Hi and welcome aboard @SailingAstridTheWombat We are Gav and Shezz and two and a half years ago we bought our Beneteau Oceanis 430 sailboat with absolutely no sailing experience and jumped straight into the deep end of liveaboard sailing. Our very first passage was just over 700 nautical miles, launching us headfirst into the world of bluewater cruising, learning to sail, and real life at sea. Since that moment, we’ve been fully immersed in boat life, documenting the journey of turning a production cruising sailboat into a capable, self-sufficient home as we prepare for full-time liveaboard life. From major sailboat upgrades and off-grid power systems to everyday maintenance and skills building, we’re learning what it truly takes to own, sail, and live on a boat while working toward our goal of sailing around the world. If you’re into sailing adventures, beginner sailing, sailboat ownership, cruising lifestyle, and traveling the world by sailboat, our journey is all about real-time learning, ocean freedom, and building the confidence to chase long-term world cruising under sail. After years of planning, countless boat projects, endless checklists, and months of preparation, the moment we've been working towards is finally here. In this episode, we take you through the final three days before we leave the dock and begin our dream of sailing around the world. Join us as we complete the last-minute sailboat preparations, finish provisioning the boat, tackle final jobs, and make sure everything is ready for life as full-time liveaboard sailors. Preparing a sailboat for offshore cruising is never simple, and these final days are packed with excitement, emotions, and plenty of last-minute tasks before casting off. One of the highlights of this episode is our farewell party, where we gather with friends and family to celebrate this incredible milestone. Saying goodbye to the people who have supported us throughout our sailing journey is both exciting and emotional as we prepare to leave our home waters behind and set off on a global sailing adventure. Whether you're a sailor, a liveaboard cruiser, a sailboat owner, or someone dreaming of travelling the world by sailboat, this episode offers a real look at what it's like in the final days before a major offshore departure. From boat preparation and provisioning to the emotions of leaving everything familiar behind, this is a chapter every cruising sailor can relate to. Our goal is to document every step of our journey as we transition from preparing our boat to becoming full-time world cruisers. If you've ever dreamed of sailing across oceans, exploring remote islands, embracing the cruising lifestyle, or living aboard a sailboat, you're in the right place. Subscribe and follow our journey as we prepare to leave our current life behind and explore the world by sailboat. With every repair, upgrade, and lesson learned, we're getting closer to the adventure we've been dreaming about for years. You can also become part of our crew over at Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/sailingastridthewombat/posts Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:30 Provisioning 02:11 Selling our Cars 03:55 Three Days to Go 04:25 Goodbyes Are Hard 05:02 Smallgoods Provisioning 05:59 Two Days to Go 07:18 Lauundromat 08:06 Final provisioning Done 09:26 Day Before We Leave 11:51 Boom Tent Lines 13:03 Storytime With Rosie 14:18 Farewell Party 20:26 The Morning After Please leave a comment, like and subscribe to follow our journey. Join us now as we settle into liveaboard life and get our boat ready to take off and sail around the world in just a few weeks. 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

Hi and welcome aboard @SailingAstridTheWombat We are Gav and Shezz and two and a half years ago we bought our Beneteau Oceanis 430 sailboat with absolutely no sailing experience and jumped straight into the deep end of liveaboard sailing. Our very first passage was just over 700 nautical miles, launching us headfirst into the world of bluewater cruising, learning to sail, and real life at sea. Since that moment, we’ve been fully immersed in boat life, documenting the journey of turning a production cruising sailboat into a capable, self-sufficient home as we prepare for full-time liveaboard life. From major sailboat upgrades and off-grid power systems to everyday maintenance and skills building, we’re learning what it truly takes to own, sail, and live on a boat while working toward our goal of sailing around the world. If you’re into sailing adventures, beginner sailing, sailboat ownership, cruising lifestyle, and traveling the world by sailboat, our journey is all about real-time learning, ocean freedom, and building the confidence to chase long-term world cruising under sail. Just before setting sail to explore the world by sailboat, we tackle one of the most important upgrades for long-term cruising life – installing and commissioning our sailboat watermaker! In this episode of our liveaboard sailing adventure, we finally get our watermaker installed as we race to complete critical boat projects before beginning our dream voyage around the world. But what should have been a straightforward installation quickly turns into a series of frustrating setbacks as we uncover problem after problem with the system. From unexpected faults and troubleshooting challenges to discovering issues that prevent the watermaker from operating correctly, this project definitely doesn't go according to plan. Having a reliable source of fresh water is essential for offshore sailing, bluewater cruising, and life at anchor, making this one of the most important milestones in our sailboat preparation journey. With our departure rapidly approaching, the pressure is on to diagnose the problems, make repairs, and get the system producing fresh drinking water before we leave. Join us as we work through the installation process, troubleshoot multiple issues, test the system, and finally celebrate producing fresh water onboard. Whether you're a liveaboard sailor, preparing your own cruising sailboat, dreaming of sailing around the world, or simply interested in sailboat systems and upgrades, this episode is packed with valuable insights, lessons learned, and the reality of boat ownership. Our goal is to become fully self-sufficient as we leave the dock and begin our full-time sailing lifestyle. A watermaker is a game-changing piece of equipment for long-distance sailors, allowing us to stay off-grid longer, explore remote anchorages, and enjoy the freedom that comes with cruising the world's oceans. But as every boat owner knows, even the best plans can be derailed by unexpected problems. If you're interested in sailing, sailboats, cruising boats, liveaboard life, boat projects, sailing adventures, offshore cruising, sailing preparation, bluewater sailing, sailing couples, sailing channels, world cruising, yacht life, or learning what it takes to prepare a sailboat for global travel, you're in the right place. Topics covered in this episode: • Watermaker installation • Watermaker troubleshooting • Sailboat upgrades • Liveaboard sailing preparation • Fresh water systems onboard • Offshore cruising essentials • Cruising sailboat projects • Preparing to sail around the world • Sailing lifestyle and boat life @WaterMakersAustralia Subscribe and follow our journey as we prepare to leave our current life behind and explore the world by sailboat. With every repair, upgrade, and lesson learned, we're getting closer to the adventure we've been dreaming about for years. You can also become part of our crew over at Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/sailingastridthewombat/posts Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:20 Questions With Gav 06:50 Full time Work Finished 07:50 Accessing the Watermaker 08:17 Installing the Membrane 10:12 New Sailboat Fridge Install 13:39 Watermaker Problems 15:58 Watermaker Install 19:38 Watermaker Walkthrough Please leave a comment, like and subscribe to follow our journey. Join us now as we settle into liveaboard life and get our boat ready to take off and sail around the world in just a few weeks. 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

Hi and welcome aboard @SailingAstridTheWombat We are Gav and Shezz and two and a half years ago we bought our Beneteau Oceanis 430 sailboat with absolutely no sailing experience and jumped straight into the deep end of liveaboard sailing. Our very first passage was just over 700 nautical miles, launching us headfirst into the world of bluewater cruising, learning to sail, and real life at sea. Since that moment, we’ve been fully immersed in boat life, documenting the journey of turning a production cruising sailboat into a capable, self-sufficient home as we prepare for full-time liveaboard life. From major sailboat upgrades and off-grid power systems to everyday maintenance and skills building, we’re learning what it truly takes to own, sail, and live on a boat while working toward our goal of sailing around the world. If you’re into sailing adventures, beginner sailing, sailboat ownership, cruising lifestyle, and traveling the world by sailboat, our journey is all about real-time learning, ocean freedom, and building the confidence to chase long-term world cruising under sail. Preparing a sailboat to sail around the world means making every inch of space count, and in this episode we're tackling one of the most important parts of long-term liveaboard life – our fridge and freezer storage! As we continue preparing our cruising sailboat for full-time liveaboard sailing and world travel, we take a deep dive into organizing our galley, maximizing food storage, and working out exactly how much fridge and freezer space we'll need for extended offshore passages and remote destinations. When you're planning to sail around the world, provisioning becomes a critical skill, and every sailor knows that refrigeration can make or break life aboard. But boat projects rarely go to plan... Just as we're sorting out our sailboat refrigeration system and getting ready for our future bluewater cruising adventures, disaster strikes. Both our marine fridge and freezer stop working, leaving us to diagnose the problem and figure out what went wrong. Will we be able to repair the refrigeration system, or are we facing an expensive replacement just weeks before we are leaving to take off and explore the world on our sailboat. Join us as we navigate another challenge of sailboat ownership, troubleshoot our marine refrigeration issues, and continue preparing our boat for life as full-time liveaboards. Whether you're a sailor, liveaboard cruiser, boat owner, beginner sailor, cruising enthusiast, or someone dreaming of sailing around the world, this episode offers a real look at the ups and downs of preparing a cruising sailboat for long-distance travel. If you enjoy sailing videos, sailboat refits, liveaboard life, cruising adventures, offshore sailing, boat maintenance, boat projects, sailboat preparation, world cruising, yacht life, sailing couple adventures, and behind-the-scenes sailboat ownership, you'll love this episode. Subscribe and follow our journey as we prepare to leave our current life behind and explore the world by sailboat. With every repair, upgrade, and lesson learned, we're getting closer to the adventure we've been dreaming about for years. You can also become part of our crew over at Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/sailingastridthewombat/posts Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:52 Work Update 01:56 Sailboat Job Plan 02:55 Sailboat Freezer 04:38 One Month Until We Take Off 04:59 Cleaning the Boat Freezer 05:40 Provisioning 06:11 Defrosting the Boat Freezer 07:24 Sailboat Job List 07:51 Splicing Course 10:02 Last Work Trip 10:38 Boat Fridge Died 11:48 Removing Old Fridge 12:59 Questions With Gav Please leave a comment, like and subscribe to follow our journey. Join us now as we settle into liveaboard life and get our boat ready to take off and sail around the world in just a few weeks. 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

Hi and welcome aboard @SailingAstridTheWombat We are Gav and Shezz and two and a half years ago we bought our Beneteau Oceanis 430 sailboat with absolutely no sailing experience and jumped straight into the deep end of liveaboard sailing. Our very first passage was just over 700 nautical miles, launching us headfirst into the world of bluewater cruising, learning to sail, and real life at sea. Since that moment, we’ve been fully immersed in boat life, documenting the journey of turning a production cruising sailboat into a capable, self-sufficient home as we prepare for full-time liveaboard life. From major sailboat upgrades and off-grid power systems to everyday maintenance and skills building, we’re learning what it truly takes to own, sail, and live on a boat while working toward our goal of sailing around the world. If you’re into sailing adventures, beginner sailing, sailboat ownership, cruising lifestyle, and traveling the world by sailboat, our journey is all about real-time learning, ocean freedom, and building the confidence to chase long-term world cruising under sail. In this episode, we discover that getting ready to sail around the world isn't always smooth sailing! As part of our final preparations for full-time liveaboard sailing and offshore cruising, we have a professional rigging inspection completed on our sailboat—and the results reveal several issues that need immediate attention before we can safely set sail. One of the biggest concerns uncovered during the rigging inspection is birdcaging in the forestay, an instant fail that every sailboat owner and offshore sailor should know about. Birdcaging is a serious rigging defect that can compromise the integrity of standing rigging and put both vessel and crew at risk during offshore passages. If you're planning world cruising, bluewater sailing, or extended liveaboard adventures, understanding the importance of regular rigging inspections is essential. With only a few weeks remaining before departure, we get to work replacing our old headsail furler with a brand-new furler system. Watch as we remove the aging furler, install the new unit, and tackle the challenges that come with upgrading critical sailboat equipment. Proper sail handling systems are vital for safe and efficient offshore sailing, especially when preparing for long-distance cruising and ocean passages. Safety is also at the top of our priority list, so we take delivery of a life raft—an essential piece of offshore safety equipment for anyone planning bluewater sailing, ocean crossings, or sailing around the world. Every step we take brings us closer to achieving our dream of exploring the world by sailboat. To complete the project, we have the rig professionally tuned and adjusted, ensuring our mast, standing rigging, and sailboat setup are ready for the adventures ahead. Rig tuning plays a critical role in sail performance, safety, and reliability, making it one of the most important final checks before setting off on a major cruising voyage. If you're interested in sailing around the world, liveaboard sailboat life, sailboat maintenance, rigging inspections, offshore sailing preparation, cruising yacht upgrades, DIY boat projects, bluewater cruising, sailing safety, sailboat repairs, world cruising adventures, and life at sea, this episode is packed with valuable insights and real-world lessons. Subscribe and join us as we count down the final weeks before leaving the dock and beginning our journey to explore the world under sail. Subscribe and follow our journey as we prepare to leave our current life behind and explore the world by sailboat. With every repair, upgrade, and lesson learned, we're getting closer to the adventure we've been dreaming about for years. You can also become part of our crew over at Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/sailingastridthewombat/posts Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:54 Life Raft from Marine Safe 04:54 Head Sail Repair 06:46 Rigging on our Sailboat 07:46 Removing the Furler From our Sailboat 13:50 Capturing the Halyard Line 14:28 Furler Coming Down 14:57 Birdcaging a Rigging Failure 16:08 Deferred Maintenance 16:44 Chainplate Pin and Hole 17:52 Installing the Furler on our Sailboat 18:30 Tuning the Rig 19:04 Job Done 20:30 Putting the Head Sail On Please leave a comment, like and subscribe to follow our journey. Join us now as we settle into liveaboard life and get our boat ready to take off and sail around the world in just a few weeks. 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

Hi and welcome aboard @SailingAstridTheWombat We are Gav and Shezz and two and a half years ago we bought our Beneteau Oceanis 430 sailboat with absolutely no sailing experience and jumped straight into the deep end of liveaboard sailing. Our very first passage was just over 700 nautical miles, launching us headfirst into the world of bluewater cruising, learning to sail, and real life at sea. Since that moment, we’ve been fully immersed in boat life, documenting the journey of turning a production cruising sailboat into a capable, self-sufficient home as we prepare for full-time liveaboard life. From major sailboat upgrades and off-grid power systems to everyday maintenance and skills building, we’re learning what it truly takes to own, sail, and live on a boat while working toward our goal of sailing around the world. If you’re into sailing adventures, beginner sailing, sailboat ownership, cruising lifestyle, and traveling the world by sailboat, our journey is all about real-time learning, ocean freedom, and building the confidence to chase long-term world cruising under sail. In this episode, we're one step closer to casting off the lines and beginning our dream of sailing around the world! With our departure date fast approaching, it's time to tackle more sailboat projects, boat maintenance, and liveaboard sailing preparations before we set sail for a full-time sailing adventure. This week aboard our cruising sailboat, we finally uncover our spinnaker and take a closer look at what could become one of the most important sails in our inventory. The only problem? We still need to learn how to use it! If you're a beginner sailor, aspiring cruiser, or someone interested in offshore sailing, you'll know that every new piece of equipment comes with a learning curve. Join us as we discuss our plans to master the spinnaker before heading offshore. We also take care of several important boat jobs that need to be completed before our circumnavigation begins. From repairing the battery cover to fixing our boom tent, we're working through the never-ending list of sailboat maintenance and upgrades that come with preparing a cruising yacht for long-term travel. These essential DIY boat repairs help keep our vessel safe, comfortable, and ready for life at sea. As part of our liveaboard sailing preparations, we also begin organising one of the biggest challenges of long-distance cruising—provisioning. We create a detailed provisioning spreadsheet to help us plan food storage, supplies, and essential items for extended periods away from marinas and supermarkets. Proper sailboat provisioning is a crucial step for anyone planning offshore passages, world cruising, or living aboard a sailboat full-time. If you love sailing videos, sailboat life, cruising adventures, DIY boat projects, sailing around the world, liveaboard living, yacht maintenance, offshore sailing, cruising preparation, boat life, and travel by sailboat, this episode is for you. Subscribe and follow our journey as we prepare to leave our current life behind and explore the world by sailboat. With every repair, upgrade, and lesson learned, we're getting closer to the adventure we've been dreaming about for years. Subscribe for weekly liveaboard sailing videos, sailing adventures, sailboat life, boat projects, cruising tips, and world travel by sailboat. You can also become part of our crew over at Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/sailingastridthewombat/posts Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:18 Main Sail 02:40 Spinnaker 07:22 Reorganising the Cabin 08:17 Repairing the Battery Cover 09:52 Provisioning 13:56 Boom Tent Repair 17:06 Feeding the Fish Please leave a comment, like and subscribe to follow our journey. Join us now as we settle into liveaboard life and get our boat ready to take off and sail around the world in just a few weeks. 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

Hi and welcome aboard @SailingAstridTheWombat We are Gav and Shezz and two and a half years ago we bought our Beneteau Oceanis 430 sailboat with absolutely no sailing experience and jumped straight into the deep end of liveaboard sailing. Our very first passage was just over 700 nautical miles, launching us headfirst into the world of bluewater cruising, learning to sail, and real life at sea. Since that moment, we’ve been fully immersed in boat life, documenting the journey of turning a production cruising sailboat into a capable, self-sufficient home as we prepare for full-time liveaboard life. From major sailboat upgrades and off-grid power systems to everyday maintenance and skills building, we’re learning what it truly takes to own, sail, and live on a boat while working toward our goal of sailing around the world. If you’re into sailing adventures, beginner sailing, sailboat ownership, cruising lifestyle, and traveling the world by sailboat, our journey is all about real-time learning, ocean freedom, and building the confidence to chase long-term world cruising under sail. In this episode, we take a break from boat jobs and sailboat preparations to continue exploring the incredible beauty of Indonesia! As we get closer to our dream of sailing around the world full-time, we leave the boat projects behind for a while and immerse ourselves in the culture, adventure, and world-class scuba diving that Indonesia is famous for. Join us as we explore tropical islands, dive into crystal-clear waters, and search for the incredible Ogoh-Ogoh celebrations leading up to Nyepi Day, Bali's famous Day of Silence. The giant Ogoh-Ogoh statues are an amazing part of Balinese culture, representing evil spirits that are paraded through the streets before Nyepi. Experiencing this unique cultural event was something we didn't want to miss while travelling through Indonesia. Along the way, we continue our scuba diving adventures, exploring vibrant coral reefs, colourful marine life, and some of the most breathtaking underwater landscapes in the world. Indonesia is known as one of the best diving destinations on the planet, and it's easy to see why. From tropical fish and healthy coral gardens to incredible underwater visibility, every dive reminds us why we love life on and around the ocean. While we're enjoying this break from boat work, our goal remains the same: preparing our sailboat for an epic sailing adventure around the world. There are still plenty of boat projects, sailboat maintenance tasks, and preparations to complete before we cast off and begin our full-time liveaboard sailing journey. If you love sailing, sailboats, cruising, liveaboard life, scuba diving, Indonesia travel, adventure travel, world cruising, and exploring unique cultures, this video is for you. Whether you're an experienced sailor, a beginner sailor, a sailboat owner, or someone dreaming of travelling the world by sailboat, we hope our journey inspires you to chase your own adventure. Follow along as we balance sailboat preparation with unforgettable travel experiences, discover the traditions of Nyepi Day and Ogoh-Ogoh, and continue building towards our dream of sailing around the world. Subscribe and follow our journey as we work towards full-time sailing, world travel by sailboat, and life on the water. There’s still plenty to do before departure, and every project gets us one step closer to exploring the oceans and living the dream of sailing around the world. You can also become part of our crew over at Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/sailingastridthewombat/posts Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:11 Final Day of Scuba Diving 03:46 Post Dive Debrief 08:10 Leaving Tulamben 10:19 Ogoh-Ogoh 12:13 Ogoh-Ogoh Parade 15:24 Nyepi Day 16:14 Tshirts Please leave a comment, like and subscribe to follow our journey. Join us now as we settle into liveaboard life and get our boat ready to take off and sail around the world in just a few weeks. 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

Hi and welcome aboard @SailingAstridTheWombat We are Gav and Shezz and two and a half years ago we bought our Beneteau Oceanis 430 sailboat with absolutely no sailing experience and jumped straight into the deep end of liveaboard sailing. Our very first passage was just over 700 nautical miles, launching us headfirst into the world of bluewater cruising, learning to sail, and real life at sea. Since that moment, we’ve been fully immersed in boat life, documenting the journey of turning a production cruising sailboat into a capable, self-sufficient home as we prepare for full-time liveaboard life. From major sailboat upgrades and off-grid power systems to everyday maintenance and skills building, we’re learning what it truly takes to own, sail, and live on a boat while working toward our goal of sailing around the world. If you’re into sailing adventures, beginner sailing, sailboat ownership, cruising lifestyle, and traveling the world by sailboat, our journey is all about real-time learning, ocean freedom, and building the confidence to chase long-term world cruising under sail. After months of nonstop boat work, sailboat maintenance, and preparing for our dream to sail around the world, we finally take a break from the endless boat jobs and head overseas for an epic scuba diving adventure in Tulamben, Indonesia! In this episode of our liveaboard sailing journey, we swap tools, repairs, and marina life for crystal-clear water, tropical reefs, and some of the best wreck diving in the world. Join us as we travel from Australia to Bali and explore the famous scuba diving destination of Tulamben, home of the legendary USAT Liberty Shipwreck. From underwater marine life and coral reefs to travel adventures and life outside the boatyard, this is the perfect reset before we continue getting our sailboat ready to sail around the world. Living aboard a sailboat full time can be exhausting, especially when every day is packed with boat projects, sailboat upgrades, maintenance, and preparation for offshore sailing. Sometimes you need to step away, recharge, and remember why this lifestyle is worth it. This travel and diving adventure reminds us exactly why we chose the liveaboard sailing lifestyle and our goal of world travel by sailboat. If you love sailing videos, liveaboard life, sailboat cruising, offshore sailing adventures, scuba diving, travel vlogs, boat life, sailing around the world, or dream of escaping normal life to live on a yacht full time, this episode is for you. Whether you're a beginner sailor, experienced cruiser, sailboat owner, scuba diver, or someone planning your own sailing adventure, there’s something here for everyone. Expect tropical island vibes, underwater exploration, travel inspiration, sailboat lifestyle content, diving footage, and behind-the-scenes moments from our real-life journey preparing to leave the dock and explore the world by sailboat. Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE to follow our liveaboard sailing adventures as we continue preparing our boat for full-time world cruising, offshore passages, and the adventure of a lifetime. Subscribe and follow our journey as we work towards full-time sailing, world travel by sailboat, and life on the water. There’s still plenty to do before departure, and every project gets us one step closer to exploring the oceans and living the dream of sailing around the world. You can also become part of our crew over at Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/sailingastridthewombat/posts Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:56 Arrival in Indonesia 01:55 Monkeys 02:41 Check in at Dive Resort 03:34 Day One Scuba Diving Tulamben Indonesia 06:45 Underwater Day One 08:48 Post Dive Debrief 11:53 Day Two Scuba Diving Tulamben Indonesia 18:14 Post Dive Debrief Please leave a comment, like and subscribe to follow our journey. Join us now as we settle into liveaboard life and get our boat ready to take off and sail around the world in just a few weeks. 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

Hi and welcome aboard @SailingAstridTheWombat We are Gav and Shezz and two and a half years ago we bought our Beneteau Oceanis 430 sailboat with absolutely no sailing experience and jumped straight into the deep end of liveaboard sailing. Our very first passage was just over 700 nautical miles, launching us headfirst into the world of bluewater cruising, learning to sail, and real life at sea. Since that moment, we’ve been fully immersed in boat life, documenting the journey of turning a production cruising sailboat into a capable, self-sufficient home as we prepare for full-time liveaboard life. From major sailboat upgrades and off-grid power systems to everyday maintenance and skills building, we’re learning what it truly takes to own, sail, and live on a boat while working toward our goal of sailing around the world. If you’re into sailing adventures, beginner sailing, sailboat ownership, cruising lifestyle, and traveling the world by sailboat, our journey is all about real-time learning, ocean freedom, and building the confidence to chase long-term world cruising under sail. Join us as we explore the incredible 2026 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, one of the biggest and best boating events in Australia! In this episode of our liveaboard sailing adventure, we take you on a full walk-through of the Sanctuary Cove Boat Show, checking out the latest sailboats, catamarans, marine technology, sailing gear, boat accessories, and everything a cruising sailor dreams about before setting off to sail around the world. As liveaboard sailors preparing for full-time cruising, this boat show visit was more than just a fun day out. We were on a mission to gather information, advice, and parts to finally get our water maker system up and running on our sailboat. Reliable fresh water production is one of the most important systems for long-term liveaboard life, offshore sailing, and world cruising, so we dive deep into the world of marine desalination, water maker maintenance, and boat systems while speaking with experts at the show. If you love sailing, boats, cruising, yacht life, liveaboard living, or dream of travelling the world by sailboat, this episode is packed with inspiration, useful information, and an inside look at one of the top international boat shows in the boating industry. From luxury yachts and performance sailboats to marine electronics, tender upgrades, cruising essentials, and innovative boating products, there’s something here for every sailor and boating enthusiast. Whether you’re a beginner sailor looking to learn more about life at sea, a seasoned cruiser upgrading your yacht, or someone who simply loves the sailing lifestyle, come along as we experience the atmosphere, excitement, and endless marine innovation at Sanctuary Cove. Our channel follows our journey preparing our sailboat for full-time world cruising as we work towards casting off the dock lines and exploring the world by sailboat. Expect real-life boat projects, sailboat maintenance, liveaboard challenges, cruising preparation, sailing adventures, and everything involved in becoming full-time liveaboard sailors. Be sure to subscribe and follow our journey as we prepare for offshore sailing, chase freedom on the ocean, and document our dream of sailing around the world. You can also become part of our crew over at Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/sailingastridthewombat/posts Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:49 Bus to the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show 01:48 Arriving at the Boat Show 03:00 Offshore Cruising Tenders 03:14 First Mate Maintenance App 05:26 Leopard 46 @LeopardCatamaran 07:25 Water Makers Australia @WaterMakersAustralia 09:15 Bennington Motor Boats 09:26 Gyro Stabilizer Technology 09:56 Pantaenius 10:49 Lunch Time at the Boat Show 12:02 Beneteau @BeneteauYachtChannel 12:10 Yanmar @yanmarglobal2601 12:22 Fan Demonstration 13:38 Sirena 58 16:11 Berkley Fishing Demonstration @berkleyfishing 16:49 Back on the Bus 17:00 Boat Show Wrap Up Please leave a comment, like and subscribe to follow our journey. Join us now as we settle into liveaboard life and get our boat ready to take off and sail around the world in just a few weeks. 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

Hi and welcome aboard @SailingAstridTheWombat We are Gav and Shezz and two and a half years ago we bought our Beneteau Oceanis 430 sailboat with absolutely no sailing experience and jumped straight into the deep end of liveaboard sailing. Our very first passage was just over 700 nautical miles, launching us headfirst into the world of bluewater cruising, learning to sail, and real life at sea. Since that moment, we’ve been fully immersed in boat life, documenting the journey of turning a production cruising sailboat into a capable, self-sufficient home as we prepare for full-time liveaboard life. From major sailboat upgrades and off-grid power systems to everyday maintenance and skills building, we’re learning what it truly takes to own, sail, and live on a boat while working toward our goal of sailing around the world. If you’re into sailing adventures, beginner sailing, sailboat ownership, cruising lifestyle, and traveling the world by sailboat, our journey is all about real-time learning, ocean freedom, and building the confidence to chase long-term world cruising under sail. Living on a sailboat and preparing to sail around the world means every system onboard has to be reliable — and in this episode we tackle one of the most important comforts of liveaboard life… the sailboat hot water system. What starts as a simple troubleshooting job quickly turns into another challenge of boat ownership as we work to diagnose and repair the hot water problems onboard our cruising sailboat before we leave to explore the world by sea. If you love sailing videos, liveaboard sailing, boat projects, sailboat maintenance, cruising adventures, and real behind-the-scenes boat life, this episode is for you. Join us as we continue preparing our sailboat for offshore cruising and long-term world travel while learning more about the systems that keep a liveaboard boat running safely and comfortably. From plumbing issues to marine hot water systems, we take you through the process of troubleshooting, problem-solving, and getting one step closer to casting off the dock lines for good in just a few short weeks. Preparing a sailboat for bluewater cruising is never easy, and every repair teaches us something new. Whether you’re a beginner sailor, experienced cruiser, sailboat owner, or someone dreaming about travelling the world by sailboat, we hope these sailing adventures inspire you to chase your own dream of freedom and life at sea. Our goal is to leave the dock and sail around the world, documenting every step of the journey — from sailboat upgrades and boat maintenance to offshore sailing adventures, anchoring in tropical destinations, and the realities of living full-time on a yacht. This channel is all about real liveaboard sailing life, learning as we go, and sharing the highs and lows of preparing a cruising sailboat for adventure. Subscribe and follow our journey as we work towards full-time sailing, world travel by sailboat, and life on the water. There’s still plenty to do before departure, and every project gets us one step closer to exploring the oceans and living the dream of sailing around the world. You can also become part of our crew over at Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/sailingastridthewombat/posts Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:03 Removing the Couch 03:26 Boat Hot Water System Revealed 05:03 Locating the Reset Button 06:02 Checking the Power Source 08:36 Boat Life 09:57 Decision Making 11:22 Hot Water System Update 12:55 Supplies at the Chandlery 13:57 Waterproofing 17:29 Questions With Gav Please leave a comment, like and subscribe to follow our journey. Join us now as we settle into liveaboard life and get our boat ready to take off and sail around the world in just a few weeks. 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

Hi and welcome aboard @SailingAstridTheWombat We are Gav and Shezz and two and a half years ago we bought our Beneteau Oceanis 430 sailboat with absolutely no sailing experience and jumped straight into the deep end of liveaboard sailing. Our very first passage was just over 700 nautical miles, launching us headfirst into the world of bluewater cruising, learning to sail, and real life at sea. Since that moment, we’ve been fully immersed in boat life, documenting the journey of turning a production cruising sailboat into a capable, self-sufficient home as we prepare for full-time liveaboard life. From major sailboat upgrades and off-grid power systems to everyday maintenance and skills building, we’re learning what it truly takes to own, sail, and live on a boat while working toward our goal of sailing around the world. If you’re into sailing adventures, beginner sailing, sailboat ownership, cruising lifestyle, and traveling the world by sailboat, our journey is all about real-time learning, ocean freedom, and building the confidence to chase long-term world cruising under sail. If you’ve ever dreamed about leaving the dock, becoming a liveaboard sailor, and sailing around the world, this episode is for you! In this week’s liveaboard sailing adventure, we continue preparing our sailboat for the biggest journey of our lives as we get ready to cast off and explore the world by sailboat. From downsizing our belongings and making space onboard, to upgrading the tender with a new hydrofoil, every step brings us closer to full-time cruising life and offshore sailing adventures. Living on a sailboat means every inch of storage matters, so in this episode we start sorting through everything we own, getting rid of what we don’t need, and learning how to simplify life for long-term world travel by sailboat. Preparing a cruising sailboat for offshore passages takes planning, organisation, and plenty of hard work, and we’re bringing you along for every part of the journey. Whether you’re already a sailor, dreaming about becoming a liveaboard cruiser, or simply love travel and adventure videos, there’s something here for you. We also install a hydrofoil on our dinghy tender to improve performance and efficiency on the water. It’s an exciting sailboat upgrade that could make exploring anchorages and getting to shore even easier during our future sailing adventures around the world. Alongside all the boat projects and preparation, we also take time to celebrate Gav’s birthday onboard, reminding us why we chose this incredible sailing lifestyle in the first place. If you love liveaboard sailing, cruising life, sailboat refits, offshore sailing preparation, sailing couple adventures, and travelling the world by sailboat, make sure to subscribe and follow our journey. Our goal is to inspire others to chase freedom, adventure, and life at sea while sharing the real highs and challenges of preparing a boat for world cruising. Join us as we continue turning our dream of sailing around the world into reality, one project, one upgrade, and one adventure at a time. Subscribe for weekly liveaboard sailing videos, sailing adventures, sailboat life, boat projects, cruising tips, and world travel by sailboat. You can also become part of our crew over at Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/sailingastridthewombat/posts Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:00 Creating Space on a Sailboat 03:51 Installing the Tender Hydrofoil 06:00 Boat Jobs 07:00 Sailboat Cabin Clean Out 11:20 Birthday on a Boat 13:00 Cobb BBQ 17:34 Questions With Gav Please leave a comment, like and subscribe to follow our journey. Join us now as we settle into liveaboard life and get our boat ready to take off and sail around the world in just a few weeks. 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

Hi and welcome aboard @SailingAstridTheWombat We are Gav and Shezz and two and a half years ago we bought our Beneteau Oceanis 430 sailboat with absolutely no sailing experience and jumped straight into the deep end of liveaboard sailing. Our very first passage was just over 700 nautical miles, launching us headfirst into the world of bluewater cruising, learning to sail, and real life at sea. Since that moment, we’ve been fully immersed in boat life, documenting the journey of turning a production cruising sailboat into a capable, self-sufficient home as we prepare for full-time liveaboard life. From major sailboat upgrades and off-grid power systems to everyday maintenance and skills building, we’re learning what it truly takes to own, sail, and live on a boat while working toward our goal of sailing around the world. If you’re into sailing adventures, beginner sailing, sailboat ownership, cruising lifestyle, and traveling the world by sailboat, our journey is all about real-time learning, ocean freedom, and building the confidence to chase long-term world cruising under sail. In this episode of our liveaboard sailing adventure, we take on a critical sailboat repair—fixing and rebuilding our top step onboard our cruising sailboat as we prepare for full-time liveaboard life and sailing around the world. Boat maintenance and DIY boat projects are a huge part of the sailing lifestyle, and this repair is essential for safety, durability, and offshore sailing readiness. If you’re interested in sailing, liveaboard sailing, or dreaming about sailing around the world, this video is packed with real-world experience. We walk you through the full process of diagnosing structural damage, removing worn materials, and completing a step-by-step sailboat repair using practical tools and techniques that any sailor, beginner sailor, or boat owner can learn from. This sailing vlog is perfect for those researching sailboat maintenance, DIY boat repair, and how to prepare a sailboat for long-term cruising. Whether you own a sailboat, plan to live on a boat, or are just getting started in sailing, you’ll get valuable insights into fiberglass repair, boat carpentry, and essential boat work required for offshore cruising and bluewater sailing. As full-time liveaboard sailors getting ready to leave the dock and travel the world by sailboat, every project matters. This boat project is one of many as we prepare our sailboat for ocean crossings, remote anchorages, and the realities of cruising life. If you’re searching for sailing vlogs, sailing around the world content, or tips on how to live aboard a sailboat, you’re in the right place. Our channel focuses on liveaboard sailing Australia, real sailing adventures, and the journey from dock life to offshore sailing. We share everything—boat upgrades, sailboat refits, maintenance challenges, and the excitement of preparing for world travel by sailboat. In this video, you’ll learn about: • Sailboat repair and maintenance • boat carpentry • Liveaboard sailing lifestyle • Preparing to explore the world by sailboat • Sailboat upgrades and refit projects • Beginner sailing and boat ownership tips Follow our journey as we transition into full-time cruising and chase our dream of exploring the world by sailboat. Subscribe for weekly sailing videos, boat life content, and liveaboard adventures. You can also become part of our crew over at Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/sailingastridthewombat/posts Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:03 Boat Hatch Covers 02:53 Boat Step in Disrepair 04:26 Prepping the Step 06:02 Repair Plan 10:16 Gluing the Step 14:35 Sanding the Step 15:00 Applying Non Slip Please leave a comment, like and subscribe to follow our journey. Join us now as we settle into liveaboard life and get our boat ready to take off and sail around the world in just a few weeks. 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

Hi and welcome aboard @SailingAstridTheWombat We are Gav and Shezz and two and a half years ago we bought our Beneteau Oceanis 430 sailboat with absolutely no sailing experience and jumped straight into the deep end of liveaboard sailing. Our very first passage was just over 700 nautical miles, launching us headfirst into the world of bluewater cruising, learning to sail, and real life at sea. Since that moment, we’ve been fully immersed in boat life, documenting the journey of turning a production cruising sailboat into a capable, self-sufficient home as we prepare for full-time liveaboard life. From major sailboat upgrades and off-grid power systems to everyday maintenance and skills building, we’re learning what it truly takes to own, sail, and live on a boat while working toward our goal of sailing around the world. If you’re into sailing adventures, beginner sailing, sailboat ownership, cruising lifestyle, and traveling the world by sailboat, our journey is all about real-time learning, ocean freedom, and building the confidence to chase long-term world cruising under sail. Join us for another episode of liveaboard sailing life as we tackle essential boat maintenance and celebrate a special milestone on the water! In this episode, we fix an issue with our mainsail setup by replacing the mainsail line (halyard) after discovering it was the incorrect diameter—something that can seriously impact performance, safety, and ease of handling onboard. With just six weeks to go before we cast off and begin sailing around the world, every job counts as we get the boat ready for full-time cruising. We also take part in a traditional boat renaming ceremony with friends, combining practical sailing life with meaningful maritime tradition. If you're into sailing around the world, liveaboard lifestyle, or learning the realities of sailboat maintenance, this video is packed with hands-on insights. Using the wrong line diameter can cause friction, slipping, and unnecessary wear, so we walk you through why we made the change, what we replaced it with, and how this simple fix improves our sailing setup. This is the kind of real-world problem-solving every sailboat owner, beginner sailor, and cruising sailor will face—especially when preparing for offshore sailing or bluewater cruising. With departure day fast approaching, we’re deep into the final stages of preparation—dialling in systems, upgrading gear, and making sure everything is ready for life off-grid at sea. If you’ve ever dreamed of leaving the dock behind and embracing slow travel by sailboat, this is what it really looks like in the lead-up to a big adventure. But it’s not all maintenance! We also join our friends for a traditional boat renaming ceremony, a time-honoured ritual believed to bring good luck and safe passage. From removing the old name to celebrating the new one, this is a great look into the culture and superstition that’s still very much alive in the sailing community. Our channel is all about liveaboard sailing adventures, off-grid sailing life, and the journey toward sailing full-time around the world. We share everything from boat projects and upgrades to unforgettable moments at anchor. This episode is perfect for: Beginner sailors learning boat systems and upgrades Sailboat owners troubleshooting rigging issues Anyone interested in sailing vlogs, boat life, and travel by sea Those dreaming of a liveaboard sailing lifestyle Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe as we count down the final weeks before we set sail! You can also become part of our crew over at Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/sailingastridthewombat/posts Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:26 Boat Party Aftermath 02:37 In the Tender 03:12 Beautiful Sailboat 04:30 Replacing the Line 04:54 Sewing Awl 05:37 Measuring the Line 06:35 Rope Cutting 10:14 Sailboat Water Tanks 10:36 Naming a Sailboat 13:13 Sailing Questions With Gav Please leave a comment, like and subscribe to follow our journey. Join us now as we settle into liveaboard life and get our boat ready to take off and sail around the world. 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

Hi and welcome aboard @SailingAstridTheWombat We are Gav and Shezz and two and a half years ago we bought our Beneteau Oceanis 430 sailboat with absolutely no sailing experience and jumped straight into the deep end of liveaboard sailing. Our very first passage was just over 700 nautical miles, launching us headfirst into the world of bluewater cruising, learning to sail, and real life at sea. Since that moment, we’ve been fully immersed in boat life, documenting the journey of turning a production cruising sailboat into a capable, self-sufficient home as we prepare for full-time liveaboard life. From major sailboat upgrades and off-grid power systems to everyday maintenance and skills building, we’re learning what it truly takes to own, sail, and live on a boat while working toward our goal of sailing around the world. If you’re into sailing adventures, beginner sailing, sailboat ownership, cruising lifestyle, and traveling the world by sailboat, our journey is all about real-time learning, ocean freedom, and building the confidence to chase long-term world cruising under sail. When you’re living the liveaboard sailing lifestyle, things don’t always go to plan—and in this episode, we’re dealing with a frustrating issue with our mainsail. Join us as we troubleshoot problems with our sailboat’s mainsail while out on the water, giving you a real and honest look at what it’s like to maintain and sail a boat full-time. Sailing around the world isn’t just about perfect sunsets and calm anchorages—it’s also about problem-solving, learning, and adapting. In this video, we walk you through the challenges we’re facing with our mainsail, from identifying the issue to testing possible fixes while underway. Whether it’s sail trim, rigging tension, battens, sail shape, or hoisting problems, we break down the process so you can follow along and learn with us. If you’re a beginner sailor, sailboat owner, or someone interested in sailboat maintenance, this episode shows real-world troubleshooting as we learn as we go. Understanding how your mainsail works is a key part of improving sailing performance, safety, and efficiency—especially when you’re living off grid on a sailboat. As full-time liveaboard sailors, every challenge is part of the journey. This is the reality of cruising life—fixing gear, learning new skills, and becoming more self-sufficient every day. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to live on a sailboat or sail around the world, this episode shows the behind-the-scenes side of sailing life that you don’t always see. We’re passionate about sharing our journey through liveaboard sailing Australia and beyond, helping others learn how to sail, gain confidence on the water, and chase their own sailing dreams. From sailboat upgrades to maintenance and offshore preparation, this channel is all about real sailing experiences. If you’re searching for liveaboard sailing, sailboat life, mainsail problems, sailboat maintenance, how to fix a mainsail, sailing tips for beginners, or off grid sailing life, this video is for you. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and follow along as we continue our adventure sailing around the world—learning, fixing, and growing every step of the way aboard our sailboat. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:27 Sailing Plan 02:32 Leaving the Dock 03:53 In the Leads 05:52 Head Sail Out 06:11 Engine Off 07:08 Main Sail Out 09:26 Main Sail Shudder 12:25 Sailing at 6.7 Knots 12:45 Head Sail In 13:46 Man Sail In 14:40 Back to the Dock 16:39 Sailing Questions With Gav Please leave a comment, like and subscribe to follow our journey. Join us now as we settle into liveaboard life and get our boat ready to take off and sail around the world. 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

Hi and welcome aboard @SailingAstridTheWombat We are Gav and Shezz and two and a half years ago we bought our Beneteau Oceanis 430 sailboat with absolutely no sailing experience and jumped straight into the deep end of liveaboard sailing. Our very first passage was just over 700 nautical miles, launching us headfirst into the world of bluewater cruising, learning to sail, and real life at sea. Since that moment, we’ve been fully immersed in boat life, documenting the journey of turning a production cruising sailboat into a capable, self-sufficient home as we prepare for full-time liveaboard life. From major sailboat upgrades and off-grid power systems to everyday maintenance and skills building, we’re learning what it truly takes to own, sail, and live on a boat while working toward our goal of sailing around the world. If you’re into sailing adventures, beginner sailing, sailboat ownership, cruising lifestyle, and traveling the world by sailboat, our journey is all about real-time learning, ocean freedom, and building the confidence to chase long-term world cruising under sail. We’re officially casting off! After months of preparation, planning, and dreaming, it’s finally time to leave the dock and begin our full-time liveaboard sailing adventure around the world. In this episode, we’re sharing our future sailing plans, our route ideas, and what life will look like as we transition into full-time off-grid sailing life. If you’ve ever dreamed about sailing around the world, living on a sailboat, or escaping the 9–5 for a life of freedom and adventure, this is the video for you. We dive into what it really takes to become liveaboard sailors, from boat preparation and provisioning to the mindset needed for long-term cruising. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor, a beginner sailor, or just someone who loves travel and the ocean, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how we’re turning this dream into reality. Our journey into world sailing is just beginning, and we’re bringing you along every step of the way. From coastal cruising in Australia to international passages, remote anchorages, and tropical island destinations, we’ll be documenting the highs, the challenges, and everything in between. This is more than just a sailing trip — it’s a complete lifestyle change into slow travel, off-grid living, and adventure sailing. In this video, we talk about our planned destinations, our timeline for departure, and what we’re most excited (and nervous!) about as we prepare to leave the marina behind. If you’re interested in sailboat life, cruising lifestyle, or learning how to start your own sailing journey, this episode is packed with inspiration and real insights. Make sure to subscribe and follow along as we take you from dock life to open ocean, sharing tips, lessons learned, and unforgettable experiences along the way. Your support means everything as we chase this dream of sailing the world and living a life of freedom on the water. You can also become part of our crew over at Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/sailingastridthewombat/posts Join us as we begin our liveaboard exploring the world by sailboat journey! Chapters 00:00 We have Big Sailing News! 01:56 Leaving the Marina 02:16 Sailing Decisions 02:58 In the Tender 04:57 Long Term Sailing Plan 06:55 Work Plans 09:18 Remote Work While Sailing 10:54 Sailboat Readiness 11:27 Sailboat Rigging Check 15:44 Future Sailing Content 17:26 Patreon Launch 18:50 Sailboat Jobs Please leave a comment, like and subscribe to follow our journey. Join us now as we settle into liveaboard life and get our boat ready to take off and sail around the world. 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 and get ready to take off and explore the world by sailboat. We promise you will have a laugh! Welcome aboard Astrid The Wombat Gav and Shezz You can also find us on Instagram, Facebook and Patreon: Sailing Astrid the Wombat https://www.patreon.com/c/sailingastridthewombat/posts #sailing #liveaboard #sailingaustralia #sailingadventures #sailboat

Hi and welcome aboard @SailingAstridTheWombat We are Gav and Shezz and two and a half years ago we bought our Beneteau Oceanis 430 sailboat with absolutely no sailing experience and jumped straight into the deep end of liveaboard sailing. Our very first passage was just over 700 nautical miles, launching us headfirst into the world of bluewater cruising, learning to sail, and real life at sea. Since that moment, we’ve been fully immersed in boat life, documenting the journey of turning a production cruising sailboat into a capable, self-sufficient home as we prepare for full-time liveaboard life. From major sailboat upgrades and off-grid power systems to everyday maintenance and skills building, we’re learning what it truly takes to own, sail, and live on a boat while working toward our goal of sailing around the world. If you’re into sailing adventures, beginner sailing, sailboat ownership, cruising lifestyle, and traveling the world by sailboat, our journey is all about real-time learning, ocean freedom, and building the confidence to chase long-term world cruising under sail. After an incredible long weekend at anchor, it’s time to raise the sails and begin our journey back across Moreton Bay—one of the most iconic sailing destinations in Australia. In this episode, we take you along for a real, unfiltered look at liveaboard sailing life as we leave our anchorage and head back out onto open water. This is what sailing in Australia is all about—changing conditions, beautiful coastlines, and the freedom of off grid sailing life. We walk you through the process of preparing the sailboat for passage, pulling anchor, and navigating Moreton Bay while dealing with wind, tides, and boat traffic. Whether you’re a beginner sailor or an experienced cruiser, this episode gives you a practical look at what it’s really like to sail a boat day-to-day. As full-time liveaboard sailors, every passage is part of the bigger journey of sailing around the world. From trimming sails to finding the best course across the bay, we share the decisions and challenges that come with life on a sailboat. If you’ve ever dreamed about sailboat living, cruising Australia, or learning how to sail, this video is packed with valuable insight and real sailing experience. Moreton Bay offers a perfect mix of protected waters and exciting conditions, making it an ideal playground for sailors and boat owners alike. Along the way, you’ll experience the beauty of Queensland’s coastline, the rhythm of life at sea, and the satisfaction of a smooth sailing passage. If you’re searching for liveaboard sailing Australia, sailing Moreton Bay, how to sail a boat, sailboat life, off grid sailing, or tips for beginner sailors, this episode is for you. We’re all about sharing the highs, the challenges, and the reality of living on a sailboat full-time. Join us as we continue our sailing adventure, exploring Australia by sea and working toward our ultimate goal of sailing around the world. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and follow along for more sailing adventures, liveaboard lifestyle content, and real-life cruising experiences from aboard our sailboat. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:03 Waking Up On Anchor 02:22 Anchor Up and Away 03:15 Head Sail Out 05:56 Motor Sailing in Low Wind 07:43 Head Sail In 08:22 Back to the Marina 10:43 Sailing Questions With Gav Please leave a comment, like and subscribe to follow our journey. Join us now as we settle into liveaboard life and get our boat ready to take off and sail around the world. 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 and get ready to take off and explore the world by sailboat. 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

Hi and welcome aboard @SailingAstridTheWombat We are Gav and Shezz and two and a half years ago we bought our Beneteau Oceanis 430 sailboat with absolutely no sailing experience and jumped straight into the deep end of liveaboard sailing. Our very first passage was just over 700 nautical miles, launching us headfirst into the world of bluewater cruising, learning to sail, and real life at sea. Since that moment, we’ve been fully immersed in boat life, documenting the journey of turning a production cruising sailboat into a capable, self-sufficient home as we prepare for full-time liveaboard life. From major sailboat upgrades and off-grid power systems to everyday maintenance and skills building, we’re learning what it truly takes to own, sail, and live on a boat while working toward our goal of sailing around the world. If you’re into sailing adventures, beginner sailing, sailboat ownership, cruising lifestyle, and traveling the world by sailboat, our journey is all about real-time learning, ocean freedom, and building the confidence to chase long-term world cruising under sail. Join us for an unforgettable Australia Day long weekend sailing adventure as we set sail for the spectacular Moreton Island Sandhills on our liveaboard sailboat! In this episode of our liveaboard sailing life, we leave the marina behind and head out into Moreton Bay for a relaxing cruising trip, anchoring off the famous sand dunes of Moreton Island. If you love sailing adventures, cruising life, sailboats, off-grid living, and travel by boat, this episode is packed with the kind of experiences that make the liveaboard sailing lifestyle so special. Celebrate Australia Day the ultimate way—anchored off the stunning shores of Moreton Island while living the dream of full-time liveaboard sailing! In this episode, we take you along for an unforgettable Australia Day adventure as we share the true Aussie spirit with our American sailing friends, showing them exactly what this iconic day is all about. Join us as we explore the crystal-clear waters and sandy beaches of Moreton Island, one of Australia’s most incredible sailing destinations. This video is packed with everything you love about off-grid sailing life: pristine anchorages, epic marine encounters, and laid-back beach vibes. We get up close and personal with incredible marine life, including stingrays and shovel-nosed sharks, giving you a front-row seat to the beauty of ocean wildlife while sailing in Australia. As liveaboard sailors, this is what the cruising lifestyle is all about—freedom, adventure, and unforgettable experiences. We drop anchor, head ashore, and dive straight into classic Australia Day traditions. Think beach cricket with mates, a sizzling Aussie BBQ on the sand, and plenty of laughs as we introduce our American friends to true Australian culture. If you’re into sailing, sailboats, or dreaming of sailing around the world, this episode is packed with inspiration. Whether you’re a beginner sailor learning the ropes, a seasoned cruiser, or just someone who loves travel and adventure, this is the kind of day that makes the liveaboard lifestyle so special. From anchoring tips to exploring remote islands, to embracing off-grid living on a sailboat, we share the real side of life at sea. This is slow travel at its best—disconnecting from the busy world and reconnecting with nature, good friends, and simple pleasures. If you’re searching for liveaboard sailing Australia, sailing Moreton Island, off grid sailing life, sailing adventures, or what it’s really like to live on a sailboat full-time, this video is for you. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and follow our journey as we continue sailing around the world, chasing new destinations, and living life on our sailboat one anchorage at a time! Chapters 00:00 Sailing to Moreton Island 01:07 Rolly Anchorage 01:43 Australia Day on Moreton Island 02:58 In the Tender 03:23 Arrival of the BooBee Bouncer 03:28 Beach Party at Little Sandhills 04:14 Stingrays and Shovel Nosed Sharks 09:53 Cricket on the Beach 11:39 Back on the Sailboat 12:34 Sunset in the Anchorage 13:00 Questions with Gav Please leave a comment, like and subscribe to follow our journey. Join us now as we settle into liveaboard life and get our boat ready to take off and sail around the world. 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 and get ready to take off and explore the world by sailboat. 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

Hi and welcome aboard @SailingAstridTheWombat We are Gav and Shezz and two and a half years ago we bought our Beneteau Oceanis 430 sailboat with absolutely no sailing experience and jumped straight into the deep end of liveaboard sailing. Our very first passage was just over 700 nautical miles, launching us headfirst into the world of bluewater cruising, learning to sail, and real life at sea. Since that moment, we’ve been fully immersed in boat life, documenting the journey of turning a production cruising sailboat into a capable, self-sufficient home as we prepare for full-time liveaboard life. From major sailboat upgrades and off-grid power systems to everyday maintenance and skills building, we’re learning what it truly takes to own, sail, and live on a boat while working toward our goal of sailing around the world. If you’re into sailing adventures, beginner sailing, sailboat ownership, cruising lifestyle, and traveling the world by sailboat, our journey is all about real-time learning, ocean freedom, and building the confidence to chase long-term world cruising under sail. Join us for an unforgettable Australia Day long weekend sailing adventure as we set sail for the spectacular Moreton Island Sandhills on our liveaboard sailboat! In this episode of our liveaboard sailing life, we leave the marina behind and head out into Moreton Bay for a relaxing cruising trip, anchoring off the famous sand dunes of Moreton Island. If you love sailing adventures, cruising life, sailboats, off-grid living, and travel by boat, this episode is packed with the kind of experiences that make the liveaboard sailing lifestyle so special. After a beautiful sail across the bay, we drop anchor near the incredible Moreton Island Sandhills, one of the most unique natural landmarks in Queensland. With golden sand dunes rising dramatically behind the beach and crystal clear water surrounding our boat, it’s the perfect spot for a weekend cruising getaway by sailboat. Living aboard full-time means moments like this are why we chose the liveaboard sailing lifestyle as we prepare for our dream of sailing around the world. This trip is extra special because we’re sharing the Australia Day experience with our American friends! What better way to introduce them to this iconic Australian holiday than with a classic Australia Day BBQ on the beach and a game of cricket? From explaining the traditions of the day to enjoying great food, sunshine, and laughter by the water, it’s the perfect mix of sailing adventure, travel, and cultural fun. As liveaboard sailors preparing for long-distance cruising, weekends like this are also about practicing anchoring, exploring new anchorages, and enjoying the freedom that comes with off-grid sailing life. Whether you’re a beginner sailor, a boat owner, or someone dreaming about quitting land life to sail the world, we share the real experiences of living aboard a sailboat and exploring incredible destinations by sea. If you’re passionate about sailing, cruising sailboats, liveaboard life, offshore sailing preparation, and travel adventures, this episode will give you a taste of what it’s like to explore Australia’s coastline by boat. The Moreton Island Sandhills by sailboat are truly a must-visit destination for anyone cruising Moreton Bay. Follow along as we continue our journey of liveaboard sailing, boat life, sailing adventures, and preparing to explire the world by sailboat. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:39 Sail Preparation 02:15 Sailing Plan 06:19 Boat Engine Check 06:37 Leaving the Marina 09:00 Tender Solution 10:50 Moreton Island Sandhills 12:39 Arriving at the Anchorage 13:55 Exploring the Anchorage 14:32 Stingrays 15:46 Back to the Sailboat 16:06 Questions with Gav Please leave a comment, like and subscribe to follow our journey. Join us now as we settle into liveaboard life and get our boat ready to take off and sail around the world. 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

Hi and welcome aboard @SailingAstridTheWombat We are Gav and Shezz and two and a half years ago we bought our Beneteau Oceanis 430 sailboat with absolutely no sailing experience and jumped straight into the deep end of liveaboard sailing. Our very first passage was just over 700 nautical miles, launching us headfirst into the world of bluewater cruising, learning to sail, and real life at sea. Since that moment, we’ve been fully immersed in boat life, documenting the journey of turning a production cruising sailboat into a capable, self-sufficient home as we prepare for full-time liveaboard life. From major sailboat upgrades and off-grid power systems to everyday maintenance and skills building, we’re learning what it truly takes to own, sail, and live on a boat while working toward our goal of sailing around the world. If you’re into sailing adventures, beginner sailing, sailboat ownership, cruising lifestyle, and traveling the world by sailboat, our journey is all about real-time learning, ocean freedom, and building the confidence to chase long-term world cruising under sail. In this episode of our liveaboard sailing life, things take an unexpected turn when a routine check leads to a sudden skin cancer diagnosis on my lip. What followed was extensive skin cancer surgery that we never saw coming while living aboard our sailboat. Life as liveaboard sailors preparing to sail around the world is usually filled with adventure, sailing, and freedom—but sometimes the journey throws challenges your way that you simply have to face head-on. Join us as we share this very real and personal chapter of our liveaboard sailing journey. From the shock of hearing the diagnosis, to undergoing skin cancer removal surgery, and finally returning to the boat for recovery, this episode shows the less talked about side of the off-grid sailing lifestyle. Living on a sailboat means adapting quickly, and recovering from surgery while continuing liveaboard boat life definitely tested us. While most of our channel focuses on sailing adventures, cruising life, and preparing our sailboat for long-term world travel, this video highlights how health and real life still happen even when you live on the water. We talk openly about the experience, the surgery, and what recovery looks like when your home is a liveaboard sailboat instead of a house on land. If you love sailing channels, cruising vlogs, liveaboard sailing lifestyle videos, and sailboat life content, this episode gives an honest behind-the-scenes look at life beyond the highlights. Whether you're a beginner sailor dreaming of living on a sailboat, an experienced cruiser, or someone planning sailing around the world, this is part of the reality of pursuing an adventurous life. Our channel follows our journey as liveaboard sailors preparing to sail around the world, upgrading our boat for off-grid sailing, installing solar systems, exploring anchorages, and sharing the everyday ups and downs of sailboat living. From sailing adventures and cruising destinations to boat projects and life lessons, we document the full experience of chasing the dream of world cruising by sailboat. If you enjoy content about liveaboard sailing, cruising life, sailboat adventures, off-grid boat living, and preparing a sailboat for long-distance cruising, make sure to subscribe and follow along as we continue our journey. Topics in this episode include: • Skin cancer diagnosis and surgery • Recovering from surgery while living on a sailboat • Real life challenges of the liveaboard sailing lifestyle • Preparing for sailing around the world • Behind the scenes of off-grid sailboat living Join us as we navigate both the challenges and the adventures of liveaboard sailing life while continuing to chase our dream of sailing around the world. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:31 Another Skin Cancer 08:48 Surgery Day 10:20 Arrival at the Hospital 11:33 Surgery Done 12:07 Back on the Sailboat 14:33 Syringe for liquids 15:06 Dressing Off 16:14 Brushing Teeth 17:09 Storm Hitting the Boat 19:50 New TV on the Sailboat 20:25 Feeling Better 21:11 3 Weeks Post Surgery Please leave a comment, like and subscribe to follow our journey. Join us now as we settle into liveaboard life and get our boat ready to take off and sail around the world. 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

Hi and welcome aboard @SailingAstridTheWombat We are Gav and Shezz and two and a half years ago we bought our Beneteau Oceanis 430 sailboat with absolutely no sailing experience and jumped straight into the deep end of liveaboard sailing. Our very first passage was just over 700 nautical miles, launching us headfirst into the world of bluewater cruising, learning to sail, and real life at sea. Since that moment, we’ve been fully immersed in boat life, documenting the journey of turning a production cruising sailboat into a capable, self-sufficient home as we prepare for full-time liveaboard life. From major sailboat upgrades and off-grid power systems to everyday maintenance and skills building, we’re learning what it truly takes to own, sail, and live on a boat while working toward our goal of sailing around the world. If you’re into sailing adventures, beginner sailing, sailboat ownership, cruising lifestyle, and traveling the world by sailboat, our journey is all about real-time learning, ocean freedom, and building the confidence to chase long-term world cruising under sail. In this episode of our liveaboard sailing journey, we dive into the real side of boat life — improving comfort onboard, tackling unexpected problems, and sharing the experience with friends as we continue preparing our sailboat for sailing around the world. Life on a cruising sailboat is never just about sailing; it’s about constantly adapting, upgrading, and learning as full-time liveaboard sailors. One of the biggest projects in this episode is upgrading our onboard comfort by measuring and fitting a new mattress for our sailboat. When your boat is your full-time home, sleep matters, and creating a comfortable living space is a huge part of sustainable liveaboard life. We walk through the challenges of working with limited space, unusual boat shapes, and the practical realities of improving life aboard a cruising sailboat. But as every boat owner knows, one job often leads to another. While preparing the cabin, we uncover something many sailors eventually face — mould on a sailboat. Dealing with moisture, ventilation, and condensation is a constant challenge in liveaboard sailing, and discovering mould means turning the boat inside out to clean, investigate, and prevent bigger issues down the track. This episode shows the honest reality of sailboat maintenance, problem-solving, and the behind-the-scenes work that keeps a boat safe and comfortable for long-term cruising. Amid the projects and cleaning, we also welcome visitors onboard, sharing a glimpse into the social side of liveaboard cruising life. One of the best parts of living on a sailboat is the community — friends stopping by, sharing stories, and experiencing life afloat together, even while the boat is mid-project. If you’re interested in sailboat living, beginner sailing, boat ownership, or dreaming about traveling the world by sailboat, this episode highlights both the rewarding and challenging sides of the cruising lifestyle. From boat upgrades and maintenance to everyday moments onboard, this is real life at sea — not just the anchorages and sunsets, but the work that makes those moments possible. Follow along as we continue transforming our sailboat into a comfortable, self-sufficient home ready for bluewater cruising and long-term adventure. Every upgrade, every challenge, and every lesson brings us one step closer to our goal of liveaboard sailing around the world. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:33 Storm Update 02:52 Boat Mattress 05:35 Sketching the Angles 07:34 Mold on the Sail Boat 09:00 Repacking Clothes 10:04 Airfryer 11:11 Lazarette Shuffle 14:35 Boat Visitors 17:48 New Bed Update Please leave a comment, like and subscribe to follow our journey. Join us now as we settle into liveaboard life and get our boat ready to take off and sail around the world. 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

Hi and welcome aboard @SailingAstridTheWombat We are Gav and Shezz and two and a half years ago we bought our Beneteau Oceanis 430 sailboat with absolutely no sailing experience and jumped straight into the deep end of liveaboard sailing. Our very first passage was just over 700 nautical miles, launching us headfirst into the world of bluewater cruising, learning to sail, and real life at sea. Since that moment, we’ve been fully immersed in boat life, documenting the journey of turning a production cruising sailboat into a capable, self-sufficient home as we prepare for full-time liveaboard life. From major sailboat upgrades and off-grid power systems to everyday maintenance and skills building, we’re learning what it truly takes to own, sail, and live on a boat while working toward our goal of sailing around the world. If you’re into sailing adventures, beginner sailing, sailboat ownership, cruising lifestyle, and traveling the world by sailboat, our journey is all about real-time learning, ocean freedom, and building the confidence to chase long-term world cruising under sail. After spending three unforgettable days at an incredible anchorage, it’s time to pull up anchor and sail back across the bay — and this passage turns out to be anything but ordinary. In this episode of our liveaboard sailing adventure, we say goodbye to crystal-clear waters, peaceful anchor life, and off-grid living before setting sail once again aboard our home on the water. Life as liveaboard sailors preparing to sail around the world is never predictable, and this sail proves exactly why. On our way back, we encounter an unexpected visitor — a large sea snake swimming alongside the boat — a reminder of just how wild and alive the ocean can be when you choose the sailing lifestyle and slow travel by sailboat. As full-time sailors, every trip teaches us something new about comfort, safety, and making life onboard more practical. During this passage, we also tackle a real-world sailing challenge: improving visibility at the helm. Sitting comfortably while maintaining proper visibility and control is essential for long passages, so we work on a clever helm solution that makes steering easier and safer — a small upgrade that makes a big difference for everyday sailboat living. This episode captures the true rhythm of liveaboard boat life — peaceful anchorages, unexpected wildlife encounters, problem-solving at sea, and the constant learning that comes with preparing for long-distance cruising. Whether you’re a beginner sailor dreaming of ocean travel, a sailboat owner looking for practical ideas, or someone inspired by the idea of travelling the world by sailboat, this is real sailing life behind the scenes. Join us as we continue documenting our journey toward full-time world cruising, sharing honest moments of off-grid sailing, boat upgrades, sailing adventures, and life afloat. Subscribe and follow along as we prepare our sailboat for global adventures, learn new sailing skills, and embrace the freedom of slow sailing and liveaboard life. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:47 Dinner Onboard 02:48 Incoming Storm 04:00 Sail Plan 05:38 Anchor Up 08:40 No Wind 09:11 Boat Jobs Underway 10:22 Weird Clouds 12:34 Helm Solution 13:42 Sea Snake 15:43 Back to the Marina Please leave a comment, like and subscribe to follow our journey. Join us now as we settle into liveaboard life and get our boat ready to take off and sail around the world. 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