Ready to pack it all in and set sail into the sunset?
Or are you just starting your sailing journey?
I started sailing in 2019. I was a complete beginner and had only ever been aboard boats as a passenger. Tiny ones and huge great big ones but the only thing I actually knew was that I had never been seasick (thankfully). So when I decided to live full-time aboard a 45-foot sailing yacht, I had to roll up my sleeves and learn fast, REALLY FAST! So, if like me, you need a place to start, here are a few websites and blogs that helped me out from day one. From forums that show how-tos and advice to bloggers that provide travel inspiration. Here are a few of my favs.
Expertise and advice
Noonsite
Noonsite advertise themselves as ‘the ultimate cruiser planning tool’ and are a great source of real-time information. I started using this site in early 2020 when the UK was under lockdown due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The site updates sailors worldwide with the latest news on travel restrictions by country. It is invaluable as sailors provide information from people who have actual experience in those areas. Information is therefore very accurate.
Articles include sailing with animals, visa information, anchorage updates, legal requirements, and security reports. The list goes on and on. Search by region, a specific topic or the latest news. Most of the content is free, but you can pay $2.99 or $6.99 a month to be able to access more and add your own information to the site.
Cruisers Forum
This forum has thousands of dedicated and informative sailing users. The sheer amount and variety of topics on here are astounding. Got a question, any question, about sailing or boats? Then it has probably already been asked (and answered) here. Sailing with a baby, open CPN, outboard engine issues, anchor types, mast furling? Whatever problem or query you have been pondering, search here and hey-presto, there’s bound to be a discussion here. Free to access but if you want to ask questions or comment on others, then you will need to become a member, which is free.
Navily
Anchorages, anchorages, anchorages. I started browsing this website (available as an app too) in early 2020 when I began looking for places to anchor on my first sail. The Navily app (iOS and Android) is a great source of up-to-date information on anchorage conditions. It will tell you if the anchorage is comfortable when the wind comes from a specific direction, the depth of the water and hazards to look out for. Users can comment on locations and provide accurate insider information too. Helpful information such as obstructions, port entries, ease of anchoring and potential dangers. The website and app also provide information on marinas if you prefer to rent a mooring or berth in a marina. Marina listings show facilities, size restrictions for boats, office opening hours and VHF channels. A great site for anchorage, marina and location information.
Follow Navily on Instagram.
Inspiration and adventure
I got into sailing blogs during my research process. And indeed, I still watch them from time to time. If it’s inspiration and destinations you want, these blogs will have you salivating. The top three are of course Sailing SV Delos, Sailing La Vagabonde and Sailing Uma. I’ve been told these are the 3 blogs every budding sailor should watch. I will, however, list three others that you may or may not have heard of that are just as easy on the eyes and ears.
MJ Sailing
Matt and Jessica are an American couple who were teenage sweethearts and have sailed full-time since 2012, documenting the journey on their website. Much of their sailing is US-based (Bahamas, Cuba, Central and South America), but they have also crossed the Atlantic twice. Lots of tips and guides and travel destination content. They previously owned two monohulls but are now building their own catamaran. Which many well-known sailing bloggers seem to be doing of late.
Follow MJ Sailing on YouTube.
Sailing Nandji
The creators of this blog are an Australian couple who have been sailing full time since 2016 with a dog and now with a baby. Sailing around the Pacific and Australia, they have had some great adventures as well as some pretty dangerous ones. They are an upbeat and fun couple who have covered a variety of topics. These include posts and videos about being pregnant while sailing, building rudders, sailing on a budget and of course stunning destinations. If Langkawi, Java, Malacca Straits and oodles of aqua blue seas are your thing, then these guys will deliver in bucketloads.
Follow Sailing Nandji on Instagram.
Sailing Ruby Rose
A British and Australian couple who have been sailing full-time since 2015 and posting weekly videos about the experience. Their sailing has been the UK to the Caribbean route: Europe’s Atlantic coast – France, Spain, Portugal, Morocco and the Caribbean. Another sailing blog that has “upgraded” or rather “side graded” to a new catamaran. Lots of technical content as well as the usual sailing and destination stuff. I’ve been watching these guys for a few years now and they’re an easy-to-watch couple.
There are lots of informative blogs, websites, apps and forums about sailing. What you prefer will depend on your level of expertise and what you’re actually looking for. The above are to get you motivated and to give you ideas on where to start. Once you begin you’ll get lost in the rabbit warren of sailing sites. You’ll spend days digging deeper into forums for boat problems and watching blogs for warm-weather destinations. I warn you now, you may get lost and not be seen for days, and that’s before you’ve even begun to set sail 🙂
Fair winds and following seas to you all.
