Sailing

• 10 Essential Items to Pack on Your Bug-Out Sailboat

  A bug-out sailboat is a vessel that is specifically designed and equipped for emergency situations, such as natural disasters or political unrest, where evacuation from land is necessary. These sailboats are often equipped with features such as water filtration systems, first aid kits, and navigation equipment, making them a valuable resource in times of crisis.

  In an emergency situation at sea, having essential items readily available can mean the difference between life and death. Packing these items on your bug-out sailboat before setting out on a journey can ensure that you are prepared for any eventuality.

  In this article, we will outline the top 10 essential items to pack on your bug-out sailboat, along with additional items to consider packing. We will also discuss the proper storage and organization of these items, as well as the importance of practising and training for emergency situations. By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of what items are necessary to ensure your survival at sea.

• 100 Point Pre-Passage Inspection Checklist

  Every boat is different and everyone has different standards with regard to what they require to feel safe when heading out sailing or going on passage.

  From my experience I've developed a standard pre-passage checklist. While your boat and requirements will vary, you can use this 100 point checklist as a good starting point to create your own. Hopefully it'll help you avoid a few problems and maybe help you remember something you'd otherwise forgotten.

  I've broken the checklist down into ten major categories that cover everything from the top of the mast to the bottom of the keel. I’ve arranged them into an easy to follow checklist with descriptions of what I look for when preparing to head offshore.

  Please note there can be no such thing as a complete standard list—it is up to each individual captain and crew to ensure they've done everything necessary prior to setting sail.

  1. Rigging

  Standing Rigging

  ☐ 1. Check Turnbuckles: You want to closely inspect all turnbuckles for any cracks or corrosion.  Closely look at any small areas of rust. Rust can be an indicator of a hairline crack.  Any cracked parts, no matter how small the crack, must be replaced. 

• 47-year-old pays $1,900/month to live on a $398,000 sailboat and travel the world: ‘It’s an absolute feeling of freedom’

  Brian Trautman spent years working 60-hour weeks as a software engineer at companies like Microsoft. Eventually, he realized that the best part of his day was the bus ride to and from work. On one of those rides, Trautman decided he needed to make a change.

  In May 2008, after two years of saving as much as possible, he sold all of his possessions, including a three-bedroom townhouse in Redmond, Washington and embarked on a two-year sabbatical to sail the world.

  ″[I thought to myself] after two years, I’m going to be ready to come back and know exactly what I want to do for the rest of my life, and I just never came back,” Trautman tells CNBC Make It.

• A First Aid Kit for Your Bug-Out Sailboat [Superseded]

  This article has been superseded by The Ultimate Off-Grid First-Aid Kit.

• A Guide to Basic Nautical Terminology for Preppers

  Prepping for the worst - disaster, zombie apocalypse, economic collapse, you name it – is an increasingly popular hobby. As part of their prepping supplies, many folks become interested in acquiring boats. But boats come with a whole new set of terminology and concepts, which can be confusing to the novice. That’s why we’ve compiled this informal guide to some of the most basic nautical terminology and concepts you’ll need to know if you’re thinking about buying a boat.

  Boating Lingo 101: Terms to Know

  Mast

  The mast is the vertical spar, or pole, used to support the sails, and it's one of the most recognizable features of a sailboat. Usually made of aluminum or wood, it's usually just a few inches wide, but can be much larger in larger boats.

• Are Catamarans Safe For Ocean Crossing?

  Catamarans aren't the most common ocean-crossing sailboats, but they're surprisingly safe and capable offshore.

  Catamarans are safe for ocean crossings. In fact, catamarans are often much safer than similarly-sized monohulls offshore. Safety comes from increased motion comfort, great stability, speed, and excess buoyancy due to lack of ballast.

  In this article, we’ll examine if catamarans are safe (or safer) than monohulls for offshore cruising and ocean passages. We’ll also examine the benefits of cruising catamaran design, along with how these vessels handle in different offshore conditions.

  We gathered the information used in this article from offshore sailing guides and reputable catamaran experts. We also examined design guidelines for offshore cruising boats, including head-to-head tests done between catamarans and other vessels.

• Boat Like An Airline Pilot: Checklists Prevent Human Errors

  Every hour of every day, many thousands of airline pilots do something that, on the face of it, seems silly. Just before landing, the flying pilot lowers the landing gear, and three bright green lights illuminate. They both see the lights, and then the non-flying pilot asks: “Landing gear down?” The flying pilot must, by law, respond: “Check — three down and green.”

  They both know the landing gear is down the second the lights go on, but they still have to ask the question, and they have to hear an answer.

  This is not done just for just the landing gear. There is rarely a move a pilot makes that isn’t confirmed by the pilot sitting next to him. Regardless of how many years of experience they have, commercial pilots can hardly flip a switch without confirming it with their (often much junior) partners.

  The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules that make it a crime not to do so are not excessive government oversight. It’s that the pilots and the FAA know something most of us find very hard to admit: everyone — even those with long experience doing something — are capable of making mistakes. Everyone is capable of forgetting something. And when forgetting can get people killed, you make a list and check it every time.

• Borders: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

  October 11, 2022.

  The Russian invasion of Ukraine continues to falter, as Russian troops run low on everything.

  Within the last two weeks Russia began conscripting civilians to join the military, in a desparate attempt to bolster troop numbers. This resulted in an immediate flood of Russian citizens attempting to escape the country, trying to avoid the draft. On the first night, airports were packed as every aircraft leaving Russia was sold out. Borders with neighbouring Finland and other Baltic countries had long queues of vehicle and foot traffic.

  This brings to mind the questions of borders, and their benefits and drawbacks... The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly.

  Build The Wall!

  There are some people in the USA that are very confusing. One minute they will be screaming that you can't trust the government, "Big Brother is out to get you". The next minute those same people are hollering "Build the wall!".

  Borders are designed primarily to keep foreigners out. But those same walls can also be used to keep citizens in.

• Building Your Own Bug-Out Sailboat: A DIY Guide

  A bug-out sailboat is a type of vessel designed to be used as an emergency mode of transportation in the event of a disaster or crisis. These boats are often equipped with features such as self-sustainability, durability, and speed that make them ideal for escaping from a disaster zone. They offer a unique advantage over other modes of transportation as they can be used to navigate through water, regardless of any roadblocks or traffic.

  Building a bug-out sailboat is not only an excellent way to prepare for emergencies, but it can also be a fun and fulfilling DIY project. With careful planning and execution, it can be a cost-effective way to create a vessel that meets your specific needs and preferences.

  In this article, we will discuss the steps involved in building your own bug-out sailboat, including planning and designing, selecting materials, building the boat, testing and launching, and maintaining and upgrading.

  Planning and Designing Your Bug-Out Sailboat

  A. Determining your needs and priorities: size, speed, capacity, and features

  The first step in building a bug-out sailboat is to determine your specific needs and priorities. Consider the number of people the boat needs to accommodate, the speed you require, and the distance you plan to travel. Think about the features you want, such as a kitchen, sleeping quarters, or a water filtration system. These factors will help you choose the right design and size for your sailboat.

• Cruising in a Disaster: Signs to Look Out For When Sailing in an Emergency Situation

  Living on a sailboat as part of your preparedness strategy offers unique advantages, especially when it comes to navigating through or escaping from emergency situations and societal collapse. However, just like any other form of travel, there are risks involved—some more subtle than others. Understanding the signs that indicate a situation is deteriorating can make all the difference in ensuring your safety and comfort during an emergency.

  Recognizing Early Warning Signs

  Economic Instability: One of the first signs you may notice before social collapse occurs is economic instability. Currency values fluctuate wildly, inflation spirals out of control, and goods and services become increasingly expensive without a corresponding increase in quality. In extreme cases, essential items like food and fuel might not be available at all due to shortages or government rationing. If you're observing these patterns while on your sailboat, it’s wise to start thinking about relocating to safer waters sooner rather than later.

  Political Turmoil: Political instability often precedes broader societal collapse. You may observe increased military presence around key infrastructure such as ports and airports; this could signal heightened tensions or impending conflict. The media might report more frequently on political unrest, civil protests, strikes, or even violent actions by factions within the population. Additionally, government officials may issue increasingly urgent calls for calm or emergency measures which indicate growing dissatisfaction among citizens.

  Social Unrest: Social unrest manifests differently across cultures but generally involves an increase in crime rates and lawlessness. Criminals exploit situations of chaos to seize control over valuable resources like food supplies or transportation networks. This can lead to looting, vandalism, and other forms of property destruction. An atmosphere of fear might set in as people become wary of strangers and less willing to cooperate with authorities.

  Physical Signs of Deterioration

  Infrastructure Failure: Infrastructure failures are another critical indicator that something is going wrong within society. Power outages could last for days or even weeks without any sign of restoration, leading to widespread discomfort and disruption. Water supply systems may fail entirely if not properly maintained during periods of unrest or war, resulting in severe shortages and health hazards.

  Communication Disruptions: Communication disruptions can also serve as early warnings about looming disasters. Cellular networks might degrade rapidly due to lack of maintenance or intentional interference by hostile forces attempting to spread misinformation. Satellite phones could become unreliable too since they rely heavily on satellite coverage that may be interrupted during conflicts involving space assets.

  Strategic Navigation Tips

  Avoid Conflict Zones: It's important for preppers and survivalists alike to avoid areas where conflict is likely, whether natural disasters or human-made ones. Familiarize yourself with maps of potential conflict zones so you know which routes to steer clear from when navigating through disaster-stricken regions. For example, if there’s a known oil spill in the area, consider going around rather than sailing through it.

  Stay Informed: Keeping up-to-date with local news sources will help you stay informed about emerging crises and avoid areas where things are getting worse faster than elsewhere. Reliable maritime channels can provide real-time updates on weather patterns and other navigational hazards. By staying proactive and aware, you'll be better equipped to make sound decisions regarding your course of action during challenging times.

  Develop Alternative Plans: Finally, having multiple backup plans is crucial for any emergency scenario. Depending on the nature of the disaster, different strategies might prove more effective than others. For instance, if a hurricane threatens your current location, knowing alternative anchorages nearby could save lives. Similarly, maintaining relationships with local marinas and captains who operate in various parts of the world allows you to adjust course swiftly when conditions change unexpectedly.

  Conclusion

  Sailing through or away from disaster zones requires vigilance and preparation. By recognizing early warning signs like economic instability, political turmoil, social unrest, infrastructure failure, communication disruptions, and staying informed about potential conflict areas, preppers can enhance their chances of successfully navigating through emergencies safely. Developing alternative plans and maintaining a network of supportive contacts further strengthens your resilience in such situations.

  By being attuned to these indicators and taking appropriate precautions, you're setting yourself up for success whether dealing with natural disasters or broader societal collapse. Remember that careful observation and strategic navigation are key components of effective disaster preparedness when sailing on a sailboat.

• Essential Food Storage for Long-Term Sea Adventures

  Exploring the sea is an incredible experience for any adventurer. Whether you’re sailing around the world or taking a weekend away in your boat, food storage can make all the difference in the success of the voyage. With the right knowledge and equipment, you’ll have delicious, nutritious meals to fuel your journey—whether for the short-term or long-term.

  Find the Right Boat Fridge

  When it comes to food storage, you need a boat fridge. This specialized freezer or fridge, usually vinyl-coated aluminum or stainless steel, is designed to resist corrosion in salty or damp environment. Most boat fridges are either compressor-based or thermoelectric cooling systems, and usually come in either top-opening, upright models, or front-opening, chest-style models.

  Top-opening fridges provide more storage capacity than chest style models, while chest style models have less temperature fluctuation and use far less energy. These fridges also highly efficient and require far less energy consumption due to direct cooling systems that run with little fan noise.

• First Aid for Seasickness

  Seasickness, also known as motion sickness, is a common issue experienced by many when aboard a ship or on a boat. It is caused by the motion of the boat on the water which can cause physical discomfort such as dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Seasickness, if not treated properly, can disrupt the normal activities of the travelers and can ruin what could have been a pleasant voyage. Therefore, it is important to know about the different treatments and cures available to battle seasickness and its associated symptoms.

  Treating Seasickness

  1. Pre-prepared Medicines

  There are both over-the-counter and prescription medicines available in the market that can help treat seasickness. These medicines are usually antihistamines or drugs that reduce or stop the motion waves inside the body, which is the cause of seasickness. However, these medicines have certain side effects and should be consumed after consulting with a doctor or pharmacist.

• How to Choose the Best Bug-Out Sailboat for Your Needs

  In times of crisis, having a bug-out plan can mean the difference between survival and disaster. A bug-out plan involves preparing for the worst-case scenario and having a plan to evacuate quickly and safely. One important aspect of a bug-out plan is selecting the right sailboat to escape on. In this article, we will explore the factors to consider when choosing a bug-out sailboat and provide resources for selecting the best sailboat for your needs.

  Factors to Consider When Choosing a Bug-Out Sailboat

  A. Type of boat

  The type of sailboat you choose will depend on your needs and preferences. There are three types of sailboats to consider: mono-hull, multi-hull, and motor sailor.

• How to Create Offshore and Coastal Navigation Plans for Your Bug-Out Sailboat

  When planning a bug-out sailboat journey, it is essential that you have a secure and detailed navigation plan. This plan should cover both the offshore and coastal aspects of your journey, taking into account any features, obstacles, and hazards that may arise.

  Navigation plans must be created much like you would a roadmap, providing clear instructions on the direction and estimated time of travel. This includes the start, stop, and rest points of the journey, as well as any supplementary navigation aids, such as charts, buoys, and markers that may help you along the way.

• How to Stockpile Medications for Long-Term Survival: Leveraging Living on a Sailboat and Accessing Foreign Countries

  Introduction

  In a long-term survival scenario, having access to essential medications can be a matter of life and death. However, acquiring and maintaining medication supplies can be challenging during emergencies or collapses. This article will explore how living on a sailboat and being able to obtain medications in foreign countries can provide unique advantages for preppers. We'll discuss the importance of assessing medication needs, choosing the right medications to stockpile, ensuring medication safety and storage, acquiring medications, maintaining supplies, developing medical skills, and dealing with medication shortages and emergency situations.

  Assessing Your Medication Needs

  To stockpile medications effectively, it's crucial to evaluate individual health conditions and the prescription medications required. Consider the potential risks and challenges of a collapse scenario and consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice and prescriptions. Taking into account the advantages of mobility and adaptability offered by living on a sailboat, assess the medications needed for various health conditions. Ensure you have an adequate supply for chronic conditions, infections, allergies, and other common ailments that may arise in a survival situation.

• Learning About Liveaboards

  This article is the result of another post on Facebook, asking for videos and groups to learn about living aboard.

  This Youtube series is probably the best. It's The Complete Small Boat Liveaboard Series by Idyllic Dreams. He's got 34 (as of August 2023) short videos, each about 9 minutes long. Every one specializes in one single topic on living aboard a small boat. While I recommend the link above and you watch them all, you can also jump to any of his videos directly below.

• Living on a Bug-Out Sailboat: Pros and Cons

  Living on a sailboat has become increasingly popular over the years, especially among those seeking a simpler and more sustainable lifestyle. While some choose to live on a sailboat for the adventure and freedom it offers, others see it as a means of preparing for emergencies or natural disasters. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of living on a bug-out sailboat and what factors one should consider before making the decision to live on one.

  Advantages of Living on a Bug-Out Sailboat

  A. Mobility and flexibility: ability to travel and relocate easily

  One of the biggest advantages of living on a sailboat is the freedom and mobility it provides. Living on a sailboat allows you to easily relocate and explore new places without being tied down to a specific location. It also provides a sense of independence as you have full control over where you go and when you leave. In case of an emergency, a bug-out sailboat can be a useful tool for evacuating from an area quickly.

• Navigating Without GPS: How to Use Traditional Navigation Techniques

  GPS (Global Positioning System) has revolutionized navigation for sailors, pilots, and hikers alike, providing accurate and real-time information about position, speed, and direction. However, despite its many advantages, GPS has limitations that can compromise its reliability, such as signal interference, battery life, and vulnerability to hacking. In addition, relying solely on GPS can make us less prepared to handle emergencies or unexpected situations. Traditional navigation techniques, on the other hand, have been used for centuries and can provide valuable alternatives to GPS. In this article, we will explore the basics of traditional navigation techniques, their advantages and challenges, and how to use them effectively.

  Understanding Traditional Navigation Techniques

  There are several traditional navigation techniques that have been used by sailors, explorers, and navigators for centuries, each with its own strengths and limitations.

• Our Bug-Out Boat and the Choices We Made (Part 1)

  Our opinion is that our sailboat is the perfect liveaboard bug-out sailboat... for us.

  And that's really the main point, this is what we consider perfect. You may look at our choices and go with the exact opposite. So there may be no perfect boat for everyone, but here's the choices we made and why.

  Part 1 contains:

  • Motorboat or Sailboat
  • Monohull or Multihull
  • Hull Length
  • Saildrive versus Direct Drive
  • Fixed, Folding & Feathering. Choosing the Right Propeller
  • Diesel Engines or Electric Motors
  • Electrical Power
  • Water

  Part 2 contains:

  • Masts & Sails
  • Anchors
  • Engine Location
  • Galley
  • Tenders (dinghies)
  • AIS
  • Hull material. Wood, steel, aluminum or plastic
• Our Bug-Out Boat and the Choices We Made (Part 2)

  Here is Part 2 of Our Bug-Out Boat and the Choices We Made

  Read Part 1

  Part 1 contains:

  • Motorboat or Sailboat
  • Monohull or Multihull
  • Hull Length
  • Saildrive versus Direct Drive
  • Fixed, Folding & Feathering. Choosing the Right Propeller
  • Diesel Engines or Electric Motors
  • Electrical Power
  • Water

  Part 2 contains:

  • Masts & Sails
  • Anchors
  • Engine Location
  • Galley
  • Tenders (dinghies)
  • AIS
  • Hull material. Wood, steel, aluminum or plastic

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