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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Welcome aboard as in this episode we are anchored in one of Queensland’s most iconic sailing destinations—Moreton Island! In this episode, we head ashore to explore Moreton Island. We are anchored just south of Lucinda Bay with the most stunning views of the western side of the island. Our journey to Moreton Island is filled with everything we love about the liveaboard sailing lifestyle—bluewater cruising, anchoring in secluded bays, and connecting with nature in the most immersive way. Once anchored, we head ashore to explore the incredible and beautiful Moreton Island wrecks, remnants of maritime history now accessible from the beach. Perfect for beachcombing and photography. But the adventure doesn’t stop there. We spend the day exploring the towering sand dunes, spotting turtles near our sailboat, and casting lines in for some sailboat fishing. This episode is a true mix of sailing skills, island exploration, and off-grid living—perfect for sailors, ocean lovers, and anyone dreaming of traveling the world by sailboat. Whether you’re a beginner sailor, experienced cruiser, or curious about what it takes to live aboard a sailboat full-time, we share insights into our setup, sailing techniques, and life on the water. Discover how we navigate, anchor, cook, and explore—all from our floating home. This is off-grid adventure at its best. If you're searching for content about sailing Australia, sailing Moreton Bay, Lucinda Bay wrecks, or liveaboard life, this video has you covered. We’re passionate about sustainable travel, minimalist living, and exploring the world one anchorage at a time. Subscribe for more weekly episodes of liveaboard sailing, sailing tutorials, and epic destinations as we continue getting ready for our journey to sail around the world—one bay, beach, and breeze at a time! It's been a year and a half since our first sail in @SailingAstridTheWombat actually that means it's been a year and a half since our first sail ever. That's right a year ago we bought this Beneteau Oceanis 430 and pulled the sail up for the first time ever when we brought her home. A sail that stretched 700 nautical miles from Townsville in Far North Queensland Australia to Moreton Bay in Brisbane Queensland. We are now preparing to move onboard and to sail around the world. Join us to see the challenges as we continue to learn to sail, prepare our boat and make changes so our boat feels like a home. We are moving onboard in just a few weeks so our sailing dream is getting closer and closer. Each experience we have and each new sailing skill learnt just keeps bringing us closer to taking off to sail around the world in our Beneteau Oceanis 430 @SailingAstridTheWombat living our boat life dream. We hope you enjoy our content. Please hit subscribe and follow our journey to full time sailing around the world. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:00 Exploring the Wrecks 04:05 Sand Dunes 04:34 On the Sail Boat 05:45 Looking for Turtles 07:44 Turtle on the Anchor 08:07 Relaxing in the Cockpit 12:09 Fishing Prep 13:30 Fishing 14:20 Ocean Sunset 15:07 Sailboat Fishing Please leave a comment, like and subscribe to follow our journey. We are Gav and Shezz an Aussie couple with a dream to sail and scuba dive around the world. We bought our Beneteau Oceanis 430 in October 2023 with zero sailing experience but the belief that we can do this. We have filmed our journey from looking for boats, buying the boat and downsizing our house so we can liveaboard and all the messy wonderful life stuff in between. Join us now as we start to get our boat prepared for liveaboard life. As new sailors we want to share all of our learnings and keep it real in our videos. We want to show step by step what it takes to choose a boat, buy the boat and learn how to sail. Our sailing learning curve is steep so come along with us as we learn and grow as liveaboard sailors. We promise you will have a laugh! Welcome aboard Astrid The Wombat Gav and Shezz You can also find us on Instagram and Facebook: Sailing Astrid the Wombat #sailing #liveaboard #sailingaustralia #sailingadventures #sailboat

Join us on this incredible sailing adventure to Moreton Island, one of Queensland’s most stunning offshore destinations! In this episode, we leave the mainland behind and set sail aboard our liveaboard sailboat, navigating the turquoise waters of Moreton Bay and soaking in the beauty of life at sea. Whether you're a seasoned sailor, a new sailboat owner, or dreaming of travelling the world by sailboat, this video is packed with inspiration and practical insights from the liveaboard sailing lifestyle. Moreton Island is a paradise for sailors, offering pristine anchorages, crystal-clear waters, and golden sandy beaches. We take you through the journey—from trimming sails and reading the wind to anchoring near the famous Tangalooma Wrecks. It’s the perfect mix of coastal cruising, hands-on sailing experience, and tropical island exploration. For those interested in learning to sail, understanding navigation, and experiencing the real-life challenges and joys of full-time sailing, this episode delivers authentic, real-time action on the water. Expect salty swims, island hikes, and the kind of freedom only found while sailing off-grid. We’re sharing what it’s really like to live aboard a sailboat while exploring Australia’s coastline, with tips for beginner sailors, sailing families, and anyone curious about the cruising lifestyle. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for weekly episodes packed with sailing tips, ocean adventures, and life on a boat. It's been a year and a half since our first sail in @SailingAstridTheWombat actually that means it's been a year and a half since our first sail ever. That's right a year ago we bought this Beneteau Oceanis 430 and pulled the sail up for the first time ever when we brought her home. A sail that stretched 700 nautical miles from Townsville in Far North Queensland Australia to Moreton Bay in Brisbane Queensland. We are now preparing to move onboard and to sail around the world. Join us to see the challenges as we continue to learn to sail, prepare our boat and make changes so our boat feels like a home. We are moving onboard in just a few weeks so our sailing dream is getting closer and closer. Each experience we have and each new sailing skill learnt just keeps bringing us closer to taking off to sail around the world in our Beneteau Oceanis 430 @SailingAstridTheWombat living our boat life dream. We hope you enjoy our content. Please hit subscribe and follow our journey to full time sailing around the world. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:15 Sailing to Moreton Island 02:23 Marine Traffic 03:47 Underway 04:41 St Helena Island 07:00 Gav's Boat Yarns 11:23 Sailboat Cuppa 13:26 @buc-ees 14:26 Sail In 15:50 Land Ho! 16:50 Anchoring 17:17 Engine Off Please leave a comment, like and subscribe to follow our journey. We are Gav and Shezz an Aussie couple with a dream to sail and scuba dive around the world. We bought our Beneteau Oceanis 430 in October 2023 with zero sailing experience but the belief that we can do this. We have filmed our journey from looking for boats, buying the boat and downsizing our house so we can liveaboard and all the messy wonderful life stuff in between. Join us now as we start to get our boat prepared for liveaboard life. As new sailors we want to share all of our learnings and keep it real in our videos. We want to show step by step what it takes to choose a boat, buy the boat and learn how to sail. Our sailing learning curve is steep so come along with us as we learn and grow as liveaboard sailors. We promise you will have a laugh! Welcome aboard Astrid The Wombat Gav and Shezz You can also find us on Instagram and Facebook: Sailing Astrid the Wombat #sailing #liveaboard #sailingaustralia #sailingadventures #sailboat

Join us for a fun-filled day on the water as we teach the family how to sail! In this episode of our sailing adventure, we invite our family aboard our sailboat for a hands-on introduction to sailing basics. From learning how to steer at the helm to trimming sails and understanding wind direction, this is a perfect beginner-friendly day on the ocean. If you're looking to learn more about sailing, liveaboard life, or how to teach sailing to family and kids, this episode has it all. We share real-world sailing lessons for beginners, introduce essential sailing skills, and demonstrate what it’s like to spend the day living and learning on a cruising sailboat. Whether you're just starting out, considering buying your first sailboat, or simply dreaming of sailing around the world, this video offers insight, inspiration, and lots of laughter! This is an ideal episode for: People interested in learning to sail Families looking to explore sailing as a lifestyle Sailboat owners wanting to involve loved ones onboard Beginner sailors curious about the liveaboard cruising lifestyle Anyone dreaming of traveling the world by sailboat We believe sailing should be fun, safe, and accessible to everyone—including kids and complete novices. In this video, you’ll see how we guide our family through an experience at sea, covering safety, sail handling, boat terminology, and the thrill of harnessing the wind to travel across the water. Our mission is to share the liveaboard experience, explore beautiful destinations by sailboat, and inspire others to take the leap into a life of freedom, simplicity, and adventure on the ocean. If you enjoy sailing content, want to learn how to sail, or love watching real-life cruising sailboat adventures, make sure to like, comment, and subscribe! We release new episodes every week, sharing our journey of sailing full-time, teaching others to sail, and embracing life on the sea. It's been a year and a half since our first sail in @SailingAstridTheWombat actually that means it's been a year and a half since our first sail ever. That's right a year ago we bought this Beneteau Oceanis 430 and pulled the sail up for the first time ever when we brought her home. A sail that stretched 700 nautical miles from Townsville in Far North Queensland Australia to Moreton Bay in Brisbane Queensland. We are now preparing to move onboard and to sail around the world. Join us to see the challenges as we continue to learn to sail, prepare our boat and make changes so our boat feels like a home. We are moving onboard in just a few weeks so our sailing dream is getting closer and closer. Each experience we have and each new sailing skill learnt just keeps bringing us closer to taking off to sail around the world in our Beneteau Oceanis 430 @SailingAstridTheWombat living our boat life dream. We hope you enjoy our content. Please hit subscribe and follow our journey to full time sailing around the world. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:21 Sailing Day 03:25 Head Sail Out 04:17 Main Sail Out 04:40 Sailing Lessons 06:05 Sails In 06:14 Anchoring 06:50 Tender to the Beach 08:24 Island Swimming 09:47 Rowing Lessons 11:00 Anchor Up 11:48 Sailing Back 14:00 Head Sail Out 14:28 Sailing Home Please leave a comment, like and subscribe to follow our journey. We are Gav and Shezz an Aussie couple with a dream to sail and scuba dive around the world. We bought our Beneteau Oceanis 430 in October 2023 with zero sailing experience but the belief that we can do this. We have filmed our journey from looking for boats, buying the boat and downsizing our house so we can liveaboard and all the messy wonderful life stuff in between. Join us now as we start to get our boat prepared for liveaboard life. As new sailors we want to share all of our learnings and keep it real in our videos. We want to show step by step what it takes to choose a boat, buy the boat and learn how to sail. Our sailing learning curve is steep so come along with us as we learn and grow as liveaboard sailors. We promise you will have a laugh! Welcome aboard Astrid The Wombat Gav and Shezz You can also find us on Instagram and Facebook: Sailing Astrid the Wombat #sailing #liveaboard #sailingaustralia #sailingadventures #sailboat

Join us for a Terrific Day Sail as we explore island life, test our mainsail repair, and dive into crystal-clear waters! In this episode of our sailing adventure, we set out for a beautiful day sail to a nearby island, embracing everything we love about the cruising lifestyle. With the wind in our sails and the sun overhead, we navigate our way across debris filled waters after the recent cyclone and floods, and surrounded by breathtaking views. This is sailing life at its best! Along the way, we test our recent mainsail repair and finally get it working again—restoring full sailing capability to our beloved boat. Whether you're a seasoned sailboat owner or a beginner sailor dreaming of life on the water, this episode offers an authentic glimpse into what real-world sailboat ownership looks like. Once anchored, it’s time to take the tender to the beach for a refreshing swim, soaking in the serenity of island living. These moments—anchored in a quiet bay, swimming in turquoise water, and enjoying a simple day sail—are what make the liveaboard cruising lifestyle so unforgettable. If you're passionate about sailing around the world, off-grid living, boat life travel, and the highs and lows of full-time life at sea, this channel is for you. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you never miss a new sailing episode! It's been a year and a half since our first sail in @SailingAstridTheWombat actually that means it's been a year and a half since our first sail ever. That's right a year ago we bought this Beneteau Oceanis 430 and pulled the sail up for the first time ever when we brought her home. A sail that stretched 700 nautical miles from Townsville in Far North Queensland Australia to Moreton Bay in Brisbane Queensland. We are now preparing to move onboard and to sail around the world. Join us to see the challenges as we continue to learn to sail, prepare our boat and make changes so our boat feels like a home. We are moving onboard in just a few weeks so our sailing dream is getting closer and closer. Each experience we have and each new sailing skill learnt just keeps bringing us closer to taking off to sail around the world in our Beneteau Oceanis 430 @SailingAstridTheWombat living our boat life dream. We hope you enjoy our content. Please hit subscribe and follow our journey to full time sailing around the world. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:05 Departure and Day Sail Begins 04:41 Two Sails Up! 08:50 Anchor Down 09:42 Tender to the Beach 12:03 Beers on the Beach 13:27 Outboard Upgrade Chat 14:16 Lunch on the Boat 14:43 Sailing 19:19 Sails In 20:11 Back to Marina 20:56 Docking the Boat Please leave a comment, like and subscribe to follow our journey. We are Gav and Shezz an Aussie couple with a dream to sail and scuba dive around the world. We bought our Beneteau Oceanis 430 in October 2023 with zero sailing experience but the belief that we can do this. We have filmed our journey from looking for boats, buying the boat and downsizing our house so we can liveaboard and all the messy wonderful life stuff in between. Join us now as we start to get our boat prepared for liveaboard life. As new sailors we want to share all of our learnings and keep it real in our videos. We want to show step by step what it takes to choose a boat, buy the boat and learn how to sail. Our sailing learning curve is steep so come along with us as we learn and grow as liveaboard sailors. We promise you will have a laugh! Welcome aboard Astrid The Wombat Gav and Shezz You can also find us on Instagram and Facebook: Sailing Astrid the Wombat #sailing #liveaboard #sailingaustralia #sailingadventures #sailboat

In this episode of our sailing adventure, we set out for one final sail before battening down the hatches and preparing our sailboat for an incoming tropical cyclone. With winds blowing between 20 to 30 knots, we’re making the most of the conditions to get one more sail in. It’s one of those sails that reminds you of both the beauty and the power of the ocean — and just how quickly things can change when sailing in cyclone season. We’re currently preparing to live aboard full-time and sail around the world, documenting every part of the cruising lifestyle — from perfect anchorages to heavy-weather sailing. In this video, you’ll experience firsthand what it’s like to sail in strong winds just before a major weather system approaches. Whether you're a sailboat owner, a beginner sailor, or someone dreaming of world travel by sailboat, this episode gives you a front-row seat to the action and decisions involved. As the weather models start locking in, we return to our anchorage and begin the process of preparing our boat for a cyclone. Cyclone preparation for sailboats is no joke, and every step matters when securing your home in a major storm. This episode is packed with sailing tips, storm safety advice, and an honest look into the realities of life at sea during extreme weather events. From managing a sailboat in high winds to the mental load of storm planning, this is the side of bluewater cruising most people don’t talk about — but every sailor needs to know. 🌊 Whether you're here to learn about sailing safety, enjoy the thrill of sailing in heavy winds, or are following our journey sailing around the world, we’re glad to have you aboard. ⚓ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for weekly sailing vlogs, liveaboard life insights, storm sailing footage, and cruising content from our floating home. It's been almost two years since our first sail in @SailingAstridTheWombat actually that means it's been a year since our first sail ever. That's right a year ago we bought this Beneteau Oceanis 430 and pulled the sail up for the first time ever when we brought her home. A sail that stretched 700 nautical miles from Townsville in Far North Queensland Australia to Moreton Bay in Brisbane Queensland. We bought our Sailboat a year ago and plan to sail it around the world. Join us to see the challenges as we continue to learn to sail, prepare our boat and make changes so our boat feels like a home. We are moving onboard in less than six months so the downsizing is in full swing and our sailing dream is getting closer and closer. Each experience we have and each new sailing skill learnt just keeps bringing us closer to taking off to sail around the world in our Beneteau Oceanis 430 @SailingAstridTheWombat living our boat life dream. We hope you enjoy our content. Please hit subscribe and follow our journey to full time sailing around the world. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:01 Pre Sailing Checks 03:03 Shezz at the Helm 06:00 Entering the Leeds 07:00 Sails Up! 10:00 Sailing 13:17 Cyclone Preparations 13:30 Back to the Marina 15:13 Wind Surfer 15:56 Post Sailing Saloon Carnage 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 #sailingsydneytobrisbane #sailboat

In this episode of our sailing adventure, we take on an essential task—the main sail repair! After countless nautical miles, our mainsail needed attention, and we walk you through our DIY sail repair process onboard our sailboat. Whether you're a beginner sailor, experienced cruiser, or dreaming of bluewater sailing, this video is packed with useful tips, techniques, and real-life insight into sailboat maintenance and preparing for living aboard full-time. We also share a personal life update as we continue downsizing to move aboard. From decluttering and letting go of land-based possessions to preparing mentally and practically for full-time liveaboard life, this part of the journey is just as important as sailing itself. If you're considering moving onto a sailboat, this episode gives a raw and honest look at what it takes to transition to life at sea. This is a must-watch for anyone interested in: Sailing around the world Cruising sailboat refit and repairs Off-grid living Boat work and sailboat upgrades Full-time liveaboard cruising Sailboat living Offshore sailing preparation Ocean sailing and coastal cruising We share how we fix the mainsail, tools and techniques we used, and what it’s like juggling boat projects while transitioning from land to sea. This sailing vlog is part of our larger mission to explore the world sustainably and simply—powered by wind and passion. 👉 Subscribe for more sailing content, boat repairs, cruising lifestyle videos, and our full-time liveaboard journey! It's been a year and a half since our first sail in @SailingAstridTheWombat actually that means it's been a year and a half since our first sail ever. That's right a year ago we bought this Beneteau Oceanis 430 and pulled the sail up for the first time ever when we brought her home. A sail that stretched 700 nautical miles from Townsville in Far North Queensland Australia to Moreton Bay in Brisbane Queensland. We are now preparing to move onboard and to sail around the world. Join us to see the challenges as we continue to learn to sail, prepare our boat and make changes so our boat feels like a home. We are moving onboard in just a few weeks so our sailing dream is getting closer and closer. Each experience we have and each new sailing skill learnt just keeps bringing us closer to taking off to sail around the world in our Beneteau Oceanis 430 @SailingAstridTheWombat living our boat life dream. We hope you enjoy our content. Please hit subscribe and follow our journey to full time sailing around the world. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:02 Fixing the Main Sail 01:33 Removing the Inspection Plate 03:48 Boat Deck Clean 04:39 Securing the Boom 05:09 Inspection Plate Off 08:12 Main Sail Problem Solved 09:41 Main Sail Repaired 10:23 Well Earned Beers 11:27 A Night at RQYS 12:48 Downsizing for Liveaboard Update 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

Get ready for a sun-soaked sailing adventure as we sail to Peel Island, drop anchor, and dive straight overboard into the warm, turquoise waters of Moreton Bay! In this episode of our liveaboard sailing life, we take you along for a relaxing day on the water, showing what it’s really like to live aboard a sailboat and embrace the cruising lifestyle in one of Queensland’s most iconic island anchorages. This is the true essence of sailing around the world — tranquil sails, epic anchorages, and spontaneous swims right off the back of the boat. Whether you're a seasoned sailor, a beginner looking to learn, or someone dreaming of sailing off into the sunset, this video gives a first-hand look at life on a sailboat, from handling the sails to enjoying lazy days at anchor. We talk about: Sailing to Peel Island from Manly Harbour How we anchor safely in Moreton Bay The joy and freedom of swimming off the boat Tips for liveaboard sailboat life and staying safe in the water Why Peel Island is a must-visit for any cruising sailor in Australia For those researching Moreton Bay sailing destinations, planning their own voyage, or just wanting to enjoy a bit of sailing escapism, this episode offers beautiful scenery, simple pleasures, and practical insight into liveaboard cruising in Southeast Queensland. From sail trim to salty swims, it’s a day in our life you won’t want to miss. If you’re passionate about: Sailing and boating content Sailing Australia and discovering local island gems Cruising lifestyle and full-time sailboat living Traveling the world by sailboat Or just love the ocean and dream of freedom under sail... Then subscribe and join our journey as we explore the world, one anchorage at a time. @freezetec3758 @MilwaukeeTool It's been a year and a half since our first sail in @SailingAstridTheWombat actually that means it's been a year and a half since our first sail ever. That's right a year ago we bought this Beneteau Oceanis 430 and pulled the sail up for the first time ever when we brought her home. A sail that stretched 700 nautical miles from Townsville in Far North Queensland Australia to Moreton Bay in Brisbane Queensland. We are now preparing to move onboard and to sail around the world. Join us to see the challenges as we continue to learn to sail, prepare our boat and make changes so our boat feels like a home. We are moving onboard in just a few weeks so our sailing dream is getting closer and closer. Each experience we have and each new sailing skill learnt just keeps bringing us closer to taking off to sail around the world in our Beneteau Oceanis 430 @SailingAstridTheWombat living our boat life dream. We hope you enjoy our content. Please hit subscribe and follow our journey to full time sailing around the world. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:59 Leaving the Dock 04:45 Entering the Leeds 07:22 Headsail Out 10:38 Sailing 11:22 Anchored at Peel Island 12:15 Jumping Off the Boat 12:33 Milwaukee Hole Hog 15:59 Sleeping on the Boat Deck 17:25 Change at the Helm 18:17 Headsail Out Again 19:00 Back to the Marina 19:35 Docking the Boat 20:16 New Freezer Compressor Please leave a comment, like and subscribe to follow our journey. We are Gav and Shezz an Aussie couple with a dream to sail and scuba dive around the world. We bought our Beneteau Oceanis 430 in October 2023 with zero sailing experience but the belief that we can do this. We have filmed our journey from looking for boats, buying the boat and downsizing our house so we can liveaboard and all the messy wonderful life stuff in between. Join us now as we start to get our boat prepared for liveaboard life. As new sailors we want to share all of our learnings and keep it real in our videos. We want to show step by step what it takes to choose a boat, buy the boat and learn how to sail. Our sailing learning curve is steep so come along with us as we learn and grow as liveaboard sailors. We promise you will have a laugh! Welcome aboard Astrid The Wombat Gav and Shezz You can also find us on Instagram and Facebook: Sailing Astrid the Wombat #sailing #liveaboard #sailingaustralia #sailingadventures #sailboat

Join us on this exciting sailing adventure in stunning Moreton Bay as we switch roles at the helm and level up our sailing skills as a sailing couple! In this episode, we’re focused on becoming more interchangeable as sailors — taking turns at the wheel, handling the sails, navigating the waters, and building confidence as a team aboard our sailboat. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to live aboard a sailboat full-time and learn the ropes of seamanship with your partner, this video offers real insight into that journey. From sail trim and steering to communication and decision-making under sail, we share the realities of working together to improve our confidence and safety while cruising. Whether you’re a beginner sailor, a sailboat owner, or dreaming of traveling the world by sailboat, this episode shows how important it is to share responsibilities onboard. We’re sailing across Moreton Bay, Queensland — a spectacular sailing destination known for calm waters, coastal beauty, and excellent training grounds for new sailors. This video is perfect for: People interested in sailing couples Viewers wanting to learn how to sail as a team Aspiring liveaboard sailors Anyone curious about what it takes to sail around the world Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more real-life sailing experiences, liveaboard life tips, and sailboat adventure episodes! It's been a year and a half since our first sail in @SailingAstridTheWombat actually that means it's been a year and a half since our first sail ever. That's right a year ago we bought this Beneteau Oceanis 430 and pulled the sail up for the first time ever when we brought her home. A sail that stretched 700 nautical miles from Townsville in Far North Queensland Australia to Moreton Bay in Brisbane Queensland. We are now preparing to move onboard and to sail around the world. Join us to see the challenges as we continue to learn to sail, prepare our boat and make changes so our boat feels like a home. We are moving onboard in just a few weeks so our sailing dream is getting closer and closer. Each experience we have and each new sailing skill learnt just keeps bringing us closer to taking off to sail around the world in our Beneteau Oceanis 430 @SailingAstridTheWombat living our boat life dream. We hope you enjoy our content. Please hit subscribe and follow our journey to full time sailing around the world. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:56 Sailing Lessons 02:52 Haul Out Plans 09:08 Moreton Bay Sailing 10:57 Marine Toilet Installation 11:30 Sailboat Race 13:40 Mainsail Out 14:45 Change at the Helm 17:08 Sailboat Helm Advice 19:38 Headsail 21:01 Anchored Up 22:20 Back Across the Bay Please leave a comment, like and subscribe to follow our journey. We are Gav and Shezz an Aussie couple with a dream to sail and scuba dive around the world. We bought our Beneteau Oceanis 430 in October 2023 with zero sailing experience but the belief that we can do this. We have filmed our journey from looking for boats, buying the boat and downsizing our house so we can liveaboard and all the messy wonderful life stuff in between. Join us now as we start to get our boat prepared for liveaboard life. As new sailors we want to share all of our learnings and keep it real in our videos. We want to show step by step what it takes to choose a boat, buy the boat and learn how to sail. Our sailing learning curve is steep so come along with us as we learn and grow as liveaboard sailors. We promise you will have a laugh! Welcome aboard Astrid The Wombat Gav and Shezz You can also find us on Instagram and Facebook: Sailing Astrid the Wombat #sailing #liveaboard #sailingaustralia #sailingadventures #sailboat

Join us on this stunning sail from Moreton Island to Manly, Queensland, as we continue to prepare for our liveaboard sailing adventure around the world! Whether you're dreaming of cruising the Australian coastline or planning your own sailing voyage, this video offers a real-time look at life aboard a sailboat as we navigate through the beautiful Moreton Bay with changing wind conditions, and beautiful coastal scenery. In this episode, we leave the sandy shores of Moreton Island, a gem off the coast of Brisbane, and make our way across Moreton Bay to Manly Boat Harbour, one of Queensland’s most popular sailing destinations. Watch as we hoist the sails, adjust course, and enjoy another amazing day living the liveaboard lifestyle. This video is perfect for: Anyone interested in sailing in Australia Beginner sailors looking to learn by watching real sailing experiences Future and current liveaboard sailors Sailboat owners curious about routes, anchorages, and marinas Adventurers who dream of traveling the world by sailboat We share sailing tips, boat handling techniques, and what it's really like to live full-time on a sailboat. From navigation to anchoring and everything in between, our goal is to inspire and inform fellow sailors and ocean lovers. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe if you enjoy this kind of content. We post regular videos about our sailing life, boat life challenges, and epic destinations around the world. Together, let's explore the world by sailboat and make unforgettable memories on the open sea. SUBSCRIBE to follow our journey LIKE & SHARE this video if you love sailing life and liveaboard adventures! It's been a year and a half since our first sail in @SailingAstridTheWombat actually that means it's been a year and a half since our first sail ever. That's right a year ago we bought this Beneteau Oceanis 430 and pulled the sail up for the first time ever when we brought her home. A sail that stretched 700 nautical miles from Townsville in Far North Queensland Australia to Moreton Bay in Brisbane Queensland. We are now preparing to move onboard and to sail around the world. Join us to see the challenges as we continue to learn to sail, prepare our boat and make changes so our boat feels like a home. We are moving onboard in just a few weeks so our sailing dream is getting closer and closer. Each experience we have and each new sailing skill learnt just keeps bringing us closer to taking off to sail around the world in our Beneteau Oceanis 430 @SailingAstridTheWombat living our boat life dream. We hope you enjoy our content. Please hit subscribe and follow our journey to full time sailing around the world. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:14 Waking up on our Sailboat 03:20 Anchor Up! 05:10 Leaving the Anchorage 07:00 Sail Up! 11:08 Breakfast Underway 05:45 Attaching the Mainsail 14:07 Sail In 15:24 Bloopers 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