Hi guys and welcome to our 2021 videos! We’ve updated our UA-cam banner and icon, and we’ve added a little red Wild We Roam flag to all of our new videos in the bottom left corner ; ) So if you’re wondering what looks different, we’ve mixed things up a bit! I can already tell that 2021 is off to a better start than 2020, and it’s going well for you as well. This video tries to capture the major moments last year and what it’s really like to start boat life, from zero sailing experience to becoming amateur sailors with big dreams! Obviously, there are a ton more pros than cons when it comes to boat life, but 5 and 5 was about all we could fit into a 25 minute video. Otherwise, it would be 95 pros and 5 cons from our first year of boat life ; ) Thank you so much for your support in 2020, we are so grateful to get to share these stories with you, and can’t wait to get the journey underway in this new, beautiful year full of infinite potential! Cheers, Lou
I love the new red flag! Really simple and bright. A flag is representative of an ideal, which for you two is your goal to live creatively! Also, a flag catches the wind like a sail and is so full of action. Thanks for another great video :)
How good was this video!! You put so much time into creating this and I truly love your message. Well done, you two are my forever favorites - mostly because you are kind, caring, and come across as being really authentic. Lots of love from Germany! Keep up the great work :)
I don't know a thing about boats. I'm mostly here for Dana and Lou's positivity and great example of hard work to achieve your dreams to help put me in a great mood every Tuesday
About your front V-birth smelling like the holding tank, change your hoses to smellproof EPDM versions, the cost more but worth every cent. Normal hoses are permeable to smell after a couple of years. After that, switch the foam in the matrass that has soaked the smell over this time.
Most importantly you need to keep the waste out of the hose and in the tank or overboard. Water is you friend.. some even do a final flush with fresh water. You can calculate how much volume you hose hold and figure how many pumps it takes. Go to the sailboat owners forum and look up information on Peggy hall the queen of tank odor prevention.. 2 vent hoses are essential on the tank and even a small vent fan.
Agree that Peggy Hall is the expert. If you follow her instructions , you will be more than OK. But also remember that once you leave the US, in most places you will be discharging directly as there will be no pump out facilities.
My Girlfriend and I literally moved onto our Catalina 30 yesterday (just in time for a nice big rain storm to roll in that night) after about two years of fully refitting it to be ready for both living aboard and some great sailing in the SF area and down to Southern California in the summer. It was really great to see the life I just officially jumped into through your eyes. Now, time for me to get back to work ordering more parts from Waste Marine!
No way! You guys are in for such an amazing experience. Congratulations on moving onto the Catalina and into this amazing chapter of your lives, life aboard! We wish you both so many wonderful adventures this year and beyond 😊
Congratulations!! We had a Catalina 42 for 18 years and they are amazing boats! I love how Catalina thinks about the little things to make a good boat to live on! May you have many great memories as you start this chapter of your life onboard your boat!
Love the video! You guys are SO inspiring! Literally tomorrow I'm going with a Yacht Broker to look at 3 candidate live-aboard sailboats...wish me luck. And for two 30 year-olds, you are very wise - way beyond your years. When I watch your videos, I enjoy the "story" you are telling and the way you put it together...keep it up, I need the inspiration! Oh and I should mention that I am learning a lot!
Don, thank you so much for this positive comment!! We are so chuffed you like our storytelling, as well. Thank you so much for watching! We are sending you so many well-wishes for your live-aboard sailboat viewings tomorrow, hope you find the perfect vessel for your adventures! Best of luck with that, and happy new year! 😊
@@WildWeRoam Woo hoo! talk about chuffed! I'm buying a 2001 Catalina 36 MK II pending the Marine Survey and seatrial...so I'm right behind you...learning to sail and refitting my soon to be new home as needed
Hi guy's, looks like you had a great first season! Back in August I was on a mooring next to you and I was with a friend from Ireland, we were on are way to Cuttyhunk. You came over on the dingy and we had a quick chat. I'm so glad you made it out to Cuttyhunk, it's my favorite place. I have some photos of you all waving good bye to us from your boat. There from my phone and sorta crappy but if you want I can send them to you. Thanks for the stickers and I look forward to more videos.
Hi Adam! How cool is the internet making the world a small place! Thank you so much for checking out our videos and reaching out 😊 We hope you had a nice rest of your summer?? Cuttyhunk is indeed such a special place, we are so glad we had a chance to explore it, too. Wishing you a lovely 2021 ❤️
this video feels so nostalgic to me - like from the time you were building your van in Spain. I love it :D Thank you for this. p.s. can't wait for what's to come :)
That is so nice to hear, Ursa 😊 We had to think so often about that time too, so many emotional parallels. Thank you so much for following us along on our journey ❤️ wishing you a wonderful 2021!
For your winter dreaming, I'm not sure how far you plan to travel next year but look into going to Hadley Harbor, Watch Hill, Menemsha and if you head west, go up the Connecticut River to Hamburg Cove (just north of Essex) for fresh water! These are some of our favorite places. Oh! And Mystic Seaport is amazing once things open up because there is SOOOOOO much to learn about history and boating there!
I can't believe it's really been a year. But, recapping and regrouping during this off season will be well worth the time. First ... YOU NEED A REFRIGERATOR !! Second ... is there any advantage to ordering your groceries online and having them delivered to the dock? Back in the pioneering day folks made and used 'spring boxes' to keep some food items cool. A wooden box with slats was made and submersed in a creek. It was secured so it did not float away. Watertight containers were used to store the food. Not sure how this would work in the ocean ... but, it's a thought.
I really feel connected to you guys and your dreams and goals ❤️ this video is a masterpiece, I don't usually comment to express my feelings, but for this video I can't help myself 😊💖
An excellent video. Thank you for your effort in putting out great content. Many folks “dream” but, you two “Live” the sailing life. 2021 will be filled with adversity, it’s part of boating. How you respond to adversity is attitude. Take time each week to assess your week and re-set your attitude. All will be well. Keep moving forward in your boat life.
Fabulous! I love the joy and excitement in both your faces and voices. So fun! It's been a couple of months so I'm getting caught up - starting with this episode. A quick comment: I grew up in Gloucester, MA and my Dad always had a little sailboat of some sort (tiny ones. nothing like Penelope) and I can 100% relate to the simple joy of just sailing around. It's wonderful and so many sweet memories from my childhood are connected to that activity. :-) ~ Greg
Genuine, honest, and full of life-love! So happy to be able to be along with you on this journey! Keep smiling and the world will smile back! Cptn Happy
Cptn Happy, thanks so much ❤️ I have to smile as soon as I see your name! Thank you so much for your support and for following along all our silly adventures. Wishing you smiles and joy this new year 2021! 😊
Nice review of your first year! We also retired and moved on to our 44’ Catamaran in Grenada in March. The lockdown imposed after only 6 days of sailing gave us a chance to become acquainted with our new boat. We replaced failing batteries so we could keep our refrigerator running. Getting food and water with all the restrictions was very stressful and time consuming. Even though I have been sailing since 1971, and we started our plan to sail the Caribbean on our honeymoon in 1984, there was still plenty for us to learn. I hope we cross paths in the Caribbean in 2022. Our cruise in 21 will be limited due to Covid restrictions. Keep up the good work. You seem to be making very good choices. Paul & Anne. SY L’Acadienne
What a wonderful story, Paul and Anne, how wonderful that you started planning your sail to the Caribbean in 1984 and are now making it come true ❤️ That is truly so inspiring and positive! We wish you both all the best with your retirement and all the wonderful adventures you have ahead of you! 😊
This was so cool; thank you very much! Your enthusiasm in both pros and cons makes this so much fun to watch. Each of you bring your own experiences and together you can handle anything that comes your way.
I am a long time sailor since childhood who sold my Cal 29 a few years back and am now retired. I have watched your videos and they have brought back the joy I felt about a lifetime of life on the water in these things called sailboats. You are so right it's so much more. Brought a tear to my eye tonight.. thank you for your deep enthusiasm and joy. You will do well through such passion.
Shelley, thank you so much for warming our hearts with this touching comment! We are so happy our video stories could bring you this joy ❤️ The world of sailing is such a special one, but especially due to the wonderful community of people who are so passionate, friendly and helpful. Thank you for watching and for your support! Wishing you a lovely 2021!
I think you have made the right decision to get the boat on land during the winter and make some projects. If you started doing this in Denmark then I would have learned you all about sailing. I have been sailing and teaching in sailing for many years.
It is most definitely an acquired experience. I personally couldn't do it, at least for more than a month 😬😱🤣, but I enjoy seeing others living that life. You'll be back on it before yall know it. Anything you guys do, whether in a van, a sailor or land is enjoyable to watch. I look forward to seeing more of yall. 😉👍💪
I subscribed last night and it looks like I have a LOT of catching up to do. Many years ago I worked on a 300+ foot ship. It had no sails but even so, I look forward to getting a sail boat and getting back on the water!
That was a really nice wrap up of your first year on Penelope. I'm looking forward to a good year ahead and hopefully safe, happy travels for us all. x
Love your new video. I found your channel tonight and already watched at least 4 videos back to back. You are such a bright, smiley and enigmatic couple, your happiness and gratitude is just so enamouring to watch and not only gives me that feel-good feeling in my heart but also gives me hope that I can maybe start some crazy adventure before I get to 30! The fact you didn't have sailing qualifications or that much idea of what you are doing but you just went for it is so refreshing! You are super lucky your brother was able to help you get on your way, I bet he wishes he was joining you! Watching this from a completely outside perspective I can literally see how you have manifested everything that you want in life, everything (like the e-book) happened for a reason and fell into place like clockwork. This is totally your destiny and as you hinted at, this is just the start of your journey. It's incredible to see your growth in so many areas - you guys really seem like you deserve to have an incredible life at sea, so the very best of luck to you! I sailed around the Caribbean working on a boat and its honestly so beautiful. You should definitely learn to dive whilst you are out there, there are some cool shipwrecks! Are you going to change the boat name to 'Wild We Roam'? I am so glad I found you, I am a subscriber for life ✌️
Really enjoyed your vlog, happy sailing from England, we spent all season upgrading our boat to give us confidence for 2021, can’t wait for lockdown to end
You are absolutely right: boat mattresses are for short term use. Get a full (as in not split in sections) real mattress.(doesn't need to be marine grade or built for purpose) Not foam, but inner spring and get wood slats (to lessen condensation below them creating mould) As a liveaboard invest in a decent one piece mattress, even if it's a pain in the butt to get down and into the bedroom (remember those home delivered mattresses come in a tiny box and then pop out so it can be done.) Oh and some boats have these weird beds that go narrower at the end. This is to give the illusion of an "island" or walk around bed and it's a waste of space. Go rectangular, forget that narrow foot-end it's silly. (also makes sheets easier too buy especially fitted undersheets. Hang in through the tough times. Stay safe and well and e easy on yourselves. There will be times of stress, and even fear. As hard as it is to do, when things go arse-up stay calm, slow down. Good luck.
Thank you so much for sharing this advice, Black Duck!! We will definitely take it into account--came at just the right time, with all these projects we have in store :) Have a wonderful 2021!
I've been watching you for years now and I keep coming back to watch your videos!! Thank you so much for sharing your story it really means a lot! I really want to take up sailing seriously in future and seeing you guys grow means the world xx
Amazing story, Lou and Dana. You are somewhat unique as you two are just so well matched... I never see you arguing over anything! As well as your very strong relationship, I think it's a case of sharing a common interest, rare these days, but it makes your videos so enjoyable to watch. Your cinematic skills are not to be snuffed at either. A big well done with your new sailing skills and I can't wait to see your new adventures, have a great one!
What a joy for you Dana and Lou to be fulfilled at boat life. Wishing you all the best for future sailing ventures. Bless you both and thanks for all the wonderful videos. Enjoy them immensely, even though I am not a sailor. Love from Switzerland.
loved the final pro. you get it living on a boat is a magical experience. i rouded the wolrd when i was a kid with my parents, today i'm 31 got my boat and moved on it 6 month ago i'm prearing it at the moment and when covid calms down i ll set sail.
Stumbled across you two today on the declutter video!!! and had to find out more. Wow - blown away by you two. Talk about making your dreams come true. I've subscribed and will check in with much interest in the future - thank you
Cuttyhunk has been my favorite destination since I was a kid. It’s much busier now, however the natural beauty is stunning. When I was a kid, there was a seaplane that landed in the harbor several times a day. Thursday nights were movie nights at the Cuttyhunk library. Cuttyhunk was our first and last cruise of the season. Maybe we will see you on the water, our launch date is April 1st. Cheers to a wonderful 2021. Bruce, Mike and Salty (our crazy puppy).
Nicely done. Followed your search and purchase last year, as we were looking too, but then down came the shutters... Atm we're looking at a Halleberg Rassy Rasmus as a live aboard. Keep up the great work 🎆
When I lived for years in an outdoor camp after breakfast everything like bedding we covered with plastic also mattresses. And first it was out of the way but the 3 hours after sunset before bedtime the stuff would have been already damp! So also a huge con but I lived in India during the hot season and everything could easily and nicely warm up and got nicely dry from the hot sun. Also to stay warm in the evenings they were big rocks to lean on you would even sweet and have a hot stone massage in some way! So the climate decides everything when you thing of off grid! Definitely having water on hand like the ocean for cleaning and washing yourself is a huge bonus and gives you the everyday nature!
I’ve lived on my boat for almost 5 years now, though I don’t take it out, but I can definitely relate to the wet cushions and small bed! The air is definitely just wet!
Have loved your videos for quite a while now and this is hands down, my favourite! Dana, you are so authentic and you communicate your thoughts with such clarity and genuineness. Good luck to you both and I can’t wait to watch the adventures continue.
Okay, okay okay okay... okay... Best thing I own aside from my Sailboat; a onewheel. Sure there are other small personal electronic vehicles, bikes, unicycles, whatever. But the onewheel is so small and easy to load into and out of the dingy. Sure you can't do a massive grocery run but I can carry a backpack and two 55L waterproof bags full of food in each hand. Plus it makes going to things like hardware stores, other outfitters, Heck even just from a dock to a beach that much easier when you don't have to walk 2 miles. You can just ride.
New to your channel and you two remind me of Elayna and Riley when I first started watching them years ago. Please don't go where they went (and I'm not talking geographically). Look forward to going over some of your old videos. Are you still shooting film?
I’ve been binging your videos ... they really soothe my restless mind nowadays. :) also: I wish you would have also talked about how you do laundry ... it’s probably equally as exhausting as grocery shopping
I just love you guys. I love your work, your style and creative approach to everything you share with us, I love your music, your words, your ways. Thank you so much for this channel. I've been watching for years and I look forward to watching every video. Love!
Getting groceries is always an operation it seems, no matter where you go. Even if there is a grocery store right there by the dinghy dock (like in Baltimore's inner harbor anchorage, for example -so close!) it is still hauling bags and bags of provisions to the dinghy and loading it up, motoring or rowing back to the mothership, and passing it all way up and carrying it all back to the cockpit. Phew! We are religious about dating everything, removing labels from cans and re-marking what it is with a sharpie. We also try to remove all other paper or cardboard packaging because it is a source for BUGS getting onto your boat...yes, even in the USA -especially further south. Even something like the cardboard from a case of soda or fizzy water can be a roach hotel if you bring it aboard. So we strip everything before we bring it aboard or at least out in the cockpit before bringing inside and down below. A huge aid in shopping is our folding bike trailer. Even if we didn't have our folding bikes we would still have this trailer. It is called the Burley Travoy and can carry 66lbs effortlessly behind you to the point you forget you are pulling it when walking until you go down the ramp to the floating dock and it tries to run you over if you don't reverse and go down trailer first. You should look into it. Another great thing are the big blue bags from Ikea. Those are a blessing keeping groceries and other loads like laundry together. They are cheap snd pack small yet can handle huge loads. They keep everything together in the dinghy, and are even fairly water-resistant when the dinghy floor is wet. As for the best berth to sleep in on the Rasmus the V-berth is best hands down in our opinion. It is HUGE -but our holding tank is installed in the port lazarette instead of under the roomy V-berth. The laz is huge and the 20-gallon tank hardly takes any room from that massive locker. It's a longish run for the hoses, but we actually used a 10' piece of PVC pipe for most of the run which is tucked up under the back of the table settee bench in an area that doesn't hurt the storage of that part of the boat. It is even pitched so the contents naturally drain down into the tank. PVC never stinks. It is what is used in houses for sewer pipes. It is well-suported and isn't in any danger of flexing or breaking. After 4 years it is doing great.. We have short flexible hose sections for each end to connect to the head and the tank I hope the winter projects go well and you decide to leave early enough next summer to enjoy the ICW going south and the classic cruising journey that is. You really don't want to miss out on that.
Congrats to both of you. I can tell you, from watching you, that you still have a ways to go in ensuring that your sailing skills will allow you to come home safe to us all at the end of each passage or transit. Gaia often presents us with a beautiful face and a charming demeanour, but she can be a very harsh taskmistress. She does not brook an inability to rise to the challenges she often presents to us. Here is what I hope for you - besides participating in my favourite activity on our mud ball (sailing). I hope you acquire enough knowledge to recognize the options available to you when situations gets tricky. Options are our get-out-of-jail-free-cards. If we recognize options, we can use them. Sailing the Caribbean is not the same as the North Atlantic, or the North Sea, or cuddling up to Tierra del Fuego. Some of these beautiful places of wind and water will provide you more options than others. You are where I was when I was 22 and today I miss sailing terribly, with the odd opportunity to rent something in our North Channel or visit friends in Pensacola on their 42 footer. In the meantime, I can get a little joy from watching you two learn the lines and the whole new dictionary of incomprehensible terms. When your tell-tails are both extended, that part of the jenny is pointing correctly. When all three sets up the luff are extended, your clew is at the correct height. Please learn. Please be safe. Enjoy and keep making the videos that remind me of the absolute joy of sailing. Wishing you fair winds and following seas.
I have goosebumps every time I see you guys sailing. It's one of my dreams and I am more confident then ever for starting to create the life I want because you are the example I want for myself ! Excuse my English! Have a gorgeous day, see you soon :)
I’m a life-long supporter for sure. You are both so amazing and I love that we get to come on this adventure with you. I would be really interested in a video explaining some of the terms-I know I can look it up, but you present everything in a very easy to understand way.
This Hallberg-Rassy is truly the best boat for two people in your situation. I'm from Sweden, where Hallberg-Rassy's are made and I've even met Magnus Rassy who runs the boatyard. Hallberg-Rassys's are know all around the world for what is called "Orust-class", meaning the supreme quality of boats you can only find in boats built in the small island of Orust, outside Gothenburg, Sweden.
That is so interesting!! How cool that you have met Magnus Rassy, too. We are certainly in love with our Penelope. So interesting to learn the term "Orust-class"! Thank you for your comment ❤️ Wishing you a happy new year!
Thank you for your overview...I agree with all said...its a special.. Maybe talk about or if you financed the boat. Maybe a good time to get official survey on the boat..for your protection. I am so happy to share what I have been trying to obtained for so long..but being single..not easy to achieve mentioned in the cons. Please see how you can at the helm to see the function of operation of the sails..hand singels works best..argue shouting.no..does not work..looking forward to this year with you...being positve...Maybe get a slip?
What an awesome recap video! With 2020 being such a tough year I've not gotten a chance to watch as many of your videos as I've wanted, but I know I need to go back and watch them all now! Being from Connecticut I'm obsessed with the ocean, but now I live in a land-locked state and it's been so hard! I'm just living vicariously through you - hope that's ok! haha
I hate to be one of those teacher people but I was in the pacific for 4 years sailing....I cook...so I have lots of things that work from storage to what to store ...I took care of a crew..with children..3 things to take for sure : wasp spray..it is better than a weapon and legal..we were in the Marshall Islands..Bikini Atoll..the other idea is vinegar..in sealed bags..they the bags of different vinegars work as protection; read as bubble bags, for almost anything and as you know vinegar an acid can "cook" all kinds of things and they produce mother a form of mold good for our guts.The third thing is spices....all kinds you can gather...food with spices and flavors make rice wonderful...dashi is also good and holding with Asian flavors is to stock up on tofu. I am 70, I have circumnavigated the globe 3 times. What made me watch you is the love you share ..it is in your faces as you look at each other!
Awesome wrap up of what has been and incredible journey for you both. Loved watching every minute of it. Look forward to see what adventures lie ahead.
such a wholesome video! The editing was very nice and the way you described the reality of boat life is beautiful. Good luck and more adventures for 2021! :)
Always love the way you guys visually tell your stories! I definitely miss your travels via the van but its always be beautiful to see this new journey and watch you learn a new way of life! Excited to see what's to come in 2021 with your videos. Would love to see a behind the scenes or how you film your specific mini-films as I feel your "vlog" are a lot more documentary/ story based ... do you do a shot list or vision board first?
Hi guys and welcome to our 2021 videos! We’ve updated our UA-cam banner and icon, and we’ve added a little red Wild We Roam flag to all of our new videos in the bottom left corner ; ) So if you’re wondering what looks different, we’ve mixed things up a bit! I can already tell that 2021 is off to a better start than 2020, and it’s going well for you as well. This video tries to capture the major moments last year and what it’s really like to start boat life, from zero sailing experience to becoming amateur sailors with big dreams! Obviously, there are a ton more pros than cons when it comes to boat life, but 5 and 5 was about all we could fit into a 25 minute video. Otherwise, it would be 95 pros and 5 cons from our first year of boat life ; ) Thank you so much for your support in 2020, we are so grateful to get to share these stories with you, and can’t wait to get the journey underway in this new, beautiful year full of infinite potential! Cheers, Lou
Beautiful video filled with joy and inspiration, May this year be even greater and more adventurous for you guys 🌞
I love the new red flag! Really simple and bright. A flag is representative of an ideal, which for you two is your goal to live creatively! Also, a flag catches the wind like a sail and is so full of action. Thanks for another great video :)
How good was this video!! You put so much time into creating this and I truly love your message. Well done, you two are my forever favorites - mostly because you are kind, caring, and come across as being really authentic. Lots of love from Germany! Keep up the great work :)
Remember when you cried like babies when Trump was elected President? 😂
I wish you luck with your winter projects. I have done a few myself. Maybe my video will give you ideas.
ua-cam.com/video/Z3UFUUcqamA/v-deo.html
I don't know a thing about boats. I'm mostly here for Dana and Lou's positivity and great example of hard work to achieve your dreams to help put me in a great mood every Tuesday
About your front V-birth smelling like the holding tank, change your hoses to smellproof EPDM versions, the cost more but worth every cent. Normal hoses are permeable to smell after a couple of years. After that, switch the foam in the matrass that has soaked the smell over this time.
Most importantly you need to keep the waste out of the hose and in the tank or overboard. Water is you friend.. some even do a final flush with fresh water. You can calculate how much volume you hose hold and figure how many pumps it takes. Go to the sailboat owners forum and look up information on Peggy hall the queen of tank odor prevention.. 2 vent hoses are essential on the tank and even a small vent fan.
Agree that Peggy Hall is the expert. If you follow her instructions , you will be more than OK. But also remember that once you leave the US, in most places you will be discharging directly as there will be no pump out facilities.
I’m just so darned proud of you guys, you’re so cool!
My Girlfriend and I literally moved onto our Catalina 30 yesterday (just in time for a nice big rain storm to roll in that night) after about two years of fully refitting it to be ready for both living aboard and some great sailing in the SF area and down to Southern California in the summer. It was really great to see the life I just officially jumped into through your eyes. Now, time for me to get back to work ordering more parts from Waste Marine!
No way! You guys are in for such an amazing experience. Congratulations on moving onto the Catalina and into this amazing chapter of your lives, life aboard! We wish you both so many wonderful adventures this year and beyond 😊
Wow, so lucky. We rented one of these just recently for a week and it’s a gorgeous yacht. Not too big and not too small. Congrats
Congratulations!! We had a Catalina 42 for 18 years and they are amazing boats! I love how Catalina thinks about the little things to make a good boat to live on! May you have many great memories as you start this chapter of your life onboard your boat!
I feel like your brother was there for the right amount of time. ❤️
Love the video! You guys are SO inspiring! Literally tomorrow I'm going with a Yacht Broker to look at 3 candidate live-aboard sailboats...wish me luck. And for two 30 year-olds, you are very wise - way beyond your years. When I watch your videos, I enjoy the "story" you are telling and the way you put it together...keep it up, I need the inspiration! Oh and I should mention that I am learning a lot!
Don, thank you so much for this positive comment!! We are so chuffed you like our storytelling, as well. Thank you so much for watching! We are sending you so many well-wishes for your live-aboard sailboat viewings tomorrow, hope you find the perfect vessel for your adventures! Best of luck with that, and happy new year! 😊
@@WildWeRoam Woo hoo! talk about chuffed! I'm buying a 2001 Catalina 36 MK II pending the Marine Survey and seatrial...so I'm right behind you...learning to sail and refitting my soon to be new home as needed
Hi guy's, looks like you had a great first season! Back in August I was on a mooring next to you and I was with a friend from Ireland, we were on are way to Cuttyhunk. You came over on the dingy and we had a quick chat. I'm so glad you made it out to Cuttyhunk, it's my favorite place. I have some photos of you all waving good bye to us from your boat. There from my phone and sorta crappy but if you want I can send them to you. Thanks for the stickers and I look forward to more videos.
Hi Adam! How cool is the internet making the world a small place! Thank you so much for checking out our videos and reaching out 😊 We hope you had a nice rest of your summer?? Cuttyhunk is indeed such a special place, we are so glad we had a chance to explore it, too. Wishing you a lovely 2021 ❤️
Kitchen on a boat is a Galley !
this video feels so nostalgic to me - like from the time you were building your van in Spain. I love it :D Thank you for this. p.s. can't wait for what's to come :)
That is so nice to hear, Ursa 😊 We had to think so often about that time too, so many emotional parallels. Thank you so much for following us along on our journey ❤️ wishing you a wonderful 2021!
For your winter dreaming, I'm not sure how far you plan to travel next year but look into going to Hadley Harbor, Watch Hill, Menemsha and if you head west, go up the Connecticut River to Hamburg Cove (just north of Essex) for fresh water! These are some of our favorite places. Oh! And Mystic Seaport is amazing once things open up because there is SOOOOOO much to learn about history and boating there!
I am really surprised that your boat is 50 years old! You are right, you can tell when somebody really cares about something!
I can't believe it's really been a year. But, recapping and regrouping during this off season will be well worth the time. First ... YOU NEED A REFRIGERATOR !! Second ... is there any advantage to ordering your groceries online and having them delivered to the dock? Back in the pioneering day folks made and used 'spring boxes' to keep some food items cool. A wooden box with slats was made and submersed in a creek. It was secured so it did not float away. Watertight containers were used to store the food. Not sure how this would work in the ocean ... but, it's a thought.
It's been a pleasure going on your journey with you!
Love you guys! Keep living your dreams and inspiring ours! Thanks for your great content and enjoy!
Great hearing your having a fun time. Enjoy life because that is what is important.
We viewers are lucky to have you. Thank you for your videos!
I really feel connected to you guys and your dreams and goals ❤️ this video is a masterpiece, I don't usually comment to express my feelings, but for this video I can't help myself 😊💖
An excellent video. Thank you for your effort in putting out great content. Many folks “dream” but, you two “Live” the sailing life. 2021 will be filled with adversity, it’s part of boating. How you respond to adversity is attitude. Take time each week to assess your week and re-set your attitude. All will be well. Keep moving forward in your boat life.
Such a beautiful video! Thank you for just talking to us and explaining how boat life has been treating y’all!
Rough water near Great Barrier Reef. 38 degree rolls. Bring Dramamine because the waves don't stop
Respect - love the story/life you are creating.
Thank you so much for the kind words, Anthony ❤️ Wishing you a wonderful 2021!
Fabulous! I love the joy and excitement in both your faces and voices. So fun! It's been a couple of months so I'm getting caught up - starting with this episode. A quick comment: I grew up in Gloucester, MA and my Dad always had a little sailboat of some sort (tiny ones. nothing like Penelope) and I can 100% relate to the simple joy of just sailing around. It's wonderful and so many sweet memories from my childhood are connected to that activity. :-)
~ Greg
Genuine, honest, and full of life-love! So happy to be able to be along with you on this journey! Keep smiling and the world will smile back!
Cptn Happy
Cptn Happy, thanks so much ❤️ I have to smile as soon as I see your name! Thank you so much for your support and for following along all our silly adventures. Wishing you smiles and joy this new year 2021! 😊
Was Lou manifesting life on the water with his tattoos? :)
Nice review of your first year! We also retired and moved on to our 44’ Catamaran in Grenada in March. The lockdown imposed after only 6 days of sailing gave us a chance to become acquainted with our new boat. We replaced failing batteries so we could keep our refrigerator running. Getting food and water with all the restrictions was very stressful and time consuming. Even though I have been sailing since 1971, and we started our plan to sail the Caribbean on our honeymoon in 1984, there was still plenty for us to learn. I hope we cross paths in the Caribbean in 2022. Our cruise in 21 will be limited due to Covid restrictions. Keep up the good work. You seem to be making very good choices.
Paul & Anne. SY L’Acadienne
What a wonderful story, Paul and Anne, how wonderful that you started planning your sail to the Caribbean in 1984 and are now making it come true ❤️ That is truly so inspiring and positive! We wish you both all the best with your retirement and all the wonderful adventures you have ahead of you! 😊
Dana I would love to see a travel journal entry about this year! Congrats to you both - you are inspiring!
That’s a book idea!!
This was so cool; thank you very much! Your enthusiasm in both pros and cons makes this so much fun to watch. Each of you bring your own experiences and together you can handle anything that comes your way.
I am a long time sailor since childhood who sold my Cal 29 a few years back and am now retired. I have watched your videos and they have brought back the joy I felt about a lifetime of life on the water in these things called sailboats. You are so right it's so much more. Brought a tear to my eye tonight.. thank you for your deep enthusiasm and joy. You will do well through such passion.
Shelley, thank you so much for warming our hearts with this touching comment! We are so happy our video stories could bring you this joy ❤️ The world of sailing is such a special one, but especially due to the wonderful community of people who are so passionate, friendly and helpful. Thank you for watching and for your support! Wishing you a lovely 2021!
Great video, looking forward to the next season.
I think you have made the right decision to get the boat on land during the winter and make some projects. If you started doing this in Denmark then I would have learned you all about sailing. I have been sailing and teaching in sailing for many years.
I’ve absolutely loved this whole boat beginnings. Very much looking forward to the next chapter.
Just make each one longer please? 🙏
Good luck! As someone who dreams of sailing away in my own boat, I couldn't be more proud of you guys. Be safe and hold fast.
I have really enjoyed this boat life with you this summer thank you
It is most definitely an acquired experience. I personally couldn't do it, at least for more than a month 😬😱🤣, but I enjoy seeing others living that life. You'll be back on it before yall know it. Anything you guys do, whether in a van, a sailor or land is enjoyable to watch. I look forward to seeing more of yall. 😉👍💪
I subscribed last night and it looks like I have a LOT of catching up to do. Many years ago I worked on a 300+ foot ship. It had no sails but even so, I look forward to getting a sail boat and getting back on the water!
That was a really nice wrap up of your first year on Penelope. I'm looking forward to a good year ahead and hopefully safe, happy travels for us all. x
Love your new video. I found your channel tonight and already watched at least 4 videos back to back. You are such a bright, smiley and enigmatic couple, your happiness and gratitude is just so enamouring to watch and not only gives me that feel-good feeling in my heart but also gives me hope that I can maybe start some crazy adventure before I get to 30! The fact you didn't have sailing qualifications or that much idea of what you are doing but you just went for it is so refreshing! You are super lucky your brother was able to help you get on your way, I bet he wishes he was joining you! Watching this from a completely outside perspective I can literally see how you have manifested everything that you want in life, everything (like the e-book) happened for a reason and fell into place like clockwork. This is totally your destiny and as you hinted at, this is just the start of your journey. It's incredible to see your growth in so many areas - you guys really seem like you deserve to have an incredible life at sea, so the very best of luck to you! I sailed around the Caribbean working on a boat and its honestly so beautiful. You should definitely learn to dive whilst you are out there, there are some cool shipwrecks! Are you going to change the boat name to 'Wild We Roam'? I am so glad I found you, I am a subscriber for life ✌️
Really enjoyed your vlog, happy sailing from England, we spent all season upgrading our boat to give us confidence for 2021, can’t wait for lockdown to end
You are absolutely right: boat mattresses are for short term use. Get a full (as in not split in sections) real mattress.(doesn't need to be marine grade or built for purpose) Not foam, but inner spring and get wood slats (to lessen condensation below them creating mould) As a liveaboard invest in a decent one piece mattress, even if it's a pain in the butt to get down and into the bedroom (remember those home delivered mattresses come in a tiny box and then pop out so it can be done.) Oh and some boats have these weird beds that go narrower at the end. This is to give the illusion of an "island" or walk around bed and it's a waste of space. Go rectangular, forget that narrow foot-end it's silly. (also makes sheets easier too buy especially fitted undersheets. Hang in through the tough times. Stay safe and well and e easy on yourselves. There will be times of stress, and even fear. As hard as it is to do, when things go arse-up stay calm, slow down. Good luck.
Thank you so much for sharing this advice, Black Duck!! We will definitely take it into account--came at just the right time, with all these projects we have in store :) Have a wonderful 2021!
I've been watching you for years now and I keep coming back to watch your videos!! Thank you so much for sharing your story it really means a lot! I really want to take up sailing seriously in future and seeing you guys grow means the world xx
Love your first season review. Many more adventures await you
Amazing story, Lou and Dana. You are somewhat unique as you two are just so well matched... I never see you arguing over anything! As well as your very strong relationship, I think it's a case of sharing a common interest, rare these days, but it makes your videos so enjoyable to watch. Your cinematic skills are not to be snuffed at either. A big well done with your new sailing skills and I can't wait to see your new adventures, have a great one!
Great Job !
Looking very much forward to 2021 with your adventures !
Thank you so much for sharing .
I looking forward to enjoy next boatlife this year as season. Good luck boatlife this year onwards. Enjoy 2021
What a joy for you Dana and Lou
to be fulfilled at boat life. Wishing
you all the best for future sailing
ventures. Bless you both and thanks
for all the wonderful videos. Enjoy
them immensely, even though I am
not a sailor. Love from Switzerland.
loved the final pro. you get it living on a boat is a magical experience. i rouded the wolrd when i was a kid with my parents, today i'm 31 got my boat and moved on it 6 month ago i'm prearing it at the moment and when covid calms down i ll set sail.
Your enthusiasm is really contagious. Thanks for sharing.
You Guys are so Awesome! It makes me so happy to see your videos! Thanks For sharing!
Fun to see the perspective of review of your experience for the year. :) ❤
Stumbled across you two today on the declutter video!!! and had to find out more. Wow - blown away by you two. Talk about making your dreams come true. I've subscribed and will check in with much interest in the future - thank you
Cuttyhunk has been my favorite destination since I was a kid. It’s much busier now, however the natural beauty is stunning. When I was a kid, there was a seaplane that landed in the harbor several times a day. Thursday nights were movie nights at the Cuttyhunk library. Cuttyhunk was our first and last cruise of the season.
Maybe we will see you on the water, our launch date is April 1st.
Cheers to a wonderful 2021.
Bruce, Mike and Salty (our crazy puppy).
Nicely done. Followed your search and purchase last year, as we were looking too, but then down came the shutters...
Atm we're looking at a Halleberg Rassy Rasmus as a live aboard.
Keep up the great work 🎆
You guys are so awesome. Keep on keepin’ on. The positive team work anything is possible attitude is infectious and world needs a whole lot of it.
When I lived for years in an outdoor camp after breakfast everything like bedding we covered with plastic also mattresses. And first it was out of the way but the 3 hours after sunset before bedtime the stuff would have been already damp! So also a huge con but I lived in India during the hot season and everything could easily and nicely warm up and got nicely dry from the hot sun. Also to stay warm in the evenings they were big rocks to lean on you would even sweet and have a hot stone massage in some way! So the climate decides everything when you thing of off grid! Definitely having water on hand like the ocean for cleaning and washing yourself is a huge bonus and gives you the everyday nature!
I’ve lived on my boat for almost 5 years now, though I don’t take it out, but I can definitely relate to the wet cushions and small bed! The air is definitely just wet!
Have loved your videos for quite a while now and this is hands down, my favourite! Dana, you are so authentic and you communicate your thoughts with such clarity and genuineness. Good luck to you both and I can’t wait to watch the adventures continue.
Okay, okay okay okay... okay...
Best thing I own aside from my Sailboat; a onewheel. Sure there are other small personal electronic vehicles, bikes, unicycles, whatever. But the onewheel is so small and easy to load into and out of the dingy. Sure you can't do a massive grocery run but I can carry a backpack and two 55L waterproof bags full of food in each hand. Plus it makes going to things like hardware stores, other outfitters, Heck even just from a dock to a beach that much easier when you don't have to walk 2 miles. You can just ride.
You both are adorable and the truest of love stories!!! 💗💗
New to your channel and you two remind me of Elayna and Riley when I first started watching them years ago. Please don't go where they went (and I'm not talking geographically). Look forward to going over some of your old videos. Are you still shooting film?
Loved this video so much! You guys are so inspirational!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
The vibes in this video !!
I’ve been binging your videos ... they really soothe my restless mind nowadays. :) also: I wish you would have also talked about how you do laundry ... it’s probably equally as exhausting as grocery shopping
I just love you guys. I love your work, your style and creative approach to everything you share with us, I love your music, your words, your ways. Thank you so much for this channel. I've been watching for years and I look forward to watching every video. Love!
Congrats!! Enjoy your journey.
As much as I fully support your decision to wait to take off I am SO excited to see your upcoming travel adventures!
Getting groceries is always an operation it seems, no matter where you go. Even if there is a grocery store right there by the dinghy dock (like in Baltimore's inner harbor anchorage, for example -so close!) it is still hauling bags and bags of provisions to the dinghy and loading it up, motoring or rowing back to the mothership, and passing it all way up and carrying it all back to the cockpit.
Phew!
We are religious about dating everything, removing labels from cans and re-marking what it is with a sharpie. We also try to remove all other paper or cardboard packaging because it is a source for BUGS getting onto your boat...yes, even in the USA -especially further south. Even something like the cardboard from a case of soda or fizzy water can be a roach hotel if you bring it aboard. So we strip everything before we bring it aboard or at least out in the cockpit before bringing inside and down below.
A huge aid in shopping is our folding bike trailer. Even if we didn't have our folding bikes we would still have this trailer. It is called the Burley Travoy and can carry 66lbs effortlessly behind you to the point you forget you are pulling it when walking until you go down the ramp to the floating dock and it tries to run you over if you don't reverse and go down trailer first. You should look into it.
Another great thing are the big blue bags from Ikea. Those are a blessing keeping groceries and other loads like laundry together. They are cheap snd pack small yet can handle huge loads. They keep everything together in the dinghy, and are even fairly water-resistant when the dinghy floor is wet.
As for the best berth to sleep in on the Rasmus the V-berth is best hands down in our opinion. It is HUGE -but our holding tank is installed in the port lazarette instead of under the roomy V-berth. The laz is huge and the 20-gallon tank hardly takes any room from that massive locker. It's a longish run for the hoses, but we actually used a 10' piece of PVC pipe for most of the run which is tucked up under the back of the table settee bench in an area that doesn't hurt the storage of that part of the boat. It is even pitched so the contents naturally drain down into the tank. PVC never stinks. It is what is used in houses for sewer pipes. It is well-suported and isn't in any danger of flexing or breaking. After 4 years it is doing great.. We have short flexible hose sections for each end to connect to the head and the tank
I hope the winter projects go well and you decide to leave early enough next summer to enjoy the ICW going south and the classic cruising journey that is. You really don't want to miss out on that.
Wow this was an incredible video, thank you. It was very inspiring
this is so beautiful! a true masterpiece!
Thank you so much for living your dreams and inspiring soo many others to do the same!
Congrats to both of you. I can tell you, from watching you, that you still have a ways to go in ensuring that your sailing skills will allow you to come home safe to us all at the end of each passage or transit. Gaia often presents us with a beautiful face and a charming demeanour, but she can be a very harsh taskmistress. She does not brook an inability to rise to the challenges she often presents to us. Here is what I hope for you - besides participating in my favourite activity on our mud ball (sailing). I hope you acquire enough knowledge to recognize the options available to you when situations gets tricky. Options are our get-out-of-jail-free-cards. If we recognize options, we can use them. Sailing the Caribbean is not the same as the North Atlantic, or the North Sea, or cuddling up to Tierra del Fuego. Some of these beautiful places of wind and water will provide you more options than others. You are where I was when I was 22 and today I miss sailing terribly, with the odd opportunity to rent something in our North Channel or visit friends in Pensacola on their 42 footer. In the meantime, I can get a little joy from watching you two learn the lines and the whole new dictionary of incomprehensible terms. When your tell-tails are both extended, that part of the jenny is pointing correctly. When all three sets up the luff are extended, your clew is at the correct height. Please learn. Please be safe. Enjoy and keep making the videos that remind me of the absolute joy of sailing. Wishing you fair winds and following seas.
I liked this episode, there was something very real about it.
I have goosebumps every time I see you guys sailing. It's one of my dreams and I am more confident then ever for starting to create the life I want because you are the example I want for myself ! Excuse my English! Have a gorgeous day, see you soon :)
A15 star video. Music absolutely carries the mood. I never enjoyed a video more from you guys. Carry on, be safe, stay well!
This was very interesting Dana.
Thanks.
I’m a life-long supporter for sure. You are both so amazing and I love that we get to come on this adventure with you. I would be really interested in a video explaining some of the terms-I know I can look it up, but you present everything in a very easy to understand way.
This Hallberg-Rassy is truly the best boat for two people in your situation. I'm from Sweden, where Hallberg-Rassy's are made and I've even met Magnus Rassy who runs the boatyard. Hallberg-Rassys's are know all around the world for what is called "Orust-class", meaning the supreme quality of boats you can only find in boats built in the small island of Orust, outside Gothenburg, Sweden.
That is so interesting!! How cool that you have met Magnus Rassy, too. We are certainly in love with our Penelope. So interesting to learn the term "Orust-class"! Thank you for your comment ❤️ Wishing you a happy new year!
So cool. What a great year for two wonderful, adventurous people!
Congrats Guy 2021 ⛵
❤️ what a beautiful story
Thanks to channels like yours. I will be aboard a wonderful Hunter 265 on a big lake in just a few months from now.
Thank you for your overview...I agree with all said...its a special..
Maybe talk about or if you financed the boat. Maybe a good time to get official survey on the boat..for your protection.
I am so happy to share what I have been trying to obtained for so long..but being single..not easy to achieve mentioned in the cons. Please see how you can at the helm to see the function of operation of the sails..hand singels works best..argue shouting.no..does not work..looking forward to this year with you...being positve...Maybe get a slip?
Really good video, Lou and Dana!
What an awesome recap video! With 2020 being such a tough year I've not gotten a chance to watch as many of your videos as I've wanted, but I know I need to go back and watch them all now! Being from Connecticut I'm obsessed with the ocean, but now I live in a land-locked state and it's been so hard! I'm just living vicariously through you - hope that's ok! haha
Great video! GOD speed guys. JC
Thanks for sharing!
I hate to be one of those teacher people but I was in the pacific for 4 years sailing....I cook...so I have lots of things that work from storage to what to store
...I took care of a crew..with children..3 things to take for sure : wasp spray..it is better than a weapon and legal..we were in the Marshall Islands..Bikini Atoll..the other idea is vinegar..in sealed bags..they the bags of different vinegars work as protection; read as bubble bags, for almost anything and as you know vinegar an acid can "cook" all kinds of things and they produce mother a form of mold good for our guts.The third thing is spices....all kinds you can gather...food with spices and flavors make rice wonderful...dashi is also good and holding with Asian flavors is to stock up on tofu. I am 70, I have circumnavigated the globe 3 times. What made me watch you is the love you share ..it is in your faces as you look at each other!
Just love watching you both following your dreams. Fabulous video. X🛥️🌍🏝️
Awesome wrap up of what has been and incredible journey for you both. Loved watching every minute of it. Look forward to see what adventures lie ahead.
such a wholesome video! The editing was very nice and the way you described the reality of boat life is beautiful. Good luck and more adventures for 2021! :)
wow so inspiring... I really love your videos. they are soothing- hope that is the right word
Like hoooow?! How can you guys send so much good vibes through your videos?! I love it! Thank you so much! ❤️
Love watching you two discovering new stuff
So looking forward to what comes next - love your passion for life, exploring and adventures. Thank you so much for sharing this all with us.
Always love the way you guys visually tell your stories! I definitely miss your travels via the van but its always be beautiful to see this new journey and watch you learn a new way of life! Excited to see what's to come in 2021 with your videos.
Would love to see a behind the scenes or how you film your specific mini-films as I feel your "vlog" are a lot more documentary/ story based ... do you do a shot list or vision board first?
thanks for all the videos! have the best 2021 as possible :-)
thank you for sharing your wonderful story with the world. keep up the great journey. love form australia
I look forward to your videos every week 😍😍😍 I wish you all the best for 2021! Greetings from Munich, Germany 👋
I’m really looking forward to watching and learning with you both! Have a beautiful winter in your little cabin. 💕💕🌸🌸
Enjoy your videos and so glad that you will be back on the water soon be safe and happy and warm!!!
Thank you so much, Richard! We can't wait to be exploring warm waters, either 😊 Wishing you a happy New Year!