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

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 continue our adventure at Moreton Island after sailing across the bay and anchoring near the famous sandhills. What looked like an ordinary anchorage turns into something incredible as the tide drops, revealing a stunning sand bar in the middle of the bay. This is the magic of cruising sailboat life — constantly changing landscapes, remote locations, and wildlife encounters you simply can’t experience on land. As full-time liveaboard sailors preparing for sailing around the world, these are the moments that remind us why we chose life on a sailboat. At low tide, we head off the boat to explore the sand bar, wading through crystal-clear shallows surrounded by untouched nature. Before long, we’re sharing the water with sea turtles and stingrays, gliding effortlessly over the sand beneath us. Encounters like this are what make off-grid sailing life and bluewater cruising so special. This episode captures the true essence of boat life — freedom, nature, and discovering hidden places that only sailors can reach. From anchoring in beautiful locations to exploring tidal sandbanks and swimming in remote waters, this is the lifestyle that draws so many people to liveaboard sailing and world travel by sailboat. It’s not just about passages and destinations; it’s about the unexpected wildlife, the shifting tides, and the adventure waiting just off the stern. If you’re interested in sailing adventures, beginner sailing, sailboat ownership, or dreaming of traveling the world by boat, this episode shows the incredible experiences that come with the cruising lifestyle. We share the reality of living aboard, learning as we go, and turning everyday anchorages into unforgettable experiences. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:25 Turtle 01:55 Exploring a Sandbank 05:14 Another Turtle 06:20 Stingray 08:01 Walking the Tender 10:05 Back on the Sailboat 10:38 Beers on the Sandhills 10:01 Solar Battery Check 14:20 Stingrays and Turtles 16:26 Back to the Tender 16:49 Cockpit Lights 18:56 Tender Up For The Night 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 explore the incredible coastline of Moreton Island and climb to the top of the famous sandhills for one of the most breathtaking views we’ve ever seen from our cruising sailboat. After sailing across the bay and anchoring off this wild and remote island, we head ashore to experience the natural beauty that makes this destination so special for sailors, cruisers, and lovers of boat life. Living as liveaboard sailors, we’re constantly reminded that some of the most unforgettable experiences come from places you can only truly reach by boat. Moreton Island is a dream stop for anyone interested in coastal cruising, anchoring in remote locations, and combining sailing adventures with land exploration. From the water, the towering sandhills look surreal — but climbing to the top reveals sweeping views of the ocean, coastline, and our tiny floating home anchored below. This episode captures the heart of cruising life and slow travel by sailboat. We leave the boat behind for a few hours, hike through soft sand, and take in the raw, untouched landscape that makes island sailing and world travel by sailboat so unique. It’s moments like this that balance the practical side of sailboat ownership — maintenance, upgrades, and passage planning — with the adventure and freedom that come with life at sea. If you’re interested in liveaboard sailing, beginner sailing, sailboat living, or you’re a sailboat owner dreaming of bigger adventures, this episode shows the lifestyle side of bluewater cruising. It’s not just about miles sailed; it’s about the places your boat can take you — hidden beaches, dramatic landscapes, and views you have to earn. We are preparing our boat and ourselves for sailing around the world, and experiences like this are a huge part of that journey. Exploring islands, anchoring off remote shores, and discovering nature from our floating home is what liveaboard cruising life is all about. Follow along as we share real boat life, sailing adventures, and the path toward full-time world cruising — one anchorage, one island, and one unforgettable view at a time. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:22 Leaving the Dock 03:35 In Moreton Bay 04:10 Head Sail Out 04:44 Anchored at Moreton Island 06:27 Sunset on Anchor 07:38 Sunrise 09:16 Sourdough on the Sailboat 10:01 Solar Battery Check 10:39 Little Sandhills 12:50 Climbing the Sandhill 13:46 On Top of the Sandhill 17:04 Stingray 17:42 Sourdough Time 18:01 Solar Upgrade Check 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 leave our peaceful anchorage and sail back to the marina — shifting from island life to the reality of boat jobs and preparing our sailboat for long-term world cruising. This is the true rhythm of liveaboard sailboat life: sail, maintain, improve, repeat. After spending time at anchor living the off-grid sailing life, it’s time to get stuck into the smaller tasks that come with owning and living on a sailboat. While the big upgrades might be done, boat maintenance never stops, and every job we complete gets us one step closer to our goal of sailing around the world. From system checks and minor repairs to ongoing improvements, this episode shows the practical side of cruising sailboat ownership. We sail back across the bay, enjoying the simple pleasure of being under sail, before tying up at the marina where the tools come back out. This is real liveaboard cruising life — balancing adventure with responsibility and learning what it truly takes to prepare a bluewater cruising sailboat for offshore passages and long-term travel. If you’re interested in sailboat living, beginner sailing, boat ownership, or you’re a sailboat owner working through your own project list, this episode will feel very familiar. There’s always something to fix, adjust, clean, or improve when you live on a boat, and these small jobs are just as important as the major upgrades when it comes to safety, reliability, and comfort at sea. Our journey is all about turning our cruising sailboat into a capable, self-sufficient home as we work toward full-time liveaboard sailing and traveling the world by sailboat. These marina days may not be as glamorous as tropical anchorages, but they are a vital part of the cruising lifestyle and what makes long-term offshore sailing possible. Follow along as we show the behind-the-scenes side of boat life, the constant learning curve of liveaboard sailors, and the steady progress toward our dream of sailing around the world — one small boat job at a time. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:05 Leaving the Anchorage 04:20 Shezz at the Helm 04:41 Weekend Review 06:47 Lines Ready 06:28 Sundowners 08:51 Entering the Leeds 10:28 Into the Slip 12:06 Light Repairs 14:44 Sourdough on the Sailboat 16:10 Shower Bilge Repair 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 drop anchor in a beautiful island anchorage for a few days of true off-grid sailing life — and it’s the perfect chance to properly test our brand-new solar upgrade on our sailboat. This is real cruising sailboat life as we prepare for sailing around the world, balancing boat systems, ocean living, and a little bit of paradise. We’ve recently upgraded our solar panels, batteries, and onboard power system, and now it’s time to see how our off-grid power setup handles everyday liveaboard life. From running the fridge and charging devices to powering our essential gear, we’re closely monitoring how our sailboat electrical system performs while we live at anchor like we would on a long-term bluewater cruising adventure. But this episode isn’t just about boat upgrades and sailboat systems — it’s about the lifestyle that comes with living on a sailboat. We spend our days swimming straight off the boat, exploring the island beach, and enjoying the freedom that comes with anchoring in remote locations. This is the dream of cruising life, slow travel by sailboat, and world travel by boat. As the sun goes down, we share sundowners with friends in the anchorage — one of our favourite parts of the sailing community and liveaboard lifestyle. These moments are what make cruising under sail so special: simple living, ocean views, good company, and complete freedom from life on land. If you’re interested in sailboat living, liveaboard sailing, boat life, beginner sailing, or you’re a sailboat owner dreaming of sailing the world, this episode shows both sides of the journey — the practical side of building a capable, self-sufficient cruising boat, and the incredible lifestyle that comes with it. Follow along as we turn our boat into an ocean-ready home and take more steps toward our goal of sailing around the world. This is real liveaboard cruising life — solar power, saltwater swims, island beaches, and sunsets at anchor. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:28 Arriving at the Anchorage 03:31 Swimming Off the Boat 04:16 Tender Off The Deck 05:06 To the Beach 06:28 Sundowners 07:45 Cockpit Lights 08:12 Early Morning Swims 10:23 Breakfast on the Sailboat 10:45 Anchor 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. 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 finally did it — our major solar upgrade on our liveaboard sailboat is complete, and it’s time for the real test. In this episode of our liveaboard sailing journey around the world, we leave the marina behind for an overnighter at anchor to see how our new off-grid solar power system performs in real cruising conditions. No shore power, no marina hookups — just renewable energy, the open water, and life on a cruising sailboat. This is a huge milestone for us as liveaboard sailors preparing to sail the world, because this solar installation was the last major boat upgrade before we begin longer passages and remote anchoring. If you're into sailing, sailboats, cruising life, boat projects, marine solar, or off-grid living, this episode shows what modern cruising sailboat life really looks like — the work behind the scenes and the freedom it creates. After weeks of boat jobs and upgrades, we finally get to enjoy the reward: dropping anchor, swimming off the boat, exploring, and spending quality time with friends. This is the lifestyle so many dream about — full-time sailing, living on a boat, slow travel by sailboat, and ocean adventure — balanced with the practical side of maintaining and upgrading a cruising yacht. Whether you're a beginner sailor, experienced cruiser, future liveaboard, or just love watching boat life and sailing adventures, this video gives a real look at testing a solar-powered sailboat system while enjoying the simple moments that make this lifestyle worth it. We share the reality of liveaboard life, anchoring out, managing power usage, and building confidence in our systems before bigger voyages. Follow along as we move closer to sailing around the world, becoming more self-sufficient, and embracing off-grid cruising. Expect sailing, anchoring, ocean swims, boat life with friends, and the kind of peaceful moments you only get when you choose travel by sailboat. If you love sailing adventures, liveaboard cruising, sailboat life, marine upgrades, and world travel by boat, you’re in the right place. It's been two years since our first sail in @SailingAstridTheWombat actually that means it's been two years since our first sail ever. That's right two years ago we bought this Beneteau Oceanis 430 and pulled the sails 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. 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 01:13 Storm Update 01:54 Sail Plan 03:19 Leaving the Marina 04:34 Headsail Out 07:13 Slow Sailing 09:25 We Hit Our Goal! 09:55 Cleaning Fenders 12:19 Easing the Sheet 14:30 Sailing Race 14:57 Solar Upgrade 17:06 Engine On 18:56 Wombat Rounding Up 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 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

Living aboard a sailboat means every upgrade turns into a full-on boat project — and in this episode of our liveaboard sailing journey, we’re taking on a major solar and battery upgrade while docked in the marina. As we prepare our sailboat for long-term cruising and sailing around the world, reliable power on board is essential, and that means tearing into the boat and dealing with the chaos that comes with it. To install our new solar power system and battery bank, we had to completely clear out the cabin, turning our floating home into a construction zone. This is real boat life — messy, challenging, and incredibly rewarding. If you’re a sailboat owner, beginner sailor, or dreaming of travelling the world by sailboat, this episode gives an honest look at what it takes to upgrade and maintain a cruising sailboat while living aboard full-time. While we’re stuck in the marina, we make the most of it by knocking over a long list of liveaboard boat jobs. From maintenance tasks to small repairs, these marina days are all about preparing our sailboat for future offshore sailing and extended cruising. This is the behind-the-scenes side of liveaboard sailing around the world that doesn’t always make it into the highlight reels. Of course, life aboard isn’t all work. When the tools get packed away, we escape the marina and head to the beach for a refreshing swim — a reminder of why we chose this lifestyle in the first place. It’s all about balance: hard work on the boat, freedom on the water, and enjoying the simple moments in between. If you’re interested in sailing, boats, off-grid solar systems, sailboat upgrades, or the realities of living on a sailboat, this episode is for you. Follow along as we share the highs, the mess, and the lessons learned while preparing our home to sail further, stay longer, and live more independently at sea. It's been two years since our first sail in @SailingAstridTheWombat actually that means it's been two years since our first sail ever. That's right two years ago we bought this Beneteau Oceanis 430 and pulled the sails 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. 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 01:50 Solar Plan 04:12 Cockpit Lights 06:12 Sailboat Airconditioning 07:20 The Ecoflow 2 10:17 Solar Blanket 11:12 Sailboat Stern In 12:05 Update on the Solar 15:30 Beach Day 17:20 Solar Upgrade 18:16 Boat Back Together 19:00 Boat Mattress 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 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

In this episode of liveaboard sailing, we experience one of the most intense storms we’ve ever faced while living aboard our sailboat. In our last video, we made the call to pull anchor and sail directly into a storm, pushing hard to reach the marina before an even more severe weather system arrived. As full-time sailors preparing to sail around the world, we knew this decision could make all the difference. What we didn’t expect was just how extreme the next day would become. Less than 24 hours later, the marina was slammed by a severe storm cell with winds clocked at 75 knots and massive hail measuring 15 centimetres in diameter. Boats surged violently against dock lines, visibility dropped to zero, and the sound of hail and wind was deafening and relentless. This was no ordinary storm — this was extreme weather that tested every liveaboard sailor, every cleat, and every line. Once the storm finally passed, reality set in. This episode takes you through the post-storm damage assessment, as we inspect our sailboat, check rigging, lines, and surrounding vessels, and process what just happened. The adrenaline fades, the exhaustion hits, and the raw emotion of surviving a major storm — becomes impossible to hide. But this video is also about something bigger than damage and destruction. It’s about the sailing community coming together. Neighbours checking on neighbours. Sailors helping sailors. Sharing tools, lines, advice, and support. This is one of the most powerful parts of the liveaboard sailing lifestyle — the unspoken bond that forms when boats and people go through extreme conditions together. If you’re a sailboat owner, beginner sailor, or dreaming of travelling the world by sailboat, this episode shows the real side of boat life that rarely makes it to social media. Storm preparation, marina life, recovery after severe weather, and the emotional highs and lows of living aboard a sailboat are all part of the journey. This is real sailing. This is resilience. And this is why the sailing community feels like family. 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 Hail Hitting the Sailboat 03:30 Water Leak 05:39 Storm Over 06:45 Checking the Sailboat 07:25 Storm Damage Assessment 11:55 Checking Marine Solar Panels 13:14 26hrs After the Storm 13:38 More Storms Predicted 16:36 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