How to Save Your Boat at Anchor: 2-Anchor Systems Explained ⚓️ Could using two anchors make your boat safer at anchor? In this video, we explain different two-anchor anchoring systems and how they can be used to improve holding, reduce swinging and control how your boat lies at anchor when wind and current change. ⚓ Tandem anchoring – two anchors connected in line ⚓ V-shaped anchoring – two anchors attached to the same principal chain ⚓ Weighted anchor systems – using a second anchor as additional weight ⚓ Two anchors on separate lines ⚓ Bow and stern anchoring ⚓ How anchor scope and chain angle affect holding ⚓ Why the direction of pull matters ⚓ How wind and current affect the way a boat lies at anchor ⚓ How to deploy and progressively load a two-anchor system ⚓ Different ways multiple anchors can be configured for different conditions We also explain the basic principles behind how an anchor digs into the seabed and why keeping the pull as horizontal as practical is so important. We've created an 18-page illustrated Two-Anchor Anchoring Guide to accompany this video, with diagrams, explanations, equipment considerations and step-by-step deployment sequences. 👉 GET THE TWO-ANCHOR ANCHORING GUIDE: https://www.patreon.com/posts/167438084 This video is based on our own experience and is intended for educational purposes. Every boat, anchor, anchoring system and anchorage is different, so always assess your own equipment, conditions and limitations. If you found this useful, subscribe to Sailing NV for more practical sailing, anchoring, boat refit and cruising content. ⛵ Want to support the channel? ⭐ Join our amazing Patreon community for early access, behind-the-scenes content and exclusive updates: ⛵ Patreon https://www.patreon.com/SailingNV ☕ Buy us a coffee: ☕ Ko-fi https://ko-fi.com/sailingnv ❤️ Support us directly via PayPal: 💙 PayPal https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/sailingnv Thank you so much for watching! If you enjoyed this episode, please give it a 👍, leave us a comment, and share it with someone who loves sailing, boat projects or adventure. It really helps our channel grow! #Anchoring #Sailing #Cruising

Last week we shared some of the big questions hanging over NV and her ageing race boat rig. But there was another story unfolding behind the scenes that we hadn't told you about... Just before one of the most important times of the year for our family, Timo suddenly became seriously ill. We initially thought it was dengue, but after several negative tests and days of not knowing what was wrong, he was eventually diagnosed with leptospirosis. While Timo recovered, I was holding the fort on the boat with the boys and our dogs through the middle of rainy season — with plenty of storms and a few nervous checks of the anchor! Thankfully, Timo recovered just in time for a very special trip. He'd promised to help our new friends Riley and Elayna get La Vagabonde ready for their journey to New Zealand. I'm sure many of you already know them from their hugely popular sailing channel, but if you're new to Sailing La Vagabonde, definitely go and check out their latest episode — they were incredibly welcoming to Timo and even gave Sailing NV a lovely shout-out! ❤️ 👉 Watch their latest episode: https://youtu.be/y9U72yYrTQo?si=Tuied5GNyKh8AmrV And then, finally, Nami and Tea arrived and we could get on with one of our favourite times of the year: having all four kids together. Nemo's birthday, sailing with the kids, beaches, bbq popcorn and plenty of beautiful moments made the difficult weeks before them feel very far away. Life aboard NV doesn't always go to plan — but somehow, the unexpected chapters often become the ones we remember most. Thanks for coming along with us. ❤️ And if you're interested in the local Langkawi life we've been enjoying, we also have some lovely friends brewing kombucha right here on the island. We've become very enthusiastic taste-testers! 😂 👉 Find out more about Sihatea Kombucha: www.sihatea.com ⛵ Want to support the channel? ⭐ Join our amazing Patreon community for early access, behind-the-scenes content and exclusive updates: ⛵ Patreon https://www.patreon.com/SailingNV ☕ Buy us a coffee: ☕ Ko-fi https://ko-fi.com/sailingnv ❤️ Support us directly via PayPal: 💙 PayPal https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/sailingnv Thank you so much for watching! If you enjoyed this episode, please give it a 👍, leave us a comment, and share it with someone who loves sailing, boat projects or adventure. It really helps our channel grow! #Sailing #SailingLaVagabonde

A few months ago, we hinted that something wasn't quite right with NV's ageing rig. Now it's time to explain what's really been happening. After months of inspections, conversations with experienced riggers, and plenty of soul-searching, we've reached a turning point. This isn't just about replacing a rig anymore—it's about deciding what the future of our extraordinary Open 66 should look like. In this episode, we explain the issue, share why we've decided to slow down for a while, and reveal why we're already planning the next evolution of Sailing NV. Along the way, we're settling into life in Langkawi, where Nemo has started school, Tao is growing up far too quickly, Solo has a new four-legged best friend, and we're finally enjoying having a base after almost three years of constant travel. Although some exciting changes lie ahead, we're certainly not finished sailing. While the plans continue to take shape, we'll keep getting out on the water and making the most of this incredible boat we call home. ⛵ Want to support the channel? ⭐ Join our amazing Patreon community for early access, behind-the-scenes content and exclusive updates: ⛵ Patreon https://www.patreon.com/SailingNV ☕ Buy us a coffee: ☕ Ko-fi https://ko-fi.com/sailingnv ❤️ Support us directly via PayPal: 💙 PayPal https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/sailingnv Thank you so much for watching! If you enjoyed this episode, please give it a 👍, leave us a comment, and share it with someone who loves sailing, boat projects or adventure. It really helps our channel grow! #Sailing #SailingLife #BoatLife

This time, we returned to the famous Emerald Cave—but instead of joining the crowds, we waited until the tour boats had gone home. Having this incredible place almost entirely to ourselves made for a magical experience, and it became even more special when Nemo found the courage to lead us through the dark tunnel with his trusty toucan by his side. With our final Thai adventure complete, it was time to prepare NV for another international passage. After welcoming a new crew aboard and getting the boat ready, we set sail south across the Andaman Sea to Langkawi, Malaysia. If you enjoyed the episode, we'd love it if you gave it a 👍, left us a comment, and subscribed to follow our adventures aboard our former Vendée Globe race boat as we continue exploring Southeast Asia. ❤️ Want to support Sailing NV? Our amazing Patreon members help make these films possible and receive behind-the-scenes updates and exclusive content. If you'd like to support our journey, you'll find links to: ⛵ 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 for watching—we'll see you again in two weeks! #Sailing #Thailand #EmeraldCave

For us, this wasn't just another holiday... it was a family reunion we'd been waiting for all year. Every school holiday, Timo's daughters travel from Italy to spend time with us aboard our sailing boat. This visit was especially meaningful because Nonno and Nonna gave us the greatest gift they could—flights for the girls so we could all be together. They joined the trip too, finally getting to experience the boat they had helped us rebuild. During our two-year refit in Fiji, they gave countless hours of support, using their skills as architects and graphic designers to help transform our former racing yacht into our family home. But until now, they'd never actually sailed aboard her. This trip was full of unforgettable moments. It was the first time they met baby Tao, the holiday where Nemo suddenly started speaking fluent Italian with his grandparents and sisters, and a chance to spend precious time together exploring the stunning islands of Thailand. From freediving through underwater caves and discovering hidden lagoons to sharing meals, laughter and family traditions, this was a reminder that no matter how unusual our lifestyle is, family will always find a way to be together. If you've ever wondered what life is really like for a family living aboard a sailboat, we hope you enjoy coming along for this special chapter of our journey. **A little channel update ❤️** For the next little while, we'll be returning to **fortnightly uploads**. We want to spend a little more time enjoying these precious years with our family while continuing to make the best videos we can. If you'd like to help us keep creating these adventures, the biggest things you can do are subscribe, share our videos with friends, or join us over on Patreon. Your support genuinely makes a difference and helps us spend more time making films and sharing this incredible journey with you. Thank you for being part of our adventure. We couldn't do it without you. ⛵ ❤️ 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 #FamilyTravel

After months exploring Malaysia, it's finally time to move on. In this episode we say goodbye to Langkawi, spend a few final days with the incredible cruising community at Rebak, enjoy beach parties, live music and a barbecue in a cave, before clearing out of Malaysia and setting sail for Thailand. The crossing to Phuket marks the beginning of a brand new chapter in our journey aboard NV. Along the way we navigate busy fishing grounds, deal with another small issue aboard, and reflect on everything Malaysia has given us over the past few months. But what makes this arrival especially exciting is what comes next. Very soon, family will be joining us aboard. For the first time, Nonno and Nonna will get to experience NV sailing and cruising rather than sitting in a boatyard mid-refit. And thanks to a very special gift from them, Nami and Tea will soon be returning to the adventure too. After months of exploring on our own, we can't wait to share the next chapter with the people we love most. Thanks for watching and supporting our journey ❤️⛵ ⛵ New episodes every Sunday. ❤️ 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 #FamilySailing #ThailandSailing #SailingLife

After weeks of navigating the busy Singapore and Malacca Straits, we finally arrive in one of the most beautiful places we've seen in a long time. Southern Langkawi is a maze of towering limestone cliffs, hidden channels and secluded anchorages. As we carefully weave our way through shallow water and strong currents, we're rewarded with what quickly becomes one of our favourite anchorages of the journey so far. Over the following days we explore this incredible corner of the Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark by dinghy, kayak and paddleboard, discovering dramatic rock formations, hidden beaches and an abundance of wildlife. Sea eagles soar overhead, hornbills glide between the islands, monitor lizards patrol the shoreline and we spot dusky leaf monkeys for the first time. We also visit the famous Lake of the Pregnant Maiden (Tasik Dayang Bunting), but instead of arriving with the crowds, we wait until evening and find ourselves completely alone in one of Langkawi's most iconic locations. And just when we think the day couldn't get any better, dolphins appear beside the boat on our journey home. Join us as we explore one of Malaysia's most spectacular cruising destinations aboard our ex-Vendée Globe racing yacht, now transformed into our family's floating home. ⛵ New episodes every Sunday. ❤️ 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 #FamilySailing #Langkawi #SailingLife

After sailing through the busy Singapore and Malacca Straits, we thought the hardest part was behind us. Instead, we found ourselves navigating through hundreds of fishing boats and nets as we continued north towards Pangkor. Fortunately we made this section of the passage in daylight, giving us a front-row seat to some of the most fascinating fishing boats we've ever seen. After days at sea, it was a welcome relief to finally get ashore. We explore Pangkor by dinghy and paddleboard, enjoy some much-needed beach time with the boys, and take care of a few essential boat jobs before continuing north. Along the way we discover a plastic bag wrapped around the propeller, inspect a second-hand carbon jib, replace a worn autopilot ball joint, stock up on fuel, and prepare for the next stage of our journey towards Langkawi and Thailand. Join us as we continue sailing our ex-Vendée Globe racing yacht through Malaysia with two young children and a dog aboard. ⛵ New episodes every Sunday. ❤️ 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 #FamilySailing #MalaccaStrait #SailingLife

In this episode, our family sails north from Singapore through the Singapore Strait and into the Malacca Strait, one of the busiest shipping routes in the world. With over 100,000 ships passing through these waters every year, we spend our days navigating busy shipping lanes, dodging thunderstorms, riding favourable currents and finding safe places to anchor each night. The trip begins with an unexpected visit from the Singapore police before we settle into life underway. While Timo keeps watch through the night, the kids and I take over during the day as we continue our journey north through Malaysia. Along the way we deal with confusing traffic schemes, muddy water that sends our depth sounder into chaos, curious fishing boats, heavy commercial traffic and tropical squalls. After several days at sea, we arrive in Port Dickson to stock up on fuel and provisions, complete immigration and port formalities, and welcome a new crew member aboard before continuing north with the current. Join us aboard our ex-Vendée Globe ocean racer as we slowly transform it into a family cruising home and sail around the world with our two young boys and our dog. ⛵ Subscribe to follow our family's sailing adventure. ❤️ 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 #familysailing #malaccastrait #SailingNV

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