In this episode of our liveaboard sailing around the world series, we anchor at the famous Sandhills of Moreton Island and spend the day exploring one of the most beautiful island destinations in Moreton Bay, Queensland, Australia. Moreton Island is a must-visit location for sailors, cruisers, and liveaboard boaters, known for its crystal-clear water, white sand beaches, and protected anchorages. After sailing across Moreton Bay, we carefully choose our anchorage and settle into the calm conditions behind the sandhills. Anchoring a sailboat in places like this is a huge part of the liveaboard sailing lifestyle, and it’s moments like these that make travelling the world by sailboat so special. With the boat secure, we head ashore to explore the beach, walking along the shoreline and taking in the natural beauty that makes Moreton Island such a popular cruising stop. This video is a real look at life at anchor, showing what it’s like to live on a sailboat and explore remote islands by boat. If you’re a beginner sailor, new boat owner, or someone researching sailing destinations in Australia, this episode offers inspiration and insight into everyday cruising life. From anchoring out, beach exploring, and enjoying the freedom of sailing, this is authentic liveaboard sailboat life. As the day comes to an end, we return onboard to experience a peaceful sunset at anchor. Watching the sky change colours over Moreton Island while the anchor lights come on across the bay is one of the most magical parts of living aboard a sailboat. These quiet evenings are a reminder of why so many people dream of sailing full time, off-grid boat living, and long-term cruising. If you enjoy sailing vlogs, liveaboard sailing Australia, anchoring at islands, sailboat cruising, and exploring islands by boat, this video is for you. Subscribe to follow our journey as we prepare for and work towards sailing around the world, sharing real experiences from life on our liveaboard sailboat. Each experience we have and each new sailing skill learnt just keeps bringing us closer to taking off to sail around the world in our Beneteau Oceanis 430 @SailingAstridTheWombat living our boat life dream. We hope you enjoy our content. Please hit subscribe and follow our journey to full time sailing around the world. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:30 Anchor Down 02:50 Cleaning Marine Solar Panels 03:26 Exploring Ashore on Moreton Island 05:49 Finding a Fender 06:20 Birdlife on Moreton Island 07:38 Moreton Island Camping Grounds 10:30 Exploring in the Tender 12:14 Back on the Sailboat 13:00 Chess 15:00 Anchorage 16:13 Sunset in the Anchorage 19:03 Anchor Lights 19:42 Christmas Message Please leave a comment, like and subscribe to follow our journey. We are Gav and Shezz an Aussie couple with a dream to sail and scuba dive around the world. We bought our Beneteau Oceanis 430 in October 2023 with zero sailing experience but the belief that we can do this. We have filmed our journey from looking for boats, buying the boat and downsizing our house so we can liveaboard and all the messy wonderful life stuff in between. Join us now as we start to get our boat prepared for liveaboard life. As new sailors we want to share all of our learnings and keep it real in our videos. We want to show step by step what it takes to choose a boat, buy the boat and learn how to sail. Our sailing learning curve is steep so come along with us as we learn and grow as liveaboard sailors. We promise you will have a laugh! Welcome aboard Astrid The Wombat Gav and Shezz You can also find us on Instagram and Facebook: Sailing Astrid the Wombat #sailing #liveaboard #sailingaustralia #sailingadventures #sailboat

We leave the marina and set sail for Moreton Island for a weekend escape — taking advantage of a narrow weather window before severe storms arrive. With major weather systems forecast to move in soon, this trip is all about timing, planning, and making the most of calm conditions while they last. This is the reality of liveaboard sailing, where every sail is shaped by the forecast. We’re full-time liveaboard sailors currently living in the marina while we prepare our sailboat for a future sailing around the world. While we’re not offshore yet, weekend sailing trips like this are essential for building experience, confidence, and seamanship before long-distance cruising. When storms are predicted, knowing when to go — and when to stay — is a critical sailing skill. In this episode, we sail across Moreton Bay to Moreton Island, using the brief calm period ahead of the incoming storms. From checking weather forecasts and choosing the right departure time to navigating changing winds and sea conditions, this video shows what real boat life looks like for cruising sailors in preparation mode. This is everyday life for sailboat owners and liveaboards, balancing adventure with safety while living aboard full-time. Moreton Island provides the perfect destination for weekend sailing, offering beautiful anchorages, island scenery, and valuable experience for sailors learning to manage weather windows and coastal passages This episode is ideal for anyone interested in sailing, sailboats, and liveaboard life, including beginner sailors, people new to boat ownership, and those dreaming of travelling the world by sailboat. You’ll see how short coastal trips play a vital role in preparing for long-term cruising and bluewater sailing, especially when weather systems and storms are part of the equation. Using calm conditions before the storms hit allows us to test systems, practice anchoring, and continue preparing our boat for future ocean passages. Trips like this are stepping stones toward becoming confident cruisers and eventually leaving Australia to sail around the world. If you enjoy liveaboard sailing adventures, honest boat life, real weather decisions, and the journey toward long-term cruising, this episode is for you. Subscribe and follow along as we chase weather windows, sail to stunning islands, and work toward our dream of sailing around the world, one weekend sail at a time. It's been two and a half years since our first sail in @SailingAstridTheWombat actually that means it's been a year and a half since our first sail ever. That's right a year ago we bought this Beneteau Oceanis 430 and pulled the sail up for the first time ever when we brought her home. A sail that stretched 700 nautical miles from Townsville in Far North Queensland Australia to Moreton Bay in Brisbane Queensland. We are now preparing to move onboard and to sail around the world. Join us to see the challenges as we continue to learn to sail, prepare our boat and make changes so our boat feels like a home. We are moving onboard in just a few weeks so our sailing dream is getting closer and closer. Each experience we have and each new sailing skill learnt just keeps bringing us closer to taking off to sail around the world in our Beneteau Oceanis 430 @SailingAstridTheWombat living our boat life dream. We hope you enjoy our content. Please hit subscribe and follow our journey to full time sailing around the world. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:42 Sail Plan 04:05 Fenders In 05:50 Head Sail Out 08:00 St Helena and Green Island 11:00 Rope Bags 14:10 Big & Little Sandhills Moreton Island 16:53 Anchored 06:30 Turtle Please leave a comment, like and subscribe to follow our journey. We are Gav and Shezz an Aussie couple with a dream to sail and scuba dive around the world. We bought our Beneteau Oceanis 430 in October 2023 with zero sailing experience but the belief that we can do this. We have filmed our journey from looking for boats, buying the boat and downsizing our house so we can liveaboard and all the messy wonderful life stuff in between. Join us now as we start to get our boat prepared for liveaboard life. As new sailors we want to share all of our learnings and keep it real in our videos. We want to show step by step what it takes to choose a boat, buy the boat and learn how to sail. Our sailing learning curve is steep so come along with us as we learn and grow as liveaboard sailors. We promise you will have a laugh! Welcome aboard Astrid The Wombat Gav and Shezz You can also find us on Instagram and Facebook: Sailing Astrid the Wombat #sailing #liveaboard #sailingaustralia #sailingadventures #sailboat

Life on a liveaboard sailboat isn’t just sunsets and smooth sailing — it’s constant maintenance, problem-solving, and a never-ending list of boat jobs. In this episode, we take you behind the scenes of real liveaboard sailing life as we tackle the everyday jobs that keep our sailboat moving, safe, and ready for long-term cruising. From fixing small issues that pop up without warning, to staying ahead of preventative maintenance, this is what full-time sailboat living really looks like. When you live on a boat, you quickly learn that every system matters — electrical, rigging, plumbing, deck hardware, and everything in between. There’s no calling a tradesperson when you’re anchored out, so you become the mechanic, electrician, and problem-solver all in one. We also dive into our solar upgrade plans, a crucial step toward energy independence for anyone living aboard or planning to sail around the world. Reliable solar power on a sailboat means fewer engine hours, quieter anchorages, and the ability to live off-grid for longer. We talk through why we’re upgrading, what we’re hoping to achieve, and how improving our boat electrical system supports long-term cruising and life at anchor. If you’re interested in liveaboard sailing, sailboat maintenance, cruising upgrades, or learning what it really takes to travel the world by sailboat, this episode offers an honest look at the work that happens between passages. These are the jobs that don’t make the highlight reel, but they’re essential for safety, comfort, and self-sufficiency at sea. Whether you’re a beginner sailor, a sailboat owner, or someone dreaming about quitting land life to live on a boat, this video will give you realistic insight into the lifestyle. Boat projects, upgrades, and maintenance are all part of the journey — and they’re just as important as the sailing itself. Thanks for joining us as we continue preparing our sailboat for long-term cruising and life as full-time liveaboard sailors. If you enjoy real sailing content, boat projects, and honest cruising life, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and follow along as we sail toward our goal of exploring the world by wind power. It's been two years since our first sail in @SailingAstridTheWombat actually that means it's been a year and a half since our first sail ever. That's right a year ago we bought this Beneteau Oceanis 430 and pulled the sail up for the first time ever when we brought her home. A sail that stretched 700 nautical miles from Townsville in Far North Queensland Australia to Moreton Bay in Brisbane Queensland. We are now preparing to move onboard and to sail around the world. Join us to see the challenges as we continue to learn to sail, prepare our boat and make changes so our boat feels like a home. We are moving onboard in just a few weeks so our sailing dream is getting closer and closer. Each experience we have and each new sailing skill learnt just keeps bringing us closer to taking off to sail around the world in our Beneteau Oceanis 430 @SailingAstridTheWombat living our boat life dream. We hope you enjoy our content. Please hit subscribe and follow our journey to full time sailing around the world. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:36 Fire in the Marina 02:23 Less Weight on the Sailboat 03:36 Boat Jobs 06:49 Storms on the Sailboat 07:16 Camping Show 07:57 New Outboard Harness 12:04 Outboard Lessons 15:44 Thermal Cooking 17:59 Sailboat Solar Upgrade Please leave a comment, like and subscribe to follow our journey. We are Gav and Shezz an Aussie couple with a dream to sail and scuba dive around the world. We bought our Beneteau Oceanis 430 in October 2023 with zero sailing experience but the belief that we can do this. We have filmed our journey from looking for boats, buying the boat and downsizing our house so we can liveaboard and all the messy wonderful life stuff in between. Join us now as we start to get our boat prepared for liveaboard life. As new sailors we want to share all of our learnings and keep it real in our videos. We want to show step by step what it takes to choose a boat, buy the boat and learn how to sail. Our sailing learning curve is steep so come along with us as we learn and grow as liveaboard sailors. We promise you will have a laugh! Welcome aboard Astrid The Wombat Gav and Shezz You can also find us on Instagram and Facebook: Sailing Astrid the Wombat #sailing #liveaboard #sailingaustralia #sailingadventures #sailboat

Spend a perfect day sailing with the family on beautiful Moreton Bay as we take you along on a relaxing yet adventure-filled episode of our liveaboard sailing life. In this video, we raise the sails, explore calm anchorages, enjoy fishing straight off the back of the boat, and dive into crystal-clear water for a swim in one of Queensland’s most iconic boating playgrounds. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor, a beginner sailor dreaming of your first voyage, or someone imagining a life travelling the world by sailboat, this episode is full of the magic that makes boat life irresistible. As full-time liveaboard sailors preparing for our journey to sail around the world, days like this remind us exactly why we chose a life on the ocean. Moreton Bay delivers the perfect mix of tranquillity and excitement—gentle breezes, dolphins on the bow, seabirds circling overhead, and endless stretches of sparkling blue water. We bring you right into the moment as we drop anchor, relax on deck, cast a line for fresh fish, and watch the family jump off the stern for an afternoon swim. This episode highlights the feeling of freedom that comes with living aboard a sailboat: drifting with the tide, exploring hidden corners of the bay, and spending uninterrupted time with the people who matter most. It’s the kind of day where time slows down, the ocean seems endless, and the world feels beautifully simple. If you've ever dreamed of stepping away from the everyday routine and diving into the sailing lifestyle, these are the moments that show what’s truly possible. You’ll see what a typical family adventure looks like for us—sharing laughs in the cockpit, spotting marine life, enjoying a fresh catch, and soaking in the incredible scenery that makes Moreton Bay a must-sail destination. For boat lovers, sailors, ocean travellers, and anyone curious about the liveaboard lifestyle, this video captures the heart of what sailing is all about. If you’re longing for inspiration, escapism, or a glimpse into what it’s like to sail full-time around the world, make sure to subscribe for more liveaboard sailing videos, ocean adventures, and behind-the-scenes life on the water. Join us for a day of sailing, swimming, fishing, and unforgettable family memories on Moreton Bay! Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more weekly sailing content. It's been two years since our first sail in @SailingAstridTheWombat actually that means it's been a year and a half since our first sail ever. That's right a year ago we bought this Beneteau Oceanis 430 and pulled the sail up for the first time ever when we brought her home. A sail that stretched 700 nautical miles from Townsville in Far North Queensland Australia to Moreton Bay in Brisbane Queensland. We are now preparing to move onboard and to sail around the world. Join us to see the challenges as we continue to learn to sail, prepare our boat and make changes so our boat feels like a home. We are moving onboard in just a few weeks so our sailing dream is getting closer and closer. Each experience we have and each new sailing skill learnt just keeps bringing us closer to taking off to sail around the world in our Beneteau Oceanis 430 @SailingAstridTheWombat living our boat life dream. We hope you enjoy our content. Please hit subscribe and follow our journey to full time sailing around the world. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:00 Cuppa on the Boat 02:22 Boat BBQ 03:16 Crew Member Rosie 04:30 Sail Plan 05:15 Rosie Fender 05:32 Head Sail Out 06:02 Whale Call 06:30 Turtle 06:50 Sailing 10:25 Heeling 11:04 Swimming Off The Boat 11:50 Happy Birthday Paige 12:31 Fishing Off The Boat 13:47 Heading Back 14:24 Sails In 15:34 Back to the Marina Please leave a comment, like and subscribe to follow our journey. We are Gav and Shezz an Aussie couple with a dream to sail and scuba dive around the world. We bought our Beneteau Oceanis 430 in October 2023 with zero sailing experience but the belief that we can do this. We have filmed our journey from looking for boats, buying the boat and downsizing our house so we can liveaboard and all the messy wonderful life stuff in between. Join us now as we start to get our boat prepared for liveaboard life. As new sailors we want to share all of our learnings and keep it real in our videos. We want to show step by step what it takes to choose a boat, buy the boat and learn how to sail. Our sailing learning curve is steep so come along with us as we learn and grow as liveaboard sailors. We promise you will have a laugh! Welcome aboard Astrid The Wombat Gav and Shezz You can also find us on Instagram and Facebook: Sailing Astrid the Wombat #sailing #liveaboard #sailingaustralia #sailingadventures #sailboat

Join us for another action-packed episode of our liveaboard sailing life, where we drop anchor at a stunning island before facing some seriously rough conditions crossing Moreton Bay on our way home. If you love sailing adventures, anchoring techniques, and the real, unscripted moments of cruising life, this episode is for you. We start the day with a calm, picture-perfect morning as we make our approach to a beautiful island anchorage. Watch as we talk through our anchoring process, from reading the seabed to choosing the right spot, setting the hook, checking swing room, and making sure our sailboat is secure. Whether you’re a beginner sailor, a sailboat owner, or someone dreaming about traveling the world by sailboat, you’ll pick up tips and insights into how liveaboard cruisers safely settle into a new anchorage. But cruising isn’t always calm seas and sunsets… and today is proof of that. After spending time at the island, we lift the anchor and begin our passage back across Moreton Bay, only to be greeted by building swell, steep chop, and strong wind—classic Moreton Bay chaos. In this episode, you’ll see exactly what it’s like to handle a sailboat in rough conditions, how we adjust our sail plan, manage the boat’s motion, and work together as a team while the sea tries its best to throw us around. This is real-life and a reminder that the ocean demands both respect and preparation. For those dreaming of the liveaboard cruising lifestyle, this video gives a true look behind the scenes—anchoring in paradise one minute, battling messy, uncomfortable seas the next. It’s all part of the adventure, and it’s why we love this life so much. Sailing full-time teaches you resilience, adaptability, and an appreciation for every calm anchorage after a tough passage. If you enjoy sailing channels, boat life vlogs, Moreton Bay sailing, liveaboard Q&A, or videos about preparing to sail around the world, make sure to subscribe to follow our journey. We’re sharing every anchorage, every challenge, and every unforgettable moment as we continue chasing our dream of sailing the world. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe—it helps our small sailing channel reach more ocean-loving adventurers! It's been two years since our first sail in @SailingAstridTheWombat actually that means it's been a year and a half since our first sail ever. That's right a year ago we bought this Beneteau Oceanis 430 and pulled the sail up for the first time ever when we brought her home. A sail that stretched 700 nautical miles from Townsville in Far North Queensland Australia to Moreton Bay in Brisbane Queensland. We are now preparing to move onboard and to sail around the world. Join us to see the challenges as we continue to learn to sail, prepare our boat and make changes so our boat feels like a home. We are moving onboard in just a few weeks so our sailing dream is getting closer and closer. Each experience we have and each new sailing skill learnt just keeps bringing us closer to taking off to sail around the world in our Beneteau Oceanis 430 @SailingAstridTheWombat living our boat life dream. We hope you enjoy our content. Please hit subscribe and follow our journey to full time sailing around the world. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:03 Arriving at the Anchorage 03:10 Testing the Boat BBQ 04:15 Turtle Sighting 05:58 Anchor Up! 06:48 Sail Out 09:02 Rough Sea State 09:49 Twenty Knots of Wind 12:29 Worsening Conditions 13:42 Back at the Marina 14:00 Carnage Below 15:30 Cleaning the Boat 16:44 Beers at the Boom Bar Please leave a comment, like and subscribe to follow our journey. We are Gav and Shezz an Aussie couple with a dream to sail and scuba dive around the world. We bought our Beneteau Oceanis 430 in October 2023 with zero sailing experience but the belief that we can do this. We have filmed our journey from looking for boats, buying the boat and downsizing our house so we can liveaboard and all the messy wonderful life stuff in between. Join us now as we start to get our boat prepared for liveaboard life. As new sailors we want to share all of our learnings and keep it real in our videos. We want to show step by step what it takes to choose a boat, buy the boat and learn how to sail. Our sailing learning curve is steep so come along with us as we learn and grow as liveaboard sailors. We promise you will have a laugh! Welcome aboard Astrid The Wombat Gav and Shezz You can also find us on Instagram and Facebook: Sailing Astrid the Wombat #sailing #liveaboard #sailingaustralia #sailingadventures #sailboat

Join us in this incredible episode as we set sail through the stunning waters of Moreton Bay and experience a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with whales up close from our liveaboard sailboat. As full-time liveaboard sailors preparing to sail around the world, moments like these remind us exactly why we chose this lifestyle. Whether you're passionate about sailing adventures, fascinated by marine life, or dreaming of travelling the world by sailboat, this episode delivers all the magic of ocean life in one unforgettable day on the water. In today’s sailing vlog, we take our cruising sailboat out into the beautiful blue of Queensland’s Moreton Bay for what we thought would be a casual day sail—until a pod of whales decided to join us. Watch as we navigate under full sail, maintain safe distances, and use proper seamanship while witnessing these incredible giants glide through the water. For beginner sailors and sailboat owners, this episode also offers valuable insights into real-world sailing conditions, wildlife awareness, and what it’s like to handle a liveaboard vessel when the unexpected happens. Our channel is all about the liveaboard sailing lifestyle, exploring the world, and sharing the highs, lows, challenges, and pure joy of life afloat. If you’re curious about offshore cruising, ocean passages, marina life, anchoring techniques, or simply what it’s like to live on a sailboat full-time, you’re in the right place. We document every step of our journey as we prepare for our circumnavigation—one bay, one island, and one adventure at a time. This Moreton Bay sailing episode is packed with real sailing footage, close-up whale activity, and stunning views that highlight why so many people fall in love with the idea of travelling the world by sailboat. If you love sailing videos, yacht life content, cruising vlogs, whale encounters, marine wildlife, or dream of starting your own liveaboard journey, this video is for you. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and follow along as we continue our journey toward becoming full-time world-cruising sailors. From day sails and boat projects to offshore passages and island exploring, we’re excited to take you with us on every mile. Thanks for watching and welcome aboard! It's been two years since our first sail in @SailingAstridTheWombat actually that means it's been a year and a half since our first sail ever. That's right a year ago we bought this Beneteau Oceanis 430 and pulled the sail up for the first time ever when we brought her home. A sail that stretched 700 nautical miles from Townsville in Far North Queensland Australia to Moreton Bay in Brisbane Queensland. We are now preparing to move onboard and to sail around the world. Join us to see the challenges as we continue to learn to sail, prepare our boat and make changes so our boat feels like a home. We are moving onboard in just a few weeks so our sailing dream is getting closer and closer. Each experience we have and each new sailing skill learnt just keeps bringing us closer to taking off to sail around the world in our Beneteau Oceanis 430 @SailingAstridTheWombat living our boat life dream. We hope you enjoy our content. Please hit subscribe and follow our journey to full time sailing around the world. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:15 Friday Beer in the Tender 04:08 Sail Plan 04:43 Preparing to Sail 06:08 Leaving the Slip 08:05 Headsail Out 10:31 Sail In 10:42 Rolly Conditions in Moreton Bay 13:18 Whale Sighting 14:25 More Whales Please leave a comment, like and subscribe to follow our journey. We are Gav and Shezz an Aussie couple with a dream to sail and scuba dive around the world. We bought our Beneteau Oceanis 430 in October 2023 with zero sailing experience but the belief that we can do this. We have filmed our journey from looking for boats, buying the boat and downsizing our house so we can liveaboard and all the messy wonderful life stuff in between. Join us now as we start to get our boat prepared for liveaboard life. As new sailors we want to share all of our learnings and keep it real in our videos. We want to show step by step what it takes to choose a boat, buy the boat and learn how to sail. Our sailing learning curve is steep so come along with us as we learn and grow as liveaboard sailors. We promise you will have a laugh! Welcome aboard Astrid The Wombat Gav and Shezz You can also find us on Instagram and Facebook: Sailing Astrid the Wombat #sailing #liveaboard #sailingaustralia #sailingadventures #sailboat

Join us for a stunning and relaxing day sailing across the beautiful waters of Moreton Bay as we continue our journey as full-time liveaboard sailors preparing to sail around the world. In this episode, we welcome a friend on board for her very first time seeing our sailboat — and her first taste of sailing life! She jumps straight into the adventure as we teach her how to get the sails in and out, hoist the main, and experience the magic of cruising under wind power for the very first time. Whether you're a seasoned sailor, a curious beginner, or someone dreaming about travelling the world by sailboat, this relaxing sailing vlog is packed with inspiration, sailing tips, and the peaceful vibes that make cruising life so addictive. With calm seas, light winds, and a perfect day on Moreton Bay, this episode showcases why sailing is one of the best ways to explore Australia’s coastline and build skills for future offshore passages. As full-time liveaboard sailors, every day on the water brings new opportunities to learn, and today we share simple, beginner-friendly explanations of how we manage our sails, handle lines, and keep the boat trimmed. It’s the perfect intro for anyone interested in learning how to sail or getting hands-on experience aboard a cruising boat. Our friend picks it up quickly — and her joy and excitement remind us of our early days in this lifestyle. Moreton Bay offers some of Australia’s most stunning sailing grounds, with clear water, open space, and ideal conditions to practice everything from tacking and jibing to reefing and anchoring. We take you along as we enjoy the scenery, talk about preparing our boat for long-term world cruising, and share what everyday life looks like aboard our floating home. If you're searching for sailing channels, liveaboard cruising tips, beginner sailing education, or real stories about travelling the world by yacht or sailboat, this episode is made for you. Relax with us, learn with us, and experience boat life through the eyes of a first-time sailor stepping into this incredible lifestyle. Don’t forget to subscribe and join us as we continue preparing for our upcoming sail around the world. From Moreton Bay to global oceans — our adventure is just getting started. It's been two years since our first sail in @SailingAstridTheWombat actually that means it's been a year and a half since our first sail ever. That's right a year ago we bought this Beneteau Oceanis 430 and pulled the sail up for the first time ever when we brought her home. A sail that stretched 700 nautical miles from Townsville in Far North Queensland Australia to Moreton Bay in Brisbane Queensland. We are now preparing to move onboard and to sail around the world. Join us to see the challenges as we continue to learn to sail, prepare our boat and make changes so our boat feels like a home. We are moving onboard in just a few weeks so our sailing dream is getting closer and closer. Each experience we have and each new sailing skill learnt just keeps bringing us closer to taking off to sail around the world in our Beneteau Oceanis 430 @SailingAstridTheWombat living our boat life dream. We hope you enjoy our content. Please hit subscribe and follow our journey to full time sailing around the world. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:09 Sail Plan 04:17 Headsail Out 06:30 Engine Off 07:30 Five Knots! 08:40 Sailing Crew Intro 09:13 Whale Update 09:42 Sail Plan Change 11:00 Whale Sighting 15:00 Sails In 16:16 Lunchtime Please leave a comment, like and subscribe to follow our journey. We are Gav and Shezz an Aussie couple with a dream to sail and scuba dive around the world. We bought our Beneteau Oceanis 430 in October 2023 with zero sailing experience but the belief that we can do this. We have filmed our journey from looking for boats, buying the boat and downsizing our house so we can liveaboard and all the messy wonderful life stuff in between. Join us now as we start to get our boat prepared for liveaboard life. As new sailors we want to share all of our learnings and keep it real in our videos. We want to show step by step what it takes to choose a boat, buy the boat and learn how to sail. Our sailing learning curve is steep so come along with us as we learn and grow as liveaboard sailors. We promise you will have a laugh! Welcome aboard Astrid The Wombat Gav and Shezz You can also find us on Instagram and Facebook: Sailing Astrid the Wombat #sailing #liveaboard #sailingaustralia #sailingadventures #sailboat

What was meant to be a calm and beautiful day of sailing in Moreton Bay, Australia turned into one of the most unforgettable experiences of our liveaboard sailing journey so far. We left the marina for a relaxing day sail, ready to enjoy the sunshine, spot migrating whales, and soak up the freedom of life aboard our sailboat. But as every sailor knows — the ocean can change everything in an instant. While out enjoying the water, we spotted something unusual in the distance. Within moments, we realized someone was in serious trouble. What began as a peaceful day of whale watching from our sailboat suddenly became a real-life sea rescue. In this episode, we take you through every moment — from the initial discovery to the adrenaline-fueled rescue, and finally the emotional aftermath of helping save a life at sea. This video is a raw and honest look into what it means to live and travel by sailboat. Sailing around the world isn’t just about sunsets and island hopping — it’s about seamanship, responsibility, and being prepared for anything. Whether you’re a sailor, boat owner, or someone dreaming of the liveaboard lifestyle, this episode shows the real side of ocean adventure sailing and the unexpected challenges of life afloat. We share how our training, teamwork, and quick thinking helped us respond in time — and how moments like these remind us why respect for the sea is everything. It’s a powerful reminder that the ocean is both beautiful and unpredictable, and that every day out sailing is a lesson in awareness, courage, and gratitude. We’re now getting ready to sail around the world full-time, documenting our journey across oceans, islands, and continents. Follow along as we chase whales, explore remote anchorages, and live our dream of full-time cruising and sailboat life. Subscribe to join our liveaboard sailing adventures as we prepare for our world circumnavigation! We’re sharing what it’s really like to live aboard a sailboat while exploring Australia’s coastline, with tips for beginner sailors, sailing families, and anyone curious about the cruising lifestyle. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for weekly episodes packed with sailing tips, ocean adventures, and life on a boat. It's been two years since our first sail in @SailingAstridTheWombat actually that means it's been a year and a half since our first sail ever. That's right a year ago we bought this Beneteau Oceanis 430 and pulled the sail up for the first time ever when we brought her home. A sail that stretched 700 nautical miles from Townsville in Far North Queensland Australia to Moreton Bay in Brisbane Queensland. We are now preparing to move onboard and to sail around the world. Join us to see the challenges as we continue to learn to sail, prepare our boat and make changes so our boat feels like a home. We are moving onboard in just a few weeks so our sailing dream is getting closer and closer. Each experience we have and each new sailing skill learnt just keeps bringing us closer to taking off to sail around the world in our Beneteau Oceanis 430 @SailingAstridTheWombat living our boat life dream. We hope you enjoy our content. Please hit subscribe and follow our journey to full time sailing around the world. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:17 Sail Plan 02:58 Leaving the Marina 03:30 Headsail Out 03:45 Telltale Check 04:41 Five Knots 05:20 Looking For Whales 05:32 Mishka 06:17 Dolphin Sighting 07:08 Relaxing in the Cockpit 07:38 Lunchtime 09:19 Sailing 12:47 Two Knots 13:05 Kayaker in Distress 16:16 Rescue at Sea 17:01 Coastguard on the Way 17:41 Ambulance Ready 18:27 Rescue Debrief Please leave a comment, like and subscribe to follow our journey. We are Gav and Shezz an Aussie couple with a dream to sail and scuba dive around the world. We bought our Beneteau Oceanis 430 in October 2023 with zero sailing experience but the belief that we can do this. We have filmed our journey from looking for boats, buying the boat and downsizing our house so we can liveaboard and all the messy wonderful life stuff in between. Join us now as we start to get our boat prepared for liveaboard life. As new sailors we want to share all of our learnings and keep it real in our videos. We want to show step by step what it takes to choose a boat, buy the boat and learn how to sail. Our sailing learning curve is steep so come along with us as we learn and grow as liveaboard sailors. We promise you will have a laugh! Welcome aboard Astrid The Wombat Gav and Shezz You can also find us on Instagram and Facebook: Sailing Astrid the Wombat #sailing #liveaboard #sailingaustralia #sailingadventures #sailboat

After months of hard work preparing our sailboat and settling into life aboard, we finally cast off the lines and leave the marina for our very first day sail in Moreton Bay as liveaboard sailors! This is a huge milestone for us — the moment we took our floating home, Astrid the Wombat, out for a sail as we get ready to take off and sail around the world full-time. We’re Gav and Shezz, an Australian couple who swapped land life for life at sea aboard our 1990 Beneteau Oceanis 430. In this episode, we share the excitement of leaving the dock, raising the sails, and feeling that first rush of wind as we start preparing for long-term cruising. It’s our first proper sail since becoming liveaboard sailors, and the start of the next big chapter in our adventure — gearing up to explore the world by sailboat. Join us as we navigate through the beautiful Moreton Bay, Queensland, and get back into the rhythm of sailing — from checking the rigging and trimming sails to enjoying the incredible views and the peaceful sound of the ocean. Moreton Bay is the perfect place to shake off the dock lines and start dreaming bigger. If you’ve ever wanted to know what it’s really like to live aboard a sailboat and prepare to cruise the world, this channel is for you. We share the real side of liveaboard life — the learning, the laughter, and that amazing sense of freedom that comes from chasing the horizon. Subscribe to follow our journey as we get ready to sail around the world — one day sail, one anchorage, and one adventure at a time. Like this video if you love sailing content and tell us in the comments where you’d set sail if you could go anywhere in the world! We’re sharing what it’s really like to live aboard a sailboat while exploring Australia’s coastline, with tips for beginner sailors, sailing families, and anyone curious about the cruising lifestyle. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for weekly episodes packed with sailing tips, ocean adventures, and life on a boat. It's been two years since our first sail in @SailingAstridTheWombat actually that means it's been a year and a half since our first sail ever. That's right a year ago we bought this Beneteau Oceanis 430 and pulled the sail up for the first time ever when we brought her home. A sail that stretched 700 nautical miles from Townsville in Far North Queensland Australia to Moreton Bay in Brisbane Queensland. We are now preparing to move onboard and to sail around the world. Join us to see the challenges as we continue to learn to sail, prepare our boat and make changes so our boat feels like a home. We are moving onboard in just a few weeks so our sailing dream is getting closer and closer. Each experience we have and each new sailing skill learnt just keeps bringing us closer to taking off to sail around the world in our Beneteau Oceanis 430 @SailingAstridTheWombat living our boat life dream. We hope you enjoy our content. Please hit subscribe and follow our journey to full time sailing around the world. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:19 Sail Plan 03:18 Leaving the Marina 05:09 Headsail Out 06:08 Whale Update 07:00 Telltales 07:20 Adjusting Sails 09:30 Kayak 10:23 Staying Connected 13:38 Sailing 16:39 Sails In 17:49 Headsail Back Out 18:21 Engine On 18:42 Docked 19:00 Liveaboard Problems 20:11 Exciting News Please leave a comment, like and subscribe to follow our journey. We are Gav and Shezz an Aussie couple with a dream to sail and scuba dive around the world. We bought our Beneteau Oceanis 430 in October 2023 with zero sailing experience but the belief that we can do this. We have filmed our journey from looking for boats, buying the boat and downsizing our house so we can liveaboard and all the messy wonderful life stuff in between. Join us now as we start to get our boat prepared for liveaboard life. As new sailors we want to share all of our learnings and keep it real in our videos. We want to show step by step what it takes to choose a boat, buy the boat and learn how to sail. Our sailing learning curve is steep so come along with us as we learn and grow as liveaboard sailors. We promise you will have a laugh! Welcome aboard Astrid The Wombat Gav and Shezz You can also find us on Instagram and Facebook: Sailing Astrid the Wombat #sailing #liveaboard #sailingaustralia #sailingadventures #sailboat

In this episode of Sailing Astrid the Wombat, we’re breaking down the real haul out costs and sailboat maintenance expenses involved in getting our boat ready to sail around the world. Whether you’re a future liveaboard sailor, a current boat owner, or just curious about the true costs of sailing life, this video dives deep into the dollars and details behind our latest haul out. We’ve spent months preparing our 1990 Beneteau Oceanis 430 — Astrid the Wombat — for blue water adventures, and this haul out was a major milestone. From antifouling paint to through-hull replacements, prop maintenance, and bottom cleaning, we reveal exactly what it costs to haul out a 43-foot sailboat and make her ocean-ready. We’ll walk you through each step of the process: lifting the boat out of the water, inspecting the hull, replacing worn fittings, and tackling those essential upgrades every liveaboard cruiser eventually faces. If you’ve ever wondered, “How much does it cost to maintain a sailboat?” or “What does a boatyard haul out actually involve?” — this episode has the answers. This transparent cost breakdown includes both DIY sailboat projects and professional boatyard services, showing you where you can save money and where it’s worth paying for expert help. It’s a must-watch for anyone planning long-term cruising, full-time liveaboard life, or simply trying to budget for their next sailing adventure. In this episode: – Full cost breakdown of our sailboat haul out – Sailboat maintenance and repair costs – Antifouling, through-hulls, and prop work – Preparing a sailboat for world cruising If you love boat life, sailing content, and honest insights into the cost of cruising, make sure to subscribe and join us each week as we share the highs, lows, and real numbers behind life aboard Astrid the Wombat. Subscribe to follow our liveaboard journey, get more sailing tutorials, and join us as we explore the world, one anchorage at a time. It's been a year and a half since our first sail in @SailingAstridTheWombat actually that means it's been a year and a half since our first sail ever. That's right a year ago we bought this Beneteau Oceanis 430 and pulled the sail up for the first time ever when we brought her home. A sail that stretched 700 nautical miles from Townsville in Far North Queensland Australia to Moreton Bay in Brisbane Queensland. We are now preparing to move onboard and to sail around the world. Join us to see the challenges as we continue to learn to sail, prepare our boat and make changes so our boat feels like a home. We are moving onboard in just a few weeks so our sailing dream is getting closer and closer. Each experience we have and each new sailing skill learnt just keeps bringing us closer to taking off to sail around the world in our Beneteau Oceanis 430 @SailingAstridTheWombat living our boat life dream. We hope you enjoy our content. Please hit subscribe and follow our journey to full time sailing around the world. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:08 Haul Out 02:45 Through Holes and Valves 04:11 Haul Out Costs 04:57 Marina Fees 05:42 New Outboard 05:55 Sailboat Freezer Compressor 07:40 Starlink on the Boat 08:06 Victron 08:43 EcoFlow Aircon 10:15 Scuba Compressor 11:37 Grand Total 12:20 Water leak 13:42 Hot Water System Please leave a comment, like and subscribe to follow our journey. We are Gav and Shezz an Aussie couple with a dream to sail and scuba dive around the world. We bought our Beneteau Oceanis 430 in October 2023 with zero sailing experience but the belief that we can do this. We have filmed our journey from looking for boats, buying the boat and downsizing our house so we can liveaboard and all the messy wonderful life stuff in between. Join us now as we start to get our boat prepared for liveaboard life. As new sailors we want to share all of our learnings and keep it real in our videos. We want to show step by step what it takes to choose a boat, buy the boat and learn how to sail. Our sailing learning curve is steep so come along with us as we learn and grow as liveaboard sailors. We promise you will have a laugh! Welcome aboard Astrid The Wombat Gav and Shezz You can also find us on Instagram and Facebook: Sailing Astrid the Wombat #sailing #liveaboard #sailingaustralia #sailingadventures #sailboat

It’s been one month since we officially became liveaboard sailors! In this episode, we share what life is really like living full-time aboard our 1990 Beneteau Oceanis 430 — Astrid the Wombat. From daily boat life to fixing leaks and hosting our first guests, this video gives an honest look into the challenges and rewards of living aboard a sailboat. We start the week by tackling one of the many boat maintenance jobs — resealing the front hatch on our sailboat’s forward locker. A leaky hatch is no fun when you live on the water, so we roll up our sleeves and get to work, learning more about DIY sailboat maintenance as we go. But it’s not all work and no play! We also welcome our first visitors aboard Astrid, sharing laughs, stories, and a few drinks while taking in the beautiful Moreton Bay views. And to top it off, we celebrate a birthday on board, marking another milestone in our sailing adventure and reminding ourselves why we chose this lifestyle in the first place — freedom, simplicity, and a life connected to the sea. If you’ve ever dreamed of living on a sailboat, sailing around the world, or simply want to know what everyday boat life looks like, this episode is for you. We’re documenting our journey from total beginners to full-time cruisers, learning something new about our boat, sailing, and ourselves every day. In this episode: – Sailboat maintenance: resealing a hatch – Our first guests aboard – Birthday celebrations on a boat – What we’ve learned after one month of liveaboard life Join us every week as we share our adventures, challenges, and triumphs while sailing and exploring the world aboard Astrid the Wombat. Subscribe to follow our journey, and don’t forget to like and comment if you love sailing content, boat life vlogs, or dream of casting off to live on the ocean. Subscribe to follow our liveaboard journey, get more sailing tutorials, and join us as we explore the world, one anchorage at a time. It's been a year and a half since our first sail in @SailingAstridTheWombat actually that means it's been a year and a half since our first sail ever. That's right a year ago we bought this Beneteau Oceanis 430 and pulled the sail up for the first time ever when we brought her home. A sail that stretched 700 nautical miles from Townsville in Far North Queensland Australia to Moreton Bay in Brisbane Queensland. We are now preparing to move onboard and to sail around the world. Join us to see the challenges as we continue to learn to sail, prepare our boat and make changes so our boat feels like a home. We are moving onboard in just a few weeks so our sailing dream is getting closer and closer. Each experience we have and each new sailing skill learnt just keeps bringing us closer to taking off to sail around the world in our Beneteau Oceanis 430 @SailingAstridTheWombat living our boat life dream. We hope you enjoy our content. Please hit subscribe and follow our journey to full time sailing around the world. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:40 Re-Sealing the Hatch 05:59 Sailboat Warming 07:54 Map of Australia 08:30 Shout Out 09:15 Tender Run 10:16 Sailboat Air Flow 11:25 Boat Visitors 12:41 Happy Birthday! Please leave a comment, like and subscribe to follow our journey. We are Gav and Shezz an Aussie couple with a dream to sail and scuba dive around the world. We bought our Beneteau Oceanis 430 in October 2023 with zero sailing experience but the belief that we can do this. We have filmed our journey from looking for boats, buying the boat and downsizing our house so we can liveaboard and all the messy wonderful life stuff in between. Join us now as we start to get our boat prepared for liveaboard life. As new sailors we want to share all of our learnings and keep it real in our videos. We want to show step by step what it takes to choose a boat, buy the boat and learn how to sail. Our sailing learning curve is steep so come along with us as we learn and grow as liveaboard sailors. We promise you will have a laugh! Welcome aboard Astrid The Wombat Gav and Shezz You can also find us on Instagram and Facebook: Sailing Astrid the Wombat #sailing #liveaboard #sailingaustralia #sailingadventures #sailboat

In this exciting episode, we officially become liveaboard sailors as we move full time onto our Beneteau Oceanis 430. After months of planning, preparing, and downsizing from our home on land, we are now living aboard our sailboat and beginning the journey of a lifetime—sailing around the world. Making the transition to the liveaboard lifestyle is a huge milestone for us. Moving onboard means adapting to a new way of life, learning to live in a smaller space, and organizing everything we own into the limited storage of our yacht. In this video, we share the emotional highs and lows, the excitement of stepping into our dream, and the challenges of getting ready for long-term cruising. Our Beneteau Oceanis 430 is more than just a boat—it’s now our home and our ticket to a life of adventure. We’re preparing her for the demands of bluewater sailing, getting her ready for passages across oceans, and setting up systems that will allow us to live off-grid as we travel the world by sail. For anyone who has ever dreamed of sailing full time, becoming a cruiser, or living aboard a yacht, this video gives you a real look at what it takes to start that journey. The decision to become liveaboards wasn’t just about sailing; it was about embracing freedom, simplicity, and adventure. Downsizing from land life to boat life has taught us what truly matters, and we’re excited to share that with others who are considering this lifestyle. Whether you’re a sailboat owner, a beginner sailor, or simply curious about life on the ocean, our story will inspire you to chase your own adventure. Join us as we take the first step into our dream of sailing around the world, exploring remote anchorages, and living life at sea. From preparing our boat to adjusting to life aboard, we’re documenting every part of this incredible transition into the liveaboard cruising lifestyle. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to follow along on our journey as we share more sailing episodes, liveaboard tips, and the realities of traveling the world by sailboat. This is just the beginning—our sailing adventure around the world starts now! Subscribe to follow our liveaboard journey, get more sailing tutorials, and join us as we explore the world, one anchorage at a time. It's been a year and a half since our first sail in @SailingAstridTheWombat actually that means it's been a year and a half since our first sail ever. That's right a year ago we bought this Beneteau Oceanis 430 and pulled the sail up for the first time ever when we brought her home. A sail that stretched 700 nautical miles from Townsville in Far North Queensland Australia to Moreton Bay in Brisbane Queensland. We are now preparing to move onboard and to sail around the world. Join us to see the challenges as we continue to learn to sail, prepare our boat and make changes so our boat feels like a home. We are moving onboard in just a few weeks so our sailing dream is getting closer and closer. Each experience we have and each new sailing skill learnt just keeps bringing us closer to taking off to sail around the world in our Beneteau Oceanis 430 @SailingAstridTheWombat living our boat life dream. We hope you enjoy our content. Please hit subscribe and follow our journey to full time sailing around the world. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:56 Moving Onboard 02:53 Organising the Sailboat 05:21 New Outboard 05:51 First Mate App 08:04 Selling Everything 10:26 Living Aboard Update 12:54 Downsizing Complete Please leave a comment, like and subscribe to follow our journey. We are Gav and Shezz an Aussie couple with a dream to sail and scuba dive around the world. We bought our Beneteau Oceanis 430 in October 2023 with zero sailing experience but the belief that we can do this. We have filmed our journey from looking for boats, buying the boat and downsizing our house so we can liveaboard and all the messy wonderful life stuff in between. Join us now as we start to get our boat prepared for liveaboard life. As new sailors we want to share all of our learnings and keep it real in our videos. We want to show step by step what it takes to choose a boat, buy the boat and learn how to sail. Our sailing learning curve is steep so come along with us as we learn and grow as liveaboard sailors. We promise you will have a laugh! Welcome aboard Astrid The Wombat Gav and Shezz You can also find us on Instagram and Facebook: Sailing Astrid the Wombat #sailing #liveaboard #sailingaustralia #sailingadventures #sailboat

This week, we take you on an exciting step in our adventure as we officially move onboard our sailboat full time. After months of planning and preparation, the dream of becoming liveaboard sailors is finally real. We’re saying goodbye to our house on land, downsizing our possessions, and moving everything we need onto our Beneteau Oceanis 430, which will now be our floating home as we prepare to sail around the world. The transition to living aboard a sailboat is more than just a move—it’s a complete lifestyle change. In this episode, we share the realities of what it takes to downsize from a house into the limited space of a yacht, the challenges of organization and storage, and how we’re making our sailboat comfortable for long-term cruising. For anyone curious about the process of becoming full-time liveaboards, this video gives you an inside look at the first big leap. Our Beneteau Oceanis 430 will carry us on our dream of world cruising, and this step is just the beginning of a larger journey into the sailing lifestyle. From sorting through belongings, learning what truly matters, and preparing our sailboat for offshore passages, every moment brings us closer to the freedom of life at sea. If you’ve ever dreamed of sailing around the world, traveling full time by boat, or simply experiencing life off-grid, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor, a new sailboat owner, or someone curious about what it’s like to live on a boat, you’ll discover valuable tips about downsizing, organizing, and adapting to a simpler way of life. Join us as we share our liveaboard journey, the emotional ups and downs of leaving land life behind, and our excitement about exploring new horizons under sail. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and follow our adventures as we document every step of our path toward a full-time cruising lifestyle and our goal of sailing around the world. Subscribe to follow our liveaboard journey, get more sailing tutorials, and join us as we explore the world, one anchorage at a time. It's been a year and a half since our first sail in @SailingAstridTheWombat actually that means it's been a year and a half since our first sail ever. That's right a year ago we bought this Beneteau Oceanis 430 and pulled the sail up for the first time ever when we brought her home. A sail that stretched 700 nautical miles from Townsville in Far North Queensland Australia to Moreton Bay in Brisbane Queensland. We are now preparing to move onboard and to sail around the world. Join us to see the challenges as we continue to learn to sail, prepare our boat and make changes so our boat feels like a home. We are moving onboard in just a few weeks so our sailing dream is getting closer and closer. Each experience we have and each new sailing skill learnt just keeps bringing us closer to taking off to sail around the world in our Beneteau Oceanis 430 @SailingAstridTheWombat living our boat life dream. We hope you enjoy our content. Please hit subscribe and follow our journey to full time sailing around the world. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:17 Moving Onboard 07:00 Prepping the Sailboat 07:44 Boat Space Savers 12:45 We Have a Problem 13:13 Boat Freezer Not Working 14:02 Health Update 14:33 Moving Onboard Continued 18:00 Selling Everything! Please leave a comment, like and subscribe to follow our journey. We are Gav and Shezz an Aussie couple with a dream to sail and scuba dive around the world. We bought our Beneteau Oceanis 430 in October 2023 with zero sailing experience but the belief that we can do this. We have filmed our journey from looking for boats, buying the boat and downsizing our house so we can liveaboard and all the messy wonderful life stuff in between. Join us now as we start to get our boat prepared for liveaboard life. As new sailors we want to share all of our learnings and keep it real in our videos. We want to show step by step what it takes to choose a boat, buy the boat and learn how to sail. Our sailing learning curve is steep so come along with us as we learn and grow as liveaboard sailors. We promise you will have a laugh! Welcome aboard Astrid The Wombat Gav and Shezz You can also find us on Instagram and Facebook: Sailing Astrid the Wombat #sailing #liveaboard #sailingaustralia #sailingadventures #sailboat

In this episode, we take you behind the scenes of what life is really like when living aboard a sailboat full-time and tackling essential boatyard projects. Our sailboat is up on the hard stand, and it’s time to roll up our sleeves and get some serious work done. If you’re interested in sailing, dream of traveling the world by sailboat, or want to understand the realities of maintaining a liveaboard lifestyle, this video is packed with tips, insights, and real-life experiences. Living aboard a sailboat is an adventure like no other, but every sailor knows that time in the boatyard is a big part of the journey. Whether you’re a beginner sailor learning the ropes, a sailboat owner planning your first haul out, or an experienced cruiser looking for maintenance inspiration, this episode shares the nitty-gritty details of life on the hard. From bottom paint to through-hull checks, sanding, polishing, and making upgrades, we cover the essential projects that keep our boat seaworthy and ready for the next big sailing adventure. Preparing to sail around the world means balancing time on the water with time spent doing maintenance on land. In this video, we give you a first-hand look at what it takes to get ready for a life of liveaboard sailing. If you’ve ever wondered what happens when a boat is hauled out of the water, how sailors live while on the hard stand, or what kind of work needs to be done before setting sail again, you’ll find the answers here. Our sailing channel is all about sharing the realities of preparing for full-time cruising, boat projects, and off-grid travel by sea. Whether you’re interested in sailing tips, liveaboard life, boatyard hacks, or just love following the journey of sailors exploring the world, this video is for you. Join us as we prepare our boat for more adventures, and discover why boat work is an essential part of the sailing lifestyle. If you enjoy videos about sailing, liveaboard life, sailboat maintenance, and traveling the world by boat, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to follow our journey. If you’re passionate about sailing, boat life, cruising, and travel, don’t forget to subscribe to follow our journey. Every episode shares more about the reality of liveaboard sailing—from maintenance and boat work to breathtaking anchorages and offshore adventures. Subscribe to follow our liveaboard journey, get more sailing tutorials, and join us as we explore the world, one anchorage at a time. It's been a year and a half since our first sail in @SailingAstridTheWombat actually that means it's been a year and a half since our first sail ever. That's right a year ago we bought this Beneteau Oceanis 430 and pulled the sail up for the first time ever when we brought her home. A sail that stretched 700 nautical miles from Townsville in Far North Queensland Australia to Moreton Bay in Brisbane Queensland. We are now preparing to move onboard and to sail around the world. Join us to see the challenges as we continue to learn to sail, prepare our boat and make changes so our boat feels like a home. We are moving onboard in just a few weeks so our sailing dream is getting closer and closer. Each experience we have and each new sailing skill learnt just keeps bringing us closer to taking off to sail around the world in our Beneteau Oceanis 430 @SailingAstridTheWombat living our boat life dream. We hope you enjoy our content. Please hit subscribe and follow our journey to full time sailing around the world. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:55 Boat Visitors 01:36 Boat Polishing Started 02:34 Keel Update 03:49 Boat Cleaning 04:20 Rust Removal 06:52 Lazarettes 09:07 Keel 10:18 Boat Antifoul and Bottom Done 12:55 Watermaker 14:57 Through Holes 17:30 Back in the Water Please leave a comment, like and subscribe to follow our journey. We are Gav and Shezz an Aussie couple with a dream to sail and scuba dive around the world. We bought our Beneteau Oceanis 430 in October 2023 with zero sailing experience but the belief that we can do this. We have filmed our journey from looking for boats, buying the boat and downsizing our house so we can liveaboard and all the messy wonderful life stuff in between. Join us now as we start to get our boat prepared for liveaboard life. As new sailors we want to share all of our learnings and keep it real in our videos. We want to show step by step what it takes to choose a boat, buy the boat and learn how to sail. Our sailing learning curve is steep so come along with us as we learn and grow as liveaboard sailors. We promise you will have a laugh! Welcome aboard Astrid The Wombat Gav and Shezz You can also find us on Instagram and Facebook: Sailing Astrid the Wombat #sailing #liveaboard #sailingaustralia #sailingadventures #sailboat

In this episode of our liveaboard sailing adventure, we take you through the complete process of a sailboat haul out as we prepare our boat for life on the water. Hauling out is one of the most important milestones for any sailor or boat owner, and it’s an essential step before moving aboard full-time. Whether you’re an experienced sailor, a beginner sailor dreaming of cruising, or simply passionate about sailing and travel, this episode gives you an inside look at what it really takes to get a sailboat ready for liveaboard life. We take you behind the scenes as the boat is lifted from the water and set on the hard, ready for major boat work. From hull cleaning and antifouling to checking the prop, through-hulls, and anodes, we cover the jobs every sailboat owner faces during a haul out. If you’ve ever wondered what’s involved in maintaining a sailboat for safe offshore cruising, this video will give you a clear and honest view of the process. As part of our journey to liveaboard sailing around the world, this haul out is a huge step toward our dream of full-time travel by sailboat. We share the challenges, the costs, and the excitement of preparing our floating home for the adventures ahead. For anyone interested in the realities of cruising, sailboat maintenance, or learning more about the lifestyle of living on a boat, this episode is packed with tips, insights, and real-world sailing experience. Whether you’re planning your own haul out, curious about what happens when a sailboat is lifted from the water, or simply love sailing content, you’ll enjoy this detailed look at our preparation phase. Join us as we get our boat ready for a new chapter of offshore passages, island hopping, and exploring the world under sail. If you’re passionate about sailing, boat life, cruising, and travel, don’t forget to subscribe to follow our journey. Every episode shares more about the reality of liveaboard sailing—from maintenance and boat work to breathtaking anchorages and offshore adventures. Subscribe to follow our liveaboard journey, get more sailing tutorials, and join us as we explore the world, one anchorage at a time. It's been a year and a half since our first sail in @SailingAstridTheWombat actually that means it's been a year and a half since our first sail ever. That's right a year ago we bought this Beneteau Oceanis 430 and pulled the sail up for the first time ever when we brought her home. A sail that stretched 700 nautical miles from Townsville in Far North Queensland Australia to Moreton Bay in Brisbane Queensland. We are now preparing to move onboard and to sail around the world. Join us to see the challenges as we continue to learn to sail, prepare our boat and make changes so our boat feels like a home. We are moving onboard in just a few weeks so our sailing dream is getting closer and closer. Each experience we have and each new sailing skill learnt just keeps bringing us closer to taking off to sail around the world in our Beneteau Oceanis 430 @SailingAstridTheWombat living our boat life dream. We hope you enjoy our content. Please hit subscribe and follow our journey to full time sailing around the world. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:57 Haul Out Prep 03:26 Boat Maintenance Dock 08:25 Sailboat Haul Out 09:08 Slings On 11:54 Pressure Washing 12:44 Wind Generator 15:06 Moving Sailboat to Hard Stand 16:16 Rust On Keel 17:30 Sailboat on the Hard Please leave a comment, like and subscribe to follow our journey. We are Gav and Shezz an Aussie couple with a dream to sail and scuba dive around the world. We bought our Beneteau Oceanis 430 in October 2023 with zero sailing experience but the belief that we can do this. We have filmed our journey from looking for boats, buying the boat and downsizing our house so we can liveaboard and all the messy wonderful life stuff in between. Join us now as we start to get our boat prepared for liveaboard life. As new sailors we want to share all of our learnings and keep it real in our videos. We want to show step by step what it takes to choose a boat, buy the boat and learn how to sail. Our sailing learning curve is steep so come along with us as we learn and grow as liveaboard sailors. We promise you will have a laugh! Welcome aboard Astrid The Wombat Gav and Shezz You can also find us on Instagram and Facebook: Sailing Astrid the Wombat #sailing #liveaboard #sailingaustralia #sailingadventures #sailboat

Welcome aboard for another episode of our liveaboard sailing adventure! In this video, we head out into the stunning waters of Moreton Bay, Queensland, for a perfect day of sailing, fishing, and chasing wind. Life on a sailboat is always full of surprises—sometimes calm, sometimes thrilling—and this day on the water gave us a taste of it all. We start the day with rods in the water, fishing from the boat while drifting across the bay. As liveaboard sailors, catching fresh fish isn’t just a hobby, it’s a way to connect with the ocean and enjoy self-sufficiency while living off-grid. Whether you’re a passionate angler, a new sailboat owner, or a beginner sailor dreaming about cruising life, fishing from a sailboat is always an adventure in itself. But sailing is never just about waiting—it’s about chasing the wind. In this episode, we share the quiet moments of watching the horizon, looking for that first ripple of breeze. As the wind finally arrives, we hoist the sails, trim them tight, and feel the magic as the boat heels over and comes alive. For every sailor, that rush of energy when the sails fill and the yacht leans into the wind is the heartbeat of sailing. In this episode you’ll see: A day of sailing in Moreton Bay Fishing from the sailboat while cruising The reality of waiting for wind while living aboard The thrill of hoisting sails and feeling the boat heel Insights into the liveaboard sailing lifestyle Our channel is all about sailing around the world, sharing real stories of life aboard, from calm anchorages and fishing days to stormy passages and exciting off-grid adventures. If you’re passionate about sailing, cruising, boats, fishing, or traveling the world by sailboat, you’ll love following along as we continue our journey. Subscribe, like, and comment to join us as we sail, fish, and explore more amazing destinations on our voyage of liveaboard sailing around the world. Every episode brings new challenges, new anchorages, and new adventures—so come chase the wind with us! We’re sharing what it’s really like to live aboard a sailboat while exploring Australia’s coastline, with tips for beginner sailors, sailing families, and anyone curious about the cruising lifestyle. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for weekly episodes packed with sailing tips, ocean adventures, and life on a boat. It's been a year and a half since our first sail in @SailingAstridTheWombat actually that means it's been a year and a half since our first sail ever. That's right a year ago we bought this Beneteau Oceanis 430 and pulled the sail up for the first time ever when we brought her home. A sail that stretched 700 nautical miles from Townsville in Far North Queensland Australia to Moreton Bay in Brisbane Queensland. We are now preparing to move onboard and to sail around the world. Join us to see the challenges as we continue to learn to sail, prepare our boat and make changes so our boat feels like a home. We are moving onboard in just a few weeks so our sailing dream is getting closer and closer. Each experience we have and each new sailing skill learnt just keeps bringing us closer to taking off to sail around the world in our Beneteau Oceanis 430 @SailingAstridTheWombat living our boat life dream. We hope you enjoy our content. Please hit subscribe and follow our journey to full time sailing around the world. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:16 @Sailing_Aquarius 03:24 New Outboard 06:20 Heading Out For a Sail 10:00 Headsail Out 11:14 Mainsail Out 11:57 Fishing From the Sailboat 16:54 No Fish Today 18:00 We Are Sailing! 19:40 Heeling on the Sailboat 21:00 Sails In 21:43 Heading Back In Please leave a comment, like and subscribe to follow our journey. We are Gav and Shezz an Aussie couple with a dream to sail and scuba dive around the world. We bought our Beneteau Oceanis 430 in October 2023 with zero sailing experience but the belief that we can do this. We have filmed our journey from looking for boats, buying the boat and downsizing our house so we can liveaboard and all the messy wonderful life stuff in between. Join us now as we start to get our boat prepared for liveaboard life. As new sailors we want to share all of our learnings and keep it real in our videos. We want to show step by step what it takes to choose a boat, buy the boat and learn how to sail. Our sailing learning curve is steep so come along with us as we learn and grow as liveaboard sailors. We promise you will have a laugh! Welcome aboard Astrid The Wombat Gav and Shezz You can also find us on Instagram and Facebook: Sailing Astrid the Wombat #sailing #liveaboard #sailingaustralia #sailingadventures #sailboat

In this episode of our liveaboard sailing around the world journey, we tackle an important piece of boat maintenance – marking 90 metres of anchor chain. Clear anchor chain markings are essential for safe and accurate anchoring, especially when cruising unfamiliar bays, reefs, and anchorages. Whether you’re a beginner sailor learning the ropes or a seasoned cruiser preparing for offshore passages, this is a job every sailboat owner should know how to do. Anchoring is one of the most important skills in the cruising lifestyle. Knowing exactly how much chain you’ve let out can mean the difference between a peaceful night and dragging into trouble. In this video, we walk you through how we measure and mark our entire 90m anchor chain to ensure we can drop the right scope in all conditions – from calm tropical bays to windy, exposed anchorages. But marking the chain is just one part of a busy day aboard. We also tick off a few other essential jobs to get our sailboat ready for upcoming adventures as we continue preparing for life travelling the world by sailboat. In this episode, you’ll see: - Step-by-step process for marking anchor chain - Tips on boat maintenance for safe cruising - How anchor scope works and why markings matter - Preparing for anchoring in different depths and conditions - Essential tasks we complete before long-term cruising We’re passionate about sharing practical sailing tips, real-life maintenance projects, and behind-the-scenes moments of our full-time sailing lifestyle. Every episode is about more than just sailing – it’s about the planning, preparation, and problem-solving that make long-term cruising possible. If you’ve ever dreamed of living aboard, exploring hidden anchorages, or simply want to improve your own anchoring technique, this is a must-watch. We hope our experience helps you feel more confident when it’s time to drop the hook on your own adventures. Subscribe to follow our liveaboard journey, get more sailing tutorials, and join us as we explore the world, one anchorage at a time. It's been a year and a half since our first sail in @SailingAstridTheWombat actually that means it's been a year and a half since our first sail ever. That's right a year ago we bought this Beneteau Oceanis 430 and pulled the sail up for the first time ever when we brought her home. A sail that stretched 700 nautical miles from Townsville in Far North Queensland Australia to Moreton Bay in Brisbane Queensland. We are now preparing to move onboard and to sail around the world. Join us to see the challenges as we continue to learn to sail, prepare our boat and make changes so our boat feels like a home. We are moving onboard in just a few weeks so our sailing dream is getting closer and closer. Each experience we have and each new sailing skill learnt just keeps bringing us closer to taking off to sail around the world in our Beneteau Oceanis 430 @SailingAstridTheWombat living our boat life dream. We hope you enjoy our content. Please hit subscribe and follow our journey to full time sailing around the world. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:00 Milwaukee wet/dry vacuum 03:04 Sailboat Freezer Compressor Cable 06:10 Marking the Anchor Chain Please leave a comment, like and subscribe to follow our journey. We are Gav and Shezz an Aussie couple with a dream to sail and scuba dive around the world. We bought our Beneteau Oceanis 430 in October 2023 with zero sailing experience but the belief that we can do this. We have filmed our journey from looking for boats, buying the boat and downsizing our house so we can liveaboard and all the messy wonderful life stuff in between. Join us now as we start to get our boat prepared for liveaboard life. As new sailors we want to share all of our learnings and keep it real in our videos. We want to show step by step what it takes to choose a boat, buy the boat and learn how to sail. Our sailing learning curve is steep so come along with us as we learn and grow as liveaboard sailors. We promise you will have a laugh! Welcome aboard Astrid The Wombat Gav and Shezz You can also find us on Instagram and Facebook: Sailing Astrid the Wombat #sailing #liveaboard #sailingaustralia #sailingadventures #sailboat

We’re now just 8 weeks away from moving aboard our sailboat full-time as part of our liveaboard sailing adventure around the world! In this episode, we share an exciting (and slightly overwhelming) update on where we are with the downsizing process — selling, donating, and letting go of years of land-based possessions to embrace the simplicity and freedom of life on the water. If you’ve ever dreamed of living on a sailboat, travelling the world by wind power, or taking the leap into the cruising lifestyle, this episode gives you an honest, behind-the-scenes look at the big transition from land to sea. We talk about what’s been easy, what’s been hard, and what we’re learning along the way as we prepare to call our sailboat “home.” We’re also just 4 weeks away from a major haul out — when our boat will be lifted from the water for essential maintenance and preparation for our life of sailing around the world. This haul out is crucial for making sure our vessel is seaworthy, safe, and ready for offshore cruising. From bottom paint to mechanical checks, this is where the real work happens before the fun begins! In this video, you’ll see: - Our downsizing tips for moving onto a sailboat - What to expect in a sailboat haul out - How we’re preparing for the liveaboard lifestyle - The emotional side of letting go of “stuff” for a life of adventure Whether you’re a beginner sailor, a seasoned bluewater cruiser, or someone dreaming of escaping the 9-to-5 to travel the world by sailboat, you’ll find inspiration, practical advice, and a real-world look at what it takes to prepare for full-time cruising. Join us as we get ready for this exciting new chapter — chasing horizons, finding new anchorages, and embracing the freedom of the liveaboard lifestyle. Subscribe and follow our journey as we countdown to launch day and start our adventure of sailing around the world. It's been a year and a half since our first sail in @SailingAstridTheWombat actually that means it's been a year and a half since our first sail ever. That's right a year ago we bought this Beneteau Oceanis 430 and pulled the sail up for the first time ever when we brought her home. A sail that stretched 700 nautical miles from Townsville in Far North Queensland Australia to Moreton Bay in Brisbane Queensland. We are now preparing to move onboard and to sail around the world. Join us to see the challenges as we continue to learn to sail, prepare our boat and make changes so our boat feels like a home. We are moving onboard in just a few weeks so our sailing dream is getting closer and closer. Each experience we have and each new sailing skill learnt just keeps bringing us closer to taking off to sail around the world in our Beneteau Oceanis 430 @SailingAstridTheWombat living our boat life dream. We hope you enjoy our content. Please hit subscribe and follow our journey to full time sailing around the world. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:06 Back to the Marina 02:34 Boat Battery Update 04:18 Morning on the Sailboat 05:26 Downsizing to Liveaboard 15:39 Preparing for Haul Out 16:50 Diesel Tank Access Please leave a comment, like and subscribe to follow our journey. We are Gav and Shezz an Aussie couple with a dream to sail and scuba dive around the world. We bought our Beneteau Oceanis 430 in October 2023 with zero sailing experience but the belief that we can do this. We have filmed our journey from looking for boats, buying the boat and downsizing our house so we can liveaboard and all the messy wonderful life stuff in between. Join us now as we start to get our boat prepared for liveaboard life. As new sailors we want to share all of our learnings and keep it real in our videos. We want to show step by step what it takes to choose a boat, buy the boat and learn how to sail. Our sailing learning curve is steep so come along with us as we learn and grow as liveaboard sailors. We promise you will have a laugh! Welcome aboard Astrid The Wombat Gav and Shezz You can also find us on Instagram and Facebook: Sailing Astrid the Wombat #sailing #liveaboard #sailingaustralia #sailingadventures #sailboat

Join us on another chapter of our liveaboard sailing journey around the world as we set sail in search of a new, calmer anchorage. After spending time in a stunning but very rolly anchorage, it’s time to weigh anchor and move on to find a more peaceful spot to drop the hook. This sailing episode is filled with the beauty and unpredictability of life at sea. Along the way, we’re treated to an incredible surprise – a playful pod of dolphins swimming alongside our sailboat. These magical encounters are one of the many reasons we fell in love with cruising full-time. In this video, you’ll experience: - Sailing techniques for relocating anchorages - Tips for choosing a safe, comfortable anchorage - Scenic views of coastal cruising - Unforgettable dolphin encounters at sea - The real-life ups and downs of off-grid sailing Whether you’re a beginner sailor learning the ropes, a seasoned bluewater cruiser, or simply love watching ocean adventures, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical insight into the liveaboard lifestyle. From raising the anchor to reading the weather, we share what it’s really like to be sailing full-time. Our mission is to explore the world by sailboat, one anchorage at a time, while sharing the freedom, challenges, and beauty of life on the water. If you dream of travelling the world by sailboat, discovering hidden bays, and embracing the simplicity of life afloat, you’ll love this sailing vlog. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and join our crew as we chase horizons, find new anchorages, and live the adventure. It's been a year and a half since our first sail in @SailingAstridTheWombat actually that means it's been a year and a half since our first sail ever. That's right a year ago we bought this Beneteau Oceanis 430 and pulled the sail up for the first time ever when we brought her home. A sail that stretched 700 nautical miles from Townsville in Far North Queensland Australia to Moreton Bay in Brisbane Queensland. We are now preparing to move onboard and to sail around the world. Join us to see the challenges as we continue to learn to sail, prepare our boat and make changes so our boat feels like a home. We are moving onboard in just a few weeks so our sailing dream is getting closer and closer. Each experience we have and each new sailing skill learnt just keeps bringing us closer to taking off to sail around the world in our Beneteau Oceanis 430 @SailingAstridTheWombat living our boat life dream. We hope you enjoy our content. Please hit subscribe and follow our journey to full time sailing around the world. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:02 Leaving the Anchorage 02:05 Fishing Rod Out 02:50 Weather Update 03:25 Sailing to Peel Island 04:16 Sails In 05:22 Tender Fix 09:40 Dolphins 10:30 Fishing Update 11:08 More Dolphins 11:58 Northern Side of Peel Island 15:54 Horseshoe Bay 17:25 Heading Back 18:20 Headsail Out Please leave a comment, like and subscribe to follow our journey. We are Gav and Shezz an Aussie couple with a dream to sail and scuba dive around the world. We bought our Beneteau Oceanis 430 in October 2023 with zero sailing experience but the belief that we can do this. We have filmed our journey from looking for boats, buying the boat and downsizing our house so we can liveaboard and all the messy wonderful life stuff in between. Join us now as we start to get our boat prepared for liveaboard life. As new sailors we want to share all of our learnings and keep it real in our videos. We want to show step by step what it takes to choose a boat, buy the boat and learn how to sail. Our sailing learning curve is steep so come along with us as we learn and grow as liveaboard sailors. We promise you will have a laugh! Welcome aboard Astrid The Wombat Gav and Shezz You can also find us on Instagram and Facebook: Sailing Astrid the Wombat #sailing #liveaboard #sailingaustralia #sailingadventures #sailboat

Celebrate a special birthday anchored at the breathtaking Moreton Island! In this unforgettable episode of our liveaboard sailing adventure, we embrace the cruising lifestyle in the best possible way—anchored in paradise, exploring shipwrecks, and catching our very first fish on the sailboat! Moreton Island, just off the coast of Brisbane, is a true gem for sailors and liveaboards alike. Known for its crystal-clear waters, golden sand dunes, and the iconic Tangalooma Wrecks, this destination is perfect for off-grid exploration, wildlife encounters, and laid-back island life. We are anchored near Lucinda Bay and take you along as we explore the wrecks, swim in the turquoise sea, and enjoy all the beauty this sailing destination has to offer. This episode is extra special—it's a birthday celebration on a boat! We reflect on making our liveaboard dream come true and the freedom that comes with living on a sailboat. And to top it off, we catch our very first fish on this sailing journey. Whether you're dreaming of sailing around the world, curious about the realities of boat life, or already living the liveaboard lifestyle, this episode delivers both inspiration and practical insight. From anchoring tips to exploring marine wrecks and celebrating milestones off the grid, we show what it really means to live free on the water. This video is for sailors, boat lovers, beginner sailors, travel seekers, and anyone inspired by ocean adventure. If you’ve ever imagined cooking your dinner while anchored in paradise or waking up to a birthday sunrise at sea—this one’s for you. Featured in this episode: Sailing to Moreton Island Birthday celebration aboard our sailboat Exploring Ship Wrecks Catching our first fish Liveaboard lifestyle in Australia Subscribe and join us each week as we sail the world, live simply, and explore remote destinations by sea. It's been a year and a half since our first sail in @SailingAstridTheWombat actually that means it's been a year and a half since our first sail ever. That's right a year ago we bought this Beneteau Oceanis 430 and pulled the sail up for the first time ever when we brought her home. A sail that stretched 700 nautical miles from Townsville in Far North Queensland Australia to Moreton Bay in Brisbane Queensland. We are now preparing to move onboard and to sail around the world. Join us to see the challenges as we continue to learn to sail, prepare our boat and make changes so our boat feels like a home. We are moving onboard in just a few weeks so our sailing dream is getting closer and closer. Each experience we have and each new sailing skill learnt just keeps bringing us closer to taking off to sail around the world in our Beneteau Oceanis 430 @SailingAstridTheWombat living our boat life dream. We hope you enjoy our content. Please hit subscribe and follow our journey to full time sailing around the world. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:12 Long Night Onboard 02:26 Birthday Celebrations 04:00 Presents Onboard 07:14 Fishing on the Sailboat 10:27 Starfish 11:45 Beach Time 13:07 Pippies 13:38 Starfish Rescue 15:02 Exploring Wrecks 16:40 Pufferfish 17:17 Opening the Pippie 17:51: We Caught a Fish! 19:44 Boat Battery Update 21:00 More Fishing 22:27 Sunset on Our Sailboat Please leave a comment, like and subscribe to follow our journey. We are Gav and Shezz an Aussie couple with a dream to sail and scuba dive around the world. We bought our Beneteau Oceanis 430 in October 2023 with zero sailing experience but the belief that we can do this. We have filmed our journey from looking for boats, buying the boat and downsizing our house so we can liveaboard and all the messy wonderful life stuff in between. Join us now as we start to get our boat prepared for liveaboard life. As new sailors we want to share all of our learnings and keep it real in our videos. We want to show step by step what it takes to choose a boat, buy the boat and learn how to sail. Our sailing learning curve is steep so come along with us as we learn and grow as liveaboard sailors. We promise you will have a laugh! Welcome aboard Astrid The Wombat Gav and Shezz You can also find us on Instagram and Facebook: Sailing Astrid the Wombat #sailing #liveaboard #sailingaustralia #sailingadventures #sailboat