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New Rigging, Nav Gear and Crew, Its Time To Sail

I keep thinking one day Jason is going to wake up, look me square in the eye and say, “Nikki, I am tired of all the work your dreams require, I’m hitting the breaks”. We are both 100% in on this voyage but I am the one always pushing to make it happen faster.

sailboat work chaos

Jason would’ve been happy to spend the rest of the year cruising along the lower east coast tackling one boat project at a time. Then, island hopping our way to Panama in the spring.

But no, my impatient wanderlust starts flailing around her panicked arms like the boat is on fire. As if time is against us and any operating speed under 110% is simply unacceptable.

I push us hard and then Jason pushes even harder to make sure I am happy. He is a good man, exhausted most days, but very good, especially to me.

So, if dreams and work go together like peanut butter and jelly, we are about to have one incredible sandwich.

Last time we left you the rain brought our boat work to a grinding halt. It was a relentless nine days of almost nonstop rain storms.

We worked on as many inside projects as we could but there are just too many tasks that require dry days. You know, so things like paint and adhesives can dry. But, once the weather eased up we were back at it with a vengeance…and with two new crew members to boot!

Talk about tearful goodbyes, what a gut wrencher! I don’t think we realized just how close of a friend Kent had become until it was time to say goodbye. We’ve spent a lot of time together over the past year not only with Kent but with his family too. They took us in under their wing and treated us like family. They will forever be etched in our story and in our hearts. Big love to Kent and the whole Grimbeek family.

Kent Grimbeek and the wynns

This round of work has taken so much longer than we expected, it’s hard to believe we’re almost out of here and on our way! With our boat in tip top shape and our new crew members on board, we’re unbelievably excited about the adventures ahead.

Speaking of our new crew members, Justin and Dale are the first of several new faces you’ll see joining us over the next several months. They are the first round of crew to be selected out of our Patreon submissions. We have a few others lined up and working on more to join us in Panama and throughout the rest of 2017!

There is much more to come on all the mods, maintenance and upgrades we’ve done. So stay tuned, things are about to get exciting!

Hello there! I honestly don’t know what to say, so I am going to tell you a bunch of random facts instead. I'm a fish eating vegetarian who hates spiders and loves snakes. I almost never took vacations growing up. I wanted to be Pippi Longstocking (still do). I misspell about every other word I write and still struggle with grammar. I love splurging on a good high tea (which is really hard to find these days). And whatever you do, don’t tell me I can’t do something, because then I'll HAVE to do it!

Comments (50)

  • john williams

    Hello you wonderful, crazy, beautiful guys!
    Should I say the guys I hold responsible for getting me all enthusiastic about retiring at 50, going off grid and off land!

    I’m at the stage of researching boats, doing my sailing courses, and now researching refitting costs I might need such as power, sails, tenders, watermaker, inverters, props etc but I cannot seem to find anything about the guidance for how much I should budget for new ropes (forestay, mainstay, the whole bazzinging lot!)

    Could you advise, if you were going to replace all your lines, what type would you recommend (Dyneema?) and how much would you budget for this?

    In the meantime my significant other half and I keenly await your next great episode! (we’ve watched them all), and hope one day to be able to provide a nice bottle of bubbly for your chambong as a thank you for inspiring us 🙂

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  • Lizzy Flowers

    Dear Nikki,
    I was looking for Kent’s info and came across this post. I recently realized that my husband (also named Jason) and I have kind of been waiting for the other person to make a move towards our wild dreams, and yesterday I decided to get into the driver’s seat, starting today. (Hence why I was looking for Kent’s info.) I am afraid of being the driver and then having anything that goes wrong be my fault, but I don’t think I’ll regret making stupid mistakes following my dreams. I WILL regret trying to follow my dreams, though. Anyways, the first couple sentences of this article are what I needed to see today. Good on you for being the driver. You are incredible and gave me some much needed courage today.

    Okay, so here’s my video request. A big ask, I know, it’s all good if you can’t get to it… I have decided that my husband and I are going to be moving from our pretty fancy 1500 sq ft house in Orange County, California to Florida, in a truck camper, and will be listing our house within the next 90 days. We have 1500 sq ft worth of stuff, 2 vehicles, a truck camper, and a trailer (actually, a tiny house on a trailer… long story) and this is a massive lifestyle change for us. It would be wonderful to hear your journey, in hind sight, from house to RV to boat. What you did, what you wished you did, and how those changes felt at the time.

    In the next 2 weeks I will be making on box in each room and selling anything that doesn’t fit in that box. I will be selling my car and listing my dream house right after we finished a complete remodel. It’s crazy. I don’t want to chicken out but I am scared! I am grabbing onto the momentum or I just feel like I will live out the rest of my years here, feeling grateful for our home and all of our things and bitter than I spent my life on things rather than experiences.

    You and Jason are an inspiration. Thank you for sharing your journey. I hope you get back to Curiousity soon.

    All the best,
    Lizzy Flowers

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  • Mack

    Hey fellow sundowners… hehe..We love watching your sailing vids!!! I noticed that you can use your iPad (for navigation purposes we think) when you are on watch & whilst you are doing other things like cooking & so on.. From memory you showed this in one of your episodes. Can you please explain a little bit more in detail like which app? Can you see other boats, wind direction, boat speed etc.etc… Thanks & can’t wait for more vids! Mack

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  • Jason

    Do you have listed anywhere the specific helm upgrades you had done? Specifically, which Garmin controls/gauges you went with?

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  • Bonnie

    So, how much was that whole refit? Did you ever get a number from that smoking calculator? 🙂

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  • Wow, I really enjoyed catching up on all your preparations. It must feel nice that things are somewhat back to normal and tidy again Nikki, I know how much you hate a mess.
    I keep wondering if with all the things that need replacement and fixing: were you able to hold your originally targeted budget? If not how much are you running over percentage wise? Does it compare to what you experienced with the RV or is it much higher and more erratic?
    Wishing you safe travels and exciting experiences and sending lots of hugs to you, Jason and the 2 tigers!
    xox Karin

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    • Curious Minion

      Cost breakdowns for the 2nd round of service are coming as soon as the calculator stops smoking! The service is over the general estimate for yearly boat maintenance, but a lot of what was done isn’t “normal boat maintenance.” The survey showed that there were some big-ticket items that had to be taken care of before Curiosity was fit for bluewater sailing, but those big-ticket items are things that don’t have to be fixed or done again for a long time. It’s also a lot more expensive than RV maintenance used to be, but those RVs were brand new or just a few years old – not 12 years old. Maintenance from here on out should fall more in line with what’s reasonable.

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      • Kaptain Ken

        Has the calculator stopped smoking? I’m looking at buying a 2002 Leopard 42. The running rigging was changed out two years ago, but the standing rigging is, I’m afraid, the original. What did your standing rigging replacement cost?

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  • Owen Roberts

    Another awesome blog…what size Highfield do you have now? I think your old one was the 310.

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  • rob mclennan

    Just a warning the Caribbean is getting active.

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  • john & anne

    i will be in the ft. Lauderdale area in about 2 months, i was wondering if you had anyone you would recommend for bottom paint & installation of a generator, we have a fountaine pajot helia 44….  thanks…. safe travels to panama
    john & anne
    overextended
    321-794-5333

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  • mary

    I got a little teary eyed too! Kent has been such a good friend to you I know it was hard to leave. I can’t believe it took you so long to get everything finished! We will be looking forward to your next video and your next adventure.

    Good luck Justin and Dale. Happy sailing to you all!

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  • John W Archer III

    Really enjoy all the videos… Excited to see your new adventures with added crew. Safe sailing and God speed…

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  • Doreen Colnaghi

    Sounds like a plan! I’m excited to see where you go. Glad you got a crew! I have a husband like Jason, very good to me. Sure helps. Enjoy!

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  • Mark E Campbell

    There’s a lot tied up in Jason’s “woo-hoos!” A lot of time, research, worry, MONEY and relief, I’m sure. I chuckle every time I hear it!

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  • Chris Starnes

    Hey Guys, did you know you were mentioned in this video when you were at the pig beach?
    Start watching at 11:50min
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QAt_pOQwZQ

    That so cool. You have so many followers

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  • Don gentry

    My wife and I look forward to your videos. We followed you in the rv days. I have a friend that is on a trip much like the one you are planning. He started in January and worked through the Panama Canal and is still sailing. He has a blog that is garysboat.blogspot.com The name of his boat is the illimite. I thought it might give you some ideas in planning your trip.

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  • Arthur C Albright

    I also wish you a safe journey to you and your new crew. Wish I could be there to participate in the tasks and the journey. I’m assuming you will go into more detail on the upgrade of the nav systems, other changes that took place over the last 72 days and your destinations. I made a visit to my sister in KC last week and recommended your site to her and her husband. Please keep us up to date on your journey.
    Thanks
    Art

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  • Rick

    CANADIANS ABOARD!!!! Whewhoo!! Good video, thanks and safe travels…

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  • Ben & Sally

    So like all your video’s, looks like you are on to the next adventure, will be watching for next update, enjoy and have fun…I must have missed the part about bringing on a crew, they look super cool so have a lot of fun and as always safe travels!!

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  • David White

    You could’a just bought an iPad!

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  • Michael

    Safety Harnesses,Tethers & Jacklines; Safety Harnesses,Tethers & Jacklines. How many times do I have to remind you guys? Personal safety before rigging. Its going to get rougher in the big Pacific! And everyone gets a PFD with an PLB if they’re on deck in a blow.

    Anyway, loved the detailed videos. I liked seeing the specifics of the refitting process. There is precious little one can find of these details to help the average person visualize what its all about, and your wonderful videos have taught us a great deal. I can’t get enough.

    Thank you so much for the great info, as well as the interesting travels. As ever, wish I was there.

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  • Michael Thomas

    My two kids (deborah and david) and I love to watch your videos. The boat looks great. Lots of had work. Good job Jason… Hopefully she’s good for several years.

    I love your boldness.

    Enjoy your first long blue water voyage. And be safe.

    We look forward to seeing your next video. With fish tacos ?

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  • Linda Shier

    Wishing you guys a wonderful sail. Take care of my nephew, Justin and Dale, and most of all “have fun!”

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  • Mike

    Great video and a fantastic learning experience. And to make such good friends along the way is priceless. As always I look forward to your next video.
    Have fun and stay safe

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  • Diane Sanderbeck

    Aw, guys, my eyes got a bit misty too! Y’all are such an inspiration to me. I wish you all the best. Fair winds and following seas. ❤️

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  • Laura

    OMG…great video. The saying goodbye part really got to me. We have been stuck in Reno for a month, waiting for our house to finally sell (fell out of escrow the first time, but back in again). So we are way, way behind schedule, stuck in a concrete RV park in the hot weather parked on concrete. And, then saying goodbye to friends and family… geez it is like so hard. I am crying for you and for us at the same time!! We are headed out to Glacier NP for their shoulder season in early September, if all goes well on our house (and it better!). YOU GUYS ARE GREAT, INPIRING AND JUST SO MUCH WHAT I NEED TO KEEP ME GOING!!! Thank you very much

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  • So under 30 days went to 72?!

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  • Wow ! That was some video ,firstly i was a little worried about docking fee s & parts prices in florada the area is very expencive in yachting terms , but on the up side their is Kent , what can i say he took you under his wings both from a trade point but more important on a personal level & i doubt any other company could do that so JUST CATAMARANS gold star service way & beyond every expectation KENTs company could pay $$$$$$$ for that advert & still get little responce but Kent made it personal so a very just reward to him, I think maybe you made a true friend for life there, OMG yes that vid & good byes also brought a tear to my old eyes also. Like your new crew hope they settle in well also like the new Garmin gear , cant wait for the next vids so keep them coming guys.

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  • I eagerly await each new video … May the good Lord take a liking to you in your new adventure …

    Shadow

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  • Lucille

    Sure was a lot of work after all of the work you have already done on it. Good luck on your new voyage.

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  • Warren mangan/myname

    You made it! Congratulations on finishing your ‘ mini’ refit, your so smart to try and be preemptive about not having issues. There will always be issues! But you should know where to find the problem.
    Kent is a great guy , I spent time in RSA in the 79-81. Great people. It’s going to be a while before you get near there! Bon Voyage! Warren

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  • Nancy Fernandez

    It’s always a joy to get that email when you’ve uploaded another video. Wow all that work. Your crew are great helpers. I have to say that goodbye had me too. Bless Kent’s heart he’s such a true friend. Good Luck and safe travels. Can’t wait for more videos.

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  • Safe Travels and Fair Winds! Can’t wait to see what is next! Also, LOVE that the crew are earning their time sailing with you.

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  • Sid Landrum

    Hello Nikki & Jason,
    As usual the video is outstanding.
    The maintenance done to Curiosity surprised me since so much was performed post purchase. You must be relieved getting the rigging, navigation and radar replace prior to taking on the expanse of the Pacific. Your going places now that I would have loved visiting. That would be all locations where my Dad was during WWII.
    “Fair Winds and Following Seas”

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  • Tev

    Bon voyage. Safe and fun sailing. Looking forward to all the adventures you’ll share with us. Hope your two crew members are excellent fishermen.

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  • PAT PARKER

    Looks like you are all going to have a great trip….wish you the best of luck…

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  • Deborah Kerr

    Wow that crane installing the mast thingy!! That is a very big deal!! Love your new crew members – just like you 2, friendly and easy-going!! Oh and they actually can reel in a fish – haha – sorry I just couldn’t resist!!! I thought your video said you’re actually heading out tomorrow, July 10th – this is so exciting – I can’t wait to see places I’ll never be (Dr. Suess style)!! Keep smiling 🙂

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  • Shevaun

    Bon Voyage and fair winds from Shevaun and Scott, Sv Star Chaser L43. We are cheering you on for this next epic adventure! Hi Dale and Justin???⛵️?

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  • Donald Pellmann

    I have been following you sense the TV program, where you bought your first larger RV. I have enjoyed your travels through the US. I look for your sailing adventures every week. You guys are an incredible couple. Wishing you safe travels.

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  • Tori Junot

    So what exactly does it mean to be crew and how do we sign up?

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    • Curious Minion

      Curiosity will be opening crew quarters to Patrons and viewers, and there will be another crew call asking for video submissions. Keep watching for it!

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  • Tracy

    Another great video. I love seeing them every Sunday. Safe travels and be good to the Canadians from Alberta, eh! They are from the west and know hard work. I thought you would have pulled out by now, but looking on your map you are still in the States.

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  • Anita M Feist

    |Awesome – crew from land-locked Sherwood Park, Alberta (I am in east Edmonton so right next door). Looks like they will make great sailors and since it can’t be me, I am happy to see fellow Albertans living the dream.
    “Fair winds and Following seas”
    Anita

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  • Pam McClure

    Dang. I wept too.

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  • Clay Farnet

    I have to say, after watching every videos I shake my head in amazement. You guys make the best looking/prettiest salty dog sailors I’ve ever seen. I truly believe you guys could pull off a great cruising tv show. Your subject matter, delivery, energy, the ease to which you explain the complex, the entire package, you have IT! I’m not sure if that would make it work and unenjoyable, but with technology today, upgraded equipment, you guys could pull it off. If you need someone to represent your interest and sign you up to a multi million dollar deal, don’t call me. 🙂 I’m just a fan with a good eye and see you guys are the real deal. I started following your vlog when you were transitioning to a sailboat and thought things are going to get ugly. Sorry but true. Nikki, you are a bigger man than I and Jason I have to say you are tops in my book. Btw, I’m going to put my money where my mouth is and do Patreon or something like that. Just wanted to say, I’m a true fan that has an incredible amount of respect for you guys. I hope to meet you one day out on the open blue…if I’m man enough. Thanks for keeping my dream alive. Clay

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