Cruising with kids may seem overwhelming, but for some families, it’s the most rewarding way to live. This article explores real life onboard, from education to daily routines, and why you don’t have to wait to start.
Choosing the right thru-hull material can directly impact your boat’s safety. A retired U.S. Coast Guard officer compares bronze and Marelon, breaking down strength, corrosion resistance, ABYC standards, and real-world maintenance considerations to help you decide what belongs below your waterline.
Nearly a decade ago, Rachel and her husband cast off from California aboard their Tayana 42 in search of adventure. What began as a five-year sabbatical evolved into full-time cruising in French Polynesia, importing their boat, building a life around conservation and diving, and eventually transitioning to a Leopard 46 catamaran to continue their island journey.
After grinding through long shifts in the Australian mines, Camille and Jesse traded steel-cap boots for bare feet and bought a 39-foot Jeanneau in Malaysia—with zero sailing experience. What followed was a crash course in storms, self-reliance, community, and building a life afloat in Southeast Asia.
A winding dirt road through the lush mountains of Hiva Oa leads to one of the Marquesas’ most sacred sites—Puamau, home to the towering Tiki statues of French Polynesia. From dramatic cliffside views to the legendary presence of Takai’i, this journey blends raw adventure with ancient history.
A $200 line snapped in the Pacific—and within minutes, the autopilot failed, the boom shattered, and chaos ruled the deck. In offshore sailing, disasters rarely start big. They compound. In The Law of Compounding Chaos, James Evenson explores the mindset of true command and what it really means to be the captain when everything starts falling apart.
Floatchella isn’t just a weekend raft-up. It’s the spark that binds lives together for seasons, years, and if we’re lucky, maybe even a lifetime…
For many sailors, the idea of casting off is postponed until retirement—but Mackenzie and Josh weren’t willing to wait. In their mid-20s, they reimagined what was possible, leveraging remote work, careful planning, and a shared love of the ocean to move aboard a cruising catamaran. From sacrifices and certifications to finding the perfect boat, their story proves that full-time cruising isn’t just for the wealthy or retired—it’s attainable with intention, creativity, and courage.
Veteran yacht designer Bob Perry compares two iconic cat-rigged cruising boats—the Nonsuch 36 and the Freedom 36. Drawing on firsthand experience and deep design insight, he explores their rigs, performance, interiors, and handling characteristics, offering an honest, technical, and highly readable look at what makes each boat unique for cruising sailors seeking simplicity without sacrificing capability.
Floatchella isn’t just a weekend raft-up. It’s the spark that binds lives together for seasons, years, and if we’re lucky, maybe even a lifetime…
