Watch our worst undocking attempt ever. We’re supposed to be sailing to Winter Cove on Saturna Island. Living on a sailboat does not mean that sailing goes smoothly. Eventually, in this video, we do get away from Pender Island. But operating an old wooden sailboat has a way of turning a simple plan into something considerably less simple. Before we can get underway, there are jobs to finish aboard "W. Grebe", our vintage wooden gaff-rigged sailboat. There is always something that needs fixing, adjusting, checking, or figuring out — and this morning is no exception. We also introduce you into the continuing saga of "Bluey", our new 1981 Volkswagen Westfalia. Bluey, on her first day with us, reminded us that owning temperamental old machines is a lifestyle choice. And then Mary and I have to actually get the boat off the dock. We’ve lived aboard together long enough to know that leaving a dock can occasionally expose some… differences in communication style. This departure is one of those occasions. There’s no manufactured drama here. No pretending that living aboard and sailing together is endlessly romantic. Sometimes you’re tired. Sometimes somebody gives an instruction that makes perfect sense to them and absolutely no sense to the other person. Sometimes voices get a little sharper than intended. And then you get clear of the dock, hoist the sails, and remember why you’re doing all of this in the first place. Our destination is "Winter Cove on Saturna Island", in British Columbia’s Southern Gulf Islands. Winter Cove sits beside Boat Passage, the narrow stretch of water separating Saturna Island from Samuel Island and the Strait of Georgia beyond. It’s one of those places that reminds us how extraordinary this little corner of the Pacific Northwest really is — islands, tidal passages, old forests, rocky shorelines and anchorages that have been used by people travelling these waters for generations. This channel is increasingly about what happens when we give ourselves a reason to go somewhere. Not simply “we sailed to another anchorage,” but the projects, problems, weather, history, people, food and unexpected moments that happen along the way. Sometimes the interesting part of a voyage happens long before you reach the destination. This was one of those days. --- ABOUT W. GREBE W. Grebe is our classic wooden gaff-rigged sailing boat and our home. She was built on Denman Island, British Columbia, by Herbert Havelaar and is based on Harrison Butler’s Khamseen design. She carries a traditional gaff mainsail and topsail along with her headsails, and she is powered — when the wind refuses to cooperate — by an old Sabb diesel with a variable-pitch propeller. Living aboard an older wooden boat means sailing is only part of the story. Maintenance is constant. There are traditional systems to understand, wood to look after, rigging to inspect, mechanical problems to solve and an endless collection of small jobs that somehow become large jobs. That’s part of why we love her. ABOUT THIS CHANNEL I’m John Fraser. For most of my life, the outdoors has been where I’ve felt most at home. I’ve worked as a farmer, guide and outfitter, fly-fishing instructor, writer and filmmaker, and much of my work has revolved around wild food and the landscapes that produce it. These days, Mary and I live aboard W. Grebe in British Columbia’s Southern Gulf Islands. This channel follows that life — but I’m interested in more than simply documenting where we went. I want these films to have a reason for leaving the dock. A challenge. A destination. A question. A piece of history. Something to find, learn, catch, gather, fix or accomplish. Along the way there will be sailing, wooden boats, island communities, wild food, fishing, foraging, history, people and the occasional mechanical disaster. And sometimes a 1981 Volkswagen Westfalia that refuses to cooperate. --- Chapters 0:00 Uncovering the hidden engine bay 6:30 Brightening up the dark storage alcove 8:15 Restoring the head ventilation 11:02 Preparing the vessel for departure 17:39 Reflecting on a rough undocking 24:29 A perfect sail to Winter Cove --- If you enjoy traditional sailing, wooden boats, remote places, wild food and stories about what actually happens when people decide to go somewhere difficult or interesting, consider subscribing. And if you’re already following along, thank you. It means a great deal to us. Sailing • Wild Food • Remote Places • Adventure #Sailing #SailboatLife #WoodenBoat #SaturnaIsland #WinterCove #GulfIslands #Liveaboard #SailingBC #BritishColumbia #GaffRig #TraditionalSailing #VWWestfalia #VanLife

While underway, Mary brings you aboard our classic wood sailboat, the W. Grebe. Listen to the constant chugging of the old Sabb diesel and feel the warmth of our little wooden home. Welcome aboard! #sailing #livingonasailboat #tinyhome #adventuretime

Sailboat living in British Columbia's Southern Gulf Islands gives us access to some remarkable places. This time, a few days aboard W. Grebe led to hiking the old homestead orchards of Prevost Island. Mary and I sailed our classic wooden gaff-rigged sailboat to Prevost Island with no particular agenda. We found a quiet anchorage, went ashore for a walk, and ended up following traces of the people who homesteaded here long ago—old orchards, abandoned farms, forgotten clearings and fruit trees still growing wild in the forest. It was supposed to be nothing more than a quiet couple of days away. That's one of the things I like about sailboat living. The sailing gets us somewhere, but often what happens after we drop the anchor becomes the story. W. Grebe is our home. She's a classic wooden sailboat with a traditional gaff rig, and Mary and I live aboard her in the Southern Gulf Islands of British Columbia. From here, we explore the islands and coast by sail, finding quiet anchorages and going ashore to see what's there. Sometimes that's hiking through an old homestead. Sometimes it's fishing, gathering wild food, exploring a beach or following some small clue in the landscape simply because we want to know where it leads. Living aboard a sailboat has changed the scale at which we explore. A place doesn't have to be famous or dramatic to be worth visiting. Prevost Island is only a short sail from home, but travelling there aboard an old wooden boat, anchoring for the night and exploring on foot makes it feel very different from simply arriving somewhere by road. That's increasingly what I want these films to be about. Not just sailing. Not just destinations. They're about living a little more deliberately and remaining curious about the places around us. There will certainly be plenty of sailing British Columbia's coast aboard Grebe. There will also be traditional sailing and old wooden boats, hiking, wild food, fly fishing, remote places, natural history and the people and stories connected to these landscapes. Some adventures will happen almost within sight of home. Others will eventually take us much farther away. For now, we're exploring the Southern Gulf Islands and the Salish Sea—one anchorage, island and unexpected discovery at a time. ABOUT W. GREBE W. Grebe is a classic wooden gaff-rigged sailboat and our full-time home. She is based in the Southern Gulf Islands on Canada's Pacific coast. Living aboard Grebe gives Mary and me a way to explore British Columbia by sail and to spend more time in the landscapes that have always interested me. This channel follows our life aboard her rather than simply documenting passages from one harbour to another. Sailing is part of it, but so is everything the boat allows us to reach. ABOUT THIS TRIP We sailed W. Grebe through the Southern Gulf Islands to Prevost Island, British Columbia, where we anchored for a couple of days and went hiking ashore. Prevost still carries traces of its agricultural and homesteading history. Old orchards, farm sites and fruit trees remain scattered through a landscape that has largely returned to forest. We didn't set out specifically looking for them. We simply started walking and followed what we found. That's exactly the sort of day I hope to have more of. ABOUT THIS CHANNEL I'm John Fraser. I've spent much of my life outdoors—fly fishing, hunting, gathering wild food and learning to pay attention to landscapes and the things living in them. Now Mary and I live aboard W. Grebe in coastal British Columbia. This channel is where those parts of my life come together: sailboat living, traditional sailing, wooden boats, hiking, wild food, fishing and exploring the coast. It isn't intended to be a conventional sailing channel or a highlight reel of constant adventure. It's simply a record of the life we're choosing to live and the things we find interesting along the way. If that sounds like your kind of thing, subscribe and come along. CHAPTERS 00:00 - Preparing to set sail 01:20 - Starting the old diesel 02:00 - Underway 05:19 - Failed anchor at Portland Island 11:29 - Setting sail for Provost Island 12:20 - Anchored at Provost Island 12:40 - Going Hiking 17:12 - Huge Maple Tree 18:29 - Finding the Ancient Orchard 23:40 - Going Home MORE FROM ME Food Afield — wild food, field knowledge and stories from the natural world https://foodafield.substack.com/podcast Instagram — Food Afield https://www.instagram.com/foodafield/ #SailboatLiving #Hiking #SailingBritishColumbia

Food Afield Podcast – Field Note: Purging Clams You dug the clams. Now what? One of the most common questions from new shellfish harvesters is what to do once the clams come home. In this Field Note episode, John Fraser takes a closer look at the process of purging clams, why people do it, what it actually accomplishes, and some of the misconceptions surrounding it. You’ll learn: * What purging is and why it matters * Whether purging removes contaminants or simply reduces grit * How clams feed and filter water * Different approaches to purging shellfish at home * Common mistakes that can kill your harvest before it reaches the table * Practical handling tips to improve eating quality This short Field Note episode fills in one of the gaps left from our clam harvesting documentary and provides practical information for anyone interested in gathering shellfish for themselves. Food Afield is a documentary-style podcast exploring wild food, traditional skills, hunting, fishing, foraging, and the stories that connect people to the landscapes they inhabit. Listen wherever you get your podcasts. Host: John Fraser Follow along on Instagram: @johnfraserswildlife If you enjoyed the episode, consider following the show and leaving a rating or review. It helps more people discover the world of wild food. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit foodafield.substack.com (https://foodafield.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

Clams of the Pacific Coast At low tide, the Pacific coast reveals one of the most reliable food systems in North America. In this episode of Food Afield, John Fraser heads onto the beaches of the Gulf Islands to gather butter clams and basket cockles while exploring the deeper history of shellfish harvesting along the coast. This is not simply a conversation about digging clams. It is a look at tides, seasonal knowledge, coastal food systems, and the long relationship between people and intertidal ecosystems. The episode explores: How tides shape food access on the Pacific coast Butter clams and basket cockles Reading productive beaches The difference between gathering and random searching Shell middens and Indigenous sea gardens Why shellfish became such reliable coastal protein Clam preparation and handling The atmosphere and sound of harvesting food from the edge of the Pacific Food Afield is a documentary-style exploration of wild food ingredients — hunted, fished, and foraged in their season. Hosted by wilderness guide and writer John Fraser. Subscribe for future episodes covering wild ingredients, seasonal gathering, field skills, and food culture from the Pacific coast and beyond. #FoodAfield #WildFood #ClamDigging #Foraging #PacificCoast This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit foodafield.substack.com (https://foodafield.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

Today we finally take W. Grebe, our old wooden sailboat, out under sail for the very first time. We raise the main, test the foresail, get a visit from The Reluctant Adventurer, and—of course—make a few mistakes along the way, including a potentially large docking near-miss that taught us a lot about how this boat handles in weird conditions. Of course, because this is a first time for something important with the boat, we are joined by Rick and Anna @WhatsNext-acrc You know things are interesting when Rick is involved. This series documents the honest, real process of learning an unfamiliar boat, fixing what needs fixing, and getting her ready for winter cruising and a larger journey to Scotland and beyond. If you want to support the journey, you can join the channel as a paid member. And if that’s not possible right now, liking, subscribing, or sharing helps more than you know. John's sailing jacket: https://amzn.to/3WZdXBd This is an affiliate link. John will receive a small commission on the sale of this item. 🪶 About the Channel I’m John Fraser. I walked away from a comfortable life to see what’s left when you strip things down to the essentials—wind, water, and work. This channel is the record of that choice: a slow effort to build a life that’s more honest, and a little more wild. 📸 Follow the Journey Instagram — @johnfraserswildlife If you want to support the work I’m doing here, consider joining the channel as a paid member. It helps me keep making these videos. And if that’s not in the budget, a like, share, or subscribe means more than you know. //www.youtube.com/channel/UCG6diCN-nm_nUS-BS-hJHTA/join Chapters: 00:00 – Sailing Grebe for the first time! 01:30 – Sails go up 04:32 – Foresail goes up 07:59 – The Reluctant Adventurer pays us a visit 08:35 – Docking mishap!

Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG6diCN-nm_nUS-BS-hJHTA/join My first outing with W. Grebe. Rick @WhatsNext-acrc and I take the sailboat out into the channel to test the adjustable prop and get a better feel for how she handles out in the open. In this video, I take a step back to reflect on the past two years of life changes, the lessons learned, and the new direction I’m carving out for my adventures and this channel. While we’re not out fishing this time, I share my thoughts on returning to fly fishing, planning purposeful sailing trips, and preparing for winter adventures in nature. This is a behind-the-scenes look at how I approach adventure with intention, blending the joy of fly fishing, sailing to remote spots, soaking in hot springs, and foraging for wild food. I also dive into the practical side of things—cleaning fly lines, organizing gear, and setting the mental framework for purposeful exploration. Whether you’re a fly fisherman, sailor, adventurer, or simply someone looking to reclaim passion and purpose in your life, this video gives a mix of reflection, practical insight, and inspiration for planning your own adventures. What You’ll See in This Video: Moving the Grebe to the Winter Slip – Boat prep and winter planning Returning to Fly Fishing – Thoughts on getting back to the roots of why I fell in love with fly fishing, with clips from From The Wild https://www.fromthewild.ca/ Life Change Challenge – Reflections on personal growth and challenges over the last two years New Channel Direction – How I’m integrating sailing, adventure, hot springs, and fly fishing into a cohesive lifestyle channel Winter Fly Fishing Gear Prep – Cleaning lines, organizing gear, and setting up for the season Purposeful Sailing – Using sailing not just for adventure, but to reach fishing spots, hot springs, and wild foods with intention I talk openly about what it’s like to shift direction in life and content, the lessons I’ve learned from setbacks and successes, and how focusing on purpose, preparation, and passion can make every adventure more meaningful. If you’re looking for inspiration for your own life, tips on planning your next adventure, or just a peek into the process of returning to the activities you love, this video is for you. Why Watch: Gain insight into creating a purposeful adventure lifestyle. Learn how to prep for winter fly fishing and sailing trips. Get inspired to reflect on your own life changes and growth. See a behind-the-scenes look at the planning and mindset that goes into meaningful outdoor experiences. Chapters: 00:00 – Intro Highlights – Quick preview of the video 00:36 – Moving the Grebe – Winter slip preparations 07:22 – Returning to Fly Fishing – Reflections and past footage 09:39 – Life Change Challenge – Lessons from the past two years 11:15 – New Channel Direction – Adventure, sailing, hot springs, and fly fishing 12:49 – Getting Started – Preparing gear and mindset for the season 13:06 – Winter Fly Fishing Prep – Cleaning lines and organizing gear 17:00 – Purposeful Sailing – Using sailing to reach wild destinations Connect & Follow: Website: rewildtheman.com Instagram: @rewild_the_man YouTube: Subscribe for more adventure, fly fishing, and sailing content Adventure isn’t just about what you do—it’s about how you approach it. Planning, preparation, and purpose make the difference between a trip and a meaningful experience. Let’s get ready for winter, the adventures ahead, and the life changes that push us to grow.

Our liveaboard sailboat tour! Each day we get closer to casting off—but there’s still a mountain of work to do before we can sail north toward Scotland. In this video, I’ll show you around the inside of our sailboat—the small, well-worn space that’s becoming home. A lot of you have been asking for an interior tour, so here it is: the galley, the berth, the storage, and all the corners where we’ve tried to make a simple life work on the water. Along the way, I’ll talk a bit about what still needs fixing, the jobs left before we can leave, and what it really feels like to live aboard while preparing for a long voyage. If you’re new here, this channel follows our slow, rugged journey toward a wilder, freer life—one small repair, one storm, and one sunrise at a time. You are the reason we create this content. If you want to help keep these stories alive and be part of this journey, you can join the crew — it’s the support from this small community that keeps the wind in the sails and the cameras rolling. You can join right here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG6diCN-nm_nUS-BS-hJHTA/join Here is the channel that inspires me. @AlluringArctic Juho and his partner Sohvi live on their sailboat and sail arctic waters. It is a wonderful channel and they seem like wonderful people. We won't copy them...but I admire what they do. ⚓ Chapters 00:00 - Intro 00:55 - Pilot House 02:31 - The Galley 05:29 - The Navigation Desk 07:20 - Dining 08:54 - Wine Cellar 09:15 - The Quarter Berths 09:54 - Forward Berth 13:10 - The Big Picture 🪶 About the Channel I’m John Fraser. I walked away from a comfortable life to see what’s left when you strip things down to the essentials—wind, water, and work. This channel is the record of that choice: a slow effort to build a life that’s more honest, and a little more wild. 📸 Follow the Journey Instagram — @johnfraserswildlife

Step inside our old wooden sailboat, W. Grebe. In this video, I take you through the pilot house — the heart of this old sailing vessel — and show the electronic controls, navigation systems, and the unique variable pitch propeller setup that makes Grebe handle so differently under power. This is a quiet look at life aboard a classic wooden boat. You’ll see where I helm the boat, how the engine controls work, and what it’s like to live and work on a small yacht built for real, practical seamanship. The pilot house is more than just a wheel and throttle — it’s the command centre for everything that happens on board. We're starting to think about the logistics of sailing W. Grebe to Scotland! In this episode: 00:00 – Preview 00:21 - Rainy Weekend 02:00 - Ancient Radar 05:13 - Join The Community 05:55 - Echo Sounder 06:51 - Radio 07:40 - Traditional Navigation 08:57 - The NW Passage 09:40 - Getting To Scotland 11:00 - How I Pilot Grebe 11:53 - Variable Pitch Prop The Grebe isn’t a modern yacht — she’s a working piece of local maritime history. The variable pitch propeller is an interesting system that lets the skipper adjust blade pitch instead of engine RPM to control thrust. It’s smooth, efficient, but difficult to master at marina-speed. For those who’ve followed my channel, you’ll know I live aboard full-time. Every video I share is filmed and edited here on this boat — powered by the same systems you’ll see in this video. It’s a slower, more deliberate way of living: learning the old skills, understanding the sea, and keeping a vessel like this alive through care and curiosity. If you’re new here, welcome aboard. I make films about: Sailing to Scotland Wooden sailboat restoration Life aboard a sailboat Traditional seamanship and navigation Quiet moments at sea The art of living simply and deliberately Every week I share a glimpse into this life — sometimes a repair, sometimes a meal, sometimes a quiet passage across calm water. If you enjoy this kind of storytelling, subscribe and help keep this channel afloat. ⚓ About Grebe Grebe is a 1970s-era wooden gaff-rigged sailing yacht — heavy, seaworthy, and built for coastal cruising and exploration. Her variable pitch propeller system, diesel engine, and wheelhouse layout reflect a different era of craftsmanship — one where boats were designed to be understood and maintained by their captains. 🧭 Support the Channel If you want to help keep these projects going, here are a few ways to do that: 👉 Subscribe and share this video with someone who loves wooden boats. 👉 Comment below — I read every one. 👉 Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG6diCN-nm_nUS-BS-hJHTA/join

This episode marks a milestone — my first solo move aboard W. Grebe, our classic wooden sailboat. I start the classic Sabb diesel engine and test the variable-pitch propeller while moving her to a new slip. A little bit of mayhem at the final moments! The Norwegian Sabb diesel is an unusual engine — hand-crankable, simple, and built like a tank. Starting it is unorthodox but deeply satisfying. With the variable-pitch prop, docking requires finesse rather than throttle. It’s a learning curve, but everything works smoothly as Grebe moves under her own power once again. If you’re into traditional boats, slow engineering, or bringing old vessels back to life, you’ll enjoy this one. Chapters: 00:00 Intro 00:28 Starting the Sabb diesel 07:42 The engine lives 08:22 Variable pitch prop spinning 08:48 Adjustable pitch propeller 10:34 Moving Grebe to a new slip 15:05 Docking mayhem 18:14 The Grebe has landed Watch more: 🪚 Rebuilding W. Grebe playlist → https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDLZJ5v1wVfBab4iCZ07j3vnJy_I6nJQM ⚓ Instagram: @johnfraserswildlife Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG6diCN-nm_nUS-BS-hJHTA/join

Today marks a huge milestone for W. Grebe — her sails are finally going up for the very first time! With Rick’s help (@WhatsNext-acrc ) we figured out how to hoist her gaff-rigged sails, and while it wasn’t all smooth sailing, this is the moment she truly became a sailboat again. ⛵ Grebe is a classic wooden gaff-rigged sailboat, built on Denman Island, BC. She’s been a project of restoration, repair, and learning for years, and today we crossed an important threshold: seeing her sails rise and feeling the boat come alive. Hoisting a gaff-rigged sail is no small task — the lines, the blocks, the coordination — it all takes practice, teamwork, and patience. This video captures the first step toward our ultimate goal: sailing Grebe across the Atlantic to Scotland. Every milestone, every lesson learned, and every moment on this journey is being shared here so you can follow along. Whether you’re a sailor, a wooden boat enthusiast, or just love following adventure and craftsmanship, there’s something here for you. In this video, you’ll see: The preparation and planning required to hoist a gaff-rigged sail The teamwork between Rick and me as we figure out the rigging The challenges and small victories along the way Grebe’s sails finally rising and the boat coming alive By following this channel, you’ll get a front-row seat to: The ongoing restoration of Grebe Learning and mastering classic sailboat techniques The planning, trials, and excitement of a long sailing journey The moment-by-moment progression as we prepare for the Atlantic crossing to Scotland oo:oo - Eddie Visits! 00:24 - Early Days on Grebe 01:00 - Gaff Rigging Explained 02:07 - Foresails 06:37 - Mainsails 10:45 - Buttoning Up Every step of this project is a lesson in patience, skill, and the joy of classic sailing. Our hope is to inspire other boat enthusiasts, adventurers, and anyone chasing a long-term goal to see the value in persistence, careful planning, and celebrating milestones along the way. If you enjoy following the restoration of classic wooden sailboats, the challenges of sailing gaff-rigged vessels, or simply want to join us on this unique journey to Scotland, hit Subscribe and turn on notifications so you don’t miss any updates. ⬇ Stay connected with us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnfraserswildlife/ Thanks for following along — every like, comment, and share helps keep this journey going. We’re just getting started, and there’s a lot more adventure ahead. From raising the first sails to preparing for open-water sailing, you won’t want to miss a single step of Grebe’s journey. Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG6diCN-nm_nUS-BS-hJHTA/join

After a couple of weeks of boat work on the hard, our wooden sailboat W. Grebe finally returns to the Pacific. In this episode, we wrap up the last jobs before launch: fresh bottom paint, checking and replacing zincs, and testing the electrical bonding system. These are the unglamorous but essential parts of owning a classic boat — the work that keeps her safe, sound, and ready for sea. This video covers: - Applying new bottom paint to protect the hull - Inspecting and replacing the zincs (sacrificial anodes) - Testing the electrical bonding to make sure the system works properly - Final checks before the launch - The big moment: W. Grebe’s first splash back into the water For anyone who’s owned or loved a wooden sailboat, you know the mix of nerves and joy on launch day. She’s been blocked up on the hard for weeks, maybe months, and suddenly she’s rolling toward the travel lift. The straps tighten, the boat rises, and then — she’s floating again! For us, this isn’t just another maintenance job. W. Grebe is part of a much bigger story. She’s a classic wood gaff-rigged sailboat, built here in British Columbia. Mary and I are preparing her for the voyage of a lifetime — to sail her from Canada across the Atlantic Ocean to Scotland. Every bit of sanding, painting, and testing brings us closer to that horizon. We’ve learned that the romance of wooden sailboat life is built on days like this. It’s not all sunsets and sails — it’s also antifouling paint, zinc dust on your hands, and double-checking wires in the bilge. The truth is: without these small victories, the bigger adventures never happen. If you’re new here, welcome aboard. This channel is where we share the real process of living with and sailing a wooden boat — the work, the adventure, and the dream of crossing an ocean together. If you love: Classic wooden boats Gaff-rigged sailboats Restoration projects Real sailing life in the Pacific Northwest Stories of preparing for amazing adventures …then you’re in the right place. We’re based now on Vancouver Island, Canada, and every video adds another piece to the journey. Whether it’s sanding and painting on the hard, rigging the sails, or setting out into the Pacific, this is all part of the same story: keeping W. Grebe alive, seaworthy, and moving closer to Scotland. 👉 If you enjoy this video, hit subscribe and follow along as we prepare W. Grebe for her voyage. Each week we’ll share the next step — sometimes it’s hands-on restoration, sometimes it’s sailing, sometimes it’s just us figuring out how to live this life afloat. ⚓ Thank you for being here and supporting this adventure. We don’t take it lightly. Every comment, like, and share helps keep the momentum alive as we work toward that bigger crossing. Chapters: 0:00 – Bottom Paint 04:25 – Replacing the Zincs and Bonding 05:36 – The Travel Lift 08:14 – First Splash: W. Grebe Back in the Water 10:30 – Arriving at Her New Berth About W. Grebe: Type: Wooden gaff-rigged sailboat Built: Denman Island, British Columbia, Canada Design: Harrison Butler Khamseen Mission: Sail her across the Atlantic to Scotland Crew: John & Mary, sharing the reality of wooden boat life Follow the Journey 📸 Instagram – [link to your IG] 🌊 More videos – [link to playlist] ⚓ Support the voyage – [Patreon or Ko-fi if you set one up later] #WoodenBoat #SailboatLaunch #SailingVancouverIsland #BoatRestoration #BottomPaint #Zincs #SailingLife #PacificNorthwest #ClassicBoat Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG6diCN-nm_nUS-BS-hJHTA/join

We've moved onto our new classic wood sailboat! W. Grebe is our new home having just left our sailboat, Vie Sauvage, after 2 unforgettable years aboard. This is the start of a whole new chapter in our sailing journey as we set our sights on Scotland, where Mary and I plan to get married. In this video, I share why we made the switch, say goodbye to Vie Sauvage, and bring you into our new life aboard a classic wooden boat. Along the way, we’ll look back at some of our favorite sailing adventures and explain what’s next for the channel: weekly videos of real-life boat living, sailing, and preparing for an ocean passage. 🌊 What you’ll see in this episode: Saying goodbye to Vie Sauvage Moving aboard our new wooden sailboat, W. Grebe Stories and memories from our past sailing adventures Our plan to sail to Scotland and share the journey weekly This is more than just boat life — it’s about chasing big dreams, finding freedom, and sharing the ups and downs of sailing life with you. ⚓ Follow our story: 👉 Subscribe here for weekly sailing life videos: @johnfraserswildlife 👉 Behind the scenes: @JohnFrasersWildLife 📌 About our channel: We’re John & Mary, living full-time aboard a sailboat and documenting the journey. From learning the ropes on Vie Sauvage to starting fresh on W. Grebe, we share the adventure of living on a boat, maintaining a wooden yacht, and preparing for a transatlantic passage to Scotland. #boatlife #sailboat #classicboat #sailing #sailinglife #sailingcouple #liveaboard #sailingadventure #woodenboat #sailingtosscotland

This week, I take you through island life from the saddle of a motorcycle, the deck of a sailboat, and a story that changed everything. It starts with a beach walk on Vancouver Island, asking a simple question: how can I catch more seafood without a boat? Shoreline foraging is on my mind as I think about living closer to the land—simpler, more self-reliant, and in rhythm with the tides. Then I revisit a critical rigging failure while crossing the Strait of Georgia—when I lost my forestay mid-crossing. A moment that reminded me that the ocean doesn’t care if you’re ready. You either are, or you aren’t. Finally, Mary returns to the boat—and we each tell the story of how we met (separately)! Just real life, and the story of the moment I knew everything was about to change. Timestamps: 00:00 – Beach Walk: Sourcing Seafood 04:25 – Dream Life on Mayne Island 05:42 – The Day I Lost My Forestay 06:55 – Return to Mayne 09:46 – Mary’s Back Onboard 13:27 – Fire Extinguisher Brackets 15:03 – When Mary Met John Comment below: Where would you go to live a simpler life? Sailboat? Off-grid cabin? Motorcycle and a map? How did you meet the love of your life? 🔔 Subscribe for more: - What is it like to live on a sailboat! - Sailing & lessons learned - Real life on the coast - Adventures in self-reliance - Honest stories from the edge - Wild food and self-sufficiency - A love story

What's it like to live on a sailboat with the love of your life? Here’s the whole story so far. https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDLZJ5v1wVfBab4iCZ07j3vnJy_I6nJQM&si=OazxZwCfZoPzMAHv In this video, I sit down to share the raw truth about boat life with Mary - my partner, my crew, and my heart. We talk about the highs, the lows, and what it's like to live in 200 square feet with the ocean as your backyard. The second half of this video shifts into slow TV - real-time footage of us working, tidying, and doing boat chores. No voiceover, just the sounds of the sea, tools clinking, and life unfolding aboard. Whether you're dreaming of boat life or just curious how a couple survives (and thrives) in such a small space, this one's for you. 🛠️ Includes: • Honest interview about boat life • Slow TV of cleaning, organizing, and working together • Peaceful scenes of real off-grid living 📍 Filmed aboard our Vie Sauvage 🎥 No script. Just us. 💙 Come along for the ride - subscribe for more sailing, slow living, and life afloat. 📸 Instagram: @johnfraserwildlife 00:00 – What's on the agenda today? 01:34 - John's last name change 03:44 – When I changed my life 04:56 – Honest answer - life in a tiny home with my forever person 07:09 – What is holding soace for her? 09:03 – The best parts of living in a tiny home with Mary 09:58 – Slow TV: Real-time boat chores & clean-up #SlowLiving #SailingCouple #BoatLife #MinimalistLiving #OffGridLifestyle #TinyBoatBigLove Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG6diCN-nm_nUS-BS-hJHTA/join

We dropped anchor in the southern Gulf Islands, gathered beach wood for a fire in the wood stove, and unplugged for a peaceful night aboard. The next day, we hiked across this wild, mossy island-one of BC's most magical marine parks with a surprising history, Portland Island, Canada. Wrestling the tender onto the dock went horribly wrong… but we still set sail and found peace in Princess Bay. Cozy fire and candlelight dinner, wild hikes, and off-grid life in BC's Gulf Islands. ⛵🌲 Sailing to Portland Island | Tender Almost Fail + A Cozy Night in Princess Bay This adventure did not start smoothly… I wrestled the tender onto the dock, nearly lost it back into the water, and had to scrape it clean before we could even leave. After the chaos, Mary and I set sail through the Southern Gulf Islands to beautiful Portland Island, a remote gem off Vancouver Island in British Columbia. 👉 Watch to the end for the full hike and a look at our off-grid sailing lifestyle. 🌊 Where we went: • Southern Gulf Islands, British Columbia • Princess Bay, Portland Island • Gulf Islands National Park Reserve 🛶 In this episode: • (Almost) Failing to lift the tender • Sailing to a remote anchorage • Building a beach fire • Hiking through Pacific Northwest rainforest 🔥 Subscribe for more sailing, island adventures & off-grid living: [channel link] 📸 Follow John on Instagram for his venture #ReWildTheMan @johnfraserswildlife 💬 Drop a comment-there has to be a better way to clean this dinghy bottom! #SailingBritishColumbia #PortlandIsland #BoatLifeCanada #TenderFail #GulfIslands #OffGridAdventure #SailingLife #CruisingBC #GulfIslandsNationalPark #LiveaboardLife Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG6diCN-nm_nUS-BS-hJHTA/join

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What does it take to leave everything behind and start a new life on the water? In this emotional and inspiring interview, Mary—my partner and the love of my life—shares what it was like spending her first winter living on a sailboat. Mary opens up about the bittersweet decision to leave her home, friends, and family to embrace the challenges and rewards of full-time sailboat life. She talks candidly about the emotional highs and lows of adjusting to liveaboard life, the process of organizing our small space, and how this transition helped to heal old wounds. One of the most powerful parts of this interview is Mary’s message to women and anyone who feels like they’ve waited too long to chase their dreams. Her story is a reminder that it’s never too late to choose yourself, take a leap of faith, and design a life that truly fulfills you. Whether you're curious about the realities of boat living, exploring a minimalist lifestyle, or looking for inspiration from women who’ve reinvented themselves later in life—this video is for you. 🛶 Topics Covered: First winter living on a sailboat Downsizing and organizing small spaces Emotional impact of leaving home and loved ones Embracing change Inspiration for women over 50 Lessons from a life lived differently 💬 Leave a comment if Mary's story resonates with you—we’d love to hear your journey too. 👍 Like & Subscribe for more real-life stories from our sailboat adventure. #LiveaboardLife #SailboatLiving #WomenOver50 #PostMenopauseJourney #MinimalistLiving #BoatLife #LifeAfter50 #TinyLiving #WomenOnTheWater Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG6diCN-nm_nUS-BS-hJHTA/join

Life on a sailboat doesn’t stop when the snow falls. In this episode, we share a winter day living off-grid aboard our sailboat on the west coast of British Columbia. From snow clearing on deck to cooking a cozy pot of chili, and then heading over to Piers Island for a FireSmart BC community forest clean-up, we’re all in for winter weather and wildfire prevention. We joined the amazing residents of Piers Island to help remove forest debris and fallen logs to reduce wildfire risk during the dry season. It's all part of keeping our local islands safe, sustainable, and resilient. Whether you're into sailboat life, off-grid living, or FireSmart BC initiatives, this vlog is packed with real moments from life on (and off) the water. 🔥 Learn more about FireSmart BC: https://firesmartbc.ca 📍 Filmed on Vancouver Island & Piers Island, BC 🥘 Recipe Request? Let us know in the comments if you want Mary’s chili recipe! 📅 New videos weekly: Subscribe and join us for the ride! #livingonasailboat #tinyhouse #sailboatlife #johnfraserswildlife Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG6diCN-nm_nUS-BS-hJHTA/join

Almost two years ago, I made a decision that changed everything. I packed up, drove to the Pacific coast, and bought a sinking $1,500 sailboat. Crazy? Maybe. But I saw potential. Now, after countless hours of hard work, I live aboard with the love of my life, restoring her back to full sailing glory and chasing the dream of full-time adventure at sea. 🌎⚓ This is just the beginning—follow for more sailing, boat life, and off-grid living inspiration! 🏴‍☠️ 📺 New episodes on YouTube! Subscribe to SV Vie Sauvage and join the journey. Link in bio! 🔗✨ #SailingLife #Liveaboard #BoatRestoration #SailingCouple #OffGridLiving #OceanAdventure #BoatLife #PacificNorthwest #SVVieSauvage #SailingJourney