Join us aboard Sailing Eleutheros for an unforgettable offshore sailing passage as we leave Bermuda and head north across the Atlantic Ocean to Nova Scotia. In this episode, titled "Sheet to Tiller Steering & a Rogue Wave | Sailing Eleutheros EP00", Mark kicks things off at the masthead, completing a project before setting sail. His daughter joins the journey, experiencing her first major bluewater passage - and battling persistent seasickness along the way. For two days, we beat to windward in true offshore fashion, navigating challenging weather conditions. As we reach the Gulf Stream, the current kicks in and we enjoy some exhilarating fast sailing, with dolphins and whales joining us along the way. The raw power and beauty of nature are on full display. Then - in a dramatic turn - Eleutheros falls off the back of a rogue wave at night, momentarily submerging the boat and shocking the crew. This intense moment reminds us of the realities of offshore, off-grid sailing and the unpredictable forces of the ocean. We also dive into our sheet to tiller self-steering system, a simple yet powerful technique for hands-free steering without electronics or windvanes - perfect for long passages and minimalist sailing. If you're passionate about liveaboard life, ocean passagemaking, sailing with family, and sustainable, off-grid travel, this episode is for you. #offshoresailing #liveaboardsailing #roguewave #sailingfamily #sheettotiller

In this episode of Sailing Eleutheros, we set off for a beautiful day sail, making our way to the other end of the harbour to escape strong winds. On another day, we enjoy the freedom of sailing within the harbour before deciding to venture beyond the Town Cut and along the stunning coastline. However, sailing isn't always smooth-fluky winds in the Cut leave us struggling with too little sail up. Without enough power to push through the channel, we find ourselves at a standstill. That's when Mark steps in, deploying the sculling oar to turn Eleutheros around and guide us safely back into the harbor. This episode is a real-world look at the challenges of coastal sailing and maneuvering in tricky conditions. Whether you're an experienced sailor or dreaming of the liveaboard lifestyle, you'll get an up-close look at how we handle unexpected situations under sail. We navigate shifting winds, problem-solve on the water, and rely on traditional sailing skills to keep moving forward. If you love off-grid living, bluewater sailing, and real sailing adventures, this one's for you! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you never miss an episode. #SailingLife #LiveaboardSailing #OffGridAdventure #CruisingSailboat #SailingEleutheros

In this episode of Sailing Eleutheros, we continue our sailing adventure in Bermuda! After Mark's solo offshore passage in the last episode, I reunite with him in St. George's. Before we set sail again, Mark tackles a crucial boat maintenance task-rebedding the port lights with butyl rubber to ensure our sailboat stays dry and seaworthy. Exploring Bermuda, we walk along the stunning coastline, passing by the historic Town Cut-the narrow channel Mark sailed through to enter St. George's Harbour. Along the way, we encounter a lively group of goats running along the road, adding a fun surprise to our adventure! Our journey takes us to the Unfinished Church, a breathtaking ruin that tells a fascinating story of Bermuda's past. Later, we hop on a local bus to Windy Hill Farm on market day, experiencing Bermuda's vibrant local culture. Our return walk along the old railway trail is a nature lover's dream, surrounded by lush tropical foliage. To wrap up this episode, we visit Fort St. Catherine, a historic coastal defense built in 1614, offering incredible ocean views and a glimpse into Bermuda's colonial history. Join us as we sail, explore, and immerse ourselves in the beauty of Bermuda! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more real-life liveaboard sailing adventures. If you enjoy our videos, please consider supporting this content directly. Just follow the PayPal, or Patreon link below: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=NC7ZUUN86MGJ8 https://patreon.com/SailingEleutheros418 #SailingLife #Liveaboard #OffshoreSailing #SailingAdventure #Bermuda #TravelVlog #CruisingSailboat #NatureLover #BoatLife #SailingCouple

Join me on my first-ever single-handed offshore sailing passage as I voyage from Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, to Bermuda! This 10-day solo journey aboard my wooden sailboat takes you deep into the heart of bluewater cruising, offering an authentic glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of liveaboard sailing. Along the way, I encountered unforgettable moments, like a pod of playful dolphins, as well as intense challenges, including navigating through the powerful force of post-tropical storm Oscar-all while sailing alone. Watch as I demonstrate essential offshore sailing techniques, including reefing sails and heaving-to, a vital strategy that kept my boat and me safe during 48 hours of storm conditions. Whether you're dreaming of living aboard a sailboat, planning your first offshore passage, or fascinated by the world of traditional wooden sailboats, this video has something for you. Learn tips for handling heavy weather, gain insight into life at sea, and experience the beauty, wildlife, and challenges of single-handed offshore cruising. If you're passionate about sailing adventures, bluewater cruising, and learning how to live aboard, don't miss this exciting solo passage to Bermuda! Subscribe for more sailing adventures, tips on liveaboard life, and life aboard wooden sailboats. https://m.youtube.com/@eleutheros?sub_confirmation=1 If you enjoy our videos, please consider supporting this content directly. Just follow the PayPal, or Patreon link below: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=NC7ZUUN86MGJ8 https://patreon.com/SailingEleutheros418 #Sailing #OffshorePassage #WoodenBoats #HeavyWeatherSailing #Dolphins #OceanWildlife #HeavingTo #SingleHandedSailing

In this episode of Sailing Eleutheros, Mark dives into the critical process of making and installing reefing gear for the mainsail, an essential task for safe and efficient offshore sailing. With the upcoming journey south to Bermuda, proper reefing is key to handling unpredictable weather conditions. Watch as we tackle this vital step in preparing our live-aboard sailboat for offshore cruising. Whether you're a seasoned sailor, dreaming of living aboard, or planning your first offshore passage, this episode is packed with practical tips and insights into reefing-a cornerstone of safe sailing. Discover how to "reef early, reef often" to keep your crew and vessel secure during challenging conditions. Join us as we continue our journey aboard Eleutheros, a sailboat designed for adventure. Subscribe for more episodes of live-aboard life, cruising preparations, and the joys of sailing the open seas. If you enjoy our videos, please consider supporting this content directly. Just follow the PayPal, or Patreon link below: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=NC7ZUUN86MGJ8 https://patreon.com/SailingEleutheros418 #reefing #ropeclutch #offshore #woodenboat #woodenboatbuilding #sailboat #Sailing #LiveAboard #CruisingLife #OffshoreSailing #SailingPreparation #MainsailReefing #LiveAboardSailing #SailingTips #BluewaterCruising

Enjoy this 4K fireplace for Christmas and the new year. #christmasfireplace #fireplace #sailboat If you enjoy our videos, please consider supporting this content directly. Just follow the PayPal, or Patreon link below: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=NC7ZUUN86MGJ8 https://patreon.com/SailingEleutheros418

In this episode of Sailing Eleutheros, we continue our liveaboard sailing adventure along the stunning Nova Scotia coastline. Departing from Blind Bay, we sail to picturesque Mahone Bay and anchor near the beautiful Graves Island Provincial Park. After a few peaceful days at anchor, we take advantage of favorable winds to head for historic Lunenburg. However, the journey isn't without its challenges! What starts as a promising sail quickly turns into a rough day, testing our skills and determination aboard Dad's boat. Experience the highs and lows of coastal cruising, from serene anchorages to changing coastal weather. This video is perfect for anyone passionate about liveaboard sailing, coastal cruising, and learning how to handle rough conditions on the water. Whether you're dreaming of living aboard, love wooden boats, or are curious about Nova Scotia's stunning cruising grounds, this episode has something for you. Subscribe for more sailing adventures, tips for liveaboard life, and the joys of life under sail. If you enjoy our videos, please consider supporting this content directly. Just follow the PayPal, or Patreon link below: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=NC7ZUUN86MGJ8 https://patreon.com/SailingEleutheros418 #Sailing #LiveAboard #CoastalCruising #MahoneBay #NovaScotiaSailing #RoughSailing #WoodenBoats #sailingadventures

In this episode we continue sailing along the Nova Scotia coast. Jeshua our youngest son is visiting for a couple of weeks and enjoys learning how to sail. Mark discusses how much he likes the ketch rig and the benefits of the mizzen sail. We stop and anchor in Blind Bay, one of our favourite anchorages. Four days later we sail on? If you enjoy our videos, please consider supporting this content directly. Just follow the PayPal, or Patreon link below: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=NC7ZUUN86MGJ8 https://patreon.com/SailingEleutheros418

Find out where Eleutheros is heading this fall. If you enjoy our videos, please consider supporting this content directly. Just follow the PayPal, or Patreon link below: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=NC7ZUUN86MGJ8 https://patreon.com/SailingEleutheros418

We continue our sail through Halifax Harbour and anchor near the Dartmouth Yacht Club, in the Bedford Basin. Mark discusses why we sail engineless. As always we are busy with projects, and Mark replaces the hinges on the portable Renogy solar panel. We welcome our youngest son aboard for his first ever sail on dad's sailboat. Finally we leave Halifax for more sailing adventure. If you enjoy our videos, please consider supporting this content directly. Just follow the PayPal, or Patreon link below: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=NC7ZUUN86MGJ8 https://patreon.com/SailingEleutheros418

In this episode we completely loose the wind and scull 2 miles in the fog, to our anchorage behind Taylor Island. The next morning we carry on sailing to a very protected anchorage south of Clarks Island. We enjoyed exploring the rocky shoreline and Mark takes on some projects. When we leave Clark's Island we start in light wind and when the wind picks up we enjoy a fast broad reach sail. If you enjoy our videos, please consider supporting this content directly. Just follow the PayPal, or Patreon link below: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=NC7ZUUN86MGJ8 https://patreon.com/SailingEleutheros418

In this episode we anchor beside Graves Island Provincal Park,Nova Scotia. While we were there for a few days we walked on a trail into Chester to pick up some groceries. We popped into a local train station museum, a cafe and took a walk along the water front. We enjoyed the mixed forest on our way back along the trail. Lastly we checked out an antique store where I did find a nice plater for behind the sink! If you enjoy our videos, please consider supporting this content directly. Just follow the PayPal, or Patreon link below: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=NC7ZUUN86MGJ8 https://patreon.com/SailingEleutheros418

In this episode we carry on sailing from Lunenburg Nova Scotia and make our way into Mahone Bay. The Bay has many small islands and protected anchorages. A great bay to explore! Mark finishes lighting projects and we are happy to put away the clamp lamps. In the evenings we spend some time exploring an island above and below the water! If you enjoy our videos, please consider supporting this content directly. Just follow the PayPal, or Patreon link below: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=NC7ZUUN86MGJ8 https://patreon.com/SailingEleutheros418

In this episode Mark has a few jobs he wants to complete before leaving Lunenburg Harbour. First he tensions the spring stay, then in the afternoon he stitches leather onto the oar lock. A nice breeze picks up in the evening, so we head out for a relaxing evening sail. Finally, it's time to sail away? If you enjoy our videos, please consider supporting this content directly. Just follow the PayPal, or Patreon link below: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=NC7ZUUN86MGJ8 https://patreon.com/SailingEleutheros418

In this episode we are getting ready to leave Lunenburg Harbour. Mark works on the ground tackle. He added new chain and depth markers on the anchor rode. He also added snap shackles to jib halyards, and Genoa sheets. I head out for a walk to shop for supplies and enjoy the afternoon in Lunenburg. If you enjoy our videos, please consider supporting this content directly. Just follow the PayPal, or Patreon link below: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=NC7ZUUN86MGJ8 https://patreon.com/SailingEleutheros418

In this episode we sail past the Ovens Natural Park so we could see the caves along the shore. Before leaving our little sister ship sails behind us on the way to her mooring, she is a Francis Herreshoff design number 99 Wagon Box. As we are leaving the Picton Castle sails into Lunenburg Harbour, on her return from a circumnavigation of the world. This was the first real test for the main sail. It was a lovely day of sailing. The next day we tested out our solar oven for the first time. Excellent results! If you enjoy our videos, please consider supporting this content directly. Just follow the PayPal, or Patreon link below: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=NC7ZUUN86MGJ8 https://patreon.com/SailingEleutheros418

We sailed out of Lunenburg Bay on our wooden ketch and headed around Cross Island. We used our new genoa for the first time. We were pleased! We had a good wind and a fast sail. The next day Mark put up a set of reading lights in the settee. Wiring them up is yet to be done! If you enjoy our videos, please consider supporting this content directly. Just follow the PayPal, or Patreon link below: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=NC7ZUUN86MGJ8 https://patreon.com/SailingEleutheros418

In this episode Cindy oils the Jatoba galley counter and the top of the chart table. Next Mark attached the name boards back onto Eleutheros so she is no longer a mystery boat. Finally Mark bends on the new genoa and it fits well! Eventually we look forward to sailing with our new suit of sails. If you enjoy our videos, please consider supporting this content directly. Just follow the PayPal, or Patreon link below: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=NC7ZUUN86MGJ8 https://patreon.com/SailingEleutheros418

We continue getting ready for launch day and moving back onto the boat. Mark adds two coats of varnish to the top sides, bottom paint and other necessary small jobs. Before launching the boat Mark puts out an anchor so he could pull the boat out of the slip since Eleutheros is engineless! Once we are ready, we head out for a two hour sail on the Lunenburg Bay. On Saturday morning, Mark bends on the new main sail but finds out an adjustment is needed! If you enjoy our videos, please consider supporting this content directly. Just follow the PayPal, or Patreon link below: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=NC7ZUUN86MGJ8 https://patreon.com/SailingEleutheros418

In this episode we are back working on the boat every day until launch day. Mark is working on varnish touch ups, sanding the topsides and begins the first coat of varnish. In the interior the sink and plumbing are completed. Soon we will be back on the water! If you enjoy our videos, please consider supporting this content directly. Just follow the PayPal, or Patreon link below: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=NC7ZUUN86MGJ8 https://patreon.com/SailingEleutheros418