After nearly a month anchored between Johor Bahru and Singapore, our ex-Vendée Globe race boat had become painfully slow. Ahead of us lay more than 500 nautical miles through the Singapore Strait and the Malacca Strait — some of the busiest shipping lanes anywhere in the world — and almost immediately we realised something was seriously slowing NV down. What we discovered underneath the boat was not exactly ideal… With huge tankers all around us, murky water, strong currents, and even the possibility of crocodiles, Timo jumps into the water to try to scrape enough growth from the hull to get us moving again. Meanwhile, the boys continue learning the ropes of boat life, with Nemo teaching Tao knots while we clean a carpet of black mussels from the dinghy too. This marks the beginning of our long journey north towards Thailand aboard our ex-racing yacht turned family home. ⛵ New episode every Sunday on Sailing NV. ❤️ Support Our Journey If you'd like to help us keep sailing + filming, you can support us here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SailingNV Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/sailingnv Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/sailingnv or if you'd like to help us buy something we need, you can check out our amazon wish list https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1G2NJ0EGJLKR0?ref_=wl_share Thank you so much #Sailing #BoatLife #SailingNV

Something IS wrong with our boat… and things are changing. After arriving in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, we finally start opening up about a problem we’ve been quietly dealing with in the background for months — issues with the ageing rig on our ex-Vendée Globe racing yacht. For the first time in a long while, life aboard NV began to slow down. As we tried to work out what our next move would be, unexpected opportunities, new friendships, and even the world of F5 racing powerboats started opening up around us in Singapore and Johor Bahru. Meanwhile, Tao learns to walk, Nemo learns to scooter, and our family begins adjusting to a completely different rhythm of life. But despite everything… we’re not quite ready to stop sailing yet. Join us as we begin a whole new chapter aboard Sailing NV. ⛵ Our boat: ex-Vendée Globe Open 66 📍 Johor Bahru, Malaysia & Singapore ⛵ We are Sailing NV — a family of four living aboard an ex-Vendée Globe racing yacht, sharing the reality of offshore sailing, boat life, and exploring remote parts of the world. ❤️ Support Our Journey If you'd like to help us keep sailing + filming, you can support us here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SailingNV Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/sailingnv Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/sailingnv or if you'd like to help us buy something we need, you can check out our amazon wish list https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1G2NJ0EGJLKR0?ref_=wl_share Thank you so much #Sailing #BoatLife #SailingNV

We heard a bang… and the engine went dead. Not what you want to happen just before one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world. Although we could still sail, we knew we’d need the engine for what lay ahead — the Singapore Strait. So there was only one way to find out what had happened. We hove to… and Timo went in the water. In swell, wind, and current — and with ships all around — it’s not something you take lightly. What he found was something we really didn’t expect… and somehow, we managed to get moving again. But that was only the beginning. As we continued, the number of ships around us kept building, until we found ourselves weaving through what felt like a maze of anchored vessels… and then navigating it all in the dark. At one point, in the middle of the night, we were approached by Singapore authorities — not the most comfortable moment, surrounded by ships in the dark — but after a few questions, they let us continue on our way. From going in the water offshore… to threading our way through one of the busiest waterways in the world — this is one of those passages we won’t forget. ⛵ We are Sailing NV — a family of four living aboard an ex-Vendée Globe racing yacht, sharing the reality of offshore sailing, boat life, and exploring remote parts of the world. ❤️ Support Our Journey If you'd like to help us keep sailing + filming, you can support us here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SailingNV Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/sailingnv Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/sailingnv or if you'd like to help us buy something we need, you can check out our amazon wish list https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1G2NJ0EGJLKR0?ref_=wl_share Thank you so much #sailinglife #offshoresailing #boatlife

It was nearly time to leave the Anambas Islands. After one last look at the remote stilt villages and the quiet rhythm of life out here, we cleared out and prepared for our next passage — sailing toward Johor Bahru, Malaysia. But this wasn’t going to be a straightforward trip. With the northeast monsoon setting in, we were met with grey skies, steady rain, and unsettled conditions. And ahead of us lay one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world — the Singapore Strait. For a while, everything was going smoothly… Until we heard a bang. And then the engine stopped. With debris already in the water and heavy shipping traffic ahead, this was not something we could ignore. At that point, we had no idea what had caused it. ⛵ This is Part 1 of the passage — in the next episode, Timo gets in the water to find out what really happened. ⛵ We are Sailing NV — a family of four living aboard an ex-Vendée Globe ocean racing yacht, sharing the reality of offshore sailing, family life, and exploring Southeast Asia by boat. ❤️ Support Our Journey If you'd like to help us keep sailing + filming, you can support us here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SailingNV Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/sailingnv Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/sailingnv or if you'd like to help us buy something we need, you can check out our amazon wish list https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1G2NJ0EGJLKR0?ref_=wl_share Thank you so much #sailinglife #offshoresailing #boatlife

We woke up for the last time in one of the most beautiful anchorages we’ve found in the Anambas Islands… and set off toward our next destination. But getting there wasn’t straightforward. The route took us back out through a narrow reef pass and into an area scattered with small islands, shallow patches, and channels where the charts aren’t always completely reliable. With our deep-draft boat, it’s the kind of navigation that requires patience, caution, and a slow approach. With light winds, we motored carefully through, letting the kids take part — Tao at the helm and Nemo helping to navigate — before approaching our next anchorage. And then, as we rounded the corner… we saw something we didn’t expect. A waterfall, cascading straight down toward the sea. With our watermaker out of action for the past year, fresh water is something we don’t take for granted — so this quickly turned into a very welcome stop, complete with shampoo and conditioner. While part of the crew rested, the others went ashore and discovered a peaceful stilt village nearby. Later, we all explored together, walking up toward the waterfall and wandering through the village, taking in the slower pace of life. That evening, we ate at a small waterfront restaurant, where Nemo played with the local children — a simple moment that said everything about why we choose this life. ⛵ We are Sailing NV — a family of four living aboard an ex-Vendée Globe ocean racing yacht, sharing the reality of offshore sailing, family life, and exploring Southeast Asia by boat. ❤️ Support Our Journey If you'd like to help us keep sailing + filming, you can support us here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SailingNV Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/sailingnv Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/sailingnv or if you'd like to help us buy something we need, you can check out our amazon wish list https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1G2NJ0EGJLKR0?ref_=wl_share Thank you so much #sailinglife #indonesia #familyadventure

After leaving one of the most welcoming villages we’ve ever visited in the southern Natuna Islands, we set sail toward our next destination — the Anambas Islands. Our first stop looked incredible… but getting in wasn’t straightforward. The entrance to the anchorage wound its way through a narrow gap in the reefs, and with our deep-draft boat, that always brings a level of nerves. Slowly and carefully, we picked our way through. But once inside, the reward was immediate. Crystal-clear water, coral visible beneath the boat, dramatic rock formations rising out of the sea, and one of the most beautiful anchorages we’ve seen in a long time. We spent the following days exploring by dinghy, kayak, and sailing dinghy, relaxing on beaches as a family, and soaking in a place we know we’ll never forget. After leaving one of the most welcoming villages we’ve ever visited in the southern Natuna Islands, we set sail toward our next destination — the Anambas Islands. Our first stop looked incredible… but getting in wasn’t straightforward. The entrance to the anchorage wound its way through a narrow gap in the reefs, and with our deep-draft boat, that always brings a level of nerves. Slowly and carefully, we picked our way through. But once inside, the reward was immediate. Crystal-clear water, coral visible beneath the boat, dramatic rock formations rising out of the sea, and one of the most beautiful anchorages we’ve seen in a long time. We spent the following days exploring by dinghy, kayak, and sailing dinghy, relaxing on beaches as a family, and soaking in a place we know we’ll never forget. ⛵ We are Sailing NV — a family of four living aboard an ex-Vendée Globe ocean racing yacht, sharing the realities of passage life, refits, and family sailing as we explore Southeast Asia. ❤️ Support Our Journey If you'd like to help us keep sailing + filming, you can support us here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SailingNV Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/sailingnv Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/sailingnv or if you'd like to help us buy something we need, you can check out our amazon wish list https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1G2NJ0EGJLKR0?ref_=wl_share Thank you so much #sailinglife #anambasislands #familyadventure

After riding out the swell from Storm Senyar in a sheltered channel in the southern Natuna Islands, we woke up to calm water and a new problem — fuel. With the storm now moving away we expected several days of light winds ahead, and after the previous passages we were running dangerously low. Just across the water we spotted what looked like a small floating fuel station — a fishing boat tied to a pontoon with a hut above it and a pipe leading down to several large drums. So we loaded the jerry cans into the dinghy and headed ashore to investigate. The fuel mission turned out to be a complete success thanks to some incredibly helpful locals, but what we discovered next was even more memorable. The village itself, on a small island south of Natuna Besar near the Anambas Islands in Indonesia, was one of the cleanest and most welcoming places we’ve come across in our travels. Colourful houses stood over the water, fishing boats lined the shore, and everywhere we went people greeted us with warmth and curiosity. Walking through the village reminded us exactly why we chose this life — not just for the sailing, but for the chance to meet people living closely connected to the sea and to their communities. Moments like this remind us that sometimes the most meaningful parts of sailing around the world aren’t the miles travelled, but the people and places you discover along the way. ⛵ We are Sailing NV — a family of four living aboard an ex-Vendée Globe ocean racing yacht, sharing the realities of passage life, refits, and family sailing as we explore Southeast Asia. ❤️ Support Our Journey If you'd like to help us keep sailing + filming, you can support us here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SailingNV Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/sailingnv Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/sailingnv or if you'd like to help us buy something we need, you can check out our amazon wish list https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1G2NJ0EGJLKR0?ref_=wl_share Thank you so much #sailinglife #southeastasia #familyadventure

We woke up to one of the most uncomfortable anchorages we’ve ever had — rolling heavily behind Pulau Senoa on the east side of Natuna as the swell from Storm Senyar began to reach us. (Natuna — or more precisely, Natuna Besar, sits just north-east of the Anambas Islands, out in the open South China Sea between Borneo and the Malaysian coast). With strong easterly winds building and the anchorage no longer safe, we made the decision to leave and run south in search of real protection. Getting the anchor up in big swell is never simple, and clear communication became essential as we worked together on the bow — something made much easier with our Hollyland headsets. As we sailed along Natuna’s coastline, the weather continued to shift around us. Senyar had crossed from the Indian Ocean into the western Pacific basin — a rare path for a storm — and even though we were far from the centre, its influence was already shaping the sea state across the region. We weren’t the only ones looking for shelter. Local boats began turning into the protected channel between Natuna and the smaller islands just to the south alongside us — a quiet confirmation that we’d found the right place to wait out the weather. And just when we thought we were finally safe from the storm… a very unexpected casualty appeared. ⛵ We are Sailing NV We are Sailing NV — a family of four living aboard an ex-Vendée Globe ocean racing yacht, sharing real passage life, refits, and family sailing around Southeast Asia. ❤️ Support Our Journey If you'd like to help us keep sailing + filming, you can support us here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SailingNV Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/sailingnv Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/sailingnv or if you'd like to help us buy something we need, you can check out our amazon wish list https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1G2NJ0EGJLKR0?ref_=wl_share Thank you so much #sailinglife #stormatsea #familyadventure

We’re still underway to the Anambas Islands, settling into the rhythm of a long ocean passage — but the weather is starting to change. After days of light winds, small adjustments begin to make a difference. A prop pitch change gives us a little more speed, dolphins appear alongside the boat, music plays, and life onboard finds its flow — kids everywhere, good food, and those quiet moments that make passages feel manageable. But as we get closer to land, the skies begin to darken. Forecasts are showing a developing tropical system — Storm Senyar — and conditions across the region are starting to deteriorate. With worsening weather expected over the Anambas and nightfall approaching, we make the decision not to push on. Instead, we find what shelter we can behind a small island and drop the anchor, choosing caution over distance. This episode captures passage life as it really is — the balance between progress and patience, joy and vigilance, and the constant decisions that come with sailing a family boat offshore. If you enjoy honest sailing stories, long passages, and life aboard with kids, thanks for being here. ⛵ We are Sailing NV We’re a sailing family refitting an ex-Vendée Globe Open 66 into our home on the ocean. We share life at anchor, big refit projects, ocean passages, and every breakdown along the way — because that’s boat life. ❤️ Support Our Journey If you'd like to help us keep sailing + filming, you can support us here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SailingNV Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/sailingnv Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/sailingnv or if you'd like to help us buy something we need, you can check out our amazon wish list https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1G2NJ0EGJLKR0?ref_=wl_share Thank you so much #SailingLife #PassageMaking #FamilySailing

We thought we were ready. After clearing out of Malaysia in Labuan, we finally set sail west toward the Anambas Islands — with nine onboard: our family of four, five crew, and the dog. But before we could even leave, we discovered we’d picked up rats onboard. What started as a few nibbled food packets quickly became something we had to deal with before heading offshore. Rats on a boat aren’t just unpleasant — they’re a real safety and health concern, especially with kids onboard. Once the problem was dealt with, we set sail… and almost immediately ran into our first squall of the passage. In light but unsettled December conditions, the mainsail tore — and what followed were slow days at sea, stitching repairs underway, light winds, and the quiet rhythm of life onboard continuing regardless. This episode captures the in-between moments of a long passage — repairs underway, everyday life onboard with kids and crew, and all the small moments in between. The Anambas Islands are still ahead — and what’s coming next will test us more than we expected. Thanks for sailing with us. ⛵ We are Sailing NV We’re a sailing family refitting an ex-Vendée Globe Open 66 into our home on the ocean. We share life at anchor, big refit projects, ocean passages, and every breakdown along the way — because that’s boat life. ❤️ Support Our Journey If you'd like to help us keep sailing + filming, you can support us here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SailingNV Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/sailingnv Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/sailingnv or if you'd like to help us buy something we need, you can check out our amazon wish list https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1G2NJ0EGJLKR0?ref_=wl_share Thank you so much #SailingIntoTheUnknown #SailingFamily #LiveaboardSailing

This episode marks the beginning of a new chapter for us. After months in Borneo, we finally set sail west — our first time sailing south of Kota Kinabalu, our first real cruising in unknown waters, and our first longer passage since Tao was born. With five crew onboard and our family living full-time aboard NV — an ex-Vendée Globe race boat we’ve been slowly turning into our off-grid home — we ease into the journey in calm conditions, test our newly upgraded engine, and start settling into life at sea together. Our first stop is Pulau Tiga, a remote island known for its mud volcanoes and jungle interior. What starts as a relaxed exploration turns into a mud bath, long, hot walk, a closed resort, and one of those small cruising moments that reminds us how unpredictable life at anchor can be. We end the episode at a quiet anchorage scattered with fishing platforms — calm on the surface, but hinting that something isn’t quite right. In the episodes to come, we head towards the Anambas Islands — some of the most beautiful cruising we’ve seen in years — and face challenges we didn’t see coming. Thanks for sailing with us. ⛵ We are Sailing NV We’re a sailing family refitting an ex-Vendée Globe Open 66 into our home on the ocean. We share life at anchor, big refit projects, ocean passages, and every breakdown along the way — because that’s boat life. ❤️ Support Our Journey If you'd like to help us keep sailing + filming, you can support us here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SailingNV Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/sailingnv Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/sailingnv or if you'd like to help us buy something we need, you can check out our amazon wish list https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1G2NJ0EGJLKR0?ref_=wl_share Thank you so much #SailingIntoTheUnknown #SailingFamily #LiveaboardSailing

This Christmas, instead of decorations or lights, we gave our boat something it desperately needed — a quieter engine room 🎄⛵ After living with constant engine noise while motoring, we finally decided to tackle engine room soundproofing on our ex-racing yacht. In this episode we show how we installed sound insulation inside the engine space to dramatically reduce vibration and noise on board. This is one of those upgrades you don’t always see — but you definitely feel. A quieter boat means less fatigue, better conversations underway, and a much more comfortable life aboard, especially when cruising as a family. If you’re refitting a sailboat, upgrading an older yacht, or wondering whether engine room soundproofing is worth it, this video walks you through the process step by step — including the challenges of working in tight spaces on a performance boat. 🎁 Sometimes the best Christmas presents aren’t shiny — they’re silent. ⛵ We are Sailing NV We’re a sailing family refitting an ex-Vendée Globe Open 66 into our home on the ocean. We share life at anchor, big refit projects, ocean passages, and every breakdown along the way — because that’s boat life. ❤️ Support Our Journey If you'd like to help us keep sailing + filming, you can support us here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SailingNV Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/sailingnv Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/sailingnv or if you'd like to help us buy something we need, you can check out our amazon wish list https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1G2NJ0EGJLKR0?ref_=wl_share Thank you so much #SailboatRefit #EngineRoom #LiveaboardLife

Living on a boat full-time is intense — refits, family life, tight spaces, and constant jobs never really stop. But part of sailing around the world with our kids is wanting them to experience more than just anchorages. After spending a full year in Borneo — a place that will always be part of our story, as it’s where our baby Tao was born — we finally left the boat behind for a few days to explore one of the most iconic and wild places in Malaysian Borneo: the Kinabatangan River. With our boat safely left in Kota Kinabalu and Timo staying onboard to finish last-minute jobs before we set sail, we flew to Sandakan and travelled by boat deep into the Kinabatangan wetlands. This incredible river is one of the last remaining wildlife corridors in Borneo, home to orangutans, proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, hornbills, crocodiles, and so much more. We stayed at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort, a remote jungle lodge only accessible by river, and spent our days exploring by boat, spotting wildlife, learning about conservation, and soaking up a world completely different from life at sea. Cruising life also means long stretches without seeing family, so sharing this adventure with my brother, his wife, and our kids made it even more special. This episode is a reminder that while boat life is an incredible adventure, sometimes you leave the boat to truly understand the place you’re sailing through. Thanks so much for watching — and if you enjoy sailing, refits, slow travel, and real family adventures, don’t forget to subscribe. 👉 Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort link below https://www.kwrsabah.com/ ⛵ We are Sailing NV We’re a sailing family refitting an ex-Vendée Globe Open 66 into our home on the ocean. We share life at anchor, big refit projects, ocean passages, and every breakdown along the way — because that’s boat life. ❤️ Support Our Journey If you'd like to help us keep sailing + filming, you can support us here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SailingNV Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/sailingnv Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/sailingnv or if you'd like to help us buy something we need, you can check out our amazon wish list https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1G2NJ0EGJLKR0?ref_=wl_share Thank you so much #WildBorneo #KinabatanganRiver #SailingFamily

This week we haven’t managed to get the full episode finished — we’ve been flat out getting the boat ready to set sail again. ❤️⛵️ So instead we recorded a quick 90-second update to let you know what’s going on. A proper episode will be back next Sunday at 9pm as usual! See you then, Jo & Timo #SailingFamily #BoatLife #SailingAdventure

Our anchor windlass suddenly stopped working — right when we needed it most. In this episode we dive into the full rebuild of our Maxwell anchor windlass after discovering five separate failures inside the unit: ✔ Motor repair ✔ Oil seal replacement ✔ Replaced the worn-out bushing ✔ Machined shaft key ✔ New electrical switch + fuse Timo takes the whole windlass into Kota Kinabalu (Borneo) — walking between workshops, engineering shops and parts suppliers — and somehow manages to fix every problem in just one day. We rebuild, reassemble, test-run and the windlass works perfectly again… meaning we can lift the anchor and keep chasing horizons. ⚓️🌏 ⛵ We are Sailing NV We’re a sailing family refitting an ex-Vendée Globe Open 66 into our home on the ocean. We share life at anchor, big refit projects, ocean passages, and every breakdown along the way — because that’s boat life. ❤️ Support Our Journey If you'd like to help us keep sailing + filming, you can support us here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SailingNV Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/sailingnv Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/sailingnv or if you'd like to help us buy something we need, you can check out our amazon wish list https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1G2NJ0EGJLKR0?ref_=wl_share Thank you so much #WindlassRepair #BoatLife #sailingfamily #MarineDIY #CruisingMalaysia #SailingYouTube #AnchorWinch #OffGridSailing

This week on Sailing NV, we continue our journey down the west coast of Borneo toward Kota Kinabalu — and stumble into one of the most shocking scenes we’ve witnessed at sea. As we anchor beside a remote stilt village, we discover a literal sea of plastic stretching out beneath the homes. It’s a confronting reminder of what many coastal communities are facing… and what cruising life can reveal when you venture off the usual routes. But the surprises don’t end there. Back aboard NV, our own challenges begin: ✔️ A completely fried windlass motor ✔️ House batteries showing their age Cruising may be paradise, but the boat jobs never stop. Come with us as we anchor off Gaya Island, explore two dramatically different worlds separated by only a few metres, and take the first steps in dealing with our latest mechanical problems. If you enjoy following our family’s adventure — refitting an ex–Vendée Globe race boat into a home and sailing full-time with two kids and a dog — make sure to like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you never miss a Sunday episode. From the raw edges of remote Borneo… this is Sailing NV. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you'd like to support us on Patreon, our website https://www.patreon.com/SailingNV or with a one-off donation via https://ko-fi.com/sailingnv or paypal https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/sailingnv or if you'd like to help us buy something we need, you can check out our amazon wish list https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1G2NJ0EGJLKR0?ref_=wl_share THANK YOU!!! #sailingfamily #borneo #oceanpollution

We ran out of fuel on the wild coast of Borneo. Halfway between Kudat and Kota Kinabalu, anchored off a remote fishing village, our engine died with an empty tank… and no marina for miles. What followed was an unexpected and memorable moment of our time sailing Sabah. Join us as we explore this tiny stilt village tucked into the mangroves, where the “fuel station” is nothing more than two metal drums, a battered jug, and the kindness of the people who live here. From wooden walkways to colourful fishing boats, plastic-bag kites, and the ever-present silhouette of Mount Kinabalu watching over the coast — this is cruising life in its rawest form. Life out here is simple, resourceful, and deeply connected to the sea. And for a moment, we got to be part of it. ⛵ We’re a family living full-time aboard our ex-Vendée Globe Open 66, sailing and refitting as we explore the world slowly with our kids and dog. If you enjoy real cruising, remote anchorages, refit stories, and honest family sailing life, subscribe and join us for more episodes every Sunday at 9 PM. Next week: we sail south to Kota Kinabalu… and tackle our next breakdown — the anchor windlass motor. 🚧 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you'd like to support us on Patreon, our website https://www.patreon.com/SailingNV or with a one-off donation via https://ko-fi.com/sailingnv or paypal https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/sailingnv or if you'd like to help us buy something we need, you can check out our amazon wish list https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1G2NJ0EGJLKR0?ref_=wl_share THANK YOU!!! #sailingfamily #borneo #sailinglife

After weeks of refit work and engine installs, we finally set sail again — slow cruising down the wild north coast of Borneo. This stretch between Kudat and Kota Kinabalu is rarely explored by sailors, dotted with tiny stilt villages, tropical islands, and jungle coastlines watched over by Mount Kinabalu — the tallest mountain in Malaysia and sacred to the local people. In this episode, we share what life is really like living off-grid at sea: catching rainwater, dodging tropical squalls, exploring by TrueKit dinghy https://truekit.net, meeting curious monkeys, and racing hermit crabs on a deserted island. It’s a quieter side of our adventure — the calm before next week’s chaos when we run out of fuel and the anchor windlass breaks! We use PredictWind https://www.predictwind.com/ for our weather routing and forecasts, helping us plan each hop safely along this wild coastline. ⚓ Watch till the end for a glimpse of that coming disaster… and a reminder of why we love this life, even when things go wrong. 00:00 Intro 00:36.Reliability of our new Nanni 01:20 Family life onboard 01:44 Sailing down the wild Borneo coast 02:37 Island anchorage 03:13 Exploring the coast - on the look out for crocs! 05:10 Life in the fishing villages 08:44 Rain catcher 10:53 Tropical squalls and pizza making 12:24 Deserted island life and hermit crab races 13:13 Next week’s disaster teaser ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you'd like to support us on Patreon, our website https://www.patreon.com/SailingNV or with a one-off donation via https://ko-fi.com/sailingnv or paypal https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/sailingnv or if you'd like to help us buy something we need, you can check out our amazon wish list https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1G2NJ0EGJLKR0?ref_=wl_share THANK YOU!!! #SailingNV #SailingBorneo #OffGridLife

After our haul out in Kudat, we had a long list of maintenance jobs to tackle before setting sail again along the northern coast of Borneo. From repairing our Raymarine autopilot and replacing a leaking fuel deck fill, to turning our bimini into a DIY rainwater catcher — it was a busy but satisfying week aboard! And just when you think Timo’s done with boat work… he turns into a luthier for the day and fixes my violin 🎻 Join us as we get our ex-Vendée Globe Open 66 back in shape and ready for more cruising adventures around Borneo. If you enjoy practical sailing life, refit projects, and off-grid living aboard, you’ll love this one. ⛵ Chapters 00:00 Intro 00:24 Autopilot Repair 09:05 Anchor chain deck access hatch 15:20 Foot pump 22:41 Fuel Deck Fill Replacement 24:10 Rain Catcher 29:13 Timo the Luthier 🔔 Subscribe to follow our journey sailing around the world as a family aboard our ex-race boat turned liveaboard cruiser! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you'd like to support us on Patreon, our website https://www.patreon.com/SailingNV or with a one-off donation via https://ko-fi.com/sailingnv or paypal https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/sailingnv or if you'd like to help us buy something we need, you can check out our amazon wish list https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1G2NJ0EGJLKR0?ref_=wl_share THANK YOU!!! #SailingNV #BoatMaintenance #SailingFamily