The Spindrifter Expedition: A journey from the Spice Isle of Grenada to the turquoise heart of the Tobago Cays. Join us aboard the catamaran Spindrift as we navigate the Windward Islands, master the sails with the real Captain Ron, and dive into the world’s most beautiful turtle sanctuaries. The Crew: Me (Becca) & Kent, my sister Maria, and our experienced guides Ron & Katie. Music: “blueprint for the future” by Lish Grooves #SpindriftersForever #Sailing #Grenadines #TobagoCays #CatamaranLife #CaribbeanTravel #SnorkelAdventure

Stop overpacking for your next sailing trip. This is my no-B.S. strategy for minimalist boat life, focusing on the essential gear that actually earns its spot when space is a luxury and the boat is riding the waves. Packing for a sailboat is a tactical decision between versatility and clutter. Managing the 'stuff' is a full-time job you don’t want. From the 'Rule of Soft Sides' to why denim is the enemy of the sea, I’m breaking down the three major tradeoffs you must make to stay comfortable, dry, and ready for snorkeling, fishing, and documenting the journey.

When we learned that our charter sailboat reseveration was not going to be available, the Moorings gave us an offer we couldn't refuse!! But it was not easy getting crew at the last minute!

While the snow plows are clearing the streets outside, we’re inside focused on packing for our upcoming sailing trip to Grenada! In this video, we’re walking through three essential pieces of our pre-trip gear prep: Part 1: The Soft Shackle. Watch a length of Dyneema transform into a high-strength soft shackle. The diamond knot makes it work. Part 2: Clear Vision (ASMR). A little mask maintenance goes a long way. Kent is cleaning up the goggles and adding a protector sleeve to the strap so he doesn’t lose his hair to the silicone strap 😉 Part 3: The Cuban Yo-Yo. We’re going old-school with a Cuban Yo-Yo setup for trolling behind the boat. Kent will show you how he rigs it with soft shackles and bungees to make sure he’s ready for the big catch. Chapters Part 1: The Soft Shackle & The Diamond Knot Part 2: Goggle Maintenance (ASMR) Part 3: Rigging the Cuban Yo-Yo for Fishing The Next Step: Packing it all up! #sailing #SailingPrep #DIYBoatWork #CubanYoYo #SoftShackles #BoatLife #ASMR #Dyneema

Five years ago, we didn’t know how to sail. During the pandemic, we started watching sailing videos on YouTube, escaping night after night to warm water and open horizons. What began as a nightly ritual slowly became something more. Our first lesson was on a small lake in central Iowa, a J/24 in light wind, quiet water. Since then, we haven’t stopped learning. In January, we’re taking our first blue-water trip: Grenada. This video is a look back at where we started, and a look forward to where we’re headed. If you’re curious about learning to sail later in life, dreaming about cruising, or just love stories about ordinary people doing bold things—welcome aboard 😉👍⛵ Shout out to the University of Iowa Sailing Club - You forever changed our course!

Five years ago, we didn’t know how to sail. During the pandemic, we started watching sailing videos on YouTube, escaping night after night to warm water and open horizons. What began as a nightly ritual slowly became something more. Our first lesson was on a small lake in central Iowa, a J/24 in light wind, quiet water. Since then, we haven’t stopped learning. In January, we’re taking our first blue-water trip: Grenada. This video is a look back at where we started, and a look forward to where we’re headed. If you’re curious about learning to sail later in life, dreaming about cruising, or just love stories about ordinary people doing bold things—welcome aboard 😉👍⛵ Shout out to the University of Iowa Sailing Club - You forever changed our course!

Our post-sail debrief after a challenging day of heavy weather sailing on Lake Michigan. An honest assessment of how it went, what decisions we made, what went wrong, and what went right. This is us, getting out there and pushing through our fears and doubts.

We tracked the weather for weeks, waiting for a good window to make our second crossing of Lake Michigan aboard Red Sky. But on the morning of departure, the forecast shifted: small craft advisory. Here, we share our story of what it was like to sail from Chicago to New Buffalo—and back—over two days, facing wind gusts over 20 knots, unexpected calms, and fast-moving squalls on the return leg. Boat: Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 Route: Burnham Harbor (Chicago) to New Buffalo, MI — and return 🧭 Like this video? Subscribe to follow our sailing adventures: We're sailing, learning, and sharing the real moments—good and gnarly. 🌐 Blog: https://sailandsavor.blog/

Join us on our thrilling adventure to the British Virgin Islands as we take the helm of a catamaran for the first time! In this video, we test our sailing skills and explore whether the BVI is the perfect vacation spot for our family. From stunning sunsets to unforgettable moments underwater, this trip was full of surprises and challenges. 🌴 Highlights: Sailing a catamaran for the first time Exploring the beautiful BVI islands Gorgeous snorkeling experiences Evaluating the BVI as a family vacation destination Fun, excitement, and a few unexpected twists! If you've ever wondered what it's like to sail a catamaran in the Caribbean, this is the video for you. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more sailing adventures! #bvi #CatamaranLife #travelvlog #SailingAdventure #FamilyVacation #ExploreBVI #SailingTrip #SailingVlog #BoatingLife #SoggyDollarBar #LeverickBay #NormanIsland #TheBight

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🌊 Join us as we embark on an epic sailing adventure in the breathtaking BVI (British Virgin Islands).🌴 Watch as we hire a captain, who shows us the ropes. Will we be able to do it❓ This is a dream-come-true experience, one we hope to repeat in the future! Hit that subscribe button and follow us as we make unforgettable memories on the open sea. Thanks for watching, and stay tuned for more adventures! LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more sailing adventures!

We sailed across Lake Michigan! After much planning and watching the long-term weather forecast, we checked off a major accomplishment! This adventure was a dream come true. Join us on our thrilling first sailboat crossing of Lake Michigan! 🚤⛵️ After leaving the harbor in Chicago, we headed east to Michigan City, IN. The wind was very light and appeared to be coming at us directly from Michigan City! We decided to motor to make it before nightfall. We arrived in the evening and spent the night in the marina. Early the next morning, we headed out to New Buffalo, MI where we spent the day with family. After a good night’s sleep in the marina, we got up bright and early and headed back to Chicago. The conditions were so right and we sailed the entire way. Watch as we spot the skyline after spending hours out of sight of any land! Thanks for watching! Let’s connect! [Sail and Savor Facebook Page](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551423627262) [SAIL & SAVOR – A couple of Gen X foodies learning to sail (sailandsavor.blog)](https://sailandsavor.blog/) [The Low Bar on TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@thelowbar) where I share posts about cocktails!

Today we're looking at the Fountaine Pajot Aura 51 at the Miami International Boat Show! This is not the first catamaran we've seen in real life - it's the second. And it's the biggest! The boat's standout features are the beautiful cockpit saloon deck, 2 double cabins, and the 2 owners' suites, all with kick-ass bathrooms. Both owner's suites can be accessed from the stern. And like the Elba 45, the lounge space is to die for.... Like, comment, and subscribe if you like my boat tours! Thanks for watching! 😀😀😀 https://www.catamarans-fountaine-pajot.com/en/sailing-catamarans/catamaran-aura-51/

In this video, we explore the Fountaine Pajot Elba 45 at the Miami International Boat Show! This is the first catamaran we've seen in real life!! Let's check out the boat's standout features, its separate guest quarters in the starboard hull, and the owner's suite in the port hull. All of the heads have walk-in showers. And the lounge space? To die for.... Like, comment, and subscribe if you like my boat tours! Thanks for watching! 😀😀😀 Shout out to the Iowa Hawkeyes Women's basketball team!! I love this team - it has been awesome to watch you play!! https://www.catamarans-fountaine-pajot.com/en/sailing-catamarans/catamaran-elba-45/

In this video, I explore the Dufour 530 at the Miami International Boat Show! Like the boats we've toured previously, the Dufour 530 is sleek and even more spacious! I'll take you through the boat's standout features, including its spacious living areas, bunk room, the cross galley, and the sweet owner's stateroom! Like, comment, and subscribe if you like my boat tours! Thanks for watching! 😀😀😀 #gohawks #FightforIowa

In this video, I explore the beautiful Jeanneau Yachts 55 at the Miami International Boat Show. This stunning sailboat is sleek and spacious, it truly feels like a catamaran! I'll take you through the boat's standout features, including its spacious living areas, wrap-around deck, and the hardtop bimini. Like, comment, and subscribe if you like my boat tour! Thanks for watching! 😀😀😀 https://www.jeanneau.com/en-us/boats/sailboat/4-jeanneau-yachts/684-jeanneau-yachts-55

We went to the Miami International Boat Show in February, and it was a marine riot - lots of fancy boats. I wish we were in the market for a boat but not today, my friends! Here is a boat tour for you, of the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 410. If you're interested, check it out here on their website: https://www.jeanneau.com/boats/sailboat/2-sun-odyssey/629-sun-odyssey-410

We're going DEEP GEEK! We're figuring out how to use our VHF radios for sailing out on the open water! Come along with us while we explore the outer limits of their range!!

If you are curious about our journey, you're in the right spot. If you've ever dreamed of sailing yourself, I hope to share content you will enjoy. If you want to watch two people do something they're not very good at, then you're really in the right place! In any case, we hope you'll find our videos engaging, and we invite you to interact, ask questions, make fun of us. It's all good. Caveat: if you're looking for expert advice or advanced sailing techniques, you won't find it here. We're learners, just like many of you, and we're here to share our experiences, not to teach. Although we might be able to show you what not to do.... :)

We saw a wonder of the world this week (not in the top seven but anyway)! Wall to Wall Wine and Spirits in Des Moines, IA will knock your socks off! Loved it! Happy new year everyone! Drink responsibly please!