boat Curiosity because it is the driving force behind exploration. The great explorers of the past set out across truly uncharted oceans of uncertainty. We can certainly endure some red tape to follow in their well-worn, digitized, and GPS-marked path.
And so begins our voyage through this Island Kingdom. First stop, the uninhabited island of Kenutu.
[](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/mini2%5F20210313-DJI%5F0280%5Fkenutu-Edit.jpg)
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
- Artists – Katrina Stone, Michael Shynes, Stanley Gurvich, Rex Banner, Boheme, Ziv Moran
- Music Source, Artlist: Get 2 Months Free [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Ups, downs and all arounds, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our gear store, and toss a tip in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### THIS IS A SHAKEUP MISSION
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/shakeup-mission/
Last updated: 2023-11-14T17:44:52.000Z
Sometimes we just need to shake things up and this is one of those times.
My mojo is running uncharacteristically low. It happens every once in a while when [life gets complicated](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/boat-life-complicated) and my energy goes into sorting it all out. It leaves me feeling like my emotions and creativity are wound up in a yoyo and being flung around by my 8-year-old self after inhaling a tub of mocha java ice cream.
This is why I know I need to shake things up. I need to give myself a new mission to rekindle the creative fire and most importantly leave no time for worrying about things I have no control over.
Fortunately, we’re stuck in the Kingdom of Tonga, one of the most beautiful parts of the South Pacific, and we haven’t even scratched the surface. Inspiration is all around, waiting to be discovered and we have zero excuses. So, it’s operation inspiration from here on out.
Today’s destination, Swallows Cave, Kapa Island. The mission, underwater photography.
[](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/cave-trio.jpg)[](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/rx100v%5F20210306-%5FRX18523%5Fswallows-Edit-3-2.jpg)
#### Limited Time Prints & 🎽 Swag Shop
- [https://gonewiththewynns.teemill.com/](https://gonewiththewynns.teemill.com/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
- Artists – Boheme, AM Beef, Luna Keller, Be Still The Earth
- Music Source, Artlist: Get 2 Months Free [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Ups, downs and all arounds, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our gear store, and toss a tip in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of [**FREE ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### How To Make Yacht Insurance Suck Less
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/how-to-yacht-insurance/
Last updated: 2023-11-14T17:45:40.000Z
We’re starting our 6th year as liveaboard offshore sailors. And without a doubt, yacht insurance has been **the most unexpected pain in the arse!**
We’d always been told: Getting sailboat insurance the first year would be a challenge. It will be the most expensive for year one because we were newbies…with almost zero sailing experience. But those two warnings were quickly followed up with a little optimism: As you stretch your sea-legs, gain more sailing experience and log more time on the water, options would open up and insurance would get cheaper.
Lies. All Lies.
And it’s not just us, it’s every offshore USA flagged boat owner we talk to. **Yacht insurance as an American sailor abroad just kinda sucks.** Especially in the South Pacific (for some odd reason). I can’t offer up any words of wisdom on how to fix this mind-bending insurance system, but we have learned a lot on how to best present ourselves and our vessel.
Of course, we are NOT experts and there is still a lot we don’t know. But, if you’re a newbie buying your first boat or a fellow sailor struggling to get offshore, bluewater, around-the-world coverage, hopefully, this information will make the process suck a little less.
Here are the biggest tips we’ve learned about getting boat insurance.
### Why is it so difficult to get offshore yacht insurance???
We ask this question to all the insurance brokers we contact and here are some of the responses we’ve received.
- “The current yacht insurance market is getting hard to place coverage for cruisers abroad, and with the majority of the south pacific closed it isn’t very appetizing for US or London Insurers to provide coverage. Inevitably with time, the insurance industry will reopen.”
- “Big, negative changes in the boat insurance markets due to 100,000+ lost vessels in the last 3 years.”
- (increase in natural disasters: hurricanes, floods…)
- “If anyone asks you to sign a *Broker of Record Letter*, they are trying to get you a quote that I’ve already sent to you…the number of options (or offshore insurance) are narrowing down!”
- Underwriters had a lot of losses in the hurricanes and have really cut down on writing new business that involves long passage making and remote places. If the vessel has a claim, it is hard to find a haul-out, get work done, adjustors, survey, etc.
### Why We Need Insurance
Our catamaran is our home, transportation, and everything we own. To us, it’s just not worth risking. In the past, sailors talked about cruising without insurance and how it wasn’t necessary. But the rules are changing. Even in the 5 years, we’ve been sailing we’ve noticed more and more places where sailboat insurance is a requirement. If you plan to sail around the world, here are some of the reasons why you may need yacht insurance.
- Many countries are mandating insurance for entering yachts (Australia, Portugal, and others). And some countries like Panama and Ecuador have required proof of insurance from us when checking into the country.
- Marina’s, Mooring Balls, and Haul Out Yards will require proof of insurance.
- If you have a loan on your vessel, the bank will most likely require insurance.
- Hit and Run Boaters are also a thing. Insurance is expensive and many boaters choose to go without. Imagine when that person accidentally bashes into your boat while you’re on a provision run…it’s not likely they’re going to drop the hook, dinghy over and leave a note on your boat with their contact info. Shoot, even if you see them do it what are the chance you’re going to get money out of them? If you have ‘hit and run’ coverage your insurance company will pay for the repairs.
- Liability! There are a lot of scenarios we could talk about here (dragging anchor, busting off a mooring, hitting a $10,000,000 mega yacht at a fancy marina) and it’s all about what else we could damage that isn’t our boat. If we were to run up a reef, we become responsible for not only the removal and repair of our vessel but any damage to the reef, the property we’re on, and even the government agencies that maintain the oceans/fisheries. Talk about going bankrupt in a hot second!
### 3 Important Questions To Ask
There is a lot of industry jargon to interpret when it comes to boat insurance. It’s important to do your homework, read the policies, research anything you don’t understand, and ask a lot of questions. Here are some of our standard inquires.
- Is this an ACTUAL CASH value or AGREED AMOUNT value policy? **We want *Agreed Amount*.** If the insurance company has agreed to insure our vessel at $300k, then we should receive a payout near that agreed value (not whatever some random computer says the generic value is. We have a lot of upgrades on our boat that the average coastal cruiser or charter boat wouldn’t have).
- **Salvage:** Who picks up the bill if the boat needs to be salvaged? (from sinking, hurricane damage, etc) When we have a claim, how much help will the insurance company give us? For example, if the boat is damaged in a storm: Who handles the Salvage claims and repair process (find salver, crane, trucking, towing, repair facility, angry property owners, govt. official/agencies). To handle all of this on your own can be EXTREMELY STRESSFUL.
- **Consequential Damage:** Does the policy have consequential damage coverage: For example what if a corroded through-hull causes the boat to sink (thinking of our single-hulled friends), or a fire breaks out and we don’t have automatic fire suppression in the engine locker (because we don’t)…If we don’t have consequential damage coverage, then a total loss claim could be chalked up to wear and tear.
### Terms are Negotiable
Don’t take the initial quote as gospel. Just because a quote comes back with restrictions and requirements doesn’t mean they can’t be negotiated. If you don’t like something, ask about what you can do to change it. Provide additional documentation, upgrade something, take a higher deductible, take a first aid class…ya never know unless you ask.
If the policy says you need to be out of the hurricane zone by June 1st, but your boat isn’t ready to leave, ask for an extension and provide the reasoning. They may give you an extra couple of weeks at no cost. It’s worked for us while we were in Florida.
Crew requirements can be modified. If the underwriter says you need a 4-person crew, resend your sailing resume and plea your case and experience. Explain how your vessel is set up for single-handing, or how you’ve sailed with a smaller crew in more challenging conditions. If it’s compelling, they can make adjustments. We’ve had to do this a couple of times over the years before paying for a new insurance policy,
If a new policy requires a haul-out and survey, but it’s not possible (or cost-prohibitive) to get this at your current location, tell them your intentions are to get a survey once you arrive at the next destination. They may give you 30 or 60 days after arrival to complete it. One of our quotes for 2021 agreed to let us delay the survey until after we arrived in NZ.
### Rates We Have Paid
We all like real-world numbers and not hypotheticals. So here is a very quick glance at what we have paid over the past 6 years of being offshore sailors.
Remember, we have had to find a new policy every freaking year. Each year we contact everyone on the list below for quotes, but this year (2021) we hit a new record: The worst quote we’ve ever received at a whopping $11,300 from LJJ (a Lloyds of London underwriter).
We insure our 2005 Leopard 43 Sailing Catamaran at a value of $320,000 usd.
- 2016, Florida/Bahamas: **$3860**
- 2017, Florida/Bahamas/Panama/Ecuador: **$4943**
- 2018, Ecuador/ French Polynesia: **$4655**
- 2019, French Polynesia/Cook Islands/Niue/Tonga: **$5517**
- 2020, Tonga: **$6674**
- 2021, Tonga/New Zealand – **$4305** (Brokerage: The Marina Shop NZ)
### Who To Contact
Yacht Insurance is a complicated world filled with what feels like way too many cooks in the kitchen. There are insurance brokers, insurance companies (including mutual insurance associations), reinsurance companies, and adjusters. To further confuse things, many of the insurance companies are backed by insurance giants like Markel and Lloyd’s of London.
For simplicity’s sake, we’re breaking this up into 2 groups: Yacht Insurance Brokers and Yacht Insurance Companies.
Finding companies that insure US-flagged vessels and provide coverage in our intended cruising area is difficult. One year a company won’t quote us, the next they will. It changes every year and so even if you don’t get a favorable quote one year, try again next year.
#### Yacht Insurance Brokers
A broker is who we contact to get the quotes and they may work with or submit our information to 1 or 100 different insurance companies to get quotes. We contact at least half a dozen brokers every year for quotes. **TIP**: If you’ve already received quotes from certain companies, tell the broker in advance so they don’t spend their time getting you exactly the same quotes. Here are the brokers we contact each year. Ask your fellow sailors for their broker information too.
- The Marina Shop (NZ), Contact: Bill Garlick
- International Waters Insurance Services, Contact: Susan Waters
- Novamar Insurance, Contact: Charlie Bailey
- Bailey’s Insurance (NZ), Contact: Ken Monk
- W.R. Hodgens Marine Insurance, Contact: Bill Hodgens
- Global Marine Insurance Agency, Contact: Susan Everhard
#### Yacht Insurance Companies
This is who is writing and backing the policy (underwriter, reinsurance). Here are the ones we’ve tried with notes on quotes or responses. Your experience with each will no doubt be different.
- Jackline – Will not insure yachts with lithium batteries
- Yachtinsure Limited – Not insuring in the S. Pacific
- Concept – Medium-High quote, loads of restrictions
- LJJ Associates – Highest Quote
- Kemah Marine – High Quote, Few Restrictions
- Admiral Marine – Only insures European vessels
- Chubb Insurance – Cannot quote yachts outside the USA
- Club Marine – Only insures coastal cruising (250 nm from land) in AU, NZ, and TAS
- Pantaenius – High Rate Quotes for the Atlantic & would not quote us for the S. Pacific
- National Specialty Insurance (State National) – Insured us in 2019 & 2020
- Global Yacht Cover – Insured us in 2018
- DUAL Aqua – Insured us in 2017
### Sailing Resume, Boat Resume & Maintenance Log
Probably the biggest lesson we’ve learned is to invest time in creating and maintaining a sailing resume, boat resume, and maintenance log. We’ve had multiple insurance brokers compliment us on our approach with these documents and tell us it does make a big difference.
#### Sailing Resume
Think of it just like a personal job resume. You can even use the free templates online from Microsoft word or whatever program you have. If you want some examples, search for *yacht crew resume* and you’ll find bunches. But, here is what we have on ours.
- Any professional sailing instruction or certifications (ASA courses). A list or table of the number of days, sizes of vessel, and level of instruction such as basic introduction, skippering training, bareboat charter, off-shore training.
- A good headshot of us at the helm.
- Any safety instruction or certifications. First Aid, First Responder…we even list our PADI open water certification.
- List of boats that you have owned, the type of boat, the size, and for how long.
- All sailing and boating experiences. This will be a list or table of boat length and type (monohull or catamaran), if you were master or crew on the boat and the month/year of the experience. Because we liveaboard we list each month with grand totals for each year.
- We include what country or body of water it was in.
- We note the nautical miles sailed.
- Note if it was a multi-day (list how many days) or overnight passage.
- Special endorsements that you have been given by an instructor (ex: catamaran sailing, engine maintenance, maneuvering and docking, heavy weather, etc.). Letters of recommendations from certified captains can help prove competency.
#### Boat Resume
I haven’t been able to find any examples online but I think of it much like a for sale listing. Lots of photos (front, sides, back, top-down) and I list out every safety benefit I can muster. We include:
- Year, Make, Builder, Length: 2005 R&C Leopard 43 Sailing Catamaran.
- Home Port, Registration (US Coast Guard), MMSI number, Hull ID number.
- Tender information (and photos): Year, make, construction type, registration, hull ID, engine.
- Description of the boat, how it’s known as a bluewater sailboat built for reliable construction, seaworthiness, and performance. With extra emphasis on reinforced construction, sealed bulkheads, high-quality materials…
- Images of the layout of the boat from the manufacture (scans of original brochure).
- List out all additional upgrades and safety equipment (anything showing redundancy, additional safety, or reliability)
- Details of our sail plans for the year (passage from Tonga to New Zealand, coastal waters of New Zealand)
- Quick List of Crew and experience. The cliff notes version of our sailing resumes.
#### Maintenance Log
This one is fairly straightforward. We have photos from our haul-outs and list work completed, upgrades, and replacements.
We have our most recent survey and a signed survey compliance list from the yard proving that we completed the tasks mandated by the marine surveyor. But ask your broker before sending this, if your survey is more than 2 years old they may want you to ‘keep it in your pocket’ and only provide it if the underwriter requests it.
We also keep a maintenance log of our engines and routine maintenance. We let the broker know this is available upon request.
### Tips To Get The Best Quote
There are a lot of factors that affect boat insurance costs. The age and condition of the vessel, the cruising area, and your experience all matter. But there are a lot of extra details worth considering.
- Select the highest deductible you can afford. Often it’s automatically set at 5%-10% on quotes. If you can afford 15% or 20% it can save a substantial amount each year.
- Umbrella Policy: Insure personal articles through another insurance company like homeowners, renter’s insurance, personal items policy, etc.
- Be realistic with your estimated values and revisit them each year. If similar boats are selling for $100k don’t try to insure your boat for $150k. If you paid $10k for your RIB 5 years ago, consider lowering the estimated value to reflect the market value.
- Limit Emergency Evacuation and Towing benefits. Seek 3rd party companies as they are sometimes less expensive and provide more comprehensive services. For example DAN (Divers Alert Network) or programs like Sea Tow or Boat US. Also, check with your health insurance company about the costs of adding medical evacuation.
- Safety: Upgrade your safety gear like Bilge Pumps, EPRIB, Off-Shore Life vests, Life Raft, Flares, AIS MOB, etc. One insurance company wanted to make sure our vessel had an EXTRA 1500 gph bilge pump that could be easily wired and placed in the bilge for emergencies.
- Cruising Plans: Be realistic with your Cruising Plans and understand the navigational limits. Cruising grounds requested can play a big role in coverage and cost. Some countries are considered safer to visit and cost less to insure. For example, it is possible to sail to Cuba, but many insurance agencies will charge an extra premium because navigation aids aren’t kept up and charts aren’t always accurate, making it more challenging to navigate. You can often add locations mid-policy, sometimes for free, or for way less than adding it to your planned navigation route from the start.
- Stay out of hurricane or cyclone zones when possible.
- Storm Plan: If you boat in a hurricane zone, your insurer may expect you to provide a hurricane plan. If a storm approaches, will you have it stored in a hurricane-proof facility or will you sail it to a safe harbor? How will you secure it? How many anchors & lines do you have, and what thickness? The right answers can affect your rates, maybe even lower them, but be prepared to follow the plan because your coverage may require it.
- Lock up your dinghy, and dinghy engine even on the davits. Lock lockers with valuable items like SCUBA compressors, or expensive toys. Take photos for proof. Many of our policies had notes in the “fine print” saying if a dinghy (or locker) wasn’t locked up, they wouldn’t cover the loss.
- Recent Marine Survey (Less than 3 Years Old, Proves the Age and Condition of the Vessel).
- Install an Automatic Fire Suppression System.
- Enlist more crew for passages.
- Go propane-free.
- Complete higher certifications (such as a Captain’s License).
### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Ups, downs and all arounds, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our gear store, and toss a tip in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of [**ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
- Artist: Corey Barker
- Music Sourced From Filter: [http://bit.ly/FilterTheWynns ](https://bit.ly/FilterTheWynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### Simple Moments of Love – Daily Life on a Boat
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/simple-moments-of-love/
Last updated: 2023-11-14T17:50:59.000Z
It’s the simple moments that are remembered most.
Every day we all experience a few little moments that stick with us. It could be something someone said that keeps tumbling around in our mind, or spotting something that stopped us in our tracks, even if only for a second glance.
But in this chaotic day-to-day world of uncertainty, noise, and unease, these are the moments we need to sink into the most. These small, seemingly insignificant moments are what make up the story of our lives.
It’s finding the exotic in every day. Some days it takes more effort than others but is a mission worth taking on.
And for me, life on the ocean, slowly sailing about from one rock to another seems to be uniquely filled with these simple moments of love, joy, and curiosity.
Sitting on the bow with the wind whipping my hair and the gentle spray of water kissing my feet as the boat presses into a wave. The dinghy splashing behind the boat like a dog scratching at the door begging to go out and explore. The gritty sound of sand squeaking beneath my feet and the taste of salt in the air.
I could go on and on but it’s these little details that keep me grounded to this untethered lifestyle.
Because there are many parallels to surviving and thriving in paradise, but it’s the simple moments that are remembered most. And that’s the sentiment I hope you get from this week’s story.
#### 🚣 DINGHY ANCHOR
Just like our big anchor for Curiosity, we use the Mantus dinghy anchor and we love it. Digs in, sets and doesn’t budge. Plus, it easily packs down if you don’t have a dinghy locker.
- [http://bit.ly/MantusWynns](http://bit.ly/MantusWynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
- Artist: Katrina Stone, Paper Planes, Platonick, Skygaze
- Music Source, Artlist: Get 2 Months Free [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Ups, downs and all arounds, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our gear store, and toss a tip in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of [**FREE ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### Boat Life: How We Get Supplies On A Remote Island
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/supplies-on-remote-island/
Last updated: 2023-11-14T17:31:27.000Z
We used to stock up like we were preparing for the zombie apocalypse. We would fill every locker, bilge, cabinet, drawer, and shelf of our sailboat. It was equal parts of us preparing for unknown scarcity and economy.
Would everything we want, and need be available elsewhere and if it was, would it be affordable?
But, after a few years of living aboard and sailing to some of the world’s most remote island nations, we’ve learned what should have been obvious right from the start.
No matter where in the world we end up, if there are people, there will be food and supplies. It just may not be what we are used to or, worst case, the exact part our foreign vessel needs.
The more time we spend sailing and living in remote places, the more our ideas of what we really need and find pleasure in, evolves. Because experience and hindsight are semantically related.
Our need to fill the bilge with beer, beans, and rice has diminished. But there are some things we still stock up on when we find them or pay the big bucks to ship across an ocean and wait patiently on.
Because how we stock and provision our boat has a lot to do with what food and supplies we will have access to along our journey.
This is why we’re taking you shopping today. It’s potential foresight for our fellow sailors on a similar route and because it’s fascinating to see what is and isn’t available on such a faraway land.
#### What Do You Want To See Next?
Are there other aspects of living on a sailboat or on a remote island you would like to know about? If so, let us know in the comments. We’re always keen to hear your suggestions.
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
- Artist: Ian Post – Music Source, Artlist: 2 Months Free [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists: Addam Farmer, Marcus Bressler – Music Source, Filter: Download Music for Free [http://bit.ly/FilterTheWynns](http://bit.ly/FilterTheWynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Ups, downs and all arounds, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our gear store, and toss a tip in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of [**FREE ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### We Rode The Endless Wave
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/endless-wave/
Last updated: 2023-11-14T17:32:45.000Z
I feel like everything is going electric these days…and I’m not sad about it! We’re curious about all sorts of electric-powered sailboats, dinghies, e-bikes…
But, riding an electric hydrofoil board wasn’t on my radar. Probably because I had never even seen one. That is until we met Ben and Lisa.
- Learn more about this tiny island in Tonga and Ben & Lisa: [gonewiththewynns.com/off-grid-self-built-island](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/off-grid-self-built-island)
Ben is an extreme kinda guy and is all about trying anything at least once. I would like to say this applies to just sports but that would be selling his personality short. He’s an early adopter and they are both outside-the-box thinkers. Especially for people living on a remote island in the South Pacific.
So really, it should come as no surprise that they would have a flying surfboard.
The idea of a hydrofoil isn’t all that new (been around since 1906) but as far as my research found, e-foils have only come about in the last few years.
Ben offered to teach us how to ride and we were happy to accept!
I figured it would be like learning to snowboard or surf. 2-3 days of busting my arse and then I might be able to have some fun. But, I learned a lot faster than I expected. 15-20 minutes in and I was riding the endless wave, flying along at 25mph and it felt effortless! A few more sessions and I really could see myself heading out into the waves just to give it try.
The only downside to the whole experience, my stand-up paddleboarding now feels a lot less exciting and very, very slow.
🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### **🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:**
- All Sourced From **Filter** (premium music for creators): [http://bit.ly/FilterTheWynns ](https://bit.ly/FilterTheWynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
Artists – Ronan McQuillan, Fritz Doddy, Frankie Forman, Nicholas Hill, Marcus Bressler, Dopeworm
### **🙏 THANK YOU!**
Ups, downs and all arounds, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our gear store, and toss a tip in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of [**FREE ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### 11 Years Living Off-Grid On A Self-Built Island (full tour)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/off-grid-self-built-island/
Last updated: 2024-04-15T09:59:34.000Z
There is a quote that perfectly sums up today’s story.
> “Some people look for a beautiful place, others make a place beautiful.”
> ― Hazrat Inayat Khan
Tonga is a beautiful Island Country, but rarely does a destination wiggle its way into our hearts forever…it’s people that have that effect. And we’ve been friendship rich here in Tonga!
Luckily, we’ve been able to share some of these beautiful friendships with you. First, it was [Kjell and Adriana](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/whale-gypsies-tonga), then [Johnny](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/boat-tour-electric-escape-pod) and the [boys at the boatyard](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/not-expected-mast-find), [Marty](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/self-reliance-sailor) the ReWilding man, [John](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/learning-ukulele-remote-island) (the Kiwi Al Pacino), and now Ben and Lisa. (Just typing out all their names floods my mind with memories and makes me smile.)
But it was meeting Ben and Lisa that answered a gnawing question that enters my mind every time we sail into a new port. What happens if we love it so much, we don’t want to leave? According to our new friends, the answer is obvious: You build out a tiny island like it’s a boat…but toss in a couple of really cool treehouses for that je ne sais quoi.
Join us for a trip to the island of Fetoko, a tour of a magical homemade resort, and what is no doubt one of the most beautiful sunny days we’ve had in weeks!
A big thanks to Ben and Lisa for letting us share their island home and their story. If you couldn’t tell, they are pretty low-key people, so they don’t have social media accounts. But should you find yourself in Tonga once the borders open again, you can always say hello (or stay with them) at the resort: [https://www.trade-winds.com/destination/vavau-in-tonga/23#product\_tabs](https://www.trade-winds.com/destination/vavau-in-tonga?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### **🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:**
- Source – Artlist, Get 2 Months FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://artlist.io/artlist-70446/?artlist%5Faid=GWTW%5F788&utm%5Fsource=affiliate%5Fp&utm%5Fmedium=GWTW%5F788&utm%5Fcampaign=GWTW%5F788)
Artists – Peter Spacey, Rex Banner
### **🙏 THANK YOU!**
Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our gear store, and toss a tip in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of [**FREE ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### Boat Life, It’s Getting Complicated
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/boat-life-complicated/
Last updated: 2023-11-14T17:41:46.000Z
It’s been a very loooong week here aboard Curiosity. At first, we thought about forging ahead despite our pounding heads and piles of paperwork. “Just go for an adventure and post something fun” we said. But, that would be a disservice.
We are struggling with a few issues and we feel it’s important to remain transparent with the reality of this lifestyle. If we didn’t, we’d feel like a couple of frauds serving up a hallmark fiction when you signed up for the independent documentary.
So here it is.
Cyclone season is coming to an end soon here in Tonga and we’re trying desperately to plan our next move. **But it’s getting complicated**.
Our ever-growing list of boat projects is slowly moving from minor to major to mandatory. We NEED to get to a mainland. Ya know, somewhere with a decent stock of marine supplies, tools, and industry experts.
But between insurance issues, COVID restrictions, and the weather…we’re feeling stuck between a rock and a hard place.
We’re also sick and tired. Literally. A few days after the last ukulele lesson in the village, Jason came down with a terrible cold, and now this flu-like monster is trying to drag me down too. Which isn’t helping with our motivation or our attitudes towards solving any of it.
#### **INSURANCE**
This is becoming a serious point of contention. Boat insurance is complicated, expensive, and gets increasingly worse every year.
This week, we received a “Notice of Non-Renewal”. Our current insurance company, Novamar, will no longer be insuring boats in this region. The further we get away from the USA the more challenging it has become to insure our US-flagged vessel.
Contacting and getting quotes from at least a dozen agencies has become our annual routine. Hodgens Marine, Lloyd’s of London, Global Marine, Pantaenius, Novamar, Jackline…you name it, we’ve gotten quotes (but if you know of a company that is insuring US boats in the S. Pacific, please let us know).
Luckily, we found a new agency but they’re requesting a haul-out and full survey. Here in Tonga, there is no accredited marine surveyor. So, the only option is to get to Australia or New Zealand before our insurance expires. Which may not be possible.
Our insurance won’t cover us if we set sail before April 1st and our coverage ends April 23rd.
#### **WHERE TO GO**
What countries in the South Pacific are open right now? None!
That said, we can apply for an exemption if we have a compelling reason for entry. It’s not a guarantee but worth a shot.
We’re looking into our two closest countries: New Zealand and Australia. Neither presents a perfect scenario. But as the saying goes, beggars can’t be choosers.
Australia is at least 2100 nautical miles away, approximately a 20-day sail. It is an option we’re looking into but they don’t count time at sea, and they’d make us do a full 14-day hotel quarantine. Aside from taking a serious chunk out of our cruising kitty, it’s impossible to sail there, quarantine, and check into the country before our insurance expires.
That leaves New Zealand. The 1100 nautical mile sail would take approximately 10 days, but we would need to creep in on day 12\. Because they will count our time at sea towards quarantine, but only if we are at sea for 12 days or more.
The exact compelling need language for boat refit says “Boat Repairs More Than Minor”. We’ve spoken with a yacht agent in NZ and what they said is “the magic number is $50,000 because anything less gets denied”. WTF?!?! It should be judged on the work needed, not the dollar amount. But hey, nobody asked me to define what is fair.
#### **OUR OPTIONS?**
We can sail to NZ in unsettled weather and turn our annual budget blood-red by promising to pay $50k in boat repairs. OR we request permission to sail to Australia, have our insurance lapse mid-transit, and pray mother nature plays nice while we put our home & life savings on the line.
None of this leaves me with the warm and fuzzies. But we’re running out of time and soon, a decision will have to be made. Which way we will go…I still don’t know.
#### **SOME GOOD NEWS**
We Donated 4 Uke’s to the Vava’u Public Library!
We also have some cash donations that were sent in that we will donate to help keep the library going and fund other programs and educational materials.
You can learn more about the libraries needs and make a donation here: [https://gofund.me/81b50828](https://gofund.me/81b50828?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**Some Extra Good News:** Turns out one of the guys from [Gibson Gives](https://www.gibsonfoundation.org/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) is a fellow traveler and fan. He reached out and said Gibson Gives wants to donate some ukes and a guitar! How cool is that!?! Our little community never ceases to amaze me.
So yea, this week’s been full of challenges but it also raised our spirits seeing the Vava’u Library get some love and the local kids expand their musical opportunities.
The most beautiful part of all this is: we didn’t even ask. You all just showed up and said, “how can we help”. Warms me up even more than my hot toddy!
🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### **🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:**
- Source – Artlist, Get 2 Months FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://artlist.io/artlist-70446/?artlist%5Faid=GWTW%5F788&utm%5Fsource=affiliate%5Fp&utm%5Fmedium=GWTW%5F788&utm%5Fcampaign=GWTW%5F788)
Artists – Paper Planes
### **🙏 THANK YOU!**
Ups, downs, and all around, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our gear store, and toss a tip in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of [**FREE ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### Remote Island Life & Ukulele With The Locals
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/remote-island-life-ukulele-with-the-locals/
Last updated: 2024-04-15T09:59:54.000Z
I bought a ukulele over 10 years ago and have never learned to play it…until now. So it’s official, I’m in a band and they said I could bring you to band practice.
These are just a few of the Vava’u Ukulele Orchestra band members. But, as you can tell, we’re pretty hardcore.
My love affair with the ukulele started with my first trip to Hawaii. I was a makeup artist in my early twenties, on one of my first big jobs and about to leave the mainland for the first time.
I was born and raised in West Texas, never traveled growing up and wasn’t culturally educated. So, this trip was kind of a big deal and I was sooo *that person,* an American abroad (yet still on US soil).
Everything was exotic and new but it was the aroma of the Frangipani and the sound of the Ukulele that left me intoxicated. I could still smell those sweet notes and hear those island beats even though I was back in the land of cow patties and Willie Nelson.
Years later, just before we sold everything and hit the road, I decided to buy the ukulele you see me with today. I have since carried it with me all around North America and Oceana. Only once have I really attempted to learn how to play it.
We had a lovely patron and fellow ukulele lover by the name of Julie join us for the sail from Tahiti to the Cook Islands. She brought her ukulele and favorite songbook with her for the passage. It was the first time I managed to pluck all the way through twinkle twinkle. It felt like real progress!
But, when we made landfall the need to explore, work, repair and move-on took over. Then, a few months later, we arrived in Tonga and hauled out for cyclone season (thinking we would only be gone a few months, Ha!)
Now here we are, back home, in our groove again (sort of) and stuck until cyclone season ends and borders open. And you know what they say, when stuck on a remote island with a ukulele you’ve carried around for over a decade, LEARN HOW TO PLAY THE DAMNED THING!
### **GIVING BACK**
We get so much from each of the places we visit and it feels good when we have the opportunity to give back. The Vava’u Public Library makes a big impact on this tiny island. They have a range of programs that cultivate curiosity and inspire the kids to learn new things. And that is something we can get behind!
Right now, the library only has a handful of ukuleles and a lot of students. So, we’re going to take all the YouTube ad revenue we make from this video to purchase more ukuleles for the library. This will allow even more students to join in and be a part of the ever-growing Vava’u Ukulele Orchestra.
#### **HOW YOU CAN HELP**
So thrilled to see so many people want to help with the library! They only need a few more Ukuleles which we will donate. **But,** they do need general funding for their many, many other programs to help keep the library open. I am working to see if there is a way we can set up a donation page for the library. I will update this post and update you in next week’s video. So stay tuned!
### **E-BIKES**
The e-bikes in this video are NOT perfect and you must know I only recommend them with reservations. We also have an e-bike we DO recommend. Here is the scoop on both.
**Our Ok Jetson e-bikes:** We’re thrilled to have them and better than nothing. They are the smallest, lightest (34 lbs), most compact folding e-bikes we could find.
- **The Bad –** The bike is not ideal for taller or heavier individuals. It struggles to maintain speed when climbing hills and depending on your weight, slows to almost a stop if it’s really steep. It has a responsive but not reliable on a steep downhill rear brake. The seat is uncomfortable for long rides. It has a limited range of 17 miles (because of no pedals).
- **The Good –** The E-Bike doesn’t have pedals, a chain, or cassette (less to rust and maintain). The bike can fold down and fit in almost any of our large storage lockers (main deciding factor) and easy to load up in the dinghy. They are really affordable for an e-bike…but you get what you pay for.
- **Buy Jetson Bolt –** [**https://amzn.to/345fV8t**](https://amzn.to/345fV8t?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**Great e-bikes:** If we had a bigger dry storage locker that could have fit our Blix E-Bikes…we would have loaded those up in our crates. We absolutely love those bikes and miss not having them. If you have the room, go for a Blix or similar quality. You will never need to rent another island car and they are a helluva good time!
Full Blix Review: [gonewiththewynns.com/gift-guide-2019](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/gift-guide-2019)
- **Buy From Blix –** [**http://blixbike.com?aff=22**](http://blixbike.com/?aff=22&ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Extra $100 off!!! Use Discount Code: Wynn100
🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### **🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:**
- Source – Artlist, Get 2 Months FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://artlist.io/artlist-70446/?artlist%5Faid=GWTW%5F788&utm%5Fsource=affiliate%5Fp&utm%5Fmedium=GWTW%5F788&utm%5Fcampaign=GWTW%5F788)
Artists – Generation Lost
### **🙏 THANK YOU!**
Ups, downs and all arounds, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our gear store, and toss a tip in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of [**FREE ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### This was NOT a Good Idea
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/not-good-idea/
Last updated: 2023-11-14T17:57:02.000Z
Sailing is a never-ending thread of challenges that can make me feel like a total boss or the biggest idiot. Most of the time one sentiment immediately follows the other.
This week was a shining example of the biggest idiot part and we just so happened to catch it on camera. We’ve been going through a bit of trial and error with figuring out our mooring situation. We still don’t have a solution, but we know of at least one more way it should NOT be done.
We like to think of these videos as a public service of sorts. In less than half an hour we demonstrate how not to do things and prove that one can recover from almost any mishap.
Socrates was considered the wisest man in Athens because he alone was prepared to admit his own ignorance rather than pretend to know something he didn’t.
“The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.”
― Socrates
Well, that makes it official then doesn’t it. According to Socrates, we must be the wisest sailors on the seven seas. Because more than ever, we know we know nothing.
Despite the frustrations, we really do enjoy the challenges and can’t fathom living any other way.
P.S.
As I write this, Jason found the foul smell brewing in our galley. It’s a couple of rotten eggs in the batch we just brought home from the market (a common occurrence in the islands). He separated them out by placing them on the counter…and almost immediately knocked them on the floor. What was a slight funk hard to track down is now an overwhelming perfume filling the entire boat.
Now we’re the wisest and funkiest sailors.
### **MORE THOUGHTS ON MOORING**
I know the mooring part of this video leaves a lot of unanswered questions, so I’ll do my best to explain a bit more to help people that want to learn from this.
First off, we know how to tie up to a mooring, but what we’re trying to accomplish is figure out the BEST way to tie up our Leopard 43 to a mooring ball. Meaning: No chafe, easy to tie up upon approach and easy to release when it’s time to leave.
This bridal test proved that it may be the best solution for no chafe but tying up and releasing was quite the hassle.
Let me start by explaining this mooring. There are no lead lines on the mooring ball, so it is challenging to run lines through it from the boat unless there is no wind.
**Running an extra ‘retrieval’ line to the mooring** does not work because any slack lines end up wrapped around the base of the mooring ball. Then the weight of our entire boat will be held by this one line.
We already talked about running lines to the forward side cleats in the vid, but just as a reminder, it creates major chafe on the lines (not safe in a cyclone) and destroys the gelcoat on the boat. Plus, when getting pulled in strong winds it still creates massive downward pressure on the crossbeam which could still damage our rigging.
A system like the **Mantus mooring snap shackle** would work for some mooring situations, but the attachment point on this mooring is a very thick line, and too thick for the Mantus Snap Shackle. Plus, the breaking strength of this snap shackle is 10T and I don’t know that I trust that with our 16T boat during a cyclone (but I will reach out to Mantus to see what they say). Sadly, it’s all a moot point because it’s nearly impossible to get things shipped here during COVID times. By the time it could arrive, cyclone season will be over and we’ll be on our way to another country.
What we need to get is an official statement from Leopard and Robertson & Caine (the boat builder). We need to hear how they recommend tying up our boat to a mooring, that way we’re not guessing, or using a jury-rigged solution that might not be covered by insurance if anything happens during a storm. With this information, we can feel confident we’re tying up to a mooring ball the correct way. And most importantly we know if another cyclone comes barreling through, we’ll be connected to the strongest points on the boat with no chafe issues. If we happen to break loose and the boat gets damaged, we can show our insurance company that we tied up the way the boat manufacture recommended.
🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### **🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:**
- Source – Artlist, Get 2 Months FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://artlist.io/artlist-70446/?artlist%5Faid=GWTW%5F788&utm%5Fsource=affiliate%5Fp&utm%5Fmedium=GWTW%5F788&utm%5Fcampaign=GWTW%5F788)
Artists – Generation Lost, Some Were At Sea
### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Ups, downs and all arounds, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our gear, and toss a tip in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of[ **ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### Sailing was so Good…then he went overboard
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailing-was-good-overboard/
Last updated: 2023-11-14T18:00:08.000Z
**Captains Log:** Vava’u, Tonga January 2021
Today we raised the sails, turned off the motors, and used the wind to move our boat for the first time in one year and four months.
There was rain, wind, no wind, and even a little drama.
It was glorious!
We’re rusty and feel like a couple of stumbling newbies fresh out of the pond. It’s humbling and the gritty reality of being out of practice.
It would be easier to edit out all our mistakes and not open ourselves up to even more criticism than we already experience. Because in the world of social media, opinions flow harder and faster than any oceanic tide.
But, being the masochists that we are, we like to leave in our “learning moments”. Also because we’re human. We struggle, make mistakes, and generally muck things up as humans do.
With that said, if you want to go sailing with a couple of amateurs for the first time in over a year, please come aboard!
We had fun and we used the force of the wind to move our home. For us, it’s a damned good day. In the world of sailing, it’s whatever the opposite of the Vendée Globe or America’s Cup is.
We’ll get back in shape and until then, we’ll keep laughing at ourselves.
### RESOURCES FROM THIS VIDEO!
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
- Source – Artlist, Get 2 Months FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://artlist.io/artlist-70446/?artlist%5Faid=GWTW%5F788&utm%5Fsource=affiliate%5Fp&utm%5Fmedium=GWTW%5F788&utm%5Fcampaign=GWTW%5F788)
Artists – Racoon Racoon, The Originals
### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Ups, downs and all arounds, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our gear store, and toss a tip in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of [**FREE ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### Self-Reliance as a Sailor (remote island living)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/self-reliance-sailor/
Last updated: 2025-12-23T12:07:08.000Z
There is a certain amount of [self-reliance](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/off-the-grid/) needed to be a liveaboard sailor, a little more needed to sail around the world, and a bounty of it to survive long term in the more remote parts of the world. It can be very Darwinian.
But for those able and willing, there is an immeasurable amount of satisfaction to be gained. [Living off the grid](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/living-off-grid-rv-sailboat), carefully managing our resources, and learning to take advantage of what Mother Nature provides…it’s intoxicating. We’re not completely on our own but we know our options, supplies, and services out here are extremely limited. Whether it’s finding food, fixing the boat, or stitching up a wound. And, while it may sound strange, there is a huge sense of freedom in taking on that responsibility.
Now don’t get me wrong, we’re not completely self-sufficient and we still very much need and enjoy civilization. But the gap between our primitive and civilized selves always needs a bridge. For both us humans and the planet.
And that is what today’s story is about. Being out on the water, in the islands, and taking advantage of what mother nature provides. From collecting rainwater to foraging with a friend and using stored power from the sun to have a date night on the deck.
All the blood, sweat, and tears from the [months of being stuck](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/category/fiji) and [landlocked with boat work](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/category/sailing/mods-maintenance) are quickly dissipating into distant memories with days like these. This is the good stuff that makes it all worth it!
Vava’u, Tonga January 2021
### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Ups, downs and all arounds, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our gear store, and toss a tip in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of [**FREE ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### Resources From This Video!
**🌴Our Friend Marty**: [rewildingmankind.com/](https://rewildingmankind.com/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🍺Tepache, AKA Pineapple Beer Recipe
- [gonewiththewynns.com/fermenting-tepache](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/fermenting-tepache)
#### ⚡Solar and all things Off The Grid
- [gonewiththewynns.com/living-off-grid-rv-sailboat](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/living-off-grid-rv-sailboat)
#### 💡Underwater Lights
- Use Discount Code: **WYNNS**
- [macrisindustries.com/shop/](https://macrisindustries.com/shop/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
💺 Best Portable Chairs For The Deck (or anywhere)
- Buy From Sport-A-Seat: [http://bit.ly/best-boat-chair](https://bit.ly/best-boat-chair?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- $10 Off and Free Shipping, use discount code: WYNNS
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
- [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
- Source – Artlist, Get 2 Months FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://artlist.io/artlist-70446/?artlist%5Faid=GWTW%5F788&utm%5Fsource=affiliate%5Fp&utm%5Fmedium=GWTW%5F788&utm%5Fcampaign=GWTW%5F788)
Artists – John Coggins, Maya Isac, Orkas
### Back to Boat Life (our daily routine on the sea)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/boat-life-daily-routine-on-the-sea/
Last updated: 2023-11-14T18:05:17.000Z
After [a year away](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/our-boat-1-year-away) and four months of boat projects on the hard, it feels good to be back on the water. It also feels weird.
We’ve been out of our own space and in a state of uncertainty, anxiety, and [limbo](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/stranded-fiji-pandemic) for so long we’ve kinda lost our boat life groove.
Now that the excitement (chaos) of [splashing the boat and immediately preparing for cyclones](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/surviving-cyclone-tonga) has passed, we’re slowly getting back to our familiar routines of living a life on the sea.
This video is a peek behind the curtain. A look at the typical day to day part of being a liveaboard sailor. The ones we normally don’t pick up a camera for.
Spoiler alert, it isn’t the fantasy that is this photo. But hey, a girl can dream.
**⚡Solar and all things Off The Grid:** [gonewiththewynns.com/living-off-grid-rv-sailboat](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/living-off-grid-rv-sailboat)
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO
See All Of Our Photo & Video Gear here: [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
- Source – Artlist, Get 2 Months FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://artlist.io/artlist-70446/?artlist%5Faid=GWTW%5F788&utm%5Fsource=affiliate%5Fp&utm%5Fmedium=GWTW%5F788&utm%5Fcampaign=GWTW%5F788)
Artist – I Am DayLight, Lighthearts, Ikoliks, and Liqwid
### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Ups, downs and all arounds, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our gear store, and toss a tip in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of [**FREE ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### Surviving a Cyclone on a Boat
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/surviving-cyclone-tonga/
Last updated: 2023-11-14T18:05:51.000Z
The year 2020 will go down as many things, but I never expected to add two cyclones in one week to the hit list (Yasa & Zazu). Much less for it to be the same week we splashed our sailboat after being stranded for a year because of a pandemic. What a welcome back?!
I mean seriously, who needs fiction when you have 2020\. I can’t make this stuff up!
We have worked like mad dogs, for three months straight, refitting our sailboat. “All we have to do is get in the water. We’ll take a break once we’re in the water.” These are the phrases we have uttered to ourselves repeatedly. Little did we know the initiation Mother Nature had in store for us.
On the cusp of burnout and well into a state of delirium we have recommissioned our boat and our sea legs all in one fail swoop. But dammit, we’re spending Christmas and New Years’ on the water!
We are floating once again, and the sea air is flowing through the portlights. All is not right in the world but at least it’s looking more and more familiar.
So much more could be said, commiserated (freaking generator), and celebrated (Jason got the dinghy up) but it’s late and I’m tired.
It’s been a wild ride unlike any other and it’s been made better because you were here. Thank you.
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and wishing you the very best New Year,
Nikki & Jason
#### **MOORING SETUP**
Hello Everyone! There is some debate about how we tied up to our mooring ball in this video and we wanted to clear up the questions.
Make no mistake, WE DID IT WRONG!
We attached to our crossbeam which is not meant for taking heavy loads (i.e. heavy winds/weather). We should have attached to our bridal (which is a pain the butt to attach to a mooring on our boat…aka, we were being lazy).
We underestimated Mother Nature. We based our preparations too strongly on the weather predictions. We did not follow that age-old adage: Prepare for the Worst and Hope for the Best!
We expected 30 knots or so of wind and a small tropical storm. The system sat on top of Vava’u for nearly 2 days while it built and formed into a category one cyclone (named ZAZU). Fortunately, we learned this lesson without any consequence. When the winds started building to 40-knots we knew we were under-secured to our mooring. We did man the helm and continuously checked our holding.
Once Tropical Cyclone ZAZU passed, in preparation for tropical cyclone YASA (a category 4 cyclone), we beefed up our holding to the mooring. Which we showed on our Instagram stories [(@the\_wynns)](https://www.instagram.com/the%5Fwynns/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) under the cyclone highlights.
Here’s what we did to beef up our holding in preparation for the big cyclone:
- Main Lines: 2 Lines run to the anchor bridal ring. 2 slacked lines run to the outside forward cleats with chafe guard.
- Backup: Large Anchor line tied to mooring chain (3 links below the shackle) attached at anchor bridal ring.
- 2nd Backup: Slacked lines to the crossbeam
We suggest if you’re preparing for a cyclone you should discuss techniques with your boat manufacturer and talk to the local boaters as they may have insight that’s worth consideration.
#### **🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO**
See All Of Our Photo & Video Gear here: [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### **🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:**
- Source – Artlist, Get 2 Months FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://artlist.io/artlist-70446/?artlist%5Faid=GWTW%5F788&utm%5Fsource=affiliate%5Fp&utm%5Fmedium=GWTW%5F788&utm%5Fcampaign=GWTW%5F788)
Artist – Russo & Weinberg, Rodello’s Machine
### **🙏 THANK YOU!**
Ups, downs and all arounds, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our gear store, and toss a tip in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of [**FREE ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### Not What I Expected To Find Up Here
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/not-expected-mast-find/
Last updated: 2023-11-14T18:07:34.000Z
It takes effort to cram a one-hour job into three and finely tuned skills to turn it into a full-day event. It’s the one thing I feel we’re truly gifted at.
This week we were particularly on fire. What was supposed to be a simple job of going up the mast to swap out the radar dome turned into a full-blown wildlife rescue and rehabilitation mission.
Turns out, you never know what you’re going to find up there.
IF YOU DON’T SEE THE VIDEO, click here to watch: [https://youtu.be/HwijreXaBqA](https://youtu.be/HwijreXaBqA?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### **🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO**
See All Of Our Photo & Video Gear here: [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### **🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:**
- Source – Artlist, Get 2 Months FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://artlist.io/artlist-70446/?artlist%5Faid=GWTW%5F788&utm%5Fsource=affiliate%5Fp&utm%5Fmedium=GWTW%5F788&utm%5Fcampaign=GWTW%5F788)
Artist – Jake Bradford Sharp, Michael Shynes, Yanivi, Kick Lee, Muted
### **🙏 THANK YOU!**
Ups, downs and all arounds, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our gear store, and toss a tip in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of [**FREE ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### Do I have Your HULL Attention?
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/hull-attention/
Last updated: 2023-11-14T18:08:02.000Z
After two months of hard work, we’re finally getting close to putting our sailboat back in the water. So much for that one-month goal?! But hey, we knew that was a pie-in-the-sky goal.
That said, this REALLY could be our last week of boat refit projects! Our goal this week is to finish waxing, remove our old underwater lights, install new underwater lights, check all the batteries, service the generator, install the new water purifier, replace the defunct radar, inspect and repair all the lines/sails.
Piece of cake.
Ohhh, cake. I would love some chocolate cake right now.
Wait, we don’t have time for cake, we gotta get cracking!
### **PRODUCTS USED & DISCOUNTS**
- Lithium Batteries – 5% off automatically applied at checkout: [http://relionbattery.com?aff=5](http://relionbattery.com/?aff=5&ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- UV Water Filtration – [gonewiththewynns.com/product/water-purification](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/water-purification)
- Starbrite Wax – [amzn.to/2JCLOha](https://amzn.to/2JCLOha?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Underwater Lights – Discount Code **WYNNS** [macrisindustries.com/shop/](https://macrisindustries.com/shop/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### **🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO**
See All Of Our Photo & Video Gear here: [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### **🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:**
- Source – Artlist, Get 2 Months FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://artlist.io/artlist-70446/?artlist%5Faid=GWTW%5F788&utm%5Fsource=affiliate%5Fp&utm%5Fmedium=GWTW%5F788&utm%5Fcampaign=GWTW%5F788)
Artist – OK Otter, Jake Bradford Sharp, Ziv Moran, Michael Shynes
### **🙏 THANK YOU!**
Ups, downs and all arounds, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our gear store, and toss a tip in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of [**FREE ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### Knocking Out Boat Projects. So Close To SAILING!
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/knocking-out-boat-projects/
Last updated: 2023-11-14T18:08:33.000Z
There is light on the horizon! We’re deliriously close to splashing this boat. We’re in that strange headspace where there is still a fair amount of work ahead, but we’re motivated by the progress.
It’s a little reminiscent of the last 24hrs of a long passage. The smell of land is in the air, the horizon is taking on shapes and we’re already plotting our first adventure on solid ground.
Funny how we cannot wait to get out to sea…then can’t wait to get back to land. Humans are funny like that, never satisfied. But, back to the boat projects in the here and now.
This week we tackle a steering issue that has been plaguing us since our Pacific crossing. We reinstall the fuel tanks, restock the freezer, gain back a modern-day luxury and service the engines. It’s boat life at its finest. We’re making progress my friends, very good progress!
### **RESOURCES FROM THE VIDEO**
#### **🍍 FOOD PREP**
I am a big fan of reusable silicone bags. I have them in all shapes and sizes. I prefer them over classic Tupperware style containers. There are no lids to fiddle with, they take up less storage space, they are plastic-free (made of 100% silicone), they’re oven and freezer safe too.
I have a couple of different brands I have purchased over the years but the one I showed you in the video is hands down the best.
- Best silicone bags: [https://amzn.to/36hAY95](https://amzn.to/36hAY95?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### **⛽ FUEL TANK FIX**
A huge thanks to everyone for all the suggestions. As mentioned, our fave and wish-we-had-access-to product is the fuel tank liner. We will most likely remove the tanks and coat them with a similar product once we get to New Zealand or Australia.
- Fuel Tank Liner: [https://amzn.to/2HLIbVh](https://amzn.to/2HLIbVh?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- JB Weld Steel Stick: [https://amzn.to/3fMgisN](https://amzn.to/3fMgisN?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### **AIRSTREAM ATLAS & FIRST DESCENTS**
For your chance to win the Airstream Atlas and to support First Descents, enter at: [omaze.com/wynns](https://www.omaze.com/wynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
Learn More About First Descents and their programs here: [firstdescents.org/](https://firstdescents.org/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### **🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO**
See All Of Our Photo & Video Gear here: [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### **🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:**
- Source – Artlist, Get 2 Months FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://artlist.io/artlist-70446/?artlist%5Faid=GWTW%5F788&utm%5Fsource=affiliate%5Fp&utm%5Fmedium=GWTW%5F788&utm%5Fcampaign=GWTW%5F788)
Artist – Rex Banner, Lux Inspira
### **🙏 THANK YOU!**
Ups, downs and all arounds, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our gear store, and toss a tip in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of [**FREE ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### BOAT TOUR: The Irishman & His Electric Escape Pod
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/boat-tour-the-irishman-his-electric-escape-pod/
Last updated: 2024-04-15T10:02:59.000Z
We’ve made a few friends here in the Vava’u Boatyard. And, by a few, I really mean three. Because that’s how many of us are living & working here on our sailboats. There’s Cyril the Frenchman, Canadian Tom, Irish Johnny, and The Americans (that’s us).
Johnny is the character we want you to meet today. He’s a friendly Irishman with an interesting story about working in The Kingdom of Tonga and converting a 1974 West Sail to electric propulsion. It’s a tale about renewable energy projects on remote islands and a mission to build back better.
Plus, we thought we should give you a break from our boat projects and show you what else is going on around here. Johnny gives us the full tour…even the library.
**Most importantly,** it’s a fantastic example of someone that proves you don’t need much to get out sailing NOW. Even a Wet Snail with a Barn Door will get you out on the water and living the dream.
**A big thanks** to Johnny for letting all of us in his tiny boat. AND, our editor (Jason) thanks you for not living up to the Irish or sailor cursing standard. You are a businessman and a gentleman. Sláinte!
- **Johnny’s Work On Facebook:** [**facebook.com/EnergyMEIDECC**](https://www.facebook.com/EnergyMEIDECC)
- **Elco Electric Motors:** [**elcomotoryachts.com/product-category/electric-inboards/**](https://www.elcomotoryachts.com/product-category/electric-inboards/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### **🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO**
See All Of Our Photo & Video Gear here: [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### **🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:**
- Source – Artlist, Get 2 Months FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://artlist.io/artlist-70446/?artlist%5Faid=GWTW%5F788&utm%5Fsource=affiliate%5Fp&utm%5Fmedium=GWTW%5F788&utm%5Fcampaign=GWTW%5F788)
Artist – Will Taylor, Owls & Lions
### **🙏 THANK YOU!**
Ups, downs and all arounds, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our gear store, and toss a tip in our production jar. If you like what you see, consider joining us on [**Patreon**](https://www.patreon.com/the%5Fwynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) or there are lots of [**FREE ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### Scammed On Anchor Chain, What You Need To know.
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/scammed-anchor-chain/
Last updated: 2023-11-14T18:11:37.000Z
In the past four years, we’ve purchased a new anchor chain for our sailboat twice. Not something any boat owner wants to say.
We only have a few more essential boat projects to tackle before we can splash, sail, and live on the hook once again. And when I say essential, I mean it. Because aside from making sure we stay afloat, the ground tackle is the most important part of living on a boat.
So, today we’re swapping out our crappy, rusty, unreliable chain for (hopefully) the last time. We’re also sharing the cautionary tale of how we got scammed and what we’ve learned along the way.
#### **DRONING ON**
Drones have been a big part of our storytelling kit since 2015\. The drones, our skills, and the drone laws have evolved a lot in that time frame.
It is very, very important to know the drone laws where you are flying. They can change drastically from country to country. (search: drone laws + country name)
Depending on where in the world you are flying, this new under 250-gram drone could be the drone for you. Why? Because in some countries a lot of restrictions and licensing requirements go away with this small drone. That alone makes it a great tool to have in our kit.
The size and weight also make it easier to carry around. The performance is surprisingly good and it’s very easy to pilot. It is being called the best drone for beginners and I couldn’t agree more. It packs a lot of punch in a tiny (and affordable) package.
Sailing shots…will I fly this while underway? No way! Terra firma or anchor only. Trying to land our Mavic Pro on the boat while moving at slow 4 knots already gives me a mild panic attack. It’s a zippy little drone, but the higher the winds, the less stability and control it has. If you are looking to get shots while sailing or kiteboarding, this is not the drone for you. Go for the Mavic Pro 2.
Also since this drone is brand new there aren’t any polarizer or ND filters, which you will want to purchase. As soon as I see filters on the market you better believe we’ll be ordering them.
- **New DJI Mini 2:** [https://bit.ly/WYNNmini2](https://bit.ly/WYNNmini2?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- **ND Filter Set:** [https://amzn.to/35v55t6](https://amzn.to/35v55t6?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- **All Our Photo & Video Gear:** [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
**Disclaimer:** DJI sponsored the video (we’re very thankful for that) but we’re free to say what we want. We talk about lots of gear, cameras included, and we’re sharing our thoughts because it could be helpful information to some of you out there. Same reason we share everything else. As always, we only collaborate or recommend products we have personal experience with and add value to our lives/travels.
#### **🦆 IT’S HARD TO SPOT A FAKE**
Our [first anchor chain purchase was in Panama](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/replacing-anchor-chain). We requested a very specific chain from a specific manufacturer.
Not all chains are created equal. It must be high-quality manufacturing through every step: tensile strength matters as does proper welding, and hot-dipped galvanization.
Unfortunately, that isn’t what we were given. Other than perhaps being a bit too shiny, it looked like a duck, quacked like a duck and cost the same as a duck. In good faith, we assumed it was a duck. Or, in this case, a high-quality G43 HT (stamped G4 on the chain) Galvanized steel chain.
It wasn’t until six months, 4,000+ nautical miles, and two countries later that we discovered we had been scammed. Nothing like being in the most remote island chain in the world to [discover your chain is bad](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/swindled-sailing-sweet). We will remember the Tuamotus for more than just [night diving with hundreds of sharks](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/shark-feeding-frenzy).
#### **FOOL ME ONCE, SHAME ON YOU.**
We’ve learned a lot and don’t plan on being fooled a second time.
We had done our homework and concluded that the G43 ACCO Marine Chain, manufactured in the USA, certified by **NACM** (National Association of Chain Manufacturers), and recommended by our fellow sailors was a quality chain that should last us 10 years or more. There were other brands our fellow sailors recommended from Italy and other countries but we were in the USA, so best to shop local!
Where we failed in our purchase, was to verify that the chain we were purchasing was indeed from that exact manufacture. Not simply another brand of “G4 HT” chain manufactured cheaply elsewhere.
Because we had sent the link to the ACCO brand we simply assumed that is what we were being sold. Mistake. Never assume. Verify every detail of the purchase. All the specs including where and who it was manufactured by.
Because clearly, we were not clear enough in our request. Accept no substitutions.
#### **⛓ ANCHOR CHAIN CHOICES EXPLAINED**
All things considered, it’s not a one-size-fits-all kind of thing (rarely anything is). The boat, cruising style, bottoms and locations all play into the equation. Here is my take on anchor chain choices.
- **G3** (grade 30 proof coil) chain. The lowest grade steel for anchor chain. It’s prone to rust, incredibly heavy and not designed to work on a windlass. In other words, not meant for our boat.
- **BBB or B3 chain**. Still heavy but has small, short links that help it grip the anchor windlass. It used to be the most popular type of chain until G4 came out. West Marine doesn’t even sell a large enough chain size for our boat. Which tells me, it’s not a popular choice for boats our size.
- **Grade 43, G4** or HT (High Test). It’s a high-carbon steel, has twice the working load of BBB, works well with a windlass and weighs much less than BBB chain.
- **Grade 70, G7** or Transport Chain. It’s 20% stronger than G4 which makes it the strongest, weight for weight, of all anchor chains. Its exceptional hardness resists wear but it’s not compatible with many gypsies nor are there many compatible swivels and such. Plus, there are some skeptics about the re-galvanizing process used to make this chain. I’m indifferent because I’m no expert. On paper, it looks very promising.
#### **⚓ CURIOSITY’S GROUND TACKLE**
- Lofrans Tigres Windlass with Gypsy made for 3/8 HT chain
- [Mantus 65# stainless steel anchor](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/mantus-anchor) (best upgrade ever!)
- [Mantus Swivel](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/mantus-anchor)
- [Anchor Mate](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/mantus-anchor) (Helps seat our anchor and keep it secure underway.)
- Bridal and [Mantus Chain Hook](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/mantus-anchor) – Still using the factory bridal line but we upgraded the basic chain hook with the Mantus Hook. Our old bridal hook fell off the chain 9 times out of 10, our Mantus has never fallen off (mic drop).
- ACCO G43 Chain – 250ft
- We also have a spare Fortress anchor with 50ft of chain and 200ft of anchor line.
#### **🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO**
See All Of Our Photo & Video Gear here: [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### **🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:**
- Source – Artlist, Get 2 Months FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://artlist.io/artlist-70446/?artlist%5Faid=GWTW%5F788&utm%5Fsource=affiliate%5Fp&utm%5Fmedium=GWTW%5F788&utm%5Fcampaign=GWTW%5F788)
Artist – Orkas
### **🙏 THANK YOU!**
Ups, downs and all arounds, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our gear store, and toss a tip in our production jar. If you like what you see, consider joining us on [**Patreon**](https://www.patreon.com/the%5Fwynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) or there are lots of [**FREE ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### Living on a boat OUT OF THE WATER
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/living-boat-yard/
Last updated: 2023-11-14T18:13:50.000Z
Life on the hard. That’s what we yachties call it when our boat is on dry land. Why? I can only assume because living on a sailboat out of the water is hard.
Do you know that old saying, *like a fish out of water*? It’s sort of like that, except we don’t die.
Most everything on our boat relies on water to function. For example, our engines, air conditioners and generator are all water-cooled…so NO water, NO workie.
Life on the hard isn’t glamorous but nothing about major renovations is (except for the final product perhaps, that should be fabulous). This is why we’ve been staying at our friend’s resort while we did the major cleaning and mold remediation.
I am thrilled to report the cleaning is done and *Curiosity* is ready for liveaboards once again! Join us as we make the transition back to full-time boat life, take you on a tour of the yard, and explain how we live on a boat when it’s hauled out of the water and sitting on the hard.
#### **MORE INFO ON:**
- [Composting Toilet](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/composting-toilet)
- [Portable Water Filter](https://amzn.to/38nPsWs?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- [Boat Water Filtration Systems](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/boat-life-squeaky-clean-water)
- [Electric Oven](https://amzn.to/356bvif?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- [Blender](https://amzn.to/32nZJ0J?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- [Tepache (Pineapple Beer) Recipe](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/fermenting-tepache)
#### **ELECTRICITY FOR OUR USA WIRED BOAT IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES**
**Charger**
My Frankenstein Setup totally works because the NOCO charger can run on 50hz and 60hz. I own the 15a version but if I could purchase it again, I’d go for the 26a version linked here.
- NOCO Genius Charger: [https://amzn.to/356WWLe](https://amzn.to/356WWLe?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**Transformer**
I would buy the 2000-watt model linked below. It’ll run the NOCO charger and have some spare power leftover for a laptop, or another small device. If you wish to run power-hungry items like a water kettle, instant-pot, toaster, etc. you may want to buy the bigger 5000-watt model:
- Step Up/Down Voltage Transformer: [https://amzn.to/358vGvW](https://amzn.to/358vGvW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### **NOTES FROM A PRO**
Rafael was our service advisor and all-around guru for boat projects when we were doing our [major refit jobs in Florida at Just Catamarans](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/Sailboat-Solar-Series-Parallel-Shading). The man knows power and boats. Luckily, he still answers our questions almost four years later.
He gave some solid advice that we wanted to pass along.
*“The most Primo way would be to install a Shore power converter like an ASEA power cabinet. You can put any Frequency or voltage in and it will put out what you want. Price is in the neighborhood of $15k for the unit and then a couple grand for the display to know what’s going on. This unit weighs around 230 lbs, so it’s not lite.* [*https://aseapower.com/*](https://aseapower.com/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
*Next best option is a similar unit that is more reasonably priced (almost 50% less) from ANG. It can convert frequency, but it’s limited on input voltage. It can’t handle converting 440v…but who the heck plugs their sailboat into that?* [*https://angconverters.com/*](https://angconverters.com/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
*Best bet for you at this moment is a dual Frequency and Voltage Charger with a dedicated inlet and cable adapters. You can install multiples of these units to charge your batteries. Depends of course on what you have inverted on your vessel if this can work for you.* [*https://www.victronenergy.com/chargers/phoenix-smart-ip43-charger*](https://www.victronenergy.com/chargers/phoenix-smart-ip43-charger?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
*Another option is using a Step down converter. The issue here is 110v units are never set up for dual frequency. Your aircons will go from spinning at 60hz to 50hz. Aircons will work, but won’t be as efficient. Inverter/charger won’t care about the frequency, but the issue is you’ll be passing through 50hz to items that are designed for 60hz.* [*https://www.victronenergy.com/upload/documents/Datasheet-Isolation-Transformers-EN.pdf*](https://www.victronenergy.com/upload/documents/Datasheet-Isolation-Transformers-EN.pdf?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
*Ideally you would have a 230v boat with dual frequency aircons. You set up a Large inverter charger that can charge your lithium’s and invert your aircons and hot water if you like. For the rest of the boat you can just have pure sine inverters for your 110 voltage units. The main issue with most boats we work on is the space and load requirement needed to fit all the inverters, batteries, etc…then there’s the whole budget thing!*
*Of course, you could just add more solar and lithium* 😊*“*
For all the money and hassle…we like the more solar and lithium battery option. [Thanks Raf!](https://justcatamarans.net/about-us-service/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### **⚡ ALL OUR OFF THE GRID MODS**
- [gonewiththewynns.com/living-off-grid-rv-sailboat](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/living-off-grid-rv-sailboat)
#### **🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO📷**
See All Of Our Photo & Video Gear here: [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear)
#### **🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:**
- Source – Artlist, Get 2 Months FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://artlist.io/artlist-70446/?artlist%5Faid=GWTW%5F788&utm%5Fsource=affiliate%5Fp&utm%5Fmedium=GWTW%5F788&utm%5Fcampaign=GWTW%5F788)
Artist – Milano, Denitia
### **🙏 THANK YOU!**
Ups, downs and all arounds, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our gear store, and toss a tip in our production jar. If you like what you see, consider joining us on [**Patreon**](https://www.patreon.com/the%5Fwynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) or there are lots of [**FREE ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### Composting Toilet: What is it and Why you need one
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/composting-toilet-3/
Last updated: 2023-11-16T13:57:20.000Z
Welcome to **Everything You Didn’t Know You Wanted To Know About Composting Toilets** guide.
If you’ve watched our videos on YouTube or elsewhere and are just looking for the **WYNNS Natures Head Discount**, here it is:
Larry, the owner of Nature’s Head, has offered up a special WYNNS discount (will be applied at checkout). This link ensures your price is **cheaper than ordering from** [**Amazon**](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003EX7LV6/ref=as%5Fli%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003EX7LV6&linkCode=as2&tag=gonwitthewyn-20&linkId=GZATE3N6DPOLR6UU&ref=gonewiththewynns.com)plus, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing you’re supporting a small business directly.
#### [**BUY FROM NATURE’S HEAD**](https://bit.ly/compost-head?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- [https://bit.ly/compost-head](https://bit.ly/compost-head?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### **WHY A COMPOSTING TOILET?**
Toilets get used every single day, multiple times a day. So, it’s kinda important to make sure that one, they work and two, it’s a pleasant experience.
We’ve been traveling full-time for 10 years (Van, RV & Sailboat) and we’ve had a lot of experience with different types of toilets (saltwater & freshwater).
Our biggest takeaway…BLACK TANKS STINK! Especially if you flush with saltwater. I don’t mean a slightly unpleasant smell, I mean clear a room kinda funk.
The only thing worse than a black tank is a clogged toilet with a full black tank. If you’ve ever had to rebuild a pump, macerator, or unclog a hose then you know exactly what kind of a smelly pain in the arse we’re talking about.
We’ve been using our **composting toilet** since June 2013, and we think anyone with a **boat, van, RV, or tiny house** should consider one. Here is why.
#### **7 REASONS WHY WE LOVE OUR COMPOSTING TOILET**
1. No water used, no plumbing needed
2. NO MORE BLACK TANK (no more smell, no pump-outs, saves weight & space)
3. Durable construction that has stood the test of time (3 RV’s and now 4 years on a sailboat)
4. Simple to use, no filters or liners needed
5. Easy to assemble/disassemble
6. Completely self-contained and portable
7. U.S Coast Guard Approved Type III marine head (meets all “No Discharge” regulations)
Watch this video series to see our Composting Toilet in action and get answers to the all-important questions. What is it, how does it work, does it smell, how often do you dump it, where do you dump it…
For those who prefer to read vs watch, this is for you…
#### **WHAT IS A COMPOSTING TOILET?**
A dry composting toilet uses **no water**, so there is **no plumbing** involved, **no chemicals** needed, **no flushing**, it’s completely **natural**. The toilet is like a mini-ecosystem that **separates the liquids** (the pee) and **the solids** (the poo) so the solids can convert into humus (not hummus, the dip made from chickpeas). Returning humus to the earth has an ecological benefit no different than adding animal manure purchased from a landscaping store.The toilet has a trap door that leads into the **lower tank** (aka compost area) and the liquids are directed to the **front tank**. This keeps the two from mixing so you don’t get the chemical reaction that creates the sewage smell (ya know that smell that seems to linger in the bathroom for 30 minutes after someone has left their *deposit*).
#### **HOW OFTEN & WHERE TO DISPOSE**
The **compost dumping schedule** depends on how many times you go #2 in a day, how much toilet paper you use after going, and how many people are in your home. For us, **we dump the solids every 3 weeks** or so (sooner is better than later, don’t overfill the compost bin or the handle gets hard to turn). You can empty the solids tank in a composting bin to be used for fertilizing ornamental plants (some campgrounds/marinas have compost piles if you ask), if a compost pile isn’t available you can bury the solids (just like back country camping) or simply put the solids into a composting bag and throw it into the trash (it will continue to compost in the bag and isn’t considered a biohazard). Boaters may empty their solids overboard if they are the proper distance offshore. Always check local laws and regulations.
The liquids can be diluted and sprinkled on the ground, poured down a sewer or for boaters emptied overboard. The typical dump schedule for us (2 people with full-time use) is **every 3-4 days for the liquid tank**.
#### **WHY NATURES HEAD?**
Still to this day, we haven’t another toilet we think is a better solution than Natures Head. There are several other options out there (especially for homes) but for the quality build, size of our bathroom and simplicity of use, we like Natures Head.
#### **WHY DO YOU NEED ONE?**
**It saves a lot of water, space and energy.** This is a HUGE deal when you have limited water. No more using your freshwater for flushing! The American Water Works Association Research Foundation finds that over 30 percent of household water used is just for flushing toilets.
We have all been taught the **flush-and-forget** system: We don’t see where it goes and we don’t have to deal with it (you know “out of sight, out of mind”). Wastewater treatment is extremely energy-intensive and unnecessary. The world as a whole shouldn’t continue using perfectly good drinking water to flush away our waste.
#### **SMELLS LESS THAN A REGULAR TOILET**
Yes, **you read it right**, it smells less than a regular toilet and the smell is way less offensive while ‘going’. When the solids and liquids are separate they don’t create that typical sewage smell that lingers on for hours. Inside the solids tank is peat moss or [coconut COIR](https://amzn.to/1PnRdo6?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) (we use coco COIR because it’s more sustainable and the bricks are small and lightweight too store), **it smells like dirt** and is reminiscent of walking into your favorite gardening store. There’s also a fan inside the tank that directs the air, along with the smells outside, while keeping the moisture down inside the solid tank.
#### **NO BLACK TANK!**
If you are anything like us, this should be reason enough to switch your toilet! Having to haul out that long hose, put on your rubber gloves, hold your breath, open the hatch and watch as the giant black snake gurgles and wiggles with sludge then slowly but surely comes to a halt; no thank you! Emptying a bucket of what looks and smells like dirt is way…*way* better! Plus, **you don’t have to worry about your black tank filling up** before you are ready to move along (pun intended).
More Storage, Less Weight
You can remove that black tank and free up space or even replace it with a second fresh tank. If you’re an RV’er, you can very quickly and easily[ combine your grey and black tank](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/combine-rv-black-grey-tank) for more used water storage.
#### **FANTASTIC PLANT FOOD**
We’ve been using animal poo (like cow patties) for a long time as manure for gardens because of the benefits…so why not use ours!?! There is an entire book dedicated to the subject called [The Humanure Handbook: A Guide to Composting Human Manure](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0964425831/ref=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0964425831&linkCode=as2&tag=gonwitthewyn-20&ref=gonewiththewynns.com). And let’s not forget the liquids! Ammonia in pee has tons of great nitrogen (the stuff in fertilizers) and can be used for landscapes, fuel, and fiber. Its liquid gold, or at least according to this book, [Liquid Gold: The Lore and Logic of Using Urine to Grow Plants](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0966678311/ref=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0966678311&linkCode=as2&tag=gonwitthewyn-20&ref=gonewiththewynns.com). Both of these books make for great bathroom reading material 🙂
#### **SIMPLE TO INSTALL**
Because there is no plumbing, only one vent hose to run outside, and one tiny fan, there isn’t much to install. Just make sure you watch Jason’s [How Not To Install a Composting Toilet](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/install-composting-toilet) before you get started.
### **READY TO TAKE THE PLUNGE?**
So, are you ready to give up your flush toilet yet? It’s a crazy subject and a big change in how you think about *going*. Hey, it took us over two years to initiallyy make the plunge so if you aren’t there yet, it’s ok.
Larry, the owner of Nature’s Head, has offered up a special WYNNS discount (will be applied at checkout). This link ensures your price is **cheaper than ordering from** [**Amazon**](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003EX7LV6/ref=as%5Fli%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003EX7LV6&linkCode=as2&tag=gonwitthewyn-20&linkId=GZATE3N6DPOLR6UU&ref=gonewiththewynns.com)plus, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing you’re supporting a small business directly.
#### [**BUY FROM NATURE’S HEAD**](https://bit.ly/compost-head?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)**:**
- [https://bit.ly/compost-head](https://bit.ly/compost-head?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
A big advantage of ordering direct, vs Amazon or elsewhere online, is to make sure you get the options you need for your specific installation. Do you need the spider handle? Do you need a solar fan? Do you need spare parts? The team at Natures Head can help guide you based on your space/needs.
#### **STILL WANT MORE? CHECK THESE OUT:**
- [FAQ AND DEBUNKING MYTHS](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/compost-toilet-big-questions)
- [TIPS, TRICKS AND SOLVING PROBLEMS](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/composting-toilet-tips-tricks-solving-problems)
- [HOW TO PREP AND DUMP](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/prepare-dump-composting-toilet)
[*Disclaimer:*](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/disclaimer) *While we do earn a few pennies if you purchase through our affiliate link for Natures Head, we are not paid or sponsored by Natures Head and all of our opinions are our own.*
### Is Now A Good Time To Buy A Boat?
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/good-time-to-buy-a-boat/
Last updated: 2023-11-14T18:17:27.000Z
The world has never been more uncertain. 2020 has been a washing machine of emotions and a mental earthquake that’s cracked our sense of safety, security, and freedom wide open.
It’s all caused a bit of a stir. Some people are experiencing an awakening and an invigorated motivation to make their dream life happen. Others were well underway towards their goal and are now questioning if they should proceed forward.
At this point, if you’re not already living your dream lifestyle, you’re probably asking yourself “why not?”. And if you aren’t, you should be.
Yes, travel and International travel are heavily restricted. But the one thing we know is true, and has been scientifically proven, is that the best physical and mental place to spend time is outside in nature. That could be a cabin in the woods, a tent, van, RV, or a sailboat.
But, you wouldn’t be here if you weren’t dreaming about buying a boat or at least embarking on some sort of adventure. We want to help encourage those dreams, which is why we decided to start this interview series.
Soooo many of you are ready to dive into boat life headfirst but you’re coming up against a lot of hurdles.
Now, we’re not experts! We are more a Jack and Jill of all trades, masters of none. But over the years, we have searched out and leaned on many experts for help. Now we’re reaching back out to those people to try and answer your burning questions.
This is the first of a new interview series we started for our [Patreon community](https://www.patreon.com/the%5Fwynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com). But this interview with our mentor, and old friend, [Kent](https://justcatamarans.net/about-us-history/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) felt like one we should share with all of you. We hope it helps you on your journey.
Wanna go back in time? Back to where the sailing adventures began? Check out our boat shopping playlist…you’ll see a lot more of Kent in there too.
### **OUR BOAT SHOPPING PLAYLIST**
### **🙏THANK YOU!**
We are proudly a viewer funded production. So, a huge shout out to [all of Patrons](https://www.patreon.com/the%5Fwynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) for keeping this channel afloat! If becoming a Patron isn’t possible for you, there are lots of [**FREE ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### Boat Life Is Driving Us Crazy!
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/boat-life-crazy/
Last updated: 2023-11-14T18:18:09.000Z
We’re going loopy and it’s not the diesel fumes. The days are all starting to blur together, but progress is being made!
Our goal this week is to get the boat livable again. We love our little bungalow away from it all, but we’re ready to *really* make it home. Which means cleaning, servicing, replacing, and more cleaning (did I mention cleaning?!?). Because after a year of sitting all alone in tropical conditions, we have leaky hatches, corroded electronics, and a boat full of mold.
#### Diesel Tank Saga
A huge thanks to everyone for chiming in with all the suggestions, tips, and expertise on our diesel tank conundrum. We are underway with the repairs and will hopefully have a success video coming soon.
#### ⚡ All Our Off The Grid Mods
- [gonewiththewynns.com/living-off-grid-rv-sailboat](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/living-off-grid-rv-sailboat)
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO📷
See All Of Our Photo & Video Gear here: [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear/)
#### 🎶MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
- Source – Artlist, Get 2 Months FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://artlist.io/artlist-70446/?artlist%5Faid=GWTW%5F788&utm%5Fsource=affiliate%5Fp&utm%5Fmedium=GWTW%5F788&utm%5Fcampaign=GWTW%5F788)
Artist – Michael Shynes, Hanjo Gabler
### 🙏THANK YOU!
Ups, downs and all arounds, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our gear store, and toss a tip in our production jar. If you like what you see, consider joining us on [**Patreon**](https://www.patreon.com/the%5Fwynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) or there are lots of [**FREE ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
### Boat Problems: Our Fuel Tanks Are Trashed
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/boat-problems-fuel-tanks/
Last updated: 2023-11-14T18:18:35.000Z
We decided to start this week off with a little break from boat work to explore a slice of our Tongan neighborhood. Because all work and no play make Jason and Nikki a dull couple. Along the journey, we meet a local boy who decides to not only be our guide but our film director too.
Then, it’s back to the boat restoration and getting our home livable again. The scrubbing continues as does the next big project: our diesel tanks. We knew our port side fuel tank was pitting and was in need of repair/replacement but we thought our starboard tank was ok. Turns out, removing our sailboat’s 15-year-old aluminum diesel fuel tanks turn into a challenge with a surprise.
### Jury Rigging Fuel Tanks
Wild to think a $5 JB Weld SteelStik could be our best temporary solution – [https://amzn.to/2FV7J1s](https://amzn.to/2FV7J1s?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
We’ve been going back and forth with what to do about these tanks and it’s been a very interesting thread topic with our [Patrons](https://www.patreon.com/the%5Fwynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) (thanks for all the tips!). Obviously, we need new tanks, but ordering custom tanks and shipping them here to Tonga doesn’t make financial sense. It would take 4-5 months to create them and ship them here, plus it’s a huge risk because of the unique dimensions and custom fittings. If anything is off, the whole thing would be a complete waste.
Our plan of attack this week (unless one of you has a wildly better idea) is to use the JB Weld and fiberglass only a portion of the tank to provide extra holding for the JB Weld. Then 🤞🏼 we can shove them back in the insanely slim hole from which we pried them out. Hopefully that will keep them from leaking for a short period till we can get to NZ or AUS and have them replaced.
### 🙏THANK YOU!
Ups, downs and all arounds, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our gear store, and toss a tip in our production jar. If you like what you see, consider joining us on [**Patreon**](https://www.patreon.com/the%5Fwynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) or there are lots of [**FREE ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO📷
See All Of Our Photo & Video Gear here: [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear/)
#### 🎶MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
All From Artlist
- Get 2 Months FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://artlist.io/artlist-70446/?artlist%5Faid=GWTW%5F788&utm%5Fsource=affiliate%5Fp&utm%5Fmedium=GWTW%5F788&utm%5Fcampaign=GWTW%5F788)
Artist – Lux Inspira, Rex Banner, J.A.K., VESHZA, Russo and Weinberg
### Can We Bring This Boat Back To Life?
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/boat-back-to-life/
Last updated: 2023-12-12T21:07:43.000Z
Let the boat work begin! And, the first item of business…transportation, aka the dinghy, aka Minion.
Our poor dinghy has become a mold factory sitting underneath our sailboat for the past year. And our engine has been attached the whole time. Not ideal to say the least. She is going to need a lot of work to bring her back to life. Luckily, our enthusiasm to (finally) be home and get our boat back in her natural element (floating on water) is providing us with a lot of motivation.
### RIB Restoration
The cleaning products were sent to us by Highfield (the manufacture of our dinghy, thanks guys!) and are not sold in the USA (at least not that I could find). They are Blue Marine cleaning products specially developed to clean and care for ORCA fabrics. They worked well considering the state of poor Minion. I have tried the 3M products along with some others we’ve picked up at West Marine and other chandleries along the way. I can’t say it was a drastic difference from other products, but the Mold and Mildew stain remover did work better than anything I’ve tried so far. I went through 2 bottles of the cleaner, 2 bottles of the mold remover and 1 bottle of the protectant to get her looking presentable. All that, plus a few magic erasers, and endless hours of scrubbing.
Photo by [Miquel Gelabert](https://unsplash.com/@miquelgd?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit)
### Fuel Water Separator Filter
Don’t you know they don’t sell the same exact filter in the USA either?! The one sold in the USA is [the metal version](https://amzn.to/31gby8K?ref=gonewiththewynns.com), which is fine but, it will no doubt rust and is single-use. Still, it’s better than the big Racor version we’ve seen where you throw away a big plastic filter and housing with each change. The one we purchased has a tiny replaceable filter and easy drain valve which totally won us over.
### New E-bikes
Technically they are a year old now (been sitting in our shipping crate) but still spankin’ new to us. We ordered them after much debate. They are NOT perfect and you must know I recommend them with many reservations.
But so far, we’re thrilled to have them. They are the smallest, lightest (34 lbs), most compact folding e-bikes we could find.
**The Bad –** The bike is not ideal for taller or heavier individuals. It struggles to maintain speed when climbing hills and depending on your weight, slows to almost a stop if it’s really steep. It has a responsive but not reliable on a steep downhill rear brake. The seat is uncomfortable for long rides. It has a limited range of 17 miles (because of no pedals).
**The Good –** The E-Bike doesn’t have pedals, a chain, or cassette (less to rust and maintain). The bike can fold down and fit in almost any of our large storage lockers (main deciding factor) and easy to load up in the dinghy. They are really affordable for an e-bike…but you get what you pay for.
If we had a bigger dry storage locker that could have fit our Blix E-Bikes…we would have loaded those up in our crates. We absolutely love those bikes and miss not having them. If you have the room, go for a Blix or similar quality. You will never need to rent another island car and they are a helluva good time!
Full Blix Review
Extra $100 off!!! Use Discount Code: WYNN100
#### Romantic Island Bungalow
A big thank you to our friends Kjell, Adriana, and their extremely sweet dinosaur-loving son Kristian for hosting us at [Mystic Sands](http://www.mysticsands.net/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com). It has been the most relaxing place to be while we de-mold and get our home livable again. We owe you guys A LOT of [Tepache](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/fermenting-tepache/).
More on Kjell and Adriana in this story
### 🙏THANK YOU!
Ups, downs and all arounds, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our gear store, and toss a tip in our production jar. If you like what you see, consider joining us on [**Patreon**](https://www.patreon.com/the%5Fwynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) or there are lots of [**FREE ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar/)
---
#### 🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO 📷
See All Of Our Photo & Video Gear here: [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear/)
#### 🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
All From Artlist - Get 2 Months FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://artlist.io/artlist-70446/?artlist%5Faid=GWTW%5F788&utm%5Fsource=affiliate%5Fp&utm%5Fmedium=GWTW%5F788&utm%5Fcampaign=GWTW%5F788)
**Artist** – ANBR, Ian Post, Ofer Koren
### Our Boat After 1 Year Away!
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/our-boat-1-year-away/
Last updated: 2023-11-14T18:20:33.000Z
Our experience as travelers has taught us to hope for the best and plan for the worst. Because inevitably, nothing ever goes as planned. Especially in boat life. Yet, we naively didn’t apply this knowledge to leaving our sailboat for cyclone season.
We planned to see family, load a crate full of supplies, and return in 3-4 months. And that was it. Facepalm! Green as grass we are!
One helluva year later, we have finally returned. It’s been a solid 8 months longer than we planned and Curiosity surely shows it.
Today we’re taking a grand tour of the boat’s current condition. We’re sharing what we did to prepare our sailboat for long term storage on the hard, what worked, what didn’t and what we never even considered.
### **Failing to Plan**
Pandemic and COVID-19 aside, there are a hundred different scenarios that could have led to a delayed return home to Curiosity.
We initially *planned* to be gone for 3 months. Then Jason’s uncle unexpectedly died just before Thanksgiving. RIP uncle David💗. So, we stayed in Dallas a couple of extra weeks. Then we decided to stick around for the Miami Boat Show because it was only another couple of weeks away. We needed to research refit items, so it made sense. And then we found a cheap flight to South Africa. Why not go spend a month with our sailing friends Kate and Rufus, the opportunity might not ever arise again?!? Presto, 5 months gone in a flash.
Now add in 6 months of being stranded in Fiji and almost a month of being quarantined in Tonga thanks to Coronavirus and now its been a year. 🤯
When we prepare for a passage we provision for 2-3 times the amount of time we anticipate we will be at sea. If it’s a 10-day sail, we’ll provision for a month! Because, hope for the best, plan for the worst.
We should have prepared the boat with the same mindset and we didn’t. We are so very fortunate it wasn’t a harder lesson learned…or perhaps I am speaking too soon. I’ll revisit that statement once we’re splashed. 😉
### Resources!
Curious about our batteries, solar, water purification, or anything else related to living Off The Grid? We have a whole page dedicated to the subject!
- Living Off The Grid – [gonewiththewynns.com/living-off-grid-rv-sailboat](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/living-off-grid-rv-sailboat)
#### Boat Storage Prep That Worked
Baking Soda is amazing stuff. Helps with odors, cleaning, bugs combats mold and mildew….its wonderful!
- [https://amzn.to/3iOWhBJ](https://amzn.to/3iOWhBJ?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
Diatomaceous Earth is all-natural, pet, and kid-safe bug control. We sprinkle the stuff in every nook, cranny, and at the back of every cabinet.
- [https://amzn.to/34HYoT3](https://amzn.to/34HYoT3?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
Sealed storage tubs and Vacuum Storage Bags coupled with silica packs and a sprinkle of baking soda worked for everything from food to electronics.
- Storage tubs – [https://amzn.to/2GMnqbt](https://amzn.to/2GMnqbt?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Vacuum Storage Bags – [https://amzn.to/2SGQio0](https://amzn.to/2SGQio0?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Reusable Silica Packs – [https://amzn.to/34NGL4g](https://amzn.to/34NGL4g?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### Painted Cushions?
Yes, I used chalk paint 4 years ago on our old cockpit cushions to extend the life of the existing fabric and modernize the style. It has held up better than our 3-year-old sunbrella canvas on the helm seat! I will no doubt end up painting more fabric in the future.
- Full details on how I painted fabric and the sealer I used here: [gonewiththewynns.com/diy-cockpit-sailboat-makeover](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/diy-cockpit-sailboat-makeover/)
### 🙏THANK YOU!
Ups, downs and all arounds, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our gear store, and toss a tip in our production jar. If you like what you see, consider joining us on [**Patreon**](https://www.patreon.com/the%5Fwynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) or there are lots of [**FREE ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO📷
See All Of Our Photo & Video Gear here: [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear/)
#### 🎶MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
All From Artlist
- Get 2 Months FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://artlist.io/artlist-70446/?artlist%5Faid=GWTW%5F788&utm%5Fsource=affiliate%5Fp&utm%5Fmedium=GWTW%5F788&utm%5Fcampaign=GWTW%5F788)
Artist – Duce Williams
### The Long Journey Home (back to boat life)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/the-long-journey-home/
Last updated: 2023-11-14T18:21:38.000Z
We’ve made it to Tonga! But, our journey back home to Curiosity is going to be a long one. The borders are still closed and we must quarantine for 21 days before we’re set free. Crazy!
Regardless of our negative Covid-19 tests, all passengers from the repatriation flight are being treated and held in quarantine as if we have the virus. It feels extreme but we also understand. Viruses on these small, underdeveloped, and very remote islands are devastating. So, the Tongan Government is taking every precaution…and then some.
We’ve landed on the main island of Nuku’alofa where we’ll stay for our 21 days of government monitored quarantine. Then we catch a cargo ship to Vava’u Tonga to see Curiosity for the first time in a year! I still have to pinch myself every time I say it because it seems too good to be true: We’re Finally Home!
#### 🙏THANK YOU!
Ups, downs and all arounds, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our gear store, and toss a tip in our production jar. If you like what you see, consider joining us on [**Patreon**](https://www.patreon.com/the%5Fwynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) or there are lots of [**FREE ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO📷
See All Of Our Photo & Video Gear here: [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear/)
#### 🎶MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
All From Artlist
- Get 2 Months FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://artlist.io/artlist-70446/?artlist%5Faid=GWTW%5F788&utm%5Fsource=affiliate%5Fp&utm%5Fmedium=GWTW%5F788&utm%5Fcampaign=GWTW%5F788)
Artists – Greg McKay, Michael Shynes, Katrina Stone, Dan Zeitune, Stanley Gurvich
### I Can’t Believe We’re Going Home!
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/were-going-home/
Last updated: 2023-11-14T18:22:09.000Z
Fiji was supposed to be a stopover…now here we are six months later finally catching the last leg of our journey. And even that didn’t go the way we thought it would. But honestly, nothing this year has gone the way any of us ever thought it would.
Our home is in Tonga and the borders are still closed, as so much of the world is. We registered with the US and Tongan Embassy and eventually for a “special circumstances” repatriation but hadn’t heard anything in months. We would send bi-weekly emails to every contact we could find but would get the same *be patient, borders are still closed* auto-generated response.
So, we’ve been waiting because as frustrating as it is, we understand. Viruses less lethal than covid-19 have been known to decimate these fragile island populations. The world’s leading superpower countries couldn’t get it together fast enough and are still struggling through.
So really, we were beyond shocked to get a call from the government of Tonga saying our request was being considered! We thought for sure we weren’t going anywhere until 2021\. In fact, our 6-month tourist visa was about to expire and we planned to apply for residency in Fiji….no joke!
It’s been a year filled with so many things and its not over yet. But this feels like the end of a chapter for us. A bittersweet goodbye.
Fiji embraced us, became our home, and infected us with their bula spirit (a wish for happiness, good health and the energy of life.) It has been a gift and one we will carry on with us until we return again.
For now, we say a fond moce (goodbye) to Fiji and a huge Mālō e lelei (hello) to The Kingdom of Tonga!
#### The Best Waterproof Bag Ever
You’ve seen me sporting this waterproof bag for the past 4 years and we are so proud to have UGO as a sponsor! Melanie and Vicky created UGO five years ago and we found them when they were just starting out. We were impressed with the ingenuity of the bag and even more impressed to see two women start an ambitious business at an age most people retire. They were so excited and proud of the waterproof bag they created to protect cell phones. Now, they have multiple sizes, designs and thousands of people who love what they have created too.
You can snag one and save 20% with the discount code: \*WYNNS\*
- UGO: [ugowear.com/](https://ugowear.com/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🙏THANK YOU!
Ups, downs and all arounds, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our gear store, and toss a tip in our production jar. If you like what you see, consider joining us on [**Patreon**](https://www.patreon.com/the%5Fwynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) or there are lots of [**FREE ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO📷
See All Of Our Photo & Video Gear here: [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear/)
#### 🎶MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
All From Artlist
- Get 2 Months FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://artlist.io/artlist-70446/?artlist%5Faid=GWTW%5F788&utm%5Fsource=affiliate%5Fp&utm%5Fmedium=GWTW%5F788&utm%5Fcampaign=GWTW%5F788)
Artists – Will Van de Crommert, Dan Zeitune, The Places, The Days
### Trying Not To Get My Hopes Up & A Boat Full of Distractions
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/boat-full-of-distractions/
Last updated: 2023-11-14T19:37:40.000Z
Hope is a funny thing, especially when you are afraid to let it in. I typically choose to be an optimistic person, which under normal circumstances is easy enough to do. I let go of my expectations and waltz into the journey with my eyes wide open and my rose-colored glasses firmly in place.
But my desire to be home, and for the world to be pandemic free, has me setting expectations I know I shouldn’t expect.
And that is exactly what has happened this week. We get a phone call that leaves us with uneasy feelings of hope. Luckily, we have a boat full of distractions…or should I say a family full of distractions!
We’ve had a lot of incredible days with the crew of Zatara and I feel like this video sums up what life on board with the Whitaker family is really like. What life on board with a lot of families probably looks like. It’s my favorite so far and I hope you find some joy in it too.
Join us on the stunning Suncoast of **Fiji** for some boat life fun.
#### 🙏THANK YOU!
Ups, downs and all arounds, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our gear store, and toss a tip in our production jar. If you like what you see, consider joining us on [**Patreon**](https://www.patreon.com/the%5Fwynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) or there are lots of [**FREE ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO📷
See All Of Our Photo & Video Gear here: [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear/)
#### 🎶MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
All From Artlist
- Get 2 Months FREE: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://artlist.io/artlist-70446/?artlist%5Faid=GWTW%5F788&utm%5Fsource=affiliate%5Fp&utm%5Fmedium=GWTW%5F788&utm%5Fcampaign=GWTW%5F788)
Artists – C3NC, Tom Goldstein, Oliver Michael
### Caves Of Babylon an Underwater Kingdom
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/caves-of-babylon/
Last updated: 2025-04-29T15:38:18.000Z
What is this, a video midweek? Yes indeed! The world is crazy and if you’re in the USA there is more than one [natural disaster causing additional chaos](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/scammed-donation-natural-disasters/) to say the least. So, for those of you that could use a little escape or just a few minutes of underwater zen, this is for you. 🥰
Plus, we didn’t want to cram this Fiji adventure in with our last ([Hungry Manta Rays & Rob The Marine Biologist](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/unexpected-encounters-sea/)). They were both unique and special…and we think they deserve appropriate space. 😎
#### Underwater Kingdom
Exploring life underwater is an ongoing theme on a boat, or at least it should be. How could anyone be so close and not at least take a peek at what’s going on down there?!?
Someone once said, *Only ever seeing the ocean from the surface is like going to the circus and staring at the outside of the tent*. That sums it up pretty well.
I think we’re all drawn to the ocean but some of us more than others. My fascination with the ocean lies in its mysteries. There is a big world under there and it piques my curiosity like nothing else. Ok, the ocean and space are probably equal on my curiosity scale. But, the ocean is something I can explore with nothing more than a pair of goggles. Space not so much (plus Jason would probably get zero-gravity sick…if that’s a thing).
Luckily for us, the crew of Zatara likes to dive just as much as we do. So, without further ado, enjoy this journey 60 feet down and into the Caves of Babylon.
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO📷
See All Of Our Photo & Video Gear here: [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear/)
### Unexpected Encounters Under The Sea
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/unexpected-encounters-sea/
Last updated: 2023-11-14T19:48:41.000Z
Here we are in Fiji, just cruisin’ around the Yasawa Islands. We’re living with our friends, a family of five known as Sailing Zatara.
It’s a quiet, cloudy, pancake kind of morning but we don’t have time for snoring. We’ve got a dinner date with a flock of manta rays who will leave without any warning!
We slip into the jelly-filled water and find a mysterious masked man who’s not a yachter. He’s a dirty blonde and looks a lot like Riley from La Vagabonde.
His name is Rob and he is a fancy marine biologist who is far from a snob. He said it would be of no burden for us to come over for a tour of his coral garden.
But, if you want to know more you’ll have to click play because we must go ashore and I can’t keep up this rapport. I’ve never been much of a poet and I’ve always known it.
### Shout Outs 📣
A big shout out to our new friend Rob…who is one of those rare specimens without any sort of social media account 🤷🏼♂️. But, if you want to keep up with his work and his friends, check out: [Manta Project Fiji](https://www.instagram.com/mantaprojectfiji/?hl=en&ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
Want to help Manta Rays and the overall health of our oceans? Tips and free helpful apps at: [Manta Trust](https://www.mantatrust.org/eat-sustainably?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
If you’re going to swim with Mantas (yea 🥳), make sure to check this out first: [https://swimwithmantas.org/](https://swimwithmantas.org/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🙏THANK YOU!
Ups, downs and all arounds, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our gear store, and toss a tip in our production jar. If you like what you see, consider joining us on [**Patreon**](https://www.patreon.com/the%5Fwynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) or there are lots of [**FREE ways you can show your support.**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO📷
See All Of Our Photo & Video Gear here: [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear/)
#### 🎶MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
All From Artlist
- get 2 Months FREE with this link: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://artlist.io/artlist-70446/?artlist%5Faid=GWTW%5F788&utm%5Fsource=affiliate%5Fp&utm%5Fmedium=GWTW%5F788&utm%5Fcampaign=GWTW%5F788)
Artists – Boheme, The Lavish, Rex Banner
### Don’t Get Scammed, Make Your Donation Count (Hurricanes, Fires & Other Natural Disasters)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/scammed-donation-natural-disasters/
Last updated: 2023-11-14T19:49:18.000Z
If you’ve been paying attention to the news lately or scrolling your social feeds, the world seems pretty bleak. Fires, drought, floods, and hurricanes are all reaching record destruction levels all over the world. Combined with Covid-19 pandemic, it’s as if the apocalypse is here and the world is ending. It’s gut-wrenching and overwhelming to say the least.
Sadly, the number of natural disasters happening every year are only increasing.
[**CRED Natural Disasters 2019 Worldwide Overview:**](https://cred.be/publications?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- 396 Reported Disasters
- 11,755 Deaths
- 94.9 Million Affected
- $103 Billion in Damage
These tragic disasters leave millions of people and animals without access to clean water, adequate food supplies, medical aid and more.
Our instincts are to jump in and help. Especially when it’s destinations we’ve explored and people we love. But, between the hundreds of organizations claiming to help and the opportunistic scammers, it also seems like no good deed goes unpunished.
### **Beware of Fake Disaster Relief**
When a big disaster hits, there are scummy thieves waiting to take advantage of your good deeds. Don’t let them!
> A Secret Service investigation led to two Miami residents being charged with wire fraud after allegedly fraudulently obtaining Hurricane Harvey disaster relief funds that should have gone to those still recovering from the disaster. Read more: [https://t.co/qjU2tAzp8c](https://t.co/qjU2tAzp8c?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) [pic.twitter.com/aariVz1ntu](https://t.co/aariVz1ntu?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
>
> — U.S. Secret Service (@SecretService) [May 16, 2019](https://twitter.com/SecretService/status/1129077103205474307?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
There are opportunistic posers who set up fake disaster relief organizations. From pages on social media (Instagram, facebook, twitter…), to making cold calls or even dropping a flyer on your front porch. These scammers can seem genuine and 100% legit, but don’t let them take advantage of you!
Do your research before ever donating a penny. Ask questions!
- Does the charity have a website?
- Is there enough clear information about the programs and how they use donations?
- Do they have an on-the-ground presence in the impacted areas? If not, chances are they may not be as quick and effective as an organization that does.
- Is the relief immediate, long-term or both? There should be specifics.
- Is this direct aid? Or are they raising money for other organizations? Consider going direct to the organizations they are supporting.
- Exactly how much of your financial donation goes to the programs you wish to support?
### How To Help
Trying to figure out how or where to put our efforts…well it isn’t easy. With each new disaster, we found ourselves endlessly researching to **make sure our donation counts.**
I can’t say we have it all figured out, but we have found some great resources that make the decision-making processes much easier. We’ve also learned a lot about **what NOT to do when it comes to disaster relief**.
**There are 4 ways to help when a disaster strikes.**
1. Protect Nature to Combat Climate Change
2. donate money
3. volunteer
4. donate goods
It sounds simple and it can be if we’re armed with a little knowledge.
### **No Such Thing As A Quick Fix**
When nature roars up and devastation is all we see, we want to help make it go away as fast as possible. But the reality is there are no quick fixes. Sure, there is immediate emergency efforts needed but the real work is long-term and begins right about the time media has moved onto the next big disaster.
Long term recovery and rebuilding takes years. It typically requires help from a wide variety of volunteers and organizations. No single charitable organization can address all of a population’s needs after a huge devastation like a hurricane, tsunami, earthquake or fire.
This is part of why we see so many different organizations offering disaster relief. They all serve different areas of need, and each organization needs support to fulfill their mission.
### **Protect Nature**
Climate change (the world getting warmer) is a part of nature…but we humans are accelerating it at a deadly pace. 800 million people globally are already suffering the impacts of climate change. If we don’t get drastically serious about protecting nature now, these natural disaters will keep getting worse.
> From our Teaching Climate page, this video from Climate Central looks at the way climate conditions can affect vegetation in the West, and what influence this has on wildfires. [https://t.co/q2jbsSBLyZ](https://t.co/q2jbsSBLyZ?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) [pic.twitter.com/i8C2sqrSbM](https://t.co/i8C2sqrSbM?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
>
> — NOAA Climate.gov (@NOAAClimate) [September 7, 2020](https://twitter.com/NOAAClimate/status/1303030502643949569?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
Here are 3 different reputable sources that have curated lists of highly researched and rated organizations committed to environmental protection efforts and effective action. Each organization website is a weatlh of information on how you can help.
- [Impact Matters 3 Top Climage Change Non Profits](https://www.impactmatters.org/top-lists/climate-change/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- [Giving Green](https://www.idinsight.org/givinggreen?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- [Charity Navigator: Experts Pick, Protecting The Environment](https://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=content.view&cpid=6891&ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### **Nothing Beats Cold Hard Cash**
Sending money to a reputable organization is the best way to help. Sending money allows the organizations to distribute the funds how, and where, they are needed. They can send experienced professionals out in the field, with the exact supplies needed, in a timely manner.
It’s incredible what a massive difference just a couple of dollars can do. For Example: If everyone who follows us on Instagram gave $2 to an organization supporting disaster relief, that would be $120,000+ donated! That amount would help thousands. So, don’t discount the impact you can have!
### Finding The Most Effective Charities
There are too many options out there. Too many organizations that put more money in their pockets than they do towards the cause. If we’re going to give up our hard earned cash, we want to make sure it is impactful!
The easiest way to find an effective charity is through a third-party source. There are several fantastic organizations that do exhaustive the research for you.
These websites provide reports and help you research and find reputable charities:
- [Give Well](https://www.givewell.org/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- [Impact Matters](https://www.impactmatters.org/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- [Charity Navigator](https://www.charitynavigator.org/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- [Give.org](https://www.give.org/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- [CharityWatch](https://www.charitywatch.org/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- [GuideStar](https://www.guidestar.org/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- [The Life You Can Save](https://www.thelifeyoucansave.org/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- [Animal Charity Evaluators](https://animalcharityevaluators.org/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### **Social Media & Crowdfunding**
Crowdfunding sites are set up by individual people which make them very difficult to vet. Anyone could set up a Go Fund Me or a Kickstarter claiming to offer aid to people in need. I could, you could. Who’s to verify we’re being honest? It’s all painfully easy…so be wary of donating to these programs. Our rule is: We only give to people we personally know.
### **Telegiving?**
I do not donate over the phone, ever. Any legitimate charity will be thrilled to get your donation through their website…after you have verified it is indeed legitimate. It’s all too easy to pretend to be a well-known organization or to make up a name that sounds awfully familiar.
### **Volunteer**
Boots on the ground! If you are near the affected area, or are willing to travel, volunteering is a rewarding way to help. But do not show up unsolicited! You may end up being more of a burden than a help.
Check out the NVOAD website ([National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster](https://www.nvoad.org/voad-members/national-members/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)). NVOAD specializes in coordinating relief efforts from lots of different organizations.
Disaster areas can be overwhelmed with the amount of generous people who want to help. Working with an organization like NVOAD helps keep things efficient and effective. They also make sure you are properly prepared and trained to handle the situation before being deployed in the affected areas.
### **Donate Goods**
This one is super tricky for many reasons. I hesitate to donate goods unless we are fulfilling a very specific request, meeting the most urgent needs.
Do NOT donate goods at random. Turns out our unsolicited donations are a huge hindrance.
The supplies needed vary depending on the type of disaster and the location affected. Donations can quickly overwhelm an organization. Even basic necessities, like food and water can be a logistical nightmare to store and can be expensive to distribute…if they can even make it to the area in need. Which is why so many organizations will request that you not donate items to them, or they are very specific about how they would like for you to donate goods.
### **The Big Takeaway**
The biggest surprise from all of my research…**sometimes our eagerness to help does more harm than good**. We’re so quick to help, we give without thinking.
From volunteers (even medical teams) who show up uninvited, to donors who ship boxes of unusable household goods, misguided compassion can actually burden scarce resources, cost time, money, energy and and lives.
From individuals to inexperienced organizations, we all have to make sure we’re either helping or staying out of the way. Which is why **it is important to coordinate and work with a reputable and professional organization.**
We want our donation to count. Which is why I’m sharing what I have learned. The more we all spread the word, the more efficient and helpful we can all be.
If you have questions, post them in the comment box and we will try our best to answer them…and others will chime in with their knowledge too! It takes a village.
If you have a fab resource for vetting charities and relief organizations or another source for where to sign up as a volunteer, please share! Some of our best finds, tips and tricks have come from the comments left here on our virtual base camp. So Thank You!
### Big Boat, Big Family, Big Adventures! (Sailing Fiji)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/boat-family-adventures-sailing-fiji/
Last updated: 2023-11-14T19:50:06.000Z
What’s it like living on a big 58-foot catamaran with a family of 7 (including us) sailing around Fiji?
It’s like herding cats!
At least that’s what Keith says every time we’re all scrambling about and he’s waiting in the dinghy. Which happens a lot. Because most everything done on this boat, is done as a family. Not by force, but by choice.
It’s a beautiful thing to see. And believe it or not, it’s a common experience when it comes to nomadic families. No one wants to be left out or left behind and age differences don’t matter nearly as much as common interests do.
We’re picking up right where we left you last, in the Yasawa Islands of Fiji. We’ve already [introduced you to the Whitaker family and their big beautiful sailboat Zatara](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/family-of-5-sailboat/). So now, its time to dive into the adventures. Giant manta rays, sunken ships, and salty friendships!
- **Our First Encounter With Sailing Zatara:** [ gonewiththewynns.com/dinghy-race-tonga](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/dinghy-race-tonga/)
- **More on Sailing Zatara:** [youtube.com/c/SailingZatara](https://www.youtube.com/c/SailingZatara?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🙏THANK YOU!
Ups, downs and all arounds, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our gear store, and toss a tip in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support.](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO📷
See All Of Our Photo & Video Gear here: [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear/)
#### 🎶MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
All From Artlist
- get 2 Months FREE with this link: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://artlist.io/artlist-70446/?artlist%5Faid=GWTW%5F788&utm%5Fsource=affiliate%5Fp&utm%5Fmedium=GWTW%5F788&utm%5Fcampaign=GWTW%5F788)
Artists – Orkas, Rex Banner, Benj Heard
### Living With A Family Of 5 On A Sailboat
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/family-of-5-sailboat/
Last updated: 2023-11-14T19:50:36.000Z
We’re still stuck in Fiji waiting on borders to open so we can get back to our floating home. Until then, we’re boat hopping and seeing what life is like with a family of 5.
We’ve been staying with our friend [Mark from s/v Millennium](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/first-impressions-big-boat/) who doesn’t have an email address much less an Instagram account or YouTube channel. He’s a behind the scenes kinda guy who just likes to sail, surf and …well, that’s it. Just sail and surf.
So, this adventure will be quite different. This is a 3 teenager, homeschooling, dive, kite, [YouTube crazy](https://www.youtube.com/c/SailingZatara?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) family adventure boat.
We first met [Sailing Zatara in Tonga](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/dinghy-race-tonga/) and it was like running into family at the grocery store. Familiar, friendly…very American and *very* Texas.
Now, here we are in Fiji. Living together. I would have never, in a million years, expected this is where we would be!
#### 🙏THANK YOU!
Ups, downs and all arounds, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our gear store, and toss a tip in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support.](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO📷
See All Of Our Photo & Video Gear here: [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear/)
#### 🎶MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
From Artlist & You can get 2 Months FREE with this link: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://artlist.io/artlist-70446/?artlist%5Faid=GWTW%5F788&utm%5Fsource=affiliate%5Fp&utm%5Fmedium=GWTW%5F788&utm%5Fcampaign=GWTW%5F788)
Artists – Ian Post, Lux Inspira, & Tony Petersen
### The Power Of Community!
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/power-of-community/
Last updated: 2024-04-15T10:07:47.000Z
We asked you to help us make a ruckus, so a [dying man could get home to his wife](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailing-with-6-months-to-live/). This is the story of how you came through and together we managed to get the attention of one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world. Way to go, crew, way to go!
Never Underestimate the power of:
- community
- vulnerability
- asking
Thank you so much for your encouragement, support and help! It takes a village and we couldn’t have made an impact without you. We’re beaming with gratitude!
Progress has been made but, we’re not done yet…not until [Mark](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailing-with-6-months-to-live/) has a supply of medication in hand and a guarantee of more on the way. We’ll continue to follow up with Mark and keep you in the loop.
### UPDATE: Best News Ever!!!
September 2020 Update from Mark.
#### No More Lemons Please
2020 has been one helluva year. Sort of like a horse pill stuck in the back of my throat. Not terrible enough to need the Heimlich maneuver, just enough to make me want to drink until it goes away.
I am so very thankful for all the good that has come our way and the opportunities we’ve been given. But the good stuff doesn’t make the hard stuff any less difficult. Seems everyone I know is feeling this way.
I have hope we’ll see the other side of this pandemic and all the chaos it has brought with it. One day it will be but a distant memory. Until then, we take it one day at a time, lean on each other, and make lemonade where we can.
But seriously world, no more lemons.
### Sailing The World With Only 6 Months To Live
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailing-with-6-months-to-live/
Last updated: 2025-09-18T22:35:14.000Z
\*\*\*\*UPDATE\*\*\*\*
WOW, EVERYONE! Together we made one helluva RUCKUS. This video launched on Sunday in the USA and by Wednesday AstraZeneca had been flooded with emails and social posts. Here are the update videos that go into more depth: [https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/power-of-community](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/power-of-community/)Thank you all for the kind words and sharing Mark’s story…it’s incredible what we can all do together!
———————————————————————
What would you do if you only had 6 months to live? We’ve tossed that question around as a hypothetical but never while examining our own mortality.
But this pandemic has placed us smack dab in the middle of one man’s incredible journey. No hypotheticals, just pure inspiration of a refusal to give up on dreams, even in the face of life’s harshest reality.
This is the story of our friend Mark Paarman.
Our friend Mark was given just that, 6 months, at best, of life left to live.
We’ve seen a lot of inspirational, yet bittersweet movies about friendship, family, and having someone you love facing off with a terminal illness. But we have watched as outsiders…never knowing we would one day have such an intimate relationship with the plot.
#### Isn’t It Ironic?
Terminal Lung Cancer During A Respiratory Attacking Pandemic. Isn’t it ironic?
Mark is stuck in Fiji, his wife is stuck in South Africa. Borders are closed, options painfully limited and even if a repatriation flight were an option…it would be like walking into a minefield. We’ve spent many sunsets discussing sailing routes and what it would take to get the boat back to South Africa. But it’s a long route with the current state of the world and nowhere to seek refuge along the way…especially with a skeleton crew.
Selling the boat would be a dream, but doing that at a time when borders are closed is also a challenge. There are several people interested, but how do they get here and where do they sail after they buy it?
I don’t know where the story will go from here. I don’t know how this chapter of our lives will affect us. What I do know is, the year 2020 has only further solidified my philosophy on fear, safety, and security.
Helen Keller already said it best, so I will quote her for probably the 100th time on this blog.
*“Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it…Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. The fearful are caught as often as the bold. Faith alone defends. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.”*
We use our false sense of safety as an excuse to avoid things we’re afraid of or that feel too difficult. But we humans are far more capable than we know. Facing fear is an ongoing battle and one worth fighting. Because life has an expiration date.
So circumstances or pandemic be damned. We must paddle out towards our dreams and charge at life like Mark Paarman charges at a wave…like it might be our last monster of a ride!
### Please Help Mark!
I can’t imagine being in Mark’s situation. Knowing that the medicine giving him the quality of life is simply out of financial reach. Looking at those last pills together…it felt almost inhumane. $5,300USD ($92,000 ZAR) is what Mark pays for a 30day supply of Tagrisso Osimertinib because it isn’t covered by insurance. That is more than most cruisers’ entire monthly budget and I don’t personally know anyone that could keep that up.
This is where Jason and I feel like we have an opportunity to make a difference. Our community here is so strong and passionate, and together anything is possible. Please help us get Mark more of the medicine that is providing him the quality of life.
If you are willing, please share this video or post with AstraZeneca (the company that makes the medicine) and ask them to please sponsor Mark. He would really like to spend his last days with his wife and family.
The squeaky wheel gets the grease…so let’s make a ruckus!
Here’s the contact info we could find on AstraZeneca:
- [instagram.com/AstraZeneca](https://www.instagram.com/AstraZeneca/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- [twitter.com/astrazeneca](https://twitter.com/astrazeneca?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- [facebook.com/astrazenecacareers](https://www.facebook.com/astrazenecacareers)
- **global**–**mediateam@astrazeneca**.com
#### More about Mark Paarman
- How Mark and His brothers started Nexus Catamarans (now Balance): [https://balancecatamarans.com/project/paarman-surfers-journal/](https://balancecatamarans.com/project/paarman-surfers-journal/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- [Broken bones, broken boards and big barrels](https://jeffreysbaynews.wordpress.com/2011/09/15/broken-bones-broken-boards-and-big-barrels/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com): [https://jeffreysbaynews.wordpress.com/tag/marky-paarman/](https://jeffreysbaynews.wordpress.com/tag/marky-paarman/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Marks brother Donald wrote an autobiography about his life: [https://amzn.to/2Y0VTbO](https://amzn.to/2Y0VTbO?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🙏THANK YOU!
Ups, downs and all arounds, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our gear store, and toss a tip in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support.](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO📷
See All Of Our Photo & Video Gear here: [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear/)
#### 🎶MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
From Artlist & You can get 2 Months FREE with this link: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://artlist.io/artlist-70446/?artlist%5Faid=GWTW%5F788&utm%5Fsource=affiliate%5Fp&utm%5Fmedium=GWTW%5F788&utm%5Fcampaign=GWTW%5F788)
Artists – Giants and Pilgrims
### Daily Life Aboard An Expedition Boat
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/daily-life-expedition-boat/
Last updated: 2023-11-14T19:55:06.000Z
We’ve all settled into our routines here on superyacht Millennium, which means its time to shake things up. The winds have shifted and it is time to move. Join us for a week of life onboard sailing, surfing, and a big SNAP!
Next up, we finally dish on Mark Paarman’s story. How he ended up on Millennium, why he is selling the boat and what keeps him charging at life. It’s the biggest, most intimidating story we’ve ever attempted to tell. Send us lots of good editing juju, we’re going to need it.
#### **⛵MILLENNIUM IS FOR SALE!**
If this hunk of steel is your dream expedition boat, check out the full listing here:
[multihullcompany.com/boat-details/?catid=7356331](https://multihullcompany.com/boat-details/?catid=7356331&ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🙏THANK YOU!
Ups, downs and all arounds, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our gear store, and toss a tip in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support.](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO📷
See All Of Our Photo & Video Gear here: [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear/)
#### 🎶MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
From Artlist & You can get 2 Months FREE with this link: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://artlist.io/artlist-70446/?artlist%5Faid=GWTW%5F788&utm%5Fsource=affiliate%5Fp&utm%5Fmedium=GWTW%5F788&utm%5Fcampaign=GWTW%5F788)
Artists – Giants and Pilgrims, & Katrina Stone
### Big Boat Life & Diving Into The Surf
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/pro-surf-photographer/
Last updated: 2024-04-15T10:08:26.000Z
We’re living on a big sailboat in Fiji with a captain who’s obsessed with surfing…and he’s a bit of a legend. We, on the other hand, are not surfers. Aside from a couple of attempts on a longboard while on vacation, neither of us grew up near an ocean. Our experience with real waves has only been over the last four years, and its always been from the deck of a sailboat.
Mark Paarman however was born and raised on the coast of South Africa. He and his five brothers are very well known surfing legends. His oldest brother [Donald was a surf prodigy](https://www.timeslive.co.za/sunday-times/opinion-and-analysis/2017-10-07-donald-paarman-a-prodigy-who-lived-for-surfing/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) and became pro at the age of 14 and by 1970 was named international surfer of the year. So, when I say Mark is obsessed with surfing, I mean he eats, sleeps and breathes for a perfect barrel.
Surfing the best waves in the world has been a lifelong dream for Mark. So, while the pandemic may have him separated from his beloved wife and family…he couldn’t be happier about being “stuck” at Cloudbreak. Not only is it the most famous break in Fiji, but its also one of the seven surf wonders of the world.
As for us, this presents a unique opportunity. Jason has always had huge respect for big waves and surf photographers. (And any form of nature photography that involves risk.) He’s a bit of a daredevil and as luck would have it, we’re not only surrounded by some insanely good surfers, but two of our crewmates are pro underwater and surf photographers!
This week was all about learning to be in and below the waves. Next week is learning how to ride them!
Stay tuned!
**🏄♂️Lia & Stu Instagram:** [**@liaandstu**](https://www.instagram.com/liaandstu/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
Malia and Stuart have quickly become some of our best friends here in Fiji (right up there with the Neal family!). If we didn’t know better, I would swear we were related. 😉 Both Stu and Malia are chock-full of good energy, positivity, and encouragement. It’s easy to see why they have quickly become Fiji’s favorite photographers.
Should you find yourself in Fiji one day, booking a photo session with these guys would be at the top of my recommendation list. It is a huge adventure with two beautiful souls!
#### **⛵MILLENNIUM IS FOR SALE!**
If this hunk of steel is your dream expedition boat, check out the full listing here:
[multihullcompany.com/boat-details/?catid=7356331](https://multihullcompany.com/boat-details/?catid=7356331&ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🙏THANK YOU!
Ups, downs and all arounds, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our gear store, and toss a tip in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support.](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO📷
See All Of Our Photo & Video Gear here: [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear/)
#### 🎶MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
From Artlist & You can get 2 Months FREE with this link: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://artlist.io/artlist-70446/?artlist%5Faid=GWTW%5F788&utm%5Fsource=affiliate%5Fp&utm%5Fmedium=GWTW%5F788&utm%5Fcampaign=GWTW%5F788)
Artists – Luna Keller, Low Light & Ian Post
### First Impressions of Big Boat Life
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/first-impressions-big-boat/
Last updated: 2023-11-14T19:57:47.000Z
Take us wherever your heart desires. That’s what Captain Mark said right before he put me at the helm. Never, did I ever think I would be behind the wheel of 67-ton yacht, but here I am!
We’re island hopping today and get to see what it takes to get this ship moving…and it’s a completely different world. The sheer size is one thing but, add in the weight and deep draft of S/Y Millennium and it requires a new mode of thinking in comparison to our catamaran Curiosity. It’s a fun challenge, and fascinating to experience something so familiar yet so foreign.
It’s a spectacular day with blue skies and even deeper blue waters. Why not join us for a cruise?
#### **Millennium is for sale!**
If this hunk of steel is your dream expedition boat, check out the full listing here:
[multihullcompany.com/boat-details/?catid=7356331](https://multihullcompany.com/boat-details/?catid=7356331&ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🙏THANK YOU!
Ups, downs and all arounds, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our gear store, and toss a tip in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support.](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO📷
See All Of Our Photo & Video Gear here: [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear/)
#### 🎶MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
From Artlist & You can get 2 Months FREE with this link: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW](https://artlist.io/artlist-70446/?artlist%5Faid=GWTW%5F788&utm%5Fsource=affiliate%5Fp&utm%5Fmedium=GWTW%5F788&utm%5Fcampaign=GWTW%5F788)
Artist – Ian Post, Boheme
### Boat Tour | Custom Built Off-Grid Expedition Yacht
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/boat-tour-expedition-yacht/
Last updated: 2025-12-23T12:08:03.000Z
We’ve moved aboard an off the grid, completely custom-built 66ft expedition yacht! Because when stranded on a remote island during a pandemic…why not!
Fiji is a sailors paradise and it doesn’t look like we’ll be getting back to our own boat anytime soon. So, when we were offered a cabin on Millennium, we couldn’t pack our bags fast enough!
In this video, you’ll meet our new South African friend Mark and get the full tour of his surfing, diving, any adventure you want to go on sailing ship.
It’s a completely different world from our catamaran *Curiosity* and the first steel yacht we’ve ever explored…much less lived aboard.
Mark is an interesting character who mostly eats, sleeps and breaths surfing these days. And, if you’ve been with us for a while, you’ve probably noticed we’re not surfers. Well, not yet anyway. I have a feeling after a couple of weeks on this floating surf hostel…that may change.
Stay tuned because our adventures on this big ship have just started.
#### 🙏THANK YOU!
Ups, downs and all arounds, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our gear store, and toss a tip in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support.](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO📷
See All Of Our Photo & Video Gear here: [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear/)
### Sailing Fiji and it feels GOOD!
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/back-at-sea-fiji/
Last updated: 2023-11-14T19:58:47.000Z
Who’s ready to go sailing Fiji!?! We may not be able to get back to our own boat, but it doesn’t mean we can’t commandeer someone else’s! Ok, so maybe we aren’t the commandeering type, but we never pass up a good invitation. Which is how we’ve found ourselves back at sea!
It’s been months, upon months and there’s just no denying that being out on the water is where our souls ache to be. The sense of freedom, peace and endless horizons is unbeatable.
One thing we couldn’t help but think about on this sail is how much suffering and turmoil is going on in the world right now.
But…people are inherently good, and humanity is alive and well. If you get nothing else from all our stories, we hope you can see that much is true.
Ted, Kim and the rest of the Neal family befriended us during a scary time. It’s been a gift and one we’ll never forget.
Being in a foreign country, or anywhere new and different, puts our senses on high alert. We don’t see familiar faces, signs, or roads. Things smell different, even the moisture and the feel of the air changes. So naturally, we become more observant of our surroundings.
And one thing we’ve noticed here (and continually experience through travel) is how compassionate, generous, and hospitable people are when they sense you are out of your element.
Most people here in Fiji are aware that any new face isn’t a tourist right now. Its someone who is stuck…away from the comfort and support of home.
Our first few weeks were tough. Rules and regulations were changing by the hour, people were scared, anxious, confined to their homes and we were even turned down by a few accommodations who were afraid to rent to foreigners.
But, despite the down spiraling economy, bankrupt businesses and lost jobs, the Bula spirit and hospitality haven’t stopped. People we have never met or spoken to, who don’t follow our channel and didn’t know of us before, have offered up their assistance, homes, cars, food, and companionship.
People are inherently good and want to help.
First, it was the Neal family and since the restrictions have eased, it’s been a steady stream of new friendships…and even ships! We’re excited to introduce you to all of them. So stay tuned friends, we’ve just started a whole new journey.
### 🙏THANK YOU!
Ups, downs and all around, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our [**gear store**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/store)**,** and toss a [**tip in our production jar**](https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=%5Fs-xclick&hosted%5Fbutton%5Fid=73RK3CBX3FLZN&source=url). If you like what you see, there are lots of [**FREE ways you can show your support**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar).
#### **🎥CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO📷**
- See All Of Our Photo & Video Gear here: [**gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear/)
#### **🎶MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:**
- Source 2 Months FREE with this link: [**https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW** ](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artist – The Hunts
### Drinking Dirty Water In Fiji?
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/drinking-dirty-water-in-fiji/
Last updated: 2024-04-15T10:12:52.000Z
This is a story about water, a basic resource we can’t survive without. It’s also a story about Fijian hospitality, culture and kava. Lots and lots of kava.
Fiji is now coronavirus free, local restrictions have eased and we’re taking a journey to the remote village of Nambu.
It only takes one friendly BULA to like the Fijian people and less than a day to fall in love with them.
We’re learning a lot from them when it comes to the power of attitude. They really might be the friendliest, happiest people we’ve ever known.
Life here isn’t perfect and as you’ve seen, basics like clean water and sanitation can be an issue. The average daily wage is less than what the typical American spends on lunch. A good chunk of the population relies on tourism and because of the pandemic, most have lost their jobs. Yet, their spirits are far from broken. They do not complain. Really…not even when prompted.
Me: Has life been difficult because of the pandemic and no tourists?
Fijian: Oh, we’re enjoying the extra family time.
The only semi-irritated Fijian we have encountered was a mother. Which, wait for it…was because the kids didn’t greet us and she thought they weren’t being friendly enough. So, there ya go. Bula spirit training clearly starts at a young age.
And speaking of the Bula spirit, this is only the start of our Fiji adventures. We have so much more to discover together!
### The Good News About Water
Progress on both sanitation and water is being made in Fiji through nonprofits like [Give Clean Water](https://givecleanwater.org/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) and the Fijian government.
[UNICEF reported](https://www.unicef.org/pacificislands/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com), “The Government’s commitment is also reflected in the National Development Plan targeting 100% access to safe drinking water by 2030 and 70% access to improved sanitation systems by 2021.”
Which is good news! Seeing progress and change is inspiring us to keep working, donating, and volunteering.
**Give Clean Water Website:** [givecleanwater.org/](https://givecleanwater.org/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**Sawyer Water Filters:** [hamzn.to/3fgGuKU](https://amzn.to/3fgGuKU?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### FINDING THE MOST EFFECTIVE CHARITIES
Not all charities are created equal and we have to make sure our time, money, and efforts aren’t wasted.
We’re still learning and don’t have it all figured out, but we have found some great resources. (I’m currently reading and re-reading The Life You Can Save and I highly recommend it.) [https://www.thelifeyoucansave.org/](https://www.thelifeyoucansave.org/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
We use the following third-party organizations to find effective, impactful charities.
- [Impact Matters](https://www.impactmatters.org/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- [The Life You Can Save](https://www.thelifeyoucansave.org/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- [Give Well](https://www.givewell.org/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- [Charity Navigator](https://www.charitynavigator.org/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- [Give](https://www.give.org/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- [CharityWatch](https://www.charitywatch.org/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- [GuideStar](https://www.guidestar.org/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- [Animal Charity Evaluators](https://animalcharityevaluators.org/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### The Bad News
All that garbage we pick up on the beach…it is a serious problem that is only increasing. And not just in Fiji, it’s everywhere we have sailed! Even [the most remote islands in the world](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/adopted-palmerston-island/)! The whole world is suffering from a massive pollution problem. I’m not talking politics or conspiracy theories, just in our face, undeniable facts. We see rivers of [trash floating in the sea](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailor-life-huahine/), we pick up [plastic bags 100 feet below the sea](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/scuba-adventures-plastic-heartbreak/) and pick up [endless trails of garbage off the beaches](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/isolation-cyclone-fiji/).
And then, of course, there is that single-use, plastic Fiji water bottle. It will take 450 years to breakdown and is produced and packaged on an island where there are no recycling facilities.
Then, the water is shipped thousands of miles to the richest developed countries in the world where high-quality water already exists. 🤔 And yet, here in Fiji, 25% of the population doesn’t have access to clean water.
We’re far, far from perfect ourselves, but we know our planet needs BIG changes. We use the following websites for education, information, volunteering, and donating.
- [Surfrider](https://www.surfrider.org/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- [5gyres](https://www.5gyres.org/science?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- [GivingGreen](https://www.idinsight.org/givinggreen?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### 🙏THANK YOU!
Ups, downs and all around, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our [**gear store**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/store)**,** and toss a [**tip in our production jar**](https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=%5Fs-xclick&hosted%5Fbutton%5Fid=73RK3CBX3FLZN&source=url). If you like what you see, there are lots of [**FREE ways you can show your support**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar).
#### **💧Water Filters Used**
- Sawyer Water Filter: [amzn.to/3fgGuKU](https://amzn.to/3fgGuKU?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### **🎥CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO📷**
- See All Of Our Photo & Video Gear here: [**gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear/)
#### **🎶MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:**
- Source 2 Months FREE with this link: [**https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW** ](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artist – John Isaac, FASSounds
### We Finally Escape Isolation!!!
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/escape-isolation/
Last updated: 2023-11-14T20:02:11.000Z
We arrived in Fiji almost three months ago and never in our wildest dreams did we think we would be stuck, much less in isolation for this long.
With Covid-19 there has been no hiking, diving or exploration of any sort. Just ever-growing restrictions, and an unhealthy addiction to the news. Each day I tidy my suitcase as if there might be some sort of break or last-minute opportunity to go home…or anywhere.
Like so many people around the world, I’ve felt my spirit sinking and mood turning somber with the passing of each week.
But, today brought change and a much-needed refill of optimism as we finally escape isolation. Fiji is officially Coronavirus free. Restrictions are easing, the airport has reopened and we’re on the move! In a seaplane no less!
A huge thanks once again to our friend Ted and his family for the big break out, the friendship during these unsettling times, and the epic seaplane adventure!
Funny how easily we can take the comfort of home and freedom for granted. We’re keenly aware that our country of birth and chosen nomadic lifestyle affords us a form of freedom few experience.
We cling to our free-range lifestyle like life support, never once considering it could be taken away so quickly.
We consider ourselves citizens of the world, but that doesn’t count in these unprecedented times. We’re citizens of the USA but that isn’t where our home is. Our residence and everything we own is sitting in a boatyard in the neighboring country of Tonga, but we have no right to get to it. A tough pill to swallow at the moment and a scenario we never once considered.
We’re stuck waiting for borders to open with no sense of when that will be. But, at least with the easing of local restrictions, we can pull ourselves out of our funk and into the world of Fiji!
And that is worth getting excited about. Look out Fiji, ready or not, here we come!
#### COVID-19 UPDATE IN FIJI
Fiji had a total of 18 coronavirus cases and ZERO deaths. There haven’t been any new cases of COVID-19 since April 21st. Fiji is officially COVID free! However, borders are still closed until further notice.
#### Enter To Win The Airstream
For your chance to win an Airstream Caravel and support a great cause, go to [omaze.com/gwtw](https://www.omaze.com/gwtw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🙏Thank You!
Ups, downs and all around, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our [**gear store**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/store)**,** and toss a [**tip in our production jar**](https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=%5Fs-xclick&hosted%5Fbutton%5Fid=73RK3CBX3FLZN&source=url). If you like what you see, there are lots of [**FREE ways you can show your support**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar).
**🎥CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO📷**
- See All Of Our Photo & Video Gear here: [**gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear/)
**🎶MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:**
- Source 2 Months FREE with this link: [**https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW** ](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artist – FASSounds, Rex Banner, and Day Fox
### Saving Animals During A Pandemic
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/saving-animals-fiji/
Last updated: 2024-04-15T10:13:29.000Z
This pandemic has left us stranded, isolated, restricted, and far away from our floating home (and family support). Our moods change with the tides. Flowing in and out of a funk, feeling stuck with our hands tied and the future uncertain.
We’ve been grounded for almost three months now and there is absolutely no word on when we can go home.
But, lucky us, we found a little pipsqueak in need to distract us from our woes (See Pip’s story here [https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/saving-life-isolation](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/saving-life-isolation/)). Because we’re not alone, the whole world is suffering in various ways.
Here in Fiji, the coronavirus has affected the animals as much as humans. Animal shelters have closed their doors due to lockdowns, lack of funding, and canceled fundraising events. Which puts thousands of animals in need with nowhere to go.
So, with the discovery of our feline friend Pip and the lovely people at Animals Fiji we decided to rally our crew. Because while we all may be a little stuck right now, it doesn’t mean we can’t be helpful.
Pip volunteered to be the mascot and together we (you included) managed to do something amazing.
Sorry about all those tears at the end, we’re a tad emotional these days and you guys knocked it out of the park. We were sad, happy, and blown away all at the same time. Just incredible! I couldn’t be prouder of our community and how you showed up to help. Thank you so much for making a difference. Not only did you save a lot of animals, but you also helped keep an important, remote organization operating and employing people through a pandemic!
Thank you for being a part of our community.
Thank you for being a part of our journey.
Thank you for lifting our spirits, filling our hearts, and for the ongoing support.
We love you to the moon and back,
Nikki, Jason (and Pip too)
#### Resource!
[**Animal Charity Evaluators**](https://animalcharityevaluators.org/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
Animal Charity Evaluators are dedicated to finding and promoting the most effective ways to help animals.
We also urge you to check out your local shelters. There’s always some little pipsqueak in need of help.
#### Animals Fiji Fundraiser Recap
Animals Fiji is a non-profit welfare agency for animals. Their goal is to reduce the epidemic of stray and diseased roaming dog and cat populations that plague villages, towns, and rural areas, through spay/neuter programs.
All while ensuring that basic veterinary services, and animal care education, are available to as many Fijians as possible.
**Our goal was to raise $1,500 for Animals Fiji to sponsor 10 animals.** **Together we raised over $28,000 and it’s still climbing!**
Animals Fiji Website: [animalsfiji.org/](https://www.animalsfiji.org/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### **COVID-19 UPDATE IN FIJI**
Fiji had a total of 18 coronavirus cases and ZERO deaths. There haven’t been any new cases of COVID-19 since April 21st. Fiji is officially COVID free! However, borders are still closed until further notice.
**🙏 Made possible by you!**
Ups, downs and all around, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our [**gear store**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/store)**,** and toss a [**tip in our production jar**](https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=%5Fs-xclick&hosted%5Fbutton%5Fid=73RK3CBX3FLZN&source=url). If you like what you see, there are lots of [**FREE ways you can show your support**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar).
**🎥CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO📷**
- See All Of Our Photo & Video Gear here: [**gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear/)
**🎶MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:**
- Source 2 Months FREE with this link: [**https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW** ](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artist – Rodellos Machine, Ian Locke, & Katrina Stone
### Cost of Boat Life: Monthly Living Expenses
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/boat-life-expenses/
Last updated: 2023-11-14T20:06:46.000Z
In 2016 we set off to [explore the world on a sailboat](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailing) with absolutely no previous experience. We didn’t know what to expect or how to budget for such an unknown lifestyle.
Sure, we had done several google searches on “how much does it cost to sail around the world” but we couldn’t find anything all that helpful (sooo much more info out now). It was mostly a bunch of hypotheticals or listicles of what to consider.
Some things were easier to guess at, like how much we would spend on food (because we’re still going to eat). But we had no idea what we would be spending on things like fuel, repairs, and maintenance.
Over the past four years, we’ve [sailed to seven countries](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/map) and put over 13,000 nautical miles under our hulls.
We’ve learned a lot in that time and learned a lot about our spending habits in this new salty life.
Everyone always says BOAT is just an acronym for Bust Out Another Thousand. And in the beginning, it felt that way. The first year was buying and outfitting for [off the grid](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/living-off-grid-rv-sailboat) and it was a total wallet buster!
But since then, we’ve been able to stick to our budget pretty closely and we’ve been pleasantly surprised.
So, what does it cost to sail around the world?
Not many people are willing to share their [personal expenses](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/our-expenses/) or talk about money (so please be kind). But it’s hard to plan a big life change on hypotheticals. So, here is what it costs us to live and travel full time on a sailboat.
#### We’re not living on a shoestring but we are living on a budget.
Everyone has different habits (and vices) so how and where we spend money could be drastically different from yourself. But, at least with some real-world numbers, hopefully, this helps give you some insight into this lifestyle on the sea.
The devil is in the details…so please watch the video as we explain a lot more about each of these categories. Jason is incredibly disciplined about keeping track of our expenses…every single penny. We’ve averaged out our annual expenses from each category from 2017 – 2019 to get these numbers. So they are representative of our life from Panama all the way to Tonga.
#### **Boat Insurance: $500 per month**
Boat insurance has become increasingly more expensive and more difficult to get every year. So let this serve as your fair warning. (P.S. If you are not a USA citizen it will most likely be easier/cheaper for you)
- Boat Insurance: $424 per month
- Renters Insurance: $76 per month
- The general rule is 1-3% of the value of your boat each year.
#### **Repairs & Maintenance: $396 per month**
Remember we blew our Maintenance budget (and boat buying budget) when we were outfitting the boat in Florida. So she was in tip-top shape when we hit Panama. We got off light here with minimal issues and repairs: Watermaker (a few times), fridge repairs, Fake G4 Chain, New Starter, we mostly try to forget these expenses because they happen at the most inopportune times. Unfortunately, after a couple of years of minimal repairs, our next year is going to be a beast.
- The general rule is 10-30% of the value of your boat each year. This is a sliding scale and wildly variable based on how much of the work you do yourself.
#### **Bureaucracy: $131 per month**
Documentation, Customs & Visa’s. This includes all the government fees for checking in and out of new ports and countries: Health Minister, Customs, Immigration, Zarpe, Visas, BioSecurity, Waste Authority, and whatever other badged person they can send to collect money.
This also includes our USCG SailBoat Registration and the Delaware Boat Registration for our dinghy (Minion). This also includes the fees we paid for [sailing through the Panama Canal without an Agent](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/no-agent-transit-panama-canal/).
#### **Dockage: $124 per month**
Occasional dockage for the boat, fees for using a dinghy dock when we’re anchored out, the random mooring ball fee, and our haul-out in Tonga so we can get the boat on the hard for cyclone season.
#### **Fuel: $112 per month**
- Gasoline $26
- Dinghy
- SCUBA Compressor
- Diesel $86
- Generator / Watermaker
- Engines
#### **Provisions: $736 per month**
All supermarket items from groceries to wine and even household supplies like biodegradable cleaners, body lotions, toilet paper, laundry soap, and so on. It even includes random things we’ve purchased at supermarkets like a frying pan, a sarong, a pair of sunglasses, a hat, replacement flip flops, etc.
#### **Entertainment: $252 per month**
The majority of this goes to Eating Out: $230 per month
There are a few random expenses like Audiobooks, Music, Museums, National Parks
#### **Travel: $196 per month**
- Air $80 ([Jason had an emergency flight from Ecuador](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/travel-money-international-banking/), I went for parts and to visit my cousin for my b-day and [Jason’s brother Jacob came for fun and parts](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailing-tahiti-brother/))
- Land $90 (Bus, taxi, uber, rental car, gasoline, parking and tolls)
- Hotel $26
#### **Telecom: $165 per month**
This includes our [Iridium Go](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/iridium-go-predictwind) which acts as our Satellite Phone, email, and weather. We turn this off if we know we are staying in an area for longer than a month to save $$ and reactivate before we take on our next passage.
We also have Google Fi so we can keep our USA phone number and get cell+data as we near land and before we check into port. It also includes the occasional Cyber Café for WiFi and the local SIM cards we once we get to land.
- **Watch:** [HOW WE STAY CONNECTED SAILING THE WORLD – FREE WIFI, PHONES, & SATELLITE](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailboat-wifi-phone-satellite/)
#### **Misc: $142 per month**
The biggest one in this category is **Pet Fees: $88 per month**. Food, vet visits, litter, biosecurity & importation fees for each new country…
Bank Fees – In the beginning, we rarely had the opportunity to pay with a Credit Card, so the few times we used a CC we were charged Foreign Transaction Fees (FTFs). In Panama City, Ecuador & French Polynesia more businesses use credit card machines, so I applied for a $0 FTF card, but it has a yearly fee. I prefer to use a CC to track expenses, so this yearly fee is worth it for us.
This also includes wire transfers, and the occasional ATM Fees (I have ZERO Fee ATM card, but certain ATMs won’t read it, so I have to use a different ATM card. It’s complicated…I know 🤷🏼♂️).
And Postage/shipping for occasional items we need (like boat documentation renewals).
#### **Healthcare: $106 per month**
- Health Insurance: $68 per month
- Out of pocket Health Expenses: $38 per month
- [Vaccinations in Panama](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/other-side-sailing-life/), Dermatologist Panama, [Emergency Room French Polynesia](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/remote-island-hospital/), Pharmacies, etc
#### **Average Costs From 2017 – 2019: $2,800 per month**
This does not include business expenses: camera gear, computers, website hosting, email service, etc.
This also does not include any clothing items we have picked up along the way not purchased at a market (which is rare).
And that’s it! I hope you found this helpful or at least interesting. The pie charts make it easy to see where the majority of our money goes. Provisions and boat insurance. Bet that wasn’t your initial guess!
### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Ups, downs and all around, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our [gear store](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/store), and toss a [tip in our production jar](https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=%5Fs-xclick&hosted%5Fbutton%5Fid=73RK3CBX3FLZN&source=url). If you like what you see, there are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). Thank you for being a part of the journey!
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO📷
- New, Updated Post Of All Of Our Photo & Video Gear: [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear/)
#### 🎶MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
- Source 2 Months FREE with this link: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW ](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artist – Luke Melville
### Realities Of Boat Life: Watch Before You Buy!
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/realities-boat-life/
Last updated: 2023-11-14T20:07:43.000Z
If hindsight were 20/20 I don’t know if we would have done half the things we have done.
Four years ago, we bought a boat and set out to explore the world with absolutely no sailing experience. Experts and novices all around the world wide web told us [we would fail, sink, and die](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailing-service-fear/).
Well, surprise, surprise, we’re still alive! Turns out you CAN just go buy a boat and sail about the world.
BUT…that doesn’t mean it’s been easy.
To say we had (and still have) a lot to learn is an understatement. Knowing we were clueless, we made a video so we would be able to one day reflect on our newbie expectations and compare them to reality.
- [FULL-TIME SAILING – THOUGHTS, EXPECTATIONS & UNCERTAINTIES](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/full-time-sailing-expectations/)
Looking back at our peculiar beginning now is both comical and endearing. We really had no idea what was ahead of us. We thought [our RV experience](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/rvin) would help…and it did…but there is sooo much more to boat life than we could comprehend.
Currently, we’re [stuck in isolation in Fiji](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/stranded-fiji-pandemic/). Restrictions and closures keep us from exploring so we’ve been sifting through years of videos, mistakes, misadventures, and victories. Asking ourselves, if we could go back in time what advice would we give ourselves, what would we want to know?
So, if hindsight is 20/20, here it is, the realities of living on a sailboat. The stuff we wished we would’ve known before we bought a boat, and set off around the world.
We’re curious and we try not to stifle that with too much of our adult tendencies to worry and overthink things. This is why we don’t spend a lot of time dwelling on things that could have, should have, might have been…if only. Wasted time and energy if you ask me.BUT…reflecting back to help the next curious soul wandering down a similar path? That we can do!
### Big Boat Life Takeaway!!!
**Living on a sailboat is an alternative way of travel and life.** You will live and travel at a slower pace but don’t assume that slower equals less effort.
Alternative means **different not easy**. It’s up to you to decide if it is a better alternative.
As for us, we love our life at sea and we miss it desperately. We’re waiting impatiently to get back to our floating home, which is so close yet so far away. Hopefully, this pandemic will loosen its grip on the world, and Tonga will open its borders.
### It’s Your Turn!
Did we miss anything? Is there something else you would like to know about, another subject you would like to hear our thoughts on? Let us know.
#### Topics discussed in the video (in order):
- Learning how to sail is easy. But do this first.
- Seamanship is important – educate yourself & take a class (ASA if you are in the USA)
- Boat Life is a Full-Time Job. – expect double the time than what it takes on land
- Finding a boat
- Route planning, visas, bureaucracy, checking in and out of ports
- Simple things like, groceries, fuel, doing laundry
- maintenance, upgrades, and repairs
- Being a Digital Nomad on a Boat can be challenging. Don’t assume you can work a 40-50-hour work week and sail/maintain/explore and not burn out.
- Time is Money
- Money is a resource
- Budget 10-30% for yearly maintenance
- Double your budget or double your sweat equity
- You will become handy
- Good tools are hard to come by once you leave civilization
- Bolts, screws, spares, you can never have too many
- The cruising community is fantastic. FB groups, local nets…get social, don’t be afraid to reach out.
- Sleeping isn’t impossible
- Ground Tackle is soooo important. Learning proper anchoring techniques (lots of freebies on the internet) and invest in a solid anchor and high quality, high test anchor chain.
- Seasickness is real, uncontrollable, and unavoidable for some. But you can manage it.
- Driving (helming) the boat
- Things You CAN Live Without
### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Ups, downs and all around, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our [gear store](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/store), and toss a [tip in our production jar](https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=%5Fs-xclick&hosted%5Fbutton%5Fid=73RK3CBX3FLZN&source=url). If you like what you see, there are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). Thank you for being a part of the journey!
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO📷
- New, Updated Post Of All Of Our Photo & Video Gear: [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear/)
#### 🎶MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
- Source 2 Months FREE with this link: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW ](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artist – PAPER PLANES, CAMPAGNA, REX BANNER, AND ASSAF AYALON
### Fermenting In Isolation! How To Make Tepache (Pineapple Beer)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/fermenting-tepache/
Last updated: 2023-11-14T20:09:36.000Z
We got curious about fermentation a couple of years ago. We started out making [yogurt](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/yogurt-making) and [sourdough](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/expressbake-breadmaker), then [kombucha](https://amzn.to/2ZyfGRq?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) and now we’ve gone fermenting crazy.
We’re stuck in [isolation in Fiji](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/fiji/), we have limited supplies and budget. So, there has never been a better time to hone in on our fermentation skills!
Why? Because fermentation is cool…and not just because that’s where alcohol comes from.
- It’s an ancient technique used to preserve food.
- Fermented foods are loaded with probiotics and are good for our gut.
- Saves us money.
- It helps us be more self-sustainable.
- It creates less waste.
- We can make a lot from a little.
- Super-duper easy.
We asked you last week for suggestions on our next video and the response was overwhelming, “we want those beer recipes”.
We’ve been making ginger beer and Tepache (pineapple beer) here in Fiji because both ingredients are affordable and plentiful. We’re sharing our Tepache recipe first because it’s insanely simple and super tasty.
I am sooo glad you requested this recipe and if you aren’t already a fermenting fiend, hopefully this will be your gateway experimentation.
Because if you haven’t gotten into the world of fermentation, you are missing out on one of nature’s most rewarding adventures!
Please let us know how your first batch of Tepache goes. Show off your new homebrew skills on Instagram and tag us in your photos!
### Tepache – Homebrewed Pineapple Beer
This fermented pineapple drink is made from the peels of the pineapple (the part we would typically throw away!). Pineapple is a sugary-sweet when fully ripe, so it lends itself well to fermentation.
We first learned about Tepache in Mexico and there are variations all throughout Central and South America. Some recipes call for spices such as cinnamon and clove…but we prefer to keep it simple and jazz it up when serving.
#### SUPPLIES:
- Cutting board
- Knife: [gonewiththewynns.com/product/knives-sharpener](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/knives-sharpener)
- Funnel
- Measuring cup & spoon
- Fermentation vessel: We are using 2 x 1.5 liter plastic bottles.
- Airlock: Balloons
**RECOMMENDED:** We have a setup on the boat like this…
- Fermentation Jug & Airlock: [https://amzn.to/3gh2pmn](https://amzn.to/3gh2pmn?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Glass Grolsch-Style Beer Brewing Fermenting Bottles: [https://amzn.to/3bTTKmh](https://amzn.to/3bTTKmh?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### INGREDIENTS:
- 1 medium pineapple
- 1 cup of sugar (raw or brown sugar)
- 2.5 liters of purified water
- ½ tsp of yeast (bakers, brewers, champagne)
#### INSTRUCTIONS:
Remove the top & bottom of the pineapple. Cut as usual leaving around 1/4 inch of fruit on each peel. Set fruit aside to eat later (or freeze for ice cubes!).
Proof Yeast in a little bit of water and sugar.
Combine pineapple, sugar, water, and yeast. Stir or shake, cover or use an airlock.
#### Fermentation Time
Place in a warm spot (NOT IN DIRECT SUNLIGHT) and allow to ferment for 1 to 5 days. The warmer it is, the faster it will ferment. It’s an average of 85 degrees inside our apartment here in Fiji and that is also typical for our boat. We ferment for 2 days (30-40 hours), cap it (or transfer to Grolsch-Style glass bottles) for carbonation (half a day or more) and then place it in the fridge.
Check the flavor daily to find your preferred taste. The longer it ferments, the less sweet, more dry and sour it will become (think beer or champagne flavors).
#### Alcohol By Volume – How Alcoholic Is It?
As with most fermentations, tepache does contain a very small amount of alcohol (similar to kombucha).
If you want more alcohol (of course you do), add in yeast (baker’s yeast will do in a pinch but preferably brewer’s or champagne yeast). My guess would be less than 1% within the first two days of fermentation. By day 5-7 we’re probably at 3-6%.
But, without a hydrometer we won’t know exactly what our ABV% is. Hydrometers are super easy to use and here is one under $15: [https://amzn.to/3cXhsQ8](https://amzn.to/3cXhsQ8?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
If you make a batch and test it, please let us know your results!!!
If you are making this for the **under 21** family members, keep your fermentation times shorter (24-48 hours) and/or skip the yeast.
But…no matter what, be sure to taste test each day so you don’t end up with vinegar.
#### COVID-19 UPDATE IN FIJI
Fiji had a total of 18 coronavirus cases and ZERO deaths. There haven’t been any new cases of COVID-19 since April 21st. This means Fiji hasn’t had any new (confirmed) cases of coronavirus in over 30 days! Fingers crossed they announce us COVID Free soon and open up the borders.
### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Ups, downs and all around, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our [gear store](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/store) and toss a [tip in our production jar](https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=%5Fs-xclick&hosted%5Fbutton%5Fid=73RK3CBX3FLZN&source=url). If you like what you see, there are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). Thank you for being a part of the journey!
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO📷
- New, Updated Post Of All Of Our Photo & Video Gear: [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear/)
#### 🎶MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
- Source 2 Months FREE with this link: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW ](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artist – Rex Banner, Jake Bradford-Sharp, & Roy Young
### Saving A Life – The Best Thing From Isolation
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/saving-life-isolation/
Last updated: 2024-04-15T10:13:48.000Z
The pandemic has turned the world in a weird, unsettling direction leaving us all with a touch of vertigo. We’re stranded in Fiji (not a bad place to be stranded, we know). The news has become a constant stream of coronavirus themes and just when we thought things couldn’t get any grimmer…we found the saddest thing yet. A tiny pip-squeak, suffering in silence.
But that’s where the sadness ends because we saved that little pip’s life.
You know what they say, “you go to the market for bananas and come home with a cat”. Ok, perhaps only when in Fiji. But what a fateful find! I would like to say that we saved Pip but the truth is, she has saved us.
Nothing like a downtrodden kitten with an unbroken spirit to remind us of what’s *really* important. Health, a belly full of food, a safe place to curl up, and little love is all we need.
### PIP-SQUEAK THE FOSTER CAT
Pip had a tough start in life but we have been spoiling her rotten ever since the day we picked her up at the market. She is sweet as can be and chock-full of personality. If you are interested in having Pip be a part of your family, please contact Animals Fiji: [https://bit.ly/HelpFijiAnimals](https://bit.ly/HelpFijiAnimals?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### Let’s Save 10 Animals in Fiji Together!
Animals Fiji is a non-profit welfare agency for animals. Their goal is to reduce the epidemic of stray and diseased roaming dog and cat populations that plague villages, towns, and rural areas, through spay/neuter programs.
All while ensuring that basic veterinary services and animal care education are available to as many Fijians as possible.
**Our goal is to raise $1,500 for Animals Fiji which will sponsor 10 animals.** If you would like to help, there are three ways you can contribute.
1. Donate directly to Animals Fiji and reference Pip or The Wynns in the description so they can track how much we’ve raised: [https://bit.ly/HelpFijiAnimals](https://bit.ly/HelpFijiAnimals?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
2. Share this video! We earn money from the advertisements placed by YouTube on this video. We will donate ALL of the money to Animals Fiji. The more views, the more we earn, the more we donate.
3. You may see a FUNDRAISER link (it’s only available in select countries) if you watch the video on YouTube [https://youtu.be/GYjox4wde78](https://youtu.be/GYjox4wde78?ref=gonewiththewynns.com), all funds accepted with this link go directly to Animals Fiji and YouTube pays the transaction fees…and that’s pretty cool.
#### Covid-19 Update In Fiji
Fiji has had a total of 18 coronavirus cases and ZERO deaths. There haven’t been any new cases of COVID-19 since April 21st. This means Fiji hasn’t had any new (confirmed) cases of coronavirus in over 30 days! Fingers crossed they announce us COVID Free soon!
### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Ups, downs and all around, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our [gear store](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/store) and toss a [tip in our production jar](https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=%5Fs-xclick&hosted%5Fbutton%5Fid=73RK3CBX3FLZN&source=url). If you like what you see, there are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). Thank you for being a part of the journey!
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO📷
- See All Of Our Photo & Video Gear here: [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear/)
#### 🎶MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
- Source 2 Months FREE with this link: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW ](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artist – Campagna, & Bamtone
**Disclaimer:** This is NOT a sponsored video. We found Pip, Animals Fiji helped her and we were so moved by the work they do, it inspired us to help. We were not paid by anyone to create this video nor did we take from Patreon funds. Pip’s story continues here: [https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/saving-animals-fiji](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/saving-animals-fiji/)
### Stranded During A Pandemic, Will We Ever Get Home?
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/stranded-fiji-pandemic/
Last updated: 2023-11-14T20:12:36.000Z
Today marks our 60th day of being stranded in Fiji because of the COVID-19 pandemic. 60 days of quarantine, isolation, and being separated from our home in a foreign country.
Every day we wake up with the same question on our minds. Will We Ever Get Home? Our sailboat [*CURIOSITY* is in Tonga](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/canceled-detained-lost/), just a short one-hour flight from Fiji…so close and yet so far away.
Like many of you, Coronavirus has turned our world upside down and left us in a strange state of intermission.
How did we get here and when do we get out?
Welcome to real-time with The Wynns!
We want to take advantage of this time to cover topics we previously haven’t had the time for. So…what are your burning questions? What would you like to know or see? It can be anything…so don’t hold back! Leave us a comment down below and we’ll get the cameras rolling!
#### Previous Fiji Videos:
- [WE’RE STRANDED](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/stranded-fiji/)
- [ISOLATION IN FIJI & SURVIVING A CYCLONE](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/isolation-cyclone-fiji/)
### Pip Squeak The Foster Cat
Pips full story will be shared soon but until then, check out the fantastic non-profit Animals Fiji: [https://bit.ly/HelpFijiAnimals](https://bit.ly/HelpFijiAnimals?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
We’re volunteering with them while we are here and WOW, they are doing some incredible work with very limited resources. If you would like to donate to Animals Fiji, please reference Pip or Gone With The Wynns so that we can keep track of donations and share what those donations were able to accomplish.
### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Ups, downs and all around, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our [gear store](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/store) and toss a [tip in our production jar](https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=%5Fs-xclick&hosted%5Fbutton%5Fid=73RK3CBX3FLZN&source=url). If you like what you see, there are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). Thank you for being a part of the journey!
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO📷
- See All Of Our Photo & Video Gear here: [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear/)
#### 🎶MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
- Source 2 Months FREE with this link: [https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW ](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artist – Moon
### Can This Floating Apartment Sail? (Sailing Cape Town, South Africa)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailing-cape-town/
Last updated: 2025-09-18T22:36:27.000Z
Sailing means different things to different people. Hence the never-ending debate over which boat is the best. We honestly don’t get too hung up on it all. Any boat that stays afloat and gets you to your destination could be considered a good boat. I would venture to say that any boat that gets you motivated to get out on the water and explore is a good boat.
But, opinions are like birthdays; everyone has one and thinks theirs is important.
When it comes to catamarans, many a sailor will scoff at the major production boats and label them as floating apartments or condomarans. Ya know, big, boxy things not meant for sailing.
I’ll admit that I have thought the same when looking out at raised flybridges with hulls twice the width of ours.
But, once upon a time, our sailboat CURIOSITY was the production catamaran or “floating apartment” of her day. Designed for comfort and space but with decent performance.
Now, here we are, boarding the Leopard 45 which is the modern-day “floating apartment” version of our CURIOSITY. It’s way bigger and there have been more than a few design changes over the past fifteen years. So the question that begs to be answered…**can it sail and is it a better boat?**
I honestly didn’t expect to be so impressed. I really thought this would be confirmation that we already owned the better boat. I thought it would be harder to handle (windage), less agile, more bouncing (wider hulls), and more…well…bulky.
Instead, it was a responsive vessel with a smooth, relaxed vibe. I don’t think any of us could quite get over just how damned comfortable and quiet everything was. It may be loaded with all the comforts of an apartment, but it was still just as much fun to sail.
After touring the [factory where Leopard Catamarans are made](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/catamaran-factory-tour/) (very impressive) and having sailed on the 2020 Leopard 45 I feel I can finally answer the burning question **“is a newer Leopard better?”**.
Yes and no. Because we live in reality and try not to think in hypothetical dream worlds. Because in a dream world we wouldn’t be looking a Leopard, we would be looking at a custom-built, sustainably made, alternatively powered multi-million dollar vessel. (queue angelic music and sexy dream sequence)
But back to reality, where it boils down to price. What can you afford? Sure, I would 100% consider the new Leopards if I were in the market for a boat and it were in my budget. It’s a very comfortable boat with a strong build made to last.
But, scaling back 10 or 15 years can mean 50-60% less money. Which can mean the difference between sailing now or when future you can afford that new boat. I will always choose sail now. Because the older leopards, like our Curiosity, are still considered some of the best production catamarans out there.
That said, we are writing this post from Fiji…so we didn’t steal the boat and sail off (but we did consider it). We’re still locked down waiting for borders to open so we can get back to our CURIOSITY. She may not be the modern-day luxury that is the new L45 but she is still one helluva catamaran.
This whole experience has made our love for our proudly South African built boat stronger. Her story became deeper with the factory tour, we shook the culturally diverse hands that spent months building her and listened to tales of delivery captains sailing Leopards to America.
Add that to the years of memories made with her original Canadian family, the 13,000+ miles of adventures we’ve had and the ones we still have to make. As far as boat lifetimes go…her adventures are in their infancy. We’ll be back CURIOSITY! We’ll swim if we have to!
### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Thanks to Marcel, Valentine, and the Leopard crew for hosting us in your beautiful home of Cape Town. Thank you to our new friends [Michael](https://www.instagram.com/michaelmakesfilms/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) and [Tammy](https://www.instagram.com/tammysmall/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com), for joining us on the adventure and helping capture some fantastic shots!
And Thank YOU! Thanks for reading, watching, commenting, and sharing. If you like what you see, there are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar).
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO📷
- See All Of Our Photo & Video Gear here: [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear/)
#### 🎶MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
- Source:[ https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW ](https://bit.ly/artlist-GWTW?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – ORKAS, Team Callahan, & Rodellos Machine
### Where Our Sailboat Was Born (Catamaran Factory Tour)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/catamaran-factory-tour/
Last updated: 2025-09-18T22:36:37.000Z
We live and travel about the world on a South African built catamaran. So, we couldn’t come to South Africa and not see where our boat was born!
We think of our boat Curiosity as an old friend. She (because I can’t stand to say something as insignificant as “it”) isn’t alive by scientific standards and yet we treat her with almost human regard.
Which seems absurd…but when have we humans ever been a sensical species?
It makes sense that we’re drawn to other living things but where does this attachment to the inanimate come from?
We give our vessels (rolling or floating) names and personalities. They become prominent characters in the story of our lives and for the unsedentary few, it’s also the place we call home.
We’ve lived aboard Curiosity for four years now and she’s taken us almost halfway around the world. In that time, we’ve gotten to know each other intimately. Ohhh, if these hulls could talk…the expletives she could spew!
And, like any hard-earned relationship, we love her more with each passing nautical mile. But we know her as the sailboat she is now…our fifteen-year-old catamaran with more than a few nicks in her fiberglass (that we still need to patch up, sorry about that ol’ girl).
So naturally, when we had the opportunity to see where she was born, we didn’t even blink!
Not only do we stand in the exact spot Curiosity was made, we get a “hands-on” look at how Robertson and Caine builds Leopard catamarans today.
After our road trip with Tom and our [visits to Vision Yachts and St. Francis Marine](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/building-sailboat-south-africa/), we thought we had an idea of what to expect…but wow…it was soooo different.
Our respect for boat building, in general, has gone up tenfold but the differences in semi-custom boutique builders vs production catamaran builders are stark.
You simply can’t compare the two worlds. The same as you wouldn’t compare Cape Town to Knysna. One is a bustling metropolis and the other is a quaint resort town.
We walked away with so much new information swirling around in our heads that we still haven’t processed. But, there were a few things that really stuck with us.
#### Major Takeaways
The relationship between employer and employee. We certainly noticed this at the other factories too, so this is a continuing theme. But Johan said something to me during our tour. I can still hear his voice in my head and feel the compassion in his eyes, **“Having a job in South Africa is a privilege”**. He said it as both an employer and an employee.
Life in Africa is no cakewalk and their history speaks for itself. But the people are some of the most vivacious we’ve ever encountered. The woman singing at the end is a perfect example. People weren’t grumpy they had to work; they were happy to be working.
Or, perhaps the line manager summed it up best, **“you have to have a connection with your people….if you love what you are doing, you never work a day in your life”**.
#### On-Site Health Clinics
Robertson & Caine understands the work the employees are doing is physical and comes with health risks. They also **employ over 1,800 people!** So making sure everyone is safe and healthy was an ongoing theme. Plus, healthy workers equal steady production.
They have on-site health clinics with mandatory physical and respiratory checkups. If someone isn’t adhering to proper safety (like wearing a respirator when working with resin) then their health checkup will show it.
#### Steady Production
Robertson & Caine pumps out about **200 boats a year** and they increase production almost every year. What started out as one small factory has grown to six locations in Cape Town. From 1997-2019 they **delivered 2,065 catamarans**.
They are constantly improving their workflow and were implementing new modular stations into their production lines, even during our tour.
Boats **move on the line every four days** and it takes approximately **60 days from layup to splash** to build a Leopard 45 catamaran. Then the cats get loaded on a freighter and shipped around the world…but a few are commissioned and picked up by the owners in Cape Town! Now that would be an exciting first sail: Crossing the Atlantic.
**Clarification…**
Because I know it can get confusing: Robertson & Caine is the boat builder and Leopard is the brand of our sailboat. One more little confusing bit: R & C also builds Moorings catamarans, which is the charter version of the Leopard cats. Confused yet?!?
### 🙏 A HUGE THANKS TO
We had a blast seeing where CURIOSITY was built, but we couldn’t have done it without a little help. Thanks to Marcel and the Robertson & Caine crew for spending soo many hours with us at the factories. Thanks to Leopard for hosting us and Rob at [nautique.tv](http://nautique.tv/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) for letting us borrow the factory time-lapse of the Leopard 40 flipping. And a special shout out to all the factory workers that graced us with a smile, a wave or a song…you give the factory and the boats life!
And of course: YOU! Thank you! Each week you show up and make this all possible. Thanks for reading, watching, commenting, and sharing. If you like what you see, there are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar).
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO📷
- All of our Photo & Video Gear: [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear/)
#### 🎶MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
- Source: [http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw](https://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Assaf Ayalon, Ian Post, Veshza, Paper Planes, and Peter Spacey
### Building An Electric Boat In South Africa?
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/building-sailboat-south-africa/
Last updated: 2025-09-18T22:36:46.000Z
Unexpected adventure, and saying yes to strangers, are ongoing themes for us. There is rarely a plan or any grand contemplation. We’ve done things we never dreamt of, in places we have never been to…all because we said ‘Yes’ to a stranger.
Today’s tale is another one of those YES stories.
This is all about that time we said yes to an enthusiastic British guy who offered to fly over to South Africa and show us where the best Catamarans are made.
We knew our sailboat Curiosity was made in South Africa, but we had no idea just how steeped in boat building the country is.
Crazy right! In four years, we’ve gone from not knowing a lick about sailing to over 13,000 nautical miles under our keels and now we’re deep in the catamaran building mecca. Fumbling along the entire way of course…but here we are, learning more about this salty world every day.
### Big Takeaways on Learning How Sailboats Are Made
We had no idea what we were getting ourselves into, nor what to expect. This was our first boatbuilding factory tour experience and it was overwhelming.
Both James and Rob were eager to show off every step of the process. Bobbing and weaving through each area of the factory beaming with pride. Nothing off limits, no cut corners to hide.
I never assumed building a solid bluewater boat was an easy task but my respect for my own vessel, and the ones being built today, multiplied by factors of ten.
The sheer amount of handcrafting (manual labor) that goes into each vessel is astonishing. So much fairing, sanding, polishing…days and weeks and months of it. The next time I run my hand along the hull I will imagine all the hundreds of hours someone else’s hands were there. And that is just the hull!
The excitement and pride…which should come as no surprise considering the amount of work that goes into each vessel. From the workers infusing resin to the person drilling holes where one day a bolt will go. They had a beaming look in their eyes that reminded me of a kid presenting at a science fair, “Look at this awesome thing I made”. Not exactly the vibe I was expecting from factory workers, but it was a pleasant surprise. I bet that as any of those workers see one of the boats sailing along the coast, or moored in a harbor, stops to say, “that’s one of my boats, I helped make that”.
Both Vision Yachts and St. Francis are semi-custom boutique builders. They only build a handful of catamarans a year and customer satisfaction and quality was the name of the game. Want a pantry here, a desk there, a wheelchair accessible boat? No problem, they’ll design it.
Each design request comes at a price however in the form of time. Production boats are pumped out because each one is the same. The more you change, the more time it takes to build the boat. So choose your customizations wisely if you want to be out on the water sooner rather than later.
Because of course, the real gem here…the South African coast! One day we’ll be here looking at these views from the bow of Curiosity.
**Catamaran Building Friends:**
- Vision Yachts: [https://www.instagram.com/visionyachts/](https://www.instagram.com/visionyachts/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- St. Francis Marine:
#### Stay Tuned!
Next up is Cape Town. We get a locals guide to being a tourist as we let Kate lead us through her old stomping grounds. Plus we have one more factory tour and this is the big one. As in the biggest in South Africa. It’s the Robertson and Caine factory and is still in the same exact spot Curiosity was born.
### 🙏 A SPECIAL THANKS
Thanks to both James and Rob for taking the time to show us around, not just the factories but their home turf too.
Tom, you are a character I hope to showcase again someday out on the high seas. Maybe you’ll need someone to help sail that electric Vision 44 up to Europe 😁
Thank you! Each week you show up and make this all possible. Thanks for reading, watching, commenting, and sharing. If you like what you see, there are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar).
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO📷
- All of our Photo & Video Gear: [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear/)
#### 🎶MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
- Source: [http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw](https://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Rex Banner, Kick Lee, Eyal Raz, Be Still The Earth, and Ian Post
### Sailors Go Wild In South Africa
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/wild-south-africa/
Last updated: 2025-09-18T22:36:55.000Z
A wild game safari, a seriously serious gin experience and a close call in the Wilderness. There is never a dull moment with our South African friends.
You can’t come to South Africa and not go on a Safari…said every person who’s ever been to South Africa.
Our adventures with Kate and Rufus continue and the itinerary doesn’t get much more South African in the Western Cape than this:
- A Safari in an attempt to see the big five.
- Proper Gin & Tonics in one of the world’s most diverse regions of botanicals.
- A nice long trek through the wilderness, in Wilderness (complete with an unexpected adventure at the waterfall).
Grab your G&T (virgin or full strength) and click that play button. (Please know this was filmed before COVID-19 became a pandemic and at the time there were no cases in South Africa).
Big Takeaway…It’s all fun and game until someone loses their keys! (Sorry, I couldn’t help myself.) But seriously, lesson learned…no bending over near a large body of water with your backpack on.
Full Disclosure: This video was not sponsored, we paid for each adventure so our thoughts and opinions are exactly that…ours!
### Garden Route Safari
Botlierskop is midway between Mossel Bay and George, on South Africa’s scenic Garden Route.
We only took a two-hour game drive along a portion of their 4,200-hectare reserve. It’s not exactly the full Safari experience but for a quick taste of the wildlife in Africa…it is a worthy stop. However, should you have the time and money, seriously consider spending a week in Kruger National Park!
Don’t worry, we did ask permission first if we could post these rhino photos. They said, “yes and thank you for asking”.
### Gin and A Proper G&T
G&T’s were everywhere in South Africa. You could get virgin G&T sodas at just about any market or convenience store and Gin bars were all the rage. We tried all sorts of Gins and gin cocktails during our time but by far the coolest experience was the Gin tour and tasting at Inverroche.
Inverroche Gin is one of the first craft distilleries to emerge in South Africa. They have an interesting mother and son start-up story and a lovely property in which to soak it all up. If you find yourself in the area, its worth an afternoon…and if you can, take the time to sign up for the bottle making class.
### Wilderness National Park, Ebb & Flow
The Garden Route is a charming world of lakes, rivers, estuaries, and beaches that are surrounded by lush forests and lofty mountains. And, if you want to safely explore by foot, Wilderness National Park is an excellent place for just that. Nature trails wind through the forest and along the tranquil rivers. You’ll see and hear plenty of Kate’s favorite bird, the Knysna Lourie. We were on the Half Collared Kingfisher Trail…which rewards you with a beautiful waterfall (just keep your keys far away).
### 🙏 A Special Thanks
Ups, downs and all around, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our [gear store](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/store) and put tips in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). Thank you for being a part of the journey!
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO📷
- All of our Photo & Video Gear: [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear/)
#### 🎶MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
- Source: [http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw](https://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Assaf Ayalon, AM Beef, Daniel Robinson, Loya, and Veshza
### Isolation In Fiji & Surviving A Cyclone
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/isolation-cyclone-fiji/
Last updated: 2023-11-14T20:24:10.000Z
You know that expression, *when it rains, it pours*? I feel like that is our life right now. Figuratively and literally.
We’ve been living aboard our [catamaran Curiosity](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/curiosity-sailboat) for almost four years. For the first time since we moved aboard, we decided to take a break. After [13,000 plus nautical miles](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/map) under our newbie sea legs, we [hauled the boat out in Tonga](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/canceled-detained-lost/). To sit out cyclone season, visit family and [stock up](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tesla-miami-boat-show/) on well…EVERYTHING!
We did all of that and so much more. Some of it was [gut-wrenching](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailing-pets-goodbye/), some [bittersweet](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/road-trip-hometown/) and some of it was giving back to [those who give to us unconditionally](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/van-life-mom/). We even crossed over into another continent to see our saltiest of friends ([South Africa](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/south-africa/)…beyond incredible).
And then there was this pandemic that started mucking up everything, for everyone. WTF!
Travel, banned. Flights, grounded. Borders, closed. [Quarantined. Stranded.](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/stranded-fiji/)
I hate you Covid-19.
In route back to our tiny floating home, we were stopped. The world was shutting down and we weren’t allowed to make the final flight home. It was canceled.
Now here we are, in [Fiji](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/fiji/) for the foreseeable future. Self-isolating…waiting, pining for home.
But, mother nature doesn’t bend to human pandemics, rules or lockdowns. She rages on.
There is a monster category 5 cyclone claiming lives in the Solomon Islands, ripping Vanuatu to shreds and heading straight for us. Then, directly to Tonga…where, our home is parked.
I feel we are being tested, tried, possibly pranked, in a very unfunny way. Whatever the case, here is the story about that time we survived Cyclone Harold, while in isolation in Fiji during a pandemic.
We survived and so did Curiosity! The cyclone was very fast-moving, which was a good thing. Some parts of Fiji were hit harder than others but, people are safe and power was restored to most areas after three days. The cleanup and repairs will slowly carry on for a while here. Especially considering Fiji has now gone into full lockdown.
We’re now under stay at home orders in Fiji too. No more beach clean-ups for a bit.
If you can believe it, Cyclone Harold GAINED strength and was back up to a category 5 when it passed Tonga. The main island of Nuku’alofa took a lashing and we’re not sure of the state of the island (or our crate of supplies). Vava’u (where Curiosity is) fared ok with minimal damage and all our friends are safe and busy cleaning up their homes and the beaches.
One thing is for sure…despite being stuck, or in isolation, we won’t take the fair weather for granted!
We haven’t gotten a beat on relief efforts yet. The unbelievable part of this massive category 5 cyclone: It was almost nonexistent in the news because of the Coronavirus epidemic. If we learn of a good organization helping out, we’ll make sure to share it here.
If you are in the South Pacific or work with an organization providing relief to the pacific islands that we need to know about, please do let us know!
### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Ups, downs and all around, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our [gear store](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/store) and put tips in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). Thank you for being a part of the journey!
#### ☕ Travel Coffee Setup
- Hario V60: [https://amzn.to/2PCa5pw](https://amzn.to/2PCa5pw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Reusable Organic Hemp Filter: [https://amzn.to/3bPnv8t](https://amzn.to/3bPnv8t?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO📷
- All of our Photo & Video Gear: [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear/)
#### 🎶MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
- Source: [http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw](https://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Giants and Pilgrims,& Rodello’s Machine
### We traveled 10,000 miles for them
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/10000-miles-south-africa/
Last updated: 2025-09-18T22:37:18.000Z
I have a habit of saying “I love you to the moon and back” which can be anywhere in the ballpark of 500,000 miles (give or take). So, while I can’t say we’ve traveled quite that far…this does go down as the farthest we’ve ever gone for a friend.
We travel 10,000+ miles all the way to South Africa to see our old crewmate Kate and her husband Rufus.
We explore rugged coastlines, wine farms and find our inner caveman deep inside the Cango Caves.
Well, you’ve probably heard the old Irish proverb, “There are good ships and wood ships, ships that sail the sea, but the best ships are friendships, may they always be!”.
Friendships are one thing, but the bonds forged with friends on ships while crossing seas…well, those are on a whole other level. And that is where our dear friend Kate comes in.
We first met Kate and her husband Rufus in Panama. It was one of those fast forged, easy-going connections. We snorkeled, shared sundowners and explored Panama together. We even rang in the New Year together.
Then, an opportunity came about. Rufus and Kate were jumping ship. They were leaving their current crew position to move up the ranks. Kate was able to move on but Rufus still needed to finish training the new crew. So, we invited Kate to sail from Panama to Ecuador with us while Rufus finished up the job.
And well, the rest is history. It was three months of adventures, a lifetime of memories and one of the hardest “until next time” we’ve had to say.
Now, here we are almost two years later, traveling over 10,000 miles to see them both again before we sail even further away.
If you missed our adventures together from Panama and Ecuador, here’s a playlist of all our videos with Rufus and Kate:
### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Ups, downs and all around, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our [gear store](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/store) and put tips in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). Thank you for being a part of the journey!
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO📷
- Sony A7iii: [https://amzn.to/3ah833V](https://amzn.to/3ah833V?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Sony RX100: [gonewiththewynns.com/product/productsony-dsc-rx100m-iii-cyber-shot-digital-still-camera](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/productsony-dsc-rx100m-iii-cyber-shot-digital-still-camera)
- Drone: [https://amzn.to/3c1lkzq](https://amzn.to/3c1lkzq?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- DJI Osmo Action: [https://amzn.to/34aYlgV](https://amzn.to/34aYlgV?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🎶MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
- Source: [http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw](https://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – AM Beef, The Hunts, Low Light, and Katrina Stone
### Tesla of The Ocean?
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tesla-miami-boat-show/
Last updated: 2023-11-14T20:25:23.000Z
What do gangways, tents & flags all have in common? I have no idea but wow, you’ll see a lot of all of them if you go to a boat show.
Which, we recently did for the first time in over four years.
We made our way to the 2020 Miami Boat Show and it was fun. Way more fun than I thought it would be and far more exhausting than I expected too.
It’s not that it was drastically different from the last boat show we attended. It’s that this time, we actually knew what we were looking at!
We’ve only been to two other boat shows (Miami & [Palm Beach](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/palm-beach-boat-show/)), both in 2016 right before we purchased Curiosity and long before we had taken any sailing classes.
We didn’t know the words sheet or halyard, much less what they did. It was like being in a foreign country and not speaking a lick of the local language. So, at least this time we had the lingo down!
Our big goal at the boat show was to seek out all things forward-thinking and sustainable. Plus, we had a long list of gear to investigate as possible replacements on Curiosity…like a refrigerator. While we didn’t find the perfect fridge, we did find the Tesla of the ocean! And, a whole bunch of other neat stuff. 😉
### Highlights From The Miami Boat Show
Zin Boat: [bit.ly/zinboat](http://bit.ly/zinboat?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
All Solar Powered Catamaran: [bit.ly/serenityyachts](http://bit.ly/serenityyachts?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
Insane Fast Pontoon Boat: [bit.ly/fastpontoon](http://bit.ly/fastpontoon?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
UGO Waterproof Bag for phone/tablet (20% Off Code Too!): [gonewiththewynns.com/product/productugo-waterproof-pack](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/productugo-waterproof-pack)
Pony Dive Set Up: [bit.ly/MantusWynns](http://bit.ly/MantusWynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
4G At Sea: [bit.ly/4gsea](http://bit.ly/4gsea?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Cell Booster We Have Now: [gonewiththewynns.com/product/weboost-4g-booster-kit](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/weboost-4g-booster-kit)
#### Just Catamarans VIP Boat Show Event Videos
### 🙏 Thank YOU!
Ups, downs and all around, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our [gear store](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/store) and put tips in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). Thank you for being a part of the journey!
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO📷
- All of our Photo & Video Gear: [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear/)
#### 🎶MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
- Source: [http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw](https://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists –- Rex Banner, Giants and Pilgrims
### We’re Stranded In Fiji
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/stranded-fiji/
Last updated: 2023-11-14T20:26:01.000Z
It seems almost embarrassingly unimportant to share our saga considering the problems the world is facing right now. But, that could be said about every story we have ever published.
So, for the sake of those who want to be updated, need a distraction or are simply curious, here it goes…
This is the open-ended story of that time a pandemic broke out and left us stranded in Fiji.
Sanitize your hands, remote, computer keys, phone or tablet and then hit the play button.
We’re stranded and locked down here in Fiji for a while and it’s not ideal, but it could be worse.
I would love nothing more than to be back on-board Curiosity for all of this. Saving money, working on the literal boatload of repairs we need to make, sleeping in our own bed and cooking in my little galley.
But, safety first. So, we’ll stay “home” and work on our long-distance relationships.
### A brief timeline…
We left Florida on February 17 to fly over to South Africa. There weren’t many cases of coronavirus in the USA, there were no travel advisories and ZERO cases of coronavirus in place for any of the areas we were headed (South Africa or the South Pacific).
We left South Africa to fly into Tonga on March 15th. Just four days after the World Health Organization declared Covid-19 a pandemic. On the 15th there were no cases of COVID-19 in Tonga and only a handful in South Africa. For our layover stops Fiji had zero reported cases, United Arab Emirates had less than 100 and Australia had around 300 confirmed cases.
It’s now March 25th and those numbers are vastly different. We’re completely locked down in Fiji and the confirmed cases of coronavirus around the world have exploded. It’s all evolved so quickly and seems to have no clear end in sight…but it won’t last forever. This too shall pass.
**Confirmed Cases Worldwide**
Fiji reported it’s 5th case today and more will likely follow. Hopefully, the government will enforce strict lockdowns. Many of the citizens here don’t understand the severity of the situation and continue to hug, shake hands, gather and go about their normal day.
Fiji is a developing country but not a developed country. Their few hospitals can be quickly overwhelmed and understaffed. If it reaches the more remote out islands, it could decimate the population. All the more reason for us to stay in and stay healthy.
We are taking our self-quarantine period seriously…for our health and the health of everyone around us.
**Information On How To Protect Yourself from Covid-19:** [**who.int/**](https://www.who.int/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### 🙏 MADE POSSIBLE BY YOU!
Ups, downs and all around, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our [gear store](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/store) and put tips in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). Thank you for being a part of the journey!
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO📷
- All of our Photo & Video Gear: [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear/)
#### 🎶MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:
- Source: [http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw](https://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists –- Rex Banner, Oliver Michael, and Amparo
### No Place to Park it? Van Life Guide To Moochdocking
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/moochdocking/
Last updated: 2023-11-14T20:27:05.000Z
What do you do when you need a place to park your traveling home, but all your typical options are full or closed? You phone a friend…with a nice big driveway (or dock)!
This nasty COVID-19 virus is affecting everyone and especially our fellow nomads both on wheels and keels.
Campgrounds and Marinas are closing or kicking out transient travelers. Which has left loads of people scrambling to find a place to stay where they have access to freshwater and a dump station.
Moochdocking or Driveway Surfing might be the best bet for #VanLife & RV camping right now! Plus it’s our favorite way to visit friends & family.
Here’s our top tips on how to Moochdock like a boss and keep your hosts stoked. So they invite you back!
The information works for boaters too! Because the gear we installed in [Mom’s Van](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/van-life-mom/) is the same gear we have on our boat. And, the scenario is similar whether you’re parked at a limited-service marina, a friend’s dock, limited-service campground, or a friend’s house.
Plus, if you’re wondering how all of this self-distancing and quarantine is affecting us (and it is!)…we mention that too.
If you want to keep up with us in real-time, follow us [@the\_wynns](https://www.instagram.com/the%5Fwynns/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) on Instagram. We also post to and check in on the conversations happening on our [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/GoneWithTheWynns).
You can also follow Mary @Marys\_Van on Instagram too.
### **Things to consider when moochdocking**
#### **Make sure your rig will fit!**
We forgot to mention this one in the video because Mom’s van is pretty small, but it’s seriously important.
Everyone likes to think they have a BIG driveway. But just how big is it? We need measurements because every inch counts. Ask your friend to bust out the tape measure and give you the length and width. (Just a reminder guys, we are talking about the size of a space to park your rig…Never mind, moving on.)
Then, ask them to look around that space for obstacles. Are there any trees you might hit on the way in? Even if they appear to be ‘way up there’ according to your friend, tell them to go out and measure it one more time. Basketball goals, shrubs, overhanging trees and eaves (that’s the part of the roof that overhangs) are your worst enemy while driveway surfing. Once you have the measurements, double-check the location on Google Earth or the map Satellite view just to confirm.
#### **Ask about local regulations.**
Some neighborhoods allow street parking for a certain amount of days…others don’t…or sometimes you can simply request a special permit for your stay.
Moochdocking with our fellow road tripping buds [The Nealys](https://www.instagram.com/jen%5Fnealy/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com). They’re proud new #VanLife owners now too!
#### **Electricity**
If you hook up to an electrical connection, first check the breaker box to confirm how many amps that connection is and what other devices are sharing the connection.
Set your inverter an amp or two under what you think you can pull just to be on the safe side. You don’t want to be overloading the connection or popping breakers. Trust us from experience, on a hot night in TX you don’t want that breaker popping at midnight when you don’t have a way into the garage to flip the breaker! And, make sure you have that dog bone and surge guard.
#### Power Set Up On Mary’s Van:
- Flexible Solar Panels: [gonewiththewynns.com/product/flexible-solar-panels](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/flexible-solar-panels)
- Solar Controller: [amzn.to/2UpfJLe](https://amzn.to/2UpfJLe?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Lithium Batteries: [bit.ly/GWTWBattery](https://bit.ly/GWTWBattery?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Battery Monitor: [gonewiththewynns.com/product/battery-monitor](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/battery-monitor)
- Power Share Inverter: [gonewiththewynns.com/product/2000-watt-inverter](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/2000-watt-inverter)
- Soft Start (for running the AC on battery or limited shore power: [gonewiththewynns.com/product/air-conditioning-off-grid](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/air-conditioning-off-grid)
- $25 off discount code: GWTW
- Dog Bone 30A to 15A: [https://amzn.to/3dhX2Sh](https://amzn.to/3dhX2Sh?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Circuit Analyzer and Surge Protector [https://amzn.to/3di3QiY](https://amzn.to/3di3QiY?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Thick Heavy Duty Outdoor Extension cord [https://amzn.to/3bkBpz9](https://amzn.to/3bkBpz9?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### **Waste**
If you don’t have a[ composting toilet](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/marine-heads-accessories) (why not?!?) and your friends don’t have a sewer dump, you may want to ask to use their toilet and shower during your stay.
We didn’t have time to swap out mom’s toilet for a composting head…but that is next on the list as it makes a huge difference in how long we can live off the grid. **Learn more here**: [gonewiththewynns.com/product/marine-heads-accessories](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/marine-heads-accessories)
We’ve stayed on friends farms/ranches where we could sprinkle our greywater. But, that is far and few between. Most likely you’ll need to be conservative with water usage inside your tiny home.
One last tip, be mindful of your trash and recycling. Confirm with your friend what’s cool and what’s not. We’ve accidentally dumped our recycling in the neighbor’s bin because we didn’t ask first. The neighbor wasn’t so happy.
#### **Drinking-Water**
Water tap locations & quality have varied greatly for us over the years. We use a basic carbon-based filter at the tap to filter water before it goes into our tank….and then we have our LED UV filtered drinking tap. Zero concerns ever!
#### Water Filtration Set Up On Mary’s Van
- Basic Inline Hose Filter: [https://amzn.to/2UbUE8d](https://amzn.to/2UbUE8d?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Acuva LED UV Filter: [gonewiththewynns.com/product/water-purification](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/water-purification)
- $100 off With Discount Code: WYNNS
#### **Wifi**
This nifty little device helps us find and connect to WiFi hotspots from long distances. Like a coffee shop, campground main office or our friend’s house when we’re driveway surfing!
Wifi Booster: [wifiranger.com/shop/product/158-converge-denali](https://wifiranger.com/shop/routers/outdoor/denali/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- 5% discount code: [WFRWYNN](https://bit.ly/eliteAC?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### **Be a good neighbor!**
We always offer to help out around the house, make a grocery run and of course I love cooking for others. A surefire way to anyone’s heart is through their stomach. If you’re not a cook, purchase something to share! Wine, cheese, chocolate, coffee…everyone has a vice. Happy Moochin 😁
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED To Film THIS VIDEO📷
- Sony A7iii: [https://amzn.to/3ah833V](https://amzn.to/3ah833V?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Drone: [https://amzn.to/3c1lkzq](https://amzn.to/3c1lkzq?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🎶Music In This Video:
- Source: [http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw](https://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Luke Melville
### 🙏 MADE POSSIBLE BY YOU!
Ups, downs and all around, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our [gear store](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/store) and put tips in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). Thank you for being a part of the journey!
### Van Life Reality – What You need to Know
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/van-life-reality/
Last updated: 2023-11-14T20:27:58.000Z
There is a pandemic going on right now and I’m not talking about Coronavirus (but seriously…WTH?!?). I’m talking about #VanLife or #BoatLife or any other form of traveling home that might have taken over your Instagram feed and possibly become your new need-to-accomplish #Dream lifestyle.
In case you’re new around here or missed our previous post, we’ve been full-time travelers for almost ten years now and Jason’s mom Mary, just became a full-time Van Lifer. See that story here: [https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/van-life-mom](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/van-life-mom/)
Some say there isn’t enough transparency when it comes to the realities of these alternative lifestyles. I sort-of disagree. Sure, there are a few accounts out there that only share the perfect-filter-applied version. But there are loads of my fellow camera-toting full-time travelers doing a solid job of documenting both the good and bad of their home on (fill in the blank) traveling lifestyle.
I think the bigger issue is just how easily we (the viewer) can gloss over those challenging moments and by the end, only remember that epic drone shot.
The reality is, any lifestyle comes with its challenges and sacrifices.
The big question is, which sacrifices are you willing to make, and which problems are you willing to deal with? What truly makes you happy at the end of the day?
##### **“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”**
**― Mary Oliver**
Big life questions…but ones you should ask yourself. And, if you don’t know the answers, go searching for them!
One thing our decade of vagabonding, and all of the inspirational nomads we’ve met along the way, has taught us is: We must place what we love at the center of our lives.
The *what* will be different for all of us. Surfing, climbing, cycling, paddling, freediving, writing, photographing…you name it.
For us, and for Mary, our love is nature. Our happy place is out exploring the world and all it has to offer. We’re selfish like that. We want to gobble up as much life as we can, while we can.
Which is what inevitably led us to Boat Life and Mary to Van Life.
It sounds like a fairytale I know. Ruler of our castle with the freedom to live anywhere or any way we please. In reality, van life or boat life, is still life, with ups and downs.
Downsizing and turning our entire life upside down (or right side up) and embarking on an alternative lifestyle isn’t as easy as the romanticized dream in our heads.
Watching Mary go through all of these changes, challenges and reaping the rewards of a new lifestyle is exciting…and frustrating. This is why we wanted to share some of the what-to-expect-realities of jumping into this alternative lifestyle.
So, if moving into a van, boat, tiny house or any other nomadic dwelling is your future, this one is for you.
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO📷
- Sony A7iii: [https://amzn.to/3ah833V](https://amzn.to/3ah833V?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Sony rx100: [ gonewiththewynns.com/product/productsony-dsc-rx100m-iii-cyber-shot-digital-still-camera](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/productsony-dsc-rx100m-iii-cyber-shot-digital-still-camera)
- Drone: [https://amzn.to/3c1lkzq](https://amzn.to/3c1lkzq?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**🎶Music:**
- Source: [http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw](https://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artist – Space Doves
### 🙏 MADE POSSIBLE BY YOU!
Ups, downs and all around, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our [gear store](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/store) and put tips in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). Thank you for being a part of the journey!
### Van Life With My Mom
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/van-life-mom/
Last updated: 2023-11-14T20:28:43.000Z
Never, did I ever think we (as a married couple) would be sharing a bed with my mother-in-law!?! Yet, here we are. Let’s just say our closeness as a family has reached an all new…surround sound snoring level.
But, it’s for a good reason!
Mary (Jason’s mom) has boldly decided to take on the unsedentary life of a nomad. She sold everything, downsized drastically and moved into a van. Or camper van or RV, whichever you want to call it. We just call it [Mary’s Van.](https://www.instagram.com/marys%5Fvan/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
She said she wanted to “learn from the experts”. Ha, poor mom!
After a decade of traveling homes, we have come a long way from our first [how-not-to composting toilet install](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/install-composting-toilet/) and figuring out [how to use a tire plug](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/Crossing-Alaska-Border-Getting-Screwed/). But, we’re not experts (just don’t tell mom that). Good at learning from our mistakes, perhaps?
Experts or not, mom has helped us and finally, we have the chance to help her. So, we’ve moved in with mom to show her our wild camping, nomadic ways firsthand.
It’s been an interesting challenge for her to say the least. Van, RV, or boat, it’s a huge lifestyle change and a big learning curve with lots of new systems and resources to manage.
Which is why we wanted to share her story with you. She’s chockful of newbie excitement and frustrations. So, in this video, we dive into why she wanted a van, what’s working and what’s not.
#### Van Mods/Upgrades We Made For Mom
- 1 x 250AH Go Power Lithium Batteries (best direct replacement for her battery compartment size)
- Hybrid Inverter: [gonewiththewynns.com/product/2000-watt-inverter](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/2000-watt-inverter)
- 2 x 50W Solar Panels: [https://amzn.to/2TJtkwM ](https://amzn.to/2TJtkwM?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Acuva: [gonewiththewynns.com/product/water-purification](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/water-purification)
- $100 off With Discount Code: WYNNS
- Wifi Booster: [wifiranger.com/shop/product/158-converge-denali](https://wifiranger.com/shop/product/158-converge-denali?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- 5% discount code: [WFRWYNN](https://bit.ly/eliteAC?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Battery Monitor: [gonewiththewynns.com/product/battery-monitor](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/battery-monitor)\\
- Soft Start: [gonewiththewynns.com/product/air-conditioning-off-grid](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/air-conditioning-off-grid)
- $25 off discount code: GWTW
- Espresso Machine: [https://amzn.to/2VV8DR0](https://amzn.to/2VV8DR0?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO📷
- Sony A7iii: [https://amzn.to/3ah833V](https://amzn.to/3ah833V?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Sony rx100: [ gonewiththewynns.com/product/productsony-dsc-rx100m-iii-cyber-shot-digital-still-camera](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/productsony-dsc-rx100m-iii-cyber-shot-digital-still-camera)
- Drone: [https://amzn.to/3c1lkzq](https://amzn.to/3c1lkzq?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- DJI Osmo Action: [https://amzn.to/34aYlgV](https://amzn.to/34aYlgV?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**🎶AWESOME tunes:**
- Source: [http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw](https://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Ziv Moran, Loya, Muted, Giants and Pilgrims
### 🙏 MADE POSSIBLE BY YOU!
Ups, downs and all around, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our [gear store](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/store) and put tips in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). Thank you for being a part of the journey!
### Road Trip To My Hometown
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/road-trip-hometown/
Last updated: 2024-07-20T07:35:54.000Z
We’ve been traveling full time for almost ten years and through this time my concept of home has been broken down, shattered into what feels like a thousand pieces, and scattered around the world.
I don’t think of one location as home but undeniably, I do come from somewhere. Where we come from and where we call home, these places all tell a story about us. Where I come from and where I call home is a story I haven’t shared with you before.
It’s been a long time since we’ve taken a road trip, much less visited my hometown. And for the first time, I’m taking you with me.
I read a quote once that said, *“home isn’t a place, it’s a feeling”*. I couldn’t agree more. And while this will sound cliché, the world is my home. Being with family and the ones I love, no matter where in the world we are…that is home.
Normally, we don’t film our family/home time for a host of reasons.
- Not everyone enjoys being on camera.
- Our time with them is limited.
- We want to be fully present and in the moment.
- It’s a lot of sitting around & chatting.
- We focus on travel/adventure content, not daily vlogs.
So, a big thanks to my Aunt, Uncle, Dad & Sister for enduring a little camera time with us.
### RV Silicone Tape
My aunt is a jack of all trades and master of most. She knows how to work a drill and a saw better than most. Much like her mother (my grandmother) she will take on just about any challenge and loves a good DIY project.
When I told her I needed to secure some items in Mary’s van…she, of course, said, “I have something you are going to love”. Enter nano tape! She was right, fantastic stuff! It holds everything in place like glue, but it can be easily peeled up and leaves no residue behind. Great for van, RV, boat or just about anywhere.
#### **Buy Silicone Nano Tape Here:**
- [**https://amzn.to/32Fce7l**](https://amzn.to/32Fce7l?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
I’m happy to report: After a couple of months of road-trippin’ everything is still stickin’ 🙂
Almost as good as that silicone tape…was taking my Aunt out for her very first dark beer. She isn’t a big drinker and has never really liked beer. But, she loves coffee and vanilla. So, I had a sneaking suspicion she would love a good vanilla milk stout, and she did! If you find yourself in the small town of Cloudcroft, New Mexico, treat yourself to pizza and milk stout at the Cloudcroft Brewery.
And, if you see my Aunt Rebecca, buy her a small milk stout for me.
Cotton, the fabric of my childhood.
Hairstyles of the early 90’s …perms and feather bangs. May they never come back in fashion.
### Electric Bicycle!
My dad has always been into motorcycles. Tinkering in a garage or cruising down an open highway is his happy place. I’m not a huge fan of the chopper-style bike he has now, but I have endless fond childhood memories of “going to town” on his old Harley.
While I don’t think I have quite converted him…my Dad was impressed with the performance of our electric bikes. 20 MPH on a bicycle is pretty exciting and the acceleration off the line is smile-inducing. Or as my dad says “that’ll rock n’ roll won’t it!”
We can pedal around just like any bike using people power, or we can engage the pedal-assist to kick up the pace or go into full lazy mode and let the motor do all the work. We get about a 40-45 mile range out of one charge. The bikes have worked as a great car alternative on our road trip across the USA, especially because they fold up neatly.
#### Buy or See More on Our Electric Bikes:
- [http://blixbike.com?aff=22](http://blixbike.com/?aff=22&ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Extra $100 off!!! Use Discount Code: Wynn100
We did a little review on our electric bikes here if you want to see more:
[gonewiththewynns.com/gift-guide-2019](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/gift-guide-2019/)
### My Sister
My Sis. She’s the kind of crazy person that loves her job so much…she traveled to Alaska for a photo shoot even when she was 7 months preggo. Clearly, we’re related.
You can learn more about my sister here:
- [sadibrooke.com/](https://www.sadibrooke.com/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- [instagram.com/sadibrooke/](https://www.instagram.com/sadibrooke/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
Hopefully, once her baby boy is a little older, we’ll get her out on the boat for an adventure together.
For now, she’s a hard-working mom and photographer with zero time for a vacation halfway around the world.
It’s a tough pill for us to swallow, knowing it could be years before we see her again, but that’s why it was so important for us to come home.
Spending time with these littles are some of my favorite moments of all. Kids grow up and change so rapidly…which makes them the hardest to say goodbye to. It’s difficult not seeing more of them but I look forward to the day they come to visit us. Snorkeling, playing on the beach, cracking open coconuts…those will be memories worth holding on to.
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO📷
- All of our Photo & Video Gear: [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear/)
**🎶AWESOME tunes:**
- Source: [http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw](https://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Rex Banner, Duce Williams, Giants and Pilgrims, Jack Thweatt, Anthony Lazaro, & Jay Denton
### 🙏 MADE POSSIBLE BY YOU!
Ups, downs and all around, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our [gear store](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/store) and put tips in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). Thank you for being a part of the journey!
### Worst Decision We’ve Ever Had To Make
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailing-pets-goodbye/
Last updated: 2023-12-01T07:02:39.000Z
Traveling and sailing the world with our two cats for the last ten years has been the biggest adventure of our lives. However, we’ve been confronted with some hard decisions and it’s been an emotional roller coaster. But, it’s a part of our story and not one we want to leave you out on.
Choosing to live an alternative lifestyle, especially one as a nomad, comes with its challenges. Luckily for us, both Singa and Cleo have adapted and thrived through the ever-changing journey.
They’ve sniffed, hunted and marked more territories in their lifetime than any other pawed creature I know. From climbing mountains, descending into canyons and lapping from glacial rivers, there isn’t much these two furry travelers haven’t done.
Our thousands of miles [road-tripping](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/rvin) together [around North America](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/map) were mostly seamless and straightforward. Even [moving aboard a sailboat](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailing) proved to be more of a challenge for us humans than the felines. But, 13,000 nautical miles later we’re at a crossroads.
This is the most difficult story we’ve ever shared, and you may want a handkerchief close by for the ending.
First, I just want to say that it is possible to travel internationally with pets and this is in no way intended to discourage you from doing so. It is challenging but can be done. If you want to get an idea of what you’ll need to do, check out the requirements to import a pet into Australia ([click here](https://www.agriculture.gov.au/cats-dogs/step-by-step-guides/category2-step-by-step-guide-for-cats?ref=gonewiththewynns.com#step-2-confirm-general-eligibility-timeframe-before-starting-the-export-process)). They have the most strict rules and if you’re prepared from the start with the proper paperwork, vaccines, and microchipping, it makes life a whole lot easier.
### A Bitter Sweet Goodbye
*“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”* \-Winnie-the-Pooh
Both of us struggled to leave the ranch and we almost considered calling it quits to stay with them.
Saying goodbye to Cleo was the hardest. We knew given her age and health, that was potentially the last time we would see her. Which was gut-wrenching!
She lived a very long and full life right up until the end. Surrounded by friends she passed peacefully with Lynn, Clark, Singa and the whole gang by her side.
Sharing sadness or trauma isn’t something I do well. I don’t like crying in front of others and my default response is to stuff it and keep-it-together. That or shut down entirely. My emotions typically pack their bags and retreat until I’m all alone in a warm, safe space. Sort of like a scared cat I suppose. There I stay until I feel I can face the world again.
Picking up a camera and editing this video to share with you has been a huge challenge. It’s one of the few times I wished we didn’t share our lives so publicly. Mostly because of that default response to retreat until it hurts less. We would have loved to put together a beautiful tribute video filled with all the sweetest, funniest, most adventurous furry moments of Cleo’s life. But we simply don’t have the strength to do it. We have a gaping hole in our hearts that needs time to heal.
As for Singa, he really is loving the buzz and freedom of farm life at Mutiny Ranch. We get photos and video updates from Lynn that simultaneously make us oh-so-happy and just a tad envious. Our world doesn’t sound or feel quite the same without them both by our side. It’s a strange new world we live in now void of furry snuggles, meows, and purrs.
It’s the end of an era, but they will forever be with us in spirit.
And, when I feel the sadness tug at my heart, I reach for my phone and within a few taps, there is Singa on Instagram, climbing a tree at Mutiny Ranch.
### Mutiny Ranch
My dear friends Lynn and Clark, I don’t know how you do it.
They open their home and hearts to so many humans and animals alike. But, to take in animals that are at the end of their life takes supernatural strength and superhero sized hearts.
Mutiny Ranch is in Cortez, Colorado. We spent a few weeks on the ranch helping the cats settle in, reconnecting with our friends and all around enjoying farm life. Because there is something incredibly rewarding and satisfying about working with your hands and tending to a farm. It’s therapeutic and takes me right back to my childhood.
Lynn can be found at the local Farmers Markets with the-best-in-the-world sourdough bread, homemade jams, freshly roasted coffee and who knows what else! The sales help keep the Mutiny crew fed and the haystacks fresh.
Follow the whole Mutiny gang on Instagram here: [instagram.com/talesfromthemutiny/](https://www.instagram.com/talesfromthemutiny/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
Learn more about Lynn and Clark here: [talesfromthemutiny.com/](https://talesfromthemutiny.com/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO📷
- All of our Photo & Video Gear: [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear/)
**🎶AWESOME tunes:**
- Source: [http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw](https://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists: – The Hunts, Ziv Moran, Amick Cutler, Loya, Muted, Giants and Pilgrims, & Ben Noble
### 🙏 MADE POSSIBLE BY YOU!
Ups, downs and all around, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our [gear store](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/store) and put tips in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). Thank you for being a part of the journey!
### 5 Foods We Miss The Most Sailing Around The World
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/5-foods-we-missed/
Last updated: 2023-11-14T20:32:08.000Z
For the past three years, we’ve been sailing further and further away from the good ol’ USA. While adventure and curiosity pull us further from our homeland, there are some things we miss: Friends, family, unlimited fast Wi-Fi, and food.
Don’t get me wrong, exploring the world and indulging in exotic culinary experiences is exhilarating (I had no idea I was allergic to mango sap and taro!), but the lack of some foods can make home feel very far away.
The first stop we made after landing in California…the grocery store. Here are the five foods we couldn’t wait to get our salty fingers on.
What foods do you miss the most when you’re away from home? Let us know in the comments below…and don’t forget to tell us what you want to see at the Boat Show!
If you want to catch up with us in Florida (or anywhere) here’s a list of our meetup locations: [gonewiththewynns.com/lets-meet-up](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/lets-meet-up/)
#### Our Fave Foods
- Tortilla Chips: [https://amzn.to/2vjw2jK](https://amzn.to/2vjw2jK?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Salsa: [https://amzn.to/376kcH2](https://amzn.to/376kcH2?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Craft Beer! Too many to list…but don’t forget the vanilla ice cream!
- Field Roast Chipotle Veggie Sausages: [https://amzn.to/2SsX3JK](https://amzn.to/2SsX3JK?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- BBQ Sauce:[ https://amzn.to/2vfesgU](https://amzn.to/2vfesgU?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Strawberries, preferably from a farmer market.
### We Almost Didn’t Make It! Canceled Flights, Detained & Lost Cats
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/canceled-detained-lost/
Last updated: 2023-11-14T20:32:56.000Z
I must have run through a thousand “worst-case scenario” scenes in my head. Living on a boat and sailing around the world? You don’t make it out of an adventure like this without a few good stories, right!?
Like most people, I expected wild and crazy storms at sea to be the worst of what we would have to survive. Maybe some half-delirious hallucinations after weeks of isolation on the vast open ocean.
But never, did I ever, think that our biggest challenges would be on land.
What a trip! It all worked out in the end but sheesh, we gained a few grey hairs over that one. Hopefully, the return trip back to the boat will go much smoother. Or at the very least, we’ll go into it prepared for chaos!
Speaking of chaos, prepping the boat for cyclone season and storage was a “fun” new task. We didn’t show much of it in this video because we’re more interested in the return.
Will Curiosity be filled with bugs, rats, and mold or will our “tricks” have work? Only time will tell!
Until then, we’re happy to be back in the USA and in the land of seemingly never-ending hot water, great coffee shops with free wifi and tacos…lots and lots of tacos!
### 🙏Thank YOU!
These stories are possible because of you. Each time you read, watch, comment, share, shop our [gear store](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/store) or put tips in our production jar you make this all possible. If you like what you see, [click here to learn how you can show your support](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). Thank you for being a part of the journey!
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO📷
- Sony rx10: [https://amzn.to/2QAHxwx](https://amzn.to/2QAHxwx?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Sony rx100: [ gonewiththewynns.com/product/productsony-dsc-rx100m-iii-cyber-shot-digital-still-camera](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/productsony-dsc-rx100m-iii-cyber-shot-digital-still-camera)
- Sony rx0ii: [gonewiththewynns.com/product/tiny-travel-camera](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/tiny-travel-camera)
- Drone: [https://amzn.to/2VQ2pzi](https://amzn.to/2VQ2pzi?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- 360 Camera: [https://amzn.to/2pzbIs0](https://amzn.to/2pzbIs0?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🔋LITHIUM BATTERIES, SOLAR, WATER & MORE…
- All Things Off-Grid: [gonewiththewynns.com/living-off-grid-rv-sailboat](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/living-off-grid-rv-sailboat)
#### ⛵SAILING SPECIFIC GEAR
- Chartplotter: [https://amzn.to/2xHqxsV](https://amzn.to/2xHqxsV?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Garmin InReach: [gonewiththewynns.com/product/inreach-satellite-communication-and-tracking ](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/inreach-satellite-communication-and-tracking)
- iPad Mount at Helm: [https://amzn.to/2RWRz95](https://amzn.to/2RWRz95?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Sailing/Navigation Apps:
- iNavx: [http://bit.ly/2vGgC51](https://bit.ly/2vGgC51?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Active Captain: [http://bit.ly/active\_captain](https://bit.ly/active%5Fcaptain?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Weather, Messaging & Email: [gonewiththewynns.com/product/iridium-go-predictwind](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/iridium-go-predictwind)
**🎶AWESOME tunes:**
- Source: [http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw](http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists: – Ben Noble, Giants and Pilgrims
#### Travel REPORT
To see our full map with interactive pins, click here: [gonewiththewynns.com/map](http://www.gonewiththewynns.com/map)
- Curiosity Hauled Out & Left: The Boat Yard / Vava’u, Tonga
- Flights – 26 Hours
- Vava’u to Nukalufa
- Nuku’alofa to Fiji
- Fiji to California
- Date: September 2019
### The Greatest Race On Keels!
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/dinghy-race-tonga/
Last updated: 2023-11-16T21:14:15.000Z
What happens when three camera-toting, YouTube publishing, shameless sailors all drop the hook in the same bay? THE GREATEST RACE ON KEELS!
That’s right, it’s the very first Pineapple Cup Competition. Set in the beautiful Koko Bay in Vava’u Tonga. It’s a clash of titans…a rumble of regular ‘ol Joes battling it out for bragging rights.
You’ve never seen any of us like this before. Raw and uncensored, it’s dinghies gone wild.
When we saw Zatara and Drenched both sitting in the bay it hit us instantly…let’s do something crazy! Because they’re crazy, we’re crazy, why not be crazy together.
That’s when we came up with the idea of a dinghy race. It all came together in less than 48 hours and man was it a blast to film. And yes, Zatara really did win the race. It was a bad track design on our part. We should have made more turns and less straightaways! 😆 Next time!
Speaking of next time, what should we do next? National Lampoons Tonga Vacation?
A big thanks to both Drenched and Zatara for taking the time to make this ridiculous video with us.
- Expedition Drenched – [youtube.com/channel/UCo1SVuhySkvvbMxWljBSY1g](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCo1SVuhySkvvbMxWljBSY1g?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Sailing Zatara – [youtube.com/channel/UCNYlvlreZiRRHo\_v5Nmrfow](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNYlvlreZiRRHo%5Fv5Nmrfow?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### Special thanks to…
S/V WIZ for being our judges and helping out with our action cameras.
Selfia crew for being behind-the-scenes drone ninjas.
### 🙏 MADE POSSIBLE BY YOU!
These stories are possible because of you. Each time you read, watch, comment, share, shop our [gear store](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/store) or put tips in our production jar you make this all possible. If you like what you see, [click here to learn how you can show your support](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). Thank you for being a part of the journey!
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO📷
See All Of Our Photo & Video Gear here: [gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/photo-video-gear/)
**🎶AWESOME tunes:**
- Use this link for **2 FREE months** of downloads: [http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw](http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists in this vid: Rex Banner, Ian Post, Oliver Michael, and Lalinea
#### ⛵SAILING REPORT
- Anchorage: Koko Bay, Vava’u Tonga
- Date: August 2019
### A Whale of A Tale – Featuring Spanish Dancers & Gypsies
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/whale-gypsies-tonga/
Last updated: 2023-11-16T17:42:55.000Z
The Kingdom of Tonga. Sounds magnificent doesn’t it, like something straight out of a fantasy novel. Considering we navigated our way through a maze of islands, swam with giants, found Spanish Dancers in the sea and dined with gypsies…I suppose it has lived up to the name.
But, no fantasy here. This whale of a tale is all very real and we have the footage to prove it. We also have a stack of bureaucratic paperwork and an unavoidable boat maintenance list to remind us of just how legitimate this adventure is.
So, grab your beverage of choice (might I suggest something with bubbles) and join us for an unexpected journey through the Kingdom of Tonga.
Whales and a musical performance…I feel like we should stop right now. Drop the mic and walk offstage. Because how could we possibly top all that in one week?!?
### People Make The World Go Round
Anthony Bourdain said, “Drink heavily with locals whenever possible.” We try to follow this sage advice and it works out particularly well when we meet other people who follow this mantra. Enter [Kjell and Adriana](https://www.instagram.com/mystic%5Fsands/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com).
Meeting Kjell and Adriana proved to unleash one gift upon another. They welcomed us into Tonga like age-old friends and made us feel like family within days. For hospitality and friendship alone, we are forever grateful. But, on top of all that, they were the ones who called us about the last min whale opportunity and gathered their eclectic friends for dinner at La Pallea.
Who knew Tonga was the melting pot of Polynesia? So many people from all over the world! We had French, Norwegian, Kiwi, Ecuadorian, Spanish, Tongan, and American all represented under one thatched roof.
My grandmother would say something along the lines of, “people are like stew, it’s the variety that makes it fun to chew.” And other famous people have said, “variety is the spice of life”.
It’s all true. The more people from around the world we meet, the more we fall in love with the places and the people. I like to think that with each of the kind souls we meet, they pass their hospitality to us and we share it with you. So that all these encounters reach a little further and soften our hearts to our neighbors. No matter how far away they might be.
“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts.” -Mark Twain
### 🙏 Made Possible by YOU!
These stories are possible because of you. Each time you read, watch, comment, share, shop our [gear store](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/store) or put tips in our production jar you make this all possible. If you like what you see, [click here to learn how you can show your support](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). Thank you for being a part of the journey!
And a big thanks To [Scuba Diver Life](https://scubadiverlife.com/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) for taking us out to swim with the whales. Magical times on even the stormiest of days!
#### Have You Seen
- Our first time swimming with whales: [gonewiththewynns.com/swim-whales-moorea](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/swim-whales-moorea/)
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO📷
- All our camera gear:
🤿 **FREEDIVING & SCUBA**
- All Dive Gear Info: [gonewiththewynns.com/diving-from-sailboat](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/diving-from-sailboat/)
#### 🔋LITHIUM BATTERIES, SOLAR, WATER & MORE…
- All Things Off-Grid: [gonewiththewynns.com/living-off-grid-rv-sailboat](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/living-off-grid-rv-sailboat)
**🎶AWESOME tunes:**
- Source: [http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw](http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists: Ziv Moran, Giants and Pilgrims, Lance Conrad, & Hanjo Gabler
#### ⛵SAILING REPORT
- Nautical Miles Sailed: 28
- Date: August 2019
### Feeling Overwhelmed Sailing To Tonga
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/overwhelmed-sailing-tonga/
Last updated: 2025-09-18T23:08:00.000Z
We say a sad farewell to the dream that was Niue and set sail for Tonga. It’s the last destination of the season for us and feelings of overwhelm start to settle in the closer we get.
252 nautical miles of uninterrupted sailing in the South Pacific. It’s the perfect amount of sailing if you ask Jason and enough time for me to thoroughly dwell on all the tasks ahead. And dwell I do…allowing my mind to roll in cadence with each eight to ten-foot swell.
Sailing into Tonga felt like floating into a mystical scene worthy of a good fantasy novel. Perhaps written by J. R. R. Tolkien or C.S. Lewis or another great author with lots of initials.
It’s yet another destination that pokes at my curiosity and tugs at my need to explore. Tiny rock islands, layers of green hills and all surrounded by varying shades of blue.
But, we’re on limited exploration time here because we have work to do and a flight to catch.
### Boat Life & Overwhelm
We keep a lot of lists. Mostly to-do lists. There’s a list for boat repairs, for maintenance and for parts needed.
Lists are supposed to be good. They bring order to the chaos, help us remember things and focus the mind.
But sometimes, like this time, the list makes me wish I could jump overboard, turn into a mermaid and swim far, far away from every single item listed.
Sadly, I have not grown gills and thus, shall remain a human. Sigh.
The good news is, I am a pro procrastinator. So, as you may have gathered from the little preview at the end of this video…I find plenty of distractions to avoid having to tackle any of those lists before absolutely necessary.
### 🙏 THANK YOU!
We keep creating and sharing because of you. Each time you read, watch, comment, share, shop our [gear store](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/store) or put tips in our production jar you make this all possible. If you like what you see, [click here to learn how you can show your support](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). Thank you for being a part of the journey!
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO📷
- All our camera gear:
#### ⚡HOW WE POWER OUR HOME: LITHIUM BATTERIES, SOLAR, WATER & MORE… 🪫
- All Things Off Grid: [gonewiththewynns.com/living-off-grid-rv-sailboat](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/living-off-grid-rv-sailboat)
**🎶AWESOME tunes:**
- Source: [http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw](https://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Giants & Pilgrims (Intro & Last Song), Caleb Etheridge, James Forest & Stanley Gurvich.
#### ⛵ SAILING REPORT
- Nautical Miles Sailed: 252
- Date: July 2019
#### GET YOUR SWAG ON!
[](https://gonewiththewynns.teemill.com/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### Scariest Cave Of My Life!
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/scariest-cave-niue/
Last updated: 2025-09-18T23:06:34.000Z
We’ve been on this rock for two days and we’re in love. We would stick around for months but, there’s a westerly storm headed this way and Niue is one of the least protected anchorages in the South Pacific.
The island nation of Niue isn’t a soft tropical landscape like its distant neighbors. Completely exposed to the sea, there’s no barrier reef to calm the swell before it reaches the island. It’s a massive chunk of limestone and uplifted coral with sharp edges, gaping holes, caves, and caverns.
It’s the kind of place that demands thick soles and some grit. It pokes at your curiosity and rewards those willing to plunge into the dark shadows.
Sadly, we have less than 48 hours to explore as much of this rugged island as we can. Not wanting to squander our precious time, we decide to take on the island’s most extreme caves. One above water and one below. Spoiler alert (as if the title hadn’t already given it away) it’s also the scariest cave of my life.
So, if winding through a maze of roots, scaling rocks and duck diving into black holes is your kind of adventure, this one is for you.
Talk about facing fears and reaping rewards! We’ve been into a lot of caves over the years but never anything quite like that…especially on our own.
If you didn’t gather from the video, I have a few demons to conquer. I have some PTSD when it comes to spiders and the dark…we’ll who isn’t a little afraid of wandering down an unfamiliar dark path?
### Bubble Cave
We’ve been following Jordan and Nate’s underwater adventures for a couple of years now. I stumbled upon their YouTube channel ([Expedition Drenched](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCo1SVuhySkvvbMxWljBSY1g?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)) when we were researching dive spots in the Carribean. They have a huge love for the ocean and they’re simply nuts over scuba. I loved their vibe right off the bat. So, finally connecting and getting to experience such a unique dive together was priceless. But our time together isn’t over just yet. We’re all running from the same storm and following the trade winds. We’ll catch up with them again in Tonga.
Scuba Diving Bubble Cave, Island Nation of Nuie
While we didn’t snag any photos, we did capture the Katuali sea snake on video…which was pretty freakin’ fantastic. Niue is the only place in the world to see the Katuali and it was our very first sea snake encounter…and our first cave dive.
Soo…after all of this, **Niue has inched it’s way up to be one of our all-time favorite destinations**.
### Happy New Year! Best, Worst, Scariest of 2019 & Where to Next
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/best-worst-scariest-2019/
Last updated: 2023-11-14T20:59:31.000Z
As cliche as it is, I’m gonna say it anyway. Another year has come and gone in a blink! We’re on a whirlwind tour to catch up with family, friends and fans. But, we wanted to pop in on you to say **Happy New Year** and give you a little update on all things Wynn.
Our thoughts are with our friends (and selfishly our home) in Tonga as tropical Cyclone Sarai continues to brew in the South Pacific. Stay safe guys!!!
### 🙏 We Wouldn’t be here without you!
Because of our [Patrons](https://www.patreon.com/the%5Fwynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) and you, we’re still sharing lessons learned and adventures had from around the world. We keep creating and sharing because of you. Each time you read, watch, comment, share, shop our [gear store](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/store) or [put tips in our production jar](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar) you make this all possible. Thank you for being a part of our year.
#### [GET YOUR SWAG ON!](https://gonewiththewynns.teemill.com/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
[](https://gonewiththewynns.teemill.com/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### The Most Incredible Place You’ve Probably Never Heard Of
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/incredible-unknown-island/
Last updated: 2025-09-18T23:07:04.000Z
When we first set off to sail about the world, the idea was to travel like the great explorers of the past, weather storms and discover places we didn’t know existed. But I never expected it all to work out so verbatim.
Yet, here we are on a seemingly unknown island paradise with good food, clear water and immersive hikes. Niue is the most amazing destination we never knew existed.
I know we should be grateful for the brief but glorious days we had. But what can I say…we’re greedy! Waking up to that westerly forecast was more disappointing than blowing out my favorite hiking shoes on a sharp coral trail.
So goes the life of a sailor. We’re on mother natures schedule, whether we like it or not (pun intended).
Putting aside the sad news that we have to rush out, Niue really is the most incredible place. It’s not teeming with tourists and that is shocking. Because aside from National Parks like Arches, Zion and Carlsbad Caverns I have never seen anything quite like this. Especially from a single island! I would have stayed for months if the weather and customs would have allowed it. We had never heard of this place before sailing the South Pacific. Now I’m wondering…just how many more gems like this are out there hiding?
Determined to make lemons out of lemonade, we’re gonna squeeze life out of every hour we have left. So stay tuned because next time we’re cave diving with sea snakes and taking on the islands most challenging (not on the tourist map) adventure!
### 🙏 THANK YOU!
We keep creating and sharing because of you. Each time you read, watch, comment, share, shop our [gear store](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/store) or put tips in our production jar you make this all possible. If you like what you see, [click here to learn how you can show your support](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). Thank you for being a part of the journey!
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO📷
- All our camera gear:
#### ⚡HOW WE POWER OUR HOME: LITHIUM BATTERIES, SOLAR, WATER & MORE… 🪫
- All Things Off Grid: [gonewiththewynns.com/living-off-grid-rv-sailboat](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/living-off-grid-rv-sailboat)
**🎶AWESOME tunes:**
- Source: [http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw](http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists: Giants and Pilgrims (intro), Russo, Rex Banner, Red City Hero, Russo and Weinberg,
#### ⛵ SAILING REPORT
- Date: July 2019
### Biggest Waves Ever!!! 4 Days Living At Sea
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/biggest-waves-sea/
Last updated: 2025-09-18T23:07:25.000Z
It has been said a thousand times and it shall be said a thousand more, a life at sea is full of extremes. This four-day passage was no exception.
We thought we knew a thing or two about sacrificing civilization for freedom, but [Palmerston](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/cook-islands/) takes a life at sea to a whole new level. Living on a remote island far away from civilization, no matter how good the internet is, requires determination and a unique frame of mind.
It’s one thing to live on a boat and sail about the world. We spend a lot of our time isolated and far away too, but our floating island can make its way to civilization.
And speaking of making our way to civilization, our time in the Cook Islands is up. Time to get this ol’ boat moving again. Next stop is the world’s smallest independent nation of Niue. Approximately 400 nautical miles away.
True to the nature of sailing, it’s a passage that goes from heavenly to heavy.
Oh how heavenly it all started. Beautiful downwind sunset sailing, fresh yellowfin tuna…what more could any seafaring traveler want!?!
And how quickly it all changes.
One day we’re going to learn how to capture the magnitude of the swell and waves. Because while these might not have been the behemoth waves that make one fear for their life, they were enough to send our 60 pound freezer flying from out of its holster from port to starboard. It’s an absolute shame we didn’t capture THAT on camera. And a miracle it didn’t put a huge hole in our cockpit!
### 🙏 Thank YOU!
We keep creating and sharing because of you. Each time you read, watch, comment, share, shop our [gear store](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/store) or put tips in our production jar you make this all possible. If you like what you see, [click here to learn how you can show your support](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). Thank you for being a part of the journey!
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO📷
- All our camera gear:
#### ⚡HOW WE POWER OUR HOME: LITHIUM BATTERIES, SOLAR, WATER & MORE… 🪫
- All Things Off Grid: [gonewiththewynns.com/living-off-grid-rv-sailboat](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/living-off-grid-rv-sailboat)
#### **🎶AWESOME tunes:**
- Source: [http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw](http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Giants & Pilgrims (intro), Michael Shynes, Tristan Barton, and Tomer Katz
#### ⛵ SAILING REPORT
- Nautical Miles Sailed: 415
- Date: July 2019
#### Get Your Swag On!
[](https://gonewiththewynns.teemill.com/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### Real Life On A Remote Island
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/real-life-remote-island/
Last updated: 2026-01-19T14:00:04.000Z
Palmerston Island is one of those places we’ll remember forever. It’s the most remote place we’ve ever sailed, but that isn’t what makes it so memorable. The islanders have completely immersed us into their world from the moment we set our feet in the sand.
When we decided to buy a boat and set off into the deep blue, I dreamed of all the possibilities and experiences we would have. But I never expected it to play out so vividly in reality.
Yet, here we are, far away from civilization, living off coconuts and fish, playing with free spirited island kids and seeing firsthand what life is like when you live isolated with 34 of your relatives.
So, could you do it? Could you live on a tiny remote island?
This was an eye-opening experience in so many ways. My idyllic dream of living on a deserted island has been forever changed. The realities of such a remote life are far more complicated than I ever imagined.
Its not just the limited access to everything or the socialization aspect, it’s the bureaucracy of it all. Here there are no political parties, just head of house representatives.
But, even with a tiny population of 35, the island council struggles to align on many ideals. One wants to put fishing restrictions in place, the other doesn’t. One wants to export coconuts, the other doesn’t. One wants to put in a tiny airport, the other doesn’t.
Like most places in the world, creating change is hard. And, in the process toes are stepped on, feelings are hurt and dividing lines between houses grow more prominent.
The population on Palmerston is dwindling but I can’t help but believe that in another 150 years, decedents of the Marsters family will still be here. Drinking coconuts, fishing and welcoming sailors from around the world. That is assuming the rising seas don’t swallow the island first.
### 🙏 MADE POSSIBLE BY YOU!
Ups, downs and all arounds, we share them all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our [gear store](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/store?ref=gwtw.ghost.io) and put tips in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar?ref=gwtw.ghost.io). Thank you for being a part of the journey!
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO📷
- All our camera gear:
#### ⚡HOW WE POWER OUR HOME: LITHIUM BATTERIES, SOLAR, WATER & MORE… 🪫
- All Things Off Grid: [gonewiththewynns.com/living-off-grid-rv-sailboat](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/living-off-grid-rv-sailboat)
**🎶AWESOME tunes:**
- Source: [http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw](http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw?ref=gwtw.ghost.io)
- Artists – Giants & Pilgrims (intro), Rex Banner, Leroy Wild, and Paper Planes
#### ⛵ SAILING REPORT
- Nautical Miles Sailed: 240
- Date: July 2019
### We’re Adopted by Natives!!! Palmerston Island, Population: 35
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/adopted-palmerston-island/
Last updated: 2024-04-15T11:29:39.000Z
It’s day two of our passage to Palmerston in the [Cook Islands](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/cook-islands/). It will be the most isolated island we have sailed to.
The tiny speck of palm fringed sand has no airport, no harbor and a dwindling population of 35 inhabitants. All descendants of one man and three wives. The only way to visit the island is to arrive by boat and be adopted by one of the families.
But, there is another high-pressure system nipping at our heels promising a solid week or more of 30-40 knots of sustained wind and building seas. So, we’re in for some turbulence.
Can you imagine being sooo secluded with 35 of your extended family members? Hundreds of miles of ocean between you, civilization, supplies, medical care and any other human.
Even for us as sailors, living on a floating home, sometimes at sea for days on end, find this life hard to imagine. Our house moves, we can pick up and weather permitting, set off for civilization when we’re ready.
For Bob and his family, their only way on and off the island is on one of the supply ships. They have to plan months in advance to get off the island and it could take them months to get back. The words hurry, emergency, fast…they don’t mean much here.
But, in exchange for the inconveniences, they have a drastically different way of life. One they have chosen to maintain over the centuries, governed by them, for better or worse.
Its a fascinating case study and one I wouldn’t necessarily call utopia. But, with the right mindset perhaps it could be.
Being here is like crossing over into a parallel universe and one we feel overwhelmingly lucky to experience and share with you. Stay tuned, because next week we dive a lot deeper into the community and way of life here. It’s like stepping back in time…
### 🙏 MADE POSSIBLE BY YOU!
Ups, downs and all arounds, we share them all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our [gear store](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/store) and put tips in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). Thank you for being a part of the journey!
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO📷
- All our camera gear:
#### ⚡HOW WE POWER OUR HOME: LITHIUM BATTERIES, SOLAR, WATER & MORE… 🪫
- All Things Off Grid: [gonewiththewynns.com/living-off-grid-rv-sailboat](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/living-off-grid-rv-sailboat)
**🎶AWESOME tunes:**
- Source: [http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw](http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Giants & Pilgrims (intro), Live recordings of the Cook Islanders
#### ⛵ SAILING REPORT
- Nautical Miles Sailed: 240
- Date: June/July 2019
### This Is Our Meditation
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/meditation-aitutaki/
Last updated: 2023-11-16T21:54:49.000Z
The wind is whipping but the sun is shining and we’re anchored in a little paradise. So, we take a cue from all the guidebooks and do what most come here to do: Slip into the island life.
This is Aitutaki, the honeymooners island, the Bora Bora of Cook Islands and if there’s one thing we’ve learned from years of travel, it’s to go with the flow.
The only thing missing from this video is a self-misting fan…so grab one, take a deep breath and immerse yourself into island life with us. It’s good for the soul.
And just like that we’re on our way again. Out to sea with a course set for an even smaller island. Next up, Palmerston…population 33.
### The Art Of Doing Nothing
We may only move at an average of 6-8 knots but even we forget how important it is to slow down. From the twenty or so minutes of life we share each week, it may seem as if we live in a dream world. And some days it feels that way. But, we spend most of our time underway, maintaining, repairing, planning, cleaning, editing or eating. Sometimes we sleep.
We’re Americans. Full throttle and staying busy is etched into our DNA. We’ve been raised with this idea that doing nothing would typically be associated with being lazy. Most of the westernized world probably feels this way.
But doing nothing is important! Which is why I believe people are drawn to meditation, tai chi, chi gung, yoga and anything else that represents the calm vs the chaos (or the balance of).
For us, being out in nature is our meditation.
I forget how good it feels to just stop, meditate, vegetate and relax. It always takes me a little time, but once I relax…I am in the zone! The clutter in my head slowly reorganizes itself. The white noise fades and everything gets clearer. I can see, breathe and think again.
I know how important it is to take this mental break, how it increases productivity, reduces stress and a long list of other benefits…yet I still struggle to work it into my life consistently.
Anyone out there relate?
Nah, I didn’t think so. 😉
But seriously, if you have been there and found the secret to the balancing act of life…please do share.
### 🙏 MADE POSSIBLE BY YOU!
Ups, downs and all arounds, we share them all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our gear store and put tips in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). Thank you for being a part of the journey!
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO📷
- All our camera gear:
**🎶AWESOME tunes:**
- Source: [http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw](http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Giants and Pilgrims (intro), Maya Isac, and Lance Conrad
#### ⛵ SAILING REPORT
- Anchorage: Aitutaki, Cook Islands
- Date: June 2019
### Goodbye Paradise, Hello Blue Lagoon
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/paradise-blue-lagoon/
Last updated: 2023-11-16T21:57:42.000Z
Saying bye to good times and good people never seems to get any easier. With lumps in our throats and salt water collecting in our eyes, we pull up the anchor and set sail once again.
Aitutaki is our next island destination here in the Cook Islands. It’s known as the “honeymoon island”, “the worlds most beautiful lagoon” and some say it’s “the Bora Bora of the Cook Islands”. All we know is our new friends in Raro told us it’s a must visit.
The Cook Islands have proved to be some of the most challenging anchorages we’ve ever experienced. Rarotonga was an ongoing roll of the dice with the exposed quay and now Aitutaki with it’s skinny (in all aspects) entry, shesh! But hey, now that we’re in, it’s protected and calm…and that alone is worth the effort. But, with that in mind, if your boat has a draft of more than 5 feet …I wouldn’t attempt it.
And speaking of being tempted, how about those giant clams. The lips were like art in motion with their glowing colors pulsing about. I don’t think I have ever seen anything more psychedelic!
The private lagoon tour we took was fun, but it made us realize how spoiled we are. Normally (when allowed to use our dinghy) we’d spend 1 or 2 full days hitting those little islands and snorkel spots. We’d take extra time to capture timelapse of clouds and killer drone footage of the lagoon. But with this half-day tour we felt incredibly rushed and we could have spent a lot more time with those giant clams. We’d arrive to a stop and our guide would say “you have 10 minutes”. We would be hard pressed to recommend such a tour anywhere else but it was the only way we were going to get out on Aitutaki’s Lagoon.
Now that we’ve seen the lagoon we’re stoked to check out the land…just as soon as soon as this massive blow passes through 🤞
### 🙏 MADE POSSIBLE BY YOU!
Ups, downs and all arounds, we share them all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our gear store and put tips in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). Thank you for being a part of the journey!
**🤿FREEDIVING & SCUBA**
- All Dive Gear Info & Reviews Here: [gonewiththewynns.com/diving-from-sailboat](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/diving-from-sailboat/)
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO📷
- All our camera gear:
#### ⚡HOW WE POWER OUR HOME: LITHIUM BATTERIES, SOLAR, WATER & MORE… 🪫
- All Things Off Grid: [gonewiththewynns.com/living-off-grid-rv-sailboat](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/living-off-grid-rv-sailboat)
**🎶AWESOME tunes:**
- Source: [http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw](http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Giants & Pilgrims (intro), Borrtex, Eldar Kedem, Jamie Bathgate, & Red City Hero
#### ⛵ SAILING REPORT
- Nautical Miles Sailed: 168
- Date: June 2019
### Swimming With Sea Turtles!!!
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/swimming-sea-turtles/
Last updated: 2023-11-16T21:59:48.000Z
There are times we struggle to see more than two feet in front of us and yet, I feel like this is some of the best freediving we’ve ever had. Maybe it’s the company, maybe it’s the never-ending good vibes that flow through this island and seemingly every person we meet on it. I can’t put my finger on it exactly, but I know Raro has taken a little piece of my heart that I will never get back.
I have a deep love for every country we have visited but this is the first time I feel like I want to dig my anchor in so deep, it takes us a few months to pull it back up. We were given 90 days to explore the Cook Islands and we could have used at least 90 more.
In all fairness, we could have requested an extension, but the reality is we need to move on. The cyclone season will be upon us before we know it and we have a lot of territory to cover. Next stop is Aitutaki…the Bora Bora of the Cook Islands.
### Mowgli (AKA Josh)
Should you make your way to Rarotonga (and you should) you can go out for a romp in the under-water jungle too. Josh runs a tour company and can take anyone, of any level, out to meet his wild friends. This isn’t a sponsored plug. Just a recommendation to visit our friend who has a deep love and respect for the ocean.
#### Find Josh on:
- Instagram – [https://www.instagram.com/snorkelcookislands/](https://www.instagram.com/snorkelcookislands/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Facebook –
### Killer Mosquitoes
Next to [Alaska](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/alaska-canada-adventures), that time we were [mobbed by no-see-ums in the Bahamas](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/cruising-life-abacos/) and the [Jurassic Park camp](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/jurassic-park-grande-prairie-alberta/), the Papua (Wigmore’s) Waterfall Hike almost killed us. Another ten seconds and I don’t think there would have been any flesh left on our bones. Luckily, aside from the itchy welts, we were fine. But you better believe we were never caught without our bug spray again!
DIY Bug Repellent – lemongrass, rosemary, lemon and eucalyptus essential oils in a blend of jojoba or coconut oil is our fave.
### Serious Café Culture
We gave you a visual taste in the video, but the café culture in Rarotonga is seriously strong. You can walk down the street and pick up “Austin, Texas Worthy Food” at a dozen places near the quay. Don’t get me wrong, not every spot was foodie heaven, but overall our coffee, pub and food experiences made Raro a little sweeter in our hearts.
In our two weeks of exploring this small island we must have eaten at 30 different places. Jason and I joke that “we spent more in 2 weeks on Rarotonga than we did in one year in French Polynesia!” Surprisingly it’s almost true. If I had to narrow it down to the perfect trifecta it’d go like this: Beluga for coffee and Breakfast, Lucky Trout for Lunch, Raro-Brewery for a quick beer sample and finish it off with a tasty sunset dinner with a killer view at Antipodes.
If you’re not on a sailboat you can call our new Raro Friends at [Casa del Sol](https://cookislands.travel/accommodation/casa-del-sol?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)…they’re the ones that [loaned us the car](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/exploring-rarotonga/) and introduced us to Beluga and Antipodes (and a crap-load of other awesome Rarotonga Must-Do’s).
**🤿FREEDIVING & SCUBA**
- All Dive Gear Info & Reviews Here: [gonewiththewynns.com/diving-from-sailboat](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/diving-from-sailboat/)
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO📷
- All our camera gear:
#### ⚡HOW WE POWER OUR HOME: LITHIUM BATTERIES, SOLAR, WATER & MORE… 🪫
- All Things Off Grid: [gonewiththewynns.com/living-off-grid-rv-sailboat](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/living-off-grid-rv-sailboat)
**🎶AWESOME tunes:**
- [http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw](http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) – Giants and Pilgrims (intro), Camel Power Club, Generation Lost, Maya Isac, Luminar
#### ⛵ SAILING REPORT
- Anchorage: Avarua Harbour, Rarotonga, Cook Islands
- Date: June 2019
### 🙏 MADE POSSIBLE BY YOU!
Ups, downs and all arounds, we share them all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our gear store and put tips in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). Thank you for being a part of the journey!
### What A Nightmare! Getting Hit & Dragging Anchor
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/nightmare-getting-hit-dragging-anchor/
Last updated: 2023-11-16T22:01:13.000Z
Have you ever had one of those days where everything that could go wrong, did? Well, that’s how we were feeling on this day. The day we saved our neighbors boat, and then he crashed into us.
You may want something a little stronger than coffee to go with this one.
Just in case you’re wondering, the poor guy on that monohull was very grateful for Jason’s help and understanding. NOT a sentiment he got from his other neighbors (and he didn’t even hit their boat). He had just purchased the boat and was a little in over his head…. something we can sympathize with. Because if we’re honest, we’ve been in over our heads more than once…in the last year alone.
He won’t soon forget his trip to Rarotonga and unfortunately, he didn’t have the good experiences we did to offset the bad. If we hadn’t just had several over-the-top-incredible days; we might have been out of here in a hurry too. Bad anchor/windlass or anything else be damned.
I never did leave our boat during that whole debacle or any of the windy days. I never felt comfortable enough. I wanted to be ready to kick on an engine at any moment (or ready with a roving fender). Especially because the reaction time between the concrete wall and our Curiosity was already minus ten.
But, this is just the way it goes when you live a life on the sea. Nothing is more liberating, exhilarating, exhausting and nerve rattling. Life out here is anything but boring.
### Big Takeaways!
**Ground Tackle Is Everything** – Or at least everything holding our home in place. A good modern anchor and chain can’t be undervalued. We are very grateful for our [Mantus Anchor](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/mantus-anchor) as it hasn’t failed us yet! (knock on wood)
**Quick Release Lines –** [Kent,](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailboat-shopping-cruising-catamaran/) our broker turned mentor and friend, taught us many things. One of them was to always make sure we tied our lines in such a way that they could be released from the boat quickly (as in not looped through the cleat). We never truly understood why until watching someone who desperately wanted to get away from the dock struggle to release his lines.
**Don’t Panic –** Most of us already know this but nothing like a bad situation turned worse to really hammer the idea home.
*You can no longer just be a good sailor. You have to be an incredible athlete as well. Having said that, you can be a great athlete, the strongest guy in the world, but if you can’t anticipate and make decisions under stress and exhaustion and think ahead, then you won’t be able to cut it, either.*
*\-James Spithill – Helmsman for BMW Oracle and Americas Cup winner 2010*
### 🙏 MADE POSSIBLE BY YOU!
Ups, downs and all arounds, we share them all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our gear store and put tips in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). Thank you for being a part of the journey!
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO📷
- All our camera gear:
#### ⚡HOW WE POWER OUR HOME: LITHIUM BATTERIES, SOLAR, WATER & MORE… 🪫
- All Things Off Grid: [gonewiththewynns.com/living-off-grid-rv-sailboat](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/living-off-grid-rv-sailboat)
**🎶AWESOME tunes:**
- [http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw](http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) – Artists: Rhythm Scott, Giants and Pilgrims (intro), & Generation Lost
#### ⛵ SAILING REPORT
- Anchorage: Avarua Harbour, Rarotonga, Cook Islands
- Date: June 2019
### Down The Rabbit Hole – Exploring Rarotonga
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/exploring-rarotonga/
Last updated: 2023-11-17T01:32:57.000Z
We spotted Rarotonga on the horizon long before we reached her harbor. The island juts up out of the Pacific Ocean like a breaching whale, determined to be seen.
We made plans to scale those mountains long before we made landfall. But, so goes the life of a sailor…the trick isn’t making our way to the top, it’s finding our way to the base.
Luckily for us, the Cook Islanders are putting up a fierce competition to win our “hospitality of the year” award. We’ve never actually given out awards before but we’re starting to think we should.
If our last video didn’t have you adding Cook Islands to your ports of call, perhaps today’s adventure will do the trick.
A free car and new friends…if that isn’t hitting the jackpot, I don’t know what is! Marcelle and Dion adopted us as family and hands down made our time in Rarotonga unforgettable. If you find yourself in Rarotonga and see them on the street, make sure to run up waving your hands like maniacs and tell them The Wynn’s say hello.
These are our Pirate faces…you ready to give up the booty?
If you aren’t bringing your house with you and need a place to stay, check out their villa, [Casa Del Sol](https://cookislands.travel/accommodation/casa-del-sol?ref=gonewiththewynns.com). We didn’t stay with them but the rooms are beautiful and we’ll totally vouch for the hosts. 😉 (they didn’t ask us to plug them, we just think they are “salt of the earth” kind of people)
### Hiking In Rarotonga
I know a lot of people that don’t enjoy hiking because they think it’s just walking, and sometimes it is. But the hikes in Rarotonga are…wait for it…legit! (I didn’t know if we had said that word enough in the video, so I thought I would repeat it one more time.) Ropes, rock climbing and views worth the trek! Oh, and don’t forget the added bonus of QR codes.
While we’re at it, also don’t forget:
- Bug spray (lemongrass, rosemary, lemon and eucalyptus essential oils in a blend of jojoba and coconut oil is my personal fave).
- Water friendly hiking shoes
- A really good 360 camera if you want to recreate our Rabbit Hole photo. Here is ours: [https://amzn.to/2pzbIs0](https://amzn.to/2pzbIs0?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO📷
- All our camera gear:
**🎶AWESOME tunes:**
- [http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw](http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) – Artists: Giants and Pilgrims (intro), Russo and Weinberg, Rex Banner & Assaf Ayalon
#### ⛵ SAILING REPORT
- Anchorage: Avarua Harbour, Rarotonga, Cook Islands
- Date: June 2019
### 🙏 MADE POSSIBLE BY YOU!
Ups, downs and all arounds, we share them all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our gear store and put tips in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). Thank you for being a part of the journey!
### This Sailboat Will Blow Your Mind! The Not-So-Lost Art of Polynesian Navigation
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/art-of-polynesian-navigation/
Last updated: 2024-04-15T10:15:47.000Z
I’ve often wondered about sailors of the past.
What did ports look like before the invention of break walls? How did they keep themselves entertained without podcasts and how did they manage to navigate the world without GPS and radar?
Could I have survived a week in their soggy, salty shoes at sea? Undoubtedly, the answer is NO.
To say our ancestors have paved the way for us techno reliant sailors would be a gross understatement. But long before Ferdinand Magellan, sextants and magnetic compasses, there were Polynesian Navigators.
Little did we know, we were about to get an intimate introduction to not only the Cook Islands, but to the not-so-lost art of Polynesian Sailing.
After spending time with the Marumaru Atua crew, hearing stories from their 19 day passage and seeing the intense bond that was formed between them on that passage…well, it’s infectious! Each crew member had some sort of connection to the Cook Islands or Māori ancestry that drew them to the vaka. The ages were varied as was their sailing experience. For some, this was their first passage.
We’ve seen the traditional Polynesian Vaka before but had no idea just how powerful they are both symbolically and performance wise (24 knots!).
I came across this quote from the Cook Islands Voyaging Society secretary Cecile Marten. It’s a beautiful explanation of the societies mission and one we deeply relate to.
*“We have shared the culture of traditional sailing and navigation with so many people and we volunteer our time because we are passionate about the vaka and what it represents. The vaka is a metaphor for our earth; if we look after our vaka, the vaka will look after us.*
*The same goes for our ocean and our lands, if we look after it, it will in turn look after us. The vaka reminds us to look to the past at our ancestor’s traditional practices which are self-sustaining, they co-existed with nature, not exploited their resources.*
*Every second breath we take comes from ocean. Not only that, our people are at the front line of climate change, and without a healthy ocean, humanity can’t survive. We are the guardians of our living ocean.*
*Our identity is anchored in a vast sea where our ancestors voyaged to find new homes, our home, and now your home. It is our responsibility to protect these resources for our future generations.”*
From the welcome home ceremony to sharing a beer with the crew, it was one helluva start to our time in the Cook Islands.
Now, I can’t get the idea of volunteering to one of the organizations out of my head. So, its officially on the bucket list. I can’t pass up the opportunity to learn, contribute and be a part of such an ancient art. Even if it’s just scrubbing the bottom in the harbor. 😉
### The next generation of navigators
Want more information about the vakas and the organizations who keep them floating and educating? Here ya go!
- Cook Islands Voyaging Society: [https://www.cookislandsvoyaging.org/](https://www.cookislandsvoyaging.org/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Te Toki Waka Hourua – The New Zealand Organization: [https://www.tetokiwakahourua.org/](https://www.tetokiwakahourua.org/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### 🙏 MADE POSSIBLE BY YOU!
Ups, downs and all arounds, we share them all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our gear store and put tips in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). Thank you for being a part of the journey!
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO📷
- All our camera gear:
**🎶AWESOME tunes:**
- **Local Cook Island Music from**: Taakoka, Tara Kauvai, & Engara Gosselin
#### ⛵ SAILING REPORT
- Anchorage: Avarua Harbour, Rarotonga, Cook Islands
- Date: June 2019
### Life At Sea – Sailing To The Cook Islands + New Crew
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/life-at-sea-sailing-cook-islands/
Last updated: 2023-11-16T22:19:58.000Z
It’s that time again. Time to raise our sails, stretch our sea legs and lose sight of land. To check out of one country and into another.
Our time in [French Polynesia](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/map) has been beyond expectations but we’re feeling that nomadic itch. That and the fact that our visas are about to expire.
Most of our new sailing friends are extending their visas and their stay in this Polynesian paradise. We were tempted to join them but our desire to see what lies beyond is greater than the pull to stay put.
Plus, it’s been a while since we’ve had crew on board. So, we invited two of our virtual crew (patreons) to join us on passage from Tahiti to Rarotonga, Cook Islands.
We’ve packed a lot of life into this episode, a whole lotta life at sea that is. Stunning sunsets, storms, mishaps and more.
Life at sea is full of ups and downs and not just because of the swell. There are lots of ways to travel, many lifestyles to choose from and many that are far easier than a life at sea. But, of all the various ways we have had the fortune to travel around the globe, none have touched my soul in quite the same way as a few good days at sea.
A big thanks to Julie and George for joining us on the passage. Your sea legs are strong and both cats voted you best treat givers.
### 🙏 MADE POSSIBLE BY YOU!
Ups, downs and all arounds, we share them all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our gear store and put tips in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar?ref=gwtw.ghost.io). Thank you for being a part of the journey!
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO📷
- All our camera gear:
#### 🪫Composting Toilet, Lithium Batteries, Solar, Water & More… 🚽
- All Things Off Grid: [gonewiththewynns.com/living-off-grid-rv-sailboat](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/living-off-grid-rv-sailboat?ref=gwtw.ghost.io)
**🎶AWESOME tunes:**
- Source: [http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw](http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw?ref=gwtw.ghost.io)
- Artists – Giants & Pilgrims (intro), Kyle Preston, Moon, John Isaac, Dan Zeitune and The Hunts
#### ⛵ SAILING REPORT
- Nautical Miles Sailed: 650
- Date: June 2019
### This Was A Bad Idea – Sailing With My Brother
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailing-tahiti-brother/
Last updated: 2024-07-20T07:35:24.000Z
Jason’s brother joins us aboard *CURIOSITY* in Tahiti for our last hurrah! From swimming with sharks to hiking to the top of volcanoes, we made sure to give him the full Polynesian boat life experience. Complete, of course, with local concoctions and Tahitian fire-dancing.
At the end of his last night on board, we sit down for a conversation and he shares what he really thinks about our alternative lifestyle on the sea. It’s a different perspective on our lives as sailors, creators and family.
We were sad to see Jacob go. 😢 Being away from family is hands down the hardest part of this unsedentary lifestyle. We often find ourselves a little blue thinking about family and friends back home. The milestones and everyday moments we’re missing out on…the ones we’re having and wish we could share. The late nights of playing games, laughing and razzing each other…we miss it all.
Endless horizons and [swimming with all the baby whales](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/swim-whales-moorea/) in the world can’t replace the connections we have to our families. So when someone takes the time (and long flights) to come and spend time with us, we try hard not to take a single second of it for granted.
Boat life isn’t always easy but being able to share a slice of our life with family is priceless!
Jacob, thanks for the memories and the supplies delivered. And don’t sweat it city boy, we’ll work on getting an Air Conditioner just for you. 🤣
**More Family Sailing Adventures Here:**[ gonewiththewynns.com/category/the-adventures/family-travel](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/family-travel/)
#### Brother On Board Timecode
Just in case you want to skip ahead or revisit any specific answers.
03:58 What do you find to be the biggest adjustment to Boat Life?
04:27 What fun behind the scenes things don’t we get to see on Gone With The Wynns?
05:50 Seeing how much fun your brother is having does it make you want to do similar things?
08:28 Do you watch all Gone With The Wynns videos?
09:13 Name one thing you’re envious Nikki and Jason get to do.
10:35 Do you feel stir crazy on the sailboat? Is there enough to keep you busy?
11:55 What was the biggest change going from land to sailboat that surprised you?
15:45 What have you noticed Nikki and Jason doing differently this trip vs. your first times on the catamaran?
17:22 Which cat likes you better?
18:19 When will we see full time family crew aboard s/y CURIOSITY?
19:24 If you could instantly relocate your sailboat anywhere in the world, where would it be?
20:16 How much filming goes into a Gone With The Wynns episode? Have you thought about a Bloopers episode? What is Nikki and Jason’s work to play ratio, and how much sleep do they get each day?
23:22 Get that fly! Singa goes a little crazy.
23:51 Now that you’re years into full time sailing can you see yourselves doing it for the rest of your lives, or will you come back to land and settle down in a few years?
25:02 Do Nikki and Jason’s adventures make you long for your own? Would you start with an RV or Boat Life?
25:51 If someone told you 15 years ago that Jason would become an explorer traveling the world, what would have been your response?
28:54 Would Jason be skinny or heavier without Nikki’s cooking?
29:38 Does the filming schedule get in the way of your vacation fun?
30:20 Oh man…bring on the tears!
32:58 Damn Cat!!!
34:41 I would like to see a video about the composting toilet on a sailboat. Jacob, what are your thoughts about peeing and pooping in the composting toilet?
37:16 Jacob, any thing you want to share about Jason and Nikki?
### 🙏 MADE POSSIBLE BY YOU!
Ups, downs and all arounds, we share them all. We’re able to do so because you beautiful people show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our gear store and put tips in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). Thank you for being a part of the journey!
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO📷
- All our camera gear:
**🎶AWESOME tunes:**
- Katrina Stone – [http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw](http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Andrew Applepie – youtube.com/channel/UCxHw0UHnpIyJJD609SDLL9A
### Got Swindled But The Sailing Is Sweet
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/swindled-sailing-sweet/
Last updated: 2023-11-16T22:23:05.000Z
Parting is such sweet sorrow, but we need to move along. Our French Polynesia visas are expiring soon, and we have some boat projects to tackle in Tahiti before sailing off to another country.
Before we set sail though, the mooring here in Fakarava is the perfect place to tackle one of those Boat Life tasks.
Join us as we discover some sad evidence that we were swindled on a rather big (and important) part of our boat and a lovely couple of days at sea. A little yin, and a lot of yang.
Being out on the open sea isn’t for everyone but for those of us that thrive on it…it’s like a drug. Medicinal and healing in so many ways.
And speaking of drugs, here is the Michael Pollan book I was talking about,
How to Change Your Mind: What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcendence : [https://amzn.to/3099tNq](https://amzn.to/3099tNq?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
“Gripping and surprising . . . Makes losing your mind sound like the sanest thing a person could do.” —*The New York Times Book Review*
I really do love his writing and come away feeling a little wiser after each one. I dare you to give any of his books a read. All Michael Pollan books: [https://amzn.to/2QkfBOg](https://amzn.to/2QkfBOg?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### Anchor Chain Flake and Fake Out
As for that anchor chain, we’ll get back to you on that one soon. It is G4 HT chain we purchased from a marine shop in Panama…but we recently found out it was sourced from Miami, FL and made who-knows-where. We thought we were buying high-quality chain that would last for 10 years. Oh how wrong we were! Stay tuned, once we get to the bottom of this rusty mess we’ll let you know the full scoop.
### 🙏 MADE POSSIBLE BY YOU!
Ups, downs and all arounds, we share them all. We’re able to do so because beautiful people show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our gear store and put tips in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). Thank you for being a part of the journey!
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO📷
- All our camera gear:
**🎶AWESOME tunes:**
- Source: [http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw](http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists: Giants & Pilgrims (intro), Itay Kashti, Oliver Michael , and The SoundKeeper
#### ⛵ SAILING REPORT
- Nautical Miles Sailed: 255
- Date: April 2019
### Shark Feeding Frenzy, Almost Lost a Foot
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/shark-feeding-frenzy/
Last updated: 2023-11-16T22:25:54.000Z
I could have titled this one “facing my fears” or “living out my worst nightmare and it was fun”. Either would have been the truth but Jason was rather stuck on the shark feeding frenzy. Plus, I didn’t really dive into the fact that a few years ago I was deathly afraid of sharks. And then there was the little incident where our dive buddy [CJ](https://www.instagram.com/svholiday/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) nearly lost his foot to a shark. So, shark feeding frenzy it is.
Fakarava is a multiverse of extremes, a bridge between our two worlds and we’re in paradise no matter which way we go. The most insane diving of our lives continues down below while we find peace and tranquility above.
To all those people who say “*nothing good ever happens after dark*”, ahem, you are wrong. Diving in the dark is sooo good, I would rate it above ice cream. So, that pretty much settles it.
We haven’t been night diving in the ocean because…well…it’s a little intimidating. Before we bought our boat we’d never been scuba diving on our own. So, the past couple years we’ve been getting comfortable with learning how to [dive from our sailboat and fill our tanks](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/diving-from-sailboat/) (which is super easy, fun and way better than any paid scuba trip we’ve ever been on).
Typically it’s just the two of us and we play it fairly safe when it comes to scuba diving in remote locations (I struggle with sinus issues so I don’t like to push it). But, Fakarava was just too good and we had our fellow underwater adventure loving friends [CJ and Giselle](https://www.instagram.com/svholiday/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) with us. They have some pretty epic scuba stories from all around the world and CJ was once an instructor and guide. When they are with us, I find myself pushing outside of my normal comfort zone.
But, I never expected to be quite *that* comfortable diving with hundreds of sharks! This experience is right up there next to [swimming with whales](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/swim-whales-moorea/)… but second of course, because nothing trumps baby whales.
A birds eye view of the Fakarava South Pass
### Sharks get a really bum rap
Sharks get a really, really bum rap. They eat fish, not people. Plus, they play a vital role in the health of our oceans. [Sharks are good!](https://oceana.org/marine-life/sharks-rays?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
I used to be terrified of sharks. So terrified, I was hesitant to swim in the ocean. I was never taught that sharks were good for our oceans. All I knew is what I had learned from watching movies like Jaws and some of the stupid episodes on Shark Week…the moral of those shows is sharks are angry, man eating beasts.
I had never lived anywhere near the ocean or any body of water. Growing up, I didn’t even know anyone with a pool. I was 19 years old the first time I set eyes on the sea. I had been dating Jason for a few months and he invited me to join him on a trip to California to visit his [Aunt Cindy](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/family-travel/).
I was a terrible swimmer, the water was dark, cold and littered with seaweed. Every little fish and string of seaweed had me jumping out of my skin. I flailed around like a drowning cat for about ten minutes and that was the end of that. I was desperately out of my element.
I’ve come a long way over the years and learning to scuba helped a ton. But of course, moving aboard Curiosity has been my biggest accelerator.
Now, [underwater](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/diving/) is my favorite place to be!
Diving into the ocean is as close to visiting another planet as we can get. Not diving in for fear of sharks would be like choosing to never go outdoors because you are afraid of lightning. Sure, you could get struck by lightning, but the chances are slim.
In fact, we’re far more likely to get struck by lightning than we are to being eaten by a shark!
Now, one could argue that we are taking unnecessary risks by swimming with sharks at night. But, many shark experts would argue that our chances of getting bitten by a dog while walking down the street would be greater.
See, we could go around and round with this, but it all ends up here: there are risks in every aspect of life. We all have to choose what risks we’re comfortable with.
I am a risk taker, a curious driven soul and I hope I never loose the nerve to take risks.
So, I will leave you with that Hellen Keller quote again…because it is my fave of all time. Anytime I feel fear holding me back, I recite this to myself:
“Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it…Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. The fearful are caught as often as the bold. Faith alone defends. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.” Helen Keller
**Life is an adventure, live it! -me**
#### Want to learn more?
The [IUCN Red List of Threatened Species](https://www.iucnredlist.org/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) is the world’s most extensively used system for gauging the extinction risk for specific plants and animals.
The [International Shark Attack File](https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/shark-attacks/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) is a scientifically documented, comprehensive database of shark attacks worldwide. It is the resource I used to educate myself about shark attack myths and learn how to reduce our risk of an attack.
### 🙏 Thank YOU!
Ups, downs and all arounds. We share them all. If you like what you see, there are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). Thank you for being a part of the journey!
### GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO📷
- All our camera gear:
**🤿FREEDIVING & SCUBA**
- All Dive Gear Info & Reviews Here: [gonewiththewynns.com/diving-from-sailboat](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/diving-from-sailboat/)
#### ⚡HOW WE POWER OUR HOME: LITHIUM BATTERIES, SOLAR, WATER & MORE… 🪫
- All Things Off Grid: [gonewiththewynns.com/living-off-grid-rv-sailboat](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/living-off-grid-rv-sailboat)
**🎶AWESOME tunes**
- Source: [http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw](http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists: Giants and Pilgrims (intro), Saint Anyway, The Bows, and Ian Post
#### ⛵ SAILING REPORT
- Anchorage: Fakarava South – Tetamanu, Tuamotu, French Polynesia
- Date: March 2019
### Surrounded By Sharks! Let’s Go Swim!
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/surrounded-sharks-fakarava/
Last updated: 2023-11-16T22:27:46.000Z
Every time someone says anything is the “best in the world” I am immediately skeptical. But I can’t tell you how many articles and scuba sites I’ve seen that list Fakarava as the best diving in the world.
Sailing up to the pass, it looked like just another atoll in the Tuamotus. A skinny, low lying strip of land hugged by shades of blue. Beautiful, but nothing all that different from the atolls we’ve just come from.
But it didn’t take long to see just how different this atoll is.
We haven’t been to every country in the world, much less explored all the world’s oceans (but it’s on our list). So, we can’t say it’s the best in the world. But, spoiler alert…it is THE BEST DIVING we have ever experienced!
Fakarava is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and WOW, what a difference. We have never seen so much life concentrated into one area. It’s truly a magical world down there.
Grab a beverage and settle in for a little sailing, a little land exploration and a whole lot of our favorite underwater playground in all of French Polynesia.
I don’t want to keep gushing but this really is the stuff sailing dreams are made of. A beautiful anchorage, sandy beaches, clear water and fish by the thousands. Throw in high speed internet and we may have never left.
Stay tuned because next time we wait for the sun to go down before diving in. And oh baby do we see some sharks…sharks by the hundreds!
### 🙏 MADE POSSIBLE BY YOU!
Ups, downs and all arounds, we share them all. If you like what you see, there are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). Thank you for being a part of the journey!
### GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO📷
- All our camera gear:
**🤿FREEDIVING & SCUBA**
- All Dive Gear Info & Reviews Here: [gonewiththewynns.com/diving-from-sailboat](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/diving-from-sailboat/)
#### ⚡HOW WE POWER OUR HOME: LITHIUM BATTERIES, SOLAR, WATER & MORE… 🪫
- All Things Off Grid: [gonewiththewynns.com/living-off-grid-rv-sailboat](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/living-off-grid-rv-sailboat)
**🎶AWESOME tunes**
- Source: [http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw](http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists: Giants and Pilgrims, John Isaac, Borrtex, Michael Shynes and Oliver Michael
#### ⛵ SAILING REPORT
- Sailing Route: Rangiroa to Fakarava – Tuamotu, French Polynesia
- Nautical Miles Sailed: 140
- Date: March 2019
### What We Eat When There’s No Fresh Food
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/no-fresh-food/
Last updated: 2023-11-16T22:30:14.000Z
We’re sailing one of the most remote archipelagos in the world and we’re down to a couple of bendy carrots along with a few cloves of garlic. I knew we were going to run out of fresh foods eventually…and today is that day.
The Tuamotus are tiny, remote rings sitting just above sea level. Not much grows on these atolls and supply ships are infrequent…as are the fresh foods. So, the mantra is: If you want something good to eat, ya best bring it with you.
Food storage is fun challenge for us at the moment. [Our fridge died](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tiny-home-tuamotu/) on us and we’re down to a small 12v cooler. It gets the job done but it holds no more than a week’s worth of food (and you can forget about keeping the beers cold!). But that’s ok. I’ve prepared for this!
I have a collection of go-to meals that require no fresh foods at all, but they’re still delightful (according to us). And each week we get more than a few dozen requests for [recipes](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/recipes/), so I hope this one tickles your taste buds.
Join us as we sail to Fakarava. I whip up some grub while mother nature whips up a storm!
I could have watched that sunrise forever. It’s one of my favorite things about being at sea. I look forward to each sunrise and sunset, especially after crazy weather. There’s just something about the 360 views of watching the sky light up with color, it’s simply spectacular.
Speaking of things less spectacular…but still good…what did you think of the cooking “show”. Ha, I am no Julia Child. We get sooo many requests for recipes that I am very curious to hear your feedback. Would you like us to share more from in the galley? Was it fun, but not something you’d tune-in for? Would you rather just have a cook book full of my fave recipes? Let me know in the comments.
Stay tuned! Fakarava is on the horizon and spoiler alert, it’s home to a few hundred sharks!
### Sea Salted Hummus
So we didn’t gather sea salt off the deck…but we totally could in a pinch. I went for a classic lemon/garlic hummus but you can toss in just about anything you think sounds good. Roasted red peppers, jalapeno-cilantro (Jason’s Fav), smoked paprika…you get the idea.
#### Ingredients
- 1.5 cups of [garbanzo beans](https://amzn.to/2HjRUPe?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) (15 oz can)
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (Fresh [or shelf stable juice](https://amzn.to/2NrHctP?ref=gonewiththewynns.com))
- 1 or more garlic cloves (or add dried garlic as you cook your dried beans)
- 1 tablespoon [tahini](https://amzn.to/2L8At59?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) (if you can’t find some where you are, just omit it)
- 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- ¾ tsp. or more of sea salt
- The fantastic finishing salts I mentioned: [https://amzn.to/2Znb6Sq](https://amzn.to/2Znb6Sq?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Lemon Rosemary Sea Salt – [https://amzn.to/2KQOGF6](https://amzn.to/2KQOGF6?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### Equipment
Food Processor – [gonewiththewynns.com/product/ninja-master-prep](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/ninja-master-prep)
#### Directions
Put the chickpeas, lemon juice, oil, tahini, and garlic into a food processor and pulse until smooth. Taste, add salt to taste and puree until very smooth. If the mixture is too thick, add a touch of water until the desired consistency is reached.
### Sun-dried Tomato, Artichoke & Mushroom Pearl Pasta
#### Ingredients
- 1 cup Dried Mushrooms – [https://amzn.to/2Nzfknw](https://amzn.to/2Nzfknw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- 1/4 cup Balsamic Vinegar – [https://amzn.to/31WPL3Z](https://amzn.to/31WPL3Z?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- 3 Cloves of Garlic
- 2 cups Pearl Pasta – [https://amzn.to/2HnPQ8P](https://amzn.to/2HnPQ8P?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- 3/4 cup Sun-dried Tomatoes – [https://amzn.to/2Nplzuh](https://amzn.to/2Nplzuh?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- 1 cup Marinated Artichokes – [https://amzn.to/325AnCx](https://amzn.to/325AnCx?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- 1 jar of Basil Pesto – [https://amzn.to/31Yfs41](https://amzn.to/31Yfs41?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### Equipment
- Pot – [gonewiththewynns.com/product/pressure-cooker](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/pressure-cooker)
- Induction Cook Top – [gonewiththewynns.com/product/induction-burner](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/induction-burner)
- Kitchen Knife – [gonewiththewynns.com/product/knives-sharpener](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/knives-sharpener)
- Bamboo Cutting Board – [https://amzn.to/2L9wYf1](https://amzn.to/2L9wYf1?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### Directions
Soak mushrooms in balsamic vinegar and water to cover. Chop garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes and (once hydrated) mushrooms. Cook the pearl pasta, strain and set aside. Sauté mushrooms and garlic in olive oil for about 3-5 min on medium heat (power setting 3 on induction cook top). Mix pasta and pesto together. Mix mushrooms, garlic, sun dried tomatoes and artichokes. Garnish with salt, pepper, and red chili flakes if you want some heat. It’s also nice with a fresh squeeze of lemon.
#### 🍳Fave kitchen Gadgets
- Gear Store – [gonewiththewynns.com/store](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/store)
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO📷
- All our camera gear:
**🎶AWESOME tunes:**
- Source: [http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw](http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists: Giants & Pilgrims (intro), Befun, and Anthony Lazaro
#### ⛵ SAILING REPORT
- Nautical Miles Sailed: 140
- Date: March 2019
### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Sharing this lifestyle and what we learn along the way is possible because of [viewers like you](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). If you like what you see, there are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). Thank you for being a part of the journey.
### Hang On!!! Sharks, Dolphins & Big Waves
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/hold-on-sharks-waves/
Last updated: 2023-11-16T22:32:49.000Z
Don’t panic, everything will be fine. I say that A LOT! But really, everything will be fine.
Last week I was a nervous wreck [sailing into Rangiroa](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/lost-engine-anxiety/) here in the Tuamotus. It’s one of the largest atolls in the world and its passes are known to make even the saltiest sailor’s cheeks pucker. I had let one too many cautionary tales get inside my head.
But this week? I was over that fear mongering nonsense! Hang on, we’re going full steam ahead, diving into lagoon life and spoiler alert…its bliss.
### **She Captain**
It’s been almost 100 years since the term flapper girl came about. Aside from not sporting my bobbed hair, I like to think I carry the spirit of those women.
> **Flappers were a generation of young Western women in the 1920s who wore short skirts, bobbed their hair, listened to jazz, and flaunted their disdain for what was then considered acceptable behavior.**
Watching this video, I can’t help but feel a little #GirlPower as I plow through the narrow pass. Complete with my grandmothers’ scarf, frilly sleeves and red sunglasses on! I didn’t plan that intentionally, but it makes me smile seeing the ensemble now. Especially with my old girl Cleo backing me up.
My grandmother was born in 1922\. She was a flapper girl, whiskey drinker, pioneer, painted like Bob Ross, chemist, woman who raised me and still my inspiration.
She did whatever she wanted and didn’t let anything, or anyone stand in her way. You, me, us…we shouldn’t either. We can sail any ocean or pass we want to!
### **Safety Joe**
I know that scene of Jason on the bow is going to fill many of your hearts with fear. Please don’t let it! Know that we’re not trying to make you worry and we’re not being callus. We live a lifestyle that requires constant risk assessment. We were safer in that scene than in Los Angeles six o’ clock traffic.
Everyone’s idea of safety is different. Sure, we should all wear our safety gear more often. We do wear our life vests and tethers often when we deem them necessary. We didn’t feel unsafe, not even for a second. If we did, we would have had those life vests on.
In the unlikely event that Jason would have fallen over…we were next to land, in the day time, in the same pass we had just been diving, snorkeling and floating down the day before. I would have simply turned around and picked him up.
**“Wearing a lifejacket should be a personal choice based on judgement of the risks, argues Skip Novak.”**
- [Full Yacht World article here.](https://www.yachtingworld.com/news/comment-wearing-a-lifejacket-or-not-is-a-judgement-call-we-are-being-brainwashed-argues-skip-novak-65331?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
Here are a few lyrics from of one of my favorite John Prine songs, Safety Joe. It’s what I consider good country music.
###### Now, Joe he lived in Baltimore
‘Cause New York was too darn fast
He sometimes went down to Washington
Just to view our nation’s past
###### He never ate his vegetables
‘Cause they were just too darn chewy
And he never climbed much higher
Than the arch in old St. Louis
###### Safety Joe, Safety Joe
What do you say? What do you know?
If you don’t loosen up the buckle
On your heart and start to chuckle
Well, you’re gonna die of boredom, Safety Joe
### 🙏 Made Possible by YOU!
Ups, downs and all arounds, we share them all. We’re able to do so because beautiful people show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our gear store and put tips in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). Thank you for being a part of the journey!
### Gear Used In This Video
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO📷
- All our camera gear:
**🤿FREEDIVING & SCUBA**
- All Dive Gear Info & Reviews Here: [gonewiththewynns.com/diving-from-sailboat](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/diving-from-sailboat/)
**🎶AWESOME tunes:**
- Source: [http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw](http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists: Katrina Stone, Giants & Pilgrims (Intro Music), RedCityHero, SLPSTRM
#### ⛵ SAILING REPORT
- Location: Rangiroa, Tuamotu, French Polynesia
- Date: March 2019
### Oh Ship! There Goes The Engine (& Lessons In Anxiety)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/lost-engine-anxiety/
Last updated: 2023-12-12T21:08:30.000Z
There’s nothing like a rough anchorage to move a sailor along.
Our beautiful paradise has turned on us and the weather predictions aren’t looking pretty for the days ahead. So, we wipe the sand from our weary eyes and prepare to move from one tiny spec of land to another.
Tikehau to Rangiroa is only 45 nautical miles away. But, as the title gives away, our seemingly simple day of sailing doesn’t go as planned.
Another day lived and a couple more lessons learned: 1) Carry a spare starter if your engine is over ten years old, and 2) Anxiety is useless. Don’t you know we have ten impellers, fuel filters, belts, seals, gaskets, fluids, wires, fuses and all sorts of hoses…but no spare starter. Because the thing that fails will always be the spare you don’t have.
### Anxiety is Useless
Now, about that anxiety. I was crazy nervous about all these passes. I had let all the cautionary tales of sailboats lost to the Tuamotus plant all kinds of doubt and fear in my mind.
Fear that I wasn’t capable of navigating these passes. Fear that I would screw it up and need to be rescued off a reef. Fear that my lack of experience and stubborn drive had teamed up against me and now I would be the tragic news story everyone is picking away at on social media like a flock of starving vultures. Ahhhh! (grabs head to stop it from spinning)
It’s important to understand what we’re up against. But it’s also important to trust in ourselves.
It’s kind of like reading the labels for medication. Something as simple as ibuprofen sounds awful.
*Warnings*
*Allergy alert: Ibuprofen may cause a severe allergic reaction, especially in people allergic to aspirin. Symptoms may include: shock, skin reddening, rash, blister, hives, facial swelling, asthma.*
*Stomach bleeding warning: This product contains a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), which may cause stomach bleeding.*
And that’s just a tiny snippet of the FDA Drug Fact Label. We know the risks and yet most of us still take the medication. Because we know the chances of relief are high and the risk of complication is low.
Researching sailing destinations can feel a lot like reading the drug warning labels and then choosing to go for it anyway.
But here’s the thing, hundreds of sailors from around the world have made it safely in and out of these passes every year. I know that and yet, I let anxiety creep in and make my day far more stressful than it needed to be. Silly me.
Now that we have a couple of these Tuamotu passes behind us, I can say to myself and anyone else feeling a tad nervous…
Read the full label, head the warnings, then relax, plan accordingly and trust your abilities.
### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Sharing this lifestyle and what we learn along the way is possible because of [viewers like you](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). If you like what you see, there are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). Thank you for being a part of the journey.
**⛽Cool electric fuel pump:** [ **https://amzn.to/31u0PoO**](https://amzn.to/31u0PoO?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**🎶AWESOME tunes:**
- Source: [http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw](http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists: Teo, Giants & Pilgrims (Intro Music), C3NC, Ziv Moran
#### ⛵ SAILING REPORT
- Nautical Miles Sailed: 45
- Date: March 2019
### This Is Why We Live On A SailBoat!
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/why-live-on-sailboat/
Last updated: 2023-11-16T22:35:28.000Z
[Living on the ocean](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailing) sounds romantic, but that isn’t what motivated us to move aboard a sailboat. Sailing for us is about exploring the far flung reaches of the world and discovering places we don’t yet know exist.
Tikehau is one of those places!
We didn’t know what an [atoll](https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/atoll/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) really was, much less where one was just a couple of years ago. Now, we’re exploring one of the most notorious stretches of atolls in the world. The Tuamotu Archipelago! To say we’re stoked would be an understatement.
Skinny landscapes like I have never seen, manta rays a swimming, schools of fish abound, and sunscape’s that could subdue any soul. From our salty lenses to your screen, here’s a tiny slice of what we have seen.
It’s a strange sense of satisfaction to make it to a part of the world I have dreamed most of my life…but didn’t know was real. That is what the Tuamotu atolls are. A dream world, hiding out just above the waterline in the South Pacific.
Should you find yourself in this part of the world, it’s good to know there’s not much going on. Most of the motu’s (tiny islets) are uninhabited, and other than a dive boat from the private hotel you might not see another soul.
There is a sleepy little town called Tuherahera which is where we anchored the first few nights. Our cell phones spat out “EDGE” connectivity too slow for even a single email.
There was one small, family run resort that was willing to let us come ashore. They had cold beer and working WiFi (albeit slow). It’s called the Royal Tikehau. The owners were welcoming and even opened the bar a little early for us so we could upload some photos to [Instagram](https://instagram.com/the%5Fwynns/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com). But we came here to disconnect & dive so wifi wasn’t a priority.
As for disconnecting and diving, this is one of the best spots we’ve ever sailed too. Tikehau, we’re sad to leave you…but the dolphins in the next atoll are calling.
### Manta Manta, Don’t-cha Wanna Save The Mantas
The Manta Rays were a big draw for us. They are magical creatures and we’ll gladly sail a few hundred miles to have private hang out sessions.
Sadly, the locals say the manta numbers have been dwindling. Choosing sustainably caught seafood can make a big difference.
*“Our oceans are now in a state of global crisis, brought about by ocean warming, acidification, pollution, habitat destruction and overfishing – the single biggest threat to ocean life. Today nearly 90% of the world’s marine stocks are fully exploited, overexploited or depleted.”* \-Mantatrust.org
There are lots of organizations out there doing their best to spread awareness and education about our oceans. Their websites are chock full of info and it’s where we go to learn about ways we can do our part. [5Gyres](https://www.5gyres.org/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com), [Oceana](https://oceana.org/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) and [Manta Trust](https://www.mantatrust.org/eat-sustainably?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) are just a few.
But, we are talking about Mantas…so here are five tips to eat more sustainably and help save Mantas: [https://www.mantatrust.org/eat-sustainably](https://www.mantatrust.org/eat-sustainably?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Sharing this lifestyle and what we learn along the way is possible because of [viewers like you](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). If you like what you see, there are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). Thank you for being a part of the journey.
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO📷
- All our camera gear:
**🎶AWESOME tunes:**
- Source: [http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw](http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists: Ian Post, Giants & Pilgrims (Intro Music) & Boheme
#### ⛵ SAILING REPORT
Date: March 2019
### Taking Our Tiny Home Into The Danger Zone
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tiny-home-tuamotu/
Last updated: 2023-12-12T21:08:33.000Z
Que up Kenny Loggins because we’re headed to the DANGER ZONE! We spent the better part of a month anchored in Tahiti attempting to tackle a boat load of projects and prepare for the Tuamotus or AKA, The Dangerous Archipelago.
Our [*Curiosity*](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/curiosity-sailboat) may be a tiny home, but she’s still a sailboat and it is a full time job to keep her afloat. She is coming up on her 15th birthday and I think she is feeling it. We’ve racked up [thousands of nautical miles](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/map) over the past several months and the poor girl needed some TLC before taking on any more big adventures. Especially a journey into the danger zone!
The Tuamotu archipelago is a string of 77 stunning (but tiny) atolls spread over 930 miles in the South Pacific. Most are so low lying they’re no taller than a palm tree. As you might guess, they are incredibly hard to spot from a distance. Blink twice and you’ll think it was nothing more than a mirage.
Add in cautionary tales of ripping currents and narrow passes colliding with coral head studded lagoons and it’s easy to see why sailors call it the Dangerous Archipelago.
But, despite all that, it’s considered a paradise seekers mecca. And, there have been a few thousand sailors who have charted the way for us since the days of Magellan and Captain Cook. Should be a piece of cake, right?
What are you waiting for, click the play button and we’re…🎵 gonna take you right into the Danger Zone! 🎵 (Sorry, I can’t help myself)
What a start to the Tuamotus! You can call us chicken if you want about that mooring situation. But after all those weeks of hard work (#BoatLife), I’ll be damned if I am going to risk having my boat washed up on a reef! It’s a toll we weren’t willing to pay at this atoll. 🤣
But seriously, if we would have had a northerly wind blowing us out to sea vs on shore, we would have been all about it. But, we didn’t and as Sherlock Holmes would say,
> It is stupidity rather than courage to refuse to recognize danger when it is close upon you.
Que será, será. I’m still pleased as punch we were able to see such a rare atoll…even if it was from a distance. I could have exhausted three more drone batteries flying around looking in all those crevasses, it’s such a striking terrain.
And I love a good stormy sunset…especially when they stay at a distance.
What I wouldn’t give to see a time-lapse of this island over a few million years. Watching it slowly emerge from the sea, dry up, turn green and come to life. Water and oxygen are a magical combination!
Speaking of magical combinations…I can’t wait to show the rest of this archipelago. I really thought we had seen the best of French Polynesia between the Marquesas and the Society Islands. But oh how I was mistaken. See you next week!
### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Sharing this lifestyle and what we learn along the way is possible because of [viewers like you](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). If you like what you see, there are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). Thank you for being a part of the journey.
#### 🍳 Recipe
As promised, here is my corn crepe recipe: [https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tortilla-pancake-corn-crepes](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tortilla-pancake-corn-crepes/)
**🎶AWESOME tunes:**
- Source: [http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw](http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists: Ian Post, Giants & Pilgrims (Intro Music), Russo & Weinburg, Michael FK, Oliver Michael
- Nautical Miles Sailed: 126
- Date: February 2019
### A Tortilla And A Pancake Had A Baby – Creptillas
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tortilla-pancake-corn-crepes/
Last updated: 2023-11-16T00:59:09.000Z
Hello friends! I have a quick and easy recipe to share with you today. Being Texas natives, we love [tortillas](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/tortilla-press) and more specifically corn tortillas. But, we haven’t seen [masa](https://amzn.to/2LJsyOz?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) (ground corn treated with lime) since leaving the Americas. Which has led me to find a replacement for our number one go-to staple. Because, I don’t think we can survive without some form of tacos.
This simple recipe is partly influenced by all the crepes we’ve been seeing here in [French Polynesia](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/map). I thought…why not make a slightly thicker version with corn flour? The result…a new Mexi-French staple! It’s creptillas! Or just corn crepes if you wanna be boring about it.
Crepes (or creptillas) make great conduits for all sorts of fillings and toppings…sweet or savory. You can keep the batter thick and make pancakes or thin them out and go more crepe style. They are fantastic both ways.
The key to this recipe for me has been the [coconut milk](https://amzn.to/313Vh47?ref=gonewiththewynns.com). Because thick coconut milk (often called “coconut cream” in the states) has nice fat content, I don’t need to add oil or butter to the batter. It’s also super easy to make them vegan friendly: replace the eggs with 1 tablespoon of baking powder. Gluten free, dairy free and vegan at that point…it’s the perfect crowd pleaser for your next hipster party!
### Ingredients
- 1 cup of corn flour (or [fine ground corn meal)](https://amzn.to/2SHVLtQ?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- [Coconut milk](https://amzn.to/313Vh47?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) (the kind you get [in a can,](https://amzn.to/313Vh47?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) not the watery milk alternative)
- 1 cup to make corn flour pancakes
- 1.5 – 2 cups to make corn flour crepes (I find different brands of corn flour are more absorbent than others)
### Instructions
1. Mix flour and salt (dry ingredients) in one bowl. In a separate bowl mix coconut milk and eggs (wet ingredients). Mix dry and wet ingredients together. Let stand at room temperature for 5-10 minutes. If batter seems too thick after standing, thin with a little bit of water or more coconut milk.
2. Lightly brush [griddle](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/grill-griddler) with melted butter or vegetable oil, and heat over medium heat until hot but not smoking.
3. Cook cakes/crepes until slightly golden. When making Creptillas, I use a large silicone spoon to ladle out the batter and then use the back of the spoon to spread out the batter quickly.
4. Fill with sweet or savory (or go nuts and do both…oh, toasted nuts are good too…ahh, you get the idea) and enjoy.
That’s it! Creptillas are almost easier than making corn [tortillas](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/tortilla-press). It’s a good alternative if you simply want to try something new or perhaps you can’t get your hands on good [masa](https://amzn.to/2LJsyOz?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) (like us here in the South Pacific). Give it a try and let me know what you think. I especially love when you tag me on instagram or in stories so I can see your masterpieces!
Lots of LOVE from our tiny kitchen to yours!
### Helpful Resources
**Find all our kitchen faves here**: [gonewiththewynns.com/store](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/store)
**Find all our recipes here**: [gonewiththewynns.com/category/recipes](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/recipes/)
### THANK YOU!
Sharing our lifestyle and what we learn along the way is possible because of viewers like you. If you enjoyed this post, check out our [**Say Thanks**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar) page where you’ll find lots of ways you can help keep the content flowing. Best part is, most won’t cost you a penny but make a big difference to us. Thank You!
### Cat vs Mono – Safety & Comfort
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/cat-mono-safety-comfort/
Last updated: 2023-11-16T01:00:11.000Z
One of the earliest pieces of sailing advice I remember being given was about weather and sea conditions.
It was a lovely woman named Susan who was in the slip across from us. She was worried we were rushing out for our first passage because someone else had told us the weather was good. “Always read the weather reports yourself and go when you are comfortable, not when someone else says go”. We were all good, but she was right to be concerned and we heeded the advice all the same.
**What one sailor considers a perfect day at sea could be another’s worst nightmare.** Everyone’s idea of comfort and safety can be drastically different. So, keep that in mind as we dive into the big catamaran vs monohull debate.
Our friends [**Nick and Terysa**](http://yachtrubyrose.com/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) are considering the switch from Monohull to Catamaran and nothing beats first-hand experience. We invited them to come crew with us for a week and at the end sat down to have the big debate.
In part one of cat vs mono, we covered price and performance. You might want to pause and watch that one first: [CAT VS MONO – PRICE & PERFORMANCE](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/cat-mono-price-performance/)
Today, it’s all about safety and comfort.
Sadly, it’s not one size fits all…or should I say one hull fits all? There really is no such thing as a perfect boat. Find one that fits your needs and budget and get out here!
### What do you think?
Do you have some thoughts you want to share on the great catamaran vs monohull debate? Let us know in the comment box below!
### Sailing with Sailors
Nick and Terysa documented the week of sailing and shenanigans with us over on their channel. It’s a unique perspective from a different set of lenses. If you’ve been looking to add another sailing channel to your watch list, check out Yacht Ruby Rose.
If you want to see what life aboard Curiosity is like from a couple of monohull loving but catamaran considering sailors, here is a binge ready playlist:
**Monohull for sale!** Ruby Rose (the Southerly 38) is indeed looking for new owners. Full Deets Here: [http://yachtrubyrose.com/southerly-38-for-sale/](http://yachtrubyrose.com/southerly-38-for-sale/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### References Mentioned
In the video Jason mentioned our friends Pat and Ali of Bumfuzzle. Pat wrote [**Cat vs Mono – The Great Debate**](https://www.bumfuzzle.com/cat-vs-mono-the-great-debate/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) many years ago and it’s still one of our faves on the subject. It is a well-rounded perspective from someone who isn’t firmly rooted in one camp or the other. And, if you really want to have your feathers ruffled, check out his [**Trawler vs Sail**](https://www.bumfuzzle.com/trawler-vs-sail/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) article.
### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Sharing our lives and what we learn along the way is possible because of [viewers like you](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). If you like what you see, there are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). Thank you for being a part of the journey.
### Cat vs Mono – Price & Performance
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/cat-mono-price-performance/
Last updated: 2023-11-16T01:01:02.000Z
This might be one of the greatest debates of all time. To be quite honest we had no desire to add our opinion into the already mile high pile.
But back when we were still in the [dreaming phase of moving aboard a sailboat](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/sailboat-shopping/), it was the first big question we had. Catamaran or Monohull?
We must have read a few dozen articles but the one we found most insightful wasn’t from a sailing expert. It was written by cruiser who had sailed a catamaran around the world and a monohull around the west coast of the USA and Mexico. It was a well-rounded perspective from someone who wasn’t firmly rooted in one camp or the other.
The article: [Cat vs Mono – The Great Debate](https://www.bumfuzzle.com/cat-vs-mono-the-great-debate/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com), was written by our friend Pat and if you really want to have your feathers ruffled, check out his [Trawler vs Sail](https://www.bumfuzzle.com/trawler-vs-sail/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) piece.
So, when we saw that our friends [Nick and Terysa](http://yachtrubyrose.com/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) were considering the switch from Monohull to Catamaran we invited them to come crew with us for a week. With each sundowner we shared, the conversation seemed to circle round to the benefits and downsides of life on a catamaran compared to their monohull. We tried to fight it…but it seemed crazy not to share our thoughts on **The Great Sailboat Debate: Catamaran vs Monohull**.
In this round we’re covering PRICE & PERFORMANCE. The great debate continues in part 2 when we compare: [CAT VS MONO – COMFORT & SAFETY](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/cat-mono-safety-comfort/)
There really is no such thing as a perfect boat. We all agree that the best boat is the one you can afford, maintain and get out cruising in. If you have the cash to purchase a small monohull now, then don’t try and wait till you have that 5 million saved up for the latest HH. At the end of the day we’re all anchored in the same beautiful bay with the same million dollar view…its just some of us get knocked around a little more while enjoying that cocktail. 😉
### It’s your birthday!
Ok, perhaps not. Unless it is, and in that case, Happy Birthday. But around here your opinions are special, and we want to hear them. Did you find this insightful? Would you like to see more off the cuff chats? Do you have some thoughts you want to share on the great catamaran vs monohull debate? Let us know in the comment box below!
Nick and Terysa documented the week of sailing and shenanigans over on their channel. So, if you want to see what life aboard Curiosity is like from a couple of monohull loving but catamaran considering sailors, here is a binge ready playlist:
**Monohull for sale!** Ruby Rose (the Southerly 38) is indeed looking for new owners. Full Deets Here: [http://yachtrubyrose.com/southerly-38-for-sale/](http://yachtrubyrose.com/southerly-38-for-sale/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Sharing our lives and what we learn along the way is possible because of [viewers like you](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). If you like what you see, there are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). Thank you for being a part of the journey.
### A Stranger In The Jungle
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailing-jungle-raiatea/
Last updated: 2023-11-16T22:56:39.000Z
Sailing deeper into the bay our view narrowed, the jagged mountains inched closer and the waters muddied. We could see the wide mouth of the river and our hearts began to beat a little faster. It looks like the amazon river of the South Pacific.
We grab our gear, jump into our trusty Minion and set off into the jungle looking for an adventure.
Spoiler alert, we find it and a nice man with a machete too.
This is what I dreamed sailing around the world would be like. Setting off into the world with curiosity as our guide and mother nature as our compass. Talking to strangers and accepting hospitality without fear or reservations. Giving and receiving.
In reality, every day isn’t filled with exploration or meeting locals who are bursting at the seams to share their way of life with you.
We meet lovely people all the time but this is the 21st century. People are busy (even on small islands) and travelers are a dime a dozen. It takes time to talk to strangers, and even more time to have a *real* conversation. Going the extra mile to get to know someone…well, it’s a commitment. One we were open to making on this day and so was James.
A brief friendship for the day but a memory for life.
### Want to meet James?
We couldn’t find any official information on the river other than a few sailors who had also ventured up. We motored up and paddled down. After talking to James though, he said the locals prefer no engines on the river. So, if you choose to venture up in your dinghy try to paddle or perhaps a SUP or kayak would be ideal. But if you’re not into paddling, James will give you a personal tour of his river, for a very small fee. You can call him to schedule. James: 87 35 95 31
### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Sharing our lives and what we learn along the way is possible because of [viewers like you](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). If you like what you see, there are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). Thank you for being a part of the journey.
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO📷
- All our camera gear:
**🎶AWESOME tunes:**
- Source: [http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw](http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists: Giants and Pilgrims (Intro Music), When Mountains Move, Vorrtex, Muted, Ian Post
#### SAILING REPORT
**Raiatea, French Polynesia**
- Anchorage: Faaroa Bay, Raiatea, French Polynesia
- Date: December 2018
### Three Masts Under The Sea
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/scuba-sailing-raiatea/
Last updated: 2023-11-16T22:58:52.000Z
Sailing in the 21st century is an adventure no doubt. But every time I use my iPad touch screen to adjust our auto pilot, I shake my head in mockery for all the sailors of centuries past. Navigating through the Society Islands a hundred years ago was a completely different voyage from the one we’re on today.
We’re sailing from Taha’a to the neighboring island of Raiatea like it’s a trip to the grocery store. A short journey that doesn’t require much preparation or thought. With up to date digital charts, satellite connected weather files and an electric winch (we accidentally wrote “wench”, hence the funny comments below) to raise the mainsail…it’s all a snap really. We know what to expect and have little anchor emojis on our charts, so we know where to drop the hook. All of which has come into existence during my lifetime.
It’s incredible. Technology advances us and provides shortcuts to adventures that once took a lifetime to prepare for.
Why is this on my mind? Because we’re on our way to dive a 120-year-old shipwreck and it gets me to thinking about the past vs the present.
Plus, now that I have planted these thoughts in your head too, you’ll get a bigger kick out of this video.
Hop on board as we use our portable air compressor to fill our dive tanks, sink to the sea floor, explore a sunken ship, wander about a boat yard in search of pump for our watermaker and marvel at how we make any water source safe to drink. It’s sailing in the 21st century. Lewis and Clark would be so jelly.
Did you find yourself thinking about what sailing and life in general would have been here in the year 1900? It’s what I was thinking about at 90 feet down. Ok, that and possible sea monsters lurking in the murk.
To be completely honest, I have a hard time imagining this massive 165 foot sailboat inside the lagoon today, much less over one hundred years ago!
### The Curiosity Dive Shop
There are so many reasons we love having our own little floating, traveling dive shop aboard s/v Curiosity. Convenience is of course a big one but it goes beyond that. Repairs and maintenance underwater, being able to SCUBA dive in remote locations where dive shops don’t exist and being able to dive on our own schedule are just a few. You’ve already seen where we keep our compressor and a quick version of how we fill our tanks and head out for a dive. So, for my curious diving buddies…I put together this post on our full dive setup: [gonewiththewynns.com/diving-from-sailboat](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/diving-from-sailboat/)
### Purifying Sketchy Water
The water we filled up at the dock with was labeled non potable. Meaning it was not purified to drinking water standards. No problem for us! We have an LED UV purification system that turns any water into squeaky clean and safe drinking water. We had no idea at the time just how much of a lifesaver this would be. It’s called an Acuva and we have more information about it here along with a discount code if you are interested: [gonewiththewynns.com/product/water-purification](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/water-purification)
If you want the full scoop on our water storage/purification system aboard s/v Curiosity, we have a post and video dedicated to just the subject: [gonewiththewynns.com/boat-life-squeaky-clean-water](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/boat-life-squeaky-clean-water/)
### Watermaker woes
We love our watermaker and really love that it’s a simple enough system that we can repair it ourselves when things break (because they always do). Some watermakers are far more automated than ours but can only be serviced and repaired by approved service centers. While it’s never fun to have broken bits, knowing we can fix them on our own eases the blow.
We explain which water pump went bad and why here: [gonewiththewynns.com/epic-encounters-endless-repairs](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/epic-encounters-endless-repairs/)
Info on our Watermaker and a discount/bonus code: [gonewiththewynns.com/product/watermaker](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/watermaker)
### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Sharing our lives and what we learn along the way is possible because of [viewers like you](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). If you like what you see, there are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). Thank you for being a part of the journey.
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO📷
- All our camera gear:
**🎶AWESOME tunes:**
- Source: [http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw](http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists: Giants and Pilgrims (Intro Music)
- Main Artist: Andrew Applepie
http://andrewapplepie.com
#### SAILING REPORT
**Taha’a to Raiatea, French Polynesia**
- Nautical Miles Sailed: 9
- Anchorage: Pte. Tenape
- Date: December 2018
### The Magic Carpet Ride – Sailing Taha’a
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tahaa-magic-carpet-ride/
Last updated: 2023-11-16T23:02:38.000Z
Nobody ever truly knows what the day ahead holds for them. So, it’s silly to go about life any other way than wide eyed and ready for anything.
Add a new destination and a sailboat into the mix and it’s a surprise pie to be served up one slice at time. Today was one of those days filled with surprises, served up one by one.
It all starts with a beautiful sail to the tiny island of Taha’a and ends with filling water buckets in a dark alley behind a gas station. And that’s not even the exciting bits!
Most days we grumble on about how much longer everything takes when living on a boat. But, this day blows that whole argument out of the water.
We sailed to a new island, toured a rum factory, picked up groceries, took a few rides on the magic carpet through the coral gardens, had a date night dinner out and managed to fill our water buckets.
And, only one small thing broke on the boat (note to self: replace trampoline lines). T’was a damned fine day I say, damned fine.
### The Magic Carpet Ride
It seems almost every island has an area dubbed the Coral Garden. But, this one has certainly earned the name! I would go so far as to say it’s my favorite snorkeling spot so far in French Polynesia.
Look for Le Taha’a Island Resort & Spa on the map or the three motu’s across from Baie Tapuamu on your sailing charts. While it’s good fun anytime, high tide is best because some of the areas are super shallow.
**Pro tip:** bring your water shoes or scuba booties for the walk back to the entrance.
### Taha’a Fun Facts
- Lovely speck of rock located in the Society Islands Archipelago.
- 33 square miles funded by tourism, pearl farming, fishing and vanilla plantations (and now rum).
- Taha’a is home to around 5,000 people.
- Neighboring Raiatea and Taha’a are enclosed by the same coral reef and are speculated to have been one island…way, way, way back in the day.
### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Sharing our lives and what we learn along the way is possible because of [viewers like you](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). If you like what you see, there are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). Thank you for being a part of the journey.
### RESOURCES & GEAR IN THIS VIDEO
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO📷
- All our camera gear:
**🤿FREEDIVING & SCUBA**
- All Dive Gear Info & Reviews Here: [gonewiththewynns.com/diving-from-sailboat](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/diving-from-sailboat/)
**🎶AWESOME tunes:**
- Source: [http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw](http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists: Giants and Pilgrims (Intro Music)
- Main Music: Dyalla
- https://soundcloud.com/dyallas/albums
### SAILING REPORT
**Bora Bora to Taha’a, French Polynesia**
- Nautical Miles Sailed: 27.8
- Anchorage/Mooring: Baie Tapuamu
- Date: December 2018
### One Last Dive, Goodbye Bora Bora
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/goodbye-bora-bora/
Last updated: 2023-11-16T23:04:15.000Z
It’s our last couple of days in Bora Bora and while it didn’t turn out like we planned (what does these days?) we squeeze in one last dive to say a proper goodbye to all our new friends. Then it’s anchor up, sails up and on to the next island paradise.
Can you believe all those spotted eagle rays came over just for our farewell dive?!? Chances are, if you hang out around the same area, they’ll come say hello to you too. We didn’t spot them every time, but often enough to lure us over regardless of where *Curiosity* was anchored.
Add in a few sting rays, reef sharks, damsel fish along with an octopus sighting and you can see why it became our favorite spot in Bora Bora.
But, no day in the sea is complete without picking up some plastic. It’s our daily reminder to be mindful of everything we use and especially of everything we throw away.
We signed up as ambassadors for 5Gyres this year to step up our game on helping to save our oceans. You can be an ambassador too! It doesn’t cost a penny. So, if you don’t have money to donate but want to help, they have loads of free resources and information they need help spreading the word about. If you are looking for ideas on how to go #PlasticFree or you’re searching for better alternatives for the plastics in your life, check out this guide from 5Gyres: [5gyres.org/publications](https://www.5gyres.org/publications?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### What’s Up With That Chain?
Yes, this is just the beginning of the great anchor chain scandal and this won’t be the last you hear of it. Chaingate is just getting started. We’re 99% sure we were sold fake G4 chain (and a very good fake at that). We’re still digging to get to the bottom of it but we’ll report back with more once we have some solid information to share.
**See The Chain Replacement Story Here:** [gonewiththewynns.com/replacing-anchor-chain](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/replacing-anchor-chain/)
One failing anchor chain and a busted water pump aside, we’re still afloat. We’re sailing the paradise that is the South Pacific and life is good. So, onward to Tahaa we go!
### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Sharing our lives and what we learn along the way is possible because of [viewers like you](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). If you like what you see, there are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). Thank you for being a part of the journey.
### RESOURCES & GEAR IN THIS VIDEO
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO📷
- All our camera gear:
**🤿FREEDIVING & SCUBA**
- All Dive Gear Info & Reviews Here: [gonewiththewynns.com/diving-from-sailboat](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/diving-from-sailboat/)
**🎶AWESOME tunes:**
- Source: [http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw](http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists: Giants and Pilgrims (Intro Music)
- Main Artist: Joakim Karud
soundcloud.com/joakimkarud
### SAILING REPORT
**Bora Bora, French Polynesia**
- Anchorage: Bloody Mary’s
- Date: December 2018
### Fifty Shades of Blue in Bora Bora
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/fifty-shades-blue-bora-bora/
Last updated: 2023-11-16T23:06:35.000Z
Like so many people, we had a romanticized image of Bora Bora as the honeymooner’s island with fifty shades of blue. The fifty shades of blue part is dead on, but the soul of this First Born island goes much deeper than the overwater bungalows.
Now that we’ve been here for a couple of weeks we’re starting to get in the groove of the place. The water is where most of the action is and rightfully so!
However, this landscape begs to be explored and its peaks are just as seductive as the varying shades of liquid blue. The resort culture doesn’t make it easy. Meaning if you are not staying at one of the resorts, it can be tricky to figure out where to go and what to do. Most of the island is privately owned (by the resorts) and the “prive” signs are abundant. BUT…there is life outside of the resorts.
Car and scooter rentals are the typical choice of transportation because Bora Bora isn’t really a walking destination. But like most anywhere, if we just start walking, there is always something to discover.
Do you think Captain Cook would recognize Bora Bora today? Would he book an overwater bungalow and a day at the spa? My guess…as long as the Queen is paying the bill, probably. Ha, and I wouldn’t blame him!
### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Sharing our lives and what we learn along the way is possible because of [viewers like you](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). If you like what you see, there are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). Thank you for being a part of the journey.
### RESOURCES & GEAR IN THIS VIDEO
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO📷
- All our camera gear:
**🎶AWESOME tunes:**
- Source: [http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw](http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists: Giants and Pilgrims (Intro Music)
- Main Artist: Andrew Applepie
http://andrewapplepie.com
### SAILING REPORT
**Bora Bora, French Polynesia**
- Anchorage: Motu Toopua
- Date: December 2018
### Yin & Yang Boat Life – Epic Encounters & Endless Repairs
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/epic-encounters-endless-repairs/
Last updated: 2023-11-16T01:12:35.000Z
There is a yin to every yang and never have we felt that more than in boat life. The reality of this lifestyle is far more complex than these postcards we send.
I find the ancient Chinese philosophy of yin and yang to be poetically on point. It’s the idea of how seemingly opposite, or contrary, forces attract and compliment each other. Light and dark, shade and sun, rest and movement, male and female. Neither is superior to the other. An increase in one brings a corresponding decrease in the other. A balance between the two must be struck in order to achieve harmony.
In other words, we don’t get to revel in the joys of living on the water without the sweat and cursing that comes along with maintaining our vessel. One doesn’t exist without the other.
From beautiful moments and epic encounters in the underwater world to endless repairs brought on by the salty environment we love so much. It feels like a battle of extremes some days and it can be a challenge to find the balance.
Like all older boats, our Curiosity requires a lot of maintenance and a steady stream of replacement parts. Add in our inexperience and a remote location to the mix and the whole experience shifts to from physical to mental. We have to consistently fine tune our attitudes and learn to take it in stride. Some days, a good beer really helps. 😉
Too much work and not enough play or vice versa leads to an imbalance that can cause disaster.
We all experience this yin and yang in life. Of all the various lifestyles we’ve had the great fortune to experience, sailing around the world has the most dramatic highs and lows. But, it’s like Brian said in the movie Vanilla Sky,
##### ‘Without the bitter, baby, the sweet ain’t as sweet.’
While swelling batteries, rusted engine parts and broken water pumps may be bitter, nothing is sweeter than a Manta Ray!
### Our first Manta Ray
We’ve been reading up on these gentle giants ever since we arrived in French Polynesia. So, we were just a tad bit excited to finally meet them!
Mantas are close relatives of all sharks and rays. There isn’t a mean bone in their body and not just because they are cartilaginous either. They are known to be very self-aware and curious. Like dolphins but even smarter!
They are the ultimate perpetual travelers. They must keep water flowing over their gills to breath which means they literally can’t stop moving. Their movements are tuned to the ebb and flow of the ocean currents that bring the planktonic food they depend on.
While our friend Alfredi doesn’t really have an instagram, I like to think it might look something like this. (Of course I would be in his photos because we’re BFF’s now)
Some Mantas travel all throughout the tropical and sub-tropical oceans but these Alfredi Manta Rays call this lagoon home. One local dive master told us there used to be a huge group of them living here in Bora Bora but all the building construction and influx of tourism has run them off.
We don’t know what has really caused the population to dwindle, but we did come across this incredible organization called [Manta Trust](https://www.mantatrust.org/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com). It’s where we learned about the different types of Mantas, guidelines for swimming with them and the very serious threats they face. We had no idea they were in such peril.
##### “Manta and devil rays remain some of the most threatened fish in our seas. Though great steps have been taken to enhance protection for them over the last decade, tens of thousands are still being killed as bycatch in high seas fisheries, and the habitats on which they depend are threatened by development, pollution and the effects of climate change.”
It’s a nonprofit that is doing inspiring work and we appreciate the education and awareness we now have thanks to them. They have beautiful videos and its worth clicking over if you have any interest in these big beautiful creatures. Check them out at [MantaTrust.org](https://www.mantatrust.org/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Sharing our lives and what we learn along the way is possible because of [viewers like you](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). If you like what you see, there are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). Thank you for being a part of the journey.
### RESOURCES & GEAR IN THIS VIDEO
#### 🎥 OUR CAMERA GEAR 📷
- Sony rx10: [https://amzn.to/2QAHxwx](https://amzn.to/2QAHxwx?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Underwater Housing & Sony rx100: [ gonewiththewynns.com/product/productsony-dsc-rx100m-iii-cyber-shot-digital-still-camera](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/productsony-dsc-rx100m-iii-cyber-shot-digital-still-camera)
- Sony rx0: [https://amzn.to/2HeAh3B](https://amzn.to/2HeAh3B?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Drone: [https://amzn.to/2VQ2pzi](https://amzn.to/2VQ2pzi?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### **Snorkle / Freedive Gear**
- **Nikki**
- Freedive Mask With Camera Mount [http://amzn.to/2d5C6SB](http://amzn.to/2d5C6SB?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Freedive Snorkel: [http://amzn.to/2cjh3dV](http://amzn.to/2cjh3dV?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Freediving Fins: [http://amzn.to/2kIYmlf](http://amzn.to/2kIYmlf?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**Jason**
- Atomic Mask: [http://amzn.to/2uuqsZf](http://amzn.to/2uuqsZf?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Freediving Snorkel: [http://amzn.to/2uxCjEb](http://amzn.to/2uxCjEb?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Freediving Fins: [http://amzn.to/2kIhljK](http://amzn.to/2kIhljK?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**🎶AWESOME tunes:**
- Source: [http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw](http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists: Giants and Pilgrims (Intro Music)
- Main Artist: Broke For Free
- brokeforfree.com/
- soundcloud.com/broke-for-free
### SAILING REPORT
To see our full map with interactive pins, click here: [gonewiththewynns.com/map](http://www.gonewiththewynns.com/map)
**Bora Bora, French Polynesia**
- Anchorage: Motu Toopua
- Date: December 2018
### Blazing Hot Bora Bora
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/blazing-hot-bora-bora/
Last updated: 2023-11-16T23:08:10.000Z
There is one thing that is undeniably true about Bora Bora (and most of French Polynesia) and that is the views are breathtaking.
I have said it before and I will say it again, the views alone are worth the trip. I would even go so far as to argue that the absolute best view, is from the water. The $2000 a night overwater bungalow looks dreamy, but I wouldn’t trade places.
Ok, maybe I would if someone else was paying. A bathtub, air conditioning, housekeeping and room service on a Polynesian wood platter…yes, that does sound dreamy!
Looking out at the graduating shades of blue, lush tropical foliage and volcanic rock formations my imagination goes wild. From out here, this is the land before time. But, gazing and day dreaming can only satisfy a person for so long.
After a trip into town and a stop at the visitor’s center, I was armed with a map and a plan to explore Bora Bora.
Like any best laid plan, nothing ever goes as planned. You ready for a walkabout?
You win some (hello Polynesian sized beer) and find no trespassing signs other times. But, it’s all good times.
Don’t worry, we split the beer. I don’t think I could have walked out of the place if I drank it all on my own. But fair warning, when in French Polynesia and they ask what size of beer you want. Ask if the sizes are in French or Polynesian!
Just so we don’t sound like a whiney bunch of jaded travelers who can’t appreciate a lovely tree, here is a side by side reference. The tree on the left is in Nuku Hiva where there was a majestic banian tree. On the right is the “majestic banian” marked as one of the sights to see in Bora Bora. In the video, we flashed back to the neighboring island of Huahine, where there was also a majestic banian tree. So…we’ve learned that when a Polynesian tells us there is going to be a majestic banian tree, it’s going to be impressive! Except for this one time in Bora Bora. 😉
But, no matter where you are in French Polynesia, the water and fish are always a win!
It has been fascinating to experience the differences from island to island as we make our way through French Polynesia. Especially here in the Society Islands.
Tahiti is the big island, the city, the hub. Everything starts and ends here. All ferries, all flights.
Moorea, despite being only 12 miles away from Tahiti, has a quiet, community-oriented feel. Great for the casual traveler.
Huahine is known as the local’s island and we agree. Every trip to land included meeting a new, friendly, Polynesian face.
Now, we’re taking in Bora Bora. We had been warned Bora Bora was all about the resorts (known as honeymooners island) and not as good for the non-resort traveler. The vibe is distinctly high which shouldn’t be surprising considering the average cost for a week-long holiday in Bora Bora starts at around $11,000 for two. Gulp!
But, we’re just getting started! Fancy resorts aside, Bora Bora has a unique history. During World War II America had a military base here. Which certainly changed the landscape…but more on that another day.
### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Sharing our lives and what we learn along the way is possible because of [viewers like you](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). If you like what you see, there are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). Thank you for being a part of the journey.
### RESOURCES & GEAR IN THIS VIDEO
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO📷
- All our camera gear:
**🤿FREEDIVING & SCUBA**
- All Dive Gear Info & Reviews Here: [gonewiththewynns.com/diving-from-sailboat](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/diving-from-sailboat/)
**🎶AWESOME tunes:**
- Source: [http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw](http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists: Giants and Pilgrims / Ian Post
### SAILING REPORT
**Bora Bora, French Polynesia**
- Anchorage: East of Toopua Iti
- Date: December 2018
### Bora Bora Baby! Sailing On Island Time
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/bora-bora-island-time/
Last updated: 2023-11-16T23:10:47.000Z
So many islands, so little time. It’s a sentiment that has been on my mind a lot lately. I study the charts and the distances between our next destinations. Then I zoom out to take in the big picture. The world feels ENORMOUS and the possibilities are endless.
We’re island hopping from Huahine to Bora Bora and then…who knows. To be honest, it blows my mind to even type those words.
Neither of us could have pointed out the Society Islands on a map fifteen years ago and now we’re sailing them. We never dreamed such a life of adventure was possible for people like us (land locked, blue-collar peeps). We didn’t grow up near the sea, nor were we jet setting about the world.
As a kid, Jason’s family would escape to the lake for a weekend or perhaps take a road trip to a neighboring state.
I grew up working in cotton fields, swimming in irrigation ditches (because nobody had a pool) and dreamed of moving to the city one day. Now, I dream of the day I board a rocket ship to outer space (seriously).
I spent a good portion of my life grossly underestimating myself and what was possible. So, as you watch this little slice of our journey, know your possibilities are greater than even you can imagine.
Yep, we’re settling into island time in a major way! We could have easily departed at 4am for Bora Bora. But when that alarm went off at 3am for us to pick up the anchor and set sail…we both looked at each other and said “nah, let’s just sleep in!” Knowing we could take the lazy route between Raiatea and Tahaa was simply too tempting.
I think these are the days that will be seared into our memories forever. Not the action-packed stories we will share around roaring fire, but the ones we’ll reminisce about silently when we’re old, grey and thoroughly worn out. The excitement of a sailing off to a new destination, lazy days at sea and arriving in a dream location that once seemed out of reach. It doesn’t even matter what experiences this place holds for us. We made it here, the anchor has been dropped in the picture-perfect lagoon and all is right in the world. Because we’re in Bora Bora BABY!
### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Sharing our lives and what we learn along the way is possible because of [viewers like you](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). If you like what you see, there are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). Thank you for being a part of the journey.
### RESOURCES & GEAR IN THIS VIDEO
**Inflatable Paddle Boards:** [gonewiththewynns.com/product/fisher-boards-blowfish](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/fisher-boards-blowfish)
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO📷
- All our camera gear:
**🎶AWESOME tunes:**
- Source: [http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw](http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists Used in This Video: Giants & Pilgrims, Russo & Weinberg
### SAILING REPORT
**Huahine to Bora Bora, French Polynesia**
- Nautical Miles Sailed: 58
- Date: November 2018
### Typical Day In The Life of A Sailor
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailor-life-huahine/
Last updated: 2023-11-16T23:12:57.000Z
A typical day in the life of a sailor sounds like a bit of an oxymoron because there isn’t anything typical about it. But, there are a few things we can count on.
Stuff will break, the weather will change, and friends will be made.
When it comes to life on a sailboat there are passage days, marina days, boat yard days, days at anchor and probably more. Each of them present their own set of challenges and rewards.
This is what we call a coastal cruise day. We’re moving anchorages, but it’s a short sail that leaves time for exploring. It’s Jason’s fave because it feels like a satisfying day without totally wearing you out. While I can’t think of two days that have ever felt the same since we moved aboard, this is as typical as it gets for us as cruisers.
Hot showers and air conditioning! That is cruiser heaven right there (minus the gene running). We were razzing them about it, but it’s just because we were jealous. Our [A/C officially died we arrived in French Polynesia](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/first-taste-sailing-marquesas/) and a hot shower is indeed a luxury we don’t often get.
We have to give a big ol’ shout out to all our Texas friends! While you may or may not pick up on our Texas twang, theirs was the sound of home. I could hear them clear across the other side of the grocery store. I almost thought my Aunt’s had flown in to surprise us. We were looking at curry paste options when we heard “Y’all, they don’t have any Chardonnay”.
We about busted a gut! Here we are half way around the world in Huahine, French Polynesia and Texas women are hollerin’ between isles about the lack of Chardonnay. It was the most foreign sound and instantly transported us home.
Of course, all we had to do was say hello and the rest is history. We left Texas almost ten years ago and it is true what they say. Everything is bigger in Texas and that includes the heart of the people that reside there.
### 🐠 Coral Gardeners
We’ve seen everything from beautiful, healthy coral to rocky wastelands all through French Polynesia (and most everywhere we’ve visited). It’s always sad to see, and from what we’ve learned, it’s not one specific cause that kills the coral but more of a combination of factors. Too many humans (tourism. yikes…that includes us), pollution (organic and non-organic), the digging of canals, disease, destructive fishing practices, warming oceans, cyclones…and the list goes on. There are a couple of local organizations we’ve learned about that are working to conserve and restore these areas. The [Coral Gardeners](https://www.coralgardeners.org/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) organization seems super cool and involves a lot of the youth.
Don’t worry kids, we found Nemo…but I don’t think he wanted to be found.
### 🌊 Trashy Oceans
I know we just talked about [plastics in our last video](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/scuba-adventures-plastic-heartbreak/) and I don’t want to portray Huahine as a trashy place, because it isn’t! We find plastic floating all around us, all the time. Even hundreds of miles from land. It gets tumbled down from land by wind or rain, gathered up by ocean currents and carried all over the world. From Florida to French Polynesia, no stretch of water has been rubbish free.
We’re far, far from perfect with our habits and certainly contribute our fair share of garbage to the world. But we are trying terribly to be more mindful of all the disposable and single use things in our life.
We pledged to go #plasticfree when we signed up as ambassadors for 5gyres and we’re learning more all the time. If you are interested, this article is chalk full of information and tips on plastic alternatives: [https://www.5gyres.org/s/5Gyres\_BANlist2.pdf](https://www.5gyres.org/s/5Gyres%5FBANlist2.pdf?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Sharing our lives and what we learn along the way is possible because of [viewers like you](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). If you like what you see, there are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). Thank you for being a part of the journey.
### RESOURCES & GEAR IN THIS VIDEO
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO📷
- All our camera gear:
**🤿FREEDIVING & SCUBA**
- All Dive Gear Info & Reviews Here: [gonewiththewynns.com/diving-from-sailboat](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/diving-from-sailboat/)
**🎶AWESOME tunes:**
- Source: [http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw](http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### SAILING REPORT
**Huahine, French Polynesia**
- Anchorage: Teapaa Bay, Huahine, French Polynesia
- Date: November 2018
### Scuba Adventures and Plastic Heartbreak
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/scuba-adventures-plastic-heartbreak/
Last updated: 2023-11-16T23:14:11.000Z
Rain, rain and more rain. That has been the theme of late with even more being predicted. It’s been coming down in buckets and we’ve been using the gloomy weather as motivation to stay inside and get some editing, writing, organizing and general housekeeping done.
We were deep in the creative zone when all the sudden, the clouds parted, and the sun came out in full glory. It was an invitation to get out while the gettin’ was good. And we’re not ones to turn down an invitation.
With the sun high in the sky, slack tide on the way and the seas relatively calm, there was only one thing to do. Go scuba diving! It’s time to see what lies below the island of Huahine. Spoiler alert, it’s not all marine life.
I wanted to title this one “Scuba Adventures and Turtle Killers”, but Jason said it was too dramatic. I get his point, but it is true. Those plastic floating bags kill hungry unsuspecting turtles (and other creatures too).
We see plastic bags, bottles, candy wrappers, shoes and a wide assortment of rubbish both floating on the surface and way down on the sea floor. It honestly makes so many of those post-apocalyptic, Earth takes revenge, movies like “The Uninhabitable Earth” or “Automata” seem eerily plausible.
But, we’re not there yet! I believe most of us care about our planet and want to do the right thing, it’s just not always clear what that is.
We have been eco-minded for as long as we can remember and try to leave as small of a footprint behind as possible. It’s one of the reasons we’re so passionate about [Living Off The Grid.](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/living-off-grid-rv-sailboat)
But it’s not easy. Information can be misleading. Education on sustainability and our climate is weak…and politics often get in the way.
Luckily, we’re incredibly curious people who love to learn! So, in the spirit of learning and sharing, here is what I’ve gathered about biodegradable and compostables.
### Biodegradable Plastics, A False Solution
I hate when I think I am doing something good for the environment…only to find out my seemingly greener alternative is possibly worse. That is exactly what happened with me and biodegradable plastics.
We use [certified home compostable bags](https://amzn.to/2IGy2r2?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) for [our composting toilet](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/marine-heads-accessories). And because I know those degrade along with my other waste, I simply assumed biodegradable was similar. **NOT** the case.
- Biodegradable – capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms.
- Compostable – capable of disintegrating into natural elements in a compost environment, leaving no toxicity in the soil.
Sounds pretty darn similar right? The big difference…compostable bags are regulated while biodegradable bags are not. Without regulation standards and labeling requirements, the biodegradable bags could still be made from toxic materials. We have no way of knowing exactly what they are made of. Biodegradable and compostable bags are made from a variety of plant-based materials like corn and wheat instead of petroleum (which is what plastic is made of).
Even so, unless specified “[**certified home compostable**](https://amzn.to/2IGy2r2?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)” either option still requires very specific conditions to break down. Biodegradable bags need temps to reach 122 degrees Fahrenheit (50 degrees Celsius) and must be exposed to UV light. This does not happen in landfills, compost bins and certainly not in the ocean! Plus, they still look like a jellyfish to a turtle, so they are just as harmful as a traditional plastic bag.
If a biodegradable bag is sent to a landfill, it breaks down very slowly and without oxygen. It then produces and emits methane, a greenhouse gas 23 times more potent than carbon dioxide!?!
Here is a good visual of exactly how some of these biodegradable and compostable options degrade over time. It’s from the 5Gyres Ban 2.0 Report and the whole report is a real eye opener:[ https://www.5gyres.org/publications](https://www.5gyres.org/publications?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
I have spent hours pouring over research articles and the evidence is painfully clear that bioplastics do not solve any of our plastic problems and are potentially worse (insert heavy sigh here).
### Reusable #PlasticFree Alternatives
- **Gone With The Wynn’s Organic Cotton Tote Bags** – [gonewiththewynns.teemill.com/collection/byob/](https://gonewiththewynns.teemill.com/collection/byob/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- **Insulated Tote Bags**: [amzn.to/2W1MJch](https://amzn.to/2W1MJch?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- **Organic Cotton Mesh Produce Bags (3 pack)**: [amzn.to/2GngqxH](https://amzn.to/2GngqxH%20%20%20%20$11.99?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- **Mesh and Muslin Organic Cotton Drawstring (10 pack):**[ amzn.to/2Ixd3rE](https://amzn.to/2Ixd3rE?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
Totes are great for toting many things…except our cats.
### I still need disposable bags. What’s the best option?
As sailors, we tote our rubbish to shore to dispose of it. Often times there are signs on the bins saying, “please make sure all garbage is contained in a bag”. Then there’s the issue of compost and [our composting toilet.](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/marine-heads-accessories) When we’re at sea, it’s dandy to toss compost overboard. But, when we’re anchored inside a bay, lagoon or anywhere within 3 miles of shore, that’s unacceptable. So, what is our best options for now?
- For composting, our “certified home compostable” bags are still a good choice: [https://amzn.to/2IGy2r2](https://amzn.to/2IGy2r2?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- For trash & recyclables these 80% recycled bags are made from the highest percentage of recycled plastic and they’re still recyclable: [https://amzn.to/2Gx1Chi](https://amzn.to/2Gx1Chi?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### Awesome Resources
[5Gyres](https://www.5gyres.org/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) is a wealth of information and actionable tips. Which is why we volunteered as **#5GyresAmbassadors** ! If you’ve never heard of 5Gyres or all this #PlasticFree talk or how our oceans are in peril, I suggest starting with this Better Alternatives Now report. Some of the findings totally blew my mind: [5gyres.org/s/5Gyres\_BANlist2.pdf](https://www.5gyres.org/s/5Gyres%5FBANlist2.pdf?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
For some additional reading, I also dig what these organizations are doing:
- [http://ecostandard.org/](http://ecostandard.org/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- [https://www.surfrider.eu/](https://www.surfrider.eu/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Sharing our lives and what we learn along the way is possible because of [viewers like you](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). If you like what you see, there are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). Thank you for being a part of the journey.
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO📷
- All our camera gear:
**🤿FREEDIVING & SCUBA**
- All Dive Gear Info & Reviews Here: [gonewiththewynns.com/diving-from-sailboat](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/diving-from-sailboat/)
**🎶AWESOME tunes:**
- Source: [http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw](http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists Used In This Video: Giants and Pilgrims / Atomiks / Ian Post
### Hitchhiking & Lunch With The Gods
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/lunch-with-gods-huahine/
Last updated: 2023-11-16T23:16:20.000Z
There are over 118 islands and atolls in [French Polynesia](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/map) and so far, each one has its own vibe, sometimes its own language and always a unique history.
More than ever before, we’re embracing each new island like a field trip. So, lace up your comfy shoes, grab your raincoat and lets go on walkabout around the island of Huahine.
We really only have one simple goal today: To have lunch with the gods.
You would think by now a rain coat would be a staple in our backpacks…but when it’s this hot out, any sort of coat is the last thing on our brain. Come to think of it, I haven’t seen a local with a rain coat on once. Hmmm…
Speaking of locals, we haven’t been offered a ride since we were in the [Marquesas!](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/map) It’s a solid sign we’re no longer in a heavy tourist area. We had been told Huahine is less visited (although no specific reasons why) and because of that, it had more of a laid back vibe. We concur!
Hitchhiking on these small islands is a common way to get around and a fantastic way to meet locals. Even before the rain started, we had at least a few people stop to offer us rides. We were happy to stretch our legs and take in the place at a walking pace. Plus, how are we going to ask to be dropped off at the blue eyed eels when we don’t speak Tahitian or French?!? But once the weather turned, we were stoked they were keen to pick up a couple of soggy Americans.
### Quick Fact Check
- The Island is Huahine – pronounced Who-a-hee-nay by the Tahitians and Wa-ee-nee by the French
- The main village of Huahine is Fare (Fah-ray)
- The Maeva village is where we visited the museum inside the Fare Potee.
- The hike we took is the trail to Matairea Hill. We never made it to the highest Mare because the rain was flooding the trail and we were soaked to the core.
### 🙏 THANK YOU!
Sharing our lives and what we learn along the way is possible because of [viewers like you](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). If you like what you see, there are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). Thank you for being a part of the journey.
### RESOURCES & GEAR IN THIS VIDEO
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO📷
- All our camera gear:
🎶 **AWESOME tunes:**
- - Artlist: [http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw ](http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists – Michael Shynes, Giants and Pilgrims, Ian Post, Cody Martin, Boheme
- Additional Music: Ukulele Song Recorded at the Art Expo
Background Song: Singin In The Rain (Bangerz Trap Remix) http://thebangerz.com/
### Sailing Life, When It’s Good, It’s Good!
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailing-life-its-good/
Last updated: 2023-11-16T23:18:37.000Z
After a few epic weeks in Moorea of [swimming with whales and sharks](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/swim-whales-moorea/), it was time to give s/v Curiosity a little love and set sail again. So, we scrub her bottom, fix a few broken bits and dust off the spinnaker for a beautiful overnight sail to Huahine. Our first stop in the leeward islands!
Perhaps we’re still riding the euphoric high of [humpback whales](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/swim-whales-moorea/)…or maybe the salt has finally corroded the receptors in our brain that control serotonin. I’m not sure what the cause is, but our state of contentment on this voyage was high. The phrase happy as clams comes to mind.
We’re always so happy to be on the move again, its almost concerning. I used to think this reaction was because we’re addicted to change, but now I think it’s something all together different. It has far more to do with what we are NOT doing when we’re underway. We’re not scrolling our social feeds, typing emails, editing, planning or making any decisions beyond the present moment.
We have always used our travel/adventure days as a reason to disconnect from everything and it’s the sense of freedom that comes with that disconnect that is so satisfying. We focus on the journey and nothing else. It’s a state of mind and clearly we’re entering it like it has an on/off switch.
All this probably sounds a little silly and may not make a lot of sense considering the twenty curated moments of our life we share each week (especially because we are drawn to sharing the happiest moments). But, like anyone, we have our demons, our stresses and a tendency to bite off more than we can chew. We get wrapped up in our own heads and feel a need to disconnect from one realm and plug into another.
Pulling up the anchor and setting sail, diving into the underwater world, lacing up hiking shoes and stepping on unpaved ground…these are a few of the ways we get our fix. And if you are reading this, chances are, you can relate.
So what is your happy place? How do you plug into that other realm? Or, do you have a different method or way of thinking all together? We’ll be hanging around in the comment section below if you want to chat.
### 🙏 Thank You!
Sharing our lives and what we learn along the way is possible because of [viewers like you](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). If you like what you see, there are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). Thank you for being a part of the journey.
### Related Stories
When our traveler originally broke: [ gonewiththewynns.com/squalls-trouble-sailing-across-pacific](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/squalls-trouble-sailing-across-pacific/)
When we jury rigged our traveler so we could sail from the Marquesas to Tahiti: [gonewiththewynns.com/lost-mainsail-coco-paradise](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/lost-mainsail-coco-paradise/)
### RESOURCES & GEAR IN THIS VIDEO
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO📷
- All our camera gear:
🎶 **AWESOME tunes for vids:** [http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw](http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists: Giants and Pilgrims, Swirling Ship, Ziv Moran
### SAILING REPORT
**French Polynesia, Moorea to Huahine**
- Nautical miles sailed: 101
- Hours At Sea: 14
- Average Wind Speed: 10 – 15 knots
- Average Boat Speed: 7.2 knots
- Engine Hours: 1.5 (into and out of anchorage)
- Date: November 6 – 8, 2018
### Swimming With Giants – Most Incredible Experience!
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/swim-whales-moorea/
Last updated: 2024-04-15T11:31:37.000Z
There are certain experiences in life so enchanting, we know they will stick with us forever. Swimming with humpback whales in French Polynesia is one of them.
Admittedly, we have had more than our fair share of awe-inspiring [adventures](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/map). But this is something different all together.
We set out to sea in search of giants. A mission like all others, fueled by curiosity and a selfish need to experience something wild. But when we came eye to eye with the creature, it was something far more soul piercing than we had prepared for.
This is our most incredible wild life experience to date. Guaranteed, we didn’t even come close to capturing just how magical it all is. But even with our amateur underwater skills, we hope it brings a smile to your face and a sense of peace in your heart.
I honestly can’t remember what my expectations were going into all of this, but I certainly didn’t expect it to be so spiritual…or all consuming. I had half a mind to follow those whales to Antarctica!
So, while I could go full guru on you…I will keep it brief (because I am no guru).
It’s true what they say, eyes are the window to the soul. Of all the creatures I have been fortunate enough to encounter, never have I been more enchanted than when I looked into the eye of a baby whale.
In those moments I felt I had one foot in this world and another somewhere else. It’s like they could size me up and discern my character, my soul and my worth in one glance. So, you can imagine, when they decided not to flip tail and run…the sense of approval was euphoric.
They were truly gentle giants who have captured my heart, deepened my respect and furthered my admiration for the world that is underwater.
### Swimming with Whales in French Polynesia
Swimming with whales isn’t new. We’ve seen videos and photos of people taking tours in Tonga, Australia and of course, French Polynesia.
We had moved the cash from our cruising kitty to the wallet and were ready to book our tour. But, then we learned we could go swimming with whales on our own, no guide needed! We quickly put our money back in the kitty.
We’re not big on schedules, itineraries or organized tours. Self-guided, self-paced, foot loose and fancy free to roam is our style. It’s a huge part of why we travel with our home. #slowtravel
Don’t get me wrong, sometimes a tour is the best or only way to see or do something. But, if we can go on our own, most likely we will.
So, we started digging into the where, what, when and how.
The laws and regulations have changed in French Polynesia even since we have been here. That is partly due to all the research being done by the Mata Tohora. They are studying the whales every year along with the effects of tourism to ensure the whales are respected and protected.
If you plan on swimming with the whales in French Polynesia, make sure to check their website for the latest information.
- [matatohora.com/?page\_id=1457](http://www.matatohora.com/?page%5Fid=1457&ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
If you plan on swimming with the whales anywhere else in the world, make sure you check both local laws and regulations as they vary greatly.
Should you choose to go with a tour (plenty of good ones out there), make sure to ask lots of questions to verify they are a reputable operator who cares for the well-being and protection of the whales. The Mata Tohora website above is a good place to learn about respectful behavior towards whales.
### THANK YOU!
Sharing this wild lifestyle and what we learn along the way is possible because of [viewers like you](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). If you like what you see, there are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). Thank you for being a part of our journey.
### RESOURCES & GEAR IN THIS VIDEO
#### **💻 INTERNET ON A SAILBOAT**
- [gonewiththewynns.com/sailboat-wifi-phone-satellite](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailboat-wifi-phone-satellite/)
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO📷
- All our camera gear:
**🤿FREEDIVING & SCUBA**
- All Dive Gear Info & Reviews Here: [gonewiththewynns.com/diving-from-sailboat](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/diving-from-sailboat/)
**Music for vids**
- Source: [http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw](http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists Used In This Video: Giants and Pilgrims / Ian Post / Salt of the Sound / Ian Locke / Katrina Stone
### SAILING REPORT
- Dates: October 10 – November 6, 2018
- Nautical Miles Sailed: 14 Tahiti to Moorea
### Party at the end of the road – Teahupo’o Tahiti
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/party-teahupoo-tahiti/
Last updated: 2023-11-16T23:23:28.000Z
Roaming around Tahiti we caught wind of a party going on at the end of the road. A legendary village where the surfing elite flock, kings have been crowned and a heavy blue beast lives. It was a lore too good to ignore.
So, we set sail for the sleepy little village of Teahupo’o and as you’ll soon see for yourself…the first morning was brutal.
Clearly, I am not a morning person and need to work on my communication skills.
Floating house maintenance aside, Teahupo’o is a beautiful place to call home. The small passes along the reef make for more than just good surfing. They were great diving locations and the marine life was just the right amount of friendly.
And, true to every island we have visited in French Polynesia…the views are epic!
### Billabong Tahiti Pro
Billabong pits the world’s best surfers against the world’s heaviest wave. Sounds exciting, but surfing enthusiast or not, the floating spectators and local legends are worth showing up for.
What’s wild is that it wasn’t until the 60’s that surfers started coming to Tahiti and not until the late 90’s that the name “chopes” started luring in the big wave surfing elite. (Note, the proper pronunciation of Teahupo’o is not “cho poo”, that is the surfer slang we kept hearing and reading. The locals will say something more along the lines of “tea-hoo-poh-oh”.)
There isn’t any land in between Tahiti and the roaring forties, so there is an abundant southerly swell consistently rolling in.
And bringing it back around to sailing…These nicknames, roaring forties, furious fifties and the screaming sixties were coined by the sailors who first entered these latitudes. Something I knew nothing about before sailing.
They refer to the latitudes in the Southern Ocean. Areas that are notorious for insane westerly winds and raging storms. An old salty saying puts it into perspective:
##### Below 40 degrees south there is no law and below 50 degrees south there is no God.
Waves build to 25 feet and have what is considered “thick lips” which is why they call it the worlds heaviest. While it would be a sight to behold…I don’t think I want my boat anywhere near those behemoths on a day like that!
As you can see from the birds eye view, its solid, unfriendly reef promising nothing but woes for even the slightest mistake.
### 🙏THANK YOU!
Sharing our lives and what we learn along the way is possible because of [viewers like you](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). If you like what you see, there are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). Thank you for being a part of the journey.
### SAILING REPORT
- Dates: August 16-21, 2018
- Sailed: 0
- Anchorage: Teahupoo, French Polynesia
### RESOURCES & GEAR
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO📷
- All our camera gear:
**🤿FREEDIVING & SCUBA**
- All Dive Gear Info & Reviews Here: [gonewiththewynns.com/diving-from-sailboat](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/diving-from-sailboat/)
**🎶AWESOME tunes for vids:** [http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw](http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists Used In This Video: Giants and Pilgrams, Adi Levi, Marc Robillard, Rex Banner, Be Still The Earth
### Sailing Tahiti, Whales and The Cost of Iron Wind
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailing-tahiti-whales-fuel/
Last updated: 2024-04-15T03:39:36.000Z
The weather prediction is looking good for sailing around Tahiti. We’re on our way from Papeete to Tahiti-iti (Little Tahiti) which is on the opposite end of the island about 35 nautical miles away. The Billabong Pro Surf Competition is going on and…when in Tahiti!
We haven’t topped up our fuel since the Marquesas and the winds are light, which is ideal for cozying up to a fuel dock. Because it’s been a loooong while since we’ve touched a dock and fueled up, it got us thinking about our fuel usage.
We keep pretty decent logs of our fuel consumption. So, we have a good understanding of how much diesel we burn when motoring, or motor-sailing, with our catamaran. As much as we would love to burn zero fuel…sometimes the wind doesn’t show up at all, or it blows from a different angle than predicted (that’s why I say it’s a weather prediction and not a premonition). It’s times like these we’re forced to use *The Iron Wind* to help move us along.
Sailboats don’t come with fuel consumption information like you find for a car or truck. There’s no estimated MPG sticker or EPA website that documents the fuel economy of a sailboat. So, we thought you might be curious to know the fuel economy of our catamaran too. We’re taking advantage of our scenic motor-sail around Tahiti to fill you in (pun intended).
Plus, it’s whale season here in French Polynesia and we had two giant humpback whales stop by to say hello. Magical prehistorical creatures I tell you, just magical!
You know you are impressed with that thumbnail! Ha, we were so surprised and focused on video, we forgot to take any photos of the whales. But a screen grab plus a little photoshop action and what a moment!
I am always surprised by how good a screen grab from a video can look. It’s nothing you would ever want to print but works great for social media and blog posts in a pinch. 😉
### **Cost of Diesel & How Much Our Sailing Catamaran Consumes**
The fuel burn rate of each boat will vary because…well, there are a ton of different variables. Our 2005 Leopard Catamaran has two Yanmar 39 engines. We also have [**feathering props**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/feathering-props) (because the type of prop can dramatically effect performance too).
#### **Price of Diesel In French Polynesia (2018/2019)**
FYI, at some Fuel Stations (like Marina Tiana) they won’t allow us to fill jerry cans with duty free fuel, they want to see the fuel going into the boat. Also, gasoline is not duty free, only diesel.
- 79 xpf per liter
- 3.785 liters in a gallon
- 299.02 xpf per gallon
- 1 xpf = $0.0095 usd
- 1 gallon cost $2.84 usd
#### **Our Estimated Fuel Economy**
- ½ gallon per hour per engine
- Travel at around 6 knots of speed with one engine at 2000 RPM (or 7.5 knots with both engines @ 2000 RPM)
- Diesel cost us approximately $1.42 used per hour, per engine (here in French Polynesia)
\*This is ideal conditions. If our hulls have a lot of bottom growth or we’re fighting a current it all effects our performance and burn rate.
#### **How Much Fuel Do We Carry?**
If we know we’re sailing to a location with diesel fuel available, we’ll use our estimated fuel economy numbers along with wind/current predictions to figure out how much fuel we might burn. Diesel fuel goes bad, so we won’t want to end up with too much extra fuel in our tanks just sitting there unused. For long trips we fill up both tanks and all jerry cans.
- 2 x 180 liter fuel tanks
- 6 x 20 liter jerry cans
- 2 x 25 liter jerry cans
### 🙏Thank You!
Sharing our lives and what we learn along the way is possible because of [viewers like you](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). If you like what you see, there are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). Thank you for being a part of the journey.
### ⛵SAILING REPORT
- Dates: August 15, 2018
- Sailed: 35 Nautical Miles
- Anchorage: Teahupoo, French Polynesia
### RESOURCES & GEAR IN THIS VIDEO
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO📷
- All our camera gear:
🎶**AWESOME tunes for vids:** [http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw](http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists Used In This Video: Giants and Pilgrims / C3NC
### Boat Life: How We Make Ultra Pure Water
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/boat-life-squeaky-clean-water/
Last updated: 2024-03-29T08:10:27.000Z
Water is our most important resource…we literally can’t survive without it.
The average human should consume 2 liters of water per day. When in the tropics, we probably sweat at least 4 liters a day, so we consume more!
After over a decade of living off the grid, we like to think we have the water situation down pat. Not only can we stretch a gallon of water like a desert rat…we’ve never had to buy bottled water for our traveling home. Here is everything we use to make, filter and purify our water.
Last time we talked about how we get water on our sailboat: rain collection, public sources and our best friend Mr. Watermaker. If you haven’t seen it yet, go check it out.
[Life On A Boat - How We Get Water || Off Grid LivingWe’re completely off the grid, meaning we’re our own water, waste management and electric provider. But water is our most important resource.Gone With The WynnsNikki Wynn](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/boat-life-get-water/)
### **Water Storage & Why It’s Sketchy**
Every boat, [RV](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/rvin), tiny home or whatever form of traveling [off the grid](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/living-off-grid-rv-sailboat) home, will be a little different but in general, we all have some sort of storage tank and a method to get it out of the tank. Either by gravity flow, foot pump or electric pump.
While our watermaker is our main source of water and the quality is unbeatable, there are instances where we need to source it elsewhere. Maybe the watermaker is on the fritz or we're anchored somewhere water quality is so dirty or silty, it would clog up our watermaker filters.
No matter where we source our water from, it’s always stored in our potentially sketchy (petri dish in waiting) water tanks. Even if the water going in is super squeaky clean (like from our RO)…water tanks get grubby! Here’s why:
- Our tanks are not perfectly sealed and are subject to whatever bacteria/creatures are in the air or can squeeze through any gaps or seals.
- It gets hot and bacteria love warm environments.
- Tanks get exposed to air and outside contaminants each time we open them for inspection or to fill them up.
- Sometimes we fill our tanks with public water (each has its own set of bacteria and unknown quality).
- Our water tanks are hard to clean and sanitize (most are).
Drinking sketchy water can mean consequences far worse than a dose of Montezuma’s Revenge. Which brings us to the importance of water filtration and purification.
### **Water Filtration**
Carbon (and Brita-type) filters don’t purify water, they filter it. They help with odor, taste and remove chemicals (like chlorine) and hard metals (like lead), and sediment. Which is great! But, any biological creatures such as giardia or e. coli pass right through. So, you still have those pesky illness-causing microorganisms to worry about.
Purification is the only way to guarantee safe drinking water but…filters have their place too. Filters help with particles and taste, which is why we use carbon filters for the “whole house” and all the benefits they provide.
**Whole House Filter**: [https://amzn.to/2EkZCHH](https://amzn.to/2EkZCHH?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Filters and reduces sediment, dirt, sand, silt, rust, scale particles, Chlorine taste & odor, VOC’s
**Inline Filter For Water hose**: [https://amzn.to/2Emns5W](https://amzn.to/2Emns5W?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### **Purifying water**
There are a few different ways to go about purifying water, like boiling it or chemically treat it. But, the EWG.org states, “Drinking water disinfection is essential and saves lives from microbial diseases. But when chlorine and other disinfectants react with plant and animal waste in the water, harmful disinfection byproducts are formed.”
So for sanity and time sake, we’ll stick to our fave method aboard curiosity.
#### **LED-UV**
Ultraviolet water purification is the most effective method for disinfecting bacteria from the water (aside from RO). UV rays penetrate harmful pathogens in the water and annihilate illness-causing microorganisms by attacking their DNA. 99.9% of bacteria, viruses and other pathogens…dead!
We’ve had a variety of UV water purifiers over the years. We have a [UV light for backpack travel/hiking](https://amzn.to/2EnGZTB?ref=gonewiththewynns.com). In the RV we had a [tabletop distiller](https://amzn.to/2Ekcwpj?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) and UV light. We even had a UV/Carbon setup back in our sedentary days in Dallas (because city water tastes funky and can be sketchy too).
In other words, we’re big fans of UV purification!
We had an Acuva on CURIOSITY 1 and we have one now aboard CURIOSITY 2\. It is a compact, marine-grade system that is easy to install and has virtually no maintenance. It also helps with improving taste and odor.
Acuva has offered **10% OFF** any system, just use the Promo Code **WYNNS** at checkout: [https://bit.ly/WYNNS-UVWater](https://bit.ly/WYNNS-UVWater?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### **Show Me The Money – The Most Affordable Option**
Remember when we said the average human should consume 2 liters of water per day? Well, that is just the bare minimum. While we were sailing Tahiti, a 5 liter jug was 330 CFP.
- 2 liters a day per person x 365 days in a year = 730 liters
- That means we would need 146 of those 5 liter jugs.
- 146 5-liter jugs x 330 CFP Franc = 48,180
- 1 CFP Franc = 0.0095 USD
- 48,180 CFP = $457.72 USD
- $457.72 A Year Per Person x two = $915.44
**$915.44 a year just in drinking water!** The [Acuva Eco](https://bit.ly/WYNNS-UVWater?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) and a couple of charcoal filters may seem like a big upfront investment, but it is way cheaper than buying bottled water.
### #PlasticFree
Buying bottled water is a serious environmental issue. We see a disturbing amount of plastic floating past us every day…and it's almost exclusively single use stuff.
### Don’t Listen to People On The Internet!
We always say, do your own research. So don’t just take our word for it (or anyone else’s). We’re always in a state of learning and new information comes out all the time. The more we all fact check and share information, the more informed we all are.
Here are some of the **sources** we use when learning about water:
- Wikipedia (loosely as it is crowd-sourced)
- Environmental Working Group (ewg.org)
- Environmental Protection Agency (epa.org)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (cdc.gov)
### Life On A Boat – How We Get Water
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/boat-life-get-water/
Last updated: 2023-11-16T08:44:19.000Z
How do we get water on a boat? You see us turn on a faucet and water comes flowing out, but where does it come from? That is a good question.
We’re completely [off the grid](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/living-off-grid-rv-sailboat), meaning we are our own water, waste management and electric provider. Which makes us hyper aware of all our resources. We’ve shared how we harness our electricity from the sun and store the power in our lithium batteries. Now we’re sharing how we get our most important resource, water!
Water is essential and arguably the most important resource to any human. We literally can’t survive without it. But getting, storing and using water on a sailboat can be a total pain in the aft! (sorry, I couldn’t help myself)
On average, we humans need about a 1/2 gallon of water per day. Exert yourself (as in move from one end of the boat to the other on a summer day in the tropics) and that amount goes up. Fun Fact: the human body can sweat up to a whopping 1 liter of water an hour. So, just to be on the safe side, we always have at least a two-week supply of drinking water (that’s fourteen gallons for the two of us).
We’ve been traveling and living off the grid for 9 years now (insert getting old joke here). In all that time we’ve never had to buy bottled water for our traveling home. Click the play button and join us aboard *Curiosity* for a chat about all things H20\. We’ll show you the full scoop on how and where we get water while living on a boat.
### **How To Get Water**
Finding water can be tricky, especially in the more remote parts of the world. But where there are any signs of life, there is water to be found. This applies to anyone[ living off the grid](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/living-off-grid-rv-sailboat)…where ever your boat, RV, van, mog or tiny house may be. There are a few different methods for getting water.
### **Rain Collection**
Collecting rain can be great for general cleaning and if you are in a particularly drench worthy part of the globe, it can be your constant source. We use buckets all the time to collect rain water and if we put tarps or got serious and put together a legit collection system, we could collect far more. Of course, along with catching water, we also catch microscopic creatures, bacteria, dirt, leaves, deck grime, fiberglass, get coat and who knows what else! Which is why…
### **Don’t Drink Rain Water Without Purifying it first!**
We will talk about water filtration and purification in our next post/video, but I thought this was an important item not to gloss over.
Rain water is good water and can be great for drinking. It’s just not as pure as one might think.
I have seen lots of sailors, RV’ers, van lifers or off grid cabin owners simply collect water on tarps and dump it directly into their reservoir. While they might not get sick…they are putting themselves at serious risk. Add traveling to the mix and it’s a risk we don’t think is worth taking. Here is why.
Some rain is perfectly safe to drink…if it fell directly from the sky and touched nothing else on its way into your reservoir. But even then, rain water is only as clean as the atmosphere if fell through and the container its kept in.
The quality of rainwater will vary because air quality varies from place to place. Rainwater can carry bacteria, parasites, viruses, and chemicals that could make you sick. What is in the area? Airports, smoke stacks, big factories…so many variables to consider.
Which is why we highly recommended filtering and purifying rainwater before drinking it.
If you want more reading material on the subject, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has an article and sources here: [https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/drinking/private/rainwater-collection.html](https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/drinking/private/rainwater-collection.html?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### **Public Water Source**
Marina, fuel station, or a public water filling station is most common…but sooo much to discuss here! Is it potable (safe to drink) or not potable? Is it free or for a fee?
If it is potable what are the conditions of the tap and/or hose? How sanitary is it? Who used it last and for what? How will you get it back to the boat? How do you feel about adding this water (and whatever is in it) into your water storage tank?
Many travelers don’t trust the public water sources or the person who used it before them (with fair reason) and don’t feel comfortable drinking it. So, they will use it for cleaning but buy purified water for drinking.
### **Buying Water**
Buying bottled water is a serious environmental issue, it’s expensive, a pain to lug back to the boat, and it takes up valuable storage space. In all seriousness, we see a disturbing amount of plastic floating past us every day.
**Just how much plastic is in our ocean?**
In 2012 5Gyres gathered a group of scientists to find out. They determined that there were 269,000 metric tons and 5.25 trillion particles—enough to stretch to the moon and back, twice.
We really love the work and education that [5Gyres.org](https://www.5gyres.org/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) is doing. We love it so much we signed on as 5Gyres Ambassadors! If you want to learn more about the problems our ocean face and what you can do about it, please check them out. #plasticfree
### **The Cost Of Bottled Water**
Aside from the environmental impact, it’s expensive too. As you noticed, the price of a 5 liter jug is 330CFP Franc. The average person should consume around ½ a gallon per day (2 liters).
- 2 liters a day per person x 365 days in a year = 730 liters
- That means we would need 146 of those 5 liter jugs.
- 146 5-liter jugs x 330 CFP Franc = 48,180
- 1 CFP Franc = 0.0095 USD
- 48,180 CFP = $457.72 USD
**$457.72 A Year Per Person x two of us = $915.44**
Not only is that $915.44 per year just in drinking, that is 3,102.5 pounds that have to be lugged to the boat. **No thank you!**
### **Watermaker – Taking The Salt Out of Sea Water**
Watermakers are a sailor’s best friend. Using the fabulous technology of reverse osmosis, we can turn almost any water source (including salt water) into squeaky clean drinking water.
Our specific watermaker, Cruise RO, had been installed by the previous owner years ago. Which saved us from having to make the big decision of which watermaker to purchase. It has all been for the best, because we were looking at completely different (much more expensive) options because we were intimidated by the whole setup. Turns out, it’s far more simple to operate than we expected (thankfully). In other words if you are a newbie like us, don’t let it intimidate you.
Fun Fact: Big reverse osmosis systems are how many islands around the world get water.
- Watermaker Upsides
- Makes excellent tasting, high quality H20
- Most convenient
- Depending on your unit, they can be incredibly efficient.
- We have to run our generator but we can pump out 40 gallons an hour. That’s a weeks’ worth of cooking, cleaning, drinking, and a load of laundry in an hour! (we are pretty water efficient people…we’ll share those tips another day)
- Watermaker Downsides
- Hefty upfront investment
- Sizable installation space
- Uses a lot of power
- Requires an educated human to operate (AKA, read the manual).
- Some claim that because RO water removes everything, including any essential minerals the water may contain, it is not good. Which isn’t true. Essential minerals for our body should come from the food we eat and not from the water we drink. We’ve been drinking RO water for almost nine years now and haven’t had any concerns at all. (But there is a filter you can use to remineralizer the water if you are concerned.)
**Are they worth it?** Yes, worth every freaking penny and hour spent maintaining/repairing! The convenience and quality can’t be beat.
### Ready For Part Two?
HOW WE MAKE SQUEAKY CLEAN WATER: [gonewiththewynns.com/boat-life-squeaky-clean-water](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/boat-life-squeaky-clean-water/)
### 🙏Gratitude!
Thank you so much for joining us!
Sharing this unsedentary lifestyle and what we learn along the way is possible because of viewers like you. If you like what you see, there are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). Thank you for being a part of the journey.
### DON’T LISTEN TO PEOPLE ON THE INTERNET!
We always say, do your own research. So don’t just take our word for it (or anyone else’s). We’re always in a state of learning and new information comes out all the time. The more we all fact check and share information, the more informed we all are.
Here are some of the resources we use when learning about water:
- Wikipedia (loosely as it is crowd-sourced)
- Environmental Working Group (ewg.org)
- Environmental Protection Agency (epa.org)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (cdc.gov)
### Sundowner Q&A with Mom
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sundowner-questions-mom/
Last updated: 2024-07-20T07:35:41.000Z
Before Jason’s mom (Mary) [said goodbye in Tahiti](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/wonder-sea-sailing-goodbye/), we sat her down, gave her some beers and asked her *your* burning questions. We curated the questions from [Instagram](https://instagram.com/the%5Fwynns/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com), [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/GoneWithTheWynns) and of course from [our Patrons](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). She was only given two rules: Answer honestly and don’t hold back.
Your questions ranged from the experience of visiting [*Curiosity* ](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/curiosity-sailboat)to the fear factor of having kids sailing around the world, to Jason’s worst behavior as a child and even what she thought of me (Nikki) the first time she met me.
So, grab some beers and prepare to be surprised…because these are probably NOT the answers you were expecting.
Below are the questions we hit her with in this vid. From stanky sailing perfume to composting toilets and millionaire trust fund babies, we covered a lot of ground in 20 minutes. Hope you enjoy.
- 01:34 Are Nikki and Jason still crying because they miss Kate?
- 02:04 How long did it take you to swim (travel) to Tahiti from Dallas, Texas, USA?
- 02:54 If you had to name a perfume for sailing across the Pacific Ocean what would it be called?
- 03:36 Have Jason and Nikki inspired you to live more of your own dreams, or have you inspired them?
- 03:52 Mom announces she’s buying a class B motorhome and going Van Life in 2019!
- 04:21 I have never seen Jason angry, does he ever get upset?
- 05:12 How much do you honestly worry about your kids while traveling and sailing? Where did everyone sleep when you had the whole family on board the catamaran?
- 07:28 When did you meet Nikki, and did you think their relationship would bloom into this?
- 08:30 What did they ask you to bring them from the USA?
- 08:59 When jason was growing up did you see him choosing this traveling-sailing lifestyle? The Wynn’s are such a unique mix of personalities.
- 10:06 What’s the best way to keep in touch on a day to day basis with your kids traveling across oceans? Sat Phone? Plane Tickets for birthdays?
- 11:23 What is your workout routine to stay so fit and trim…#JasonsMomIsAMILF
- 12:01 What is hotter: Texas or the South Pacific?
- 13:56 WE WANT TO LIVE A SIMILAR LIFESTYLE as Jason and Nikki. As family what helps make their traveling easier on you? What is the hardest part? Any advice for a young couple that can’t wait for their traveling lifestyle but worry about family staying stationary?
- 15:00 Do you have a signature cocktail you like when on the sailboat?
- 16:00 Where does Jason get his adventurous spirit from? If there’s one thing about Jason that drives you mad, what is it?
- 17:18 Jason goes to jail?!?
- 18:04 Lightning Round
- Beard or No Beard on Jason?
- Long hair or short on Jason?
- How did you like the mattress in your cabin?
- Snorkel or SCUBA in Tahiti?
- Vacation in Tahiti or Moorea?
- Would you prefer to visit us at a National forest (national park) in the RV or a Marine Park on the sailboat?
- Better boat drink: Beer or Margarita?
- 19:01 Out of all the places you traveled to meet up with the Wynns where has been your favorite destination?
- 19:14 Do you ever get sea sick while sailing on their catamaran?
- 19:17 Do you have a favorite cabin on the sailboat?
- 19:22 What’s your favorite meal that Nikki cooks on the sailboat?
- 19:44 Are you retired or just able to take lots of leave?
- Did you travel much before Jason and Nikki went adventure seeking around the world?
- 19:56 I’m starting to believe the Wynn’s are smugglers and their mom is being used as a transport mule, is there any truth to this?
- 20:06 What was Jason like as a young boy? Did you ever dream he would live on a catamaran sailboat and sail around the world?
- 20:24 How do you really feel about using a composting toilet?
- 21:05 Do you miss the RV Geeks?
- 21:24 The most important question of all…We’ll put the conspiracy theories to rest: You traveled in an RV around North America, now you’re sailing around the world. **Is your mom super rich and does she pay for everything?**
**See All Our Family Travel Adventures Here**: [gonewiththewynns.com/category/the-adventures/family-travel](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/family-travel/)
### THANK YOU! 🙏
Sharing this unsedentary lifestyle and what we learn along the way is possible because of [viewers like you](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). If you like what you see, there are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). Thank you for being a part of the journey.
### RESOURCES & GEAR MENTIONED
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO📷
- All our camera gear:
### A Sense of Wonder – The Sea, Sailing & Saying Goodbye
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/wonder-sea-sailing-goodbye/
Last updated: 2023-11-16T23:31:46.000Z
There are very few experiences that can top a good day of being on *and* in the sea. It’s the stuff novels and movies are made of. Scenes I never dreamed would be my reality.
Sail into any port here in French Polynesia and I dare you not to pinch yourself. I have said it before and it’s worth repeating: the landscapes alone are worth crossing an ocean to see.
So, you can imagine that dropping the hook in such a striking place, and then slipping into the ocean is like entering another world. It sparks a sense of wonder that is highly addictive.
It’s our last few days with mom on board and I think it’s safe to say, she is hooked.
Also, consider this your fair warning, we can’t be held responsible for any wanderlust sparked after hitting the play button. Because these are the dreamy days that keep us going when we’re up to our elbows in boat work or parked in front of our laptops for 12 hours straight.
I don’t know what that was like for you, but every time I watch I am a bundle of sentimental feelings. It tugs on my heartstrings and creates a longing to replicate the experience with every family member I have…and then some.
I want to bottle up the day she arrived, when the [first whale breached](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/mom-sailing-whales/), to being [eaten by mosquitoes in a Jurassic world](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/mom-goes-wild-jungle/), all the way to the last sherbet colored sunset. I want to bottle it up and pass it around like it’s free moonshine at Burning Man.
Because days like these are food for the soul. These are the moments and the memories that make the hard work, sacrifices and dollars spent, worth it.
So, tomorrow when we are elbow deep in editing, cracked fiberglass, rusty bolts, delaminating windows, leaky hatches, moldy ceilings and a dead refrigerator. We’ll have these moments playing on repeat, reminding us what we’re working towards.
### What about Nikki’s Family?
That is the question we’ve received ever since Mary arrived. So, for those who don’t know…here is the short story:
I haven’t seen my mother since I was three. I don’t know much about her other than she struggled with drugs and was a magnet for trouble.
My father was a wild child as well, but I had a rock-solid grandmother who raised me and is responsible for the person I am today. Her name was Loydas and she passed away many years ago (but is with me every day). I have a sister, [Brooke](https://www.instagram.com/sadi%5Fbrooke/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com), who is ten years younger than I am. She is working hard to grow her photography business and is a single mom. So, escaping to visit us is not really in her budget (time-wise or monetarily). Thank goodness for facetime and whatsapp!
I am close with my extended family but haven’t been able to convince any of them to visit us yet (you know how it goes, short on time and money). We did join my aunt and uncle for this fun adventure though: [gonewiththewynns.com/halloween-hackin](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/halloween-hackin/)
### Other FAMILY ADVENTURES
Jason’s family is an adventurous bunch and we’ve created a lot of memories together over the years. Here are some worth checking out:
- Sailing With The Family – Good and Bad: [gonewiththewynns.com/sweet-salty-sailing-with-family](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sweet-salty-sailing-with-family/)
- Ice Climbing A Glacier: [gonewiththewynns.com/ice-climbing-alaska-tragic-mistake](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/ice-climbing-alaska-tragic-mistake/)
- Alaska Fishing, Glaciers & Whales: [gonewiththewynns.com/seward-alaska-fishing-glaciers-whales](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/seward-alaska-fishing-glaciers-whales/)
- Whitewater Rafting & Wild Camping: [gonewiththewynns.com/hope-alaska-whitewater-wild-camping](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/hope-alaska-whitewater-wild-camping/)
### Thank You! 🙏
Sharing this unsedentary lifestyle and what we learn along the way is possible because of [viewers like you](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). If you like what you see, there are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). Thank you for being a part of the journey.
### RESOURCES & GEAR IN THIS VIDEO
#### 💻 **Internet On A Sailboat**
- [gonewiththewynns.com/sailboat-wifi-phone-satellite](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailboat-wifi-phone-satellite/)
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO📷
- All our camera gear:
**🤿FREEDIVING & SCUBA**
- All Dive Gear Info & Reviews Here: [gonewiththewynns.com/diving-from-sailboat](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/diving-from-sailboat/)
🎶**Music for vids**
- Source: [http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw](http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists Used In This Video: Giants and Pilgrims / Oliver Michael / Ziv Moran / Phototaxis / Muted
### SAILING REPORT
- Dates: August 9 – 11, 2018
- Nautical Miles Sailed: 14 Moorea to Tahiti
- Anchorage: Marina Taina,Tahiti, French Polynesia
### Mom Goes Wild In The Jungle
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/mom-goes-wild-jungle/
Last updated: 2023-11-16T23:34:32.000Z
The adventures with mom continue and as per usual, life on a boat never goes as planned. We wanted to show Mary the deeper side of Mo‘orea but ran into some issues with our air compressor. So, in lieu of sinking down and exploring the watery depths of this volcanic island, we head up and into the visually intoxicating belly of the crater.
Prehistoric views, lumbering trees, jurassic sized flora and fields of pineapples ahead. Oh, and plenty of bugs too, so you may want to bring your lemongrass oil along.
These iconic South Pacific views are mesmerizing…worth every step and drop of sweat! And lets face it, watching anyone’s mom climb up a papaya tree is a damned good day.
Mary is and always has been an adventure of a human. She is rarely the voice of caution but rather the instigator and main character in more tales than I am allowed to recount. While I realize you’re only getting a fraction of her personality here, trust me when I say, the papaya doesn’t fall far from the tree. It is the instigator in them that I love most.
### The Million Dollar Question
Since we started publishing these stories of [French Polynesia](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/french-polynesia/) the questions have been flooding in.
*What island is the best? What should I focus my time on when I get there?*
All of them and everything is what I want to say. It’s an impossible question to answer. The experience as a whole is what defines a place for me. It’s not individual slices. But I understand the question. If you are heading to Moorea or any Island in French Polynesia, my advice would be to diversify. Variety is the spice of life and these islands have a lot to offer. Split your time between land and sea adventures. It’s a guarantee that if you get out to explore, there will be something to discover.
### EPIC FAMILY ADVENTURES
Jason’s family is an adventurous bunch and we’ve created a lot of memories together over the years. Here are some worth checking out:
- Sailing With The Family – Good and Bad: [gonewiththewynns.com/sweet-salty-sailing-with-family](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sweet-salty-sailing-with-family/)
- Ice Climbing A Glacier: [gonewiththewynns.com/ice-climbing-alaska-tragic-mistake](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/ice-climbing-alaska-tragic-mistake/)
- Alaska Fishing, Glaciers & Whales: [gonewiththewynns.com/seward-alaska-fishing-glaciers-whales](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/seward-alaska-fishing-glaciers-whales/)
- Whitewater Rafting & Wild Camping: [gonewiththewynns.com/hope-alaska-whitewater-wild-camping](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/hope-alaska-whitewater-wild-camping/)
### Thank You! 🙏
Sharing this unsedentary lifestyle and what we learn along the way is possible because of [viewers like you](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). If you like what you see, there are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). Thank you for being a part of the journey.
### RESOURCES & GEAR IN THIS VIDEO
**Nikki’s Flip Flops** – These are adventure flip flops and I find them incredibly comfortable. (from Astral – [https://amzn.to/2WV74k2](https://amzn.to/2WV74k2?ref=gonewiththewynns.com))
#### **💻 Internet On A Sailboat**
- [gonewiththewynns.com/sailboat-wifi-phone-satellite](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailboat-wifi-phone-satellite/)
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO📷
- All our camera gear:
🎶**Music for vids**
- Source: [http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw](http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists Used In This Video: Giants and Pilgrims / Ziv Moran / Ian Post
### SAILING REPORT
- Dates: August 3-9, 2018
- Anchorage: Opunohu Bay, Moorea, French Polynesia
### Showing Mom The Salty Life – Sailing, Reef & Whales
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/mom-sailing-whales/
Last updated: 2023-11-16T23:36:25.000Z
That’s right, Mary is here! Jason’s mom has been on board before. She even [transited the Panama Canal](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/transit-panama-canal-sailboat/) with us, but this time is special. This time its just her and us.
Jason has two siblings so getting quality one-on-one time with his mom is big deal. And it’s as if Mother Nature knew we had a VIP sailing with us, because the day mom arrived in Tahiti…whales showed up too!
This is perhaps the most idyllic, perfect, amazing, sailors-dream-sorta-day we’ve ever had aboard *CURIOSITY,* and the fact we get to experience it with Jason’s Mom makes it all the sweeter.
Can you believe all that happened in one day!?! Granted, it was one very long day, but just one day. Only bummer: it will be impossible to top. But no doubt about it, we’ll try.
### Epic Family Adventures
Jason’s family is an adventurous bunch and we’ve created a lot of memories together over the years. Here are some worth checking out:
- Sailing With The Family – Good and Bad: [gonewiththewynns.com/sweet-salty-sailing-with-family](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sweet-salty-sailing-with-family/)
- Ice Climbing A Glacier: [gonewiththewynns.com/ice-climbing-alaska-tragic-mistake](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/ice-climbing-alaska-tragic-mistake/)
- Alaska Fishing, Glaciers & Whales: [gonewiththewynns.com/seward-alaska-fishing-glaciers-whales](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/seward-alaska-fishing-glaciers-whales/)
- Whitewater Rafting & Wild Camping: [gonewiththewynns.com/hope-alaska-whitewater-wild-camping](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/hope-alaska-whitewater-wild-camping/)
### 🙏BIG Love! ❤️
Sharing this unsedentary lifestyle and what we learn along the way is possible because of [viewers like you](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). If you like what you see, there are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). Thank you for being a part of the journey.
### RESOURCES & GEAR IN THIS VIDEO
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO📷
- All our camera gear:
**🤿FREEDIVING & SCUBA**
- All Dive Gear Info & Reviews Here: [gonewiththewynns.com/diving-from-sailboat](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/diving-from-sailboat/)
**🎶Music for vids:** [http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw](http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists Used In This Video: Giants and Pilgrims / Tarante Groove Machine / Ian Post / Jon Gegelman
### SAILING REPORT
- Dates: August 2, 2018
- Sailed: 15 Nautical Miles From Tahiti to Moorea
- Anchorage: Opunohu Bay, Moorea, French Polynesia
### Sharks, Rays & A Guerrilla Boat Tour
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sharks-rays-boat-tour/
Last updated: 2023-11-16T23:41:08.000Z
If there is one thing that we cultivate, it’s spontaneity. Which is just a nice way of saying we don’t plan. But plans and nomadism don’t go together so well. We’re never fully certain where we’re going, when we will get there, what we will do, or who we will meet once we are there. It’s a beautiful thing!
So, everything is guerrilla style…
> *Guerrilla filmmaking refers to a form of independent filmmaking characterized by low budgets, skeleton crews, and simple props using whatever is available. Often scenes are shot quickly in real locations without any warning, and without obtaining filming permits.*
> *\-Wikipedia*
With that in mind, click the play button. We explore more of Moorea, make new friends, get kissed by sting rays and find ourselves surrounded by sharks. We also find ourselves questioning the impact of it all.
That’s right, the mother in law is coming. Jason’s mom (Mary) joins us next week and little did any of us know, it would be the beginning of whale season! So stay tuned, it’s good momma-son adventures.
### **Don’t Feed The Wildlife**
We are crazy about wildlife. I would put seeing creatures in their natural habitat as one of the top five reasons we travel and live this unsedentary lifestyle.
We try to be responsible humans, and the more of our planet we see, the more we want to preserve it. But it’s not always a clear path. And our experience swimming with the sharks and rays in Moorea was a cloudy one.
Several years back we found the website for [World Animal Protection](https://www.worldanimalprotection.us/wildlife-not-entertainers/what-you-can-do?ref=gonewiththewynns.com). It’s a non-profit and they have a statement we’ve used to help navigate us when it comes to responsible animal tourism.
> *If you can ride it, hug it or have a selfie with the wild animal, the chances are it’s a cruel venue. Don’t go.*
And while we didn’t feed the wildlife or support the tour operators, I still feel torn about the whole experience. Guilty by osmosis.
I don’t feel it’s all bad, just a little “humans gone wild”. I think there is a balance that can be struck with a little education and regulation. Each wild encounter we have creates a connection, captivates our emotions and inspires us to protect it. I believe it is possible to have the amazing experience and do so with far less impact.
So, in the spirit of doing what I can to educate ourselves…here are some interesting reads I found.
- [Stingrays adjust their behavior in response to feedings from tourists](https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/stingrays-adjust-their-behavior-in-response-to-feedings-from-tourists/2013/03/18/06358d5c-8125-11e2-b99e-6baf4ebe42df%5Fstory.html?noredirect=on&utm%5Fterm=.39ab3bab47c2&ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- [Ecotourism Reverses Diel Activity and Alters Movement Patterns](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0059235&ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- [Costs of group-living for a normally solitary forager](https://www.int-res.com/articles/meps2008/357/m357p271.pdf?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### 🙏Thank You!
Sharing our lives and what we learn along the way is possible because of [viewers like you](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). If you like what you see, there are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). Thank you for being a part of the journey.
### RESOURCES & GEAR IN THIS VIDEO
#### Anchoring
Cruiser Info/Anchoring Map:[ https://en.pf.yellowflagguides.com/stay/moorea/](https://en.pf.yellowflagguides.com/stay/moorea/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
PGEM of Moorea Regulations: [http://www.urbanisme.gov.pf/spip.php?rubrique118](http://www.urbanisme.gov.pf/spip.php?rubrique118&ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO📷
- All our camera gear:
**🤿FREEDIVING & SCUBA**
- All Dive Gear Info & Reviews Here: [gonewiththewynns.com/diving-from-sailboat](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/diving-from-sailboat/)
#### **🎶AWESOME tunes for vids**
- [http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw](http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists Used In This Video: Eyal Raz, Giants & Pilgrims, Ian Post, Be Still The Earth, Katrina Stone
#### Friendly Guerrilla Style Boat Tour
- Learn More About Octavia and Petter: [S/V Bella Marina](http://svbellamarina.com/the-crew/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### SAILING REPORT
- Dates: July 23-26, 2018
- Anchorage: Opunohu Bay, Moorea, French Polynesia
### Just Buckin’ Around at Sea
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/buckin-around-sea/
Last updated: 2023-11-16T23:44:00.000Z
There are some days when I think I’m going to die from an overdose of satisfaction.
Salvador Dali famously said that statement, so I will give him credit. Because it’s the perfect sentiment for this slice of our documented life. Moorea and all of French Polynesia is visual dream. The landscapes are physical representations of the scenes you read about in books and then wonder if they really exist.
It took us six hundred and eighty-two solitary hours of [sailing across the Pacific Ocean](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/ocean-crossings/) to get here. But those hours are slowly fading into the background, floating in a sea of other fond memories.
We’re reaping the rewards of a sailors life and feeling pleased as punch about it.
The typical #BoatLife problems like worn bottom paint and a fridge on life support, feel less important than the adventures surrounding us. Plus, the wind has returned and another anchorage is calling our name. So slap on some sunscreen and lets go sailing!
### WHAT’S WITH THE RED ROPE?
Wondering what we’re doing with the extra red line attached to the genoa? Well, that is our version of a Barber Hauler. It helps get the sail out a little further and hold better shape when sailing deep downwind. If all of that makes no sense to you, try googling Barber Hauler.
### WHAT HAPPENED TO THE FRIDGE?
In the last episode, our fridge wasn’t keeping temperature so we had to use our backup cooler fridge. If you missed it, catch up on the story here: [gonewiththewynns.com/dead-fridge-cool-water](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/dead-fridge-cool-water/)
### 🙏BIG THANKS!
Sharing our lives and what we learn along the way is possible because of [viewers like you](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). If you like what you see, there are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). Thank you for being a part of the journey.
### RESOURCES & GEAR IN THIS VIDEO
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO📷
- All our camera gear:
**🤿FREEDIVING & SCUBA**
- All Dive Gear Info & Reviews Here: [gonewiththewynns.com/diving-from-sailboat](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/diving-from-sailboat/)
**🎶AWESOME tunes for vids:** [http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw](http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists Used In This Video: Giants and Pilgrims / Phototaxis / Alon Ohana / Eyal Raz
### SAILING REPORT
- Dates: July 25 – 26, 2018
- Sailed: 12 Nautical Miles From Te’avaro to Opunohu Bay
- Anchorage: Opunohu Bay, Moorea, French Polynesia
### Our Fridge Died But The Water Is Cool
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/dead-fridge-cool-water/
Last updated: 2023-11-16T23:46:13.000Z
We arrived in beautiful and exotic Moorea just in time for our fridge to die. And, according to Jason, we’re going to die too if we eat the food inside. Gasp!
Our built in fridge has been ill for months so we knew it would go eventually. And while a dead fridge is a bummer, we’re too excited to be bummed.
We’re surrounded by dramatic volcanic landscapes and floating on a kaleidoscope of blue. It’s a suburb of coral and our neighbors are Mr. Ray, Lady Poisson and Monsieur Shark.
It’s a classic example of #BoatLife and everyone’s favorite sailing definition: [Fixing things in exotic locations](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/mods-maintenance/).
And…a perfect example of why it’s all worth it.
Not that we haven’t had a mountain of incredible experiences so far in French Polynesia, we have. But this view and this underwater world has me in my happy place!
We haven’t been in an area with clear waters, vibrant sea life and healthy coral since [Panama](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/map).
[Ecuador](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/map) was stunning, but they don’t have much reef outside of the Galapagos (which we had to skip). [The Marquesas](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/map) have jaw dropping landscapes but the waters are known to be murky and don’t have fringing reef. Unfavorable weather and a [nasty allergic reaction](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/remote-island-hospital/) had us [sail past the Tuamotu’s](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/swollen-sailor-tahiti/), which are said to have some of the best underwater life in the world.
So, to say we’re excited to be surrounded by barrier reef, coral heads and marine life would be an understatement. And that kind of happy makes dealing with issues like a broken fridge seem microscopic. (Having a spare doesn’t hurt either).
Which brings me to one of the many life lessons sailing has taught me:
#### **No problem is insurmountable if you are in the right frame of mind.**
All the more reason to find your happy.
### Why Did The Fridge Die?
As Jason mentioned in the video, we’ve had trouble with the fridge since the day we bought the boat. It frosts over like crazy and doesn’t like to hold a steady temperature. We had a sailboat fridge professional service it in Ft. Lauderdale, we added additional seals, fans and insulation, yet nothing seems to make a difference. Now we’re assuming we have a refrigerant leak, or possibly worse. We’ve emailed Sea Frost (the mfr.) pics and a full description to get their advice. We’ll share what we learn next week.
Until then, we’re super happy we have redundancy with our portable fridge/freezers!
Snomaster: [gonewiththewynns.com/product/best-portable-fridge-or-freezer](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/best-portable-fridge-or-freezer)
(Snomaster is offering a 7% discount for all GWTW fans! Just use discount code: **WYNNS** at checkout.)
Dometic: [https://amzn.to/2so8YMj](https://amzn.to/2so8YMj?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### LIKE WHAT YOU SEE? WANT TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT?
A virtual escape can be just what you need some days. But ultimately, we want you to create a life you don’t feel the need to escape from. We share in hopes of helping you find the information or inspiration you need to live your adventure.
If you like what you see, there are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). Thank you for being a part of the journey.
### RESOURCES & GEAR IN THIS VIDEO
**Temperature Gun** (super handy for a variety of projects): [https://amzn.to/2VRfAAn](https://amzn.to/2VRfAAn?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**Vanilla Black Tea**: [https://amzn.to/2D80mzp](https://amzn.to/2D80mzp?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**Best Deck Chairs:** [gonewiththewynns.com/product/best-portable-chair](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/best-portable-chair)
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO📷
- All our camera gear:
**🤿FREEDIVING & SCUBA**
- All Dive Gear Info & Reviews Here: [gonewiththewynns.com/diving-from-sailboat](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/diving-from-sailboat/)
**🎶AWESOME tunes for vids:** [http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw](http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists Used In This Video: Giants and Pilgrims, Oliver Michael, Rex Banner, Josh Leake
### SAILING REPORT
- Dates: July 22 – 25, 2018
- Anchorage: Outside of Te’avaro, Moorea, French Polynesia
### Exotic and Erotic Tahiti
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/exotic-erotic-tahiti/
Last updated: 2023-11-16T23:48:04.000Z
From hip thrusting to grocery shopping there is far more to be experienced in Tahiti than we ever expected.
I don’t know about you, but it always seems we arrive to a destination just after something incredible happened. We get the old, “you should have been here last week, you just missed …” line all the time.
But, not this time!
We dropped the hook in Tahiti just in time to attend the biggest event of the year. Prepare yourself for some seriously exotic and erotic Polynesian moves.
There are some days we feel completely buried in a preverbal avalanche of never-ending boat projects, and then there are days like these. Days where we blink hard and then pinch ourselves just to make sure it’s real.
The views alone are worth crossing an ocean for. Everything else is just gravy.
### **Heiva, So sexy it was banned**
Heiva is a competitive festival that brings together thousands of singers, artists, dancers, and athletes from all five of the archipelagos and the 65 inhabited islands of French Polynesia.
This is not a show put on for tourists, this a festival for the people, by the people. A time of celebration, remembrance and all-around Polynesian cultural pride. There’s a whole host of traditional events they compete in. It goes way beyond the dancing and singing we witnessed. Canoe racing, javelin throwing, heavy stone lifting, fruit-carrying, and even coconutting.
They compete as individuals and teams for the ultimate bragging rights. But there’s also prize money on the line. It’s a big deal for the locals and we felt mighty lucky to witness the opening ceremony. And, we totally pinched ourselves when they put us in with the ‘media’ and allowed us to film and share the experience.
Despite the fact that this is indeed a competition, the one thing that really struck us was just how much freaking fun they were having. In fact, this is my fave photo just because of the sheer joy in these beautiful Polynesian faces.
Our video was only a brief taste of the event. We captured so much footage it took days to edit this video. Soooo, if you want to see more of the booty shakin’, hip thrusting goodness or the musical jam sessions let us know, maybe we can post some more of our favorite moments.
### **WHEN IS HEIVA?**
There aren’t set dates, but it does run for around three weeks in July. They announce schedules in April or May here: [Maison de la Culture de Tahiti](https://www.maisondelaculture.pf/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com).
### TAHITI IS more than JUST A STOPOVER
For cruisers Tahiti is often referred to as a stopover island. You stock up on food, fuel and take care of the necessary bureaucracy that comes along with visiting French Polynesia by sailboat. But, we are learning that there is more to Tahiti than provisions and paperwork. It’s the big city of French Polynesia and I have a sneaking suspicion there is more to discover if we go looking. But, so far we can at least say this;
The Veterinarian in Fariipiti has been amazing for helping with import procedures for our two cats, and the government official in charge of Biosecurity for pet imports was equally wonderful. They really try to make the process as painless as possible. For those of you with paws on board, we’ll dive more into the pet importation process soon.
We were surprised how well stocked the grocery store is and how it’s generally affordable to buy provisions. We were warned that everything was crazy expensive, but we found that’s not really the case. Because let’s be honest, what more do you really need besides cheap brie, fresh croissants and local fish?
### RESOURCES & GEAR IN THIS VIDEO
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO📷
- All our camera gear:
**🎶AWESOME tunes for vids:** [http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw](http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists Used In This Video: Live moments and intro song from Hieva / Giants and Pilgrims, Eldar Kedem, J.A.K.
### SAILING REPORT
- Dates: July 20-22, 2018
- Anchorage: Yacht Club de Tahiti in Arue
- Passage: Tahiti to Moorea
- Total Nautical Miles of Passage: 14
### A Merry Polynesian Holiday & Sneak Peek Into 2019
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/merry-polynesian-holiday/
Last updated: 2023-11-16T23:48:54.000Z
It’s a holly, jolly, merry Polynesian message from us, to you! Join us on the island of Huahine as we share some tropical goodness, our best & worst holiday foods and give you a sneak peek at the adventures ahead in 2019.
Don your swimsuit and Santa hat for this one. Bonus points if you take a photo and tag us in it!
Funny, I never realize just how much we’ve experienced until we start putting together a montage video. We’re always going, going, going and it’s important to take a step back and soak it all in.
So, we’re sipping on passion fruit juice and reflecting on the year that was 2018\. We think of all the broken bits fixed, fears overcome, obstacles tackled, lessons learned and new experiences we have imprinted into our memory banks.
We’re filled to the brim with gratitude and yet we’re still insatiable. Our curiosity and *need to experience* list grows bigger everyday. Which leaves us thinking…
**Wholly jingle bells, where has the year gone?!?** I know we say this every year, but it’s all flying by too fast! We neeeeed more time. There’s much to experience in this world and so little time in which to do it.
With that in mind…
### We wish you a new year filled with everlasting memories, unforgettable experiences and wet your pants adventures!
Happy Holidays everyone,
Nikki, Jason, Singa and Cleo
### P.S.
A pretzel, lemon and popsicle jump into the south pacific…no?!?
A gang of pool floaties sail to French Polynesia…gahh!
I think I’m gonna need to juice one of those pineapples and make a cocktail to come up with this one. Feel free to give a go at it in the comments. Best joke gets a gift from us!
Oh, and don’t forget to tell us what your best/worst holiday food is.
**🎶AWESOME tunes for vids:** [http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw](http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
Artists used in this video: Ian Post, Katrina Stone
### Super Chill Downwind Sailing & A Swollen Sailor
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/swollen-sailor-tahiti/
Last updated: 2023-11-16T23:51:27.000Z
Sea state and state of mind are one in the same. Or, at least they are on our sailboat.
It’s day three through six of our passage from The Marquesas to
~~The Tuamotus~~
Tahiti. Much has happened in these three days.
I failed triumphantly at baking French butter cookies, my face swelled to the point I almost mistook myself for Joan Rivers, we made a change of plans and celebrated our 12th wedding anniversary. But, most importantly it’s a gorgeous sail.
Big rolling three-meter swells at just the right angle for surfing, the spinnaker flying, the sky a kaleidoscope of color and the motion of the ocean reminiscent of riding in my grandmothers old Cadillac. It’s what I imagine floating on clouds would feel like. Billowy, soft and just the right amount of bounce to know you’re in motion.
If my body hadn’t been on revolt, we may have just kept sailing. It was that good. So grab a beverage and settle in, because mother nature was showing off.
### Love At Sea
Twelve years of marriage? I don’t even know what to think about that. It doesn’t seem possible. Where have the years gone? They say time flies when you’re having fun, but this is next level. I’m a little afraid to go to sleep tonight for fear of waking up tomorrow clinking to fifty years with arthritic shaking hands.
We celebrated with a nice dinner out, post [chambongin](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/chambong)’ it. There was a Thai restaurant walking distance from our anchorage. Because nothing says romance like spicy food in a tropical location with no air conditioning. However, slurping noodles through conversation with sweat beading from our brows seemed oddly fitting for the occasion.
Between the beautiful days at sea, the buzz from rapid prosecco consumption and the sweaty food coma, it might be my favorite anniversary so far.
### Swollen Sailor
I was exacerbating the allergy unknowingly and increasing my suffering. Turns out, mangoes are my kryptonite. I have eaten mangoes my whole life and purchased them more times than I can count from the grocery store. But mostly in the USA. In the USA, our food is washed, shipped and then washed again. By the time I have ever pawed at mangoes, they were ripe and squeaky clean. This was my first time to be around fresh, green, unripe mangoes (which sort of blows my mind, because mangoes grow in the US too).
Allergic might be an understatement, but I have since learned that am allergic to the mango tree, mango sap and the green skin of mangoes. The (ripe) flesh inside however is no problem. So, I was picking, peeling and eating mangoes almost daily…and well, you witnessed the swollen aftermath. Because the reaction wasn’t immediate (and I have never had a problem with mangoes previously) I didn’t associate the two.
It wasn’t until after my face ballooned up that I suspected it was the mangoes. Ya see, the day before we left I found this perfect mango tree off a remote hiking trail, with this one perfect mango just barely out of reach. I jumped to grab it and BAM! It fell off the tree and smacked me in the face. When my face started swelling up I started to panic, but also remember the mango face smack. We turned to the [iridium phone](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/iridium-go-predictwind) and asked our Curious Minion to look up “mango allergy”.
And that’s how we learned about kyrptonite green mangoes.
I now treat mangoes like Superman treats Kryptonite. I stay far, far away until they’re ripe, peeled and sliced up.
### Medical Cocktails
For those worrying and wondering, we do have worldwide medical insurance (more on that soon), a full medical kit and then some. We are our own floating hospital armed with EpiPen’s, a full bar of medical cocktails including antibiotics, an artillery of staple guns and a wide selection of wound care.
Jason half-jokingly refers to me as nurse Nikki. Poor guy has had to stop requesting my help on general wound care because I’m so keen to practice my suture skills on a real live subject. “No really, I can close that cut up in a jiffy.” However, after that swollen face, he may have to change my nick name to Dr. Jekyll.
### 🙏 BIG THANKS!
Sharing our lives and what we learn along the way is possible because of [viewers like you](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). Thank You! We’re here because of and for you. If you like what you see, there are lots of ways, including [FREE ways you can show your support](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar).
### RESOURCES & GEAR IN THIS VIDEO
**Entertainment at Sea**
- Kindle: [http://amzn.to/2mpGQ9K](http://amzn.to/2mpGQ9K?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) Audiobooks and podcasts are The Best on passage.
- Currently listening to: Lost City of Z [https://amzn.to/2LhY433](https://amzn.to/2LhY433?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO📷
- All our camera gear:
🎶**AWESOME tunes for vids:** [http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw](http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Artists Used In This Video: Giants and Pilgrims, Ian Post
### SAILING REPORT
- Dates: June 23-26, 2018
- Passage: Days 3-6, Nuku Hiva, Marquesas to Tahiti
- Total Nautical Miles of Passage: 469
### No Brownies. No Cakes. Just Squalls. Happy Birthday Sailor!
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/no-cakes-just-squalls-birthday/
Last updated: 2023-11-16T23:53:46.000Z
Being at sea is like the crest and trough of the waves we sail over, up one second and down the next. This passage, like all great adventures, has it’s trying moments.
We’re [sailing for the Tuamotus](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sail-dangerous-archipelago/) and it’s Jason’s birthday. I had planned to bake up a storm, but Mother Nature beat me to it.
This passage marked another first. It was the first time Jason has ever thrown up while sailing on Curiosity. [We’ve sailed over 10,000 nautical miles](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailing-lessons-two-years/) but this was the passage where he had to reach for the bucket. Luckily, it was just once and then he felt better.
He now describes that day to me as, “the 2nd worst birthday ever.” The worst was when he was ten and his parents gifted him a barbie doll. Apparently, he had popped off one to many doll heads from his sister’s collection and this was his payback. It was a joke of course, but he *still* doesn’t think it was funny.
Considering his hit list for worst birthdays ever, I think he’s had a pretty good 37 years. (Happy Birthday Old Man!)
As we were editing this video we kept thinking: it almost looks like we’re suffering from bipolar disorder. *This is great…this sucks…look, its great again…wait a minute.*
But that is the thing. Sailing life and passage making isn’t always rainbows and picture perfect sunsets. As with any grand adventure, the challenges don’t make it undesirable. Some would argue that the difficult bits are where the *real* adventure begins.
Imagine a photo of a woman on the cover of National Geographic. She has icicles for hair, wind burned cheeks and a dry, cracked lip smile. She is smiling because she just reached the summit of Matterhorn, one of the most dangerous mountains in the world. What do you think when you picture her?
I think, *Now That Is An Adventure!* But I have no doubts that she cursed, spit and had some setbacks during her journey.
It wouldn’t be much of an adventure if there wasn’t any adversity. Plus, the moments of challenge (physical or mental) are what make for good stories at the pub.
So, if you see us struggling, know we appreciate those moments too. Because sometimes we’re having a great day and thank the storm for all its might, beauty, and the rainbow it leaves behind. Other times we just want to tell the storm to stick its rainbow where the sun doesn’t shine.
Either way, we keep adjusting our sails and as long as we’re still floating, it’s a damned good day.
### 🙏Big Thanks!
Sharing our lives and what we learn along the way is possible because of [viewers like you](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). Thank You! We’re here because of and for you. If you like what you see, there are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar).
### RESOURCES & GEAR IN THIS VIDEO
**Entertainment at Sea**
- Kindle: [http://amzn.to/2mpGQ9K](http://amzn.to/2mpGQ9K?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) Audiobooks and podcasts are The Best on passage.
- Currently listening to: The Butterfly Effect (insanely fascinating!), [https://amzn.to/2KMWFkT](https://amzn.to/2KMWFkT?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO📷
- All our camera gear:
**🎶AWESOME tunes for vids:** [http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw](http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
Artists Used In This Video: LUMINAR, Giants and Pilgrims, Eill
### SAILING REPORT
- Dates: June 22-23, 2018
- Passage: Day 2 and 3, Nuku Hiva, Marquesas to Manihi, Tuamotu
### Setting Sail For The Dangerous Archipelago, Goodbye Marquesas
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sail-dangerous-archipelago/
Last updated: 2023-11-16T23:56:01.000Z
We’re setting sail for the Tuamotus and I’m giddy like an eight-year-old chasing down the ice cream truck (yes, I really did do that once).
The Marquesas have been incredible (aside from [the crazy rash](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/remote-island-hospital/)) but I’m itching (pun intended) to see the famous French Polynesia atolls.
The Tuamotus are known as **the dangerous archipelago**. The looming coral reef and narrow passes, if timed poorly, can more closely resemble rafting a class five rapid than sailing. We’ve read some harrowing reports of nasty three meter standing waves meeting a six-knot current that are not to be tangoed with.
Doesn’t exactly give tadpoles like us the warm and fuzzies. But, the idea of sailing and swimming inside what is essentially a sunken volcano kinda blows my mind. Curiosity trumps hesitation any day for me. Plus, our fellow cruisers have left impeccably detailed notes on how to calculate the tides and how to approach each atoll. (Thank you Noonsite!)
Our first Tuamotu is less than 500 nautical miles away, which is only a few days! But, as we were sailing away from the Marquesas, it hit me just how much planning goes into this salty way of life. So, I decided to take the opportunity to share how we planned this passage.
Alright, I’ll stop yapping so we can go sailing…hit the play button!
Just in case you were wondering, the sunset continued to get more dramatic. Our charts don’t show an island out that way, but I’m fairly certain someone was throwing the biggest bonfire the world has ever seen. That or the clouds caught on fire. Either way, I am both impressed and afraid.
Hey there sexy sailor man!
Look mom, we’re running jack lines and we promise we’ll use them at night, during a storm or if the seas get big. Safety third first.
### 🙏Thank You!
Sharing our lives and what we learn along the way is possible because of [viewers like you](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). Thank You! We’re here because of and for you. If you like what you see, there are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar).
### RESOURCES & GEAR IN THIS VIDEO
**Entertainment at Sea**
- Kindle: [http://amzn.to/2mpGQ9K](http://amzn.to/2mpGQ9K?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) Audiobooks and podcasts are The Best on passage.
- Currently listening to: The Butterfly Effect (insanely fascinating!), [https://amzn.to/2KMWFkT](https://amzn.to/2KMWFkT?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO📷
- All our camera gear:
🎶**AWESOME tunes for vids:** [http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw](http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) Artists Used In This Video: Katrina Stone, Giants and Pilgrims
### SAILING REPORT
- Dates: June 21, 2018
- Passage: Day 1, Nuku Hiva, Marquesas to Manihi, Tuamotu
### You’ll Never Believe Why I’m In A Remote Island Hospital
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/remote-island-hospital/
Last updated: 2023-11-16T23:58:11.000Z
I [sailed across the Pacific Ocean](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/land-ho-sailing-pacific-ocean/) unscathed for 24 days, but let me wander into the jungle for one day on a remote island and I land myself in the hospital. You’ll never believe what did it.
First, a little backstory.
I was raised by my grandmother in a tiny farming town in West Texas. Hart, Texas to be exact. It was population 1,121 when I graduated High School, probably less now.
When I close my eyes and think of home, I can smell the air outside scented with manure from the feedlot. I can see my grandmother sitting at her sewing table in the kitchen. The cigarette smoke burns my eyes and the aroma of burnt coffee and bacon grease has me jonesing for pancakes.
It’s a world of its own forever engraved in my memory. It’s where I once swam in irrigation ditches like they were free public swimming pools, drove the lawnmower to the post office and worked in the cotton fields every summer. I even drove a tractor and helped fuel crop dusting airplanes. I’d love to show you a picture, but we didn’t have cell phones or internet at home, much less Facebook or Instagram.
So, what does all this have to do with going to a hospital on a remote island? Well, hold on…I’m getting there.
I was a small-town farm kid. Adults were busy working so we ran free, got dirty, got hurt and got sick. It was normal.
Me, well, I got sick a lot. Chronic sinusitis, rashes and a full range of seasonal colds were my norm. We were working class with no health insurance and our town didn’t have a doctor or a hospital (and you better be half dead before claiming to *need* a doctor). But, we did have a school nurse. She would give me a splint, some cream, a pill or whatever she had and off I would go.
All that just to tell you: I don’t panic about every little rash, bump, bruise or cut. With that in mind, join us in Nuku Hiva, Marquesas. We visit the island doctor, discover my new kryptonite and get a solid dose of island vibes.
We just don’t do these islands justice and I don’t know if anyone could. Life is simple, and people are happy. Animals and kids alike roam about and play in the dirt. They don’t think twice about approaching strangers, because they know we’re tourists. They move to a slow and steady drum beat, they’re kind and most of all, they are hospitable.
I’m continuously surprised by how often I hear, “I am sorry, my English is not very good”. They apologize for not speaking *my* language, and they are sincere about it! They truly wish they could better accommodate me, the foreigner.
But, it’s somewhat a two-way street. As travelers, we try to remember that we are guests and respect is earned, not given. First thing we learn before visiting any new country is how to say these few greetings: Hello (Bonjor), Please (S’il vous plait), Thank You (Merci), Goodbye (Au revoir) and I don’t speak French, do you speak English (Je ne parle pas Français, parlez vous anglais). It never ceases to amaze me how much respect can be earned with a smile and these phrases.
Thank you Grandmother (RIP), for teaching me to be polite.
### Itchy Taro
Taro has irritating, needle-like crystals that can be dissolved by cooking (don’t eat or handle raw taro root or leaves).
Fun fact, I have known for many years I’m allergic to taro root (the food). After eating some taro baked into a dish at a restaurant eons ago, I broke out in hives. I’ve known since to avoid eating it…now, I know to avoid the leaves too.
But, you don’t have to be allergic to get the itch. If you handle or brush up against taro and find yourself an itchy mess, here is what the farmers have to say. Give yourself a salt scrub. A solution of cold water and salt (baking soda helps too). Follow with anti-itch cream.
### Taro is Bad, Mango is Worse
In hindsight I think my bigger problem was all the fresh mango’s. Green mango’s (not yet ripe) were all over the markets, in the streets, on our hikes…I was stock piling them up like the zombie apocalypse was coming. Why? We’ve never seen or had access to so many wild mangoes before. Plus, they had a week or two before fully ripening. Which is perfect for heading out to sea and sailing the even more remote atolls of the Tuamotus!
So what’s the problem? Mango’s and poison ivy are from the same family. The bark, sap and green skins of mangoes contain a poison called urushiol, just like the poison ivy plant. Who knew?!? Not me! Gah, go figure. Another couple of items to add to my “Beautiful But Deadly” list.
I can eat the fruit but have to leave the peeling and handling to Jason. Unless I want to take another trip to the island doc.
#### You Can Take The Girl Out Of The Country, But You Can’t Take The Country Out Of The Girl.
**My big island hospital takeaway**: Stay away from the taro plant when hiking around the Marquesas islands. If you see a wild mango calling your name make sure you wear gloves and put the mango in a bag you can trash immediately when you get home. Of course you should still venture off into the forests and jungles, that’s what adventure is all about. Albeit, perhaps with a long sleeve shirt, close toed shoes and pants if you are as allergic as I am. If all else fails the hospital visit isn’t too expensive or painful… Que Será, Será.
In nature, I revert to my inner child. I throw caution to the wind and wander about like I’m invincible. I just can’t help myself.
### GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO
**Nikki’s Pink Swiss Army –** [https://amzn.to/2SeqYnb](https://amzn.to/2SeqYnb?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO📷
- All our camera gear:
🎶**AWESOME tunes for vids:** [http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw](http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) Artists Used In This Video: Giants and Pilgrims
### 🙏THANKS FOR BEING A PART OF THE JOURNEY!
Sharing our lives and what we learn along the way is possible because of [viewers like you](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar). Thank You!
### Cat Litter Conundrum & The Beach Sand Experiment
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/cat-litter-beach-sand-experiment/
Last updated: 2023-11-17T00:02:16.000Z
I’ve had nightmares about this day. Most sailors’ night terrors consist of the perfect storm filled with skyscraper high seas, crew being flung overboard and clogged heads. But not mine.
No, mine reek of nostril stinging cat purrfume.
And if you think the standard household cat urine scent is memorable, add some salt water and boat must for a stick-with-you-for-life effect.
Yes, my dear friends, we have run out of [cat litter](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/worlds-best-cat-litter-391038-multiple-cat-scented-clumping-formula-28-pound) aboard sailing vessel Curiosity.
I wanted to dash for the radio and give my rehearsed Pan-Pan call. “Pan-Pan, Pan-Pan, Pan-Pan. All stations, All stations, All stations. This is sailing vessel Curiosity. We are out of litter. I repeat, we are out of cat litter. Requesting immediate support in the form of wood pellets, shavings, shredded paper or any brand of cat litter. I will be monitoring Channel 16 on the quarter-hour.”
But, I refrained and shoved my panic down to the pit of my stomach while repeating the phrase, “its going to be fine, everything will be just fine.”
We left Ecuador with a solid two-month supply, enough for [crossing the Pacific Ocean](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/ocean-crossings/) and a month in the remote parts of the Marquesas. We thought for sure we could find some sort of cat litter or a litter substitute upon arrival. I mean, even the tiniest villages in [Panama](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/panama/) and [Ecuador](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/ecuador/) had cat litter. Surely, they have pet cats in the Marquesas.
Wrong! They have cats alright, but they’re outside, free roaming cats. What were we thinking?!? This is the [most remote island chain in the world! ](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailing-most-remote-islands/) Many of the homes don’t even bother with putting glass in the windows, much less a litter box for the cat.
And here we are, walking around town, surprised by the questionable reaction we get when we ask for cat litter. But, none the less…it is a conundrum. The video below is the story of what happened next.
So, if you are on a remote island and run out of cat litter, tiny rocks or sand will work.
Cats have been passengers on boats dating back to the early 1600’s. They were considered good luck and excellent rodent prevention (we concur on both accounts). And, while we can find all sorts of feline sailing tales, none of them discuss the infamous litter box. Which leaves me wondering, what did they do about cat excrement? Or, did they do anything at all? My guess is sailors of old probably did nothing with all that kitty waste.
### Now, you might also be wondering…
#### What is the cats favorite cat litter?
Back in the good ol’ USA we always purchased [Worlds Best.](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/worlds-best-cat-litter-391038-multiple-cat-scented-clumping-formula-28-pound) It was the cats fave. All natural, clumped great, smelled like lavender, could be flushed and in combination with a litter rug, it tracked the least of any litter we’d previously purchased. At first we didn’t like the name, thought it was a little boastful…but after a few months we were believers.
#### What is the cats favorite food?
Our cats, like all cats, are picky little creatures. Finding a food that is well balanced, not filled with chemicals or fillers, and one that both cats enjoy eating is a challenge. But, they both love [Taste of the Wild](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/taste-of-the-wild-dry-cat-food-rocky-mountain-feline-formula-with-roasted-venison-and-smoked-salmon-15-pound-bag). We always stock up on the dry and wet versions when we find it. It’s all they’ve ever eaten since Singa was a little bengal baby (that is until we run out of that as well).
#### Why not take the cats to the beach?
The cats are still in quarantine and not legal to take to shore yet. Even still, there are dogs running around everywhere (there aren’t leash laws here in French Polynesia). No doubt if we brought the cats to land they would get attacked, or worse.
#### Why not use the fine sand?
Sand is like the gift that just keeps giving. It never goes away and would be tracked everywhere. Plus, there are lots of creatures that live in sand and we don’t want to bring those onto the boat.
#### Why not just get new sand/rocks every day?
It is a time-consuming process to find the perfect litter sized rocks, and either way we would need to wash, rinse and dry. It just made more sense to reuse the same rocks. Plus, its what we’ll have to do for the passage to the Tuamotus and Tahiti anyway.
#### Why not use the [coco coir](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/natures-footprint-coir-block-5kg) that we use in the [composting toilets](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/productnatures-head-self-contained-composting-toilet-with-close-quarters-spider-handle-design)?
We did consider this, but the [coco coir](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/natures-footprint-coir-block-5kg) we use in our [composting toilet](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/productnatures-head-self-contained-composting-toilet-with-close-quarters-spider-handle-design) is like dirt or earth…it’s not something we want tracked all over the boat or stuck to their paws. There would be dirt smudges everywhere in no time. However, it is a viable back up and we would if we had to.
#### Why not use dirt?
Because its dirt and home to many critters that do not belong on a boat.
### 🙏Thanks for being a part of the journey!
Sharing our lives and what we learn along the way is possible because of [viewers like you](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar).
### GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO📷
- All our camera gear:
🎶**AWESOME tunes for vids:** [http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw](http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) Artists Used In This Video: Rex Banner, Eill
### SAILING REPORT
- Dates: June 5 – 12, 2018
- Island: Nuku Hiva, Marquesas, French Polynesia
- Anchorage: Bay de Taiohae
###
### Ancient Tikis, Cannibalism & Swarming Sharks
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/ancient-tikis-cannibalism-sharks/
Last updated: 2023-11-17T00:04:29.000Z
Quite the title isn’t it? We almost went with A Million Ways to Die in The Marquesas. But that felt a little misleading…at least post 1900’s. But, the swarming sharks are modern day legit.
We continue to explore and learn more about the island of Nuku Hiva. One might think, after eight years of full time travel I wouldn’t be in such a constant state of awe and wonder…but I am. I look out onto these peaks and valleys and I am infinitely impressed.
Then, I turn the other direction and see nothing but wide open ocean…and I’m impressed again. We’re way the hell out here (took us [24 days to sail here](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/land-ho-sailing-pacific-ocean/) on our modern day catamaran with GPS & Navigation) and yet, people have been making landfall on this island for thousands of years. Surviving, thriving and leaving behind tales of gods, war, love, cannibalism and everything in between. Those were *real* days of adventure!
Despite my puffy eyes, groggy voice and lack of proper caffeine levels at any hour prior to 8am, the early mornings in the Marquesas are divine. The light has a magenta hue, the air smells of salty dew and the variety of fresh veg and fruit would impress even the most avid Pike Place Market lover.
Oh, and the temperatures are perfection at dawn. It’s just the right amount of crisp coolness but not enough to have me reaching for a pair of long pants. Honestly, if the rest of French Polynesia is like this, they might turn this night owl into an early bird.
Given all that, it’s not completely crazy for us to get going at the crack of dawn. So, join us as we do our best to get on “local” time as we wander around the wild world of Nuku Hiva and take in its ancient rituals and cannibalistic grounds.
I have a sneaking suspicion I’m going to sound like a broken record soon but…isn’t it a beautiful island! Lush green places are always my favorite. Desert landscapes are beautiful but forests and jungles are where my imagination goes to feed.
### Farmers Market
The market is open most days 6am-3pm (except Sunday), but other than jars of preserves, mango and bananas, there isn’t much of a selection. Wednesday and Saturday are the “big” market days with Saturday (5am – 10am) being the biggest. And when I say big, I mean there are more farmers that drive to town bringing the best of what’s in season. It’s more than an hour drive to go up and over the mountain to this side of the island (the two ladies with the best selection traveled from the far northwest side of the island). So, to be here and set up before 5am, the farmers start their day around 2am. (Yikes! Remind me not to be a farmer when I grow up. I can’t hang.)
Sweet potatoes, deep violet red tomatoes, spring onions, the longest green beans in the world, the most perfect bunches of bok choy I have ever seen and the list goes on. It’s such beautiful food!
**Insider Tip:** Certain items like herbs, tomatoes and zucchinis can go quick. Get there well before 8am if you want the best selection.
As if the market isn’t enough to satisfy, walk a few hundred feet and pick up a filet of tuna so fresh it would make Gordon Ramsey do a back flip.
They may be WiFi poor here in the Marquesas, but when it comes to fresh food they’re wildly rich.
**Insider Tip:** Avoid swimming when the fishermen are filleting.
### Tohua Koueva
The Marquesas have some of the most impressive archaeological sites in French Polynesia. Nuku Hiva is home to at least two very impressive and well-preserved communal sites, one being Tohua Koueva in the village of Taiohae (where we’re anchored). Local legend says it all belonged to the war chief Pakoko before he was killed by the French in 1845.
It’s a beautiful preservation/restoration and would have been a site worth visiting with a paid local guide. Typically, we’re all about the self-discovery adventures but after reading up on cannibalism and Polynesian rituals I would love to hear the local lore of what all went on here. Just reading the [Human Cannibalism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human%5Fcannibalism?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) page on Wikipedia, sends the mind reeling with possibilities.
### 🙏THANK YOU!
Sharing our lives and what we learn along the way is possible because of viewers like you. If you enjoyed this video, post or perhaps learned something new, check out our [**Say Thanks**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar) page. There are lots of ways you can help keep these videos flowing. Best part is, most won’t cost you a penny but they make a BIG difference to us. So, Thank You!
### GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO
- 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO📷
- All our camera gear:
**🎶AWESOME tunes for vids:** [http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw](http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) Artists Used In This Video: Giants and Pilgrims / Russo and Weinberg
### SAILING REPORT
- Dates: June 7 – 11, 2018
- Island: Nuku Hiva, Marquesas, French Polynesia
- Anchorage: Bay de Taiohae
### How We Stay Connected Sailing The World – Free Wifi, Phones, & Satellite
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailboat-wifi-phone-satellite/
Last updated: 2024-11-01T15:32:15.000Z
If you want to see just how far the internet has come in the last 5 years, watch the video above. If you want the latest scoop, keep reading below.
Sailing off into the deep blue and disconnecting from the mainland sounds lovely. But, in reality, we live in a digital era that requires at least a little connectivity. And, if you’re among those of us who are working while traveling, internet isn’t a luxury, it’s our livelihood.
Cell phones, internet and WiFi have become primary tools for sailors. It’s how we [monitor the weather](https://www.predictwind.com/?ref=nikkiwynn), stay in touch with friends and family, do our bookkeeping, file our taxes, learn what’s going on in the world and (worst case scenario here) call for help in the middle of an ocean.
As sailors there is a big difference between connectivity while coastal cruising vs [offshore sailing](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/the-archive/). We do both, so this is an overview of all the ways we stay connected while near land *and* offshore. Plus, sometimes we’re somewhere so remote that our offshore setup is our best onshore option.
### Internet On A Sailboat & Around The World
I wish we all had access to free, blazing fast internet from anywhere. But we don’t. So, until we’re all swimming in high-speed unlimited data, we try to strike a balance between simple, efficient and affordable.
It's important to remember that we’re not experts, we’re just speaking from our experience. And as with all things, what works best for us, may not be the best for you.
How you travel, how often you need to be connected, what kind of speeds and how much data you consume are major variables. We’ll share what works for us and hopefully, it’ll give you an idea of where to start your research.
### Know Your Connectivity Needs
For us, a daily internet connection is ideal but a couple of times a week is obligatory for work purposes. We upload video and photos, update our website, manage our social media accounts, answer emails, handle all of our bookkeeping and do lots of research on our next destination.
Just to give you an idea, we consume around 50-100 gigs of data each month when we're trying to be conservative. Chances are, you have no idea how much data you use. Depending on your needs, you may want to start paying attention.
### Public WIFI
Finding a place with wi-fi, much less free wi-fi was once a very daunting task. Especially in the more remote, undeveloped parts of the world. Speeds were tragically slow and costs were generally high.
When we were in the Marquesas, French Polynesia, it took us up to 5 days to upload a single video to YouTube! 5 solid days!!! Now they have 5g everywhere.
Nowadays, cyber cafés are far and few in-between. But, most libraries, cafe's and everything in-between have free or cheap wi-fi. We used to sit outside of the library in Tahiti until our batteries died or our computers overheated.
### Cell Phones & Local Data
Whether it’s a hotspot created from a cell phone (which is what we do) or a designated device, a hotspot is typically the most simple, efficient and affordable way to go.
We have two cell phones on board. One that accepts sim cards and one that is e-sim only (most new iPhones). Sim cards are still the norm in many parts of the world. If you want a cheap local plan, make sure you have a phone that will take a physical sim card.
#### Local Sim
It’s always a good idea to have one unlocked, GSM, quad band, phone to use with a local SIM. It works as our local phone number. We can take advantage of any affordable local data plans, make local phone calls and more importantly, locals can call us. Appointments of any sort such as customs, a doctor appointment, tour guide, taxi, local that invited us for dinner…there are lots of scenarios where a local number comes in handy.
SIM cards are available in most countries around the world. We simply head to the nearest convenience store, post office or even grocery store and ask for a local SIM card with data. More often than not, the person selling the SIM will even set up your phone for you.
### Satellite Internet On A Boat
If money & space are plentiful then so are your satellite options. For thousands of dollars in equipment, thousands in install costs and hundreds or even thousands worth of data every month, you can connect from almost anywhere (yes, there still are some limitations).
**Starlink** is incredible but the prices have gone through some major changes lately. Once the dust and the pricing settles, we'll come back at you with an update on our set up.
But sometimes entry level is better than nothing and works as the best backup. That's where the Iridium Go comes in.
### **Iridium Go**
We’ve been using the [Iridium Go](https://www.predictwind.com/?ref=nikkiwynn) for years now and while it is basic communications and connectivity, we couldn’t imagine sailing about the world without it.
Why? Because being able to download the latest weather, send photos, text messages, emails and make calls from the middle of an ocean is pretty freakin’ incredible!
Ok, what is Iridium Go?
- A compact, rugged and portable device that provides global SAT voice and data on up to five different devices (smartphones, laptops or tablets).
- Simple operation – flip up the antenna and it auto connects to create a wifi hotspot.
- Once connected to the hotspot we can use the Iridium apps to: make voice calls, access our iridium specific email, tweet, send photos, send SMS (text), create GPS tracking, send an SOS alert…and most impressive/important…use our Predict Wind Offshore App!
- It’s compact and made as a standalone unit. Water, sand and dust resistant, it can be tossed in a backpack and taken on any adventure.
- Works with the [PredictWind Offshore App](https://www.predictwind.com/?ref=nikkiwynn) – Hands down our fave feature and go-to for weather forecasts. PredictWind is off the charts fantastic for all things sailing/wind/water related. Detailed PWG/PWE, ECMWF, GFS and GMDSS forecasts. GRIBs, satellite imagery, weather routing…seriously, its nuts. We’re like our own meteorologists with this much info.
#### Sailors Need The Marine Package
Because we’re out on the open seas and not just going on a remote mountain trail, we have the [PredictWind Iridium GO! Marine Package](https://www.predictwind.com/?ref=nikkiwynn). It’s an outdoor antenna that is essential for connecting while sailing.
Iridium SIM Cards from PredictWind have no activation fees and open term contracts that can be cancelled any time (they even pro-rate). This is very important! Because we can turn on and off the service as needed. If we are going to stay in one area for a month (or more) with good connectivity, why pay for a monthly service we won’t use?!?
We activate our service just before each offshore passage that lasts more than 24 hours. We always go with the unlimited data plan. So, we can send photos, emails and download weather as much as we want without worries of a massive SAT bill.
Plus, if you purchase through [PredictWind](https://www.predictwind.com/?ref=nikkiwynn), they offer a GPS tracking page for your boat. It can be embedded into your own blog or simply shared with family and friends. It has automatic hourly updates, so others can monitor your progress.
If you stop or have a drastic change in course, friends can see you may need assistance…and send you a text message. Like the time my uncle wondered why we had just made a sharp left turn. That’s when I had to explain that sailboats don’t always sail in a straight line, they tack.
### Internet Creepers & Safety Concerns
You know, those creepers in the corner drinking cheap rum attached to the same network you are. If they really wanted to, they could connect to your computer and intercept credit card numbers or worse, your deepest darkest internet searches! We all know we should never use a public network to log into bank accounts or check your credit card balances…but there’s a simple work around.
VPN’s can be a globe-trotting-working-nomads savior. Like that time when we wanted to YouTube Live chat with our Patrons, but YTL was blocked in Ecuador (true story). Once we realized what the issue was, we turned on the VPN and voilà, we were live streaming (and probably violating some Ecuadorian internet laws…but hey, what’s a YouTuber to do?).
If you don't already have a good VPN, check out Surfshark VPN. We have used their service for years and if you use our discount code WYNNS, you get 4 extra months for free. [**https://surfshark.com/wynns**](https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsurfshark.com%2Fwynns&data=05%7C02%7C%7C282b8e4a48c24a47f42e08dcb85fdf40%7Cacc1677f96304e38baed2cf96b1d8087%7C0%7C0%7C638587969147764991%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=rH3GSUEF%2Bjn5b5D9lKxVw8XhxfVGvyS2qh3jzGm9Rzw%3D&reserved=0&ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### What about SSB?
Because I know some will ask. We did have an SSB on CURIOSITY 1, but we never used it. We tuned into a weather report once, just to see how it functions, but that was it. We scanned the channels while out at sea, yet never heard a peep. With the increase of sailors having other options, like the Iridium Go, and Starlink, nobody uses SSB. I’m not saying its dead, but I am saying it isn't likely to do you much good.
### Sailing The Most Remote Islands In The World
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailing-most-remote-islands/
Last updated: 2023-11-17T00:07:58.000Z
The Marquesas is our first South Pacific destination and our first chain of islands here in [French Polynesia](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/french-polynesia/). And to be totally honest, we’re so humbled to be here…but not sure how to absorb it all.
We’re sailing from the smallest inhabited island in [the Marquesas](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/marquesas/), Tahuata, to the largest, Nuku Hiva. We’re also sailing the most remote island chain in the world\*. Never thought I would say any of that, much less actually do it! So, I’m in a strange place of trying to be present, appreciate where I am and what is around me.
The Marquesas archipelago is wild, dramatic, chalk full of culture, history and natural beauty…especially in Taiohae, the capital of Nuku Hiva. But rather than trying to tell you about it, click the play button and join us for a few days.
A lot to absorb right?!?
After being here, I’m wishing I would have read the book [Typee](https://amzn.to/2EKNQc8?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) during our [Pacific Passage](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/ocean-crossings/). I am diving into it now, but it would have been a good one to already have in the memory bank. It’s a novel written by [Herman Melville](https://amzn.to/2CLtahy?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) (Moby Dick) and is loosely based on his four months living here among the natives in the 1840’s. It’s a book that is said to be in the realm of fiction and nonfiction. He made up some of the experiences while other details were totally true. Rituals, traditions, cannibalism, liberal sexual behavior…it was all very shocking for an 1800’s traveler, and wild to think about even now. It’s a good read (or listen) either way and I recommend checking it out if you haven’t already.
Today, Nuku Hiva is very different but the culture, traditions and history are still alive and well. Marquesans are very proud people. They speak their own language (different from Tahitian or Hawaiian), they pretty much invented the tattoo, are incredible artists and are possibly the most gentle and patient people on earth. They smile sweetly and don’t get frustrated when it takes me twenty minuets to fumble through currency, nor do they laugh at my Texas-Spanglish butchered French pronunciation.
### Bureaucracy, Checking in & Visas
We knew we wanted plenty of time to explore French Polynesia. More than the standard 90 day visa given to Americans visiting this French territory. So, we started the [Long Stay Visa application](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailing-french-polynesia-visa/) in Ecuador. It is a time sensitive process and once we’re completely done, with visas in hand, we will give a final update.
One interesting thing to note about sailing in the Marquesas, is that the gendarme like for you to check in with their offices at each island (if there is a gendarme office). You let them know when you arrive and tell them as you leave. Being so incredibly remote, they like to keep track of sailors. Should something go wrong, at least they would know where you last were and your planned destination. I like it.
### GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO
🎥CAMERA GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO📷
All our camera gear:
🎶AWESOME tunes for vids: [http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw](http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
Artists Used In This Video: Giants and Pilgrims, Assaf Ayalon, The Places
### SAILING REPORT
- Dates: June 3 – 7, 2018
- Nautical Miles Sailed: 84
- Island: Nuku Hiva, Marquesas, French Polynesia
- Anchorage: Bay de Taiohae
### Whale, are you social?
As you’ll note from the dates in the sailing report, our posts/videos are always behind real time. That’s because the editing, writing, uploading (when we can find internet) and all things associated take an exceptional amount of time. We work as fast as we can but we’ll always be behind “real time”. Soooo, if you want to see what we’re up to now, we share real time happenings on [Instagram](https://instagram.com/the%5Fwynns/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com), [Twitter](http://twitter.com/the%5Fwynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) and [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/GoneWithTheWynns). For example, right now we’re sharing photos of the incredible WHALES we’ve been swimming with! No joke, it’s unreal but very real.
A huge shout out to all our [Patreons](https://www.patreon.com/the%5Fwynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) for making this video possible!
Until next time…
\*Most Remote Island Chain – We found some conflicting information when looking this up but both the Tahiti Tourism website & Wikipedia note The Marquesas as: “the island group farthest from any continent in the world”.
### Small Island, Crusty Bottom
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/small-island-sailing-marquesas/
Last updated: 2023-11-21T14:57:28.000Z
Sunrise. That’s what Tahuata means in Marquesan. A fitting name for this charming, tiny, and remote twenty-four square mile island.
In the bay where we’re anchored, there’s no road, no village, no cell phone towers or internet distractions. Just us sailors and a few coconut lined beaches. It’s one of those places you drop the hook and really sink into.
After a few days of being drunk on [coconut water, salt and sun](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/lost-mainsail-coco-paradise/), we decided to venture around to civilization. The main village of Vaitahu is only a three-mile dinghy ride down the coast.
Join us as we explore one of the most remote islands in the Marquesas and take advantage of the clear, calm anchorage to tackle the last of our post passage clean up. It’s a quintessential look at a sailor’s life.
What a darling sleepy paradise! It’s the kind of place where a writer might go to finish a novel, the stressed-out retreat to feed their soul, or a group of sailors congregate to recharge after a long passage.
If I ever have a midlife crisis and need to hit the reset button, I think I might come back to this quiet place. It may be a tiny island, but it feels huge. So much room to breathe, think and stretch the imagination.
### The Village of Vaitahu
The charming little village is only accessible by sea and there are no banks or ATMs. There is a small store with the basics, a post office and a small infirmary. Plus, there’s a water taxi that runs between Hiva Oa and Vaitahu if you needed an island with a little more or wanted to catch a puddle jumper to another island.
A couple bars of cell phone reception can be found in town and we were told there is intermittently working, very slow satellite internet at the two-family run pensions (your two options for accommodations should you want to stay).
The day we visited most everything was closed, including the church (which is a main attraction, built by the Vatican no less). But, it wasn’t a Sunday and I have a feeling that might be the case unless there is a cruise ship in for the day. We knew we wouldn’t be returning so we didn’t ask when the town hall would be open. (The town hall is where one would go to visit the little museum, book a sightseeing guide, horseback riding or fishing adventure.) We were happy taking it slow and soaking it all in.
I mean seriously, how cute is this post office!
### Why Such A Crusty Bottom?
Well, some waters are just super healthy and can breed a whole seafood buffet, even while sailing. We had cleaned the bottom literally as we were leaving Ecuador. So all that growth happened while on passage (at a moving average of 6 knots mind you!) and the ten days we spent anchored at Hiva Oa.
But…it’s also because we’re due for new bottom paint. Ours is at the end of its life. We tried to haul out for new bottom paint in Ecuador but there are only a few haul-out facilities in the country. Sadly, none of the lifts were wide enough for our catamaran. So, we will have to haul-out here in French Polynesia. Luckily, there are a few different options throughout the islands…but we have to get the cats approved to come ashore first!
### Crusty Bottom Cleaning Tools
- Neoprene hood, because tiny crabs love ears but ears don’t love tiny crabs: [https://amzn.to/2CYYKt3](https://amzn.to/2CYYKt3?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Gloves, good for removing soft growth: [ https://amzn.to/2R7zdku](https://amzn.to/2R7zdku?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Scrubber pads, for when the gloves aren’t enough: [https://amzn.to/2S0ZL8d](https://amzn.to/2S0ZL8d?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Plastic Scraper, good for the light growth and small barnacles: [https://amzn.to/2S8WJyS](https://amzn.to/2S8WJyS?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Metal Scraper. For the hard, working on becoming permanent residents, barnacles: [https://amzn.to/2R5xXOB](https://amzn.to/2R5xXOB?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO📷
All our camera gear:
### 🎶AWESOME tunes for vids
[http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw](http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
Artists Used In This Video: Giants & Pilgrims, Michael Shynes, Assaf Ayalon
### SAILING REPORT
- Dates: June 1 – 3, 2018
- Nautical Miles Sailed: 0
- Island: Tahuata, Marquesas, French Polynesia
- Anchorage: Baie Hanamoenoa
### 🙏Thanks for joining us!!!
Feel free to drop us a line in the comment box below or find us on Instagram if you want to see what we’re up to in real-time. If you’re really diggin’ what you see and don’t want to miss what’s next, [drop us your email address](http://gonewiththewynns.us2.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=5c89f5d017c3d983a7a948c8f&id=a0ce128eaa&ref=gonewiththewynns.com) and we’ll send you a quick note each time we hit the publish button or host a meetup.
Until next time…
### Lost Our Mainsail, But Landed in Coco Paradise
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/lost-mainsail-coco-paradise/
Last updated: 2023-11-17T00:20:09.000Z
I woke up at five am sharp with a smile on my face and a new destination in mind…but serendipity had other plans.
We were setting sail for The Bay of Virgins, or *Baie des Viergens* in French. It’s the northernmost bay on the west coast of Fatu Hiva and rumored to be the most dramatic of all The Marquesas. I was looking forward to a nice sail and being out on the open ocean again. I say that like we were anchored here for ages. It was only ten days.
Even Jason was stoked to stretch his sea legs so soon after [the passage](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/ocean-crossings/)…surprising since it’s an upwind beat. But day sails are his jam: get up early, spend the day on the water and be anchored just in time for a sundowner. Sailor’s perfection if you ask him.
But we were both in for a rather abrupt change to our planned course.
And that my salty friends, is what I call serendipity!
Our [traveler originally busted](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/squalls-trouble-sailing-across-pacific/) during our Pacific passage. We jury rigged spectra to what bits were left to hold it together until we reached civilization. It was working well, and we knew it wasn’t going to last forever…but thought it would hold out through the Bay of Virgins. Because without the boom being secured by the traveler, we can’t fly our mainsail.
So, I was super bummed when it busted, because it busted my plans too. But, instead of the dramatic peaks of Fatu Hiva, we ended up in a beautiful anchorage with old friends (Thank You s/v Holiday!) who just so happen to have the exact part we need. What are the odds! Damn, if only all our mishaps had this kind of ending!
### **MacGyver or MacGruber?**
In case you don’t know by now, we (because I’m equally to blame most of the time) are not particularly mechanical by nature. We’ve always managed to get the job done but let me tell you, it takes a lot of skill to cram a one-hour job into eight. Don’t believe me? Just check out our [first composting toilet install](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/install-composting-toilet/) or that time Jason [swapped out the sink faucet](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/RV-faucet-install/). We’ve come a long way since then and sailing/boat ownership has been an accelerated course in jury rigging.
Some days we get to hold our chisel and hammer high. Other times, we just want to hide the tools, so nobody thinks we’re responsible for the job.
My point is, you don’t have to be MacGyver to travel about the world. We learn as we go and each crappy, cursing, dream busting broken bit is a learning experience. And sometimes a blessing in disguise. It’s all part of the adventure.
Just like the old saying goes: When life hands you limes and coconuts, make cocktails! Ok, maybe it’s something about lemons and lemonade, but this is the island version.
### Sailing Report
- Dates: May 30 – June 1, 2018
- Nautical Miles Sailed: 18
- Island: Tahuata, Marquesas, French Polynesia
- Anchorage: Baie Hanamoenoa
### Gear Used In This Video
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO📷
- All our camera gear:
**🎶Awesome Tunes for Vids:** [http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw](http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### Dirtiest Diesel Ever & Our Routine in Paradise (Sailing French Polynesia)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/routine-paradise-marquesas/
Last updated: 2023-11-17T00:21:34.000Z
We’re creatures of habit. So, it should come as no surprise how little time it takes to slip into a routine. But, not all routine is bad…especially when it’s in paradise.
As full-time travelers we’re hyper-aware of routines. As a general rule, we try not to let ourselves slip into one. We’ve all heard the famous quote, “If you think adventure is dangerous, try routine; it is lethal”. I think the routine Paulo Coelho is referring to, is the one that keeps us in our comfort zone.
The warm embrace of our comfort zone can be challenging to part with. It’s a safe place where we have a false sense of control. We humans create a routine because it feels controlled and predictable.
What little feeling of control or predictability Jason and I had left, we threw out the window when we bought a catamaran to go sailing about the world (with zero experience). However, stepping outside the comfort zone doesn’t have to be quite this dramatic. Any form of travel is an adventure that takes us outside our comfort zone.
So, creating a routine in a completely new environment is a small adventure…because it’s not yet predictable.
We’ve been anchored here in Hiva Oa for a little over a week. Most of our time has been spent cleaning up *Curiosity*, sourcing replacement parts and catch up on the massive pile of editing, emails and work that amassed while we were sailing across the Pacific. But, the other slice of life, the really good bits, have been spent slipping into island life.
Click the play button and we’ll take you through our little routine in paradise. Oh, and as the title gives away, we also discover we have a batch of the dirtiest diesel we’ve ever seen. Its good and gunky!
I still can’t get over how early they get going here in the Marquesas, and how early they call it quits. Who knew island time was 5 – 11 am? But oh, the bounty of fresh foods you can score around 6am is legendary!
I honestly didn’t expect the local produce to be this good. I’d heard tales of the massive grapefruit but had no idea we would find such an agriculturally rich gold mine. Our vegetarian hearts were in constant cartwheel mode. Add freshly baked $0.65 cent baguettes to the mix and now I know why everyone calls this place paradise! If I didn’t have a bad case of sedentary lifeaphobia, I might join the tiki gods and call this place home too.
### Important Extras
**Don’t get clogged up, get a Fuel Filter:** [https://amzn.to/2pE8VdH](https://amzn.to/2pE8VdH?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**Bow and Stern Anchoring, A How & Why**: [https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/bow-stern-anchoring](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/bow-stern-anchoring/)
**Applying for a French Polynesia visa?** Here’s our experience:[https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailing-french-polynesia-visa](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailing-french-polynesia-visa/)
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO📷
- All our camera gear:
**Dates This Video Covers:** May 27- 30, 2018
Awesome Tunes for Videos: [http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw](http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### Our First Taste of Land – A Walkabout Hiva Oa
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/first-taste-sailing-marquesas/
Last updated: 2023-11-17T00:23:33.000Z
I don’t know if it’s the[**24 day sail**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/land-ho-sailing-pacific-ocean/) it took to get here or the uninterrupted eight hours of sleep…but the island of Hiva Oa is unbelievably stunning.
The landscape is a living post card, the birds sing as if it’s a rewarded performance and the succulent floral notes waft from every direction. It’s full-blown sensory overload for us here in the Marquesas.
There are just enough tale-tale signs to remind us this isn’t a movie set, this is **real** island life. The yacht services building is an old container ship perched on the top of a hill with a million-dollar view. The homes are very modest, but the yards are impeccably kept. The hole in the wall grocery/hardware/electronics store feels reminiscent of something you’d see in one of the old towns along Route 66\. It’s a laid back, small-town vibe with a smack-in-you-in-the-face lush island twist.
After the long passage we have an ever-growing list of boat maintenance along with some serious cleaning to tackle, but as you may have gathered, distractions are high. It’s our first taste of French Polynesia and we can’t stifle our desires to wander about any longer.
Join us for a walkabout as we indulge in wild textures, sweet smells, and the exotic flavors of Hiva Oa, in the Marquesas Islands.
I would like to note that the saying goes: “don’t cry over a little spilt milk”. Crying over an excellent *been-carrying-and-dreaming-of-for-a-year* spilt beer is completely acceptable. Perhaps a bit dramatic, but acceptable.
Funny how a seemingly small series of events can cause a mood buster (that and being a little wiped). Smoke filled air, leads to discovery of a broken air-con, to a need to explain situation, which leads to awkward camera angle. All this coupled with a rockin’ boat, leads to a camera free dive and tossed beer.
But don’t worry, I didn’t sulk for too long. Jason offered to share his half with me (which I see as a sign of true love). It warmed my heart and turned my frown upside down.
If you are wondering about the broken AC…it’s an old unit original to the boat (hello 2005) and we’re thinking it’s the fan motor…or maybe, we have something clogged in the saltwater intake line? It’s still not working but we (aka Jason) will keep tinkering with it. Good news is we have two, which is one of the benefits of owning a catamaran. Two of almost everything! (And yes, double the maintenance but let’s focus on the positive).
**Thanks sooo much for watching, reading and being a part of the journey!**
**Psst…**did you catch our video about **anchoring in Hiva Oa**? It’s bow and stern and we share the scoop here: [gonewiththewynns.com/bow-stern-anchoring](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/bow-stern-anchoring/)
### **French Polynesia Bonds, Checking In & Visas**
All visitors except French nationals need to have a passport valid for 6 months beyond the intended stay, as well as a return or ongoing ticket out of the country…**AKA a Bond.** More on that in just a moment.
French Polynesia is part of the European Union but has its own visa rules. As citizens of the USA we’re allowed up to 3 months without a visa. But, we knew we would need more time to explore the 100+ islands and atolls. So, we started our Long Stay Visa application back in Ecuador. Full details here: [gonewiththewynns.com/sailing-french-polynesia-visa](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailing-french-polynesia-visa/)
Bureaucracy is one of the necessary evils of international travel. From our past experiences, it’s well worth the hassle…and definitely so to be allowed to linger in the exotic paradise of the French Polynesian islands.
Now, about that bond requirement.
With our Long Stay Visa application in our passport, no bond or onward air ticket is normally required, but in Hiva Oa, they were requiring them.
Which serves as a good reminder that rules, requirements and regulations can change at any time, or even from office to office. So when you arrive to a new country, be prepared for anything.
For an acceptable bond in French Polynesia we had three options:
- Post a cash bond (money placed in a local bank) of approximately $1,700 US per person (can be withdrawn when you leave the country, but we’re not sure of the associated fees).
- Purchase an airline ticket departing FP (buy the ticket for a future date, check in with customs, then cancel the flight and pay the airline cancellation fee).
- Hire an Agent who will provide a Bond Exemption Letter (we paid a little under $300). An agent also helps with long stay visa procedures, provides a duty-free fuel card immediately and becomes a local liaison for any needs or questions.
At first, we had no intentions of hiring an agent. We had planned to take care of everything ourselves. But when they requested the bond, it was an easy decision. After the unpleasant bureaucracy experiences in [Panama](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailing-out-of-panama/) and [Ecuador](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailing-poor-mans-galapagos/), we had zero desires to navigate the long stay visa process on our own.
Sandra is the local agent in Hiva Oa and works with Tahiti Crew (the agency we hired). So far, our experience has been great, but we’re not done yet. We’ll get back to you with our official report: Yes Agent! Which Agent? or No Agent! recommendations after we have our French Polynesia Long Stay Visa’s in hand and felines land approved.
While this isn’t everything you need to know about sailing into French Polynesia, hopefully our experience can help you start planning your arrival. If you want more details, a great resource for this type of cruiser info is noonsite.com.
### Wanna show some love?
We’re here because of and for you (our viewers). We share thousands of hours of firsthand experience about living off the grid, sailing and traveling around the world. We share in hopes of helping you find the information, inspiration or tools you need to live your adventure.
But, it takes a village. There are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support, ](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)or toss a nugget into our [Tip Jar.](https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=%5Fs-xclick&hosted%5Fbutton%5Fid=73RK3CBX3FLZN&ref=gonewiththewynns.com) 🙏
Dates This Video Covers: May 23 – 25, 2018
### Gear Used
#### 🎥CAMERA GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO📷
- All our camera gear:
🎶**Awesome Tunes for Videos:** [http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw](http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### The “fun” Of Bow And Stern Anchoring
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/bow-stern-anchoring/
Last updated: 2024-04-15T03:28:29.000Z
There’s nothing like doing it for the first time, especially with an audience. The sweat stains on our brows and under arms were growing with the anticipation.
We had managed to get ourselves into this bow and stern anchorage “like an old salt” (so we were told). But could we get ourselves out with the same facade?
We knew that [sailing into Hiva Oa, in the Marquesas](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/land-ho-sailing-pacific-ocean/), we’d be met with this new challenge of bow and stern anchoring. [Active Captain](http://bit.ly/active%5Fcaptain?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) and Noonsite.com both had fellow sailors sharing their cautionary tales and tips. *That’s cool* we thought, it wouldn’t be an adventure if we weren’t trying something new.
So, a tight anchorage, a restriction zone and constant swell schools us in setting up and breaking down our stern anchor.
**But wait!**
Don’t go clicking that play button just yet. We have a favor to ask.
We’ve been working hard behind the scenes (and digital screens) on some features you’ve requested. You’ll notice a couple of them in this video. A short video intro and location map for starters. Let us know what you think!
Ok, without further ado…
In the end, not so bad! We were super happy we had done some research on the subject before taking off on [the passage](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/ocean-crossings/). (Thank you internet and fellow sailors for sharing your tips!) The trip line really makes all the difference in the world.
We watched one boat really struggling to get their stern anchor set. So, they decided to pick up and try another spot. They didn’t have a trip line so the skipper had to jump in, dive down and retrieve his anchor by hand. He was pooped by the end. Feeling over it, they decided that dealing with the swell was better than a stern anchor…so they dropped the hook on the outside and suffered through the rolling waves.
For us, we had the trip line and we still didn’t want to go through the whole process again…so we could totally sympathize. At first it didn’t seem that bad on the “outside”. But considering we just spent 24 days at sea, we weren’t keen on feeling like we were out to sea, while at anchor.
Having to move in and out of the anchorage was forced practice, so in the end, it was a good thing. Next time we have to drop it from the front and the back, we’ll be much better prepared (or so we hope). ?
### Trusty Anchoring Gear
- Anchor Chain – Video and post about choosing and replacing our old chain: [gonewiththewynns.com/replacing-anchor-chain](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/replacing-anchor-chain/)
- Anchor, Swivels & Such – [gonewiththewynns.com/product/mantus-anchor](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/mantus-anchor)
- Minion – I never thought I would say our dinghy (and especially our dinghy motor) are part of our anchoring set up. But, in this case, Minion was the shiz. She is a Highfield CL340.
**Curious About Our Camera Gear –** All Our Camera/Computer Gear is Listed Here: [gonewiththewynns.com/camera-gear-review-2017](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/camera-gear-review-2017/)
Awesome Tunes for Videos: [http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw](http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### Wanna show some love?
We’re here because of and for you (our viewers). We share thousands of hours of firsthand experience about living off the grid, sailing and traveling around the world. We share in hopes of helping you find the information, inspiration or tools you need to live your adventure.
But, it takes a village. There are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support, ](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)or toss a nugget into our [Tip Jar.](https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=%5Fs-xclick&hosted%5Fbutton%5Fid=73RK3CBX3FLZN&ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### We See Land!!! 585 Hours Sailing Across The Pacific Ocean
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/land-ho-sailing-pacific-ocean/
Last updated: 2021-01-08T17:31:49.000Z
As I sit here at the salon table of *Curiosity*, rocking from side to side in the ocean swell, I am seriously contemplating the words “Land Ho”.
*Land Ho: A nautical term shouted by the ship’s watch to inform the crew that land has been spotted.*
It’s a simple phrase with a seemingly simple meaning. But oh, has my admiration for these two words grown. After 585 life affirming hours at sea, land ho is now a complex, emotional, curious, and electric filled statement.
If you’ve been following along for the past 23 days of [**sailing across the Pacific Ocean**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/ocean-crossings/), it’s possible you’re looking forward to seeing French Polynesia as much as we are…so click the play button!
We made it, and it feels oooh sooo good! A non-stop Pacific Ocean sail from Salinas, Ecuador to Hiva Oa, French Polynesia.
Humans have been crossing oceans for thousands of years, on much smaller vessels and with far less creature comforts. We haven’t done anything groundbreaking or new. The level of adventure today vs the 1600’s isn’t even apples to oranges. It’s more like oranges to ipads. But that is the exciting part!
Adventurous souls throughout history have made incredible contributions to the world. Ferdinand Magellan, Neil Armstrong, The Wright Brothers, Jacques Cousteau and the list goes on. These famous explorers have all raised the bar of discovery but have also paved the way for the rest of us.
Adventure has never been more achievable than it is today!
I feel we have just seized an opportunity. We took the gifts of knowledge, charting, documenting and life risking those before us bestowed, and we created our own adventure. And while Jason and I aren’t any sort of ocean pioneers, we’re still stoked to have accomplished our biggest sail to date.
I feel satisfied…like a student that just aced a big exam. LAND HO! WOO-HOO!
# **Fun Sea Stats**
- Hours At Sea: 585
- Days At Sea: A tad over 24
- Nautical Miles Sailed: 3588
- Average Speed: 6.14 Nautical Miles Per Hour
- Best 24 Hours: 182 Nautical Miles
- Worst 24 Hours: 101 Nautical Miles
- Hours using a Motor: 42 (or about 7%) That includes windless days, picking up anchor, dropping anchor, sail changes (spinnaker) and the few times we had to repair our flogging boom.
- Fish Caught: [One Jason sized spearfish that packed our freezer!](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/biggest-catch-almost-sink-drone-sailing-pacific/)
### Want to Show Some Love?
We’re here because of and for you (our viewers). It takes a village. There are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support,](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar) or toss a nugget into our [Tip Jar](https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=%5Fs-xclick&hosted%5Fbutton%5Fid=73RK3CBX3FLZN&ref=gonewiththewynns.com) and help fund our productions.
### Gear Used In This Video
- **In The Galley –** Click on the Kitchen Faves: **[gonewiththewynns.com/store](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/store)**
- **Working Out –** Everything we have for staying fit while sailing:
- **Entertainment at Sea –** Kindle: [http://amzn.to/2mpGQ9K](http://amzn.to/2mpGQ9K?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) Audiobooks and podcasts are The Best on passage. Currently listening to [French Lessons](https://amzn.to/2DmSLPy?ref=gonewiththewynns.com).
- **Camera Gear –** All Our Camera/Computer Gear is Listed Here: [gonewiththewynns.com/camera-gear-review-2017](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/camera-gear-review-2017/)
- **Sailing Specific Gear**
- Sailing Smart Watch: [gonewiththewynns.com/product/quatix-5-marine-watch ](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/quatix-5-marine-watch)
- Chartplotter: [https://amzn.to/2xHqxsV](https://amzn.to/2xHqxsV?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- **Tracking & Texting:** Garmin InReach: [gonewiththewynns.com/product/inreach-satellite-communication-and-tracking ](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/inreach-satellite-communication-and-tracking)
- **iPad Mount at Helm**: [http://amzn.to/2fT84PG](http://amzn.to/2fT84PG?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) **Using iPad Pro**: [http://amzn.to/2d9Oopf ](http://amzn.to/2d9Oopf%20%20%20?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- With These Sailing/Navigation/Weather Apps:
- iNavx: [http://bit.ly/2vGgC51](http://bit.ly/2vGgC51?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Active Captain: [http://bit.ly/active\_captain](http://bit.ly/active%5Fcaptain?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- **Texting, Email & Weather:** [bit.ly/PredictWindIridium](http://bit.ly/PredictWindIridium?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### Biggest Catch Yet & We Almost Sink The Drone (Sailing Across The Pacific)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/biggest-catch-almost-sink-drone-sailing-pacific/
Last updated: 2021-01-08T17:31:49.000Z
We’ve been at sea for over twenty days now and we’re down to the last few hundred nautical miles. It’s our last days at sea and we can almost smell land.
Knowing we’re on the home stretch gives us a heightened awareness of the journey we’re on and puts us in an introspective frame of mind.
We diagnose our engine problem, almost sink the drone and a colossal catch steals the day. Join us for days twenty through twenty-three as we sail across the Pacific Ocean making our way to French Polynesia.
I still don’t know which move impressed me most. Jason gaffing that fish like he had done it a thousand times before or swooping in like superman to bring home the drone. The smooth downwind sailing really agrees with him. Well, that and knowing there’s only “one” more day to go (as long as the wind cooperates).
### Portable Nav Station You Say?
You’ve seen us talk about using our ipad as a portable nav a few times now and I’ve gotten a lot of questions about it. I won’t dive into all the details, but I don’t want to leave all the inquiring minds hangin’.
The wonderful world of technology and connected devices is infiltrating the marine world. While Garmin certainly isn’t the only one with options to connect other devices, they make a lot of extra-cool gadgets. It’s one of the big reasons we choose Garmin when replacing our nav gear on Curiosity.
We can connect our phone, tablet, smartwatch and our new camera all to our chartplotter using the built-in apps. With the ActiveCaptain app we can mirror our chartplotter and we can control everything the same as if we were at the helm. Plus, we can plan and view routes on our phone or ipad anytime, anywhere, and the information transfers as soon as we connect to our helm. This comes in handy when we’re at the local watering hole and a fellow sailor wants to share all their fave anchoring and SCUBA diving spots. Our charts are always with us.
And since I mentioned charts… I feel its important to say, we don’t only use Garmin charts. We also use Navionics charts on our mobile devices. We actively use and check both…backup & secondary charts in sketchy reef-laden areas is a must!
- Chartplotter: [Garmin 7612xsv Multi-touch](http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-8389711-12945564?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- iPad Mount at Helm: [http://amzn.to/2fT84PG](http://amzn.to/2fT84PG?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) Using iPad Pro: [http://amzn.to/2d9Oopf](http://amzn.to/2d9Oopf%20%20%20?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Active Captain App (Free): [http://bit.ly/active\_captain](http://bit.ly/active%5Fcaptain?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Watch: [gonewiththewynns.com/product/quatix-5-marine-watch](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/quatix-5-marine-watch)
- Camera: [https://amzn.to/2wX8HCq](https://amzn.to/2wX8HCq?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- iNavx: [http://bit.ly/2vGgC51](http://bit.ly/2vGgC51?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### Gear Used In This Video
- **In The Galley –** Click on the Kitchen Faves tab: [gonewiththewynns.com/store](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/store)
- **Working Out –** [gonewiththewynns.com/product/exercise-staying-fit](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/exercise-staying-fit)
- **Entertainment at Sea –** Kindle: [http://amzn.to/2mpGQ9K](http://amzn.to/2mpGQ9K?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) Audiobooks and podcasts are The Best on passage.
- **Camera Gear –** [gonewiththewynns.com/camera-gear-review-2017](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/camera-gear-review-2017/)
- **Weather, Texting & Email at Sea:**
- Iridium Go and Predict Wind: [bit.ly/PredictWindIridium](http://bit.ly/PredictWindIridium?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Garmin InReach: [gonewiththewynns.com/product/inreach-satellite-communication-and-tracking ](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/inreach-satellite-communication-and-tracking)
### **Sailing Report**
We use our [Garmin InReach](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/inreach-satellite-communication-and-tracking) to track our sail and send updates to family & [Patreons](https://www.patreon.com/the%5Fwynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com). We take a screen capture every day at 5:30pm, because that marks another 24hrs logged for our sail across the Pacific. It’s a fun way to follow along in real time and hear what’s happening on board. This video covers May 13-17, 2018\. Here is the screen capture from May 17th. The little dots share real-time trip info and the little message pop-up is us writing to the people following along from home.
### Life At Sea: Groundhog Day or The Shining? (Sailing Across The Pacific)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/life-at-sea-sailing-pacific/
Last updated: 2021-01-08T17:31:49.000Z
Welcome to life at sea, where the vast time and views are uninterrupted. We’re nearing the final stretch of our journey and the itch is starting.
Spirits are high as our spinnaker weather returns and all seems well adjusted. Until day twenty. We’re about 455 hours in and just over 2,866 nautical miles sailed, when all the sudden, we go from Bill Murray to Jack Nicholson.
Now, I don’t know about you but going from Groundhog Day to The Shining took me by surprise. I couldn’t wrap my head around the comparison of our life at sea to The Shining (then again, this is the same man that tried to compare sailing across an ocean to walking on the moon). I thought, “oh great, now I’m out to sea with Kubrick, this is going great?”.
If it wasn’t for the fact he’s such a snuggle bunny, I might have been concerned about that comparison. Or, maybe he thinks I am the Jack Nicholson in this scenario? Now that is an interesting question, which one of us would loose our marbles first?
With a slight *are-you-out-of-your-mind* voice, I requested an explanation.
His response, “It’s the isolation. Groundhog Day was normal life with lots of people, The Shining was at an isolated Hotel. Feels more similar.”
Hmmm…I’m still not with you.
Romantic Drama vs Physiological Horror, I guess somethings (or should I say people) just aren’t meant to be understood. Sail on Kubrick. Just don’t go spouting *redrum* while I am sleeping.
### How About That New Camera!
We’ve been slowly working out good spots on the boat to put action cams. Which is trickier than you might imagine. With sails and lines being the primary accessories, there are very few “safe” (or unobstructed) spots for cameras. Since it’s just the two of us, most of the time, it’s nice to have a couple of sturdy cameras to capture the action when it happens. Plus, as you have seen, tripods don’t always work so well on a boat. Everyone keeps having mini heart attacks thinking we’ve capsized…when it’s just an un-manned camera taking a plunge.
Go Pro and Sony mostly rule the market when it comes to quality action cams but this Virb is proving to be a solid choice! The quality is much better than we expected and all the built in data is just ridiculously cool. There are settings for boats, planes, cycling, boarding, mountain biking and pretty much any sport there is. We’re pretty stoked about it and hope you like the extra data too. It feels way more interesting to see the data in the actual scene instead of listening to us drone on about knots, angles and sea state.
If you want one for yourself…
- **Amazon:** [https://amzn.to/2wX8HCq](https://amzn.to/2wX8HCq?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- **B&H Photo:** [https://bhpho.to/2MaGnBq](https://bhpho.to/2MaGnBq?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
Captured this image from new action cam…not bad!
### Bumfuzzle
Jason mentioned Bumfuzzle, which is a book about a couple taking off to sail around the world with no experience. Sound familiar? You can snag a copy for **free** here: [https://amzn.to/2Nt1ovQ](https://amzn.to/2Nt1ovQ?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) We started following the blog [Bumfuzzle](https://www.bumfuzzle.com/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) around 9 years ago (shesh time files) and quickly picked up their book when it launched. We loved the honesty, adventure and humor. Over the years the Bums (Pat and Ali) have become friends and are still a great source of inspiration for us.
### Like What You See?
Found something informational or inspirational? We’re here because of and for you (our viewers). We share thousands of hours of firsthand experience about living off the grid, sailing and traveling around the world. We do this to help you find the information, inspiration or tools you need to live your adventure.
But, it takes a village. There are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support, ](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)toss a nugget into our [Tip Jar](https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=%5Fs-xclick&hosted%5Fbutton%5Fid=73RK3CBX3FLZN&ref=gonewiththewynns.com), shop our carefully chosen [gear store](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/store), or join the [virtual crew](https://www.patreon.com/the%5Fwynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com).
### Gear Used In This Video
- **In The Galley –** Click on the Kitchen Faves tab for all my faves: **[gonewiththewynns.com/store](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/store)**
- **Working Out –** Everything we have for staying fit while sailing:
- **Entertainment at Sea –** Kindle: [http://amzn.to/2mpGQ9K](http://amzn.to/2mpGQ9K?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) Audiobooks and podcasts are The Best on passage. Currently listening to**[ Lost City of Z](https://amzn.to/2wQ6AAv?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)** which has us wanting to go back to South America and the Amazon!
- **Camera Gear –** All Our Camera/Computer Gear is Listed Here: [gonewiththewynns.com/camera-gear-review-2017](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/camera-gear-review-2017/)
- **Sailing Specific Gear**
- Quatix 5 Watches: [gonewiththewynns.com/product/quatix-5-marine-watch ](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/quatix-5-marine-watch)
- Chartplotter: [Garmin 7612xsv Multi-touch](http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-8389711-12945564?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- **Tracking & Texting:** Garmin InReach: [gonewiththewynns.com/product/inreach-satellite-communication-and-tracking ](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/inreach-satellite-communication-and-tracking)
- iPad Mount at Helm: [http://amzn.to/2fT84PG](http://amzn.to/2fT84PG?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) Using iPad Pro: [http://amzn.to/2d9Oopf ](http://amzn.to/2d9Oopf%20%20%20?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- With These Sailing/Navigation/Weather Apps:
- iNavx: [http://bit.ly/2vGgC51](http://bit.ly/2vGgC51?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Active Captain: [http://bit.ly/active\_captain](http://bit.ly/active%5Fcaptain?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- **Texting, Email & Weather:** Iridium Go and Predict Wind: [bit.ly/PredictWindIridium](http://bit.ly/PredictWindIridium?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### **Sailing Report**
We use our [Garmin InReach](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/inreach-satellite-communication-and-tracking) to track our sail and send updates to family & [Patreons](https://www.patreon.com/the%5Fwynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com). We take a screen capture every day at 5:30pm, because that marks another 24hrs logged for our sail across the Pacific. It’s a fun way to follow along in real time and hear what’s happening on board. This video covers May 10 – 13, 2018\. Here is the screen capture from May 13th. The little dots share real-time trip info and the little message pop-up is us writing to the people following along from home.
### Squalls All Night, Trouble All Day – Sailing Across The Pacific
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/squalls-trouble-sailing-across-pacific/
Last updated: 2021-01-08T17:31:50.000Z
We have reached the breaking point. And by that, I mean the point of this ocean crossing where stuff starts to break. We knew the drama would show up eventually, but we didn’t expect it to come in threes!
Ocean crossings, squalls and broken bits go together like peas and carrots. You see, its prime cruiser talk once we make landfall. First two questions are always, “How was your crossing? Did you lose anything?”. So at least we’ve got some decent stories to share from our first big passage. It’s rather boring, and doesn’t make the beer last as long, if you show up with a happy story like “it was great, just another beautiful downwind sail”.
So grab your tools, foul weather gear & sunglasses and join us for days nine through fifteen of our sailing adventure across the Pacific Ocean.
It’s funny to look back now and see ourselves riding out squalls one day and the next we’re yelling “Goooood Morninggg” like we’re on Oprah (remember that show?). It’s all tossed about in my memory as one event. Not distinguishable by individual days. Putting together these passage videos brings back a flood of little details, and man was it a roller coaster!
We’ve officially surpassed the halfway mark (in nautical miles) and crew morale is intact and optimistic. Now, it’d be great if Mother Nature could give us another taste of those easy breezy days as we approach land.
### About Those Broken Bits
So far our steering is moaning, our traveler is busted to pieces and our bilge is collecting a fair amount of water. Here are a few extra thoughts on our sailboat issues.
**Steering Moan** – It’s never a good sign when a new noise comes about. The moan is just one of many ways a boat can speak to you and this wasn’t one we wanted to ignore. Our backup steering is located aft at the lazarette locker and would be a very precarious place to be steering in heavy seas. Chances of getting swept overboard would greatly increase. We’ve cleaned, lubed and inspected every part and the best we can come up with is the block that guides the rudder cable is seized and not turning…thus creating the moaning sound as the cable moves around the non spinning block. We’ll continue to keep a close eye on everything. We’ll clean, lube and repeat until the moaning stops or we identify an official culprit.
**Busted Traveler Car** – We inspected, cleaned and lubed everything before taking off and this traveler didn’t show any signs of needing to be replaced. But…it’s original to the boat, which means it’s 13+ years old. So, perhaps it was just at the end of its life. If you look closely at the footage or photos below, it is the metal pin that broke and busted up the plastic as it came catapulting out. Not much we can do about it out here. We’ll need a new traveler car. But…spectra to the rescue! Jason smartly stocked up on spectra as a CYA. It’s incredibly strong line and can be used to lash all sorts of stuff together, including keeping our boom under control.
**Bilges** – While the install of the new bilge is doing the trick, the bigger question is always…where is all that water coming from? We always accumulate a small amount of water on days where the seas are rockin and rollin, but this is a bit more than average (granted it is the longest we’ve ever been out to sea). We have plenty of theories and haven’t found any obvious leaks. So…any suggestions from our salty sailors out there would be greatly appreciated.
### Want To Show Some Love?
Found something informational or inspirational? We’re here because of and for you (our viewers). We share thousands of hours of firsthand experience about living off the grid, sailing and traveling around the world. We do this to help you find the information, inspiration or tools you need to live your adventure.
But, it takes a village. There are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar) or toss a nugget into our [Tip Jar](https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=%5Fs-xclick&hosted%5Fbutton%5Fid=73RK3CBX3FLZN&ref=gonewiththewynns.com), shop our carefully chosen [gear store](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/store), or join the [virtual crew](https://www.patreon.com/the%5Fwynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com).
### Gear Used In This Video
- **In The Galley –** Click on the Kitchen Faves tab for all my faves: **[gonewiththewynns.com/store](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/store)**
- **Entertainment at Sea –** Kindle: [http://amzn.to/2mpGQ9K](http://amzn.to/2mpGQ9K?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) Audiobooks and podcasts are The Best on passage.
- **Camera Gear –** All Our Camera/Computer Gear is Listed Here: [gonewiththewynns.com/camera-gear-review-2017](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/camera-gear-review-2017/)
- **Sailing Specific Gear**
- Quatix 5 Watches: [gonewiththewynns.com/product/quatix-5-marine-watch ](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/quatix-5-marine-watch)
- Chartplotter: [Garmin 7612xsv Multi-touch](http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-8389711-12945564?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Garmin InReach: [gonewiththewynns.com/product/inreach-satellite-communication-and-tracking ](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/inreach-satellite-communication-and-tracking)
- iPad Mount at Helm: [http://amzn.to/2fT84PG](http://amzn.to/2fT84PG?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) Using iPad Pro: [http://amzn.to/2d9Oopf ](http://amzn.to/2d9Oopf%20%20%20?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- With These Sailing/Navigation/Weather Apps:
- iNavx: [http://bit.ly/2vGgC51](http://bit.ly/2vGgC51?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Active Captain: [http://bit.ly/active\_captain](http://bit.ly/active%5Fcaptain?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Iridium Go and Predict Wind for weather and communications: [bit.ly/PredictWindIridium](http://bit.ly/PredictWindIridium?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### **Sailing Report**
We use our [Garmin InReach](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/inreach-satellite-communication-and-tracking) to track our sail and send updates to family & [Patreons](https://www.patreon.com/the%5Fwynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com). It’s also how we were communicating with Kent to help us troubleshoot our issues. We take a screen capture every day at 5:30pm, because that marks another 24hrs logged for our sail across the Pacific. It’s a fun way to follow along in real time and hear what’s happening on board. This video covers May 3 – 10, 2018\. Here is the screen capture from May 10th. The little dots share real-time trip info and the little message pop-up is us writing to the people following along from home.
### He HATES it, She LOVES It – Moody Days Sailing Across The Pacific
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/hates-loves-moody-sailing/
Last updated: 2021-01-08T17:31:49.000Z
It’s day five, the seas are turning moody and so are we. Jason is stuck in Groundhog Day while I buzz around in a world of amazement.
We knew crossing the Pacific Ocean would test both our sea legs, and especially Jason’s one-rollercoaster-limit stomach. He’s not sick to the point of blowing chunks off the stern but the washing machine state wears on his equilibrium. Leaving him foggy headed and lethargic.
Meanwhile, the late-night watches have me wandering around crevasses of my mind I don’t normally have the time to explore. I start a new video series, Deep-Water Thoughts, starring yours truly, that leads to long conversations even the camera can’t handle.
I have been abruptly cut off before but this one takes the cake. Best part is…I had no idea the camera died! Pha, ha ha!
For the rare few of you wondering what point I was working towards, here it is:
*Respect the sea* is a phrase we were often told by fellow mariners when we started sailing. I understood what the phrase meant but only from a landlocked distance. Respect, from my experience, is earned. With each voyage our respect for the sea and all its power grows. There is no substitute for experience.
### He Really Doesn’t Hate It
He really doesn’t hate it. There are many aspects of boat life and sailing that Jason loves. Feeling stuck in fog and lethargic isn’t one of them. So the moody days at sea will never rank high on his list of fond memories. I think the worst part is seeing me run around the boat like a maniac, uninhibited by the conditions. It makes him feel like he’s not holding up his part of the job, which isn’t the case at all. Even in a fog Jason still functions at a high level (even if he doesn’t realize it).
**Coffee Cake Recipe:** [gonewiththewynns.com/blueberry-coffee-cake](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/blueberry-coffee-cake/)
### Gear Used
- **Kitchen/Galley –** You’ll find my knives, pots and more all in our gear store: [gonewiththewynns.com/store](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/store)
- **Entertainment at Sea –** Kindle: [http://amzn.to/2mpGQ9K](http://amzn.to/2mpGQ9K?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) Audiobooks and podcasts are The Best on passage. Right now I am listening to Bossypants by Tina Fey and highly recommend it: [ https://amzn.to/2KKUtsC ](https://amzn.to/2KKUtsC?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- **Camera Gear –** All Our Camera/Computer Gear is Listed Here: [gonewiththewynns.com/camera-gear-review-2017](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/camera-gear-review-2017/)
- **Sailing Specific Gear**
- Quatix 5 Watches: [gonewiththewynns.com/product/quatix-5-marine-watch ](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/quatix-5-marine-watch)
- Chartplotter: [Garmin 7612xsv Multi-touch](http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-8389711-12945564?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Garmin InReach: [gonewiththewynns.com/product/inreach-satellite-communication-and-tracking ](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/inreach-satellite-communication-and-tracking)
- iPad Mount at Helm: [http://amzn.to/2fT84PG](http://amzn.to/2fT84PG?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) Using iPad Pro: [http://amzn.to/2d9Oopf ](http://amzn.to/2d9Oopf%20%20%20?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- With These Sailing/Navigation/Weather Apps:
- iNavx: [http://bit.ly/2vGgC51](http://bit.ly/2vGgC51?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Active Captain: [http://bit.ly/active\_captain](http://bit.ly/active%5Fcaptain?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Iridium Go and Predict Wind for weather and communications: [bit.ly/PredictWindIridium](http://bit.ly/PredictWindIridium?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### **Sailing Report**
We use [Garmin InReach](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/inreach-satellite-communication-and-tracking) to track our sail and send updates to family & [Patreons](https://www.patreon.com/the%5Fwynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com). We take a screen capture every day at 5:30pm, because that marks another 24hrs logged for our sail across the Pacific. It’s a fun way to follow along in real time and hear what’s happening on board. This video covered April 29 – May 2, 2018\. Here is the screen capture from May 2\. The little dots share real-time trip info and the little message pop-up is us writing to the people following along from Patreon.
Side Note!!! We did not reach a Max Speed of 20.4, that is a glitch. The fastest we’ve clocked is 16.1 and that was during a [40 knot squall](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/longest-passage-biggest-storm/).
### Want To Show Some Love?
Found something informational or inspirational? We’re here because of and for you (our viewers). We share thousands of hours of firsthand experience about living off the grid, sailing and traveling around the world. We do this to help you find the information, inspiration or tools you need to live your adventure.
But, it takes a village. There are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar) or toss a nugget into our [Tip Jar](https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=%5Fs-xclick&hosted%5Fbutton%5Fid=73RK3CBX3FLZN&ref=gonewiththewynns.com), shop our carefully chosen [gear store](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/store), or join the [virtual crew](https://www.patreon.com/the%5Fwynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com).
### Whales and Dreamy Days At Sea – Sailing Across The Pacific
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/dreamy-days-sailing-pacific/
Last updated: 2021-01-08T17:31:49.000Z
Waking up to migrating whales, lunch with the sound of water rushing beneath me and 360° uninterrupted sunset views. These are the sailing days I have been dreaming of! The days that linger in my memory and bubble to the surface when I’m drowning in tools and cursing at broken bits.
Sailing far away, with not even a spec of land in view, is a level of soul feeding that satisfies me in a way I don’t know how to describe. It’s reminiscent of the sensation I get when wandering through a moss-covered forest, but it’s sooo very unique. Perhaps it’s more intimate, which sounds more pleasing than isolated. But isolated, is probably more accurate.
It’s a conscious, intentional retreat into a vast world that very few humans occupy. Out here the world feels massive and powerful, which makes me feel curiously tiny. Like a speck of dust floating in the jungle of life.
It’s an extraordinary experience that I wish I could share with you in a more tangible way. But I hope this distilled documentation gives you a sense of our dreamy days at sea.
Ha, can you tell I’m getting antsy? Curiouser and curiouser, satisfied with one moment but hungry for the next. It’s so odd to see myself from this perspective. It’s a form of unexpected retrospection that occasionally catches me off guard. My insatiable appetite for excitement is going to get me into trouble one of these days. But, you know what they say; Curiosity killed the cat. Satisfaction brought it back. 😉
Our cats are NOT vegetarians, they are carnivores through and through. But, a sprig of green is a welcome treat for any sailor, feline or otherwise.
Just a man, with a blanket and hot tea, at sea.
### Want To Show Some Love?
Found something informational or inspirational? We’re here because of and for you (our viewers). We share thousands of hours of firsthand experience about living off the grid, sailing and traveling around the world. We do this to help you find the information, inspiration or tools you need to live your adventure.
But, it takes a village. There are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar) or toss a nugget into our [Tip Jar](https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=%5Fs-xclick&hosted%5Fbutton%5Fid=73RK3CBX3FLZN&ref=gonewiththewynns.com), shop our carefully chosen [gear store](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/store), or join the [virtual crew](https://www.patreon.com/the%5Fwynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com).
### Gear Used
- **Entertainment at Sea –** Kindle: [http://amzn.to/2mpGQ9K](http://amzn.to/2mpGQ9K?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) Audiobooks and podcasts are The Best on passage. Right now I am listening to Bossypants by Tina Fey and highly recommend it: [ https://amzn.to/2KKUtsC ](https://amzn.to/2KKUtsC?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- **Camera Gear –** All Our Camera/Computer Gear is Listed Here: [gonewiththewynns.com/camera-gear-review-2017](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/camera-gear-review-2017/)
- **Sailing Specific Gear**
- Quatix 5 Watches: [gonewiththewynns.com/product/quatix-5-marine-watch ](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/quatix-5-marine-watch)
- Chartplotter: [Garmin 7612xsv Multi-touch](http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-8389711-12945564?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Garmin InReach: [gonewiththewynns.com/product/inreach-satellite-communication-and-tracking ](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/inreach-satellite-communication-and-tracking)
- iPad Mount at Helm: [http://amzn.to/2fT84PG](http://amzn.to/2fT84PG?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) Using iPad Pro: [http://amzn.to/2d9Oopf ](http://amzn.to/2d9Oopf%20%20%20?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- With These Sailing/Navigation/Weather Apps:
- iNavx: [http://bit.ly/2vGgC51](http://bit.ly/2vGgC51?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Active Captain: [http://bit.ly/active\_captain](http://bit.ly/active%5Fcaptain?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Iridium Go and Predict Wind for weather and communications: [bit.ly/PredictWindIridium](http://bit.ly/PredictWindIridium?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### **Sailing Report**
To see our full travel map with interactive pins, click here: [gonewiththewynns.com/map](http://www.gonewiththewynns.com/map)
We use our [Garmin InReach](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/inreach-satellite-communication-and-tracking) to track our sail and send updates to family & [Patreons](https://www.patreon.com/the%5Fwynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com). We take a screen capture every day at 5:30pm, because that marks another 24hrs logged for our sail across the Pacific. It’s a fun way to follow along in real time and hear what’s happening on board. This video covered April 27 – 28, 2018\. Here is the screen capture from April 28th. The little dots share real-time trip info and the little message pop-up is us writing to the people following along from home.
### Confessions At Sea: The Calm After The Crazy (Sailing Across The Pacific)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/confessions-at-sea-sailing-pacific/
Last updated: 2021-01-08T17:31:50.000Z
The sense of tranquility is palatable, as if the sea gods crafted the perfect opening passage to welcome us. I gaze out at the horizon and half expect to see messages written in the clouds. “We’ve been waiting for you, dolphin parade ahead”.
It feels like the calm after the crazy, with the crazy being the past couple of months. The various **[boat projects](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/mods-maintenance/)**, broken bits, **[bureaucracy](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/bureaucracy/),** **[mishaps](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/alone-sailboat-crash-ecuador/)** and**[ hold-ups](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/travel-money-international-banking/)** were starting to take their toll on our mental state. Our normal stash of optimism and positivity was steadily being depleted. Little did we know; a fresh supply was waiting for us less than hundred nautical miles West/Southwest.
Drunk on over-saturated sunsets, confessions start flowing. The realities of boat life, stress and relationships come spewing out like an unkinked water hose.
I suggest a drink in hand, squishy chair under your bum and feet propped up before hitting the play button on this one.
I have no idea what it was like for you to see that, but for me it was syrupy sweet. One of the unexpected surprises of sailing is night watches and video diaries. We get to see a side of each other we wouldn’t otherwise. Kind of feels like I am listening in on a private conversation between friends.
I don’t know the rules on quoting yourself, but I made this statement when we said [goodbye to Kate](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/goodbye-sailing-with-friends/) and it still applies here.
I’ve never had a “this feels like a choke hold” moment with Jason. But that doesn’t mean stress doesn’t work its way into our relationship. IT DOES! The problem with filming ourselves is we don’t have a camera man around to film when we’re in the thick of something. So, it’s not likely we’ll ever capture one of our disagreements. In those moments, we’re focused on what’s most important, which is the situation itself and oursleves.
We’ve been so focused on the ever growing mountain of tasks, we didn’t leave time for, well…anything else. The weight of our Ecuador Visa’s expiring wasn’t helping the situation either (we could have applied for an extension but that would just mean more bureaucracy, money and time). We got caught up in our own daily grind. No cubical or rat race needed to live in a bubble, we create those ourselves.
Finally setting out on the adventure we had been laser focused on was a release. Couple that with favorable seas, clear skies and infinite breathing room…and we’re in a state euphoria. The open ocean can be a paradise and days like these make us feel we could just keep sailing forever.
### Like What You See? Want To Show Your Support?
Found something informational or inspirational? We’re here because of and for you (our viewers). We share thousands of hours of firsthand experience about living off the grid, sailing and traveling around the world. We do this to help you find the information, inspiration or tools you need to live your adventure. Because life is an adventure, not a spectator sport.
But, it takes a village. There are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar) or consider tossing a nugget into our [Tip Jar](https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=%5Fs-xclick&hosted%5Fbutton%5Fid=73RK3CBX3FLZN&ref=gonewiththewynns.com), shopping through our carefully chosen [gear store](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/store), or joining the virtual crew ([Patreon](https://www.patreon.com/the%5Fwynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)).
### **Captain’s Hour (AKA Sundowners)**
A while back we read a book about **[heavy weather sailing](https://amzn.to/2GJ9sVP?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)** where the author provides a good case as to why one should have a Captain’s hour during passage.
The author writes “*I encourage a glass of wine, rum, or beer at Captain’s Hour, to help people relax and sleep. A few days without sleep can be debilitating and can not only ruin your enjoyment of the passage but also impair your ability to make sound decisions when conditions deteriorate*.”
We decided it was a great idea and started the tradition aboard *Curiosity* on our sail from[ Panama to Ecuador.](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/ocean-crossings/) Captain’s Hour brings everyone on board together, to relax and discuss the days events.
### **Coconut Oat Bread**
Bread Maker: [gonewiththewynns.com/product/expressbake-breadmaker](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/expressbake-breadmaker)
Settings: 1.5 lb loaf size /Basic setting #1 / light crust
Add wet ingredients first, dry ingredients next and yeast last.
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 eggs
- ¾ cup milk
- 2 cups of white flour
- 1/2 cup coconut flour (Don’t have coconut flour? Pulse unsweetened shredded coconut in a blender)
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons yeast
### Gear Used
- **Working Out –** Everything we have for staying fit while sailing:
- **Entertainment at Sea –** Kindle: [http://amzn.to/2mpGQ9K](http://amzn.to/2mpGQ9K?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) Audiobooks and podcasts are The Best on passage. Right now I am listening to Bossypants by Tina Fey and highly recommend it: [ https://amzn.to/2KKUtsC ](https://amzn.to/2KKUtsC?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- **Camera Gear –** All Our Camera/Computer Gear is Listed Here: [gonewiththewynns.com/camera-gear-review-2017](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/camera-gear-review-2017/)
- **Sailing Specific Gear**
- Quatix 5 Watches: [gonewiththewynns.com/product/quatix-5-marine-watch ](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/quatix-5-marine-watch)
- Chartplotter: [Garmin 7612xsv Multi-touch](http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-8389711-12945564?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Garmin InReach: [gonewiththewynns.com/product/inreach-satellite-communication-and-tracking ](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/inreach-satellite-communication-and-tracking)
- iPad Mount at Helm: [http://amzn.to/2fT84PG](http://amzn.to/2fT84PG?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) Using iPad Pro: [http://amzn.to/2d9Oopf ](http://amzn.to/2d9Oopf%20%20%20?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- With These Sailing Apps:
- iNavx: [http://bit.ly/2vGgC51](http://bit.ly/2vGgC51?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Active Captain: [http://bit.ly/active\_captain](http://bit.ly/active%5Fcaptain?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Iridium Go and Predict Wind for weather and communications: [bit.ly/PredictWindIridium](http://bit.ly/PredictWindIridium?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### **Sailing Report**
To see our full travel map with interactive pins, click here: [gonewiththewynns.com/map](http://www.gonewiththewynns.com/map)
We use our [Garmin InReach](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/inreach-satellite-communication-and-tracking) to track our sail and send updates to family & [Patreons](https://www.patreon.com/the%5Fwynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com). We take a screen capture every day at 5:30pm, because that marks another 24hrs logged for our sail across the Pacific. It’s a fun way to follow along in real time and hear what’s happening on board. This video covered April 24 – 26, 2018\. Here is the screen capture from April 26th. The little dots share real-time trip info and the little message pop-up is us writing to the people following along from sea.
### Prepping For The Pacific Passage – Biggest Sailing Adventure Of Our Lives!
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/prepping-pacific-passage-sailing-adventure/
Last updated: 2021-01-08T17:31:50.000Z
It’s nuts I tell you, nuts! We’re on the home stretch, the final days before we take off on the biggest sailing adventure of our lives. We’re going to sail across the Pacific Ocean!
Caffeine consumption is at an all-time high. We’ve been planning and preparing for a while and yet, our to-do list just keeps growing longer. Preparing the boat and ourselves for a 3,500 nautical mile ocean crossing is no joke and honestly a daunting task for a couple of newbies.
I remember the sleepless night before our first big hurrah, which was **[sailing across the gulf stream](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/bahamas-sailing-crossing-gulf-stream/)**. I was too excited to sleep, like it was the first day of school and if I closed my eyes I would somehow miss it. It felt like such a big deal at the time, but now it seems like a walk in the park compared to the adventure ahead.
We’ve probably gone over the pacific voyage a hundred times in our head and talked through a bazillion “what if” scenarios.
Our[ longest passages](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/ocean-crossings/) so far have been around 800 nautical miles; approximately six days at sea. Our crossing to French Polynesia will be anywhere from 20-30 days. Ya know, only four times longer…gulp.
We’re not afraid or scared, that isn’t the emotion at all. It’s the nervous excitement that comes before any big adventure. And this is the biggest, longest, most remote, self-reliant adventure we’ve ever taken on. It feels like a big leap, a qualifying round that if successful, leads to a whole new world of possibilities.
It’s going to be just the two of us and the sea.
### It’s okay, we’re underway!
The past month has been a tough one for us. Our stress levels have been all over the map with all the [boat projects](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/windows-falling-out-jason-leaving/), [banking issues](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/travel-money-international-banking/) and [emotional farewells](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/goodbye-sailing-with-friends/). To be completely honest, we were on the verge of burnout trying to make it all happen and keep up with our regular workload. Because there is nothing like a little stress to make the smallest hurdles feel like Mt. Everest. So, this departure was extra sweet.
I don’t know how to put into words the sense of relief, freedom and concentrated satisfaction that comes from watching the land slowly disappear. As we turned west and set sail towards the setting sun, it felt like the end of one novel and the beginning of another.
There is a lot that goes into preparing for a long ocean voyage. Float plans, routing, weather, emergency go-bag, provisions, safety gear, medical kits, boat maintenance, **[visas](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailing-french-polynesia-visa/)**… It’s far more than I can squeeze into this post. But, if you are interested in knowing how we went about something specific, drop us a note in the comment box below.
One of my general favorite resources so far has been Captain Fatty. His book, Cruising Boat Basics gives a realistic overview of the lifestyle and things to consider. It’s just good, practical, useful information for any sailor looking to sail about the world. Thanks Fatty! See the book here: [https://amzn.to/2vhGyW4](https://amzn.to/2vhGyW4?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### Watermaker Woes
We like **[our water maker,](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/watermaker)** but it is over ten years old. Running into problems is never fun, but it’s understandable. Our high pressure pump failed and needed a rebuild. It’s not a difficult job…but another one of those tasks that is more challenging the first time round. Hopefully we won’t need to do that again for another ten years but if we do…should be a snap.
### Alternator Belt & Battery Charger
We knew it was time to replace the alternator belt (what a pain that day and a half was) but we hadn’t anticipated the low battery. Sooo happy we purchased a battery charger (it works for AGM, Lead Acid and [our lithium batteries](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/lithium-batteries)) and we definitely recommend having one on board. Here is our battery charger: [https://amzn.to/2OJRbJ4](https://amzn.to/2OJRbJ4?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
The sailor way: If it doesn’t work, make it work. Creativity is king.
### **Curious About Our Camera Gear?**
- We used our A7, sony pocket cam, drone and action cam for this video. All Our Camera Gear Listed Here: [gonewiththewynns.com/camera-gear-review-2017](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/camera-gear-review-2017/)
- Most all our fave gadgets and gear can be found in Our Gear store: [gonewiththewynns.com/store](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/store)
### Like What You See? Want To Show Your Support?
A virtual escape (living vicariously) can be just what you need some days. But ultimately, we want you to create a life you don’t feel the need to escape from. We share in hopes of helping you find the information, inspiration or tools you need to live your adventure.
But, it takes a village. There are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar) or consider tossing a nugget into our [Tip Jar](https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=%5Fs-xclick&hosted%5Fbutton%5Fid=73RK3CBX3FLZN&ref=gonewiththewynns.com), shopping through our carefully chosen [gear store](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/store), or joining the virtual crew ([Patreon](https://www.patreon.com/the%5Fwynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)).
### Tips On Travel & International Banking – The Money Hostage Situation Explained
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/travel-money-international-banking/
Last updated: 2021-01-08T17:31:50.000Z
Traveling around the world and getting access to *your* money can be a logistical nightmare if you’re not prepared. Thankfully, your trusted guinea pigs (that’s us!) have done the grunt work, made the screw ups and are here with the full report.
Some banks have limited online services. ATMs can have high fees or ridiculously low withdraw amounts. Travelers checks, Western Union and Wire Transfers can come with massive fees. And possibly the worst, your bank could decide to freeze you out and hold your accounts hostage in the middle of tax season while your half-way around the world. Yep, that can and did really happen.
Before I go diving into my cautionary tale of Big Bank woes, lets look at some of the basics when it comes to world travel and managing money. We’ve been full time travelers for eight years. And before we left the sticks and bricks life we traveled all over the world for work. So international banking as well as money management during travel isn’t new to us. We follow the unwritten golden rules of nomad banking and feel we have a good system in place that works well.
### **General Guidelines we follow (and suggest) for managing money while traveling and sailing around the world.**
- **Bank Account with No International Fees –** Withdrawing money from ATM machines is how we get local currency and additional cash on the go. We have found ATMs almost everywhere ([except here](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/andes-culture-shock/)). It’s easy to withdraw money as we need it and we don’t have to carry around pockets full of cash (which is never a good idea). Many banks charge high fees for withdrawals abroad. This is why it’s important to have no or very low international fees. When looking for a bank make sure to check their policy on foreign exchange rates, do they use: real-time rates, the end-of-day rate or do they add an additional % on top of the standard exchange rate?
- For Banking we use: Chase & Charles Schwab. **Charles Schwab** is by far the superior bank. They don’t charge ATM fees and the refund any additional fees you might get from the ATM when you withdraw your cash. If you use your banking/debit card to make a purchase at a store you’re given one of the best exchange rates we’ve found. This also keeps us from running around trying to find bank specific ATM machines. Unfortunately Schwab does not offer a business ATM card, so we do the majority of our business banking with Chase.
- **Online/Internet Banking Access –** We manage our money online, having good online access, apps and general user friendliness is a big factor for us. Also simple account syncing with programs like Quickbooks helps when the tax man comes knockin’ each year.
- **Ability to Link Accounts –** Keeping money in separate accounts helps ensure we always have some funds accessible. But, we also need to be able to easily transfer funds around. We like when our accounts play nice with each other and easily link up. For example I can freely move money between my Schwab and Chase accounts without any fees.
- **Bill Pay Options** – Believe it our not some of the companies we use still request paper checks…like our Life Insurance policies. I can setup with Chase to print and mail checks to these companies and there’s no fee for the service. This service also comes in handy when paying bills where companies try to charge an additional 3% credit card processing fee (I’m looking at you service & haul out yards).
- **Multiple Debit and Credit Cards –** You may be picking up on the “not having all our eggs in one basket” theme going on here. We try to keep two debit cards and two credit cards. Bank cards can get stolen (luckily we’ve not had that happen yet), eaten by ATM machines or blocked. Ever made two transactions in a row at one place? That sometimes will cause our card to get flagged, requiring a quick phone call to verify the purchase isn’t fraud. Kind of a difficult task when you’re halfway around the world, on a completely different timezone with limited conectivity.
- **Alternative Payment Methods –** We always keep a little money in our [Paypal account](https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=%5Fs-xclick&hosted%5Fbutton%5Fid=73RK3CBX3FLZN&ref=gonewiththewynns.com) because it’s a great alternative payment. Works for lots of things like rental cars, flights and tours. Or, it’s a great way to send [thank you money](https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=%5Fs-xclick&hosted%5Fbutton%5Fid=73RK3CBX3FLZN&ref=gonewiththewynns.com) to your favorite video creating, helpful blog writing, travel peeps (cough, cough, like us). Another option that is becoming increasingly popular is Bitcoin. It’s virtual currency that’s big in certain countries (Germany being one of them) but we don’t have any experience to share yet. We did start a [Bitcoin wallet](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar) though and we’ll keep you updated on our thoughts on that front.
- **Point Programs** – We’ve racked up thousands of dollars in free money with the Ultimate Rewards program from Chase. Of course points are only beneficial if you pay your credit cards off each month, which we do and you should too. Credit card debt is like quick sand…not a place you want to linger.
- **Cash is King –** We always carry some local cash on us and have a small stash hidden on the boat (local and US currency). Nobody ever says no to cold hard cash. But, we never keep over 10K (more like a 10th of that) because carrying any more can cause issues with customs and immigration.
- **Alert The Bank –** We always call in and let our banks know where we are traveling and for how long. If you have bank accounts and credit card accounts from the same bank, you might need to call different phone numbers to alert each department (different branches of the same bank don’t often communicate small things like a travel notification). Most of the time this helps avoid any issues…but not always as you’ll soon learn.
Sadly, following all the above didn’t save us from the stress filled weeks that took place in Ecuador. It was a string of events that while frustrating, we did learn from. You may want to grab a glass of rum for this tale.
We had an overwhelming list of boat projects to tackle, and of course, when it rains it pours. In the midst of our sailboat work I had to drop everything and fly home to Texas, all in the name of “security”. Chase had frozen our bank accounts. Here’s the documentary of that time.
I didn’t find out all the details until I appeared in front of a banker at a local Chase branch. It appears all my financial woes were caused by a perfect storm of red flags:
It began with me linking QuickBooks to one of my Chase accounts, so my bookkeeper could access expenses for tax season in April. Then I linked all my Chase accounts to my Charles Schwab bank to better manage my financials in one central location. After all that, I logged in and downloaded 7 months’ worth of financial statements, so we could print them out for our [**French Polynesia Long Stay Visa application**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailing-french-polynesia-visa/).
The next day I attempted to login and my access was blocked. I called the fraud department and had the block removed. No problem. I told the agent something along the lines of “it’s tax season so I’ll be logging in several times throughout the week from Ecuador and my bookkeeper will be logging in from TX.” I told them Schwab Bank might access my accounts as well as my CPA. Basically there’d be a lot of activity for the next month.
The next day my online access was blocked again. I called the fraud department. “Suspicious login from South America” was all the info I was given. I was told “The only way to unlock the accounts would be to speak with my personal business banker” (which my banker had opened my accounts 15+ years ago and had left Chase years ago) “or show up at any Chase branch with 2 forms of ID” (there are no Chase banks in Ecuador).
To verify my identity, I offered to go to a local Ecuador bank, a government office, a lawyer and none of it would appease Chase. They wanted me to fly home and prove definitively that I am Jason Wynn. Only then would they close all my accounts and open new ones for me. Until all new banking accounts were opened I would not get online access to any of my accounts.
I can’t tell you how stressful it is not having access to our banking information, and don’t you know, this all happened in the middle of our Tax Season!!! (insert blood shot eyes and sweat beads on forehead here)
I wasn’t totally screwed, just mostly. One of my Chase Credit Cards still worked, and I was able to call a phone number to pay bills. Some functionality, but with a whole lot of added time, hassle and expensive international phone calls. I could have hired a lawyer to help get my money, or authorize a family member to act on my behalf, but that seemed like an expense and headache that might be worse than dealing with Chase.
That was it! My only true option was to fly home…but did I mention I’ve been without my passport for nearly two months? Yes, we had to give those up when applying for our [**French Polynesia Visas**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailing-french-polynesia-visa/). So, the morning after our [**Longest Bus Trip Ever**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/bioluminesence-bus-trip-ecuador/), where I was reunited with my passport, I jumped online and immediately booked a flight to Dallas. I was to leave in three days. Here’s the documentary of that trip:
Here’s the important information I was **NOT** given over the phone: Apparently the second time Chase froze my account I answered a security question incorrectly (or they may have typed it in wrong, who knows). When they hung up with me they called the number on file for Nikki (the joint account holder). Before [we sailed to the Bahamas](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/bahamas-sailing-crossing-gulf-stream/), Nikki gave up her phone line and with that her phone number (hello saving money & saying no to being a slave to social media). To the surprise of the Chase fraud agent when he rang Nikki, he was connected with a Spanish speaking male who had no idea who Jason Wynn is. And that is what triggered the total online freeze.
After all that, why stick with Chase? This was something I debated back and forth. Chase caused me major stress during tax season, cost me a small fortune in international phone calls and forced me to purchase a $1000 last minute flight and leave [**Nikki all alone aboard *Curiosity***](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/alone-sailboat-crash-ecuador/)…at anchor, in Ecuador.
Basically, it boils down to time. Our finances are complicated due to our travels, but it’s amplified by also running a small business. I quickly looked at HSBC, Credit Unions and other international banking options. I was overwhelmed and only had a few days to deal with all these issues.
Chase has one of the best [**No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Cards**](http://bit.ly/noFTF-chase-cc?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) on the market. I can deposit checks with my phone, pay bills for free and manage everything from an app. It links up seamlessly with my QuickBooks, Schwab, Life Insurance, etc. Once I was told the additional reasons for freezing my online access I was able to (somewhat) forgive Chase for forcing me home.
### **Future Proofing My Bank Accounts**
I can never be guaranteed that Chase (or any bank) won’t do this to me again. I can understand how a series of red flags would make any bank want to freeze all activity. What I can’t understand is why they didn’t choose any number of ways to verify my identity without me having to book a flight. Here’s what I did to (hopefully) keep from ever being in an emergency, frozen banking accounts situation again:
- I met with a business banker that can verify my identity and knows me personally. I am in contact with him quarterly via email to make sure all is running well with my accounts. We have established a set of personal questions that he can ask to un-freeze my accounts should there ever be a hold placed on my online access again.
- I added my mom on the accounts. She has the authority to verify identity and move money within my accounts. She is not able to withdraw from the accounts (sorry mom). This is another reason I stuck with Chase, there’s a branch right by her office and another near her home.
- I added a business brokerage account with Charles Schwab. I’ve always had personal accounts with Schwab and it’s impossible to beat their ZERO FEE ATM card. If I get locked out of Chase, I can go to Schwab’s website and move all my personal funds and my business funds with a few clicks of the mouse. This will allow me access to my cash and I can postpone flying home to deal with Chase indefinitely.
### Business and Pleasure Don’t Play Well
Chase isn’t like an evil villain, they didn’t say you HAVE to fly home or else. I had one other option…but at the risk of upsetting the *real* villain of finance: The IRS!
If I *really needed* my money, I could have logged into Schwab and withdrew everything from Chase. The BIG issue is I didn’t have a Schwab business account. So I’d effectively be moving all my business money into my personal account. With loans, dividends and other creative accounting I could have proven to the IRS that moving this money was necessary, but I’d rather not have to “prove” anything to them. I’d much rather give them the documents they need with straight forward information, so they can file it away and move onto the next person.
You see, our life is our business and our business is our life. It’s a delicate balance that we walk each day as bloggers and YouTubers. Many items we purchase are considered a ‘write off’ but many aren’t. We always keep separate accounts for business and personal and I would urge you to do the same. We do not want to upset the IRS. They are hard working, meticulous people who try tirelessly to find imperfections in tax reports. In the end, I’d much rather burden myself with a flight home than risk a red flag with them.
### **The Moral of the Story**
When I look back at the mess that was my life in those three stressful months I see three clear points worth mentioning.
1. Regularly (or at least yearly) double check all addresses and contact information on all major accounts. I’m talking emails, business address, home address, phone numbers and so on. Make sure if they call/email/write any of those contacts that it will be YOU, or someone on the account, that answers.
2. If you’re traveling with the joint account holder it might be a good idea to get someone else you trust on the account. A sibling, parent, CPA or perhaps a close friend. Before adding anyone to the account make sure you understand their access level and what restrictions you can place on their liberties with your money. If you are advised to do a power of attorney make sure to talk to a lawyer, this is a very powerful type of legal document.
3. Have a backup bank! I’ve always had two banks for my personal money management. After this debacle I now have a backup bank for my business accounts as well.
### **The Silver Lining?**
In the end I felt it was a necessary trip because I had a growing list of USA based tasks that were becoming more urgent.
- I really needed to renew my Texas driver’s license (which could only be done in person because I have a class B license).
- Nikki needed a new computer and trying to buy a high-powered editing machine in Ecuador or French Polynesia wasn’t proving to be a good (or affordable) option.
- We needed several important boat parts that we couldn’t find in Ecuador (like a pump rebuild kit for our watermaker).
- We wanted to close our T-Mobile phone account and upgrade to Google Fi for international roaming data & calls (which can only be setup in the USA).
Big bonus, I was able to see my mom, my dad and several close friends that I hadn’t seen in years. I picked up a special bottle of Wine and a couple craft brews to celebrate our planned arrival in French Polynesia. I bought some of our favorite toiletries and home goods that we couldn’t get in Ecuador. And even though it was last minute I was able to setup a [Patreon Only Meetup](https://www.patreon.com/the%5Fwynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com). We met at a local brewery and we finished off the evening with dinner at one of my favorite Tex-Mex joints.
Not bad for a week-long emergency visit. Turns out the banking issues were just a catalyst to force me home. The world works in mysterious ways…although next time I’d appreciate if it was a little less stressful.
### Want To Show Some Love?
Found something informational or inspirational? We’re here because of and for you (our viewers). We share thousands of hours of firsthand experience about living off the grid, sailing and traveling around the world. We do this to help you find the information, inspiration or tools you need to live your adventure. Because life is an adventure, not a spectator sport.
But, it takes a village. There are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar) or consider tossing a nugget into our [Tip Jar](https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=%5Fs-xclick&hosted%5Fbutton%5Fid=73RK3CBX3FLZN&ref=gonewiththewynns.com), shopping through our carefully chosen [gear store](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/store), or joining the virtual crew ([Patreon](https://www.patreon.com/the%5Fwynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)).
### All Alone & They Hit My Sailboat! This Is What Happens When We Separate
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/alone-sailboat-crash-ecuador/
Last updated: 2021-01-08T17:31:50.000Z
When Jason left me behind on the boat I envisioned daily trips to the ice cream stand, solo dance parties on the deck and watching all the fantasy and romance movies I wanted without the sound of his eye balls rolling next to me.
I was excited about my “me” time! I had already played the scenes out in my mind, complete with an all-female soundtrack. It was going to be me, Queen B, Gwen, Regina Spektor and the always fab Nellie McKay showing Ecuador how we roll.
Because let’s be honest. After ten years of marriage and eight years of it being 24/7 full time travel…a little absence makes the heart grow fonder. (Unless you are Jason, who is married to me. In that case, you weep endlessly until you are reunited with your love.)
I wanted to go into full girl-on-the-loose, soul feeding, solo traveler mode. But, then… reality. Our biggest crossing yet (South Pacific, what what!) is closing in fast and we’re nowhere near ready. We have a list of boat chores sooo long it would make Santa Clause want to bury his head in the sand.
Jason is enduring long flights, a money hostage situation and going on a scavenger hunt for parts we can’t get in Ecuador. Gah, I can’t pretend to be a girl on vacation. I need to be a tool slinging, boat project smashing, list scratching wonder woman.
I had lofty goals in mind when we said our goodbyes…and I was in for a bang alright, just not the kind I was dreaming of.
Well, I would be lying if I said I achieved the wonder woman status I was going for. I managed to accomplish enough to earn my keep and hopefully impress my jet lagged man…but not exactly score any super hero titles. One thing is certain however: I will blame any lack of productivity or extra beers consumed on those mafia run jet skis! (Don’t worry Ecuador, I still love you. Every country has it’s A$$ H@73$.)
### **Repairing Delaminated Windows On A Sailboat**
We’re not experts and this is NOT a how to. But, if you want to know how we tackled the project and what we learned along the way, you’ll find the full scoop here: [gonewiththewynns.com/windows-falling-out-jason-leaving](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/windows-falling-out-jason-leaving/)
### The Money Hostage Situation Explained
In the video Jason didn’t give the full story on our bank accounts being frozen. What really happened? What did he do about it, and why did we stay with the bank who screwed us?
All good questions. But, can you blame him for giving the cliff notes version? He was pissed, stressed and trying to make big decisions in a short time frame. He couldn’t wrap his head around how to hash it all out on camera yet. So, he sat down and wrote a story to explain everything, plus a whole lot of good info on how we manage money while traveling around the world. Full scoop here: [gonewiththewynns.com//travel-money-international-banking](https://gonewiththewynns.com//travel-money-international-banking?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### Patron Meetup?
While we may not always be able to organize meetups for the whole GWTW community, we do organize special meetups with our virtual crew (aka [Patrons](https://www.patreon.com/the%5Fwynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)). We have an entire adventure weekend coming up with them in Tahiti! That said, we also host big meetups where anyone who wants to attend, can. We announce those on[ Instagram](https://instagram.com/the%5Fwynns/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com), [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/GoneWithTheWynns) and [Twitter](http://twitter.com/the%5Fwynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com). So, if you ever want to meet up because we’re in or headed to your neck of the woods, leave us a comment anytime.
### **Curious About Our Camera Gear?**
- Jason used the phone to film his mission (because he needed to travel lite and save space for parts on the way home). I mostly used our little [sony pocket cam](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/productsony-dsc-rx100m-iii-cyber-shot-digital-still-camera) and [sony action cam](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/sony-as300) around the boat (with the occasional use of the[ A7](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/sony-a7ii) for those epic sunsets). And [the drone](https://amzn.to/2AfMnby?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) for those aerial views (oh, if I only had wings!). All Our Camera Gear Listed Here: [gonewiththewynns.com/camera-gear-review-2017](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/camera-gear-review-2017/)
- All our fave gadgets and gear can be found in Our Gear store: [gonewiththewynns.com/store](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/store)
### Why share our lives?
A virtual escape (living vicariously) can be just what you need some days. But ultimately, we want you to create a life you don’t feel the need to escape from. We share in hopes of helping you find the information, inspiration or tools you need to live your adventure.
But, it takes a village. There are lots of [FREE ways you can show your support](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar) or consider tossing a nugget into our [Tip Jar](https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=%5Fs-xclick&hosted%5Fbutton%5Fid=73RK3CBX3FLZN&ref=gonewiththewynns.com), shopping through our carefully chosen [gear store](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/store), or joining the virtual crew ([Patreon](https://www.patreon.com/the%5Fwynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)).
### Our Windows are Falling Out & Jason’s Leaving
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/windows-falling-out-jason-leaving/
Last updated: 2021-01-08T17:31:50.000Z
Exotic location and broken bits!?! We’re living the dream. Fixing things in exotic locations is the definition of sailing and it would seem we’re working hard to keep it true.
Our windows are falling out, our watermaker is broken and our bank accounts are frozen. Jason has hit his limit and he’s leaving the boat, and me, behind.
Ok, maybe I should clarify some of that before you go jumping to any conclusions.
Our windows are indeed falling out, but slowly. Technically speaking, they are delaminating but we can’t ignore the issue any longer…or they really will fall out.
Our watermaker is broken, but hopefully can be fixed. We need to rebuild the valves in our high-pressure pump and replace the low pressure pump…but these are specialty parts and of course we can’t get them here in Ecuador.
And, to top it all off, our bank accounts are frozen, and Jason is in fact leaving the boat. Better hit that play button before I drop any other spoilers.
But seriously, having a beautiful location does make boat projects more fun. It should be a requirement for any project really. Because if you are going to fix broken bits, why not do it in a beautiful, exotic location!
As for the frozen bank accounts, well, the beach view doesn’t do much for that PITA. We’re all for secure banking, but seriously? We had been thinking about switching to a more “international” bank. I guess Chase just bumped up our time-frame. But, more on that next week.
Comments, questions or just want to join in on the conversation? Leave us a note in the box below.
Thank you for joining us! It’s people like you that make sharing the journey possible. If you want to learn about ways you can help, check out our [Say Thanks](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar) page.
### **Almost, But Not Quite Everything You Need To Know About Repairing Delaminated Windows On A Sailboat**
We’re not experts and this is NOT a how to. But, here’s how we tackled the project and the things we learned along the way. If you have frameless sailboat windows to tackle, hopefully this helps give you an idea of the project ahead. If you’re in a Leopard like us, we’ve been told this massive project needs to be done every 5-8 years. My personal thoughts: Screw the frameless windows, I’ll take a window frame any day if it means we won’t have to do this again!!!
A huge shout out to our mentor and friend **[Kent](https://justcatamarans.net/kent-grimbeek/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)**. He’s always just an email away and I can’t imagine taking on projects like this without his Afrikaans accented words of wisdom.
**Supplies/Instructions:** (Important to remember this is all based on our 43 Leopard Catamaran)
1. **Prep Work Area** – Put a drop cloth or painter’s plastic all around work area. Use lots of [removable tape](https://amzn.to/2uFjmkg?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) on the top edge, you don’t want black caulk getting under the drop cloth/plastic.
2. **Remove Window** – A sharp [utility knife](https://amzn.to/2mwDkt0?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) works well to cut away a section of caulk from the window. Followed by lots of chisel and rubber hammer use. I have this 3 piece chisel set and it works great: [https://amzn.to/2NzN2pX](https://amzn.to/2NzN2pX?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
3. **Clean the Window Install Area On Boat** – Chisel, sand and repeat. You must remove all caulk residue. We used [Sika remover](https://amzn.to/2NArrxx?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) towards the end, followed by Isopropyl Alcohol.
4. **Sand Windows** – You’ll want to sand down the area around the window where the caulk will adhere. I used [180 grit sandpaper](https://amzn.to/2LdYXNq?ref=gonewiththewynns.com). Apply [removable painters tape](https://amzn.to/2uFjmkg?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) where you do not want to scratch. Clean the sanded area with Alcohol.
5. **Prep Washers and Shims** – While your window area and windows are clean, dry place the window to measure shims and mark on the fiberglass with pencil where your screws/washer will go. You’ll need these to help hold the window in place while the caulking dries. We used self-tapping 1” screws with large washers we covered with painter’s tape to prevent scratching the boat/window.
6. **Paint The Frame** – With the window area still taped off, use caulk ([https://amzn.to/2A1e1sE](https://amzn.to/2A1e1sE?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)) to paint a black frame on the bonding side of window. Make sure your tape is layered nicely and has neat clean edges. You will see your finished edges so it’s important to get the tape just right. (Tip: If you stack the tape you can remove it all in one pull.) Remove Tape Immediately before caulk cures. Let dry/cure.
7. **Prep Install Area**
1. Foam Tape – Install ½” x ¾” wide foam tape (typical window foam like this: [https://amzn.to/2LfMJDZ](https://amzn.to/2LfMJDZ?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)) around inside perimeter of window. Black is most common but we could only find grey in Ecuador. This gives a nice finished edge to the window and keeps the caulking in place.
2. Wipe clean all bonding areas with alcohol one last time. It’s very important to have clean surfaces. No dirt, oil or debris. Clean, very dry surfaces.
3. Create a shaded work area if possible. Best not to caulk in direct sunlight.
8. **Caulk Time** – Dow 795 black & I think we use 18 tubes? I would buy 20 to be on the safe side. [https://amzn.to/2A1e1sE](https://amzn.to/2A1e1sE?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) . Apply very thick beads of caulking in the middle bonding areas, at least 9/16” thick. For the thinner top and bottom areas you will want less.
9. **Time to put in that window** – Place the window to caulking (have the shims ready to rest window on).
1. Screw the screws into your marked holes (you did this earlier, dry placing the window). Use the washers to bridge gap between window and fiberglass. Windows should be flush with fiberglass. Do NOT over tighten the screws!!!
2. Allow to cure 3-4 days
1. **This is as far as we made it in this video. You will see the next steps, in next weeks video. Stay tuned!!!**
3. **Prep For Final Bead** – Again, work in shaded area if possible. Remove screws and shims. Tape off the edges of the windows and the boat. This will protect the area and you’ll have far less cleaning up to do after. Get a bowl of soapy water (dish soap & water), a teaspoon, paper towels and trash bag.
4. **Final Bead** – Open a few tubes of caulk. Apply a heavy bead sufficient enough to fill gap. Dip the spoon in the soapy water, pull bead along, wiping spoon clean with paper towel and discard. **This is by far the most challenging step.** I should have done this part much earlier or later in the day. It was hot out and the caulk was curing too fast. Also, keep your spoon wet. Dip it in the soapy water every time you go to swipe. Otherwise it grabs the caulk and makes a mess. I bought small spoons and that was a mistake. Use larger spoons, like ones you’d use for cereal.
5. **Remove tape as soon as you are done.** Wait for it to cure before attempting any further clean up. Anything you try to do at this point will only cause issues. Walk away I say, walk away! My OCD was in overdrive. I wanted it perfect (not possible, the boat isn’t perfect) and I kept trying to fix every little thing…to which I only exacerbated. Kent warned me, I didn’t listen and I should have.
### **Curious About Our Camera Gear?**
- All Our Camera Gear Here: [gonewiththewynns.com/camera-gear-review-2017](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/camera-gear-review-2017/)
- All our fave gadgets and gear can be found in Our Gear store: [gonewiththewynns.com/store](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/store)
### Q&A: Capturing Bioluminescence, Cats, Visas and More
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/q-a-cameras-cats-visas/
Last updated: 2021-01-08T17:31:50.000Z
We’ve done Q&A’s in the past but this one is a little different. Our videos spur on a lot of questions…especially this last one. [(Most Intense Bioluminescence Ever & A 42 Hour Bus Trip)](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/bioluminesence-bus-trip-ecuador/)
- How did we capture those Bioluminescene? Were they really that blue? Was the water nuclear or radioactive?
- Why take such a long bus trip? Why not take a flight or rent a car?
- What about the cats? How long were they alone, were they ok?
- What about the French Polynesia Visas? We’re they approved or not?
They are all good questions, so we brewed up a fresh pot o’ joe and answered them. Ready for some coffee talk?
Do you like this type of casual Q&A? Maybe we can make it a normal thing?!? Could give us the chance to answer a lot of common questions that come up. We pulled the questions directly from the comments section on Patreon, our website, Instagram and YouTube. No matter where you prefer to chime in, we see you. ?
### Links and Other Things In The Video
- **Bioluminescence capturing Pocket cam**: [gonewiththewynns.com/product/productsony-dsc-rx100m-iii-cyber-shot-digital-still-camera](https://gonewiththewynns.com/product/productsony-dsc-rx100m-iii-cyber-shot-digital-still-camera?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- **French Polynesia Visa Application Process Part 1:** [gonewiththewynns.com/sailing-french-polynesia-visa](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailing-french-polynesia-visa/)
**Ecuador Bus Travel Tips:** [gonewiththewynns.com/bioluminesence-bus-trip-ecuador](https://gonewiththewynns.com/bioluminesence-bus-trip-ecuador?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**Adorable Stacking Fox Mugs**. Sorry ladies and gents, we purchased those over five years ago. We can’t find them online anywhere. I did find some neat sea creature ones though: [https://amzn.to/2JAjLZG](https://amzn.to/2JAjLZG?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**Our Pour Over Coffee Set**: [https://amzn.to/2uzbQax](https://amzn.to/2uzbQax?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**Enjoy our vids?** Want to give us a virtual high-five? Treat us to an espresso? Or pitch in on data for an upload? Click over to our [**Tip Jar**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar) and see how (most of the ways won’t cost you a dime).
### Most Intense Bioluminescence Ever & A 42 Hour Bus Trip
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/bioluminesence-bus-trip-ecuador/
Last updated: 2021-01-08T17:31:50.000Z
It’s just the two of us once again and things are quiet on the boat. The seas are glassy so we jump in the dinghy for a night stroll…and we get the most intense bioluminescence show of our lives! Nature was showing off and we were lucky enough to catch it on camera!
And then…we’ve been without our passports for five weeks now. So, when we got the email our [French Polynesia Visas](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailing-french-polynesia-visa/) (and passports) were back, we jumped on the next bus to Quito.
Well, almost. It was a bus to a bus and then another bus. It’s a 42-hour adventure we’ve whittled down to 12 minutes. Click the play button!
What a trip! A long and surprisingly quick 42 hours of our lives. While the bus system worked great and was affordable, I’d rather be [sailing](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailing). But Quito on the other hand, is a fantastic city worth exploring anytime.
### Bioluminescent – Do I turn you on?
Bioluminescence might be my all-time favorite natural phenomenon! Living organisms creating light. It looks like a scene right out of a science fiction movie, but it’s real…oh so real!
There are some bioluminescent creatures on land like fireflies, but there must be billions in the sea. Bacteria, jellyfish, starfish, clams, worms, squid and the list goes on. There’s so much to see in the deep dark sea.
Research isn’t solid on why these creatures create bursts of light. Most believe it’s a form of defense or a way to attract mates. Were those sea creatures trying to mate with us? Was it the way Minion glides through the water? Do I turn you on baby, do I?
Pha, ok, it was most likely a form of defense.
### Getting Around Ecuador – Buses and Taxi’s
**Taxis –** They vary in every shape, size and form, including the quality of the car. That said, we typically had very friendly drivers and great experiences. Taxis are yellow, have a lit ‘taxi’ sign or sticker on the windshield. In the bigger cities, taxis have an orange or orange-striped license plate. Most important, always ask “Cuánto cuesta” (how much) beforehand, there are rarely working meters.
**Buses –** There are three main types of buses in Ecuador. The small-town, big city and commercial/long distance buses. As in most cities around the world, travel by bus isn’t the fastest. But, it’s often the cheapest and it will get you where you need to go. That is 100% true in Ecuador.
- **Small-town buses** are not on set schedules but are plentiful and only require a wave to flag them down. But, hop on quick, because they don’t stop for long. It’s good to know a little Spanish because it’s rare to find an English speaking bus driver.
- **Big city buses** are on a schedule but are best during low traffic times. During peak hours they are packed and run slow due to traffic.
- **Commercial buses** are nice (most with A/C, but its Ecuador, so there’s no guarantees). The biggest pain here is purchasing tickets. You can’t book online and you must show up to the bus station to buy tickets. The seats often sell out 24 hours in advance. So, your chances of showing up and buying a ticket same day can be slim to none. Best to plan and purchase at least 24 hours in advance. Our tickets to/from Salinas/Quito were $17 each way per person. Our bus was comfy, but on the return trip the A/C was having trouble which made sleeping difficult on the overnight trip.
### Quito Sips & Bites
We’ve spent a decent amount of time in Quito. Enough to know good food can be found through any hole in the wall. This trip was no exception.
- **En Dulce** – Calle Guayaquil N6-56 y Olmedo, 170111, Ecuador
I wanted to buy every cake and pastry they had available. Watching the bakers work while sipping our cappuccinos was just too much.
- **Galletti Coffee Roasters** – You can find their coffees at the grocery stores or head over to one of the local cafes for a fresh cup and treat! We stocked up on their Amazon roast before leaving!
- **ZAO** – Paul Rivet N30-145, Quito, Ecuador
Seriously good Thai food…and unexpectedly awesome sangria.
### **Curious About Our Camera Gear?**
- Most of this entire video was shot with our little pocket size Sony. All Our Camera Gear Here: [gonewiththewynns.com/camera-gear-review-2017](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/camera-gear-review-2017/)
- All our fave gadgets and gear can be found in Our Gear store: [gonewiththewynns.com/store](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/store)
### **Thank You!**
Sharing our lives and what we learn along the way is possible because of viewers like *you*. And a huge shout-out to our [Patreons](https://www.patreon.com/the%5Fwynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com), you rock! If you enjoyed this video, check out our [Say Thanks](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar) page. It lists out some of the ways you can help keep these videos flowing. Best part is, most won’t cost you a penny but they make a BIG difference to us. Thank You!
### What Life is Really Like with The Wynns – Unedited and Uncensored
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/life-with-the-wynns-uncensored/
Last updated: 2024-04-15T11:36:49.000Z
Want to know what life is *really* like living on a sailboat with Jason and Nikki Wynn? Well, if you don’t already know who [Kate Brand](https://www.instagram.com/a.brand.new.life/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) is, you will by the end of this post. She lived with us, endured [our cameras being shoved in her face](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tulcan-ecuador-road-trip/) and tolerated our bad jokes for three solid months. After a[ tear filled *until next time*](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/goodbye-sailing-with-friends/), we asked her if there was anything she wanted to share. The following photos and written words are her response.
---
I have received a lot of interesting questions from you, The Wynns followers, on what life is *really* like, sailing and living with Nikki and Jason: Are they the same on camera as in real life? Where does Nikki fit her extensive wardrobe aboard *Curiosity*? Are the cats really happy on the boat? etc.
Nikki and J have allowed me the opportunity to answer some of those questions here and give my honest opinion of full-time life behind the camera, unedited and uncensored.
In case you didn’t see the video where [Nikki introduced me](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailing-out-of-panama/), or you’re not sure why the Wynns asked me aboard, here’s a quick summary of my sailing life to better understand how I fit into things, and what my impressions of the Wynns are based on.
### I will start with the basics: my name is Kate
I’m 34yrs old and I am proudly South African (not “Texan” proud, just regular person proud). My introduction to sailing yachts was in the form of racing with my dad, as a kid, around the Cape of Good Hope, South Africa. This meant that I spent a lot of time rolling around below deck, peeking through the portlights, while the adults had all the fun up top.
I worked two years on cruise ships in my early twenties, doing weekly routes from Florida and California to Mexico. Where my yachting life starting getting serious is when my husband Rufus and I [bought a 38ft steel mono hull](http://abrandnewlife.co.za/sy-melody/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com). We spent almost two years gutting and refitting her in South Africa.
It was 2010, we were 25 years old and this was long before Delos and La Vagabonde had made it cool to be a young cruiser, especially of the South African variety. We had no money, there was no-one our age to look up to, ask advice from, and definitely no YouTube videos of to get motivation and inspiration from.
We [hand helmed across the Atlantic Ocean, from South Africa to Brazil in 2012](http://abrandnewlife.co.za/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com). After some time in the Caribbean, we transited the Panama Canal and double handed the Pacific Crossing to French Polynesia (this time with an autopilot and a spinnaker, thank goodness!).
In between our cruising we worked in the yachting industry. Beginning with charter companies and then running private yachts. We have been privileged enough to sail and run both mono and multi-hulls ranging from 38ft to 110ft. I stopped keeping record of distance sailed around 30,000 nautical miles (Rufus is well beyond that) and the 20th country we sailed to.
I will be honest with you, neither Rufus nor myself were really into the cruising YouTube craze that is such a huge phenomenon now. It has a lot to do with the often limited internet in the remote places we find ourselves in. Also, most of the videos we watched were either dog related (we seriously miss our Border Collies), music videos or South African comedy to keep the spirits up after a long day’s/weeks’ work on the boat.
When we first saw *Curiosity* down the dock from us in Red Frog Marina we had no clue who or what “Gone With The Wynns” was. One evening, almost a year ago now, Nikki and Jason knocked on our hull – we were running a private 58ft Leopard catamaran at the time. They asked if we could loan a coffee bean grinder, because theirs had just busted. Little did I know, these two coffee obsessed YouTubers would soon become my sailing family.
We kept running into the Wynns in Panamá, [meeting up at different anchorages](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailing-to-san-blas/) and [marinas](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/replacing-anchor-chain/) and quickly [developed a friendship along the way](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/new-year-2018/). When Rufus and I decided to move on from our work boat, Nikki and Jason offered me a crew spot for their passage from [Panama to Ecuador](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/lightning-scares-sailing-Ecuador/). Rufus had agreed to stay behind in Panama for an additional few months to train the new crew that would be taking over our jobs aboard the 58 foot catamaran. This allowed me my first opportunity to sail, and travel, without Rufus for the first time in 10 years!
Now, anyone who has ever had to live and work with other people on a boat will know that inviting a stranger into your space is not something you do lightly. I am more than accustomed to living and working with people from all nationalities and backgrounds. I spent my high school years in boarding school. I lived with co-workers and shared tiny cabins on the cruise ships. Then I lived in even smaller spaces with guests, owners and other crew on charter boats and private yachts.
The captain-crew dynamic can make or break a team. It can also put immense pressure on friendships and relationships. That said, my previous experience (and my gut instinct) told me that these Wynns were good people and worth taking a risk on.
### My gut turned out to be right.
I honestly, no exaggeration, could not have asked for a better experience with two more incredible human beings. What started as a convenient way to travel, and pass the time while I waited for Rufus, turned into an incredible experience that blessed me with the kind of friends that become chosen family.
When I joined Nikki and J on *Curiosity*, they told me straight out that I was welcome to live in their space as if it were my own. I could use and eat everything (except Nikki’s sweet potato chips or her private chocolate stash – that was non-negotiable!). Many people will say “what’s mine is yours and make yourself at home” but few *truly mean it and live it*.
These two *mean it*, in every sense. I have been conditioned to be hyper-aware of people’s personal space and to intensely read and react to body language. Working in the charter and private yachting industry you need to be able to accurately read people, and situations, well before they tell you what they want or need. Nikki and Jason always say, and do, what they mean. No messing around, no beating about the bush. What you see is what you get, but always in a kind and respectful manner. It’s a rare and valuable quality, in my experience.
I have received many questions from the Wynn-Followers asking if what you see on camera is how they really are in day to day life. My immediate response, is “yes!” but after some thought I have to say the truthful answer is actually no. The reason I say this is because you cannot capture on camera how funny and natural and spontaneous and hardworking and loving and generous these two are.
### You want to know why Jason is so pasty white for a dude who lives in a tropical paradise?
It’s because he works his backside off filming and editing videos 80% of the time, 18% is spent on boat maintenance and the admin of running a business and 2% is spent chilling out and having a grand time. No jokes.
If Nikki isn’t filming, editing photos, researching and writing blog posts or custom content for their Patreons, she’s creating amazingly delicious food from limited resources, or she’s cleaning the boat inside and out. All this is piled on top of her share of bad-ass boat maintenance and captain duties.
Trust me, it is very easy to get distracted when you are anchored in picturesque locations and the weather is amazing – who wants to sit inside staring at a computer screen or an engine room or up a mast from 5am till 10pm, working and maintaining a boat and all the other admin required for travelling and sailing about the world, for 5-7 days straight??? NO ONE. But they do, because that’s who they are and doing quality work is the most important to them. These are two of the most self-disciplined hard working human beings I have encountered, they could teach professional yachting crews a thing or two…
I quickly realized that humour is one of the primary requirements for *Curiosity* crew members. If you can’t laugh through the bad and sad times in general life, you will come up seriously short in boat life. No matter how big or small, new or old, fancy or basic a boat is there is *always* something that will go wrong, and usually at a time when you need it to work the most. Nikki and Jason know how to laugh at themselves and at the crappy situations that inevitably arise in cruising life.
### We laughed every single day. No exception.
Jason comes across as more serious than Nikki but he throws some real gems out when you least expect it, especially when you think he’s not listening. He is an epic car dancer and a walking music encyclopedia – he can sing almost any song you could think of but the only actress he knows outside of a Wes Anderson film is Julia Roberts. Which to him means every actress is Julia Roberts (especially Sandra Bullock). Nikki is incredibly sharp and loves the ridiculous as much as I do, so we often laughed till we cried and our cheeks hurt! I could write an another post just on the humour and jokes we shared over those months. It was epic.
Jason is the true embodiment of a Southern gentleman, not just pretending to be one when it suits him. He has a work ethic, self-discipline and focus second to none and he gets things done regardless of how tired he is or how hard his day has been.
Nikki is seemingly endlessly up-beat. It’s like she refuses to ever be down (unless she can’t have her chocolate on night watch). She is just constantly in a positive pro-active state. And I don’t mean in the annoying kind of way, because that would have sent me overboard. I mean in the strong minded, not allowing negative rubbish to dampen her spirits or overshadow the good things in life. She is game for anything and always goes the extra mile. She is so kind and generous with her time. She will go out of her way to make life the best it can be for the people around her. And did I mention that her food is AH-MA-ZING.
### On camera you see them mostly well put together.
They have respect for themselves and for their viewers and it’s important to create videos that are visually appealing, not just adventurous and engaging. Part of that is making an effort with how they present themselves and *Curiosity*. Fun fact: Nikki was a stylist in her previous life and most of what you think you see as new items in her seemly extensive closet is most likely vintage pieces, recycled cleverly and creatively from years before. I have personally snooped in her closet and trust me this woman is a fashion genius. Also, she doesn’t like to spend money on clothes so what you see is mostly recycled, next level creativity!
This doesn’t mean they are obsessed with their looks, this means they make an effort for you. When it’s just us onboard they make no pretenses and it’s a true cruising boat situation (minus the musty cruiser/boat smell). Because they essentially work from the minute they wake up. A lot of time is spent in whatever the fell asleep in and the only thing they brush is their teeth – after coffee of course!
They make an effort with their boat, always. They have brought so much knowledge and brilliant experience from their RV life onto *Curiosity*. They have established a great routine with keeping things neat and organised and clean. It’s so easy to get lazy, but on a boat it is essential to keep things structured. I believe a clean boat is a safe boat, for both the obvious practical reasons and for everyone’s sanity! So often I have encountered cruisers boats that have that “cruiser” smell, musty and moldy and usually related to a dodgy heads (toilet) plumbing situation. Not on *Curiosity.* Even with having the cat litter box inside, the sea water head in the owner’s hull and two [composting heads](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/all-composting-toilet) in the guest hull, their boat always smells good and is ready to entertain. They are proud of their floating home and it shows!
### An unexpected highlight was the kitty crew.
Singa and Cleo are so special. Their RV training means that they have no problem with “small” spaces and, on the contrary, the boat is even more of a pleasant play pen for them – there are a lot more fun places to climb and jump off and far more exciting corners and surfaces to sleep on than a regular land home or RV. Cleo does her morning lap around the deck but other than that is most comfortable relaxing in her regular spots inside. Singa sleeps away most of the day so he can harass Nikki and Jason all night long with his toy ball. The rest of the time he demands copious amounts of belly rubs and enjoys chasing birds along the boom and off the bow. Underway they are so chilled out. Nikki and J have so thoughtfully curated their environment to accommodate their feline needs and habits. There is little, if anything for them to complain about and they sleep most of the time away or happily endure full body fussing while we are on watch. If there is such a thing as re-incarnation I would come back as a cat aboard *Curiosity*.
### Egos and Attitudes.
At the time I crewed for them they were just shy of two years’ worth of experience and had not yet completed their first ocean crossing. It’s always a bit nerve wrecking for me, joining a new boat and doing the first sail with the captain and crew. All too often egos and the nasty sides of personalities can pop out when the sails go up.
I am a bit old school with regards to boating etiquette and the traditional maritime hierarchy aboard any vessel. No matter if I have more experience or qualifications, if the vessel is not mine and I am not a senior crew member/captain I will not interfere in the running of the vessel, unless there is a serious safety issue. Nikki and Jason do not have egos when it comes to sailing their boat. They are an experienced team in every other aspect of their life together and that translates well into the sailing and running of *Curiosity*.
In the same vein they are eager for input and feedback from other, more experienced mariners and are always looking to continue learning and improve wherever possible. This, I believe, is one of the secrets to their success and why it is a joy to go sailing with them. They are safety conscious and practical. They are conservative sailors in the best sense, never unrealistically pushing their boat but always trying to get the most out of her. They are passionate about getting those sails up and harnessing the elements to their full potential. So many cruisers, I have realized, become lazy and/or impatient. They would rather engage the engine(s) rather than have to tack every hour.
They are also great teachers, patient and generous with their knowledge. Like when they taught John the basics for the short time he was onboard. And they definitely proved they have what it takes by crossing the Pacific Ocean without crew to French Polynesia, a passage not many cruisers can claim!
Overall, the best part of my time onboard was just spending time with them. Witnessing how hard they have, and still do, work to create the kind of life they want to live. How they make time to enjoy the little things, like good coffee or making a special cocktail at the end of a long day no matter how tired they are. How they can laugh through almost anything. How they have incredible respect for one another as husband and wife, as friends, colleagues and business partners. How open and generous they are with everything they have. How they choose to be humble and open to learn whenever and wherever they can, no matter how much experience they gain.
### Not everything was sunshine and roses.
The worst part for me was making coffee. Guys, I’m not going to lie, coffee-making is not a joke onboard *Curiosity*… When Jason is standing over your shoulder timing you on the pouring and the mixing and the brewing and then the tension while waiting for their verdict on your finished cup. That’s almost more stressful than being the chef on a French-owned super yacht…and I should know, because I was a chef on a French-owned super yacht! Other than that it is honestly hard to think up a down side to life with the them.
In my opinion, Nikki and Jason are two of the best people walking the earth today. I honestly feel sorry for the rest of the world’s population that will never get to know them like I have. The green twang of jealousy you are experiencing right now is completely legitimate.
These two are real and honest and funny and generous and kind and loving. Dedicated and hard-working and genuinely good people – they are Texan in all the best ways possible and they are excellent ambassadors for their country as they sail the world’s oceans. I am so grateful for the experience with them and even more grateful for their precious friendship, which I know will be a life-long gift.
Life with The Wynns is… *The Best*
---
The first thing I asked Jason after reading this was, “did we pay her to write this, because it sounds like we did”? His answer was no. Second question was, “she mentioned how much we work, do you think we work too much”? His answer was probably.
It’s strange to read such things written about ourselves. Feels even more odd to share it, like we’re bragging. But, she wrote this for you, not us.
Thanks for sharing Kate! I hope you enjoyed her perspective. If so, please leave a comment for her below. Also, feel free to probe for more dirt. We won’t be offended.
You can keep up with Kate on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/a.brand.new.life/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) and catch up on her full story on her blog: [http://abrandnewlife.co.za/](http://abrandnewlife.co.za/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### It’s Not Goodbye, It’s Just Until Next Time – Sailing With Friends
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/goodbye-sailing-with-friends/
Last updated: 2021-01-08T17:31:50.000Z
I hate that looming sense of knowing that something good is coming to an end. Sort of like the last few pages of a really good book or looking down at the last bite of ice cream. Sailing into Salinas I had that feeling…but times ten.
Tiny knots were forming in my stomach and throat. Our time together as a crew was coming to an end, so new adventures could begin. I knew it wasn’t goodbye forever, but even saying, “until next time” can be just as emotional. Sailing with friends has been one of the biggest joys of our life aboard *Curiosity*, and quite possibly the best part of our adventures.
Why is everyone leaving? First, our friend John needs to get back to [The Skeleton Crew](https://www.skeletoncrewsailing.com/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) (the boat part they needed finally came in) so they can continue their sailing journey south, towards the infamous Cape Horn. Then, Kate needs to make her way back to Panama to meet up with her husband Rufus. He was finishing up a captaining gig, which is why she was able to travel with us. Full story here: [gonewiththewynns.com/sailing-out-of-panama](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailing-out-of-panama/)
So, we spend the last of our time together doing what we do best…exploring. We’re anchored in a new port, and it just so happens that Salinas is Ecuador’s most popular beach destination.
I still get all teary eyed watching us say our farewells. Jumping head first into the world of sailing has been a grand journey. But sharing the experience with others has proven to be the biggest adventure of all.
Writer Paul Theroux said, “*Most travel, and certainly the rewarding kind, involves depending on the kindness of strangers, putting yourself into the hands of people you don’t know and trusting them with your life*.”
**I trust you*.* This is exactly what someone is saying when they jump aboard *Curiosity* to sail with us. Hopping on a sailboat (with almost strangers), living in a small confined space and heading hundreds of miles from civilization together is no small commitment.
If traveling together is a true test of a relationship, sailing together is the final exam.
From the planning and prep, night watches, sleep deprivation, sea sickness, [surprise storms](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/lightning-scares-sailing-Ecuador/) and [pirate scares](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/approached-at-sea/), we get to know our fellow sailors in new and unexpected ways.
Long conversations are inevitable, as are the compromises. We learn how you deal with money and stress. We see you before you’ve brushed your teeth. We know how you like your coffee. And we’re the first to know when you’ve run out of toilet paper.
When sailing, closeness is soo much more than simply sharing a physical space. It’s a kind of closeness that can either feel like a warm and fuzzy bear hug, or a suffocating choke hold. And, it doesn’t take long to figure out which one you’ve gotten yourself into.
Benjamin Franklin spent enough time aboard ships to know that feeling all too well. He famously said, “*Guests, like fish, begin to smell after three days*.” Clearly, he never had a Kate for a shipmate.
We’ve lucked out with some stellar crew experiences that have left us with lifelong friendships and memories that will never fade. Our time in Ecuador has been especially memorable thanks to Kate and our friends The Skeleton Crew.
They say friends are the family you choose, and while Kate was only on board with us for three months, she is forever a part of our family. She is our Katie, sailing sister, [Instaboss](https://www.instagram.com/a.brand.new.life/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com), the pride of South Africa and the [winner of zip-lines](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/banos-ecuador-road-trip/). She’s smart as a whip, wild and unpredictable like a rhino, slick as a leopard, and more lovable than a baby elephant. Her laughter fills the room and she always makes me feel like the funniest person alive. I know this won’t be our last adventure together, but we will miss her terribly…“until next time.”
### **Sailing Road Trip Report**
To see our full map with interactive pins, click here: [gonewiththewynns.com/map](http://www.gonewiththewynns.com/map)
- Dates – March 8 – 12, 2018
- Nautical Miles Sailed – Isla De Plata to Salinas, Ecuador 56.8
### **Curious About Our Camera Gear?**
- A Full Review Of All Our Camera Gear Here: [gonewiththewynns.com/camera-gear-review-2017](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/camera-gear-review-2017/)
- All our fave gadgets and gear can be found in Our Gear store: [gonewiththewynns.com/store](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/store)
### **Thank You!**
Sharing our lives and what we learn along the way is possible because of viewers like you. A huge shout out to our [Patreons](https://www.patreon.com/the%5Fwynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) for making this video possible! If you enjoyed this video, check out our [Say Thanks](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar) page. It lists out some of the ways you can help keep these videos flowing. Best part is, most won’t cost you a penny but they make a BIG difference to us. Thank You!
### Bureaucratic Hold Ups & Sailing The Poor Man’s Galapagos
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailing-poor-mans-galapagos/
Last updated: 2021-01-08T17:31:50.000Z
We’re back on the boat and unlike the poor shoe maker, no magical elves showed up while we were gone to take over the boat work. Quite the opposite really. While we were **[road tripping Ecuador](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/road-trip-ecuador),** the mold spores were hard at work moving into any, and every, porous surface…even the fiberglass deck. Ah, the joys of living on the salty sea.
Little did we know the mold spores and boat chores would be the easy tasks. Dealing with Ecuadorian bureaucracy…now there is the real challenge!
Grab a bowl of encebollado sopa (it’s the national breakfast dish) and join us as we say Goodbye Bahia de Caraquez and Hello to the Poor Man’s Galapagos.
Willie Nelson once said, “the early bird gets the worm but the second mouse gets the cheese.” Which I interpret as; it’s not just about timing, it’s about being at the right place at the right time. A sentiment that rings true for this episode.
### **Dealing With Bureaucracy**
**[Sailing](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailing)** is all about freedom, the escape…living on your own terms. Except when it isn’t. Perhaps back in the 1800’s when [Joshua Slocum](https://amzn.to/2MCkNGN?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) was sailing around the world that was the case. Today, sailing (and the world in general it seems) is loaded with Bureaucratic hold ups. Rules and regulations aren’t bad. They often help keep things orderly. But sometimes, it’s just a bureaucratic mess with people following rules and regulations they don’t understand or know how to carry out. I won’t get on my soap box, but I will say bureaucracy exists everywhere and there is no escape from it. Best we can do is learn how to navigate it.
[Ecuador](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/ecuador/) requires boats to check in and check out at every single port, with paperwork and fees (of course!) to boot. We tried to save a few bucks by forgoing an agent and doing the work ourselves. Which shouldn’t have been such a big deal. Unfortunately, there has been a big employee turnover with the Capitana’s office in[ Bahia](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/nikki-bahia-birthday/) and the new guys didn’t have a clue. Rather than admit they didn’t know what to do (and tell us the one guy who does know how to prepare a Zarpe was out sick), they gave us a pile of excuses and several “come back later”. A few days of this and we were near our whit’s end.
We were itching to move along to clear water and see if the Poor Man’s Galapagos is truly…well…the poor man’s Galapagos. So, our motivations to make it all happen were solid. Some friendly help from Gene (the owner of Puerto Amistad Marina) and five days later we were good to go. With new employees and the one knowledgeable person out sick, it seemed a case of right place, wrong time.
Our suggestion for checking in and out while sailing through Ecuador: If you don’t like wasting time, or don’t speak fluent Spanish (we’re conversational, not fluent), it’s probably best to hire an agent and save yourself the hassle. We could have easily set sail on Friday morning as planned if the paperwork was sorted out by the agent at Puerto Amistad.
### **Poor Man’s Galapagos – Isla De Plata**
The name says it all. A trip to the famous Galapagos is known for being incredibly expensive. But, a day trip to little Isla de la Plata can be achieved for $30 by any tourist roaming through Ecuador.
It is a small island off the coast northwest of Puerto Lopez. Nowadays it’s referred to as the Poor Man’s Galapagos, but it has long been called “Silver Island.”
Local legend says that Sir Francis Drake buried his treasure here centuries ago. Hence the name Silver Island. Others say the silver refers to the mass of bird poop covering the island that shines in the sun. The bird poop I can confirm, Sir Francis Drakes treasure I cannot.
Most people load up in a small boat in Puerto Lopez for a day tour of the island. $30 USD per person gets you a ride to the island, a short “hike” and some snorkel time.
Sailing your own vessel over doesn’t save any cash (we knew we would still have to pay the $30 per person tour fee) but we had read we could enjoy the snorkeling and island views when the tour crowds were gone. We also read online you can hire a local for a more in-depth tour. Turns out, that wasn’t the case, no leaving the boat and no venturing past the short stretch of beach at the ranger’s office (as long as there were no tours in progress the ranger said we could walk on the beach). Bummer deal!
It was another case of bad timing for us. On top of the strict *no leaving the boat* policy, 80% of the trails were closed, with no reason given and no plans to open them back up anytime soon. So, our $30 would get us a five-minute hike to the top of the hill and no further. When Jason asked about snorkeling the Rangers eyes grew wide with confusion and he shook his head. He didn’t like jellyfish. And that was that. No roaming about the island with blue-footed boobies and no snorkeling with tropical fish. But, the turtle visits and views from anchor were still worth the stop.
Next destination…Salinas, affectionately called the Miami Beach of Ecuador. Please, oh please let us be the second mouse this time.
### **Sailing Road Trip Report**
To see our full map with interactive pins, click here: [gonewiththewynns.com/map](http://www.gonewiththewynns.com/map)
- Dates – March 1 – 7, 2018
- Nautical Miles Sailed – 58.2
### **Curious About Our Camera Gear?**
- A Full Review Of All Our Camera Gear Here: [gonewiththewynns.com/camera-gear-review-2017](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/camera-gear-review-2017/)
- All our fave gadgets and gear can be found in Our Gear store: [gonewiththewynns.com/store](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/store)
### **Thank You!**
Sharing our lives and what we learn along the way is possible because of viewers like you. A huge shout out to our [Patreons](https://www.patreon.com/the%5Fwynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) for making this video possible! If you enjoyed this video, check out our [Say Thanks](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar) page. It lists out some of the ways you can help keep these videos flowing. Best part is, most won’t cost you a penny but they make a BIG difference to us. Thank You!
### Who is John?
If you want to learn more about our friend John from Skeleton Crew Sailing and their mission to tame Cape Horn, check them out at: [SkeletonCrewSailing.com](https://www.skeletoncrewsailing.com/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) Their story so far is incredible, their cause is noble, and we feel honored to call them friends.
### Lessons From Sea – Zero to 10,000 Miles in Two years
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailing-lessons-two-years/
Last updated: 2023-12-01T06:58:32.000Z
Looking back at the last two years of our life I am both exhausted and exhilarated. We’ve gone from road warriors to salty sailors. RVers to Cruisers. Landlubbers to Shellbacks.
And, we did it all with zero previous sailing experience.
We’ve never worked harder, or pushed ourselves more, than we have in the past two years. We’ve also never had so many jaw-dropping-breathtaking-awe-inspiring-make-me-want-to-pee-my-pants moments. The pendulum swings drastically in the sea dwelling world.
We answer directly to mother nature and so far, we’ve managed not to get in her way. Which means, we’re still floating and exploring.
So, grab a sundowner and join us on the deck! We’re celebrating another year as sailors by looking back on the major milestones and biggest lessons we’ve learned.
It’s been a helluva couple of years! As we sifted through over 10 terabytes of documented footage, we laughed, cried and cringed. But mostly, we were amazed at what two painfully ordinary humans can accomplish in as little as two years. You don’t have to be uniquely qualified, or special in any way, to do something extraordinary. We are all capable of doing anything we put our minds to.
“*When one man, for whatever reason, has the opportunity to lead an extraordinary life, he has no right to keep it to himself*.”
\-Jacques Cousteau
As ordinary as we may be, we do lead an extraordinary life. Sharing this incredible journey with you has made it far more meaningful than we could have ever imagined.
Your support big and small is what makes sharing these adventures possible. So, big bear hugs to everyone who has left words of encouragement, shopped through our [**Gear Store**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/store), left a [**tip in our jar**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar) or joined our virtual crew over at [**Patreon**](https://www.patreon.com/the%5Fwynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com). We love you guys and couldn’t do it without you. It takes a village and you are our virtual community, no matter where in the world we might be.
In case you missed it, here’s a recap of what we talked about in the video. (And here is our **Year One as Sailors** video for perspective: [gonewiththewynns.com/dream-first-year-sailors)](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/dream-first-year-sailors/)
### **Major Milestones Of Year 2**
To see our full map with interactive pins, click here: [gonewiththewynns.com/map](http://www.gonewiththewynns.com/map)
- **7,000+ Nautical Miles Sailed This Year** ([over 10,000 in total](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/map))
- [**4 Countries Visited**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/map) – Bahamas – Panama – Ecuador – French Polynesia
- [**Transited The Panama Canal**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/transit-panama-canal-sailboat/) ([Without An Agent](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/no-agent-transit-panama-canal/))
- [**3 Big Passages Made**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/ocean-crossings/)
- USA (Florida) to Panama – Passage Time: 13 Days Nautical Miles Sailed: 1,610
- Panama to Ecuador – Passage Time: 6 Days Nautical Miles Sailed: 680
- Ecuador to French Polynesia – Passage Time: 24.5 Days Nautical Miles Sailed: 3,588
### **Big Passage Making Takeaways**
- **Sail Conservative** – Do not push the boat or ourselves too hard. This means reefing early, putting *Curiosity* to bed for night sailing, being well prepared and doing whatever necessary to keep ourselves rested and feeling good.
- **Mind The Weather** – Sea Conditions affect everything, especially crew morale. Wait for a good weather window on short sails and research wind/weather/wave/current patterns heavily before setting sail on longer passages. Never have rigid plans, sail only on Mother Nature’s schedule.
### **What Does Year 3 Hold?**
We’re not sure but we do have a few goals.
- Explore as many of the 118 islands and atolls of French Polynesia as possible (we had to jump through some hoops to get the [French Polynesia long stay visa](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailing-french-polynesia-visa/), so we may as well enjoy it).
- Going through all the necessary paperwork and processes to get the cats, ourselves and *Curiosity* into the countries of New Zealand and Australia.
- Host at least one grand[ Patron group adventure](https://www.patreon.com/the%5Fwynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com).
### The Unofficial, Marquesan Greyhound Recipe
For my fellow grapefruit lovers out there, this one is a solid twist on an old classic. Salt the rim and you could call it a Marquesan Salty Dog.
- 4oz Marquesas grapefruit juice (or any sweet grapefruit, we like to leave the pulp)
- 1oz Gin (we’re nursing our last bottle of the good stuff, Swallowtail Small Batch)
- 3 Small basil leaves pinched (to release oils) as garnish on top
- Ice
### Baños, Flying High & Getting Wet
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/banos-ecuador-road-trip/
Last updated: 2021-01-08T17:31:50.000Z
Baños is the adventure capital of Ecuador, so we knew it would be a good stop. We just didn’t know it was going to be *this* good.
There are waterfalls cascading down massive vertical cliffs and roaring rapids cutting through mountains that give way to lush green forests. Driving around I felt like a dog wandering into a squirrel infested park. Distracted from one tantalizing view to another.
It’s the last hurrah of our Epic Ecuador Road Trip and what a hurrah it is. Baños does not disappoint. Flying high above the clouds and going deep down into the Devil’s Cauldron, we get a sweet glimpse of this outdoor junkies’ heaven.
This road trip has been an incredible journey and I feel like the Andes gave us more than we bargained for. I don’t assume this is ‘*goodbye*‘, but rather ‘*until next time*‘. Packing up the car and making our descent I didn’t feel sad, I felt content. Jack Kerouac said “*Nothing Behind Me, Everything Ahead of me, as is ever so on the road*”. And, I couldn’t agree more.
We only scratched the surface of the little town known as Baños de Agua Santa. But, it was enough to know there is a cascading list of adventures to be had (biking, hiking, rafting, tubing, climbing, swings and ziplines…). It is *the* premier adventure destination in Ecuador, so the town itself is somewhat overrun with tour operators. But we found by having a car (transportation) allowed us to stay outside of town (in better, more affordable & more scenic accommodations) and avoid the tour operators all together. Not to mention it allowed us to cherry pick our timing to avoid the crowds.
### **La Casa Del Arbol – Tree House**
The Swing at the End of the World! We already mentioned it was $1 per person (plus $1 to park) in the video and it’s best to arrive at 9 in the morning to beat the crowds…and that 9am arrival time was golden advice! The crowds were starting to roll in full-force as we were leaving. Entire buses showed up and the lines to swing and zipline were getting long. People were getting maybe a full minute on the swings before having to hand off to the next person in line. Barely long enough to snap their iconic photo and not really long enough to soak it all in. It was great cheap fun, but no way I would wait in those lines for a quick photo opp. So, avoid the weekends and get there before 10am.
Also as Jason mentioned in the video, it’s not as picturesque as you might like it to be (at least not the day we were there). One quick Google search brings up stunning imagery of a natural landscape with no concrete ramps, pads or trails. Over the years it has become more popular and they are beefing up the grounds with more attractions. The visual has morphed and now there are 2 swings attached to the house, a second swing set, some fencing and a big snack shop just behind the swing platforms. It’s still unique and loads of fun, but doesn’t exactly look like the advertisements.
### The Pailon Del Diablo – Devil’s Cauldron
An impressive waterfall and a lovely hike! We had been given more of the same advice for our visit here; avoid the weekend and go early. It’s a running theme in Banos…and pretty much every big tourist destination I have ever been to. (And don’t you know, I am sooo not a morning person).
You probably already picked up on this from the video, but it is wet. Choose your shoes and clothing wisely. My feet were damp for the rest of the day after that adventure (but sooo worth it). The hike isn’t long, or difficult, but if there’s a crowd you may want to pack some food for the long waits. Or don’t, there are cheap local snacks at the top of the trail and a little snack shop near the base of the falls.
There is a little confusion online about where to see the falls. Apparently one person owns the bridges that overlook the top of the falls, but they don’t get you to the water. We did not visit that location. We visited the original location where you hike down to the base of the falls, then hike up to soak in the view from behind the rushing water. Don’t fret if you end up at the wrong place, both are supposed to be exciting in their own right, and neither one cost more than a couple bucks.
What we missed?
Well, a lot. But in short, and at the top of our return to-do list…
- **Hiking** – It’s a stunning countryside that begs to be wandered. There are a range of hikes with all varying levels of difficulty to choose from. Wiki has a good list: [wikiloc.com/trails/hiking/ecuador/tungurahua/banos](https://www.wikiloc.com/trails/hiking/ecuador/tungurahua/banos?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- **Hot Springs** – I can’t say we were impressed with the setting of any of the baths (looked like a public pool), but soaking in hot springs is never a bad idea…especially after a long day of hiking! We were told the Piscina El Salado, is generally less crowded than the pools in town.
- **RUTA DE LAS CASCADAS** – There are sooo many waterfalls. Renting a bike ($5-8 a day) and cycling this mostly downhill 60km route from Baños to Puyo would be an adventure. On the route they’ve outlined several adventure stops, tunnels, vistas and snack shacks. Oh, and if you are too pooped to pedal back, you can take the bus back to Banos (about $2.50 for bike and the ride).
### Best Meal We Had In Banos
We haven’t any bad meals on this trip but there have been some stand out faves. There was a glimpse of our fab meal at **Amarelo** **Restaurant** towards the very beginning of the video. It was by far the best meal we had in Banos. Creative, great presentation and prepared to perfection. We were very pleased.
### Thank you for being a part of the journey!
Producing these videos, sharing our lives and what we learn along the way is possible because of viewers like you. A huge shout out to our [Patrons](https://www.patreon.com/the%5Fwynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) for making this video possible! If you like what you see and want to help us keep the videos flowing, check out our [Say Thanks](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar) page. It lists out some of the ways you can help and best part is, most won’t cost you a penny but make a BIG difference to us. So, Thank You!
### **Sailing Road Trip Report – Baños to Bahia De Caraquez**
To see our full map with interactive pins, click here: [gonewiththewynns.com/map](http://www.gonewiththewynns.com/map)
- Dates – February 19 – 21, 2018
- Road Miles Traveled – 322 miles (520 km)
- Rental Car – $29 per day. We rented a car in Manta because it was half the price of renting in Bahia (where our boat is anchored).
- Where We Stayed – Centro Ecoturistico Alpinar $60 per night and included breakfast (which was fab!)
### **Curious About Our Camera Gear?**
- Waterproof Action Cam Used At The Waterfall – [https://bhpho.to/2hSRDt6](https://bhpho.to/2hSRDt6?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- A Full Review Of All Our Camera Gear Here (drones and underwater gear included): [gonewiththewynns.com/camera-gear-review-2017](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/camera-gear-review-2017/)
- All our fave gadgets and gear can be found in Our Gear store: [gonewiththewynns.com/store](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/store)
### My Lungs Are Screaming! Epic Volcano Hiking
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/epic-volcano-hiking-ecuador/
Last updated: 2021-01-08T17:31:50.000Z
Stunning is one of many words I could use to describe the Andes Mountains of Ecuador. It seems with every bend of the road we find ourselves in awe. Maybe we’re so impressed because we had zero expectations going into this road trip. Or, maybe it really is this spectacular.
So far, our experiences have been with the people and the cities. We’ve roamed around small towns, **[seen captivating cathedrals](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/andes-culture-shock/)**, stood in front of **[larger than life art installations](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tulcan-ecuador-road-trip/)**. We wandered the streets of the capital city and even **[faced off with the locals for Carnival](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/carnival-road-trip-ecuador/)** (not for the faint of heart).
Now we’re going to the next level…at least in elevation. Prepare your lungs and lace up your hiking boots, because we’re taking on volcanoes, craters and glaciers. This is an adventure chock full of natures eye candy.
If that wasn’t me in the video, I wouldn’t believe the turquoise water was real, much less that we managed to hike all those miles at *that* altitude. Zero to 12,000+ feet had us feeling a little like fish out of water; dried out and gasping for air. Luckily, we had plenty of visual distractions to keep us focused.
Kate mentioned struggling with altitude and passing out. She did indeed. We didn’t film that moment for two reasons.
1. We were focused on taking care of Kate and making sure she was OK. Kate was correct when she said we had more practice. We spent years trekking around Alaska, the Yukon, Canadian Rockies, Colorado Rockies, Californian Sierras and the list goes on. We’re very familiar with altitude and know our bodies limits.
2. Kate is a strong Afrikaans woman who was so determined to finish the loop around Quilotoa, she pushed herself a little too hard towards the end. She was just short of a sprint. Her mind was set but her body protested and forced a break. Frustration can run high in those moments. No way we were going to top that off with a camera in her face. We sat there for a while sipping on water and swapping stories about close calls on adventures. After a bit she dusted herself off and was good to go. All smiles and high spirited Katie once again.
The whole Cotopaxi region is rugged, extreme and dramatically beautiful. We struggled to pack our things and move along so quickly (partly because our bodies we’re aching). It’s days and experiences like these that remind us that we live on the most amazing planet.
We wholeheartedly recommend a trip through the Andes Mountains and specifically to Quilotoa and Cotopaxi. So, here are a few thoughts from our adventure that may help plan *your* adventure.
### Quilotoa
The rim hike was fun but if we would have had the time (and no furry paws in tow) we would have done the Quilotoa loop. It’s a self-guided multi-day hike that either starts or ends at the Quilotoa lake and takes you through the indigenous villages.
Best part is, you don’t have to carry a giant backpack or even a tent, because each night is spent at a different hostel. We didn’t go on this adventure so I won’t dive into the details but would encourage you to research it. There are lots of great blogs that come up on “Hiking the Quilotoa Loop”. That said, if you’re like us and only have a day, then the rim trail is a stellar hike. If you’re flexible on dates try and head this way on a Saturday, that’s how we stumbled upon the hyper local, and cultural wonder that is the Zumbahua market (featured in **[this video](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/andes-culture-shock/)**).
### Cotopaxi National Park
If you’re part mountain goat like Jason, the trip to the top of Cotopaxi sounds epic and can be done in a (long) day from the refuge. One of the many adventures we will absolutely take on when we make our way back. It is required to hire a guide and you’ll need a day (or more) at the refuge to acclimate to the altitude. Or even better, go and hike Quilotoa and climb the Illiniza Volcanoes as a “warm up”…or at least that is Jason’s plan.
### Where We Stayed
We choose our little hostel because it seemed to be a good middle ground for the Cotopaxi area but had us spending more time in the car than needed. In hindsight, we would have stayed in Quilotoa and then at the Refuge on Cotopaxi (but I’m not sure they’re pet friendly). The Rondador Hostel was all about the pets, just ask our neighbor.
### Thank you for being a part of the journey!
Producing these videos, sharing our lives and what we learn along the way is possible because of viewers like you. A huge shout out to our [Patreons](https://www.patreon.com/the%5Fwynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) for making this video possible! If you enjoyed this video, check out our [Say Thanks](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar) page. It lists out some of the ways you can help keep these videos flowing. Best part is, most won’t cost you a penny but they make a BIG difference to us. Thank You!
### **Sailing Road Trip Report – Quilotoa & Cotopaxi**
To see our full map with interactive pins, click here: [gonewiththewynns.com/map](http://www.gonewiththewynns.com/map)
- Dates – February 17 – 18, 2018
- Road Miles Traveled – 80
- Rental Car – $29 per day. **[We rented a car in Manta](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tulcan-ecuador-road-trip/)** because it was half the price of renting in **[Bahia](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/nikki-bahia-birthday/)** (where our boat is anchored).
### **Curious About Our Camera Gear?**
- Waterproof Action Cam Used In This Video – [https://bhpho.to/2hSRDt6](https://bhpho.to/2hSRDt6?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- A Full Review Of All Our Camera Gear Here: [gonewiththewynns.com/camera-gear-review-2017](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/camera-gear-review-2017/)
- All our fav. gadgets and gear can be found in Our Gear store: [gonewiththewynns.com/store](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/store)
### We’re In The Andes! The Culture Shock I’ve Been Craving
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/andes-culture-shock/
Last updated: 2021-01-08T17:31:51.000Z
I never imagined my first trip to the world’s longest continental mountain range would be while traveling around the world in a **[sailboat](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/curiosity-sailboat)**. Yet, here we are. In the Andes.
In case you haven’t been following along, we left [**Curiosity in Bahia de Caraquez**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tulcan-ecuador-road-trip/) and are on a two-week road trip through Ecuador. So, while we didn’t sail here, overland travel is just as much a part of the sailing lifestyle as crossing oceans. How is that possible? Because sailing is about exploring the world and always has been. Columbus set out to discover the new world…not simply to be at sea.
We’re out to discover the world! And sometimes, that includes road trips. So here we are, in Quito, Ecuador’s historic capital city. 9,350 feet above sea level.
Quito is a big city, far too big to explore in only a few short days but that doesn’t stop us from trying. Then, it’s back on the road and to the Volcanoes we go!
It’s a whirl wind tour of neo-gothic architecture, virgins and latitude zero. Plus, we stumble upon an Andean market that sends us into sensory overload…it is the culture shock I’ve been craving.
[http://www.youtu.be/VCnFxwi4fxs](http://www.youtu.be/VCnFxwi4fxs?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
We keep having to remind ourselves we’re in the Andes Mountains AND straddling the equator. Before coming to Ecuador, I had no idea it was a country with a toe in every landscape. Amazon jungles, Andean highlands and of course the marine wonderland that is the Galapagos. The Andes extend from north to south through seven South American countries, Ecuador being the middle child. Perhaps that’s why they are so often skipped over for Peru or Argentina? I don’t know but I can tell you, this trip has me set on a full South America overland adventure one day.
We absolutely enjoyed every stop and would recommend them all should you make your way to Ecuador. Here’s a quick recap, starting with our faves.
### **Zumbahua**
I’m certain we didn’t do that Saturday Market justice. It’s one of my favorite memories from the whole trip. The experience was nothing more than a couple of hours, but I can still smell the sweet bread and off-putting mix of live and dead animals. I close my eyes and I can see the feathers on their fedoras, the layers of colorful shawls and the beautifully woven blankets. It was a rare show and I sincerely hope it isn’t the last I will see. When we make our way back to Ecuador, you better believe the Saturday Market in Zumbahua will be one of our stops.
### **Intinan Museum**
Thanks to everyone who suggested we visit the Intinan Museum. This place is a trip! A mix of Ecuadorian culture, lore and physics. Latitude zero, the only place in the world where you can put one foot in the Northern Hemisphere and the other one in the Southern Hemisphere…the center of the world!
### **Basilica of the National Vow**
There are sooo many beautiful churches to visit in Quito but this Basilica is South America’s biggest and tallest neo-gothic church. So, it won our vote.
### **Virgin of Quito**
Best 360 degree view of Quito and home to the 18th century winged virgin made from seven thousand pieces of aluminum. She is the Woman of the Apocalypse, from the *Book of Revelation* (12:1–18).
### **Sailing Road Trip Report – Quito to Zumbahua**
To see our full map with interactive pins, click here: [gonewiththewynns.com/map](http://www.gonewiththewynns.com/map)
Dates – February 13 – 16, 2018
Road Miles Traveled – 102
Rental Car – $29 per day. We rented a car in Manta because it was half the price of renting in Bahia (where our boat is anchored).
### **Curious About Our Camera Gear?**
- A Full Review Of All Our Camera Gear Here: [gonewiththewynns.com/camera-gear-review-2017](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/camera-gear-review-2017/)
- All our fav. gadgets and gear can be found in Our Gear store: [gonewiththewynns.com/store](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/store)
### **Thank You!**
Sharing our lives and what we learn along the way is possible because of viewers like you. A huge shout out to our [Patreons](https://www.patreon.com/the%5Fwynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) for making this video possible! If you enjoyed this video, check out our [Say Thanks](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar) page. It lists out some of the ways you can help keep these videos flowing. Best part is, most won’t cost you a penny but they make a BIG difference to us. Thank You!
### Don’t F**** With The Locals – Carnival Road Trip In Ecuador
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/carnival-road-trip-ecuador/
Last updated: 2024-04-15T11:37:33.000Z
Our Ecuador road trip continues and it’s Carnival! In short, Carnival is a Catholic holiday filled with parades, parties and general rebellion before lent. So, we take the long route from Tulcan to Quito and find an array of art, oddities and festivities along the way. We make it to Quito for the last big day of Carnival, and that is where the real rebellion begins!
It was a foamin’ good time! Hopefully it wasn’t too *Blair Witch Project* with all the running and guerilla warfare. I’m not sure if it was the overall vibe of the festivities, the family affair of it (seriously, those kids were over the top fun) or sharing the experience with friends, but that was the most fun I’ve had in a while. And I like to think I know a thing or two about fun.
Carnival aside, to say this region of Ecuador is beautiful would be an understatement. It’s lush, rugged, colorful and the people have been warm and welcoming. We’re only at the beginning of the road trip and already I’m smitten with this country.
Big love and thanks to our friends Taylor and Stephen of Skeleton Crew Sailing for joining us. The day wouldn’t have been the same without you guys.
[SkeletonCrewSailing.com](https://www.skeletoncrewsailing.com/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) is where you can get to know more about these two crazy dudes and watch their adventures. In short, they’re on an epic mission to tame cape horn inspired by the non-profit Mission 22 (spread awareness of veteran suicide). Their story so far is incredible, their cause is noble, and we feel honored to call them friends. Our adventures together aren’t over, we’ll be seeing more of these two.
### **Sailing Road Trip Report – Tulcan to Quito**
To see our full map with interactive pins, click here: [gonewiththewynns.com/map](http://www.gonewiththewynns.com/map)
[](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e9/26/e9265740-cf9f-4d22-8ec3-333b3b0a4788/content/images/2023/12/map.jpg?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Dates – February 11 – 12, 2018
- Road Miles Traveled – 158
- Rental Car – $29 per day. We rented a car in Manta because it was half the price of renting in Bahia. (where our boat is anchored).
### **Curious About Our Camera Gear?**
- A Full Review Of All Our Camera Gear Here: [gonewiththewynns.com/camera-gear-review-2017](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/camera-gear-review-2017/)
- All our fave gadgets and gear can be found in Our Gear store: [gonewiththewynns.com/store](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/store)
### **Thank You!**
Sharing our lives and what we learn along the way is possible because of viewers like you. A huge shout out to our [Patreons](https://www.patreon.com/the%5Fwynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) for making this video possible! If you enjoyed this video, check out our [Say Thanks](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar) page. It lists out some of the ways you can help keep these videos flowing. Best part is, most won’t cost you a penny but they make a BIG difference to us. Thank You!
### We Sailed Across The Pacific Ocean! (Real Time Update)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/update-sailed-pacific-ocean/
Last updated: 2021-01-08T17:31:51.000Z
Hello! It’s been a while since our last video or post but we’re back. At least we hope. We’ve just spent 24.5 days at sea and have made landfall in Hiva Oa, Marquesas, French Polynesia. Don’t know where it is? It’s a tiny speck in the Pacific Ocean. Check it out on Google Earth, it’s a spectacularly lush and rugged island.
Or, get a sneak peek of it in this short update and we’ll fill you in on what’s next.
Now that we’re here, we have a ton of catching up to do and it’s going to take us some time to get in the groove. So, please be patient with us.
If you are bandwidth poor like us, here are the highlights of what we covered in the video.
# **Fun Sea Stats**
- Hours At Sea: 585 Hours at Sea
- Days At Sea: 24.5
- Nautical Miles Sailed: 3588
- Average Speed: 6.14 Nautical Miles Per Hour
- Best 24 Hours: 182 Nautical Miles
- Worst 24 Hours: 101 Nautical Miles
- Hours Motored: 42 (or about 7%) engines were mostly used during picking up anchor, dropping anchor and sail changes.
### **What’s Next**
Our plan is to get back on the editing bandwagon and get the videos flowing again. Sadly, we didn’t get much editing done at sea. Jason’s focus was on the daily sail checks, his watch time at the helm and not getting sea sick. I focused on feeding us, keeping the boat tidy, my watch time at the helm and thwarting the cats plans for mutiny (although, I think the cats have the best sea legs of us all, they did amazing).
We desperately wanted to get caught up on videos and have them all scheduled to post while we were at sea, but it didn’t happen. There were simply too many logistics, boat projects and preparations that took priority. So, here we are, further behind than ever. Yikes! We’re going to work around the clock to get back in the publishing groove. So please send us your caffeinated, creative, workhorse vibes!
### **What About Internet?**
The internet here on Hiva Oa is a new level of intermittent and slow. All the more motivation to get ahead so we can upload when we do find a half-decent connection.
### **What About Satellite Internet?**
We do have an **[Iridium Go](http://bit.ly/PredictWindIridium?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)** which is the most affordable satellite connection we can afford ($145 a month). It provides us basic communication and weather. We love it, but it is not a typical internet connection.
We can’t load regular web pages, access our regular email accounts or send anything larger than a small, compressed photo. We have to use special Iridium apps to send emails or make a social post. We were able to email low resolution photos (less than 200kb) to Kate while we were at sea to post to Instagram for us (each photo took 3-5 min to send). That is about the extent of our satellite bandwidth capabilities.
The Iridium Go is a form of communication and it works with the **[Predict Wind Offshore app](http://bit.ly/PredictWindIridium?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)** to bring us the most accurate and up to date weather information (our primary reason for wanting this gadget). Being able to send a small photo, send a text message or make a phone call from the middle of an ocean is spectacular. But, it’s still a very long way off from real internet use, much less uploading a YouTube video.
There are very expensive satellite internet options available. It requires large, expensive and complicated equipment and the data plans are enough to send most sailors into cardiac arrest. We met the chef of a super yacht chef in Ft. Lauderdale who said they could stream a YouTube video on their satellite connection. He also said the data was so expensive the crew wasn’t allowed to use it and on average they paid well over $4,000 a month for data alone. It’s way, way out of our league.
One person recently commented “why so long since your last video, even S/V Delos uploads videos from the middle of the ocean”. We love us some Delos too but, even they aren’t uploading videos from the middle of the ocean. They use the same Iridium set up we have. However, they are a group of superhumans who have managed to get ahead on their editing enough to schedule videos to post while they are at sea. We’re hoping one day we can get ahead too.
Speaking of getting ahead, we better get back to it. Hope to see you soon!
### **Curious about our camera set up?**
See a full review of all our camera gear here: [gonewiththewynns.com/camera-gear-review-2017](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/camera-gear-review-2017/)
### Real Time Update? We’re In The Middle Of The Pacific!
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/update-middle-pacific-ocean/
Last updated: 2021-01-08T17:31:51.000Z
We’re not going to have any videos or posts for a couple of weeks and here is the scoop on why…
If you want to catch our real time updates from sea, at the bottom of this page (or any page on our site) you will see links to our **[Instagram](https://instagram.com/the%5Fwynns/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com), [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/GoneWithTheWynns), [Twitter](http://twitter.com/the%5Fwynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com).**..and everything else.
### A quick note on Real Time vs Video Time
Shooting, editing, writing, uploading and all the little details in between take an incredible amount of time. It’s a full time job (and passion) for us. We love it but its not something that is produced in a day. So if you are reading a post or watching a video today it was most likely created days or weeks ago.
We try to keep everything in chronological order with only the occasional “real time” update to share big news or happenings. I know for some of you, especially those new to our adventures this creates confusion.
On average, our videos have always been about 4-8 weeks out from real time. Occasionally we’re able to catch up to 2-3 weeks out but that’s as close as we’ve ever been.
We enjoy focusing on capturing, creating and telling a story (our story) and we never want to feel pressured to “just publish something”. If we’re going to send something out into the world, we want it to be something we’re proud of.
So, hopefully that sheds a little light for those of you in the dark on our timeline. 😉
Thank you so much for tuning in and being a part of our journey. It’s because of **[viewers like you](https://www.patreon.com/the%5Fwynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)** that we’re able to keep this website, the photos, articles and videos all flowing.
Lot’s of love from the Pacific Ocean!
### They Took Our Passports!? Sailing & French Polynesia Visas
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailing-french-polynesia-visa/
Last updated: 2024-04-15T08:50:09.000Z
Last we left you, we traveled to the [**French Embassy in Quito to relinquish our passports and apply for our Long Stay French Polynesia Visas**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tulcan-ecuador-road-trip/).
What did you think about Jason’s art work? It was a touch Jackson Pollock which might do well in a blind auction. And yes, if you watched all the way to the end, you got the spoiler alert! But more on that later. 😉
Here’s a quick recap of the details we covered in the video plus all those extra tips I promised.
As citizens of the USA we would be granted a 90 day visa upon arrival. Which may sound like a lot but it’s not. The sailing journey to French Polynesia is a 4,000 nautical mile sail that will take us between 20 and 30 days to get there.
There are 118 islands and atolls stretching over an expanse of more than 1,200 miles in the South Pacific Ocean. We’re going to need more than 90 days to do it any justice.
Which is where those Long Stay Visas come in.
EU peeps are exempt from a visa and can stick around for well…I think as long as they want (but don’t quote me on that). For the rest of us, we need a visa. Depending on the country you are from, and which French Embassy you will be applying at, the requirements and time frame can vary a ton (also rules and regulations change all the time). Oddly enough, we read the USA embassies are the most difficult requiring all applications to be submitted in French and English along with a police report. **My #1 tip:** Contact the French Embassy you plan to apply at and ask for the current application form and requirements! Even from Panama to Ecuador the requirements were slightly different. Don’t assume anything, even if you read it on your favorite blog. 🙂
Here is a list of everything we submitted. We had two copies of everything as requested by the embassy. We were told by those before us the more organized we could be, and the more supporting info we supplied, the better our chances were for being approved.
- Cover Letter stating why we wanted a 1 year visa (nothing fancy, super basic).
- Click Here To See Cover Letter
February 8, 2018
To: Embassy of the French Republic
From: Jason Wynn, USA Passport No: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
Subject: Long Stay Visa Application
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am applying for a Long Stay Visa to French Polynesia and thank you for considering my application. My intention is to travel to the French Polynesia Islands from April 15, 2018 to June 1, 2019\. I am a citizen of the United States of America currently sailing around the world with my wife. We left the USA July 2017 and am in the country of Ecuador now. I intend to sail from Ecuador in March 2018 with arrival in Marquesas, French Polynesia April 2018\. I have attached a sail plan for your review.
The main purpose of my travel is tourism. As a sailor, French Polynesia is a dream destination with many islands and atolls to explore. I am excited to see the magnificent sights throughout the Islands both above and below water. What I am most looking forward to is experiencing the island foods and learning about the local culture and way of life.
I am employed by my company, Two Wynn Inc, in Carrollton, Texas, USA. My wife and I started the company in 2010\. I work via the internet and will remain employed and earning an income from my USA based job while traveling. I do not intend to seek employment in French Polynesia. My trip is for pleasure.
Please find the following documents to support my visa application:
1\. Visa application form, duly dated and signed with attached passport pictures.
2\. Passport, showing my travel experience
3\. Proof of Health Care
4\. Sail Plan for my route through French Polynesia.
5\. Bank statements as proof of my income.
I trust you will find everything is in order. For any questions or clarifications, please do not hesitate to contact me anytime. Thank you in advance for a favorable reply to my application and I very much look forward to visiting French Polynesia.
Sincerely,
Jason Wynn Carrollton, Texas, USA
Email: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
Phone: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
- Application – **My #2 Tip:** Make sure to request longer than you intend to stay (always better to have more time and not use it, than not to have enough). The application asks for expected date of arrival. We guessed at our arrival date, but built in buffer room for earlier/later arrival should our plans change. We are required to arrive within 90 days of the date we list on the application, but no earlier than requested.
- 2 “Passport” size photos (they have specific size, style, hair/glasses/hat restrictions, even lighting rules that you must comply with). So make sure you are very specific when you have your photos taken and printed.
- Original Passports
- Copy of Passports including all visa stamps (We also printed an extra copy of the photo page and the Ecuador Entry stamp/Visa to keep in our wallet. This proved to be a brilliant idea as we ended up needing this info multiple times while our passport was on ‘holiday’).
- 6 months of bank statements to prove you have money in the bank.
- A letter stating we would not seek employment during our visit (nothing fancy, super basic).
- Click Here To See No Employment Letter
February 8, 2018
To: Embassy of the French Republic
From: Jason Wynn, USA Passport No: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
Subject: Long Stay Visa Application
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am applying for a Long Stay Visa to French Polynesia and thank you for considering my application. My intention is to travel to the French Polynesia Islands from April 15, 2018 to June 1, 2019.
I am a citizen of the United States of America.The main purpose of my travel is tourism. I am employed by my company, Two Wynn Inc, in Carrollton, Texas, USA. My wife and I started the company in 2010\. I work via the internet and will remain employed and earning an income from my USA based job while traveling. I will not seek employment in French Polynesia.
Sincerely,
Jason Wynn Carrollton, Texas, USA
Email: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
Phone: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
- Proof of Health Insurance – **My #3 Tip:** It has to be valid for the entire year you require the visa. We read your long stay visa will end when your health insurance expires.
- Copies of Yellow Fever Vaccine (because we had been in Panama which is listed as a risk)
- Vessel documentation
- Proof of Vessel Insurance
- Crew List
- Sail Plan that includes the islands you wish to visit and a vague timeframe. We just made something up, it doesn’t have to be perfect, they just want to know you’re moving through the islands.
We filled out the online request for an appointment. We instantly received email confirmation with time and date. We arrived at the embassy and well, you know the rest.
Fast forward…The French Embassy in Ecuador took 6 weeks to hear back on the status of our passports and long stay visa. At that, I sent weekly emails starting at week 4 to get a response. They never did call us by WhatsApp like they said they would. So, who knows how long it would have taken to know our passports were back otherwise. **My #4 Tip:** make sure to follow up, nicely but firmly, and again don’t assume anything.
Ok, about that spoiler alert…we were approved and are currently sailing towards French Polynesia! We’re posting real time updates via our iridium go connection on [**Instagram**](https://instagram.com/the%5Fwynns/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com), [**Facebook**](https://www.facebook.com/GoneWithTheWynns) and [**Twitter**](http://twitter.com/the%5Fwynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)!
This is just the first step. We still have more work to do when we arrive in French Polynesia. But we can’t tell you about that until we get there and experience it ourselves. Stay tuned!
### Photo Gear
- Full Review Of All Our Camera Gear: [gonewiththewynns.com/camera-gear-review-2017](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/camera-gear-review-2017/)
- All our fave gadgets and gear can be found in Our Gear store: [gonewiththewynns.com/store](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/store)
### Thank You!
Sharing our lives and what we learn along the way is possible because of viewers like you. A gigantic shout out to our [**Patreons!**](https://www.patreon.com/the%5Fwynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) If you enjoyed this video, check out our [**Say Thanks**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar) page. It lists out some of the ways you can help keep these videos flowing. Best part is, most won’t cost you a penny but they make a BIG difference to us. Thank You!
### A Place So Beautiful It Invites You To Die
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tulcan-ecuador-road-trip/
Last updated: 2023-12-01T08:41:13.000Z
Sailing the world is about much more than simply sailing. It’s about exploring the world. S/V *Curiosity* is a means of travel, and our home, but sometimes we have to leave her behind.
We spent the better part of a week doing nothing more than research, filling out applications and making reservations. But don’t worry, we’ve spared you from watching us sit at the salon table in our underwear for days on end.
Why so much sitting around in our underwear? First, because we’re having a issues with our watermaker, and not wearing clothes cuts down on laundry. Second, because sometimes we wake up, sit down at the computer with a cup of coffee and don’t move again until it’s sundowner time. But it’s mostly because we’ve arrived in a new country and it’s time to start preparing for the next.
Our next destination requires a road trip to the French Embassy. Which just so happens to be 250 miles inland to the oldest city in South America and one of the highest cities in the world.
In true Wynn fashion, we turned that 250 miles into a route well over 1,500\. We couldn’t help ourselves. After all, we did spend [six years on a road trip around North America](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/rvin).
In the next couple of weeks, we’ll make our way to the highest mountains, most beautiful volcanoes, gushing waterfalls, magnificent art-filled churches and take in a whole lot of Ecuadorian culture.
Yep, we purposely planned our road trip right in the middle of the water soaking, foam spraying, color slinging festival that is Carnival (it’s similar to Mardi Gras for those who live in the states). This may have been a terrible idea or complete genius. It all depends on how you feel about crowds and festivals. We’re all about it!
From what we’ve seen so far, we’re in for a lot of landscape eye candy.
### We had to give up our passports!
Our next country is French Polynesia and as citizens of the USA we would be granted a 90 day visa upon arrival. Which may sound like a lot but it’s not.
First, lets take into consideration that the journey to French Polynesia is a 4,000 nautical mile sail that will take us over 20 days to get there. Over 20 days in the middle of the Pacific Ocean!
Now, let’s take a brief glance at the 118 geographically dispersed islands and atolls stretching over an expanse of more than 1,200 miles in the South Pacific Ocean.
French Polynesia is divided into five groups of islands: the Society Islands archipelago, the Tuamotu Archipelago, the Gambier Islands, the Marquesas Islands, and the Austral Islands.
We’re going to need more than 90 days to explore them all. Oh, and let’s not forget we’ll have cyclone season to deal with.
So, we are applying for our French Polynesia Long Stay Visa. If approved, the visa will allow us up to a year to explore the islands. It’s more of a process than I can squeeze into this post. But, stay tuned…I’ll share the full scoop on the process soon.
### Quito
Quito is the capital of Ecuador and stands at almost 10,000 feet above sea level. That’s a lot of altitude for sea level dwelling peeps like ourselves. It’s a sprawling colonial city cradled in a long valley surrounded by mountain peaks.
We only spent one day roaming about the city but we’ll be back soon. If nothing else, to climb to the top of that church tower.
### Tulcan
This busy highland city is mostly known as the last Ecuadorian stop before heading to Colombia. It’s a bustling border town (much more so than we expected) with what has to be one of the most stunning cemeteries in the world.
Wandering through all the topiaries had me jonesing to watch *Edward Scissorhands*.
The cemetery of Tulcan is built on 8 acres of land and was established in 1932\. José Franco was the head of the municipality of Tulcán Parks and started planting and pruning rows of cypress trees. Some were mythological figures, others were animals and some just geometric shapes. Now, there are more than 300 figures in total.
José Franco Guerrero died in 1985 and was of course buried in the cemetery he made so spectacular. His epitaph reads: “In Tulcán, a cemetery so beautiful that it invites one to die!” His five sons continue the maintenance of the Topiary Garden Cemetery which is now named after their father.
### **Sailing Road Trip Report – Bahia De Caraquez to Tulcan**
To see our full map with interactive pins, click here: [gonewiththewynns.com/map](http://www.gonewiththewynns.com/map)
- Dates – February 6 – 11, 2018
- Road Miles Traveled – 500
- Rental Car – $29 per day. We rented a car in Manta because it was half the price of renting in Bahia.
###
### Thank You!
Sharing our lives and what we learn along the way is possible because of viewers like you.
### Turning 28 Again, Nikki’s Bahia Birthday
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/nikki-bahia-birthday/
Last updated: 2021-01-08T17:31:51.000Z
It’s my Birthday! Or at least it was when we filmed this video. We’ve sailed into a new country, cleared customs and we’re free to explore. It’s our first date with Ecuador and because it’s my birthday, I’m on a mission to indulge in all the local delicacies. And of course, we have an extra birthday hat for you too.
What more could a girl want on her birthday??? I had exploration, beauty, friends and love. I can think of nothing more.
But, if I’m totally honest with you, our lifestyle has skewed my view on birthdays. There’s still cause for celebration, but the lingering excitement and anticipation of the occasion is different.
You see, I remember counting down the days for my 8th birthday party. My grandmother was baking a cake, my friends were coming over and everyone was bringing presents. It felt like a BIG deal.
But the weird thing is, other than the anticipation of the day I can’t remember much about the actual occasion. Except for the cake. My grandmother made angel food cake with strawberries and whip cream. My friend Timmy Barnes said he thought it tasted like tires. To which she responded, “*well, how do you know what tires taste like*?”
My grandmother was a whiz in the kitchen, but I do remember that cake being a little on the rubbery side. I asked for German Chocolate the next year. It was epic.
But back to my point. It was the idea of the occasion, the anticipation and something to look forward to that excited me the most.
Fast forward a few years, some roads less traveled and a handful of nonsensical lifestyle choices and my world is drastically different from my childhood.
Birthdays are all about celebrating life. Jason and I make a conscious effort to celebrate all the time. We’re all about the Un-Birthdays. So, we have lots of days filled with anticipation, something special to look forward to and be excited about.
“There are three hundred and sixty-four days when you might get un-birthday presents, and only one for birthday presents, you know.”
\-Lewis Carroll
Don’t get me wrong, Birthdays are a cause for celebration. But, so are all the days in-between. Thank you for celebrating with me and a very happy (un)birthday to you too!
### Sailing Birthday Report
To see our full map with interactive pins, click here: [gonewiththewynns.com/map](http://www.gonewiththewynns.com/map)
- Date: January 27, 2018
- Location: Bahia De Caraquez, Ecuador
- Anchorage: Puerto Amistad
- Beer / Ice Cream Rolls: H-Bar (Henry’s)
- Dinner Spot: San Antonio Coffee
- Super Special Geisha Coffee: [Crema Coffee](http://bit.ly/wynnscoffee?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### Camera Gear
- Full Review Of All Our Camera Gear: [gonewiththewynns.com/camera-gear-review-2017](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/camera-gear-review-2017/)
- All our fave gadgets and gear can be found in Our Gear store: [gonewiththewynns.com/store](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/store)
### Thank You!
Sharing our lives and what we learn along the way is possible because of viewers like you. An extra big shout out to our **[Patreons](https://www.patreon.com/the%5Fwynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)**! If you enjoyed this video, post or perhaps learned something new, check out our **[Say Thanks](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)** page. There are lots of ways you can help keep these videos flowing. Best part is, most won’t cost you a penny but they make a BIG difference to us. Thank You!
### Approached at Sea,100 Miles From Land!
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/approached-at-sea/
Last updated: 2021-01-08T17:31:51.000Z
Being approached at sea is a nerve wracking experience. Our hearts pound and our imaginations sink to dark depths. There are endless possibilities of what’s headed our way. The unknown consequences, good or bad, bring nothing but apprehension to the surface. Fear can settle in deep if we let it.
Hellen Keller was a remarkable human and her writings about fear and danger are spot on.
“*Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. God Himself is not secure, having given man dominion over his works! Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. The fearful are caught as often as the bold. Faith alone defends. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. To keep our faces toward change and behave like free spirits in the presence of fate is strength undefeatable*.”
With the “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing” motto in mind, hit the play button.
Hello Ecuador! It really was a good passage that tested our nerves, courage and imaginations just enough. It was also a chill out, hang out, be at one with nature experience too. We had long spells of calm weather and seas which made for a lot of tranquility.
### **Safety and Security At Sea**
There were some tense moments but nothing threatening. We’re more likely to encounter a mugging on the streets than we are a robbery on the high seas. And don’t even get me started on the statistics for getting into a car accident. But, that doesn’t mean we don’t do our homework and prepare ourselves. WE DO!
Safety and security at sea is a huge subject of its own. In general, encounters at sea are rarely life threatening. And they’re far and few between. Especially ones involving any *real* pirates. In general, pirates and other lawless sea scoundrels tend to go for the big commercial ships with lots of cargo to steal. But, it’s always important to know what dangers lie in whichever route we choose. And, depending on the dangers, we can alter our route. Just like our choice to skip the Pacific side of Columbia. (Caribbean side of Columbia is very different and worthy of a visit.)
**Here are some of the sources with info, tips, reports and general safety advice we use.**
- Caribbean Safety and Security Net (Caribbean only) – [https://safetyandsecuritynet.org/](https://safetyandsecuritynet.org/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Noonsite (Country and Individual Port Info) – [http://www.noonsite.com/Countries](http://www.noonsite.com/Countries?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- [Lonely Planet Guides](https://amzn.to/2GIHDx0?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Individual Country Tourism/Customs Websites
- Local Marinas – Still not sure about safety and security at a port? Contact a local marina by email and ask.
**(Pirate) Encounters At Sea**
The first time I ever read about sailors getting approached or followed at sea was back in our dreaming days reading [Bumfuzzle’s book](https://amzn.to/2pUWGck?ref=gonewiththewynns.com). Now that we’re sailing we’ve heard (and read) lots of stories just like ours. Granted it’s not often 100 miles from land, but the plot is the same: Sailboat moves at 5-8 knots. Fishermen spots a boat on the horizon. Small fishing boat moves at 20+ knots and decides to ‘check it out’. Sometimes it’s a friendly wave, sometimes they ask for food, cigarettes or booze. In most cases it’s simply curiosity.
I like to consider it from their perspective: You’re in the middle of the sea, all alone. You see something on the horizon. It might be nice to see a friendly face and check out what kind of boat they’re in. Or perhaps, that looks like a nice boat, I wonder if they have any cookies?
### Crossing The Equator
I know, I know, how could we muck up the [line crossing ceremony](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Line-crossing%5Fceremony?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)! When we were looking at routes and ports of entry we were originally thinking Esmeralda’s, which is before the equator. Then, we decided on Bahia De Caraquez instead because I read it was a slightly bigger town with a little more to do. Then, in all the chaos of trying to get out of Panama it never hit us that we would be getting awfully close to the Equator. Good thing we’re not superstitious people, sheesh. Oh well, there will be other opportunities coming up to get silly, possibly naked and partake in old Navy traditions.
**Captain’s Hour**
We’ve always stuck to a no alcohol while sailing policy. And we still keep that policy while coastal sailing. Then we read this book about **[heavy weather sailing](https://amzn.to/2GJ9sVP?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)** where the author provides a good case at why one should have a Captain’s hour during passage. Literally blew my mind! How could this guy, talking about sailing in horrible sea conditions, think it’s OK to have a cocktail?!?
The author writes “*I encourage a glass of wine, rum, or beer at Captain’s Hour, to help people relax and sleep. A few days without sleep can be debilitating and can not only ruin your enjoyment of the passage but also impair your ability to make sound decisions when conditions deteriorate*.”
After some consideration, we decided it was a great idea for passage making aboard *Curiosity*. This sail from Panama to Ecuador was our first test and I’m happy to report it was an overwhelming success! We didn’t do it every day but Captain’s Hour brings everyone on board together, to relax and discuss the days events. We prep a small half-shot (.5oz) cocktail, share a beer, or half a glass of wine. We think it’s a grand idea and it gives everyone an extra reason to look forward to the sun dropping below the horizon.
### **Sailing Report – Las Perlas, Panama to Bahia De Caraquez, Ecuador**
To see our full map with interactive pins, click here: [gonewiththewynns.com/map](http://www.gonewiththewynns.com/map)
- Sail Started January 16, 2018 12:36pm
- Dropped Anchor January 22, 2018 7:45am
- Nautical Miles Sailed – 680
- Average True Wind Speed – 10 knots
- Averaged Boat Speed – 5 knots
- Gallons of Fuel Used – 45
### Gear Used In This Video
- iPad Pro [http://amzn.to/2d9Oopf ](http://amzn.to/2d9Oopf?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)With These Sailing Apps:
- iNavx: [http://bit.ly/2vGgC51](http://bit.ly/2vGgC51?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Garmin Bluecharts with Active Captain: [http://bit.ly/2tgnRmA](http://bit.ly/2tgnRmA?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Iridium Go and Predict Wind for weather and communications: [bit.ly/PredictWindIridium](http://bit.ly/PredictWindIridium?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Red Gels Used on Lights: [https://amzn.to/2IRPCWT](https://amzn.to/2IRPCWT?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Full Review Of All Our Camera Gear: [gonewiththewynns.com/camera-gear-review-2017](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/camera-gear-review-2017/)
- All our fave gadgets and gear can be found in Our Gear store: [gonewiththewynns.com/store](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/store)
### Thank You!
Sharing our lives and what we learn along the way is possible because of viewers like you. A big shout out to our **[Patreons!](https://www.patreon.com/the%5Fwynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)** If you enjoyed this video, post or perhaps learned something new, check out our **[Say Thanks](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)** page. There are lots of ways you can help keep these videos flowing. Best part is, most won’t cost you a penny but they make a BIG difference to us. Thank You!
### Curious About Kate
Kate is a salty sailor hailing from South Africa ([we introduce her here)](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailing-out-of-panama/). You can snoop around on Kate’s blog [abrandnewlife.co.za/](http://abrandnewlife.co.za/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) and poke around on her Instagram account [instagram.com/a.brand.new.life/](https://www.instagram.com/a.brand.new.life/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) and while you are there, give us a follow if you haven’t already: [instagram.com/the\_wynns/](https://instagram.com/the%5Fwynns/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### What’s Next
We have a 90 day visa in Ecuador. We will apply (and wait) for our long stay French Polynesia Visas. We have some killer plans in store to explore this country, so I hope you’re ready for some adventures!
### **And, Because the question keeps rolling in…**
I can’t tell you how many people in the comments (especially YouTube) ask if we have a gun on board. This is an extremely opinionated topic and one I have zero desire to dive into. But purely from a practical stance, it doesn’t make sense for us.
We are travelers, asking permission to enter a foreign country. Once we’re allowed in, we’re bound to their laws and any consequences should we break the law.
You must declare guns on entry in a new country. Most countries will take them from you until you clear out. Trying to lie or hide guns is always a terrible idea. Gun laws are drastically different from country to country. The penalties for not declaring firearms are steep and could involve anything from heavy fines, prison time or at worst, death. For us, at this point in our lives, it’s just not worth it.
### Lightning Scares and Flying Squid! – Sailing to Ecuador
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/lightning-scares-sailing-ecuador/
Last updated: 2021-01-08T17:31:51.000Z
Out to sea we blow! We’re sailing from Panama to Ecuador and have over 675 nautical miles ahead of us. That’s at least a five-day passage and while we’ve done our best to prepare our vessel and download the latest weather files…there is nothing predictable about life at sea.
Grab your foulie gear and join us for our first four days of sailing in the Pacific Ocean. Storms, lightning scares, flying squid and spoiler alert; a serious cliff hanger at the end.
I know what you’re thinking, how could we leave you hangin’ like that!?! Well, it wouldn’t be a cliff hanger if we hashed it out now…you’ll just have to wait until next week. But don’t worry, everything works out fine.
### What the Billfish?
Can you believe we almost caught a billfish! I said sailfish in the video but, honestly it could have been another type of billfish. It was too fast and too far away to tell. If your one of our sport fishing friends you’re probably super bummed we lost it. Jason had no desire to tango with that fish at that moment so he wasn’t too sad. He was still wiping the crust from his sleeping eyes. Maybe we’ll catch another on the way to French Polynesia? Not that we’ll eat it, but it would be neat to catch and release one!
For those curious, we did swap our fishing line and that should stop us from losing another lure. Not only do I hate the idea of more junk floating in the ocean, I don’t like throwing away money either. Luckily, our **[Irish friends](https://www.rbmwild.com/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)** sent us a huge spool before we took off from Florida (thanks Roger and Ross). Plus, I recently learned how to make recycled lures…but more on that later.
### Life At Sea
Other than some close calls with the lightning (always nerve wracking) our first few days at sea were fantastic. I know it’s not for everyone, but I love being out here! We disconnect from the digital world, reconnect with ourselves *and* nature. Waking up to new creatures on the deck. Making my favorite meals. And listening to audio books while the bioluminescence sparkle in the sea, mimicking the stars above. I’ve never been more present and in-tune than I am while sailing. And the kitties like it too!
### Three On Six Off – Watch Schedule for a Trio
As I mentioned in the video we’re all being lazy with these calm seas and drizzly days. With Kate on board we decided to do rotating 3-hour watches. Because she’s an experienced salty sailor we completely trusted her. What that meant for each of us is up to 6 lovely hours in between watches…as long as we didn’t hook a fish, have to make a sail change or get hit up by sea scoundrels!
Plus, having another sailor aboard is cool, but getting to sail with a friend is unforgettable!
Sea what a good friend I am, offering up bottom support! Scrub Kate, scrub!
### Cooking at Sea
It always blows my mind how choppy the seas can be and yet, pots and pans don’t take flight. Ok, not yet anyway. We’ll see what I have to say if we ever encounter 20+ foot seas. Of course, I did my little **[non-slip trick](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tricks-to-make-dishes-rv-safe/)** to keep plates and glasses in place but not the pots and pans. Between the stability of a catamaran, the galley up (not down in a hull) and the snug u-shape galley,I am rarely intimidated to whip up a feast.
I am an experimental improv chef. I buy what’s affordable, local and on sale. Which means my ingredients are always changing and so are my recipes. With that in mind, here is my ever-changing but always a crowd pleaser veggie chili. Sometimes I will add additional veggies like corn, bell peppers, carrots or even broccoli. All depends on my mood. I believe you should always feel free to play with your food.
### **Sea Salted Veggie Chili**
**Ingredients**
- Salt – Salt brings out flavors and should always be used during cooking. Same goes for butter but everything in moderation of course. I don’t have a set amount because I salt my ingredients as I cook. So, it’s always to my taste and not measured out. I have been known to rub my hands along the lifeline and then dust them off in the pot. ?
- 2 cups dried beans soaked, rinsed and ready to cook (black, pinto or a combo)
- 2 dried chilies (ancho, chipotle…whatever I can get my hands on locally)
- 3 teaspoons of fresh or dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons of dried cilantro
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- Secret Ingredient Alert! These two things combined create cooking science magic and can be used in many vegetarian/vegan recipes!
- 1 cup of dried shiitake mushrooms (I stock up on these when I can: [https://amzn.to/2DSwzrC](https://amzn.to/2DSwzrC?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) )
- ½ cup toasted walnuts (the recipe will work without them, it’s a world of difference with them)
- 1 – 28 ounces of can diced tomatoes, drained with juice set aside
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste (I rarely have paste but salsa, BBQ sauce or ketchup work great as a substitute)
- 6-8 garlic cloves chopped finely
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- ¼ cup vegetable oil (any medium to high heat veggie oil works)
- 2 pounds onions chopped
- 6 cups of water
**Instructions**
My secret to good veggie chili is flavorful beans. Which doesn’t require a**[ pressure cooker,](https://amzn.to/2pGmY26?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)** but it sure makes the whole process faster and easier.
Don’t have a pressure cooker? **[Get one!](https://amzn.to/2pGmY26?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)** Until then…use all the same ingredients and either slow cook your beans first or use caned ones. Simmer all the ingredients together for at least 20min. It won’t be the same but still good.
- In a skillet toast the dried chilies until they puff up. Let them cool, then stem and seed the chilies.
- Use a food processor if you have one, (I have a ninja: [https://amzn.to/2IPRteR](https://amzn.to/2IPRteR?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) ) to grind the toasted chilies, mushrooms and oregano. It should resemble very course ground coffee that would be used for a French press. Set aside. Coarsely grind the walnuts (similar to the mushroom mixture). Set aside.
- Ok, time for the wet stuff. Process drained tomatoes, tomato paste, jalapeño, garlic and soy sauce in food processor until tomatoes are finely chopped. Set aside.
- Heat oil over medium-high heat, add onions and about a teaspoon of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions begin to brown. Lower heat to medium and stir in ground chili/mushroom mixture. Next, add water, beans, dried cilantro, cumin, cinnamon and paprika. Place on the pressure cooker lid and cook. If you soaked the beans, cook for approximately 15 min. If you did NOT soak the beans (I forget sometimes too) cook for 20-25 min. We’re looking for the beans to tender.
- Once beans are tender, stir in ground walnuts, tomato mixture, and reserved tomato juice. Cover pot and simmer 10 min.
**My Fave Garnishes**
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- ¼ cup chopped fresh spring onion
- Diced jalapeno (or sometimes habanero or serrano)
- Grated cheese
- Plain greek yogurt like Fage (the full fat, not the “0” stuff) or sour cream
### **Sailing Report**
To see our full map with interactive pins, click here: [gonewiththewynns.com/map](http://www.gonewiththewynns.com/map)
- Dates – January 16-19, 2018
- Nautical Miles Sailed – 480 From Las Perlas to the latitude a few click north of Tumaco, Columbia.
- Hours At Sea – 100.5
### Gear Used In This Video
- iPad Pro [http://amzn.to/2d9Oopf ](http://amzn.to/2d9Oopf?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)With These Sailing Apps:
- iNavx: [http://bit.ly/2vGgC51](http://bit.ly/2vGgC51?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Garmin Bluecharts with Active Captain: [http://bit.ly/2tgnRmA](http://bit.ly/2tgnRmA?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Iridium Go and Predict Wind for weather and communications: [bit.ly/PredictWindIridium](http://bit.ly/PredictWindIridium?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Red Gels Used on Lights: [https://amzn.to/2IRPCWT](https://amzn.to/2IRPCWT?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Full Review Of All Our Camera Gear: [gonewiththewynns.com/camera-gear-review-2017](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/camera-gear-review-2017/)
- All our fave gadgets and gear can be found in Our Gear store: [gonewiththewynns.com/store](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/store)
### Thank You!
Sharing our lives and what we learn along the way is possible because of viewers like you. A big shout out to our **[Patreons!](https://www.patreon.com/the%5Fwynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)** If you enjoyed this video and post or perhaps learned something new, check out our **[Say Thanks](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)** page. There are lots of ways you can help keep these videos and posts flowing. Best part is, most won’t cost you a penny but make a big difference to us. Thank You!
### Curious About Kate
Kate is a salty sailor hailing from South Africa ([we introduce her here)](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailing-out-of-panama/). She is joining us for some Ecuadorian adventures. You can snoop around on Kate’s blog here: [abrandnewlife.co.za/](http://abrandnewlife.co.za/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) and poke around on her Instagram account here: [instagram.com/a.brand.new.life/](https://www.instagram.com/a.brand.new.life/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) and while you are there, give us a follow if you haven’t already: [instagram.com/the\_wynns/](https://instagram.com/the%5Fwynns/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### Leavin Ain’t Easy – Sailing Outta Panama
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailing-out-of-panama/
Last updated: 2021-01-08T17:31:51.000Z
You’d think something as seemingly simple as leaving a country would be, well, simple. But, as we’re learning, nothing about sailing is simple. We’re down to our last few tasks and we’re ready to leave Panama. But Panama just doesn’t want to let us go.
As a sailor, there’s a long list of considerations and tasks to be done before casting off to sea. And as any good travel story goes, nothing ever goes as expected.
Woooo hooo! Raising our sails and getting underway felt like the final bell on the last day of school. We’re freeeeee! Libre!
No hard feelings [Panama](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tag/panama/), after the few epic months we’ve spent together, we wouldn’t want to let go either. You bore your soul to us. From your [cacao](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/chocolate-dreams-willy-wonka-jungle/) and [coffee](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/geisha-most-expensive-coffee/) roots, to the [highest peak](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/volcan-baru-panama/) and the [vast expanses below](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/heavenly-days-sailing-diving-fish/), you held nothing back. You were our [first canal](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/transit-panama-canal-sailboat/), and that’s not something a sailor forgets. We’ll always treasure [the moments](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailors-bliss-san-blas/) we had, the[ beautiful people](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/jungle-sloths-monkeys-frogs/) you hold and the [dark depths](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/boat-life-crew-repairs-cave-panama/) of your core.
But seriously, you need to work on letting go.
### More on the “Yatista” Visa
Traveling into and out of a country by sailboat is a very different experience from the ones we have traveling by plane or car. There’s more than a passport needed. But on top of the required paperwork, there’s a much larger heap of bureaucracy that can be encountered. First world countries with lots of infrastructure have clear cut requirements and fees that are often listed on an official website. In this case, rules give us a much better idea of what to expect. Other countries are well, to quote Forest Gump, “*like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get*.”
I had read about the “Yatista” Visa on [noonsite](http://www.noonsite.com/Countries/Panama/panama-backward-step-for-immigration?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) back when I was doing my research on our arrival into Panama.
“*Feedback from a number of land-based and cruiser sources in Panama, indicates that a backward step in Immigration Regulations was initiated by the Colon Branch of Immigration in September. Back in November 2016 we reported that the Panama Immigration Authorities had given verbal notification that crew and passengers of private non-commercial vessels which arrive in Panama by boat, would now be issued with a regular tourist visa at no charge on arrival. And for a while, in most ports of entry, this did indeed happen. However – it appears that the original policy change made about one year ago fell short of changing the Law.*
*Consequently there are reports from Porvenir of yacht crew having to once again buy the expensive “Yatista” visa on clearing into the country. This costs US$105 – a lot of outlay if you are only planning a short visit.*
*Affected parties are trying to change this (again) through the Chamber of Commerce, however presently the situation is very unclear. Cruisers planning on visiting Panama need to be aware that rules and regulations can change overnight, or simply at the whim of the authorities in that particular port, so do as much research before arrival on the best port to clear-in.*“
We had come to the conclusion that [Bocas Del Toro](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/panama-bocas-underwater-garden/) was a good place to check in and cruisers were not being charged the fee…and upon our arrival we weren’t. So, we thought we were in the clear. Apparently not. We attempted to check out at the Flamenco office and that is where we ran into the issue. The Zarpe came without issue, but the immigration officer would not stamp us out. She said we needed to clear up our Visa with the main office in Panama City (Albrook Office Center west of the Airport). **Our suggestion for fellow cruisers checking out in Panama City:** try the Balboa office and see if you have better luck avoiding the extra fees and hassle.
While it was an unexpected PITA, we’re just getting started with this whole international sailboat checkout process. I am sure we’ll look back at this minor inconvenience in a few years and think, “*pshhh, that was nothing compared to the experience we had in (insert far flung location here)*“. It’s all part of the adventure and only adds to our list of fireside tales of travel to share. Hasta Luego, Panama.
### **Want to know more about how we plan our passages?**
We shared a quick glimpse at what is involved with planning a passage but we didn’t dive into any details. Granted, we’re not experts by any stretch but we’re happy to share what we’ve learned so far. If you want to know more, let us know what questions you have. Drop a comment below and if there is enough interest, we’ll make a video and answer your questions.
### Curious About Kate
Kate is a salty sailor hailing from South Africa. She is in a time of transition. She, and her even saltier half (Rufus), cast off from South Africa several years back to circumnavigate the globe. Like many young, non-retired sailors, they take breaks away from their boat (S/Y Melody) to re-fill the cruising kitty (AKA bank account). They’ve been Captain and Chef/Stew on a 58ft Leopard Catamaran for the past two years. But, they’re ready to continue their own adventures. So, while Rufus trains the new crew that will be taking over their positions, Kate is joining us for some adventures. Yep, a South African crew member sailing on our South African cat, and that’s totally lekker!
**Other Episodes with Kate and Rufus**
- Ringing In The New Year: [gonewiththewynns.com/new-year-2018](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/new-year-2018/)
- Jungle River Adventures: [gonewiththewynns.com/sailing-to-san-blas](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailing-to-san-blas/)
- Video bombing background dancers: [gonewiththewynns.com/replacing-anchor-chain](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/replacing-anchor-chain/)
You can snoop around on Kate’s blog here: [abrandnewlife.co.za/](http://abrandnewlife.co.za/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) and poke around on her Instagram account here: [instagram.com/a.brand.new.life/](https://www.instagram.com/a.brand.new.life/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) and while you are there, give us a follow if you haven’t already: [instagram.com/the\_wynns/](https://instagram.com/the%5Fwynns/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### Sailing Report
To see our full map with interactive pins, click here: [gonewiththewynns.com/map](http://www.gonewiththewynns.com/map)
- Dates: 01/02 – 12/2018
- Anchorage: La Playita, Panama City, can be found on Active Captain: [http://bit.ly/2oHvPkg](http://bit.ly/2oHvPkg?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) While the dinghy dock has a daily fee, we feel its a much safer place to park the dink for a full day of provisioning, picking up crew or a night in the city.
- Cell & WiFi: Excellent reception here.
### Gear Used In This Video
- Ocean Atlas: [amzn.to/2G1PJQZ](http://amzn.to/2G1PJQZ?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- World Cruising Routes Book: [amzn.to/2pjQUla](http://amzn.to/2pjQUla?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- iPad Pro [http://amzn.to/2d9Oopf ](http://amzn.to/2d9Oopf?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)With These Sailing Apps:
- iNavx: [http://bit.ly/2vGgC51](http://bit.ly/2vGgC51?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Garmin Bluecharts with Active Captain: [http://bit.ly/2tgnRmA](http://bit.ly/2tgnRmA?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Iridium Go and Predict Wind for weather and communications: [bit.ly/PredictWindIridium](http://bit.ly/PredictWindIridium?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Full Review Of All Our Camera Gear: [gonewiththewynns.com/camera-gear-review-2017](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/camera-gear-review-2017/)
- All our fave gadgets and gear can be found in Our Gear store: [gonewiththewynns.com/store](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/store)
### Thank You!
Thank you for joining us! Sharing our lives, and what we learn along the way is possible because of viewers like you. With a super-special thanks to our virtual crew on **[Patreon](https://www.patreon.com/the%5Fwynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)**. If you like what you see, check out our **[Say Thanks](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)** page to learn about different ways you can help keep these videos and posts flowing. You’ll notice most ways don’t cost you a penny but make a big difference to us. So, once again, Thank You!
### Air Conditioning on A Sailboat? Yes, and It’s Battery Powered too!
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/air-conditioning-sailboat/
Last updated: 2021-01-08T17:31:51.000Z
Air Conditioning on a sailboat is a luxury. Especially when we’re at anchor and running everything off solar and battery power. So, naturally, we get asked about keeping cool on the hook…a lot.
In **[our last video about sailing with family,](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sweet-salty-sailing-with-family/)** I asked Jason’s sister Lauren “*how was it coming from a typical house to sleeping in a boat with no air conditioning*?”. This question caused a ton of confused comments on why we didn’t run our A/C for the family. Fair enough.
The short answer is, we did run the A/C for short stints, but not overnight. The complete answer to that question is hashed out in the video below. So….click that play button!
Kinda cool right?! Ok, now about those details.
Here’s a quick recap of what we covered in the video:
- **Why didn’t you run the A/C?** We did in the afternoons, when the sun was high (and our solar panels were bringing in lots o’ power to the batteries). It was the hottest part of the day and it’s o-so-nice to circulate air and bring down humidity.
- **Why not run the A/C overnight?** We don’t have enough battery power to run the A/C all night and keep up with all the other power demands of the boat. (It’s a challenge to manage resources with 5 additional people who are not accustomed to living with limited resources).
- **Why not run the generator?** 10 hours of generator uses about 5 gallons of fuel. That fuel consumption adds up fast and requires us to service the generator more often. Not to mention there were no fuel stations where we were anchored. Conserving fuel, parts and our limited resources is important while living off the grid, especially in remote places.
- **How do we run the A/C off our batteries?** Short answer is, we installed an Easy Start.
### How We Run Our Sailboats Air Conditioning off Battery Power
If you want to run the A/C while you’re living off the grid and on the hook, there’s a few things to consider:
- **A/C’s use a ton of power.** You’ll need a big battery bank to run the A/C for any reasonable length of time. We have a beefy 1200 Amp hours of lithium battery power. More on lithium batteries: [gonewiththewynns.com/sailboat-tech-why-lithium-batteries](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailboat-tech-why-lithium-batteries/)
- **Replenish the battery bank.** Our 1400 watts of solar has the potential to replenish most of the A/C’s consumption during peak sun hours. But conditions must be perfect, and we need to limit the other electronics we use while the Air Conditioning is on. More on our solar set up here: [gonewiththewynns.com/living-off-grid-rv-sailboat](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/living-off-grid-rv-sailboat)
- **Inverters have a “surge” or “peak” load.** You’ll need to look at the “locked rotor amps” of the A/C to determine if your inverter (or generator/shore power connection) can handle the surge. Our Cruisair 16,000 BTU A/C states it has a peak of 70 amps when the compressor kicks on. Our inverter can handle a max of 60 amps (noted as “Peak Output Current” from the manufacturer spec sheet). So, the surge from the A/C is greater than what our inverter can handle. Plus, that kind of surge is harsh…there are additional benefits to softening the blow (puns intended!). More on our inverter here: [gonewiththewynns.com/product/2000-watt-inverter](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/2000-watt-inverter)
For reference here are a few common inverters and their claimed peak amps:
- GoPower! IC2000 – 60 amps
- Magnum MS2012 – 50 amps
- Xantrex PROsine 1800 – 45 amps
**We’re not reinventing the wheel.** This type of power surge is a common problem with all different types of compressors and pumps. That’s how we found the **[Easy Start](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/air-conditioning-off-grid).** The RV air conditioner manufacturer told us it was the solution to our “surge” issue. The Easy Start is a device that gets attached to the A/C and reduces the surge of power (as you saw in the video). An Easy Start can be used to run an Air Conditioner (or other compressor or pump) off a small generator (like the Honda 2000), low quality (or low amperage) shore power, or through an inverter for off grid solutions (like tiny homes, RVs and boats).
When we were outfitting **[Curiosity](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/curiosity-sailboat)** we knew we wanted to install the Easy Start on our A/C units. It’s been almost 2 years now and we haven’t had any issues on or off the hook. Ok, maybe one issue: Jason dreams of adding even more battery power (keep dreaming honey).
But, in all honesty we don’t run the A/C that often. When we do, we throw on a scarf and pretend we’re on one of those fancy super yachts. But mainly, it’s to take the edge off of the peak heat of the day and help control the humidity (aka, the mold).
# Discount Code For You!
This is NOT a paid plug or sponsored video. Easy Start didn’t ask us to create any of this, we asked Matteo for his help . Not only did he help us out, he was able to score you a discount. And, as cherry on top, we get a couple of bucks too as a referral. It’s a win-wynn! Thanks Matteo!
- **$25 off discount code:** GWTW
- **Where to purchase:** [http://bit.ly/easy-start-ac](http://bit.ly/easy-start-ac?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
If you have any questions at all leave a comment below and we’ll do our best to answer. If it’s a technical question we can’t answer, there’s a good chance Matteo will chime in.
### **How Long Can We Run The A/C Off Battery Power?**
We ran a very quick test to give you some real use numbers as we were filming this video. This isn’t an in depth test and it is always going to vary as weather conditions change. For example: How hot is it outside vs what temp we have the A/C set at. Is the compressor running the whole time or cycling on and off. How many other electronic devices are running…you get the point. All of this makes a huge difference in how long we can run the A/C.
- 9AM – Turn A/C on, set for 77°. Outside it’s mostly cloudy and 80°. Batteries are at 67.6% (-388 AMP Hours Down)
- 12PM – Turn A/C off. Outside it’s partly sunny and 83°. Batteries are at 50.7% (-589 AMP Hours Down)
- After 3 hours of running the A/C, we were down -201 AMP Hours
**Important to note** – We were not running the A/C hard and it was cycling on and off. Fans, refrigerator, freezer and our computers were all running. This typically draws about 15-25 AMPs per hour. Our solar was bringing in some power (around 30-50 AMPs per hour). Putting all this together plus our past two years experience (especially on much hotter days), we are guessing on average the A/C pulls about 115 AMPs per hour.
**The Big Takeaway** – With our 1200 Amp hours of lithium battery power and 1400 watts of solar, we can easily run the A/C for a couple of hours in the early afternoon and the solar power coming in will top our batteries back up before the sun goes down.
### Gear Used In This Video
- Full Review Of All Our Camera Gear: [gonewiththewynns.com/camera-gear-review-2017](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/camera-gear-review-2017/)
- All our fave gadgets and gear can be found in Our Gear store: [gonewiththewynns.com/store](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/store)
That’s it. Thanks for watching, reading and being a part of the adventure. If you liked this post/video, do us a huge favor and **share it!** Send it by email, share it on facebook or twitter or simply tell a friend. It helps us out tremendously. See ya on Sunday.
### The Sweet and Salty, Sailing With Family
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sweet-salty-sailing-with-family/
Last updated: 2021-01-08T17:31:52.000Z
Our biggest fear is living a static life. We half-jokingly say we have a case of **Sedentary Lifeaphobia**. Because time has a way of thrusting us forward at warp speed. Days turn into years and before we know it, we’re looking back at the past wondering what we’ve done with all that time.
Everyday life for most of us has a way of blending together. Routine settles in and it becomes difficult to distinguish one day from another. But, as perpetual travelers our mission is to avoid routine, seek out new experiences and rack up as many milestones as possible. Especially with the people we love most, our family.
Each year we make a concerted effort to spend time with family and share experiences that leave heavily imprinted memories.
However, our unique lifestyle makes us exceptionally difficult to catch up with. We’re never in the same place for long, there is rarely an airport nearby and the notoriously fickle Mother Nature dictates our schedule. The effort to coordinate and accommodate each other’s time, schedules and resources seem to increase each year.
How is it there are thousands of apps and services available to help us become more efficient and save time…yet, it seems we’re all busier than ever?
Luckily, Jason’s family loves to travel, and loves us enough to spend their hard-earned cash and vacation days to make the journey to wherever in the world we are. We have a vault of lasting memories ranging from**[ Alaska](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/alaska-canada-adventures)** to **[California](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/easter-holiday/)**, the**[ Bahamas](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/a-merry-message-to-you/)** and now Panama!
In other words, we try desperately not to take these opportunities for granted. They don’t last long so it’s important to savor every moment.
Are you ready to meet the family? Click the play button and sail with us to the Las Perlas Islands of Panama (Pearl Islands in English) and get the scoop on what its like living on a sailboat together, as one big family at sea.
Memories provide a record of past experiences and anchor them in time. They give our life coherence and meaning.
These special moments don’t blend together, they stand out. They give us a feeling of pause, as if we’re able to slow down time to spend it together…even if it’s one short week out of a year.
### Real life is Sweet and Salty
We try really hard to focus on the good (dolphins, rays, snorkeling and sunsets) but also share the reality of this slightly insane un-sedentary way of life. We learned a ton from our family’s first visit aboard s/v *Curiosity* which we shared here: [www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailing-with-family-our-mistakes](http://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailing-with-family-our-mistakes) This time I think we were all more prepared for a sailing adventure.
We don’t hold back with our fam and we let everyone participate as much as they want. To our delighted surprise, they wanted to be a part of it all, even the not so glamorous bits. Experiences were had, memories were made, and elbow grease was used.
Learning how to filet a fish wasn’t exactly on Lauren or Alexis’ bucket list, but they both volunteered the moment I asked if anyone wanted to give it a go. I always love a girl who’s not afraid to get her hands dirty! #GirlPower
Lines, knots, sails and fishing gear were tended to with excitement. Everybody had a dish-duty day. Mom and Jacob wanted to help scrub the hulls of *Curiosity*. Gabe was the designated sous chef. And everyone was up for scrubbing the salt off the deck after being at sea. This was not a chill-out charter sail for this *Curiosity Family Crew*, which is how they all earned their crew uniforms: Our fancy shirt and hat!
I know we’ve been promising a swag store for a while. With the feedback from the fam we’re in the process of making a few product tweaks before launching it. We promise the swag store will go live this year!
### A Tearful Goodbye
Saying goodbye to crew, friends and especially family can be extremely difficult. Even for us seasoned travelers who are constantly on the move. What made this goodbye especially tear-inducing is also what makes life great. Lauren is getting married, we’re about to sail halfway around the world, Jacob is moving to the east coast and mom (AKA Mary) is…well, crazy busy like always.
Each of these individually are exciting, but in our heads, we realize, there’s a good chance we might not see anyone for a long while. That’s a tough pill to swallow.
Lauren’s wedding falls right in the middle of our Pacific Ocean crossing. Jake and Alexis start new jobs soon and will likely not have the time or budget to visit for a while. Flights to French Polynesia are ridiculously expensive and time consuming so Mom may have to wait for a more affordable location too.
In the end, we’re all departing with seared in memories that forever anchor us together. Let’s hope these shared experiences will keep our hearts full till the next big family adventure. It’s gonna be tough being away this next year, but I guess that’s what Instagram and WhatsApp are for.
### Thank You!
Thank you for joining us! Sharing our lives and what we learn along the way is possible because of viewers like you and of course our **[Patreons](https://www.patreon.com/the%5Fwynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)**. If you like what you see, check out our **[Say Thanks](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)** page to learn about different ways you can help keep the videos and posts flowing. You’ll notice most ways don’t cost you a penny but make a big difference to us. Thank You!
### Sailing Report
To see our full map with interactive pins, click here: [gonewiththewynns.com/map](http://www.gonewiththewynns.com/map)
- Dates: 12 / 21 – 27 / 2017
- Nautical Miles Sailed: 107
- Anchorage: La Playita (Panama City) Isla Chapera, Isla Contadora, Isla Viveros (Las Perlas Islands) – All can be found on Active Captain: [http://bit.ly/2oHvPkg](http://bit.ly/2oHvPkg?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Cell & WiFi: Isla Contadora had cell service but that was all we had.
### Gear Used In This Video
**Sailing Specific**
- Quatix 5 Watches:
- Chartplotter: [Garmin 7612xsv Multi-touch](http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-8389711-12945564?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- iPad Mount at Helm: [http://amzn.to/2fT84PG](http://amzn.to/2fT84PG?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- iPad Pro [http://amzn.to/2d9Oopf ](http://amzn.to/2d9Oopf?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)Sailing Apps Used:
- iNavx: [http://bit.ly/2vGgC51](http://bit.ly/2vGgC51?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Garmin Bluecharts with Active Captain: [http://bit.ly/2tgnRmA](http://bit.ly/2tgnRmA?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Iridium Go and Predict Wind for weather and communications: [bit.ly/PredictWindIridium](http://bit.ly/PredictWindIridium?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Mantus Anchor:
**Snorkel/Dive Gear**
Nikki
- Hammerhead Free-Dive Mask With Camera Mount [http://amzn.to/2d5C6SB](http://amzn.to/2d5C6SB?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Hammerhead Free-Dive J Snorkel: [http://amzn.to/2cjh3dV](http://amzn.to/2cjh3dV?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Nikki’s Sporasub Freediving Fins: [http://amzn.to/2kIYmlf](http://amzn.to/2kIYmlf?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
Jason
- Atomic Mask: [http://amzn.to/2uuqsZf](http://amzn.to/2uuqsZf?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Omer Snorkel: [http://amzn.to/2uxCjEb](http://amzn.to/2uxCjEb?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Omer Freediving Fins: [http://amzn.to/2kIhljK](http://amzn.to/2kIhljK?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**Fishing**
- Hawaiian Sling Spear: [http://amzn.to/2hIBfHb](http://amzn.to/2hIBfHb?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Cut Resistant Gloves: [http://amzn.to/2uxZWfM](http://amzn.to/2uxZWfM?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Fishing Reel (our rod isn’t online): [http://amzn.to/2v8bQPu](http://amzn.to/2v8bQPu?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**Kitchen**
- Blender –[ gonewiththewynns.com/product/ninja-master-prep](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/ninja-master-prep)
- Yogurt Maker – [http://amzn.to/2HlOZDl](http://amzn.to/2HlOZDl?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Bread Maker (and recipe) – [gonewiththewynns.com/product/expressbake-breadmaker](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/expressbake-breadmaker)
### **Cameras Used to Capture This Video**
Full Review Of All Our Camera Gear: [gonewiththewynns.com/camera-gear-review-2017](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/camera-gear-review-2017/)
- Sony A7ii: [com/product/sony-a7ii](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/sony-a7ii)
- Rode Mic: [https://bhpho.to/2hUNFA8](https://bhpho.to/2hUNFA8?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Sony 24 – 70mm f4 lens: [com/product/sony-24-70](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/sony-24-70)
- Sony RX (small pocket cam): [gonewiththewynns.com/product/productsony-dsc-rx100m-iii-cyber-shot-digital-still-camera](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/productsony-dsc-rx100m-iii-cyber-shot-digital-still-camera)
**Action/Underwater Camera**
- Sony RX0 –[ http://amzn.to/2p2lfVc](http://amzn.to/2p2lfVc?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**Tripods**
- Full Size Travel Tripod: [gonewiththewynns.com/product/manfrotto-befree-tripod-kit](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/manfrotto-befree-tripod-kit)
- GorillaPod: [gonewiththewynns.com/product/gorillapod-focus-x](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/gorillapod-focus-x)
- Sony Action Stick: [gonewiththewynns.com/product/sony-selfie-stick](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/sony-selfie-stick)
**Drone**
- DJI Mavic Pro: [http://amzn.to/2vUFXa6](http://amzn.to/2vUFXa6?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Drone Filters: [http://bit.ly/sandmarc-mavic](http://bit.ly/sandmarc-mavic?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### I Put These Pants on for Nothing – The Other Side of Sailing Life
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/other-side-sailing-life/
Last updated: 2021-01-08T17:31:52.000Z
There are two sides to cruising life. One side, the dreamy side, is all rainbows, fair winds and seahorses. The other side is the prep, planning and work that goes into making the dream (and the next destination) possible. One doesn’t exist without the other.
Now that we’ve **[transited the Panama Canal](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/transit-panama-canal-sailboat/)** and we’re sitting in the Pacific Ocean, we have a long list of “to do’s” before we can go sailing off into the South Pacific sunset.
So, without further ado…click the play button and join us for some “typical” cruiser days.
And so, this is the other side of cruising life. The seemingly simple errands and tasks that somehow eat up days that can quickly turn into weeks. Luckily, we’ve got an extra fire burning under our backsides…a schedule!
I know we always say schedules are the enemy but, in this case, it’s our absolute positive motivation. Because spoiler alert, we have some very special guests joining us next week. So stay tuned!
### **Please and Thank You**
If you’ve been following along now for a while now you may have noticed us mention our **[Say Thanks](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)** page. It’s a page dedicated to all the different ways you can help keep these videos and posts flowing. If you enjoy our videos, find them helpful, entertaining or useful then please **[click over and check it out.](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)** You’ll notice most ways don’t cost you a penny but make a big difference to us. And for that, we thank you!
### **Tidbits from this episode**
Mast work is seriously no fun in rocky waters…but it’s good heavy weather training. If I ever have to go up the mast while at sea in an emergency, I’ll know to expect a wild ride.
Tides on the Pacific side of Panama are 18-20 feet, choose your dinghy placement carefully. It’s crazy (and scary) to watch it all change so quickly.
Las Brisas anchorage does have a beautiful view of the city. We lucked out with a few calm days and the huge bay is perfect for paddle boarding. But with dramatic tides come dramatic currents. I suggest paddling at slack tide.
General, unsolicited life advice: Ice cream makes everything better.
When In doubt, follow the cats lead.
### **Sailing Report**
To see our full map with interactive pins, click here: [gonewiththewynns.com/map](http://www.gonewiththewynns.com/map)
- Dates: 12/5 – 12/19/2017
- Cell & WiFi: Because we’re so close to the city, we had great cell reception all around.
### Anchorages
The Island of Taboga has an adorable little town but the anchorage isn’t well protected and there is a lot of boat traffic. There are a few mooring balls but no docking options. We were allowed to drop each other off at the ferry dock but couldn’t tie the dinghy up, which made it challenging to explore the island. There were plenty of pangas moored nearby, but they rarely moved.
There are two main anchorages that we found near Panama City. Both are marked on **[Active Captain](http://bit.ly/2oHvPkg?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)**.
**La Playita** – A good place to drop the hook depending on what you need. The weekly dinghy dock fee isn’t too bad if you plan on using the dock for the entire week. Plus, if you plan on going into the city at night, it is the only safe place to leave the dinghy. The boat traffic here can get hectic. The marina has fishing boats coming in and out, plus there is a ferry that picks up and drops off throughout the day. The worst wake comes from the pilot boats going to and from the panama canal. In other words, be prepared for lots of wake action. During our stay it was generally calm at night and not horribly unpleasant during the day…just a little annoying.
**Las Brisas de Amador** – This seems to be the cruiser hang out. We met lots of awesome peeps coming and going here. The free public dock has lots of traffic. There’s sharp metal edges (i.e. tear a dinghy up), a bridge that crushes unsuspecting dinghy’s at high tide and you’re competing with the full-time liveaboards who think they own the dock. It’s only safe to leave your dinghy during daylight hours and the local cruisers said the dinghy and engine must be locked to prevent theft. We were told people who left their dinghy at night had parts or the whole boat stolen. We never had any issues but sometimes struggled to find a safe spot to tie up to on busy days.
Generally speaking we preferred the boat wake induced la Playita anchorage…at least during our stay. The winds on Las Brisas side would often pick up from the north to northeast and create an unpleasant anchorage, and an extremely bouncy dinghy dock.
### **Sailing Specific Gear**
- iPad Pro [http://amzn.to/2d9Oopf ](http://amzn.to/2d9Oopf?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)Sailing Apps Used:
- iNavx: [http://bit.ly/2vGgC51](http://bit.ly/2vGgC51?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Garmin Bluecharts with Active Captain: [http://bit.ly/2tgnRmA](http://bit.ly/2tgnRmA?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Iridium Go and Predict Wind for weather and communications: [bit.ly/PredictWindIridium](http://bit.ly/PredictWindIridium?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Quatix 5 Watches:
### **Cameras Used to Capture This Video**
Full Review Of All Our Camera Gear: [gonewiththewynns.com/camera-gear-review-2017](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/camera-gear-review-2017/)
- Sony A7ii: [com/product/sony-a7ii](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/sony-a7ii)
- Rode Mic: [https://bhpho.to/2hUNFA8](https://bhpho.to/2hUNFA8?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Sony 24 – 70mm f4 lens: [com/product/sony-24-70](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/sony-24-70)
- Sony RX (small pocket cam Jason tested the mic muffs on): [gonewiththewynns.com/product/productsony-dsc-rx100m-iii-cyber-shot-digital-still-camera](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/productsony-dsc-rx100m-iii-cyber-shot-digital-still-camera)
- Micro Muff (the furry eyebrows Jason tested to help block the wind for better sound on our Sony RX): [http://bit.ly/2FPqDC9](http://bit.ly/2FPqDC9?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Gorilla Tripod: [http://amzn.to/2A0zwIa](http://amzn.to/2A0zwIa?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**Drone**
- DJI Mavic Pro: [http://amzn.to/2vUFXa6](http://amzn.to/2vUFXa6?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Drone Filters: [http://bit.ly/sandmarc-mavic](http://bit.ly/sandmarc-mavic?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### Locked Up, Let Down and Set Free – Transiting The Panama Canal
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/transit-panama-canal-sailboat/
Last updated: 2021-01-08T17:31:52.000Z
The big day has arrived and we’re all giddy like a bunch of kids on the last day of school. The Panama Canal wasn’t something I dreamed about and honestly, it wasn’t even on my radar before buying a sailboat. Now, here I am about to wet my pants like its something I’ve been waiting my whole life to do.
Our choice of crew might have a little something to do with it.
Peter and John (AKA **[The RV Geeks](http://www.thervgeeks.com/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)**) are good friends but it’s more than that. Put them in front of any sort of electrical or mechanical gizmo and you’d think they were given a sack of candy. They bring a childlike excitement to learning how things work. MythBusters doesn’t know it, but they need to add these guys to the cast.
Then there is Jason’s mom. Mary is hands down the most spontaneous, reckless in all the right ways and ready for adventure person I know. She has instigated, or participated in, some of our biggest adventures ([like ice climbing in Alaska](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/ice-climbing-alaska-tragic-mistake/)). She is a hard working **[business woman](http://bit.ly/2bl1Glg?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)** but she knows how to cut loose.
Put them all together on *Curiosity* and their enthusiasm is infectious. As expected, they are the perfect fit for this journey. So, grab a beverage and settle in for the ride! We’re floating through history, getting locked up, let down and set free into the Pacific Ocean.
Peter and John were busy tending to lines but managed to capture footage of their experience too. In true Geeks style, they dig into the man-made wonderment and engineering. They illustrate how the canal cuts through a country and uses water to lift us up 85 feet and set us down in the Pacific Ocean.
### Planning Your Panama Canal Transit?
Turns out planning and preparing for the Panama Canal wasn’t as difficult as we expected. We shared everything we learned about how to transit the canal with or without an agent here:[ gonewiththewynns.com/no-agent-transit-panama-canal](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/no-agent-transit-panama-canal/) Spoiler alert…we saved the cash and didn’t hire an agent.
### Extra fun facts…
The Panama Canal at night is reminiscent of a river walk.
Talk about a mooring ball! I think this thing was made for a tanker. It’s an interesting way to moor up but let’s hope it doesn’t catch on. This is closer than I would want to be to my neighbors on a regular basis.
In all the excitement, I forgot to get my written approval to fly our drone while transiting the canal. Doh…Face Palm! However, we did have just enough time for a quick flight around Gatun Lake before we took off on day two. The new locks for the big ships are very impressive from up here.
As part of our transit duties, we are expected to provide bottled water and lunch for the adviser. I was super nervous about this. I read a horror story about an adviser being displeased with the offerings and requesting a pilot boat to deliver take out at the expense of the boat. It’s a nasty $250 fee! Yikes!
I am sure that is a rare instance, and who knows what the full story is, but I didn’t want to take any chances! So, I provided a build your own sandwich buffet. Tuna salad, chicken salad, hummus, veggies, fruit, an assortment of meats and cheeses, granola bars, chips, sodas, juices and anything else I could come up with. Everyone was satisfied and stuffed to the gills!
Most importantly we made sure our galley, salon and cockpit were all clean & tidy. Nobody wants to dine in a messy, grimy, gross area. If you’re boat is tidy and the food looks fresh you’re less likely to get complaints from the adviser. Also we didn’t know we’d have to feed 2 people. Thankfully we had plenty of food for the adviser and the adviser-in-training.
Our adviser and trainees were awesome! Roy was relaxed, incredibly nice, laughed at my jokes (extra brownie points of course), gave us tidbits of history along the way and was professional all at the same time. We lucked out big time. Thanks for being awesome Roy!
Mary drew the short stick and in this instance, its winning! Because we were rafted up to another boat, we really only needed two line handlers. That meant Mary got to sit back, relax and enjoy the transit!
Our raft buddies, (french delivery captain and his first mate) were rad dudes. We had fun chatting in broken English, French and Spanish. We bonded after I let them borrow my iPad with the **[Predict Wind Offshore](http://bit.ly/PredictWindIridium?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)** app to see what the weather looked like for their passage to Mexico. Their eyes lit up like Christmas lights. They were blown away by the information and had never seen an app with weather routing capabilities. It was exciting to share and talk about passage making with a captain…while on passage. Made me feel like a real salt.
### A Whole New World!
It feels like we’ve been let out into a whole new world. So many possibilities and route options, which way to go? South America, Galapagos, Easter Island, French Polynesia, New Zealand, Thailand…oh who knows. No matter which direction we decide to point our sailboat, it will be an adventure.
### Sharing Is Caring
Thanks for joining us and making it this far! We’re able to keep the sails up because of viewers like you. If you liked this video and post, **[please share it.](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)** You could email it to a friend, share it on your facebook or twitter page, pin it to your future sailing destinations board or even send it to your favorite news anchor (extra bonus points if you know Ron Burgundy). It helps us out tremendously and for that, we thank you.
### Sailing Report
To see our full map with interactive pins, click here: [gonewiththewynns.com/map](http://www.gonewiththewynns.com/map)
- Dates: November 28 – 29, 2017
- Nautical Miles Sailed: 42
- Cell & WiFi: We had good cell reception through most of the canal.
### Gear Used In This Video
- Quatix 5 Watches:
- Chartplotter: [Garmin 7612xsv Multi-touch](http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-8389711-12945564?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- iPad Mount at Helm: [http://amzn.to/2fT84PG](http://amzn.to/2fT84PG?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- iPad Pro [http://amzn.to/2d9Oopf ](http://amzn.to/2d9Oopf?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)Sailing Apps Used:
- iNavx: [http://bit.ly/2vGgC51](http://bit.ly/2vGgC51?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Garmin Bluecharts with Active Captain: [http://bit.ly/2tgnRmA](http://bit.ly/2tgnRmA?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Iridium Go and Predict Wind for weather and communications: [bit.ly/PredictWindIridium](http://bit.ly/PredictWindIridium?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### Cameras Used to Capture This Video
- Full Review Of All Our Camera Gear: [gonewiththewynns.com/camera-gear-review-2017 ](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/camera-gear-review-2017/)
- **Main Cameras**
- Sony A7ii: [gonewiththewynns.com/product/sony-a7ii ](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/sony-a7ii)
- Rode Mic: [https://bhpho.to/2hUNFA8](https://bhpho.to/2hUNFA8?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Sony 24 – 70mm f4 lens: [gonewiththewynns.com/product/sony-24-70 ](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/sony-24-70)
- Sony 70-200 F4: [gonewiththewynns.com/product/sony-70-200 ](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/sony-70-200)
- Sony RX: [gonewiththewynns.com/product/productsony-dsc-rx100m-iii-cyber-shot-digital-still-camera ](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/productsony-dsc-rx100m-iii-cyber-shot-digital-still-camera)
- **Action Camera**
- Sony Action Cam: [gonewiththewynns.com/product/sony-as300 ](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/sony-as300)
- **Tripod**
- GorillaPod: [gonewiththewynns.com/product/gorillapod-focus-x ](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/gorillapod-focus-x)
- **Drone**
- DJI Mavic Pro: [http://amzn.to/2vUFXa6 ](http://amzn.to/2vUFXa6?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Drone Filters: [http://bit.ly/sandmarc-mavic](http://bit.ly/sandmarc-mavic?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### No Agent? No Problem! Transit The Panama Canal
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/no-agent-transit-panama-canal/
Last updated: 2021-01-08T17:31:52.000Z
Every sailor wanting to go from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific (or vice versa) has two options. Take on Cape Horn or transit the Panama Canal (well, technically you can ship your boat but that’s not sailing).
Now, before we go diving into these two options its important to remind ourselves where we are as sailors.
We’ve been sailing for less than two years and only since **[arriving in Panama](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailor-showers-land-ho/)** have we earned our first swallow. (Sailors earn a swallow tattoo for every 5,000 nautical miles traveled. The circumference of the earth is 21,639 nautical miles. That’s about 4 swallow.)
Ok, back to those two options…
### Option One – Cape Horn
Rounding Cape Horn is to sailing what Mount Everest is to hiking. It’s not for newbies. The westerly winds are aptly named the “furious fifties”. It’s known for being a sailor’s graveyard because of the strong winds, currents, big waves and icebergs. We’re not ready to dodge icebergs yet.
### Option Two – Panama Canal
The Canal was built across Panama to save ships from having to go all the way around Cape Horn. But, it’s more than a nautical shortcut from one ocean to another. It’s a historic man made engineering marvel. Ships travel up 85 feet above sea level through a series of massive, seven foot thick lock doors. Over 15,000 ships make the crossing between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans each year. But, only a small percentage of those are small, non-commercial vessels like ours. While transiting the canal is no Cape Horn, it’s still a big deal.
Making the decision to transit the canal was the easy part. Actually transiting the canal requires planning, preparation, extra crew and a fair amount of cash. The expenses to transit the canal add up quick, which is exactly why we wanted to forgo using an agent. Turns out having no agent is no problem. Money saved, experience gained and knowledge shared!
With our line handlers on board, we’re in full geeky excitement mode. Transiting the Panama Canal is a major milestone for any cruiser. But, we’re about to change oceans among massive cargo ships, good friends and family. It doesn’t get any sweeter than this!
**About Our Linehandlers – Meet The Crew**
A big thanks to Jason’s Mom (Mary), Peter and John (AKA The RV Geeks) for making the trek out to join us. If you are an RV’er or even a DIY’er you probably already know about The RV Geeks. If not, you’ll want to check out their website and YouTube channel: **[The RV Geeks](http://www.thervgeeks.com/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com).** As for Jason’s Mom, she owns a mineral makeup company based out of Dallas called **[Mineralogie. ](http://bit.ly/2bl1Glg?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)** Having friends & family that can set their own schedules is a major bonus for last minute requests such as “Hey, we’re going through the canal in 10 days…wanna come?”
### Help Please and Thank You
Before I dive into all the gritty details, I need to ask for your help. We spend an insane amount of time, filming, documenting and creating what you see. Maybe this post will save you $$$ if it gives you the confidence to transit the canal without an agent. If you like our videos and articles, you can help keep the creativity flowing. We’ve listed out all the little (like sharing) and big (join the crew) ways you can help here: [gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)
Best part is, most won’t take more than a few seconds of time or cost you a penny. Thank you for being a part of the journey!
# Transiting The Panama Canal, No Agent Needed
### Tis The Season
The peak season for yachts transiting the canal is January to March. Around three to nine small boats a day go through. Our admeasurer’s advice: Avoid peak season if you can for more undivided attention and less stress. We decided to transit in November. We literally could have sailed in, got measured and transited the next day.
### Anchoring vs Marina During Prep For The Transit
The most popular spot seems to be Shelter Bay Marina. Focusing on the transit yacht business, they are the only marina in the area and know the biz, so prices are not cheap. And, everything is a 30-45 minute taxi or bus ride away (at least until the bridge is complete). That said, we’ve heard great things about the owners and no negative feedback.
We prefer being at anchor and the canal has the designated “flats” anchorage that is free. We stayed there for measuring and the night before our transit. We felt totally safe and there was very little traffic at night. Other than the occasional pilot boat wake it’s a calm anchorage. After our canal measurements and prep was complete we sailed back to [Linton Bay Anchorage](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/stuff-breaks-we-fix-it-hooray-boats/).
If you have boat work to be done before the transit, Linton Bay Marina is only a day sail away, it has a lift and far cheaper slips.
### Sailboat Insurance
Boaters insurance is interesting (AKA expensive and complicated). We buy coverage for the areas we plan to travel and read the fine print carefully. As we enter a new country or body of water, we must buy coverage for that area. Insurance prices vary like crazy from boat to boat, sailor to sailor, and of course providers. But, for what it’s worth, **we paid an extra $316** to cover us through the canal and add coastal pacific cruising. We will have to re-up again when make the Pacific crossing to French Polynesia.
Want more info on sailboat insurance? Check out this video and post: [gonewiththewynns.com/exhausting-journey-buying-cruising-sailboat](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/exhausting-journey-buying-cruising-sailboat/)
### Why you might like to have an Agent
Maybe the extra $300-$600 for an agent to manage your transit is in your budget. Maybe you’re in a rush and feel you need the help. Plenty of people we talked to like their agent and enjoyed having them. But in the end, they didn’t do any less prep than we did.
### Why You Don’t Need An Agent
The employees of the Panama Canal Authority all speak excellent English. They are professional, organized, helpful and kind.
Everything you need to know is outlined clearly in the transit documentation. Not sure about something? Call the phone numbers listed to ask questions. We were blown away by how quickly they answered the phone and how politely they answered all questions. It was all extremely efficient.
Here is the exact document “*form 4352-1*” **with all the instructions and requirements** that our admeasurer handed us: [http://www.pancanal.com/common/maritime/forms/4352-ENG-201211.pdf](http://www.pancanal.com/common/maritime/forms/4352-ENG-201211.pdf?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
We read a ton of blog posts and cruising guides before making the decision on Panama Canal agents. We also spoke to fellow cruisers who’d completed the transit with and without an agent. It’s overwhelming how much fear mongering there is about the canal transit. In the end you must go with your gut on what’s best for you. From our experience, we can without a doubt say: **Transiting the Panama Canal without and agent was easy and 100% “doable”**.
### What An Agent Does (That You Can Easily Do because it’s lined out in the document above)
- Handles registering with the canal.
- It’s this short, easy to fill out document “*form 4405-1*“:[ http://www.pancanal.com/common/maritime/forms/4405.pdf](http://www.pancanal.com/common/maritime/forms/4405.pdf?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Once filled out the document gets sent to this email address: optc-ara@pancanal.com (for the Atlantic side) or optc-arp@pancanal.com (for the Pacific side).
- Makes the appointment to have your boat measured.
- A quick phone call to: Balboa Admeasurement Office at (507) 272‐4571, or the Cristobal Admeasurement Office at (507) 443‐2293.
- Helps make your payment at the bank (helps arrange a taxi or possibly takes the money to the bank for you, some agents do, some don’t)
- It’s a quick trip to the only Citibank in either town and its listed in the document *4352-1* linked above (although on the Panama City side it says “Niko’s Plaza” but what they mean is next to Niko’s cafe. Ask a cab, or a bus, to take you to Niko’s Cafe Balboa, the Citibank is next door. The phone number for Citi-Balboa listed in the document was incorrect and Google Maps shows multiple listings for Citibank and they’re all the incorrect location…we visited 2 of the wrong listings before finding the actual Citibank in Panama City). There are several ATMs inside Niko’s to get cash (max withdraw was $500).
- Calls the scheduler for a transit date and time.
- An easy phone call made after 6pm on the day you pay the bank: (507) 272‐4202
- Agents can rent you the lines and tires that are required for your transit (for an additional fee).
- Rent 4 lines (125ft) and fenders (AKA – tires wrapped in plastic), to be delivered from Tito +507-6463-5009 (on the Atlantic side) or Roger +507- 6717-6745 (on the Pacific side). If you have lots of fenders you don’t need to rent tires. We only have six fenders and didn’t want to risk any damage to the boat, so we rented 8 tires from Tito. We were told it should be $119 for drop off and collection. Which wasn’t the case, we were expected to pay the guys who dropped them off and picked them up. It was an additional $20 each side. Also the La Playita marina tried to charge us a dinghy dock fee to drop off the lines. We said hell no, called Tito and told him to deal with them. Apparently we could have used our dinghy to meet Tito’s guys and saved the extra fees. So when Tito tells you your fees include pick up and drop off he means on land, he does NOT pay for the boat to bring lines to you at anchor.
- Agents can recommend paid line handlers – There must be a minimum of 4 crew plus the captain no matter how small your boat is. Line handlers are $100 per person per day. They will stay on-board with you overnight if you are transiting from the Atlantic side (2 day transit). You will need to provide one night’s board and two days food and beverages for each person.
- We had family and friends join us but…here is a site for Volunteer Line Handlers (some are fellow sailors wanting to learn the ropes before they transit. It’s also a good site if you want to volunteer): www.panlinehandler.com Many sailors told us having friends or family members on board made the transit much more enjoyable…because there’s a lot of downtime during the canal transit. They were correct!
### Extra Tips and Info
**Questions we were asked by the Admeasurer**
- How fast is your vessel? (Anything over 5 knots will do).
- Do you have a holding tank?
- Do you have shade for the adviser (a bimini of some sort)?
- Do you have a horn?
- What type of engine?
- Which way do your props rotate?
- How much fuel do you carry?
- What’s your Gallons Per Hour (i.e. can you make it through the canal without re-fueling)?
- Do you have AIS (not a requirement in 2017)?
- Do you have working navigation lights?
- Working VHF?
- Do you have the required fenders & lines? (we told him Tito was bringing the day of the transit, he didn’t need to see them)
- Do you have 5 crew lined up to be on board (we told him they were flying in before the transit and didn’t request names or their information).
**Our Ad Measurer Informed Us**
- We need to provide bottled water and food for our adviser on the day of transit. He does not stay overnight. He will be collected by a pilot boat from Gatun Lake, where we anchor overnight, and join us there again the next morning to complete the trip.
- We asked about food for the adviser because we’ve read horror stories. His answer was basic food served in a clean environment, they’re not necessarily too picky about the food, more of the quality and cleanliness of the meal.
- He warned us that our line handlers must be strong and familiar with tying bowline knots under pressure.
- We asked about stopping at the Smithsonian island on Gatun Lake. He said it’s possible but it must be requested in advance and the Panama Canal Authority will charge an additional fee because we’d be “getting out of line”.
- We asked if not having an agent made more work for him. He said “no”.
- We asked about beer/alcoholic beverages in case the adviser asked for one. He said any canal authority worker on duty should not be drinking.
- We forgot to ask about getting permission to fly a drone while inside the locks and this is something that has to be requested in advance.
### Costs To Transit The Panama Canal
Because our Catamaran is 43ft, we fall under the 50ft category. While our total deposit amount paid to the bank was $1875, we did receive our buffer money back for a **total of $984 to transit the canal.**
**Spoiler Alert!**
We’re officially on the other side of the Panama Canal and we can honestly say…without a doubt…we made the right decision. The Panama Canal Prep was easy and even fun. We loved going through processes (especially because they run things so smoothly), documenting our experiences and sharing them with all of you. We successfully transited the Panama Canal without an agent. If we did it, you can too!
If you have any thoughts please share in the comments section below. If you have a burning questions please ask! Thanks to each and everyone of you for being a part of the adventure.
### **Sailing Report**
To see our full map with interactive pins, click here: [gonewiththewynns.com/map](http://www.gonewiththewynns.com/map)
- Dates: 11/14 – 11/27/2017
- Cell & WiFi: We had good cell phone reception here with Clario and MasMovil.
### **Sailing Specific Gear**
- iPad Pro [http://amzn.to/2d9Oopf ](http://amzn.to/2d9Oopf?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- iPad Mount at Helm: [http://amzn.to/2fT84PG](http://amzn.to/2fT84PG?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Sailing Apps Used:
- iNavx (Chart app we were using to help find the dive site): [http://bit.ly/2vGgC51](http://bit.ly/2vGgC51?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Garmin Bluecharts with Active Captain: [http://bit.ly/2tgnRmA](http://bit.ly/2tgnRmA?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Iridium Go and Predict Wind for weather and communications: [bit.ly/PredictWindIridium](http://bit.ly/PredictWindIridium?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Quatix 5 Watches:
### **Cameras Used to Capture This Video**
Full Review Of All Our Camera Gear: [gonewiththewynns.com/camera-gear-review-2017](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/camera-gear-review-2017/)
- Sony A7ii: [com/product/sony-a7ii](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/sony-a7ii)
- Rode Mic: [https://bhpho.to/2hUNFA8](https://bhpho.to/2hUNFA8?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Sony 24 – 70mm f4 lens: [com/product/sony-24-70](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/sony-24-70)
- Sony RX (small pocket cam): [gonewiththewynns.com/product/productsony-dsc-rx100m-iii-cyber-shot-digital-still-camera](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/productsony-dsc-rx100m-iii-cyber-shot-digital-still-camera)
- Gorilla Tripod: [http://amzn.to/2A0zwIa](http://amzn.to/2A0zwIa?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- iPhone 7 Plus: [http://amzn.to/2Asmjq7 ](http://amzn.to/2Asmjq7?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Olloclip Lenses: [http://amzn.to/2AkjQx9 ](http://amzn.to/2AkjQx9?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**Drone**
- DJI Mavic Pro: [http://amzn.to/2vUFXa6](http://amzn.to/2vUFXa6?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Drone Filters: [http://bit.ly/sandmarc-mavic](http://bit.ly/sandmarc-mavic?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### Old Rusty & Jumping The Gypsy – Replacing Our Anchor Chain
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/replacing-anchor-chain/
Last updated: 2021-01-08T17:31:52.000Z
_No content available._
### A Sailors Bliss in San Blas
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailors-bliss-san-blas/
Last updated: 2018-02-04T14:18:19.000Z
Paradise is such a broad term. It can be found almost anywhere. It might be a cocktail at sunset, ice cream on a hot day or even a quiet park in the heart of a bustling city. It’s all relative.
When I think of a beach side paradise, I see white sand, crystal clear water and a coconut tree covered island. And, that is exactly what we found when we dropped the anchor in San Blas. This Panamanian archipelago is a sailors bliss.
Spectacular place isn’t it! When I was editing this video I kept thinking to myself “Now that’s the cruising life I signed up for!” Sunsets, Snorkeling, Swimsuits and Sailing…LIFE IS GOOD!
### Snorkeling in San Blas
The water is crystal clear from above but it isn’t Bahamas clear once you’re in. It’s still fantastic, I just don’t want to set your expectations too high. We’ve read the Guna Yala people don’t allow SCUBA diving. So, we stuck to snorkeling. Which is no biggie because most of the reefs are shallow enough to free-dive.
The underwater life wasn’t as spectacular as I’d read online. We snorkeled 5 different spots within 10 miles of our anchorage. Some of the coral was healthy while other large chunks were dying. We didn’t see any large schools of fish and only spotted a handful of lobsters (most were tiny little guys). I’ve no business speculating why. But, considering how far this archipelago is from the mainland, I expected it to be exploding with vibrant sea life.
### Shopping From Our Sugar Scoops
Seriously, this might be our favorite part of the San Blas islands. These veggie guys come twice per week. They even take requests! You need some milk, eggs or cheese? All you have to do is message them on WhatsApp (everybody in Panama has this app) and let them know. They’ll deliver it all, to your sugar scoops. What was even better, the prices were excellent! Veggie prices were on par with the grocery stores we visited in Portobelo.
We had visitors of all kinds paddling or sailing up in their dug out canoes offering goods and services. “Come to my island, I have Coca-Cola and Ice” or “Spend the day on my beach, for $5 you can lie in the sun, play volleyball and swim.”
The Guna Yala people don’t allow visitors to spear or fish without a special permit. The best way to get fresh seafood is to buy it off one of the many locals peddling their catch du jour.
We also had three women visit selling their molas. A mola is native artwork handmade from cloth and thread. It’s an artform that’s as old as the Guna’s themselves. We didn’t buy any since our space aboard Curiosity is sparse for souvenirs and art work. But, it was an experience to see them and speak with the artists that paddled up to our boat. The Guna prefer not to have their photographs taken. You’ll have to google mola if you want to see this intricate art.
### Why leave paradise after a week?
Like I said in the video, it’s hard to leave after one short week. But as a full-time traveler, we’re on a mission to sail about the world. Our next goal is to transit the Panama Canal and we have a boatload of research and paperwork to fill out.Plus, if I am completely honest, creating and sharing our adventures is a full time job. We need access to internet which is often non-existent in the remote paradises of the world. That means we move on from some destinations sooner than we’d like.In the end we only touched the tip of the San Blas archipelago. There are more than 365 islands and cays scattered over 100 square miles of ocean. My guess is we saw less than 30 and didn’t even get to set foot on one! Feels shameful.If you’re planning a visit the Caribbean side of Panama, I can without a doubt say: A week in the sailors bliss of San Blas is not enough, not even close.
### Thanks A Million!
Thank you for tuning in! We’re able to share these adventures because of viewers like you. If you like what you see, check out our **[Say Thanks](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)** page to learn about different ways you can help keep the videos and posts flowing. You’ll notice most ways don’t cost you a penny but make a big difference to us…and for that, we thank you!
### **Sailing Report**
To see our full map with interactive pins, click here: [gonewiththewynns.com/map](http://www.gonewiththewynns.com/map)
- Dates: 10/25 – 11/1/2017
- Anchorage: Yansaladup. You can find it on Active Captain near the Lemon Cays and just east of Cayos Chichime.
- Check Out The Panama Cruising Guide (Eric Bauhaus): [http://amzn.to/2rvOIdT](http://amzn.to/2rvOIdT?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Cell & WiFi: Until recent years there was zero cell reception in San Blas. We found a 3g signal near Isla Porvenir while our anchorage (5+ miles away) had very intermittent reception. A Cell Booster is a must here if you want a chance at catching a few bars, but there’s no connection guarantees in paradise.
- Cell Signal Booster:
## Gear Used In This Video
### **Freedive / Snorkel Gear**
**Underwater Cameras**
- Sony Action Cam: [gonewiththewynns.com/product/sony-as300](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/sony-as300)
- Monopod/selfie stick/Floater: [http://bit.ly/sandmarc-gopro](http://bit.ly/sandmarc-gopro?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Sony RX With Underwater Housing: [http://amzn.to/2iGruuz ](http://amzn.to/2iGruuz?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**Nikki**
- Hammerhead Free-Dive Mask With Camera Mount [http://amzn.to/2d5C6SB](http://amzn.to/2d5C6SB?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Hammerhead Free-Dive J Snorkel: [http://amzn.to/2cjh3dV](http://amzn.to/2cjh3dV?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Nikki’s Sporasub Freediving Fins: [http://amzn.to/2kIYmlf](http://amzn.to/2kIYmlf?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**Jason**
- Atomic Mask: [http://amzn.to/2uuqsZf](http://amzn.to/2uuqsZf?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Omer Snorkel: [http://amzn.to/2uxCjEb](http://amzn.to/2uxCjEb?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Omer Freediving Fins: [http://amzn.to/2kIhljK](http://amzn.to/2kIhljK?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### **Sailing Specific Gear**
- iPad Pro [http://amzn.to/2d9Oopf ](http://amzn.to/2d9Oopf?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)Sailing Apps Used:
- iNavx (Chart app we were using to help find the dive site): [http://bit.ly/2vGgC51](http://bit.ly/2vGgC51?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Garmin Bluecharts with Active Captain: [http://bit.ly/2tgnRmA](http://bit.ly/2tgnRmA?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Iridium Go and Predict Wind for weather and communications: [bit.ly/PredictWindIridium](http://bit.ly/PredictWindIridium?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Quatix 5 Watches:
### **Cameras Used to Capture This Video**
Full Review Of All Our Camera Gear: [gonewiththewynns.com/camera-gear-review-2017](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/camera-gear-review-2017/)
- Sony A7ii: [com/product/sony-a7ii](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/sony-a7ii)
- Rode Mic: [https://bhpho.to/2hUNFA8](https://bhpho.to/2hUNFA8?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Sony 24 – 70mm f4 lens: [com/product/sony-24-70](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/sony-24-70)
- Sony RX (small pocket cam): [gonewiththewynns.com/product/productsony-dsc-rx100m-iii-cyber-shot-digital-still-camera](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/productsony-dsc-rx100m-iii-cyber-shot-digital-still-camera)
- Gorilla Tripod: [http://amzn.to/2A0zwIa](http://amzn.to/2A0zwIa?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**Drone**
- DJI Mavic Pro: [http://amzn.to/2vUFXa6 ](http://amzn.to/2vUFXa6?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Drone Filters: [http://bit.ly/sandmarc-mavic](http://bit.ly/sandmarc-mavic?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### Amped Up – How We Charge Our Boat Batteries
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/charge-boat-batteries/
Last updated: 2021-01-08T17:31:52.000Z
Living off the grid on a sailboat is all about managing resources. And so many of our resources need electricity (like our watermaker). We’ve talked about the importance of [investing in good batteries](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailboat-tech-why-lithium-batteries/) and our choice of battery. Now, were sharing the different ways we charge our lithium batteries.
Our power needs are what plenty of sailors would call extreme. But, hey, to each their own. Living off the grid isn’t a competition of who has the least or the most. We all go about it a little different. That’s the beauty of the sailing lifestyle, its customizable. Our wants and needs are just that, ours. What works best for you might be way less or perhaps even more.
Our first experience with a traveling home was an old VW Vanagon. We loved our dusty, 80’s gold camper (even honeymooned in it) but the engine battery was our only source of power. It couldn’t handle much. Leave a cell phone plugged in overnight and we would need a jump by morning. But, roaming around the southern states in that VW is what sparked the idea of full time travel.
Fast forward eight years, a few roaming homes and multiple power set ups later, man have things changed. Now we have a sailboat that could power a small village. Ok, maybe not, but it is pretty amazing what we can do while floating in the middle of the ocean.
We’ve had a ton of trial and error with our electrical set ups. One BIG thing we’ve learned: options are good, especially when it comes to charging batteries.
Batteries are like the fuel tank in a car. We can only cruise around so long before the tank is empty. At some point, we need to fill it back up. Plus, batteries are the heart of our systems. The battery bank pumps life into all the other electrical bits of our sailboat.
We’re not experts by any stretch of the imagination, but we know what works for us. Perhaps seeing our set up, and each of our charging methods, will spark some ideas for you.
Whaddya think? What’s your favorite method of topping up your battery bank? Do you know of some super awesome, crazy efficient, power producing gadget? If so, don’t keep it to yourself, tell us about it in the comment box below!
We could go cross eyed analyzing different manufacturer specs and guessing how each device would perform in “real-world” use. It still blows me away that our 80a alternators would take so long to charge up our batteries…but that said, a lot of sailors rely solely on their engines for charging. It’s all relative to the battery bank and how much power you need. If you have a small sailboat with a 100ah battery you probably don’t need much. But, if you have a big boat and want to live like you’re on the grid, even when you’re not, you’ll need some beefy upgrades.
Overall, we’re smitten with what our system is capable of and how little we run our generator. It’s blows me away how long we could stay out to sea before needing to come to land. If we were willing to only eat beans, rice and fish…we might go a year before coming ashore (but let’s not test that theory). Here’s what we have aboard *Curiosity*.
### The Gadgets and Gear
- 1200 Amp hours of lithium batteries – [gonewiththewynns.com/product/lithium-batteries](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/lithium-batteries)
- 2000 Watt Inverter – [gonewiththewynns.com/product/2000-watt-inverter](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/2000-watt-inverter)
- Amp Clamp – [gonewiththewynns.com/product/amp-clamp](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/amp-clamp)
- Battery Monitor Kit – [gonewiththewynns.com/product/battery-monitor](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/battery-monitor)
- Adapter Cables For Shore Power – [gonewiththewynns.com/product/30-amp-to-50-amp-y-adapter](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/30-amp-to-50-amp-y-adapter)
- Engines – Our catamaran has the factory upgraded Yanmar 39hp engines with the standard 80a alternator. We’d love to upgrade the alternators in the future. We couldn’t spring for it when we were in Florida and it wasn’t a service priority.
- Generator – Our sailboat came with a Northern Lights 6kw generator in the port lazarette. It’s relatively quiet, works well and is considered the industry standard for most cruisers. That said, it’s big, heavy and expensive! We’re looking into smaller, lighter and more efficient options for the future (but not until our current gene dies).
- 1400 Watts of solar
- 600 Watts of Flexible Solar – [gonewiththewynns.com/product/flexible-solar-panels ](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/flexible-solar-panels)
- 800 Watts of Rigid Panels – [gonewiththewynns.com/product/160-solar-panel](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/160-solar-panel)
**Solar Arch & Dinghy Davits** – We get asked a lot about our solar arch and davit system. We decided on this set up because is solved a host of issues.
- The arch sets our panels up for maximum sun exposure and minimal shading from the lines, rigging and sails. Turns out this is far more important that we expected. See the full scoop here: [gonewiththewynns.com/Sailboat-Solar-Series-Parallel-Shading](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/Sailboat-Solar-Series-Parallel-Shading/)
- The davit system from the factory suspended the dinghy to low and left it susceptible to damage from waves. Our new davit system not only holds our solar panels but it gets our dinghy up 5 feet higher which makes sailing in heavy seas much safer for us and the dinghy.
- By extending the panels out past the hard top, we have extra shade which helps extend the life of our dinghy and our skin.
The system was designed and custom built by [Just Catamarans.](http://justcatamarans.net/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) Its made with heavy duty stainless steel to survive years of off-shore sailing. It was an expensive upgrade as the custom stainless work alone set us back $12K and a few weeks. It wasn’t an easy one to fork over the money, but it’s one we are happy we bit the bullet on. Plus, it’s an investment that adds to the overall value of the boat…or at least that’s what [Kent](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailboat-shopping-cruising-catamaran/) told us to ease the pain.
### Feeling Tipsy?
Thank you soooo very much for watching, reading and virtually hanging out with us! If you like what you see here and want to show some digital love, check out our [Say Thanks page. ](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)There are lots of ways you can help us keep the videos flowing. Best part is, most won’t cost you a penny.
### Cameras Used to Capture This Video
Full Review Of All Our Camera Gear: [gonewiththewynns.com/camera-gear-review-2017](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/camera-gear-review-2017/)
- Sony A7ii: [com/product/sony-a7ii](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/sony-a7ii)
- Rode Mic: [https://bhpho.to/2hUNFA8](https://bhpho.to/2hUNFA8?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Sony 24 – 70mm f4 lens: [com/product/sony-24-70](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/sony-24-70)
Drone
- DJI Mavic Pro: [http://amzn.to/2vUFXa6](http://amzn.to/2vUFXa6?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Drone Filters: [http://bit.ly/sandmarc-mavic](http://bit.ly/sandmarc-mavic?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### Sailing to San Blas & A Jungle River Mission
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailing-to-san-blas/
Last updated: 2021-01-08T17:31:52.000Z
Pulling up the anchor and setting sail had us feeling like a couple of kids on Christmas morning. We’re on our way to cruisers bliss! A turquoise sea with 378 tiny specks of Caribbean white sand flocked with coconut palms.
We’ve been listening to sailors gush about the famous San Blas Islands since we announced we were coming to Panama. After the past couple weeks of tackling boat projects, we’re ready for some serious play time.
As it goes in the cruising community, we made a couple of friends who have been before and they’re heading that way a day before us. They gave us the scoop on some of the local customs and picked out a good anchorage for us.
The San Blas islands are home to an indigenous tribe called the Guna (also known as Kuna and Cuna). They protect their land and culture with such fierceness, the Guna Yala region is basically its own country. They have political autonomy so the Panamanian government rarely interferes here, which allows the indigenous people of San Blas to police themselves. These Kuna laws are unwritten and are subject to change at anytime. Our goal as travelers is to tread lightly, be friendly and ask permission before doing…well…just about anything.
Well, we may not have found any tarpon but we had an awesome time poling and trolling up the river in that skiff. New experiences, new friends and picture perfect islands…what more can a cruiser ask for? I guess I can think of one thing: A swim up bar at the sand bar!
Our new friends have to sail back to Linton Bay (insert sad face here) because this was just a short scout mission for them. I know we’ll cross paths with Rufus and Kate again because that’s the beauty of life on a sailboat. The cruising community is close knit and when we hoist our sails, we go where the wind blows. Convergence is inevitable.
**Curious to learn more about Rufus and Kate?**
- Check them out on Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/a.brand.new.life/](https://www.instagram.com/a.brand.new.life/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- See more of their journey here: [http://abrandnewlife.co.za/](http://abrandnewlife.co.za/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
Community. \[kuh-myoo-ni-tee\] Noun. A social group of any size whose members share common characteristics or interests. Community isn’t found in a specific location, its found in people.
### Sailing San Blas
These are challenging cruising grounds for a variety of reasons.
- the charts are not 100% accurate
- water is shallow
- anchorages are mostly unprotected if the weather kicks up
- locals make the laws and change them often
We read a variety of conflicting information which is due to the ever changing and unwritten local and national laws. When we went into the maritime authority office to get a zarpe for San Blas, they said we didn’t need it. We read a tribal leader might come out and collect a fee that could range anywhere from $20 a month to $10+ a day. We were never approached for money, but we weren’t anchored near a popular island either.
Lot’s of locals came by to sell us their goods, or invite us to their beach to buy beer, coffee or soda. Each Kuna visitor was friendly and welcoming. Most remembered our boat and didn’t try to sell goods a second time. Even though we had 4 visitors before 8am the one morning in the video, it wasn’t much of a hassle, in fact it was enjoyable to wave and bridge the language barrier with a big smile.
Eric Bauhaus is a household name in Panama because of his book, *The Panama Cruising Guide*. We got by fine without it, but that doesn’t mean it wouldn’t have been nice to have. By the time we had seen the book in person we were already over half way through our time in Panama. Our friends had a copy (you see Rufus flipping through in the video) and its loaded with photos, charts, hidden anchorages and local customs. It’s the only place we found information on what the Kuna people allowed and didn’t allow. So, if you plan on spending a decent amount of time cruising in Panama, it’s well worth the purchase (but be warned, it’s not cheap at $50-70 USD).
**Eric Bauhaus, The Panama Cruising Guide:** [http://amzn.to/2rvOIdT](http://amzn.to/2rvOIdT?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
All in all, we had a great experience with zero issues. Most sailors we spoke with reported the same. Our Garmin Bluecharts were pretty accurate, and using our radar we were able to see which specs of land didn’t align perfectly. No matter what, this is a place where visual navigation should be your go-to. San Blas a beautiful stretch of islands well worth exploring for as long as you can.
### Thank You!
Thank you for tuning in! We’re able to share these adventures because of viewers like you. If you like what you see, check out our **[Say Thanks](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)** page to learn about different ways you can help keep the videos and posts flowing. You’ll notice most ways don’t cost you a penny but make a big difference to us…and for that, we thank you!
### **Sailing Report**
To see our full map with interactive pins, click here: [gonewiththewynns.com/map](http://www.gonewiththewynns.com/map)
- Dates: 10/25 – 11/1/2017
- Nautical Miles Sailed: 52
- Anchorage: Yansaladup. You can find it on Active Captain near the Lemon Cays and just east of Cayos Chichime.
- Cell & WiFi: Until recent years there was zero cell reception in San Blas. We found a strong 3g signal near Isla Porvenir while our anchorage (5+ miles away) had intermittent reception. A Cell Booster is a must here if you want a chance at catching a few bars, but there’s no guarantees here in paradise.
- Cell Signal Booster:
## Gear Used In This Video
### In The Galley
- Tortilla Press and Recipe: [gonewiththewynns.com/product/tortilla-press](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/tortilla-press)
- My Coffee Cake Recipe: [ gonewiththewynns.com/blueberry-coffee-cake](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/blueberry-coffee-cake/)
### **Sailing Specific Gear**
- iPad Pro [http://amzn.to/2d9Oopf ](http://amzn.to/2d9Oopf?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)Sailing Apps Used:
- iNavx (Chart app we were using to help find the dive site): [http://bit.ly/2vGgC51](http://bit.ly/2vGgC51?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Garmin Bluecharts with Active Captain: [http://bit.ly/2tgnRmA](http://bit.ly/2tgnRmA?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Iridium Go and Predict Wind for weather and communications: [bit.ly/PredictWindIridium](http://bit.ly/PredictWindIridium?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Quatix 5 Watches:
### **Cameras Used to Capture This Video**
Full Review Of All Our Camera Gear: [gonewiththewynns.com/camera-gear-review-2017](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/camera-gear-review-2017/)
- Sony A7ii: [com/product/sony-a7ii](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/sony-a7ii)
- Rode Mic: [https://bhpho.to/2hUNFA8](https://bhpho.to/2hUNFA8?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Sony 24 – 70mm f4 lens: [com/product/sony-24-70](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/sony-24-70)
- Sony RX (small pocket cam): [gonewiththewynns.com/product/productsony-dsc-rx100m-iii-cyber-shot-digital-still-camera](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/productsony-dsc-rx100m-iii-cyber-shot-digital-still-camera)
- Gorilla Tripod: [http://amzn.to/2A0zwIa](http://amzn.to/2A0zwIa?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**Drone**
- DJI Mavic Pro: [http://amzn.to/2vUFXa6](http://amzn.to/2vUFXa6?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Drone Filters: [http://bit.ly/sandmarc-mavic](http://bit.ly/sandmarc-mavic?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### Stuff Breaks, We Fix It, Hooray Boats
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/stuff-breaks-we-fix-it-hooray-boats/
Last updated: 2021-01-08T17:31:52.000Z
It’s been said death and taxes are the only two certainties in life. Obviously, the person who said that wasn’t a sailor. Because let me tell you, it’s a 100% guarantee stuff on a sailboat will break. It’s only a matter of when.
But, if we’re going to make repairs, let it be in an exotic location! Que the monkeys, flying fish, pelicans and let the adventures begin.
I can hear Bill Withers singing in my head…*it’s just the two of us, building castles in the sky sand, just the two of us, you and I*.
I thought there might be a feeling of silent pause once it was just the two of us again. But there was no time for that, we had problems to solve!
Boat Yoga: noun; Uncomfortable positions often used when working on a boat. It’s not practiced for relaxation or health but rather out of necessity.
Sharing life, the boat and everything in between has been an unforgettable experience and I expected a mini version of empty nest to settle in for a couple of days once everyone was gone. But honestly, there’s no sadness in it.
We’ve been full time travelers for almost nine years. We are accustomed to change and saying, “until next time” to friends old and new. This unsedentary life we lead has a way of bringing people together, and more often than not, we meet again down the road. It’s exciting knowing everyone is off to start another adventure. It’s the beginning of a new chapter, not an end. Farewell Dan, we will meet again!
### Linton Bay
Linton Bay in Panama has treated us well and has turned out to be the perfect place to get a boat load of work done.
This tiny blip of a town has become a cruiser refuge. It’s the combination of an inexpensive marina with a good lift plus a solid anchorage that can hold a crap-load of boats. There isn’t much going on here at first glance, but given the fact we were a bit stuck while we tackled a long list of boat projects, we had some time to scope things out.
At the end of the road that passes by Puerto Lindo lies a village called Nombre de Dios. From there one of the biggest local weekend hotspots in Panama is just a dinghy ride away: Isla Grande. Locals come from all over Panama to visit this little island. We speared, we swam, we hiked the trails and found sloths, monkeys and plenty of exotic birds. If you find yourself in this area, the weekends are insane, and the weekdays are dead calm! It’s a great escape from the boat, especially when you’re buried in chores.
Ah, the veggie truck! These guys drive through a couple of times a week with a fresh load of fruits and veggies from the mountain farms. The produce is fantastic, prices are reasonable and the guys are always friendly. I am going to miss this!
### Panama City
We were told Panama City would take us by surprise with its stretched out skyline and European influences…and it certainly did! Bumper to bumper traffic, quaint shops, cobblestone streets and loads of pirate history. The entire neighborhood of Casco Viejo is a UNESCO world heritage site and has a rugged charm that is worthy of experiencing should you ever get the chance.
Wilford showing us a map of where the coffee we tasted was grown. This is Bajareque Coffee House, owned by the gracious Lamastus family whose **[farm we toured in Boquete](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/geisha-most-expensive-coffee/).** When in the city, make sure to stop in and get a cup of Geisha!
### **Sailing Report**
To see our full map with interactive pins, click here: [gonewiththewynns.com/map](http://www.gonewiththewynns.com/map)
- Dates: 10/8 – 10/24/2017
- Anchorage: Linton Bay Anchorage. The bay has lots of room and the holding is good. We would get some swell and chop when the wind picked up but nothing too bad.
- Cell & WiFi: Claro and Masmovil both worked well here.
## Gear Used In This Video
### **Snorkel Gear**
**Nikki**
- Hammerhead Free-Dive Mask With Camera Mount [http://amzn.to/2d5C6SB](http://amzn.to/2d5C6SB?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Hammerhead Free-Dive J Snorkel: [http://amzn.to/2cjh3dV](http://amzn.to/2cjh3dV?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Nikki’s Sporasub Freediving Fins: [http://amzn.to/2kIYmlf](http://amzn.to/2kIYmlf?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**Jason**
- Atomic Mask: [http://amzn.to/2uuqsZf](http://amzn.to/2uuqsZf?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Omer Snorkel: [http://amzn.to/2uxCjEb](http://amzn.to/2uxCjEb?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Omer Freediving Fins: [http://amzn.to/2kIhljK](http://amzn.to/2kIhljK?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**Bottom Cleaning Tools**
- Scrapers: [http://amzn.to/2DbEd53](http://amzn.to/2DbEd53?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Gloves: [http://amzn.to/2DxiO3c](http://amzn.to/2DxiO3c?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Non Scratch Pads: [http://amzn.to/2DyVCS8](http://amzn.to/2DyVCS8?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### **Cameras Used to Capture This Video**
Full Review Of All Our Camera Gear: [gonewiththewynns.com/camera-gear-review-2017](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/camera-gear-review-2017/)
- Sony A7ii: [com/product/sony-a7ii](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/sony-a7ii)
- Rode Mic: [https://bhpho.to/2hUNFA8](https://bhpho.to/2hUNFA8?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Sony 24 – 70mm f4 lens: [com/product/sony-24-70](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/sony-24-70)
- Sony RX (small pocket cam): [gonewiththewynns.com/product/productsony-dsc-rx100m-iii-cyber-shot-digital-still-camera](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/productsony-dsc-rx100m-iii-cyber-shot-digital-still-camera)
- Gorilla Tripod: [http://amzn.to/2A0zwIa](http://amzn.to/2A0zwIa?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Go Pro 5: [amzn.to/2unZpQp](http://amzn.to/2unZpQp?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Waterproof Gimbal For Go Pro: [gonewiththewynns.com/product/feiyu-g5-gimbal](http://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/feiyu-g5-gimbal)
- Monopod/selfie stick/Floater: [http://bit.ly/sandmarc-gopro](http://bit.ly/sandmarc-gopro?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**Drone**
- DJI Mavic Pro: [http://amzn.to/2vUFXa6](http://amzn.to/2vUFXa6?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Drone Filters: [http://bit.ly/sandmarc-mavic](http://bit.ly/sandmarc-mavic?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### Thanks!
Thank you for tuning in! We’re able to share these adventures because of viewers like you. If you like what you see, check out our **[Say Thanks](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)** page to learn about different ways you can help keep the videos and posts flowing. You’ll notice most ways don’t cost you a penny but make a big difference to us…and for that, we thank you!
### Pirates, Forts and Black Jesus – Sailing Portobelo
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/pirates-forts-jesus-sailing-portobelo/
Last updated: 2021-01-08T17:31:52.000Z
Portosmello. That’s how fellow sailors described our destination. It seemed a harsh nickname for a place that once enticed the most infamous pirates. Looking at Portobelo today, it’s hard to believe this was once the greatest Spanish port in Central America. Now, it’s famous forts are surrounded by a sleepy Caribbean fishing village that’s a little rough around the edges.
Most of the area is a World Heritage site and the big natural harbor is perfect for cruising sailors like us. The guide books will tell you Portobelo can be seen in an hour by foot and that isn’t an exaggeration. There is only one main road that runs through the village. So, it’s as simple as start at one end and make your way to the other. But why rush through? We figure Captain Morgan spent 14 days ransacking the city…we owe it at least a week.
Well, I can’t say we found any lost treasure at the forts, or on the bottom of the sea, but we had fun trying! The whole area feels like something out of an Indiana Jones movie and given the motivation, I’m sure there is treasure still waiting to be discovered.
### **Pillaging Is Bad, Forts Are Cool**
It’s funny how different our Hollywood and animated versions of pirates are versus the real deal. Gold and treasure attract some seriously bad characters…especially when it’s all piled up in one place waiting on transport. It’s hard to imagine all the war, thieving and murder this town experienced on repeat during the 17th and 18th century. A gruesome past for such a beautiful site. The most amazing part…here we are centuries later walking the same grounds and looking at the same coral stone walls. The canon fodder has been replaced by quiet and calm, providing an idyllic place to reflect on the past and look towards the future.
### **Black Jesus**
Cristo Negro was something we had never heard of before coming to Portobelo. It’s a wild tale that has become a huge annual festival, and has functioned this area’s religious center for centuries.
According to legend, a black slave was fishing in the town when he saw a large object floating in the water. He dragged the mysterious object ashore and unwrapped it to find the Black Christ. The locals saw the statue’s appearance as a sign that Jesus was with them, because a plague that was sweeping the area seemed to disappear with the figures arrival.
Ever since that time, Black Jesus has been in the Iglesia de San Felipe. Each year to honor the miracle that was the arrival of Black Jesus, pilgrims hike for miles into Portobelo, wearing ceremonial robes and crawling on hands and knees for the final mile to the church. He is carried across the short distance where the original figure was dragged from the sea. It’s said to be an incredibly slow-moving procession with strange stunted steps before the Christ is returned to the church at midnight.
Fun Fact: Black Jesus’ clothing is changed twice a year.
### **Fair Winds Dale and Justin**
Our **[first ever crew call](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/join-our-crew/)** was for a 4-week opportunity to join us aboard *Curiosity* and experience the sailing lifestyle. Dale and Justin were on board for 4 months! They are true adventurous souls we we’re proud to share our home, and a long slice of our journey with them. It was sad to see them go but we have new guests joining us soon, and they have new adventures ahead!
Back at [Red Frog Beach](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/playing-in-panama/) and marina in Bocas Del Toro, we were docked next to a beautiful sailboat named *Dances With Dragons*. The skipper, Wayne was a salty solo sailor who mentioned he was looking for someone to join him for a while. He enjoyed being solo but was ready for some company. We mentioned we had two Canadians on board whose time with us was coming to an end, yet they wanted to continue sailing if an opportunity presented itself. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect! Dale and Justin spent some time getting to know Wayne and a plan was made: they would board s/v *Dances With Dragons* in Portobelo! So, their adventure continues, and you can always see what they are up to on [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/user/DaleOnolack?ref=gonewiththewynns.com).
### **Stay Tuned**
Next up we drop the hook in Linton Bay, take a crazy road trip into Panama City, say goodbye to Dan and Jason shows us how NOT to install an inverter.
### **Sailing Report**
To see our full map with interactive pins, click here: [gonewiththewynns.com/map](http://www.gonewiththewynns.com/map)
- Dates: 9/28 – 10/8
- Anchorage: The bay at Portobelo has lots of room and the holding is good. We would get some swell and chop when the wind picked up but nothing too bad. We did have about 15-30 knots during our stay.
- Cell & WiFi: Claro and Masmovil both worked well here. Wifi in town is in and out, sometimes it works great and others its dial up speeds.
## Gear Used In This Video
### **Sailing Specific Gear**
- iPad Pro [http://amzn.to/2d9Oopf ](http://amzn.to/2d9Oopf?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)Sailing Apps Used:
- iNavx (Chart app we were using to help find the dive site): [http://bit.ly/2vGgC51](http://bit.ly/2vGgC51?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Garmin Bluecharts with Active Captain: [http://bit.ly/2tgnRmA](http://bit.ly/2tgnRmA?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Iridium Go and Predict Wind for weather and communications: [bit.ly/PredictWindIridium](http://bit.ly/PredictWindIridium?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### **Snorkel Gear**
**Underwater Cameras**
- Sony Action Cam: [gonewiththewynns.com/product/sony-as300](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/sony-as300)
- Monopod/selfie stick/Floater: [http://bit.ly/sandmarc-gopro](http://bit.ly/sandmarc-gopro?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**Nikki**
- Hammerhead Free-Dive Mask With Camera Mount [http://amzn.to/2d5C6SB](http://amzn.to/2d5C6SB?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Hammerhead Free-Dive J Snorkel: [http://amzn.to/2cjh3dV](http://amzn.to/2cjh3dV?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Nikki’s Sporasub Freediving Fins: [http://amzn.to/2kIYmlf](http://amzn.to/2kIYmlf?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**Jason**
- Atomic Mask: [http://amzn.to/2uuqsZf](http://amzn.to/2uuqsZf?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Omer Snorkel: [http://amzn.to/2uxCjEb](http://amzn.to/2uxCjEb?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Omer Freediving Fins: [http://amzn.to/2kIhljK](http://amzn.to/2kIhljK?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**Spear Fishing**
- Hawaiian Sling Spear: [http://amzn.to/2hIBfHb](http://amzn.to/2hIBfHb?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Cut Resistant Gloves: [http://amzn.to/2uxZWfM](http://amzn.to/2uxZWfM?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### **Cameras Used to Capture This Video**
Full Review Of All Our Camera Gear: [gonewiththewynns.com/camera-gear-review-2017](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/camera-gear-review-2017/)
- Sony A7ii: [com/product/sony-a7ii](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/sony-a7ii)
- Rode Mic: [https://bhpho.to/2hUNFA8](https://bhpho.to/2hUNFA8?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Sony 24 – 70mm f4 lens: [com/product/sony-24-70](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/sony-24-70)
- Sony RX (small pocket cam): [gonewiththewynns.com/product/productsony-dsc-rx100m-iii-cyber-shot-digital-still-camera](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/productsony-dsc-rx100m-iii-cyber-shot-digital-still-camera)
**Drone**
- DJI Mavic Pro: [http://amzn.to/2vUFXa6](http://amzn.to/2vUFXa6?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Drone Filters: [http://bit.ly/sandmarc-mavic](http://bit.ly/sandmarc-mavic?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### Thank You!
Thank you for being a part of our journey! We’re able to share these adventures because of viewers like you. If you like what you see, check out our **[Say Thanks](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)** page to learn about different ways you can help keep the videos and posts flowing. You’ll notice most ways don’t cost you a penny but make a big difference to us…and for that, we thank you!
### Kicking Off The New Year On The Right Foot
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/new-year-2018/
Last updated: 2021-01-08T17:31:52.000Z
Hello 2018 and Happy New Year friends!
We stayed up late ringing in the new year with gusto and we’re going to assume you did too. Your tired eyes may not be ready for one of my wordy messages, so I’ll keep it brief.
It’s the first day of the year and we wanted to kick it off on the right foot (pun intended). It’s a new beginning and we decided it should all start with you.
You are such a big part of our world and we can’t thank you enough for choosing to be a part of it.
> *Sometimes we are lucky enough to know that our lives have been changed, to discard the old, embrace the new, and turn headlong down an immutable course.*
>
May your year be blindingly bright and filled with adventure,
Nikki, Jason, Singa and Cleo
### **Sailing Report**
To see our full map with interactive pins, click here: [gonewiththewynns.com/map](http://www.gonewiththewynns.com/map)
- Date: 12/31/17 – 1/1/18
- Anchorage: La Playita is a very rolly anchorage due to all the boat traffic but the Marina dock is the only safe place we found to leave our Dinghy for a night out on the town. The marina charges $8 a day but they make you pay for the week…however much longer is left in the week. If it is Monday, you have to pay through Sunday for a total of 7 days. If it’s Thursday you pay through Sunday for a total of 4 days. It’s a weird system but it’s the only option and still cheaper than the marina ($150 for the first night). The bus runs into town and is incredibly cheap at $0.25 cents a ride. Taxis are still very affordable and much faster if you are in a hurry. A cab from the marina to or from Casco Viejo is $6-15 depending on the time of day (they don’t like to work late, can’t say I blame them).
### Thank You!
An extra special shout-out to everyone who has shopped through **[our gear store](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/store)**, those who have **[left a tip in our jar](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)** and big love to our **[Patreons](http://www.patreon.com/the%5Fwynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)** who have made a tremendous difference in our lives. The collective support has afforded us the time and dedication to share more videos this year than ever before. It’s viewers like you that make it all possible. Thank You!
### We Got Hustled (reality of living on a sailboat)
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/hustled-living-on-sailboat/
Last updated: 2023-12-01T08:39:03.000Z
Living on a sailboat is a mixed bag of adventures and we never really know what each day might bring. These few days were no different.
We arrive at what is sure to be the future set of a blockbuster film. A picture-perfect island with sandy beaches, dramatic rock coves and clear turquoise waters. All is right in the world and everyone is in paradise…but wait, as nightfall approaches a mysterious gang of men appear alongside our boat.
Then, it’s our last sail with Justin, Dale and Dan on board…so naturally we want to find out what it’s *really* been like for them living aboard our sailboat *Curiosity*.
And finally, we arrive at our next destination, Portobelo. But, we can’t let you go thinking sailing life is all dolphins and seahorses…even though some days are.
After these few days of cruising I feel like there is so much to touch on, so I am just going to dive right into it.
### **The Scoop On Escudo de Veraguas**
There’s not much info to be found on this little island. It’s by far the most beautiful island we’ve seen in Panama and I can’t believe there isn’t a steady stream of tourist boats coming and going.
Up until 1995 the island wasn’t inhabited. Which might explain why it’s so pristine (us humans can sometimes leave a nasty footprint). Slowly, the nearby natives moved in and now its said to have about 120 residents, mostly made up of fishermen and their families.
It was the sailors who raved about this island in Bocas that convinced us to make the stop, and we’re sooo glad they did. Even with our crazy encounter, this is still our favorite island so far.
### **We Got Hustled**
Traveling to another country always presents unfamiliar challenges. From our experience, most formalities in Panama are disorganized. There is a general lack of structure that makes any dealings with officials feel like a game of chance. Paperwork required, fees and rules are all subject to change depending on who we’re talking to. Then there’s cultural differences and bureaucracy between the general Panamanians and the natives. No matter what, we are a guest in their country and do our best to play by their rules.
From the moment we arrived, we had local boats coming by to sell us fish or lobster. Which is totally fine, we didn’t need any seafood but bought some anyway. It’s a way for us to interact, be friendly and help support the local economy. We even had one guy ask for money to protect the turtles, but we politely declined and told him we made a donation to the turtle sanctuary in Bocas Town.
But, coming back to *Curiosity*, with two boats lurking around as the sun was setting, didn’t give us the warm and fuzzies. We were all silent and there wasn’t a conversation about what we could clearly see ahead. Everyone was on high alert and our lighthearted smiles turned into blank, emotionless expressions.
Luckily all they wanted was some money for what they claimed was a commission for the protection of the natural area? We’re still in the learning phase with our Spanish but their requests didn’t make any sense to us. It’s not anything official with the government, Escudo is not a recognized marine park, and that much we knew as they were asking for donations.
These guys had plenty of chances throughout our stay to approach us during the day. But, they choose to come in the evening, and as a group. It set the scene and they knew it.
They could be considered locals who feel they deserved a fee, modern day pirates, unofficial officials or whatever. We’ve gone around in circles about what exactly that whole experience was, and if we could have handled it any differently. We tried to kindly but firmly say no…but they weren’t going away. In the end, we decided it was best to pay them a negotiated fee and not mistakenly escalate the situation, or give them reason to come back.
**The Big Takeaway –** Maybe we were hustled for a little cash. That happens every day in cities around the world. Exploration comes with unsavory encounters. One moment can be filled with glorious discoveries and the next can be a harsh reality. It’s all part of seeing and experiencing the world the way it is, not through rose colored glasses. We will witness hustling, bribing of officials, pirates and injustices. There will also be random acts of kindness, friendships forged, beauty seen, and knowledge gained. It’s all part of the adventure we call life.
**What Would You Do**
Okay, I know I may be opening a can of worms here, but this is a good topic for discussion. We would love to know your thoughts and experiences. Cruisers being hustled for money by the locals seems to be a somewhat common occurrence here, and I am sure in many other parts of the world. How would you have chosen to handle the situation? Have you ever been in a similar confrontation? What did you do? Leave us a comment down below.
### **What It’s Really Like Living On A Sailboat**
I always love hearing everyone’s perspective on this subject. New and old salts alike, everyone has challenges when it comes to living on a boat. Dale, Justin and Dan all hit on some of the most common points.
- **Heads/Toilets** are different and take some time to get used to. Traditional marine heads break or get clogged often and become the bain of some sailor’s lives. For us, we have a unique, far less frustrating setup with [**our composting toilets**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/all-composting-toilet)in each guest cabin. Justin was referencing how quickly the urine tank fills up and needs to be emptied. His struggle was real. The urine tank with two thirsty Canadians needs to be emptied about every 3 days. It’s a simple and easy task but alas, one more thing to do and one that isn’t required in a typical home.
- **Cooking** in a small confined space is something that doesn’t faze me anymore. But space isn’t the only challenge. Getting groceries in remote places isn’t like big supermarket shopping. You can’t plan a meal and then go to the store. It works the other way around. You go to the market, see what they have and get creative. Then, on top of that, will the produce last in the tropical heat? It was eye opening and reminded me of how frustrating it can be for tiny kitchen newbies. It gave me a renewed dedication to sharing more cooking tips and ideas (perhaps a “Things on Thursday” video?).
- **Schedules** are impossible. Our lives, while incredibly free, are completely at the mercy of nature and the state of the boat. It’s something that you simply can’t fully appreciate unless you’ve spent extended time traveling on a sailboat. The wind could change, the weather can turn and something on the boat will break. Plan for delays, and then plan for more delays.
- **Everything takes longer on a boat**. A task you think should only take an hour will take two…or quite possibly a whole freaking week. The simplest thing, like going to the grocery store, can be an all-day adventure. As for boat work, we all joke it’s not done right until you have re-done it at least twice.
### **Sharing Our Sailboat**
First, there is a huge difference between having traditional paid crew on a super yacht, paying guests on charter, and what we’ve offered up. We’re inviting people to live with us for a short period of time. In the cruising world, “crew” is the common term for people on a boat. Plus, we’ve always referred to our friends as our “crew”. So, it just fits.
For us, this whole idea of sharing our space is about sharing in the adventure. You can see the full scoop on the crew call here: [gonewiththewynns.com/join-our-crew](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/join-our-crew/)
We’ve been living a nomadic lifestyle for almost eight years now (shesh time flies). So, we’re fairly broken in when it comes to many aspects of the traveling lifestyle. But we’re not used to having people live with us. Much less in such a unique space that requires a lot of love and care. Naturally, we’ve learned a lot about being hosts and we still have a lot to learn, but overall it was an excellent first experience.
I’ll eventually put all my thoughts together on the subject, but for now I wanted to share my biggest lesson learned. Which is all about **Check Lists and Schedules.** I figured everyone is a responsible adult and I didn’t want to seem like a dictator, so I was being way to casual about everything in the beginning. That wasn’t helpful because then nobody knew what to do or when. This is a dramatically different way of living and everyone likes to have clear expectations of what needs to happen in a day. The more information we include, the easier it is for everyone.
Now, I have an [**email I send before someone arrives**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/coming-aboard-sv-curiosity-what-you-need-to-know/), a suggested [**packing list**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/packing-list-sailing-adventure/), a boat orientation checklist I go through when they arrive and a calendar with cooking and cleaning duties divided on a calendar. On that same calendar we also write out the tentative schedule for travel, provision runs, possible adventures, our personal computer work days/times and boat tasks that need to be done before the next destination. That way everyone knows what’s going on and can plan beach time or individual adventures while we are working. Plus, everyone has personal needs and family back home. If they need to plan something or to be online at a specific time, its easy to make note of that on the calendar too.
### **Sailing Report**
To see our full map with interactive pins, click here: [gonewiththewynns.com/map](http://www.gonewiththewynns.com/map)
- Dates: 9/25 – 9/27
- Nautical Miles Sailed: 102.5 from Escudo to Portobelo
- Anchorage: Escudo has lots of good sandy bottom to choose from. We had calm weather so I can’t say what it would be like in a blow.
- Cell & WiFi: There is no cell phone reception and no services. We used our Iridium Go / PredictWind Offshore App for weather updates and communication: [bit.ly/PredictWindIridium](http://bit.ly/PredictWindIridium?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### **Sailing Specific Gear**
- Quatix 5 Watches (super smart watches that also connect to our auto pilot and boat data while underway):
- Chartplotter: [Garmin 7612xsv Multi-touch](http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-8389711-12945564?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- iPad Mount at Helm: [http://amzn.to/2fT84PG](http://amzn.to/2fT84PG?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- iPad Pro [http://amzn.to/2d9Oopf ](http://amzn.to/2d9Oopf?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)Sailing Apps Used:
- iNavx (Chart app we were using to help find the dive site): [http://bit.ly/2vGgC51](http://bit.ly/2vGgC51?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Garmin Bluecharts with Active Captain: [http://bit.ly/2tgnRmA](http://bit.ly/2tgnRmA?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Iridium Go and Predict Wind for weather and communications: [bit.ly/PredictWindIridium](http://bit.ly/PredictWindIridium?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Mantus Anchor:
### **Snorkel Gear**
**Underwater Cameras**
- Sony RX with Underwater Housing: [http://amzn.to/2xG43rn](http://amzn.to/2xG43rn?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Sony Action Cam: [gonewiththewynns.com/product/sony-as300](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/sony-as300)
- Monopod/selfie stick/Floater: [http://bit.ly/sandmarc-gopro](http://bit.ly/sandmarc-gopro?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Underwater Lights & Grips: [http://bit.ly/big-blue-lights](http://bit.ly/big-blue-lights?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**Nikki**
- Hammerhead Free-Dive Mask With Camera Mount [http://amzn.to/2d5C6SB](http://amzn.to/2d5C6SB?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Hammerhead Free-Dive J Snorkel: [http://amzn.to/2cjh3dV](http://amzn.to/2cjh3dV?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Nikki’s Sporasub Freediving Fins: [http://amzn.to/2kIYmlf](http://amzn.to/2kIYmlf?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**Jason**
- Atomic Mask: [http://amzn.to/2uuqsZf](http://amzn.to/2uuqsZf?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Omer Snorkel: [http://amzn.to/2uxCjEb](http://amzn.to/2uxCjEb?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Omer Freediving Fins: [http://amzn.to/2kIhljK](http://amzn.to/2kIhljK?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**Fishing**
- Hawaiian Sling Spear: [http://amzn.to/2hIBfHb](http://amzn.to/2hIBfHb?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Cut Resistant Gloves: [http://amzn.to/2uxZWfM](http://amzn.to/2uxZWfM?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Fishing Reel (our rod isn’t online): [http://amzn.to/2v8bQPu](http://amzn.to/2v8bQPu?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**Kitchen/Galley**
- Induction Plate for Cooking: [gonewiththewynns.com/product/induction-burner](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/induction-burner)
- Pressure Cooker: [http://amzn.to/2B5MchZ](http://amzn.to/2B5MchZ?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### **Cameras Used to Capture This Video**
Full Review Of All Our Camera Gear: [gonewiththewynns.com/camera-gear-review-2017](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/camera-gear-review-2017/)
- Sony A7ii: [com/product/sony-a7ii](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/sony-a7ii)
- Rode Mic: [https://bhpho.to/2hUNFA8](https://bhpho.to/2hUNFA8?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Sony 24 – 70mm f4 lens: [com/product/sony-24-70](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/sony-24-70)
- Sony RX: [gonewiththewynns.com/product/productsony-dsc-rx100m-iii-cyber-shot-digital-still-camera](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/productsony-dsc-rx100m-iii-cyber-shot-digital-still-camera)
**Drone**
- DJI Mavic Pro: [http://amzn.to/2vUFXa6](http://amzn.to/2vUFXa6?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Drone Filters: [http://bit.ly/sandmarc-mavic](http://bit.ly/sandmarc-mavic?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### Thank You!
Thank you for being a part of our journey! We’re able to share these adventures because of viewers like you. If you like what you see, check out our [Say Thanks](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar) page to learn about different ways you can help keep the videos and posts flowing. You’ll notice most ways don’t cost you a penny but make a big difference to us. Thank You!
### Heavenly Days – Sailing, Diving & Boatloads of Fish
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/heavenly-days-sailing-diving-fish/
Last updated: 2021-01-08T17:31:52.000Z
It’s been spectacular, but the time has come to move along. We’ve provisioned up, have our zarpe (that’s boat lingo for departure clearance) and we’re heading out of the **[Bocas del Toro archipelago](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/map)**. There are 170-nautical miles between us and our next region of Panama. Before we officially say adios Bocas, there are a few tiny islands we need to check out first.
This region of Panama is famous for it’s massive array of coral and underwater life. And wouldn’t you know some of the best dive sites are right along our route!
Whaddya think? After all that, our eyes lite up like Christmas bulbs when we finally got to put out the genoa and kick off the engines. Talk about icing on the cake!
The sailing lifestyle is full of extremes and is certainly not for the faint of heart. Some days it seems nothing goes right, everything is broken, and mother nature is out to destroy us. But…then there are days like these. Heavenly days with calm seas, wind in our sails, epic diving and boatloads of fresh fish. Past woes melt into the horizon with the sun and all we can think about is how incredible life is today.
Here’s the scoop on our two underwater exploration sites for anyone headed this way!
### Zapatilla
When we sailed over to **[Salt Creek](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sea-monsters-sailboat-scuba-dive/)** a few weeks back we thought we were in the National Marine Park, so you can understand our surprise when we first hopped into the water. There was zero visibility and the reefs weren’t too impressive. This time we’re anchored 3 miles southeast in Cayos Zapatilla and we’re welcomed with clear water, soft sand beaches and what appears to be an extremely healthy underwater world. The islands are uninhabited, the waters are protected, there’s no fishing or spearing and we didn’t see any trash. This is definitely our kinda place.
We found the elk horn coral and lots of sea-life mid-way between the two Zapitilla cays (Zap 1 and Zap 2 as the locals say). For the awesome swim through caves we dropped the anchor on a patch of sand off the east side of Zap 2 and we swam north past the break. What was supposed to be an hour of snorkeling easily turned into five…so much for taking time to lounge on the sandy beach!
We’re still not 100% clear on pricing here, we were charged $10 per person for our one day. We weren’t charged extra for anchoring. When we visited the Zapatilla park office in Bocas Town they said the cost should be $10 per person and $20 for the boat and we could stay for 3-4 days without paying additional. Sadly, we only had time to spend one day here. Our winds and sea-swell were predicted to be extremely light which meant prime conditions for SCUBA diving at our next stop: Tiger Rock.
### Tiger Rock
We read that Tiger Rock is one of the top dives in Panama, but it’s nearly impossible to visit as a tourist. It’s a tiny underwater mountain surrounded by deep ocean, so anchoring is a challenge. If there’s any swell or wind, the sea state can make it impossible for smaller boats to make it out and the visibility drastically goes down. Then, there’s a steady 1-2 knot current that rips past Tiger Rock that could cause a diver to get swept out to sea. But, we did our research and planned our sail to make sure we had the best conditions to dive this rarely-visited gem.
- On the charts we scouted a sub 100’ spot to anchor immediately south of the unnamed island with the tower on it. (We have over 200’ of chain and 200’ of line so anchoring in these depths wouldn’t be a problem for a calm afternoon anchorage.)
- We arrived 1.5 hours before slack-high tide to minimize current flow.
- High tide was close to noon, so the sun would be directly overhead for maximum visibility.
- Winds and swell have been minimal for 48+ hours allowing any floating sediment to fall to the sea floor providing optimal underwater clarity.
What an amazing dive! Considering this is our first big dive from the boat it was a little nerve wrecking. In the end our planning paid off and we were all rewarded with a spectacular 360-degree wall dive and a dinner fit for kings, go team lion fish! This experience reminds us yet again: Don’t let fear hold you back from exploring…if you plan well, anything is possible.
There is an anchorage about 5 miles away in Laguna de Bluefield, and we considered sticking around for another day, but the excitement from this dive had us even more stoked for our next stop: Isla Escudo de Veraguas. Chatter among the local sailors is that its the best kept secret in Panama.
### **The Crew**
Dale and Justin (aka[ DJDives](https://www.instagram.com/djsdives/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) on Instagram and YouTube) are our first [Patreon’s ](https://www.patreon.com/the%5Fwynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)aboard and now we’ve [welcomed Dan](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/boat-life-crew-repairs-cave-panama/)! We offer up crew opportunities to our Patreons as a way to say thanks for their support, and allow others to experience this unique traveling lifestyle with us for a short stint.
### **Sailing Report**
To see our full map with interactive pins, click here: [gonewiththewynns.com/map](http://www.gonewiththewynns.com/map)
- Dates: 9/23 – 9/25
- Nautical Miles Sailed: 48 nm (16.2 nm to Zapatilla, 8.1 to Tiger Rock, 24.1 to Escudo)
- Anchorage: Zapatilla was an excellent anchorage, sandy bottom and well protected. There was a $10 per person park fee.
- Cell & WiFi: There is no cell phone reception and no services as its an uninhabited island. We used our Iridium Go for weather updates and communication: [bit.ly/PredictWindIridium](http://bit.ly/PredictWindIridium?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
Wondering what \_\_\_\_ was in the video? We’ve listed most everything below but if we missed a gadget, piece of gear or tidbit of information you wanted to know about let us know. Drop us a note in the comment box below!
**Our Pre and Post Sail Checklist** – [gonewiththewynns.com/curiosity-pre-post-sailing-checklist](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/curiosity-pre-post-sailing-checklist/)
**Sailing Orientation** – Stay tuned for a post on this subject.
### **Sailing Specific Gear**
- Quatix 5 Watches (super smart watches that also connect to our auto pilot and boat data while underway):
- Chartplotter: [Garmin 7612xsv Multi-touch](http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-8389711-12945564?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- iPad Mount at Helm: [http://amzn.to/2fT84PG](http://amzn.to/2fT84PG?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- iPad Pro [http://amzn.to/2d9Oopf ](http://amzn.to/2d9Oopf?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)Sailing Apps Used:
- iNavx (Chart app we were using to help find the dive site): [http://bit.ly/2vGgC51](http://bit.ly/2vGgC51?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Garmin Bluecharts with Active Captain: [http://bit.ly/2tgnRmA](http://bit.ly/2tgnRmA?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Iridium Go and Predict Wind for weather and communications: [bit.ly/PredictWindIridium](http://bit.ly/PredictWindIridium?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Portable Floating VHF w/GPS: [http://amzn.to/2hwEoK7](http://amzn.to/2hwEoK7?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Mantus Anchor:
### **Snorkel/Dive Gear**
**Underwater Cameras**
- Sony RX with Underwater Housing: [http://amzn.to/2xG43rn](http://amzn.to/2xG43rn?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Sony Action Cam: [gonewiththewynns.com/product/sony-as300](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/sony-as300)
- Go Pro 5: [amzn.to/2unZpQp](http://amzn.to/2unZpQp?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Underwater Filters: [http://bit.ly/sandmarc-dive](http://bit.ly/sandmarc-dive?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Monopod/selfie stick/Floater: [http://bit.ly/sandmarc-gopro](http://bit.ly/sandmarc-gopro?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Underwater Lights & Grips: [http://bit.ly/big-blue-lights](http://bit.ly/big-blue-lights?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**Nikki**
- Aqua Lung Dive Computer/Regulator Set: [http://amzn.to/2eUaBKM](http://amzn.to/2eUaBKM?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Hammerhead Free-Dive Mask With Camera Mount [http://amzn.to/2d5C6SB](http://amzn.to/2d5C6SB?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Hammerhead Free-Dive J Snorkel: [http://amzn.to/2cjh3dV](http://amzn.to/2cjh3dV?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Nikki’s Sporasub Freediving Fins: [http://amzn.to/2kIYmlf](http://amzn.to/2kIYmlf?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**Jason**
- Aqua Lung Dive Computer/Regulator Set: [http://amzn.to/2eUaBKM](http://amzn.to/2eUaBKM?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Atomic Mask: [http://amzn.to/2uuqsZf](http://amzn.to/2uuqsZf?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Omer Snorkel: [http://amzn.to/2uxCjEb](http://amzn.to/2uxCjEb?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Omer Freediving Fins: [http://amzn.to/2kIhljK](http://amzn.to/2kIhljK?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**Spearfishing**
- Hawaiian Sling Spear: [http://amzn.to/2hIBfHb](http://amzn.to/2hIBfHb?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Cut Resistant Gloves: [http://amzn.to/2uxZWfM](http://amzn.to/2uxZWfM?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Fishing Reel (our rod isn’t online): [http://amzn.to/2v8bQPu](http://amzn.to/2v8bQPu?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
**Kitchen/Galley**
- Induction Plate for Cooking: [gonewiththewynns.com/product/induction-burner](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/induction-burner)
- Pressure Cooker: [http://amzn.to/2B5MchZ](http://amzn.to/2B5MchZ?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Tortilla Press: [http://amzn.to/2uUpnux](http://amzn.to/2uUpnux?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### **Cameras Used to Capture This Video**
Full Review Of All Our Camera Gear: [gonewiththewynns.com/camera-gear-review-2017](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/camera-gear-review-2017/)
- Sony A7ii: [com/product/sony-a7ii](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/sony-a7ii)
- Rode Mic: [https://bhpho.to/2hUNFA8](https://bhpho.to/2hUNFA8?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Sony 24 – 70mm f4 lens: [com/product/sony-24-70](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/sony-24-70)
**Drone**
- DJI Mavic Pro: [http://amzn.to/2vUFXa6](http://amzn.to/2vUFXa6?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Drone Filters: [http://bit.ly/sandmarc-mavic](http://bit.ly/sandmarc-mavic?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
Thank you for being a part of our journey! We’re able to share these adventures because of viewers like you. If you like what you see, check out our [Say Thanks](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar) page to learn about different ways you can help keep the videos and posts flowing. You’ll notice most ways don’t cost you a penny but make a big difference to us. Thank You!
### Chocolate Dreams, A Willy Wonka Jungle
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/chocolate-dreams-willy-wonka-jungle/
Last updated: 2025-12-23T12:14:58.000Z
It’s our last couple days in the [**Bocas Del Toro** ](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/map)area and we’ve been bobbing about at anchor anxiously waiting on the chocolate farm to re-open (they were closed for an ‘off-season’ spruce up). There was no way we were leaving this region without first seeing how the world’s most delectable treat is born.
We didn’t have many expectations beyond seeing how cacao is grown and then turned into the chocolate bars we love to devour. But, our experience was so much more than a standard farm tour.
The jungle is a real-life Willy Wonka golden ticket experience. It seems everything around us is scratch, sniff, taste and savor…even edible bees!?!
The only thing that could have made this day any better would’ve been if the sloths and monkeys stood up and started singing ♫ *oompa loompa doompadee doo ♫* …now that would have been a surreal Wonka experience!
Jason wasn’t kidding about chocolate dreams coming true. We watched a TV show over 10 years ago called Eco Trip where they toured a chocolate farm for a bean-to-bar episode. Ever since then we’ve known as soon as the opportunity presented itself we’d be first in line to experience cacao in the flesh. Even after years of anticipation we had a blast and enjoyed every nib. YUM!
### **Cacao Farm Info**
There are a couple of different chocolate farms in the Bocas Del Toro area, and everyone we talked to had nothing but good things to say about them all. Because we were anchored just off of Isla Bastimentos, La Loma Chocolate Farm was so incredibly close it was a no-brainer. It’s a short dinghy ride from *Curiosity* which saved us a few extra bucks by not having to take a water taxi to another island. The tour was $15 and lasted about an hour and a half. Adding lunch onto the cost of the tour was an additional $10, which we all highly recommend! We didn’t inquire about prices on the lodges, but all the booking info is on their website: [thejunglelodge.com](http://www.thejunglelodge.com/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### **Sailing Report**
- Date: September 20, 2017
- Anchorage: Just outside Red Frog Resort on Isla Bastimentos
### More like this...
[Inside One Of The World’s Rarest Cacao FarmsWe crossed the waters to one of the Philippines’ most untamed islands—Mindanao. All because we wanted to see a chocolate farm. Well, technically it’s a cacao farm. Honestly, we didn’t have a clue what we were getting ourselves into. Only that our new sailing friend Rex said he runsGone With The WynnsNikki Wynn](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/rarest-cacao-farms/)
[Real Chocolate vs What You’re Actually EatingMost of us grow up thinking we know what chocolate is. But the truth is kind of shocking.Gone With The WynnsNikki Wynn](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/real-chocolate/)
### This Just In…Transiting The Panama Canal and Computer Updates
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/update-panama-canal-computer/
Last updated: 2021-01-08T17:31:52.000Z
We’ve been running around like chickens with our heads cut off recently. It’s exciting times and while we don’t have our regular Sunday video to share, we do have some news!
For anyone with limited internet who couldn’t watch the video:
### **The computer woes are over, so we hope.**
Jason has his new, insanely bulky computer in hand and was able to retrieve the files from the broken laptop. Yeah! For those interested in all the detailed specs, here is the exact computer he ordered: [https://bhpho.to/2i5sbAN](https://bhpho.to/2i5sbAN?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) It’s an Alienware and it’s still on Holiday discount (he got $650 off plus a $100 gift card, free mouse and some free video game that we’ll never play). Granted we haven’t even turned it on yet, but on paper it should be a screamin’ editing machine. Of course he’ll blow through $100 in data to update and install programs…but that’s half the fun…right?
### **We’re transiting the Panama Canal this week!**
If you want to follow us through the Panama Canal we’ll be sharing live updates on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also watch on the Panama Canal webcams here: [http://www.pancanal.com/eng/multimedia/index.html](http://www.pancanal.com/eng/multimedia/index.html?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
The general plan for our canal transit (we can’t control the times, that’s up to the canal authority):
- Tuesday Morning 11/28/2016 – Arrive to Flats Anchorage in Colon
- Tuesday Afternoon – Evening – Gatun Locks
- Tuesday Night – Anchor overnight in Gatun Lake
- Wednesday early Morning Depart Gatun Lake
- Wednesday late Morning Begin Miraflores Locks
- Wednesday afternoon Final Lock and arrive in the Pacific Ocean
**Our Crew/Line Handlers**
We’re super excited to have Jason’s Mom (Mary) and our long time RV friends Peter and John of **[TheRVgeeks](http://www.thervgeeks.com/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)** on board this week. The Geeks are posting lots of updates to their Instagram account too: @RVGeeks
Best part about having friends on boards…they can be our pack mules! HA, HA. Seriously though, getting packages here is expensive and tricky. Having them bring much needed supplies, parts and toys is a huge bonus. I’m sure our canal transit will be a blast, and of course we’ll be filming the entire experience to share in the near future. It’s wild to think we will be rising up, over and floating our way through the middle of a country. From the Caribbean to the Pacific ocean, simply incredible!
Patreons, don’t forget you can follow our tracks in real time through our InReach map (check the [patron feed](https://www.patreon.com/the%5Fwynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) for the link if you don’t have it).
Once we’re through the canal we’ll get back to our regularly scheduled Sunday adventures. The next episode picks back up in Bocas for a sweet chocolate farm tour then we’re on our final sailing adventure with Dale, Justin and Dan as we head for Portobelo.
Thanks for being a part of the adventure!
### Dirty Jobs & Superman Swim Throughs
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/dirty-jobs-superman-swim-throughs/
Last updated: 2021-01-08T17:31:53.000Z
Life on a sailboat is anything but typical. However, there are so many things that are typical of the sailing lifestyle. Looking back at this week of our lives, especially with new crew on board, it is clear to me just how unordinary our daily lives are.
I love the big adventures and destinations but it’s the unique everyday aspects of this salty life that are simultaneously the most challenging and rewarding.
Jungle walkabouts, boat repairs, climbing up the mast to remove a bird’s nest and swimming through sea tunnels…typical of the sailing lifestyle but fantastically unordinary.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not boasting, it’s more of an ongoing realization that everyday life is an adventure if we choose to see it that way. Not everyone views their home breaking and needing repairs as an adventure, much less an enjoyable one, especially in the moment. We spit and curse through plenty of life too, but it’s all part of it. The days we remember to embrace it all, even the repairs and mishaps, are way more fun.
So, with all that in mind, hit the play button and join us for our last few days here on Isla Bastimentos in Panama.
It’s hard to believe we’ve been exploring the Bocas Del Toro archipelago for six weeks now and a whole month of it has been at Isla Bastimentos (minus the one-week road trip to [Boquete](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/panama-road-trip-boquete/)). I feel like we’ve only scratched the surface of the area. It was our final few days at the marina so we were rushing to get the boat squared away and see all the places we had been procrastinating on visiting.
Old Bank, or Bastimentos as the locals call it, is definitely worth a visit. The hike up the hill to the coffee shop, Wizard Beach and the little restaurant all made for a great walkabout. But be warned…the water coming into the dock is crazy shallow with coral bombs everywhere, so follow a panga or make sure you keep a sharp eye.
If you happen to find yourself near Polo Beach and you want to snorkel some of the awesome swim-through caves, we found the best ones immediately east of the islands that separate Turtle Beach from Polo Beach. There’s plenty to see between those islands and that little speck of an Island we showed in the video.
We’ve moved to the anchorage just outside Red Frog Marina and we’re hanging out a few more days waiting on the local chocolate farm to open (because learning how chocolate is born is worth sticking around for!). After that, we’re sailing south(ish) to explore a little more of Panama’s Caribbean coast before we transit the canal.
### Gear Used In This Video
- Nikki’s waterproof & floating handbag: [gonewiththewynns.com/product/productugo-waterproof-pack](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/productugo-waterproof-pack)
- Quatix 5 Watches (smart watches we use for adventures but they also connect to the auto pilot on the boat): [http://amzn.to/2ygOudg](http://amzn.to/2ygOudg?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Hiking Adventure Shoes: [http://amzn.to/2yLNOfb ](http://amzn.to/2yLNOfb?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) Adventure Sandals: [http://amzn.to/2zQ41ke](http://amzn.to/2zQ41ke?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Snorkel/Freedive Gear
- Nikki
- Hammerhead Free-Dive Mask With Camera Mount [http://amzn.to/2d5C6SB](http://amzn.to/2d5C6SB?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Hammerhead Free-Dive J Snorkel: [http://amzn.to/2cjh3dV](http://amzn.to/2cjh3dV?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Nikki’s Sporasub Freediving Fins: [ http://amzn.to/2kIYmlf](http://amzn.to/2kIYmlf?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Jason
- Atomic Mask: [http://amzn.to/2uuqsZf](http://amzn.to/2uuqsZf?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Omer Snorkel: [http://amzn.to/2uxCjEb](http://amzn.to/2uxCjEb?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Omer Freediving Fins: [http://amzn.to/2kIhljK](http://amzn.to/2kIhljK?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Spearfishing:
- Hawaiian Sling Spear: [http://amzn.to/2hIBfHb](http://amzn.to/2hIBfHb?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Cut Resistant Gloves: [http://amzn.to/2uxZWfM](http://amzn.to/2uxZWfM?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### Cameras Used to Capture The Adventure
- Full Review Of All Our Camera Gear: [gonewiththewynns.com/camera-gear-review-2017 ](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/camera-gear-review-2017/)
- Main Camera
- Sony A7ii: [gonewiththewynns.com/product/sony-a7ii ](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/sony-a7ii)
- Sony Zoom Mic: [gonewiththewynns.com/product/sony-gun-zoom-microphone-black](http://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/sony-gun-zoom-microphone-black)
- Sony 24 – 70mm f4 lens: [gonewiththewynns.com/product/sony-24-70 ](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/sony-24-70)
- Nikki on the Mast – Sony rx100: [http://amzn.to/2xG43rn](http://amzn.to/2xG43rn?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Underwater Shots – Sony Action Cam: [http://bit.ly/sony-as300](http://bit.ly/sony-as300?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Drone
- DJI Mavic Pro: [http://amzn.to/2vUFXa6 ](http://amzn.to/2vUFXa6?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Drone Filters: [http://bit.ly/sandmarc-mavic](http://bit.ly/sandmarc-mavic?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### **Sailing Report**
To see our full map with interactive pins, click here: [gonewiththewynns.com/map](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/map)
- Dates: September 6-15, 2017
- Anchorage: [ Red Frog Marina on Isla Bastimentos](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/diving-coral-sailing-bocas/).
- Cell & WiFi: We have good +movil and sometimes claro cell phone service. The marina wifi works but to get it in the boat, you will [need a booster.](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/wifi-booster-pack)
### The Crew
Dale and Justin (aka[ DJDives](https://www.instagram.com/djsdives/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)) are our first [**Patreon’s** ](https://www.patreon.com/the%5Fwynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)aboard and now we’ve [welcomed Dan](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/boat-life-crew-repairs-cave-panama/)! We offer up crew opportunities to our Patreons as a way to say thanks for their support and allow others to experience this unique traveling lifestyle.
### Thanks
Thank you for tuning in! Do you like our videos and posts? Find them helpful, entertaining or useful? If so, check out our **[Say Thanks](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)** page to learn about different ways you can help keep videos and posts flowing. You’ll notice most ways don’t cost you a penny but make a big difference to us.
### No Video Today, We Have A Problem
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/no-video-problem/
Last updated: 2021-01-08T17:31:53.000Z
Crap happens! To be honest it seems to be ten-fold on a sailboat. The saltwater eats away at things, the moist air causes them to mold, the sun cooks it, and so on. Our current tropical location is harsh on almost every aspect of our life.
That said, I’m not sure Mother Nature has anything to do with today’s problem. I think it boils down to a technological fail.
### **A Real-Time Update!**
I hope the real-time update wasn’t too confusing. Our weekly episodic videos are always behind ‘real life’, by about a month or so on average. It’s the nature of filming, editing, writing and living while always on the move. Of course, when stuff like this happens (good or bad) we like to share a bit in real-time if we can. Especially when we have a problem we’re struggling to solve…maybe you’ve had the same issue and know just the solution.
As Nikki mentioned, we’re in Linton Bay, Panama. We’re getting Curiosity in shape for the Panama Canal transit and the adventures that lie ahead. We’re excited to experience and share it all! You can always see our real-time location at the bottom of any page on our website, it’s that little map in the footer that says “The Wynns Are Currently At.”
### **I’m No Computer Guru**
I’m serious, if you’re a wiz on the computer and you’ve got some ideas of ways to salvage the drives, or the computer itself let me know. But keep in mind resources are extremely limited on the Caribbean side of Panama.
If you’re a super researcher and have a favorite laptop for video editing, I’m all ears. I’m currently in the worst situation for someone trying to buy a new computer: Limited internet for research, no stores nearby and nobody computer savvy around to chat with (well, that speaks the same language anyway). Any tips would be greatly appreciated.
In the video I mentioned our computer, but forgot the full model number for my multi-drive setup: MSI GS70 2QE-096US. It’s been a great workhorse for us the past few years. At this point I’m not sure where to look for a video editing machine besides the few I know: Razer Blade, ASUS or another MSI. Maybe there’s a killer machine I’m not aware of that comes in a compact and slim case? The saddest part is, early next year Intel is launching a new chip called Coffee something-or-other, so no matter what machine I buy it will immediately be outdated.
### **The Hail Mary Worked**
I did remove the 1TB internal hard drive and THANKFULLY my Premiere Pro editing files are on there. So other than downloading Premiere, music, and a few other big programs we should be back in the editing game in a day or two…assuming our spotty internet doesn’t crash while downloading.
We’re tech bummed but we’re not down. Computers crash and things break, it’s just a bummer when the whole lot goes to crap in the final moments of a project. Either way we’ll sort it out. Nikki’s computer is capable of processing and editing video so luckily, we have another machine to get us by until we can get our hands on a new one.
### Still Living The Dream
At the end of the day we’re still living the dream. We’ll enjoy a solid beer while watching the sunset and tomorrow will be a new day, full of new and exciting challenges. Keep your eyes peeled, if all goes we’ll have the video complete and uploaded mid-week…at least that’s our optimistic goal! Thanks for joining us!
### **Camera Used For This Video**
- Iphone 7 Plus with Clip On Lens (the lenses make a big difference): [http://amzn.to/2AkjQx9](http://amzn.to/2AkjQx9?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
Thank you for tuning in! Do you like our videos and posts? Find them helpful, entertaining or useful? If so, check out our **[Say Thanks](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)** page to learn about different ways you can help keep videos and posts flowing. You’ll notice most ways don’t cost you a penny but make a big difference to us.
### Back At Boat Life: New Crew, Repairs & A Freaky Cave
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/boat-life-crew-repairs-cave-panama/
Last updated: 2021-01-08T17:31:53.000Z
The**[ Boquete road trip](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/panama-road-trip-boquete/)** is over and it’s as if we never left. The elevation hasn’t even had time to wear off and we’re already back in the groove of boat life.
You know, boat life…where we fix the things that broke while sailing, maintain the ones still working and squeeze in as many ridiculous adventures in-between as we can.
Prepare to get dirty, wet and possibly a little creeped out.
Did you make it all the way to the end? Did we lose anyone in the cave that couldn’t handle the bats, spiders and whatever crustacean that was lurking in the water?
I have mini panic attacks inside every time I see a spider, so that was really testing my comfort zone. They say being surrounded by something you fear is the best way to get past the fear. I can’t say I’m past my fear of spiders but I think we have a mutual respect.
### **Boat Life…AKA Repairs in Exotic Locations**
Boat maintenance is an ongoing love-hate affair. Some days it feels like we’re drowning in boat work and the old saying “*you know a boat is hole in the water you throw money into*” is all too real. Then there are days, like these, where it feels like the general maintenance that goes into owning and operating anything…a house, a car or even a bicycle. I guess what’s surprising is how much maintenance can be required within such a small footprint.
**[Sailing Vessel *Curiosity*](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/curiosity-sailboat)** is our home, *Minion* the dinghy is our car and both take us around the world in a way unparalleled by any other mode of transportation. Maintenance is to be expected and repairs are becoming as much a part of the ongoing adventure as the voyages.
**The Scheduled Maintenance**
It’s been a year since our last oil change and our Yanmar 40 owner’s manuals suggest once per year. No big deal and easier than an oil change on my old car.
**The Unscheduled Maintenance, AKA Stuff That Broke**
The support strut is a bit of a mystery and we’re not sure why it cracked. Which is disconcerting. Its always better when we can figure out why something broke so we can make sure it doesn’t happen again. Thankfully it appears that the other side is still in ok shape (for now).
A small pin hole in the radiator hose made itself aware by leaving pink water in the engine compartment. Thankfully the hole was close enough to the end of the hose Jason was able to simply cut the hose shorter and reattach it. We now have spare hose on our boat parts list.
The composting toilet fan is the only electric part on the heads. It’s a very simple muffin fan that we found needs replacing occasionally. This time was understandable as we did have some good days crashing about at sea during our [crossing to Panama](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/longest-passage-biggest-storm/). We carry a few spares and it’s a simple swap for any novice. The particular fan that broke is a secondary fan. Since we have two [composting heads](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/productnatures-head-self-contained-composting-toilet-with-close-quarters-spider-handle-design) that share the same exhaust hose we added an extra fan inside the vent hose near the outlet of the hull. This way if both toilets are being used the extra fan will help guide any smells overboard.
The coffee grinder…this falls into the OMG, panic time, WTF are we going to do! Not only for us, but our new crew member Dan. His is 6’5 espresso needs are off the charts! We didn’t want to make this another video about coffee so we spared you on the grinder breakdown drama. But for our concerned, and future Panama bound viewers out there, coffee grinders are nonexistent in the Bocas Del Toro archipelago. Carry a backup grinder ([we suggest a good hand grinder](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/coffee-tea)) and know you’ll have to make a trip to Panama City to find a half decent burr grinder…which is where we eventually [found a replacement](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/coffee-tea) for ours.
### **Isla Bastimentos Nivida Bat Cave**
What a prankster our guide Fernando was, we almost didn’t want to take him home because he was seriously funny! I made sure to drop a pin on [our map](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/map) near his house just in case you want to dinghy over to pick him up for a tour ($5 per person).
If you find yourself in the Bocas del Toro area, and you’re not on a boat, or just want to take one of the organized tours via a panga…you can arrange a trip from any of the marinas, resorts or tour stands on Bastimentos or Bocas Town. Most were around $35 per person.
In total, our group of 5 saved a $150 by taking our capable dink *Minion*. It made for a very unique experience. That said, I’m sure we would’ve had a stellar time, and thought it was money well spent, if we’d taken one of the more pricey arranged tours. Because it was a crazy-subterranean-river-cave-plunge-pool-good-time!
**Quick Fun Fact About The Bats.** I did some research, with my good friend google, and found out these are spear nosed bats (appropriately named with their unique snouts). They have a wingspan of one meter and are the second largest bats in the Americas. They are especially unique because they make a screech sound to call each other rather than sonar or echolocation. Which its good to know they weren’t screeching at us…or were they?
### The New Crew
Dale and Justin are our first [Patreon’s ](https://www.patreon.com/the%5Fwynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)aboard and now we’ve welcomed Dan! He is just a regular guy from Austin, Texas who is looking to live a more unsendentary lifestyle. Maybe traveling about in a van, RV, boat, or who knows. Only time will tell, but for now, we’re happy to have him coming along for some adventures with us.
### Gear Used In This Video
- Quatix 5 Watches (smart watches we use for adventures but they also connect to the auto pilot on the boat): [http://amzn.to/2ygOudg](http://amzn.to/2ygOudg?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Hiking Adventure Shoes: [http://amzn.to/2yLNOfb](http://amzn.to/2yLNOfb?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Mantus Headlamp: [gonewiththewynns.com/product/lights-torches](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/lights-torches)
### **Cameras Used to Capture The Adventure**
- Main Camera – Sony A7ii: [http://bit.ly/a7rii-sony](http://bit.ly/a7rii-sony?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Sony Zoom Mic:
- Sony 24 – 70mm f4 lens: [http://bit.ly/2470-zeiss](http://bit.ly/2470-zeiss?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Iphone 7 Plus with Clip On Lenses (the lenses make a big difference): [http://amzn.to/2AkjQx9 ](http://amzn.to/2AkjQx9?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Go Pro 5: [http://amzn.to/2unZpQp](http://amzn.to/2unZpQp?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) & Waterproof Gimbal: [gonewiththewynns.com/product/feiyu-g5-gimbal](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/feiyu-g5-gimbal)
- All of our up to date photo and editing gear: [gonewiththewynns.com/best-travel-camera-video-photography](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/best-travel-camera-video-photography/)
### **Sailing Report**
To see our full map with interactive pins, click here: [gonewiththewynns.com/map](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/map)
- Dates: September 3 – 5, 2017
- Anchorage: [ Red Frog Marina on Isla Bastimentos](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/diving-coral-sailing-bocas/).
- Cell & WiFi: We have good +movil and sometimes claro cell phone service. The marina wifi works but to get it in the boat, you will [need a booster.](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/wifi-booster-pack)
Thank you for tuning in! Do you like our videos and posts? Find them helpful, entertaining or useful? If so, check out our **[Say Thanks](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)** page to learn about different ways you can help keep videos and posts flowing. You’ll notice most ways don’t cost you a penny but make a big difference to us.
### Getting High Above The Clouds – Volcan Baru
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/volcan-baru-panama/
Last updated: 2021-01-08T17:31:53.000Z
We’ve been[ **living on a sailboat** ](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/curiosity-sailboat)for well over a year now and our lungs have acclimated to sea level and below. Holding a single breath to swim down fifty feet and spear a lion fish has become a part of our norm.
So, taking on a twenty mile hike up a volcano with an elevation of 11,400 feet (3,475 meters) with zero training should be a walk in the park, right? Ok, probably not but there was no way we were missing out on the chance to stand at the peak of Volcán Barú.
We left *Curiosity* tied up at a marina and headed inland on **[a road trip to the green mountain village of Boquete](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/panama-road-trip-boquete/)**. It’s been an epic trip so far that’s been worth the journey to get here. We found **[the lost waterfalls ](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/lost-waterfalls-panama/)**and had **[euphoric coffee experiences ](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/geisha-most-expensive-coffee/)**with the local farmers.
Now here we are, at midnight, hopped up on caffeine and ready to climb to the highest peak in Panama for what is supposed to be the best sunrise over two oceans.
Those views! We have been on a lot of hikes over the years but I think that is the first time we’ve ever stood on an active volcano. Seeing the clouds moving below us (and NOT through an airplane window) was incredible. We highly recommend it (pun intended). Plus, I can’t ever get enough of being in the forest. Sometimes I think I may be part gnome because these fern covered floors feel like home.
### Why Hike Volcan Baru Overnight?
This whole area is considered a cloudforest. Afternoons and evenings tend to be cloudy and/or rainy, which doesn’t make for great visibility. The mornings are the best chance for clear skies which is why most adventure seekers choose to hike overnight praying mother nature will part the clouds for sunrise.
There are many sad tales online from hikers who had torrential rains which make the trails exceptionally challenging. Their stories end with arriving at the top with clouds so thick they couldn’t see a thing. All that pain and zero gain…not a fun way to spend the night.
Hiking this trail is one of the last things we did in Boquete, mainly because it’s easy to talk yourself out of it. It’s raining, I don’t have a warm enough jacket, it’s so cloudy in town there’s no way it’ll be clear in the morning, etc. etc. etc. *So why bother*? Because the success stories rave of never ending views, repeating mountaintops as far as the eye can see, with two oceans in view and the most stunning sunrise you can find in Panama…and we concur. Thank you Mother Nature!
### Hiking Gear Used In This Video
- Quatix 5 Watches (smart watches we use for adventures but they also connect to the auto pilot on the boat): [http://amzn.to/2ygOudg](http://amzn.to/2ygOudg?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Hiking Adventure Shoes: [http://amzn.to/2yLNOfb](http://amzn.to/2yLNOfb?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Backpack – We wouldn’t recommend the one you see me (Nikki) carrying in this video but Jason’s Camelback is an oldie but a goodie. They don’t sell his model anymore but we have always had good luck with their gear.
- Garmin InReach: [http://amzn.to/2wVdbaP](http://amzn.to/2wVdbaP?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Mantus Headlamp: [gonewiththewynns.com/product/lights-torches](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/lights-torches)
### Cameras Used to Capture This Video
- Main Camera – Sony A7ii (Jason’s Camera): [http://bit.ly/a7rii-sony](http://bit.ly/a7rii-sony?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Sony Zoom Mic:
- Sony 24 – 70mm f4 lens: [http://bit.ly/2470-zeiss](http://bit.ly/2470-zeiss?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- DJI Mavic Pro: [http://amzn.to/2vUFXa6 ](http://amzn.to/2vUFXa6?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Sony rx100 (Nikki’s Camera…I am not steady like Jason, I need to get the gimbal for this bad boy): [http://amzn.to/2xG43rn](http://amzn.to/2xG43rn?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- All of our up to date photo and editing gear: [gonewiththewynns.com/best-travel-camera-video-photography](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/best-travel-camera-video-photography/)
### Sailing Road Trip Report
To see our full map with interactive pins, click here: [gonewiththewynns.com/map](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/map)
- Dates Stayed: August 24 – 31, 2017
- Miles Hiked: 20
- Anchorage: We left Curiosity docked at[ Red Frog Marina on Isla Bastimentos](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/diving-coral-sailing-bocas/)
- Where We’re Staying: Fireside Inn and Grill. We paid $54 a night, it was basic and marginally clean but a friendly and an inexpensive base camp for the week. Our options were limited because of the cats and needing a pet friendly place to stay. Otherwise, we would have picked another location. If you travel with a tent, there is camping near the top of the mountain. That way if it’s socked in you can hunker down for a few days and wait for a clear morning to hike up to the peak.
- Cell & WiFi: We had good +movil and claro cell phone service in town but no service during the hike. Which is why we carried the InReach.
Thanks for being a part of the adventure! If you enjoy what we do and you want to help us keep the videos and posts flowing, check out our [**Say Thanks** ](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)page. It lists out some ways you can show us some digital love and most won’t cost you a penny.
### Experiencing Geisha, Most Expensive Coffee In The World
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/geisha-most-expensive-coffee/
Last updated: 2024-12-12T09:10:56.000Z
In case you’ve missed anything, we left the boat and have taken a [**road trip to Boquete**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/panama-road-trip-boquete/) with a few goals in mind. Find the [**lost waterfalls,**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/lost-waterfalls-panama/) see where the world’s most expensive coffee is grown and hike to the highest point in Panama. I am sure from the title of this post, you can guess which goal we’re reaching today.
Coffee is a daily ritual for us. We like the science behind making the perfect cup, along with all the different brewing methods, almost as much as we enjoy drinking it. Now we’re in [**Panama,**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailor-showers-land-ho/) a region where coffee is grown and it would be ludicrous to be so close to something we love to not see where it comes from.
Plus, we’re slightly obsessed with seeing how things are made, as well as developing a respect and understanding of where they come from. Like the time we went to[ **Kentucky to learn about Bourbon**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/schooled-in-bourbon-from-virgin-to-virtuoso/). Our desire to learn, aka [**curiosity**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/about), is a huge driving factor behind why we live this un-sedentary way of life.
Even if you aren’t a lover of the rich brown caffeinated cup, it’s one of Panama’s prime exports and the world of coffee is exploding. One specific variety, Geisha, has put Panama on the map and drastically changed the market. People are flocking from all over the world, and willing to pay top dollar to get it. Geisha is, at this moment in time, the most expensive coffee in the world.
Our friend Ben owns a coffee shop in Tennessee called Crema. We shot him an email as soon as we had cleared customs into the country asking, *do you work with any farmers in Panama, we’ve just landed in* [***Bocas Del Toro***](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/panama-bocas-underwater-garden/)*…it would be awesome to connect with you or visit one of the farms you buy from.* He quickly replied, *one of our favorite farms and producers is in Boquete.* A few email exchanges later and we were all set up to meet Wilford Lamastus, coffee farmer extraordinaire!
We were stoked to say the least, but we didn’t expect much more than a few minutes of his time. We thought, if we were lucky, maybe we would get a taste of whatever he was processing. After all, a famous coffee farmer in Boquete must be a busy guy. So, when I say we were completely blown away and overwhelmed by our experience…it’s not an exaggeration.
This is one of those times I wish virtual reality devices were far more advanced and included at least smell-o-vision. But, hopefully we have done the experience some justice. Go grab your favorite mug and join us!
I don’t know about you, but we were blown away. We knew growing and producing coffee was a lot of work, but hand harvesting *and* hand sorting is a very tedious process. I would want to be paid $601 per pound for my coffee too! The only thing I can think to compare it to is high end wine. We’ve visited a lot of vineyards over the years and these are parallel universes in many ways. The time and effort put into producing and processing the best possible fruit requires passionate people.
It’s doubtful we will ever be able to top this coffee experience and between Wilford, Graciano and Rachel, it’s certainly put Panama on the map in our hearts.
A native Ngobe boy plays in a sweet tomato tree on the farm.
As luck would have it, I am sipping on a cup of Wilfords coffee now. Not Geisha, that’s above our pay grade, but an excellent natural processed Catui that was a very affordable $10 for a 12 ounce bag. We managed to pick some up at Bajareque in Panama City recently and it’s a little surreal having the flavors on my palate while sharing and reliving this experience with you.
### **What Did We Learn?**
We learned more about coffee in these few days than we have in the past 10 years of drinking it. There’s no doubt my appreciation has drastically gone up for what it takes to get the grinds in my cup. I also have a greater understanding of the different processes and how that affects the way my coffee tastes. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- **Elevation:** We learned that higher elevation slows down the growth of the tress and it takes the berries longer to ripen. More time and work for the farmer but it produces dense beans with a desirable flavor. We’ll look for coffees grown around or above 4,000 feet (1,200 meters).
- **Process:** There are 3 different processes: natural, honey and washed. They all produce different flavors and we liked them all. But, we *really* liked the natural and honey coffees, and knowing they are the most environmentally friendly to produce makes them taste even sweeter.
- **Variety:** Catui, Geshia, Typica, Bourbon…I don’t know how many different varieties of coffee there are out there, but it’s a lot. They all have their own unique characteristics just like the different varieties of wine (Cabernet, Pinot, Bordeaux…)
- **Roast:** Every reputable coffee roaster, and now coffee farmer too, we’ve ever met…really emphasizes how bad it is to over-roast beans. Have you ever had coffee that tasted burned? It probably was. Light to medium roast is usually best if you want to taste the flavor of the beans. Specialty coffee, like the ones we experienced here, should be light roast. If maximum caffeine is your goal, don’t worry, light roast coffees provide the same buzz as the dark roasts. Stronger flavor doesn’t equal more caffeine.
### Is it Overrated? Is the world’s most expensive coffee worth it?
In the back of my mind I was hoping I wouldn’t think the Geisha was *that* much more amazing than any other specialty coffees I’ve drank before.
Of course we didn’t taste the batch of Geisha that sold for $601 per pound at auction, but our taste buds were on cloud nine with every spoonful that did enter our well-aerated mouths. I *really* didn’t want to be impressed by it…but dammit, Geisha is the most flavorful and complex coffee I’ve ever had.
Klatch Coffee bought the $601 Esmeralda and it looks like a single cup will run $55\. I’ve even seen articles claiming certain coffee shops in Asia sell Geshia’s for up to $85 a cup. I personally couldn’t pay that amount of money for any single cup of coffee, but that’s simply because it’s not in my budget. The same as I wouldn’t purchase a $300 bottle of wine.
**July 2018 Update**: Turns out Wilford took home the bragging rights of the most expensive coffee in the world this year. His Natural Processed Geisha shattered the record for **most expensive coffee in the world** bringing a bid of **$803** per pound. The top price was paid by Black Gold Coffee Co. out of Taiwan and the lot is called “Elida Geisha Green Tip Natural”. The Japanese roasting company Saza Coffee also purchased some of the same lot. So, Congrats to Wilford, and if you find yourself in Taiwan or Japan you can probably pick up a cup…for a really, really hefty price 🙂
I mentioned the parallel between coffee and wine earlier and I think it applies to the value proposition here. Wine from a specific vineyard could range anywhere from $5 – $500 a bottle. The price difference comes from the amount of work/time given to produce the bottle along with the quality of the flavors. The same applies for coffee.
As always, something is only worth the value we give it.
Some people don’t enjoy coffee or wine and wouldn’t be willing to spend more than $1 on a cup of coffee or $5 for a bottle of wine. They don’t want or need high quality. That’s ok. We happen to love and greatly appreciate the craft behind both. I wouldn’t think twice about spending $10 for a nice glass of wine at a restaurant. So, we gladly paid $9 to have a cup of Elida Estates Geisha in Panama City at Bajareque.
Luckily, we also liked plenty of the other more affordable varieties too, mostly the natural and honey processed coffees. Our big takeaway was that farmers who care this much about quality are naturally going to produce better beans all around. And while one lot of Geisha may sell for $601 per pound, the neighboring lot might be almost as good for $60 per pound. And the Typica or Catui grown on the same farm might sell for $10 per pound.
### **But the big question for us consumers is: How are we supposed to determine which coffee is actually good quality coffee?**
Price and quality are not one in the same. How do we know when it’s worth it to fork over the extra money for a specialty coffee? How do we avoid those who are just trying to cash in by using the marketing value that comes with the words *specialty coffee* or *Geisha*?
I posed this question to our friend [**Ben**](https://crema-coffee.com/our-story/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) because as a fellow coffee nerd, a guy who runs a coffee shop and has personal relationships with the farmers, I knew he wouldn’t steer us wrong. Here is what he had to say…
*It’s a very relevant question today, it is hard to know when there are so many micro roasters and specialty coffee shops — seemingly on every corner now in affluent cities across the globe. So sometimes you have to step back and wonder, am I getting what I’m paying for?*
*My answer is this, you should never pay less for specialty coffee. Here’s why, specialty coffee (not commodity coffee) is picked by hand by economically oppressed families living in poor conditions at best (not always, but most often). It’s hard to say this strongly enough, really the only way one will appreciate the labor that goes into producing just one cup is to see production firsthand, such as what you two have done at Wilford’s farms. I am passionately convinced that no American who has visited a Latin American coffee farm would return to the states and ever complain about the price we pay for coffee.*
*But certainly, there are swindlers in the market. So, how does one know if the $65 cup of Geisha is really worth it? It’s all about transparency and reputation. Transparency means you should, at a minimum, be able to find on the bag of coffee: name of the farmer, farm, mill, altitude, variety, process method and how it was sourced (directly? through a third party?) Additionally, a solid roaster will typically have a blog with stories about the farmer, his/her practices and why the coffee is unique or special. Secondly, reputation. Wilford Lamastus has a reputation in the industry for the highest quality Geisha’s. Detailed information about his coffees can be found on many sites with a simple Google search.*
*Last, if you’re in doubt ask about the coffee’s score. Every coffee receives a score and a roaster should be able to explain the score to you. At CREMA our Co-owner and our Lead Roaster are both Licensed Q Graders. Keep in mind though, that even if the coffee is a rare varietal, was processed, stored and scored well, it doesn’t mean that it was roasted with expertise.*
*Some of the best coffees we’ve had did not arrive in a fancy package. As they say, fancy packaging does not a great coffee make 🙂 Think critically, if it has extravagant packaging it could be that the roaster has to make up that margin.*
*Oh, and very last…it’s ok if you don’t like the expensive coffees. Price does not mean it tastes better. Drink what you enjoy and be adventurous, you might find that the unique tastes of a Geisha are what you enjoy most, but maybe not, and that’s ok.*
### **Where to Get Coffee From These Farms**
Coffee farmers don’t often sell to consumers, they sell to roasters and distributors. Then those roasters and distributors store, roast and release the coffees at varied times. It’s no wonder they each gave me a blank stare when I asked about where we the end consumer could find their coffee. But, we’ve just raved about these individual farms, and what an amazing experience it was. So, you might like to get a hold of a cup to see what all the fuss is about. We did our best to list a few places that buy coffee from each of the farms. They may or may not have beans from these farms at the moment but I’m sure if you contact them you’ll be able to find out when they will.
[**Elida Estate Coffee**](https://elidaestate.com/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- USA: [Crèma Coffee](http://bit.ly/wynnscoffee?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) – Considering Ben is the one who introduced us to Wilford (thanks Ben!), we know you can find excellent coffee, and some from Elida Estate at his shop in Tennessee or order from him online (I think he does free shipping promo’s a lot). He is now pre-selling one of Elida’s Geshias if you feel like springing for it (let us know, we’ll come over for a cup!). He also has a blog worth checking out and we especially love this post is about the work Wilford and Rachel are doing to give back to their community: [crema-coffee.com/blog/what-your-coffee-purchase-can-really-do](https://crema-coffee.com/blog/what-your-coffee-purchase-can-really-do?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- USA: Verve Coffee (we’ve visited these guys in [Santa Cruz](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/santa-cruz-ca/) and they are doing amazing things with coffee), Equator Coffee & Teas, Portola Coffee Lab, Klatch Coffee
- Australia: Campos Coffee, Proud Mary, Sensory Lab, Seven Seeds, 5 Senses
- Japan: Maruyama Coffee
- Taiwan: Ok Lao, Haayas Gourmet Coffee, Waka Coffee, Cafe Lulu, Linking Coffee, Pebble Coffee
- Norway: Kaffa
- Sweden: Johan & Nystrom
- Korea: Cafe Libre
[**Los Lajones Estate**](http://www.loslajonesestate.com/eng/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- USA: Flying Goat Coffee, Cafe Grumpy, Speckled Ax
- Sweden: Johan & Nystrom
- Netherlands: Boot Koffie
- Czech Republic: Double Shot
[**Hacienda Esmeralda**](http://haciendaesmeralda.com/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- USA: Klatch Coffee, Bird Rock Coffee, Peerless Coffee and Tea, Kean Coffee
- Australia: Normcore Coffee Roasters, Campos Coffee
- UK: Northern Tea Merchants
###
### **Road Trip Report**
- Dates Stayed: August 24 – 31, 2017
- Farms Visited: Elida Estate, Los Lajones, Hacienda la Esmeralda
- Anchorage: We left Curiosity docked at[ Red Frog Marina on Isla Bastimentos](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/diving-coral-sailing-bocas/).
- Where We’re Staying: Fireside Inn and Grill. We paid $54 a night, it was basic and marginally clean but a friendly and an inexpensive base camp for the week. Our options were limited because of the cats and needing a pet friendly place to stay. Otherwise, we would have picked another location.
### Poop Coffee
Just in case you’ve seen any stories floating around about the famous poop coffees and how they are the most expensive, the new record is indeed Hacienda la Esmeralda’s Geisha. Don’t know about poop coffee? Here are the two I know about, and no we haven’t tasted them:
- Kopi Luwak – coffee produced from beans that have passed through a civet cat.
- Black Ivory – coffee produced from beans that have passed through an elephant.
### They Demand Nudity – The Lost Waterfalls
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/lost-waterfalls-panama/
Last updated: 2021-01-08T17:31:53.000Z
The Panamanian road trip continues! We have one week in the Chiriqui Highlands of Boquete before heading back to the boat. Now, there’s way more than one weeks’ worth of exploration to do here but we’ve focused in on a few adventures we think will give us a solid, lasting impression of Panama’s famous mountains.
Last time we showed you around the **[village of Boquete](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/panama-road-trip-boquete/)** and this time we’re on a mission to find the infamous lost waterfalls. It’s a ten-mile hike through the cloudforest where we’re rewarded with three breathtaking waterfalls and a dip in the crystal-clear pools at the base.
So, lace up your hiking shoes, grab a water bottle and hit that play button…we’re going on an adventure!
How was it for you? We freakin’ love these forests! Oh, and your welcome or I’m sorry for the lack of nudity depending on how you felt about seeing Jason strip bare. 😉 Back up ladies…he’s already taken.
We could spend months hiking through these forests, and this warm-up has us super stoked about our insane overnight journey to the highest point in Panama: Volcan Baru. It’s a dormant volcano with a rare view of two oceans from the top (the Caribbean and Pacific oceans). But I’m jumping *way* ahead, because we’re gonna need a lot of caffeine to get us through that adventure.
Stay tuned…next up we meet one local coffee farmer who generously invites us into his world. Even if you’re not a coffee loving fool like us, the industry is booming and coffee has put this little town, and the entire country of Panama, on the map.
### Lost Waterfalls Trail
If you make your way to Boquete we highly recommend finding the waterfalls, it’s worth the $7\. It’s what we would consider a moderate hike…in other words you won’t want to wear flip flops but you won’t be completely spent afterwords. If it rains, the trails get super muddy and slippery so you may want to bring a change of shoes for after the hike (hello again flip flops). You’ll find directions here: [thelostwaterfalls.com/directions.html](http://thelostwaterfalls.com/directions.html?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
This reminded us of Devils Postpile in California.
This little guy was all about helping dad at work…the dog not so much.
### **Hiking Gear Used In This Video**
- Quatix 5 Watches (smart watches we use for adventures but they also connect to the auto pilot on the boat): [http://amzn.to/2ygOudg](http://amzn.to/2ygOudg?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Hiking/Water Adventure Shoes: [http://bit.ly/2uZs620](http://bit.ly/2uZs620?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Backpack – We wouldn’t recommend the one you see me (Nikki) carrying in this video but Jason’s camelback is an oldie but a goodie. They don’t sell his particular model anymore but we have always had good luck with their gear.
- Garmin InReach: [http://amzn.to/2wVdbaP](http://amzn.to/2wVdbaP?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### **Sailing Road Trip Report**
To see our full map with interactive pins, click here: [gonewiththewynns.com/map](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/map)
- Dates Stayed: August 24 – 31, 2017
- Miles Hiked: 10.7
- Anchorage: We left Curiosity docked at[ Red Frog Marina on Isla Bastimentos](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/diving-coral-sailing-bocas/).
- Where We’re Staying: Fireside Inn and Grill. We paid $54 a night, it was basic and marginally clean but a friendly and an inexpensive base camp for the week. Our options were limited because of the cats and needing a pet friendly place to stay. Otherwise, we would have picked another location.
- Cell & WiFi: We had good +movil and claro cell phone service in town but not on the hike.
### **Cameras Used to Capture This Video**
- Main Camera – Sony A7ii (Jason’s Camera): [http://bit.ly/a7rii-sony](http://bit.ly/a7rii-sony?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Sony Zoom Mic:
- Sony 24 – 70mm f4 lens: [http://bit.ly/2470-zeiss](http://bit.ly/2470-zeiss?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Go Pro 5: [http://amzn.to/2unZpQp](http://amzn.to/2unZpQp?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) & Waterproof Gimbal: [gonewiththewynns.com/product/feiyu-g5-gimbal](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/feiyu-g5-gimbal)
- DJI Mavic Pro: [http://amzn.to/2vUFXa6 ](http://amzn.to/2vUFXa6?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Sony rx100 (Nikki’s Camera): [http://amzn.to/2xG43rn](http://amzn.to/2xG43rn?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- All of our up to date photo and editing gear: [gonewiththewynns.com/best-travel-camera-video-photography](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/best-travel-camera-video-photography/)
Thanks for being a part of the adventure! If you enjoy what we do and you want to help us keep the videos and posts flowing, check out our [**Say Thanks** ](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)page**.** It lists out some ways you can show us some digital love and most won’t cost you a penny.
### Goodbye Curiosity, Hello Cloud Forest – Panama Road Trip
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/panama-road-trip-boquete/
Last updated: 2021-01-08T17:31:53.000Z
Six years of our lives were spent**[ living on the road](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/rvin)** traveling the peaks and valleys of North America. Road trips are etched in our blood like the initials of lovers encased with a heart and arrow on a shade tree. We have a special kind of love for road tips and the more precarious and less traveled the road, the more exciting the trip becomes. I’ll take winding dirt roads, the sound of rocks hitting the undercarriage and dust flying in through the air vents over an interstate any day. It’s an excitement for the unknown and possibilities of what lies ahead. It’s a similar feeling we get when sailing only slightly more predictable.
Enter **[Panama](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/map)**.
We’ve been living at sea level aboard **[S/V Curiosity ](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/curiosity-sailboat)**for almost two years. So, when we reached the port of **[Bocas Del Toro](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailor-showers-land-ho/)** in Panama and could see craggy peaks off in the distance…well, as John Muir said, “the mountains are calling and I must go”.
For the first time since becoming sailors, we pack up the cats and drive the 3,900 feet of elevation to the Chiriquí Highlands village of Boquete.
I hope those sneak peeks in the last few seconds of the video have you excited about what’s next…because we are stoked to show you the beauty we found here!
Boquete was once an almost completely unknown farming village quietly growing bananas and coffee. In the early 2000’s several magazines started touting it as “the land of eternal springtime” and the “best expat destination in the world”. Fast forward a few years and insert the insane geisha coffee stardom and now this village has become *the* destination in Panama. After our next few adventures, I think you’ll agree it’s a well earned fame.
I think what we like most about this town is the fact it may be “famous” but we’d never heard of it before. Even crazier is the fact that we’re self proclaimed coffee snobs yet we didn’t realize the best coffee we’ve ever tasted came from Panama! There’s no doubt Boquete will only get more popular as others discover this little gem set high in the mountains, but for now it’s still wonderfully authentic. If you couldn’t tell from the video, we had a blast and would urge anyone looking for a cool escape (literally and figuratively) to visit.
### More than one way to get to Boquete
While it took us two water taxis, one shared van ride and a rental car to get to Boquete there are other options. We could have hopped on the public bus at Almirante and ridden the 4-6 hours there for around $35 per person. But, we wanted the freedom of having a car and let me tell you…it was the right choice! There is so much to see and do all around the area and there is no way we could have squeezed in all the adventures we did without a car. It may be a bit more expensive but the freedom was worth every penny.
### **Sailing Road Trip Report**
To see our full map with interactive pins, click here: [gonewiththewynns.com/map](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/map)
- Dates Stayed: August 24 – 31, 2017
- Nautical Miles Sailed: 0
- Miles Driven: Over 400km round trip from Changuinola to Boquete
- Anchorage: We left Curiosity docked at[ Red Frog Marina on Isla Bastimentos](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/diving-coral-sailing-bocas/).
- Hostel: Fireside Inn and Grill. We paid $54 a night, it was basic and marginally clean but a friendly and an inexpensive base camp for the week. Our options were limited because of the cats and needing a pet friendly place to stay. Otherwise, we would have picked another location.
- Cell & WiFi: We had good +movil and clairo cell phone service here.
### **Gear Used In This Video**
- iPad Pro [http://amzn.to/2d9Oopf](http://amzn.to/2d9Oopf?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Quatix 5 Watches: [http://amzn.to/2ygOudg](http://amzn.to/2ygOudg?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Kitty Carriers, Soft Sided and Collapsible: [http://amzn.to/2xrvx7O](http://amzn.to/2xrvx7O?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Water Resistant Compression Travel Bags: [http://amzn.to/2yR8gbu](http://amzn.to/2yR8gbu?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Waterproof & floating phone case / Nikki’s handbag: [gonewiththewynns.com/product/productugo-waterproof-pack](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/productugo-waterproof-pack)
- Hiking/Water Adventure Shoes: [http://bit.ly/2uZs620](http://bit.ly/2uZs620?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Backpack – We wouldn’t recommend the one you see us carrying in this video.
### **Cameras Used to Capture This Video**
- Main Camera – Sony A7ii: [http://bit.ly/a7rii-sony](http://bit.ly/a7rii-sony?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Sony Zoom Mic:
- Sony 24 – 70mm f4 lens: [http://bit.ly/2470-zeiss](http://bit.ly/2470-zeiss?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Go Pro 5: [http://amzn.to/2unZpQp](http://amzn.to/2unZpQp?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) & Waterproof Gimbal: [gonewiththewynns.com/product/feiyu-g5-gimbal](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/feiyu-g5-gimbal)
- DJI Mavic Pro: [http://amzn.to/2vUFXa6 ](http://amzn.to/2vUFXa6?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Sony rx100: [http://amzn.to/2xG43rn](http://amzn.to/2xG43rn?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- All of our up to date photo and editing gear: [gonewiththewynns.com/best-travel-camera-video-photography](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/best-travel-camera-video-photography/)
Thanks for being a part of the adventure! If you enjoy what we do and you want to help us keep the videos and posts flowing, check out our [**Say Thanks** ](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)page**.** It lists out some ways you can show us some digital love and most won’t cost you a penny.
### Taken Out by a Wave – Playing in Panama
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/playing-in-panama/
Last updated: 2021-01-08T17:31:53.000Z
There are thousands of inspirational travel quotes floating about the world. We find them on postcards, tee shirts, decorative pillows, pinterest boards and just about anywhere we can squeeze in the reminder that the world is meant to be explored.
I think, whether we want to admit it or not, we all have a case of FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out). I know I do. I don’t want to miss out on any aspects of life and I am always pushing to go go go so we can see it all.
Funny thing is, some experiences in life require slowing down to partake in them. After all, the world is spinning so incredibly fast and yet we have gravity to keep us grounded.
The present is enormous. It’s all there is because it was once the future and will soon be the past. It’s part of why we love this crazy traveling lifestyle, it’s all about experiences and being in the moment. Of course, for us it’s also about sharing those moments with you.
Which brings me to the fun filled days we captured on Isla Basitmentos. Life is all about experiences and we feel like this video is a good representation of what this traveling lifestyle is all about for us. It’s a little adventure and a whole lot of slowing down to soak up this beautiful jungle filled island. When I first started dreaming of the cruising and sailing lifestyle, these are the moments I envisioned.
This really is what it’s all about for us. Simple pleasures, discovering something new and making memories.
We’re always hoping that our memorable moments will inspire you to create more of your own. To live a life so full, you’ll have the tallest tales to tell.
### Best Beaches In Bocas
Isla Bastimentos is home to the best beaches in Bocas Del Toro. Red Frog is the most popular and has a fun laid back social atmosphere with a couple of bars/restaurants. It’s where we spent a majority of our time body surfing and swimming. But, turtle Beach is just a short walk away from Red Frog if you prefer a more secluded and romantic environment.
### Sloths
Walking around the island we were pretty good at spotting sloths up in the trees, but this guy was the closest encounter we’ve had. Seeing him eye to eye two days in row was spectacular! I think we have an hours worth of footage of this little guy working his way up the tree (We could have made an entire video of it, but I’m sure we’d be the only ones to watch it!). I never thought I would be such a sloth enthusiast but they are such happy, funny creatures. They have a distinct grin that gives the illusion they are smiling at you, so it is hard not to smile back. Especially when they are seemingly looking straight at you, with that grin, scratching their crotch.
### Zip-lining
For those of you who might end up at Isla Bastimentos too…here is the scoop on zip-lining. It’s called Bastimentos Sky Zip-line Canopy Tour. It’s booked through Red Frog Resort, it’s 7 zip-lines, one wonky swaying sky bridge and with the five of us it was a hair under 2 hours total. It’s $55 a person which is about average compared to the other tours we’ve taken. We all had a great time but I think if we would have spoken more fluent Spanish the experience would have been better. Since we didn’t speak fluent Spanish it made communications very limited (ie. no information about the zip-line or the jungle).
### Sunsets and Starry Nights
It’s the rainy season here in this region of Panama. The clouds roll in almost daily and can sometimes stick around for a few days. But, when the clouds clear it is glorious. The sunsets are stunning and the night skies look like something out of a sci-fi movie. Watch out NASA, I might need to borrow a rocket ship for my next adventure!
### **Sailing Report**
To see our full map with interactive pins, click here: [gonewiththewynns.com/map](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/map)
- Dates Stayed: August 15 – 22, 2017
- Nautical Miles Sailed: 0
- Anchorage: Red Frog Marina. It’s a very nice marina (the nicest we’ve ever tied up to…thanks s/v Waterbug) and no need to worry about draft or the size of slips, they can accommodate anything. There is a free Panga that runs to and from Bocas for provisions or just hanging out in Bocas Town. Make sure to check the waypoints on [Active Captain](https://activecaptain.com/quickLists/marina.php?name=Red%5FFrog%5FMarina%5FPanama&i=515266835&ref=gonewiththewynns.com) or [Red Fogs website](http://www.igy-redfrogmarina.com/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) before coming in. There is some shoaling and a reef that isn’t marked on our Garmin, iNavix or any other charts we checked. There is tons of room around them, it’s just good to know where they are.
- Cell & WiFi: We had good +movil cell phone service here and the marina wifi works well (which is a big deal for us).
### **Gear Used In This Video**
- Quatix 5 Watches: [http://amzn.to/2ygOudg](http://amzn.to/2ygOudg?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Hiking/Water Adventure Shoes:
- Nikki –[ http://amzn.to/2yhE2lR](http://amzn.to/2yhE2lR?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Jason – [http://amzn.to/2xPm7Bj](http://amzn.to/2xPm7Bj?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### **Cameras Used to Capture This Video**
- Main Camera – Sony A7ii: [http://bit.ly/a7rii-sony](http://bit.ly/a7rii-sony?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Sony Zoom Mic:
- Sony 24 – 70mm f4 lens: [http://bit.ly/2470-zeiss](http://bit.ly/2470-zeiss?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Go Pro 5: [http://amzn.to/2unZpQp](http://amzn.to/2unZpQp?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) & Waterproof Gimbal: [gonewiththewynns.com/product/feiyu-g5-gimbal](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/product/feiyu-g5-gimbal)
- DJI Mavic Pro: [http://amzn.to/2vUFXa6 ](http://amzn.to/2vUFXa6?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Sony rx100: [http://amzn.to/2xG43rn](http://amzn.to/2xG43rn?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- All of our up to date photo and editing gear: [gonewiththewynns.com/best-travel-camera-video-photography](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/best-travel-camera-video-photography/)
Thanks for being a part of our journey! If you enjoy what we do and you want to help us keep the videos and posts flowing, check out our [**Say Thanks** ](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/tip-jar)page**.** It lists out some ways you can show us some digital love and most won’t cost you a penny.
### Nomads and Settlers – Diving Into Our Backstory
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/nomads-settlers-backstory/
Last updated: 2021-01-08T17:31:53.000Z
We talk about where we are and where we’re going all the time but, we rarely talk about where we come from. You know…our *backstory*.
If there’s one thing travel has taught us about people, it’s that everyone has a story. Our past, how we were raised and where we grew up are all a big part of who we are as people today.
So, if you are curious to know a little more about us, put on your swimsuit, grab your shades and join us at the famous Red Frog Beach (or in Spanish: Playa de la Rana Roja).
We tell you more about ourselves, where we grew up and how we both only know one of our biological parents. We took a DNA ancestry test a few months back and now we are sharing what we learned. This is a video we put together with a company called 23andMe. We have occasionally worked with various companies over the years when we feel it’s a good fit. It’s not something we do often. This one was a very different kind of opportunity but we felt it gave us a chance to learn more about ourselves and share more intimate details about us with all of you.
Did you find all of this as curiously fascinating as we did? I am still shocked so much information comes from a little spit (or a lotta spit I guess). Mind blown!
We mentioned it in the video, but we really don’t know much about our ancestry, which is why we found the whole DNA test interesting and wanted to participate. Add in the fact that we both have one side of our family that’s sorta missing, both of us are left with a bunch of unanswered questions.
Here’s our slightly-more-detailed-than-the-video versions of where we’re both from, and why we each grew up with only one biological parent:
### **Nikki**
I was raised in the small West Texas farming community of Hart. It was a population 1,121 and while it is just a little blip of a town, its filled with big hearts and crazy characters. My father (Van) was granted sole custody of me when I was three years old and I haven’t seen my mother (Tonya) since. I don’t know much about her other than she struggled with drugs and was a magnet for trouble.
My father was a wild child as well but between him and my rock solid grandmother (Loydas) I successfully made it to adulthood. My dad was married for a few short years, just long enough to take away my only child status. My sister, Brooke, is 10 years younger than I and certainly takes after my dad’s wild side.
I lived with my grandmother and she was what most people described as a “firecracker” and while she died in my early 20’s she is still my biggest influence in life. She was full of grit, whit and determination. We lived a simple life that didn’t include vacations or traveling more than 100 miles from our home but she taught me how to go about the world and a lot about life. If she were alive today and I asked her if she thought I could sail around the world she would say, “Well, I don’t see why not”. She thought anyone could do anything, as long as they were willing to work for it.
### **Jason**
He was born in the Ozarks of Arkansas where both his parents are from. His mother Mary might be the strongest woman on the planet in every sense of the word. His father (Tony Wynn) was a famous motocross racer who had nerves of steel but he lived a hard life. After Jason was born his mother wanted something a little more stable. Jason and his mom left Arkansas and moved to Dallas, Texas when Jason was two. His mother remarried a couple of years later and Jason eventually gained a couple of siblings along the way. One sister (Lauren) who is 6 years younger and one brother (Jacob) who is 12 years younger.
Both Jason’s mom and step-father Paul (whom he calls Dad) are entrepreneurs who started their own businesses from scratch. Since his parents were just getting their companies off the ground, Jason grew up very modestly in a small suburban home in a little town (little compared to Dallas, but not little compared to Hart) called Farmers Branch.
Sadly, right as Jason was reconnecting with his biological father in his early teens (junior high school), his father was killed in a car accident due to a health issue. It was a challenging time for Jason, but time eventually heals all wounds. Now Jason is nearing the age his father was when he died. Really puts into perspective how young his father was when he passed. Reminds us of how important it is to live our lives to the fullest now…and not wait for *someday* to come along.
For each of us growing up and only knowing one side of our family, I think there will always be questions and unknowns. But now there is a fair sense of gratification knowing more about our ancestry and DNA. And who knows, maybe we will keep digging and find out Jason is a distant relative of Genghis Khan too.
Ok, now on to some of the unexpected and crazy things our DNA tests turned up. These are all just snippets of course but I was surprised how accurate it is. For example, eye color, freckles (yep, I have lots) and Jason does prefer salty while I like sweet.
Turns out, we’re also a couple of neanderthals…especially Jason! Makes sense why people are always commenting on his ease of growing facial hair. Also, we had no idea a place in Germany was called Neander.
One fascinating part of the 23andMe information is that our story keeps growing. It seems nearly every month we get some sort of new information via email about our DNA results. The most recent piece of information that was sent our way was Jason’s link to Thomas Jefferson. This new information doesn’t cost us any additional money, but it seems as they grow their research we all benefit from the results.
Ok, I could go on but I don’t want to bore you with more “me” details. Thanks so much for making it this far and being a part of our story.
What about you? Have you ever done a DNA test? Did you find out any shocking details about yourself? If so, tell us about it in the comment section below.
[**Disclaimer**](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/disclaimer): A big thanks to 23andMe for testing our DNA and allowing us to share our story. If you are as curious about your DNA as we were, you can learn more at: [http://www.23andMe.com/Wynns](http://www.23andme.com/Wynns?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### Diving A Coral Kaleidoscope – Sailing Bocas Del Toro
URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/diving-coral-sailing-bocas/
Last updated: 2021-01-08T17:31:53.000Z
Sailing away from Salt Creek at Isla Bastimentos was bitter sweet. We had so many epic moments that were also firsts for us. We visited our first**[ indigenous village](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/jungle-sloths-monkeys-frogs/)**, went on our first**[ jungle adventure](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/jungle-sloths-monkeys-frogs/)**, saw our first sloths, monkeys, poison dart frogs and went on our first **[scuba dive from the boat.](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sea-monsters-sailboat-scuba-dive/)**
As beautiful as our time was, we had been away from the land of internet for over a week and it was time to get some work done. We needed to anchor somewhere within the zone of a cell phone tower to hotspot our data or find some land based wifi.
The moment we were within range of the Bocas cell phone tower our phone started pinging with sound of emails coming in. We immediately noticed one from our sailing friends s/v Waterbug. “I see that you have arrived in Panama. It looks like you are on Bastimentos Island…Red Frog Marina…good wifi…great people…very nice.” Yes, exactly what we need, the timing couldn’t be more perfect!
It never ceases to amaze me how small, connected and helpful the sailing community is. We looked up the location and sure enough it was a short walk to the most prized beaches and close to one of the best listed dive sites in the Bocas area. Score!
### Location Is Everything
Access to these Panamanian Islands is way trickier than we expected. Plus, I think **[the Bahamas](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/map)** spoiled us a bit. Everywhere we anchored seemed “cruiser friendly” and we were always welcome at the docks with our dinghy. Having access to land in the Bahamas was no big deal. On the opposite end, getting access to the islands here in the Bocas Del Toro archipelago isn’t so easy.
Tourism has blown up in Panama over the past ten years and with that has come a lot of opportunity to make a buck. Fair enough. Water taxi’s take up every dock and unless you are willing to do a fair amount of bribery to ensure the safety of your dinghy, it’s best to just take a water taxi. In other words, a marina with good access to the islands, wifi, a free water taxi and nice facilities really starts to look like the best land exploration option. Don’t get me wrong, we’ve spent plenty of days out at anchor here too and it’s been fantastic. But, we have some long winded and epic land based adventures in mind that require a safe place to “park” the boat. But more on that in upcoming posts (I know, what a tease!).
A big thanks to our friends of s/v Waterbug for the email and encouraging us to visit Red Frog Marina. It really is the best access to Isla Bastimentos and hands down the nicest marina and resort we’ve ever stayed at. A pristine floating dock, lush colorful landscapes, jungle trails to the beaches, open air showers, cicada and red frog symphonies each night…what more could we possibly ask for.
Beach fires on Red Frog Beach!
### Diving A Coral Kaleidoscope
Hospital Point is where the main hospital of the region was before being moved to Almirante in 1920\. Apparently, there are still ruins of the old hospital and the grounds are said to be lovely for roaming about. But we were there for the scenery underwater, not above. It is the rainy season here in Panama and depending on how much rain and river run off there is, the water visibility can get really terrible. So, sadly we weren’t able to fully capture this magnificent environment but we had loads of fun anyway!
This area is known for its colorful, well-preserved hard and soft corals…and of course good healthy coral becomes home to a variety of other marine life. Like these feather duster worms that can be found on almost every piece of coral. Yes, that is a worm on the right hand side of the photo and it really is called a feather duster.
### Snorkel/Dive Gear
- Oceanus Portable 3-Stage Compressor: [http://bit.ly/2xYVP0Q ](http://bit.ly/2xYVP0Q?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Aqua Lung Dive Computer/Regulator Set: [http://amzn.to/2uxDyDn](http://amzn.to/2uxDyDn?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Underwater Torch (Big Blue Dive Lights): [http://amzn.to/2wMEHLs](http://amzn.to/2wMEHLs?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Cut Resistant Gloves: [http://amzn.to/2uxZWfM](http://amzn.to/2uxZWfM?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Nikki
- Hammerhead Free-Dive Mask With Camera Mount [http://amzn.to/2d5C6SB](http://amzn.to/2d5C6SB?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Hammerhead Free-Dive J Snorkel: [http://amzn.to/2cjh3dV](http://amzn.to/2cjh3dV?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Nikki’s Sporasub Freediving Fins: [ http://amzn.to/2kIYmlf](http://amzn.to/2kIYmlf?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Jason
- Atomic Mask: [http://amzn.to/2uuqsZf](http://amzn.to/2uuqsZf?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Omer Snorkel: [http://amzn.to/2uxCjEb](http://amzn.to/2uxCjEb?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Omer Freediving Fins: [http://amzn.to/2kIhljK](http://amzn.to/2kIhljK?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### Panamanian Mold…It’s a beast!
There is something extra potent about the tropical heat here. Mold grows like I have never seen before. Keeping the boat clean and the black spots away is becoming a full time job. We are trying our best to keep everything clean, dry and wiped down with vinegar. But, if anyone out there has any tips for keeping the mold at bay (and removing the mold stains) we would love to hear all about it!
### Learning Spanish
If we want to get in good with the locals and really get to know them, we need to be able to have a conversation with them. Jason and I both had a Spanish class in high school but we are beyond rusty. Then there’s our Canadians on board, Justin and Dale, who are great for French but don’t know a lick of Spanish.
We picked up the Pimsleur Spanish CD’s a long while back and finally started listening to them on the sail to Panama. We all picked up a few new phrases but getting conversational was looking bleak. I started searching online for an alternative and that’s when I found the *Learn Spanish* With Paul Noble. There were so many glowing reviews talking about how his unique approach to learning language had them conversational in no time. It was only a couple of bucks on [Audible or free if I signed up for a 30 day trial](http://%3Ca%20target%3D%22%5Fblank%22%20href%3D%22https//www.amazon.com/Audible-Free-Trial-Digital-Membership/dp/B00NB86OYE/?ref%5F=assoc%5Ftag%5Fph%5F1485906643682&%5Fencoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=pf4&tag=gonwitthewyn-20&linkId=bf5c92d19fd63f79fdfcc0d9e0e831be%22%3ETry%20Audible%20and%20Get%20Two%20Free%20Audiobooks%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=gonwitthewyn-20&l=pf4&o=1%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E), and even if I canceled after the trial, I still got to keep the book. Sold…so we signed up!
Seriously, the reviews were dead on. He does take a different approach to teaching and it’s working! I’m not saying we’re all a conversational wiz yet but we’re making lots of progress! Jason seems to be the quickest to pick it up and he certainly has the best dialect but Justin’s country Canadian accent is pure gold! I have a feeling he is going to win over a lot of Panamanians with his Spanglish charm.
If all goes well, we will start on the French lessons next. That way we have a head start on our French Polynesian adventures and we may be able to woo our French customs officials with some Franglish (is that a thing?) and a smile.
### Sailing Report
To see our full map with interactive pins, click here: [gonewiththewynns.com/map](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/map)
- **Dates:** August 11-14, 2017
- **Nautical Miles Sailed:** 17.6
- **Marina:** Red Frog Marina: [igy-redfrogmarina.com](http://bit.ly/2xZ24li?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) The marina can be found easily on Active Captain.
- **Cell & WiFi:** We had good +movil cell phone service here and the marina wifi worked well.
### **Gear Used In This Video**
- Hiking/Water Adventure Shoes: [http://bit.ly/2uZs620](http://bit.ly/2uZs620?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Quatix 5 Watches: [Garmin Wearables](http://www.kqzyfj.com/click-8389711-12798721?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Audible App (We were listening to, Learn Spanish with Paul Noble): [Get A Free Trial ](http://Try Audible and Get Two Free Audiobooks
)
- iPad Pro [http://amzn.to/2d9Oopf](http://amzn.to/2d9Oopf?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Sailing Apps Used:
- Garmin Bluecharts with Active Captain: [http://bit.ly/2tgnRmA](http://bit.ly/2tgnRmA?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### **Cameras Used to Capture This Video**
- Main Camera – Sony A7ii: [http://bit.ly/a7rii-sony](http://bit.ly/a7rii-sony?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Sony Zoom Mic:
- Sony 24 – 70mm f4 lens: [http://bit.ly/2470-zeiss](http://bit.ly/2470-zeiss?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Sony rx100 with underwater housing: [http://amzn.to/2xG43rn](http://amzn.to/2xG43rn?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Iphone using OlloClip filmers kit: [http://bit.ly/2xYErGv ](http://bit.ly/2xYErGv?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- All of our up to date photo and editing gear: [gonewiththewynns.com/best-travel-camera-video-photography](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/best-travel-camera-video-photography/)
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)
- iPad Pro [http://amzn.to/2d9Oopf](http://amzn.to/2d9Oopf?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Sailing Apps Used:
- Garmin Bluecharts with Active Captain: [http://bit.ly/2tgnRmA](http://bit.ly/2tgnRmA?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
### **Cameras Used to Capture This Video**
- Main Camera – Sony A7ii: [http://bit.ly/a7rii-sony](http://bit.ly/a7rii-sony?ref=gonewiththewynns.com)
- Sony Zoom Mic: