Casting Off with Sailing Followtheboat Podcast

Casting Off with Sailing Followtheboat

sailing followtheboat
Banter and insights from Esper’s cockpit from the followtheboat crew. Sailing oceans, traveling inland, meeting locals… find out what it’s like to live the cruising life, warts and all.
How 17 Years On A Sailboat Changed Us
[S04E07] Yes, we’ve spent the last 17 years on a sailboat! Travelling and sailing the world for such a long time has opened our eyes and changed our attitudes in many ways. In this podcast we talk about how the cruising life has changed us, covering subjects like ego, control-freakery, patience, tolerance, materialism, forgiveness and fatalism. Thanks to our supporters, followers and subscribers for their contributions. So what do you want us to waffle on about as we commence the next 17 years on a sailboat?! Want to watch the chat? Click the thumbnail image to watch the unedited recording of this podcast on YouTube. To listen right now and find out how 17 years on a sailboat can change a person, just click the start arrow on the bar below…  
May 7, 2023
46 min
Cruising Cock-Ups!
[S04E07] We ALL make mistakes on a sailboat, so don’t believe anyone who says they don’t! This is our Top 10 Cruising Cock-Ups, and it comes with a little help from our viewers and supporters. If you’re feeling stupid or embarrassed about what you did and want to feel less of a fool, this is the place for you. Add your moment in the comments and get it off your chest. We’ve nailed big, small, funny and dangerous mistakes plus a whole load more that are even worse than yours. Probably. Are you brave enough to admit your mistakes? Perhaps these headings will trigger a painful memory you’d like to share with everyone… * Killer Tools * Prop Madness * Seacock Stupidity * Dinghy Dorks * Fuel Fools * Hatches Shmatches * Sailing Mishaps * Marina Shame & Destruction * Anchor wanchors * Navigation Bumps & Scrapes Click here for more information on The Nipple Incident (Ep 343) Want to watch the chat? Click the thumbnail image to watch the unedited recording of this podcast on YouTube. To listen, just click the start arrow on the bar below    
Apr 23, 2023
55 min
10 Worst Jobs on a Sailboat
[S04E06] Can you guess the worst job on a sailboat? In last week’s episode Liz revealed her least favourite job. As long-term cruisers, we can affirm that life on a sailboat is an adventure. It can be a peaceful getaway, a thrilling ride, or a challenging experience that tests your limits. However, not all jobs on a sailboat are as exciting as others. Some are downright unpleasant, tedious, or even dangerous. Here are a few jobs that might have made the list: * Deck scrubbing * Repairing sails * Cooking on passage * Cleaning the heads * Pumping the bilge * Cleaning the hull There are, of course, as many worst jobs as there are sailors, but one task stands head and shoulders above the rest (and it’s not even on the above list). Remember, this is our list, you may have different opinions, in which case we’d LOVE to hear them in the comments. Before we reveal the absolute worst job ever on a sailboat, we have a few honourable mentions we’d like to talk about… Don’t forget our competition to win an FTB mug. Join us on DISCORD and submit your image for judging. Entries must be in by Monday 17th April 2023. Time stamps 00:00 10 worst jobs on a sailboat 01:21 Honourable mentions 08:03 Ten 10:19 Nine 12:27 Eight 14:31 Seven 19:07 Six 21:31 Five 24:00 Four 29:34 Three 33:29 Two 38:00 The TOP WORST JOB ON A SAILBOAT! 41:50 Photo Competition – win a mug! Want to watch the chat? Click the thumbnail image to watch the unedited recording of this podcast on YouTube. To listen, just click the start arrow on the bar below
Apr 9, 2023
44 min
Is Sailing In Southeast Asia Difficult?
[S04E05] Sailing in Southeast Asia is as easy or as difficult as you make it. Like any part of the world, it is planning and preparation that keep you safe and happy on a sailboat. We believe it is no more dangerous or difficult than any other area, in fact we think it’s often safer! In our latest podcast, we talk about our experiences over the last 10 years of sailing in Southeast Asia through Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. Although it is an incredible sailing ground that should be on every cruiser’s bucket list, there are some challenges to think about. In this post we’ve answered some of the more common questions and concerns we hear, but for a more in-depth discussion watch or listen to the video podcast. Weather The weather conditions in Southeast Asia can change quickly, with sudden, short-lived squalls bringing 60kts of wind making sailing a challenge. Read the signs and be ready to reef and get on weather watch if the conditions look ‘interesting’. Typhoons are tracked throughout the region, so there is usually plenty of time to sail out of danger or find a safe hole to leave the boat. Monsoons are predictable, bringing steady winds from different directions throughout the year. The winds in Southeast Asia change once you cross the Equator, so make sure you are aware of the winds for the time of year and for your sailing ground. For long-distance sailing, it’s important to take prevailing winds into account and use them whenever possible. For example, it would be pointless trying to sail west from Malaysia across the Indian Ocean during the Southwest monsoon. Navigation There are numerous islands, shoals, reefs and obstructions in the sea around Southeast Asian waters, so it is important to always have someone on watch. We prefer to avoid sailing at night wherever possible, by you can’t always do this, so be vigilant. Navigation charts are inaccurate in many of the remote islands and areas, so you must only enter during the right time of the day to see beneath the water. We use satellite images (a lot) in conjunction with Navionics and eye-balling. Currents are another hazard to be aware of. Check out our episodes on navigating through reefs: * How to navigate through reefs – Best apps to use! * How to avoid a collision with a reef * Navigating a sailboat (through the North Borneo Dangers) Although it is improving, the one thing in Southeast Asia which you will not be able to ignore is the amount of rubbish in the water. Expect to get a plastic bag or two around your prop! Language English is widely spoken in the towns and tourist areas of Southeast Asia, and in Malaysia it is common. The more remote parts of Thailand and much of Indonesia has a bit of catching-up to do. So we always learn a few basic words and lean heavily on Google Translate. If you download the language, you can use this remarkable app offline. Cultural Differences Southeast Asia can present cultural challenges for foreigners. Respect local customs and traditions, even if they do not align with your own way of thinking, and you will be welcomed. In many parts of the region, conservative dress is the way to go. Western women might be able get away with wearing skimpy clothes, but be assured that if you do the locals will presume you are a prostitute. This is just the way it is, so if you want to be respected, wear loose-fitting clothes. Similarly men will have a better reception if their torsos are covered. At government offices like clearance (Immigration, Customs etc) men must wear long trousers, shoes and shirts. Piracy
Mar 26, 2023
59 min
7 Tips For Surviving Your Relationship in a Tiny Home
[S04E04] Living 24/7 with a partner in a tiny home can be a challenge; make that tiny home a sailboat and you have added hurdles. Get it right and you’ll have a fulfilling and rewarding experience. In our latest podcast, we answer this question and many others. In the meantime, here are some tips to make living with your partner in any tiny home as comfortable as possible. 1 Declutter In a tiny home, space is at a premium, so it’s essential to keep only items that you need or use. This helps create more space by feeling less cluttered. 2 Divide the space Divide spaces in your tiny home into functional areas (sleeping area, living area, kitchen, workspaces) allocating certain areas for each of you as go-to, private spots. On SY Esper, Jamie has the chart table and Liz has a fold-out table in the converted bathroom. This will helps you both to have your own personal space, even in a small area. 3 Get creative with storage Use every single locker, drawer and wasted space for storage. We found spaces behind panels which we turned into storage, and we use spare beds for storing useful boxes. 4 Keep things organized It’s essential to keep things organized in a tiny home, so things don’t get cluttered and disorganized quickly. Ensure you clear up every time you pull something out to use it, like tools. Develop a system for keeping things tidy, such as doing a quick clean up at the end of each day. 5 Communicate Communication is key when living in a tiny home with your partner. Talk openly about your needs, boundaries, and preferences to avoid conflicts and ensure that you both feel comfortable in your living space. Allow each other to vent, and don’t let niggles fester. 6 Get off the boat Make sure to spend time outside your tiny home regularly. Explore your surroundings, take a walk on a beach, go for a kayak, visit the village on shore. This always revives you both, and allows you to appreciate your home again. A change of scenery is always a good thing. 7 Be flexible Living in a tiny home requires flexibility and compromise. Be willing to try new things and adjust your routines to make living in a tiny home work for you and your partner. Overall, living in a tiny home with your partner requires creativity, organization, and open communication. With these tips and a positive attitude, you can make the most of your tiny home living experience. Click here for ways to support us – become a Patreon – join FTBMates – bung a quid in our Rum Fund Join the conversation on the followtheboat Discord channel. Want to watch the chat? Click the thumbnail image to watch the unedited recording of this podcast on YouTube. To listen, just click the start arrow on the bar below  
Mar 12, 2023
49 min
Do Sailors Drink Too Much?
[S04E03] Is there any truth to the long-standing stereotype that sailors drink more than the rest of the population? In this podcast, we talk about why Jamie gave up the booze, how this has affected our lives, and reveal the negative side to not drinking. Do you enjoy a tipple, and would you ever consider giving it up? What do you think, do sailors drink too much? In our video podcast this week, we talk about Jamie’s decision to give up alcohol during lockdown. He discusses why he did this and what it was like. (And Liz explains why she feels comfortable still drinking the occasional beer and a whisky nightcap.) Along with the positives, we reveal the negative side to no longer being a boozer. What about you, have you considered cutting down the grog, maybe even giving up altogether? Or are you like Liz, quite happy about your relationship with alcohol. If you’re thinking of quitting drinking alcohol, we cannot recommend the Try Dry app enough. It really helped Jamie in the early stages. Click here for ways to support us – become a Patreon – join FTBMates – bung a quid in our Rum Fund Join the conversation on the followtheboat Discord channel. Want to watch the chat? Click the thumbnail image to watch the unedited recording of this podcast on YouTube. To listen, just click the start arrow on the bar below:
Feb 26, 2023
43 min
It’s OK To Have Anxiety
[S04E02] What happens if you’re gripped by fear and anxiety on a small boat in the middle of nowhere, and there is no help coming? In this frank discussion, we cover what set off Jamie’s anxiety, how we are coming to terms with it, and what it means for followtheboat. We talk through your comments and we try to work out if it’s worse being on a boat if you’re feeling anxious. Next week the topic is “drinking and sailing”, so let’s have your thoughts on that topic either here in the comments, in the comments under the video on YouTube or tweet us @followtheboat 00:00 Anxiety: don’t be scared! 01:29 Is Jamie’s anxiety causing weight loss? 02:27 Is there MORE anxiety than there used to be? 04:51 Get over it! Snap out of it! 06:22 Old people and anxiety 08:11 What is ANXIETY? We ALL have it. 10:46 ANXIETY in sailors (and cruisers). 14:57 Why did Jamie become ANXIOUS? 16:00 First ANXIETY trigger 18:19 Second ANXIETY trigger 20:22 Third ANXIETY trigger 21:22 Dealing with a partner who has ANXIETY 22:30 WHEN WE DECIDED TO GIVE UP SAILING 24:06 We decided to buy a NARROWBOAT 24:59 The IMPORTANCE of DISTRACTION 28:47 How to COPE with ANXIETY? Pt 1 30:07 Has Jamie recovered yet? 32:27 Are boat problems all equal? 33:59 Jamie’s inner terror and guilt 35:13 How to COPE with ANXIETY? Pt 2 37:54 Should we stay here? 40:46 Positive ANXIETY? 41:57 FEAR: Boat breaking down in remote places 45:04 ANXIETY during the pandemic 46:25 Are you a CONTROL FREAK? Is Jamie? 48:50 NEXT EPISODE: Alcohol and drinking LINKS Sailing Scared by Melissa White – a licensed psychotherapist, specializing in anxiety and its management. Don’t want to listen? Click the thumbnail image to watch the recording of this podcast on YouTube:     Click here for ways to support us – become a Patreon – join FTBMates – bung a quid in our Rum Fund Find us on YouTube to see the full weekly episodes of our travels.
Feb 16, 2023
50 min
Can You Drink Rainwater?
[S04E01] Since we last spoke to you, we’ve sailed hundreds of miles to Lombok in Indonesia. It’s been incredible, incomparable and, at times, impossible. The podcasts are BACK! And we want your questions, answers and comments. Click here for ways to support us – become a Patreon – join FTBMates – bung a quid in our Rum Fund Find us on youtube to see the full weekly episodes of our travels – https://www.youtube.com/@followtheboat
Feb 8, 2023
41 min
We are taking a break
[S03E20] This is the last podcast for a while because we have a lot of miles ahead of us. We are sailing to a deadline (our visas will run out end July) so we will have few opportunities to relax or get on with editing over the next two months. So, to ease our workload, we are putting the podcasts on hold. We hope to get the weekly vlogs out and published, but it will depend on our progress and connectivity as we travel these remote parts of Sulawesi. Click here for ways to support us – become a Patreon – join FTBMates – bung a quid in our Rum Fund Click the image to watch the podcast on YouTube      
Jun 8, 2022
3 min
The Highs and Lows of Sailing and Boat Ownership
[S03E19] “The happiness and highs of boat ownership and cruising do outweigh the unpleasant lows. But do the highs happen often enough to offset what feels like the many more lows, and do they make up for being away from friends, family and all life on land has to offer?” Shamus, followtheboat viewer Can you guess what was almost everyone’s low? “The sea calls to you or it doesn’t. Sailing beckons you. If you don’t love it, you’ll be miserable. If you do, you won’t trade it for anything.” Steve Tyner, followtheboat viewer Episodes referred to in this chat: Ep 303 – Boat repairs (in paradise) Ep 304 – The Most Dangerous Current We’ve Sailed Through 5 Reasons NOT to Buy a Sailboat If you’d like us to answer a question or read out YOUR story, send us a tweet to @followtheboat on Twitter to get our attention. Click here for ways to support us – become a Patreon – join FTBMates – bung a quid in our Rum Fund Click the image to watch the podcast on YouTube      
May 31, 2022
44 min