?Ad for @renskibprofessionalyachtca6150 // Giveaway ? We've loved sharing our Christmas calendar with you and hope you've enjoyed getting to know Vela, our plans, and the sailing lifestyle a bit better. Today, we're celebrating the spirit of the sailing community - exploring, learning, and helping each other grow as sailors. That's why we're thrilled to team up with our friends at ?RENSKIB? for a very special Christmas giveaway! ? What you can win: A complete set of RENSKIB's professional polishing products to keep your boat looking amazing! ? How to participate: 1?? Go to Instagram 2?? Follow @just.oceans and @renskibprofessionalyachtcare 3?? Like the Reel on Instagram 4??Tell us which boat you'll use these products on and tag 2 sailor friends who'd love them too! The gift consist of: ?R-110, Gel Coat Cleaner ?R-120, Liquid Rubbing Compound ?R-130 A, Pre Sealer A ?R-140, Shampoo ?R-130 B, Sealer B ? The winner will be announced on December 26th - good luck! Thank you all for being part of this journey. Wishing you fair winds, calm seas, and the merriest of Christmases! ?? ? Music by Sergio Prosvirini from Pixabay #YouTubeShorts #Explore #TravelVlog #Vloggers #DailyLife #ChristmasCalendar #Vlogmas #ChristmasOnBoard #Beneteau44cc #Sailing #Liveaboard #LifeAtSea #TinyLiving #Giveaway

? Sail with Us in 2025! ? Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? In 2025, we're sailing Vela all the way to Greece, exploring France, Spain, Portugal, and Italy along the way. ? Route 1: Learn to navigate busy waters as we sail from Denmark through the North Sea and the English Channel. ?? Route 2: Discover the stunning coasts of France and Spain, following the Bay of Biscay for coastal gems and also for reducing the risk of orca encounters ? Route 3: Taste port wine in Portugal and cross the iconic Strait of Gibraltar into the Med. ? Route 4: Sail along the Mediterranean coasts of Spain, France, and Italy, uncovering hidden treasures. ?? Route 5: Explore historic waterways from Italy to Greece, ending with breathtaking islands. Each leg is about 4 weeks, go secure your spot now at www.just-oceans.com/destinations (link in bio). Adventure awaits-will we see you aboard? ?? ? Music by Sergio Prosvirini from Pixabay #YouTubeShorts #Explore #TravelVlog #Vloggers #DailyLife #ChristmasCalendar #Vlogmas #ChristmasOnBoard #Beneteau44cc #Sailing #Liveaboard #LifeAtSea #TinyLiving #BoatExpenses #Budgeting #Circumnavigation

For the past 3 weeks, we've almost shown you every nook and cranny of Vela, sharing how to live aboard and our plans to upgrade her for our circumnavigation. Today, we're switching gears and talking about the numbers. ? Owning and upgrading a boat isn't cheap, and spoiler alert: we haven't won the lottery or landed big sponsors. This dream is built on years of hard work, planning, and budgeting. ? From yearly expenses like insurance and harbor fees to big upgrades like navigation systems, electric setups, and new sails-being a boat owner comes with a price tag. ?? So, how much does it really cost to buy, maintain, and sail a boat around the world? We break it all down for you in today's episode! ? Can you guess our biggest expense so far? Watch the video to find out, and let us know if you think the cost of boat life is surprising or expected! ? Music by Sergio Prosvirini from Pixabay #YouTubeShorts #Explore #TravelVlog #Vloggers #DailyLife #ChristmasCalendar #Vlogmas #ChristmasOnBoard #Beneteau44cc #Sailing #Liveaboard #LifeAtSea #TinyLiving #BoatExpenses #Budgeting #Circumnavigation

The aft cabin is one of the biggest spaces on Vela, but we still see so much potential to optimize! Here's what we're planning: ?? Extra Storage: We're building cabinets on each side of the bed and adding shelves inside the hanging lockers-because you can never have too much storage for clothes and gear on a boat. ? Desk Transformation: That "make-up table" (seriously, who uses it?) is getting a makeover! We're turning it into a retractable desk with shelves above-perfect for working or planning our next adventures. ?? Ventilating Cupboard Doors: On our nice-to-have list are ventilating doors for better airflow and to prevent condensation-practical and pretty. ? Watermaker Plans: We're considering fitting the membranes for our watermaker under the bed, making good use of otherwise empty space. This cabin is already cozy, but we can't wait to make it even more functional for life on board. What do you think of our plans? Any ideas we should consider? Drop them in the comments! ? ? Music by Sergio Prosvirini from Pixabay #YouTubeShorts #Explore #TravelVlog #Vloggers #DailyLife #ChristmasCalendar #Vlogmas #ChristmasOnBoard #Beneteau44cc #Sailing #Liveaboard #LifeAtSea #TinyLiving

Back in the galley, and we're cooking up some big plans! Here's what we want to optimize: ? Going Fully Electric: With our new lithium batteries and powerful inverter, we're swapping out the old gas stove for an induction cooktop and air fryer oven. This upgrade will take Vela's galley to the next level-and it's all part of going greener and more efficient before we set sail! ? Fridge Upgrade: Our current fridge is the "stack-it-and-hope-for-the-best" type, and let's just say, digging to the bottom for a forgotten yogurt isn't exactly ideal. We're dreaming of a drawer or door-style fridge for better organization and access. These changes are still in development, but we're super excited to bring more comfort and efficiency to life on board. Got any tips or ideas for galley upgrades? We'd love to hear them! Share your thoughts in the comments ?? ? Music by Sergio Prosvirini from Pixabay #YouTubeShorts #Explore #TravelVlog #Vloggers #DailyLife #ChristmasCalendar #Vlogmas #ChristmasOnBoard #Beneteau44cc #Sailing #Liveaboard #LifeAtSea #TinyLiving

Even though we love our salon, we see so much potential to make it even better! Here's what's on our list: ?? Port Side: We've torn down the old cabinets and will build one big, optimized storage cabinet to make better use of the space. ? Dinner Table Upgrade: We're changing the table base so it can be lowered and turned into a cozy bed for Sunday lounging and movie nights. ?? Starboard Side: The lounge chairs will be replaced with a comfy daybed-perfect for relaxing after a long day at sea. ? Washer/Dryer: A washer/dryer is in the works, with plans to install it under the nav station for maximum space efficiency. We're still brainstorming and love hearing your ideas! What would you do to optimize the space? Drop your suggestions in the comments! ?? ? Music by Sergio Prosvirini from Pixabay #YouTubeShorts #Explore #TravelVlog #Vloggers #DailyLife #ChristmasCalendar #Vlogmas #ChristmasOnBoard #Beneteau44cc #Sailing #Liveaboard #LifeAtSea #TinyLiving

Day 18 of our Christmas calendar is all about navigation! ? With our 20-year-old system in need of a major upgrade, we pulled out every single wire and installed a state-of-the-art B&G network. Here's how it works: ?? The Backbone: Our NMEA2000 network runs the length of the boat, connecting all key components: ?? Wind sensor: Real-time wind speed and direction. ? Speed & depth transducer: Critical for safe navigation. ?? Chartplotters: Zeus S 7" at the nav station & Zeus S 12" in the cockpit. ? VHF & AIS: Keeping us connected and safe. ? Victron Ekrano integration: Displays electrical monitoring on our nav instruments. ? Ethernet Network: Some advanced systems connect via Ethernet for seamless updates and integration: ?? HALO Radar & Forward Looking Sonar: For precise situational awareness. ? Internet-connected chartplotters for real-time updates. ? Smart Navigation: From the Precision 9 gyro compass and autopilot computer to the rudder feedback unit, every single component works together for smooth sailing. This setup gives us full control and visibility, ensuring we're ready for any adventure. What's the most exciting feature of this system to you? Let us know in the comments! ? ? Tomorrow, we explore even more of Vela's features-stay tuned! ? Music by Sergio Prosvirini from Pixabay #YouTubeShorts #Explore #TravelVlog #Vloggers #DailyLife #ChristmasCalendar #Vlogmas #ChristmasOnBoard #Beneteau44cc #Sailing #Liveaboard #LifeAtSea

Day 17 of our Christmas calendar dives into something BIG: our new electrical system! ?? This year, we upgraded to a setup that lets us live off-grid for months at a time. Here's what powers Vela: ? 800Ah lithium batteries feeding our Lynx distribution panel. ?? Powers essentials like the 12V DC system, electric winch, anchor windlass, and oil heater. ? MPPT solar charger harnessing energy from the sun. ? 3kW inverter/charger providing AC power wherever we are. ? Future-ready: Plans to add a new engine generator for even more charging efficiency. ?? Fischer Panda genset (8kW) for backup AC power when needed. This system gives us the freedom to run big gadgets like a watermaker, induction cooktop, and maybe even a washing machine (coming soon in the new year!). Check out our animation to see how everything works together! ? Got questions about living off-grid or boat electrical systems? Drop them in the comments! ? ? Join us tomorrow for another peek into life aboard Vela! ? Music by Sergio Prosvirini from Pixabay #YouTubeShorts #Explore #TravelVlog #Vloggers #DailyLife #ChristmasCalendar #Vlogmas #ChristmasOnBoard #Beneteau44cc #Sailing #Liveaboard #LifeAtSea

While Vela is on land, we get the perfect opportunity to show you everything beneath the waterline! Let's take a closer look: ? The Rudder: A spade rudder gives us excellent steering capabilities, but its design makes it more sensitive to impacts compared to a skeg rudder. ?? The Propeller: Our Max Prop automatic feathering propeller adjusts itself when we sail, reducing drag and letting us glide faster through the water. ? The Keel: Weighing 3100 kg, it is a fin keel with a bulb at the bottom. The keel ensures we stay upright by counteracting the wind in the sails. It also minimizes sideways drift while sailing.' ? The Bow Thruster: This little helper makes docking and maneuvering in tight spots easier by pushing the bow to either side - but it's not much help in strong winds! ? Thru hulls and Drains: Did you know we have 18 holes below the waterline? 16 are thru hulls for water intakes, discharges, and transducers, while 2 are for cockpit drainage. Since the old fittings were 20 years old, we replaced them all to ensure Vela stays leak-free. Every detail below the surface has been carefully designed and maintained to keep us safe and efficient on the water. Could you imagine replacing 18 fittings under your boat? Let us know in the comments! ? Music by Sergio Prosvirini from Pixabay #YouTubeShorts #Explore #TravelVlog #Vloggers #DailyLife #ChristmasCalendar #Vlogmas #ChristmasOnBoard #Beneteau44cc #Sailing #Liveaboard #LifeAtSea

The mast is what transforms Vela into a true sailing vessel, harnessing the power of the wind to carry us around the world. ? Standing tall at 18 meters above the waterline, it's more than just a sail holder-it's a hub of essential gear: ? Wind instruments tell us the direction and speed of the wind. ? VHF antenna keeps us in communication with other vessels. ? Navigation lights guide us safely in the dark. ?? Radar and reflector detect other ships, weather squalls, and make sure we're seen. And let's not forget the sails that make it all happen: ? Genoa (head sail): Easily rolled in and out from the cockpit. ?? Main sail: Adds stability and power, with reefing controlled from the safety of the cockpit. ? Asymmetrical spinnaker: A colorful, lightweight sail for catching light winds downwind. Whether it's cruising calm waters or bracing for strong winds, everything is managed safely from the cockpit. Our mast is not just a symbol of freedom-it's a feat of engineering that keeps us moving forward. Do you have a favorite sail to work with? Drop a ?? in the comments if you'd love to try handling a spinnaker! ? Music by Sergio Prosvirini from Pixabay #YouTubeShorts #Explore #TravelVlog #Vloggers #DailyLife #ChristmasCalendar #Vlogmas #ChristmasOnBoard #Beneteau44cc #Sailing #Liveaboard #LifeAtSea

Day 13 of our Christmas calendar takes a closer look at the deck of Vela! Built for adventure! ? ? Bow: - Equipped with a 33kg Rocna Vulcan anchor. - 80 meters of chain. - Electric windlass for the heavy lifting. ? Washdown Pump behind the chain locker: To keep things tidy, we've got a saltwater washdown pump installed. It's perfect for rinsing off the anchor and chain, keeping mud and grime off the deck. ? Midship on each side: - Water filling stations for our two water tanks - Discharge outlets for our holding tanks. ? Aft Deck: - Storage lockers for all our deck gear, extra diesel, - Gas locker (soon to be extra storage when we go electric ?). ? Swimming Platform: - Another deck locker - Emergency tiller access - Freshwater shower after a jump in the clear blue water ? And soon, a solar arch will complete the setup - hosting our solar panels, dinghy, grill, and liferaft. ? This deck is ready for everything from long passages to lazy days at anchor. What's a must-have feature on your dream boat's deck? ? Let us know! ? ? Music by Sergio Prosvirini from Pixabay #YouTubeShorts #Explore #TravelVlog #Vloggers #DailyLife #ChristmasCalendar #Vlogmas #ChristmasOnBoard #Beneteau44cc #Sailing #Liveaboard #LifeAtSea

The cockpit is where we spend most of our time while sailing. It's not just where we navigate Vela, but also a space for dining, working, and planning our next adventure. ? Why a center cockpit, you ask? ? It's closer to the mast, giving us more stability at sea. ? Enclosed protection keeps us safe and dry in bad weather. ? ? Perfect for long-term cruising-though it's a bit smaller than an aft cockpit, it's a trade-off we're happy to make. This winter, we're upgrading the enclosure for better visibility while docking-ready for new adventures at anchor. ? What do you think? Would you choose a center cockpit or an aft cockpit for your dream sailboat? ? ? Music by Sergio Prosvirini from Pixabay #YouTubeShorts #Explore #TravelVlog #Vloggers #DailyLife #ChristmasCalendar #Vlogmas #ChristmasOnBoard #Beneteau44cc #Sailing #Liveaboard #LifeAtSea

Ever wondered what's hidden beneath the floorboards of a sailboat? ? In this episode, we're stepping just ahead of the saloon into the guest area of Vela. Beneath your feet lies a network of essential systems that keep life on board running smoothly: ? Thru-hulls: - One for discharging the holding tank. - A water intake for the toilet and our new washdown pump. ? Shower drain pump: - Pumps out the water from your onboard shower, keeping things dry. ? ? Depth and speed transducers: - Telling us how fast we're going and how deep the waters are. ? ? Forward-looking sonar: - A lifesaver for spotting shallow waters ahead, helping us navigate safely into hidden coves and anchorages. ? It's amazing how many essential systems are tucked away down here. Had you imagined that so many of the things we use daily are hidden beneath the floorboards? ? ? Music by Sergio Prosvirini from Pixabay #YouTubeShorts #Explore #TravelVlog #Vloggers #DailyLife #ChristmasCalendar #Vlogmas #ChristmasOnBoard #Beneteau44cc #Sailing #Liveaboard #lifeatsea

Day 11 of our Christmas calendar brings you into the forward head, a clever little space where you have everything you need. A rule of thumb on board a boat is that everything should have at least two functions. The faucet is a great example of that! ? You use it for washing your hands, just like at home, but this one also turns into your shower head! The main difference from the aft head? Here, the shower and sink are combined, making the most of the limited space. After your shower, you will pump out the water using the switch and then the pump will turn on and pump it out to the sea ? What do you think? Could you manage in a head like this on board? Let us know! ? ? Don't miss tomorrow's episode, where we dive deeper into the systems behind the scenes. #YouTubeShorts #Explore #TravelVlog #Vloggers #DailyLife #ChristmasCalendar #Vlogmas #ChristmasOnBoard #Beneteau44cc #Sailing #Liveaboard #LifeAtSea

Day 10 of our Christmas calendar brings you to the V-cabin-our second guest cabin, located right in the bow of the boat. ? This cozy space is ideal for a couple, two friends, or even two strangers who might leave as new besties!! ? Here's what this cabin offers: ? Personal storage: - Cabinets along the hull for your clothes, gadgets and gear! - A hanging locker - which we really want to install some shelves! ?? Under-bed storage: - A drawer and small cabinet, previously we've stored bed linen here, but when we move back on board everything will be reconsidered. - Room for sails underneath the mattresses. ?? Bow thruster compartment: Forward of the sails, tucked away for easy maintenance. We keep getting new ideas for new ways to get as much storage possibilities as much, so it might have changed when you get on board sometime ? Do you have some great ideas for getting as much storage out of the cabin as possible? ? See you tomorrow for another behind-the-scenes look at life aboard Vela! ? Music by Sergio Prosvirini from Pixabay #YouTubeShorts #Explore #TravelVlog #Vloggers #DailyLife #ChristmasCalendar #Vlogmas #ChristmasOnBoard #Beneteau44cc #Sailing #Liveaboard #LifeAtSea

Day 9 of our Christmas calendar takes you into the first of two guest cabins aboard Vela! ? This bunk bed cabin is perfect for accommodating one or two crew members. While it's compact, it's packed with smart storage: ? Two cabinets for clothing and personal items (we're even upgrading one with shelves soon!). ? Under-bed storage: Currently home to ropes and sailing gear. ? Under the floorboards: Housing our speed, depth, and sonar transducers-more on that in a future episode. The cabin might seem small but the bunks are wide, making them cozy for crew. And let's be honest-when you're out exploring hidden gems and stunning anchorages, no one spends much time indoors anyway! ?? What do you think of this cozy space? Let us know in the comments! ? ? See you tomorrow for the next part of our boat tour! ? Music by Sergio Prosvirini from Pixabay #YouTubeShorts #Explore #TravelVlog #Vloggers #DailyLife #ChristmasCalendar #Vlogmas #ChristmasOnBoard #Beneteau44cc #Sailing #Liveaboard #LifeAtSea

Day 8 of our Christmas calendar takes you to the nav-station - our onboard command center! ? This setup keeps us in control, no matter where we are: ?? B&G Chartplotter: Plan routes, monitor navigation, and even control the autopilot. ? VHF radio: Vital for safety and communication. ? Wi-Fi router: Connecting us to the world via SIM cards and Starlink. ? 12V distribution panel: Powering everything on board. ? Victron Ekrano display: Monitoring our batteries, tank levels, and even fridge/freezer temperatures. With this compact yet powerful system, we're ready to sail farther, smarter, and safer. Would you trust a setup like this to take you across the oceans? Let us know in the comments! ? ? Join us tomorrow for another look at life aboard Vela! #YouTubeShorts #Explore #TravelVlog #Vloggers #DailyLife #ChristmasCalendar #Vlogmas #ChristmasOnBoard #Beneteau44cc #Sailing #Liveaboard #lifeatsea

Day 7 of our Christmas calendar brings us back to the salon, but this time, we're focusing on its storage spaces! ? The best thing about this room is all the clever places to store our essentials. Let's take a look: ? Storage everywhere! ? Hot water tank: For warm showers after a long day. ? Toilet tanks: Keeping things clean and odor free. ? Bilge & batteries: The backbone of our power and safety. ? Pressurized water pump: Ensures we always have running water. ? Bilge pump: Keeps the boat dry in any weather. This room is full of hidden features that make daily life onboard easier. Where do you think we store everything? Let us know in the comments! ? ? See you tomorrow as the tour continues! ? Music by Sergio Prosvirini from Pixabay #YouTubeShorts #Explore #TravelVlog #Vloggers #DailyLife #ChristmasCalendar #Vlogmas #ChristmasOnBoard #Beneteau44cc #Sailing #Liveaboard #LifeAtSea

Day 6 of our Christmas calendar takes you into the engine room, where all the heavy-duty magic happens! ? Here's what you'll find in this surprisingly spacious area: ? Main engine: - A Volvo Penta TMD22 with 78 horsepower, running like a champ with just 2,000 hours. - We're planning a full service before setting sail next summer. ? Fischer Panda genset: - This powerful generator provides AC power whenever we need it-perfect for life at sea. ? Port bulkhead: - Packed with many of our electrical Victron components, which we'll show you in a future episode. It might be tight compared to a house, but for a boat, this is luxury! Got questions about our engine room or how we keep it running smoothly? Drop them in the comments! ? ? See you tomorrow as we explore more of Vela! ? Music by Sergio Prosvirini from Pixabay #YouTubeShorts #Explore #TravelVlog #Vloggers #DailyLife #ChristmasCalendar #Vlogmas #ChristmasOnBoard #Beneteau44cc #Sailing #Liveaboard #LifeAtSea

Day 5 of our Christmas calendar takes us to the aft head-our little onboard bathroom that does it all! ? Here's how it works: ? Running water thanks to our water pump, so you can brush your teeth or take a shower just like at home. ?? ? Sit-down shower: A handy feature when the boat is moving, making it much easier (and safer) to shower under way. The biggest difference? The toilet! We use a manual pump toilet, which requires a bit of technique (and sometimes a quick tutorial for guests). ? Some boats have electric toilets, but we like the simplicity and reliability of our manual setup. It may be compact, but this space is fully equipped for life onboard! What's your biggest question about boat bathrooms? Let us know in the comments! ? ? See you tomorrow as we continue our boat tour! ? Music by Sergio Prosvirini from Pixabay #YouTubeShorts #Explore #TravelVlog #Vloggers #DailyLife #ChristmasCalendar #Vlogmas #ChristmasOnBoard #Beneteau44cc #Sailing #Liveaboard #LifeAtSea