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The docklines aren’t off yet, but the journey’s already begun. From a quiet slip in Orange Beach, we walk through the exact work it takes to ready a 1998 Island Packet 320 for a run down Florida’s Gulf Coast, across the Keys, and over to Georgetown in the Exumas—repairs, routing, weather calls, and the steady courage to go. We start at the masthead with a rigorous rigging inspection: a too‑long Genoa luff corrected with a new head Kringle, a migrating swivel brought back into spec, aging sheaves flagged, traveler cam cleats replaced with Harken 150s, and a fresh VHF cable run down the spar. It’s the kind of preventative detail that keeps a furler smooth and a solo sailor safe when the wind pipes up.

Belowdecks, a routine engine check turns serious: a leaking fuel pump leads to a cracked exhaust manifold diagnosis and a race to source the new part before departure. We talk through why manifolds matter, what a cleaned exhaust elbow buys you, and how to choose a no‑go line that honors both the calendar and the sea. On the electronics side, a Garmin Reactor 40 gets fully calibrated, chartplotter data and Auto Guidance charts are restored, and a remote finally brings the autopilot to the helm—a small shift that pays off across Florida’s Big Bend on a long night to Tarpon Springs.

Routes and weather get specific. We lay out a realistic hop plan—Destin, Panama City, Port St. Joe, Apalachicola—then the jump across, with alternatives based on 15–20 knots on the nose and bridge clearances too close to flirt with. In the Keys, Key Biscayne becomes both staging ground and vet stop for two boat‑curious cats with their Bahamas permit, lifeline netting, and tiny PFDs. Then it’s Bimini, Northwest Channel, and south through the Exumas, with community‑sourced tips like Norman’s Pond in a cream forecast and sensible cuts to reach Georgetown.

Threaded through the checklists is the reason for going. We talk openly about loss, faith, and choosing a busy anchorage over a lonely one; about how a rigging report, a diesel part, and a handful of spares can become a way to rebuild confidence; and about the generosity of the cruising network when you need it most. If you’ve been sketching your own passage to the Bahamas—or you just love the craft of making a boat ready—this is your map, your nudge, and your weather window.

If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a sailor who’s planning their crossing, and leave a review with your best Big Bend or Bimini tip—we’ll read our favorites on a future episode.

Support the show

SALTY ABANDON: Cap'n Tinsley, Orange Beach, AL:
Oct 2020 to Present - 1998 Island Packet 320;
Nov 2015-Oct 2020; 1988 Island Packet 27
Feb-Oct 2015 - 1982 Catalina 25

SALTY PODCAST is LIVE every Wed at 6pm Central and is all about the love of sailing!
YOUTUBE PLAYLIST: https://tinyurl.com/SaltyPodcastPlaylist
Wanna create a Livestream?: Https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5430067749060608

GEAR FEATURED IN MY UPCOMING VIDEOS:
🛟 Boat Fenders → https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08S1PXKKR
⚓ Dock Lines → https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BS4BNYR9
🧽 Exterior Cleaning Kit → https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BL533KR7

Send us a text

Have you ever found yourself desperately checking multiple weather apps before casting off, still uncertain if you're making the right call? In this episode, we dive deep into the technology that's revolutionizing how sailors make weather-based decisions with Karen McMaster from PredictWind.

Karen brings extraordinary credentials to this conversation – she's not just a support team member at PredictWind, but a third-generation sailor who has raced around the world twice and recently took her 17-year-old daughter on her first offshore passage. "I wanted to make sure my daughter had a good experience," Karen explains, "so understanding the weather, routing it, and letting her know what to expect was key."

We explore why using multiple forecast models creates more confidence than relying on a single source. "It's like having six meteorologists sitting around the table," Karen notes, demonstrating how consensus between models helps sailors make better decisions. The discussion covers everything from high-resolution forecasting that reveals wind funneling between islands to detailed comfort parameters like roll and vertical acceleration that can predict seasickness before you leave the dock.

Perhaps most fascinating is how modern technology can learn your boat's actual performance over time, building custom polar diagrams that make routing increasingly accurate. We also discover how over-the-horizon AIS integration allows sailors to plan around fishing fleets or shipping lanes up to 300 nautical miles away – potentially avoiding those nerve-wracking 2AM encounters.

Whether you're planning your first offshore passage or your fiftieth, this episode offers practical insights into using weather technology to sail smarter, safer, and more comfortably. Try these tools on your next passage and experience the confidence that comes from truly understanding what lies ahead.

Support the show

SALTY ABANDON: Cap'n Tinsley, Orange Beach, AL:
Oct 2020 to Present - 1998 Island Packet 320;
Nov 2015-Oct 2020; 1988 Island Packet 27
Feb-Oct 2015 - 1982 Catalina 25

SALTY PODCAST is LIVE every Wed at 6pm Central and is all about the love of sailing!
YOUTUBE PLAYLIST: https://tinyurl.com/SaltyPodcastPlaylist
Wanna create a Livestream?: Https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5430067749060608

GEAR FEATURED IN MY UPCOMING VIDEOS:
🛟 Boat Fenders → https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08S1PXKKR
⚓ Dock Lines → https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BS4BNYR9
🧽 Exterior Cleaning Kit → https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BL533KR7

Send us a text

What does it take to completely transform your life? For Brian of Sailing Delos, it was a moment of clarity in his manager's office, staring at a corporate org chart and realizing he wanted something entirely different. After walking away from his software career, selling everything he owned, and buying a sailboat, Brian embarked on what was supposed to be an 18-month adventure that has now stretched into 14 extraordinary years.

This conversation takes us through the remarkable evolution of Sailing Delos—from a single man's escape plan to a global sailing phenomenon that has hosted over 70 crew members, crossed multiple oceans, and weathered storms with 50+ knot winds in the Indian Ocean. Brian shares his philosophy during those harrowing moments: "Let the boat take care of you, she will. It's the crew you got to worry about."

The journey transformed dramatically when Brian met Karin (Kaz) in New Zealand. What started as an invitation for a weekend sail blossomed into a lifelong partnership, marriage, and eventually the birth of their daughter Sierra, who at six years old has already sailed 15,000 miles and visited 13 countries by boat. Her unique upbringing offers powerful lessons in resource conservation, global citizenship, and adaptability that traditional education simply can't provide.

Now, Sailing Delos is undergoing its most ambitious evolution yet—the creation of Delos 2.0, a custom aluminum diesel-electric catamaran being built in Brisbane, Australia. This revolutionary vessel will feature 5,000-6,000 watts of solar power, 54 kilowatt-hours of batteries, and a hybrid propulsion system designed to showcase what sustainable cruising could look like in the future. The rugged, expedition-ready design reflects their desire to explore higher latitudes while incorporating all the lessons learned from years at sea.

Whether you're dreaming of your own escape or simply curious about alternative lifestyles, this conversation offers a window into what's possible when you're willing to chart your own course—literally and figuratively. As Brian reminds us: "If you're not doing something that you love, make time to go out and do it... whatever your life holds, make the most of it."

Support the show

SALTY ABANDON: Cap'n Tinsley, Orange Beach, AL:
Oct 2020 to Present - 1998 Island Packet 320;
Nov 2015-Oct 2020; 1988 Island Packet 27
Feb-Oct 2015 - 1982 Catalina 25

SALTY PODCAST is LIVE every Wed at 6pm Central and is all about the love of sailing!
YOUTUBE PLAYLIST: https://tinyurl.com/SaltyPodcastPlaylist
Wanna create a Livestream?: Https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5430067749060608

GEAR FEATURED IN MY UPCOMING VIDEOS:
🛟 Boat Fenders → https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08S1PXKKR
⚓ Dock Lines → https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BS4BNYR9
🧽 Exterior Cleaning Kit → https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BL533KR7

Send us a text

The transformative journey from land to sea captures the imagination of many adventurers, but few make the leap quite like Billy and Lizzie of Two Brits, One Box. In this captivating conversation, they reveal how they traded their RV lifestyle for life aboard their 1980 Pearson 365 sailboat, Stephney Thames—with absolutely no sailing experience.

Their story begins on the highways of Canada and the United States, where their RV adventures took them through the stunning landscapes of Utah, Arizona, and along the Pacific Coast. It was the misty shores of the Oregon coast that rekindled their connection to the sea, both having grown up in seaside towns in England. The pivotal moment came unexpectedly one evening while watching television, when Lizzie casually mentioned she could see herself living on a boat. By morning, Billy was researching how to make it happen.

What makes their journey particularly remarkable is their methodical approach to this dramatic lifestyle change. Rather than diving in headfirst, they researched extensively, viewed numerous boats, and used Vancouver Island as their training ground before attempting longer passages. Their first multi-night sail featured 35-knot winds and accidental jibes—challenges they overcame through perseverance and a willingness to learn.

Now sailing along the California coast and approaching San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge, they share candidly about the realities of boat life: the mechanical challenges, the adjustment to living in small spaces, and the incomparable joy of watching whales breach against a sunset backdrop. Their future plans include Mexico's Baja Peninsula and potentially crossing the Pacific to French Polynesia.

For anyone harboring dreams of a similar adventure, Billy offers this encouragement: "If you're thinking about doing it, definitely go for it. But set small, manageable goals and build it up from there. You'd be surprised what you can achieve within a few months." Their journey stands as compelling proof that with determination and a thoughtful approach, even the most dramatic lifestyle changes are within reach.

Support the show

SALTY ABANDON: Cap'n Tinsley, Orange Beach, AL:
Oct 2020 to Present - 1998 Island Packet 320;
Nov 2015-Oct 2020; 1988 Island Packet 27
Feb-Oct 2015 - 1982 Catalina 25

SALTY PODCAST is LIVE every Wed at 6pm Central and is all about the love of sailing!
YOUTUBE PLAYLIST: https://tinyurl.com/SaltyPodcastPlaylist
Wanna create a Livestream?: Https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5430067749060608

GEAR FEATURED IN MY UPCOMING VIDEOS:
🛟 Boat Fenders → https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08S1PXKKR
⚓ Dock Lines → https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BS4BNYR9
🧽 Exterior Cleaning Kit → https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BL533KR7

Send us a text

What drives someone to leave everything behind and race solo across an ocean? Five years ago, Amber Hassan didn't know how to sail. Today, she's preparing to cross the Atlantic alone in one of sailing's most challenging races. Her journey from New York professional to offshore racer began during the pandemic when she escaped to the Florida Keys and discovered an unexpected passion that would completely transform her life.

Amber shares the pivotal moment when watching the Vendée Globe (a solo around-the-world race) sparked something deep within her despite having just learned basic sailing skills. "I was like, what is that? I want to do that," she recalls, despite her instructors pointing out she had just learned to tack the day before. This unwavering determination has defined her remarkable five-year journey.

The path hasn't been smooth. After working in boatyards to save money for her racing boat, she faced a devastating setback when her vessel was wrecked during her 1,000-mile qualifying voyage. The boat's keel pierced through the hull as waves pushed her onto rocks near port. Rather than give up, Amber channeled her frustration into helping fellow racers while planning her comeback with a new boat appropriately named "On The Road Again 2."

Now she's just weeks away from the start of the Mini Transat on September 21st – a race that will take her from France to the Canaries and eventually to Guadeloupe. Her 21-foot boat has no engine, no bed, and no toilet – just the essentials for survival and speed. "It's like camping," she explains of the minimalist offshore racing experience.

What makes Amber's story so compelling isn't just the rapid acceleration of her sailing career, but her perspective on pursuing dreams regardless of the conventional path. "If there's something you want to do and you're a little bit scared, the first step is the scariest part. After that, you'll just figure it out." Follow Amber's Atlantic journey on Instagram @amber_sails or support her final preparations through her GoFundMe page.

Support the show

SALTY ABANDON: Cap'n Tinsley, Orange Beach, AL:
Oct 2020 to Present - 1998 Island Packet 320;
Nov 2015-Oct 2020; 1988 Island Packet 27
Feb-Oct 2015 - 1982 Catalina 25

SALTY PODCAST is LIVE every Wed at 6pm Central and is all about the love of sailing!
YOUTUBE PLAYLIST: https://tinyurl.com/SaltyPodcastPlaylist
Wanna create a Livestream?: Https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5430067749060608

GEAR FEATURED IN MY UPCOMING VIDEOS:
🛟 Boat Fenders → https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08S1PXKKR
⚓ Dock Lines → https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BS4BNYR9
🧽 Exterior Cleaning Kit → https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BL533KR7

Send us a text

Some audio issues with one of my guests, Christian Parker. He was on his boat in the Florida Keys and was using his phone for the Livestream. What does true sailing freedom look like? For Christian (better known as @ShipwreckedSurvivor) and his fiancée Pippa, it's about stripping away the unnecessary, embracing simplicity, and making this ancient art accessible to everyone—not just the wealthy elite.

Their sailing journey defies conventional wisdom at every turn. Christian shares the wild story behind his Instagram handle, recounting his capsizing experience during the Ultimate Florida Challenge race. The couple's candid take on the controversial Bahamas fee increases (jumping from $150 to $800 for cruising permits) offers valuable perspective for anyone planning Caribbean adventures in the coming season.

The centerpiece of their story? A luxury French catamaran purchased for just $2,000 on eBay. Without engines but with "good bones," this four-stateroom vessel represents Christian's philosophy that sailing shouldn't require hundreds of thousands of dollars. His MacGyver-like abilities to simplify systems and make things work demonstrate that ingenuity often matters more than deep pockets in the sailing world.

Perhaps most inspiring is their commitment to teaching others. Through free sailing schools in New York and Florida, they've built communities where aspiring sailors learn on donated boats without financial barriers. Their approach emphasizes starting small, mastering fundamentals on simple craft, and developing the problem-solving mindset essential for life at sea.

"If you ever wanted something and thought about it, then if not now, when?" Pippa challenges listeners. "Just do it. Get out there, start small, start somewhere." After reconnecting 36 years after their teenage romance, this engaged couple embodies their own advice about seizing opportunities and creating the life you want—one creative solution at a time.

Ready to start your own sailing journey? Subscribe now and join our community of adventurers who believe sailing equals freedom!

Support the show

SALTY ABANDON: Cap'n Tinsley, Orange Beach, AL:
Oct 2020 to Present - 1998 Island Packet 320;
Nov 2015-Oct 2020; 1988 Island Packet 27
Feb-Oct 2015 - 1982 Catalina 25

SALTY PODCAST is LIVE every Wed at 6pm Central and is all about the love of sailing!
YOUTUBE PLAYLIST: https://tinyurl.com/SaltyPodcastPlaylist
Wanna create a Livestream?: Https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5430067749060608

GEAR FEATURED IN MY UPCOMING VIDEOS:
🛟 Boat Fenders → https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08S1PXKKR
⚓ Dock Lines → https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BS4BNYR9
🧽 Exterior Cleaning Kit → https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BL533KR7

Send us a text

📅 Wed, 6pm CT 8/20/25
📍 Live on @SaltyAbandon (FB, IG, X) + @SVSaltyAbandon (YouTube)
▶️ Playlist & past episodes: https://tinyurl.com/SaltyPodcastPlaylist

Dive into the fascinating world of luxury yachting with Hugo Ortega, a 500-ton Superyacht captain, mentor, and the new bosun on Below Deck Season 12. In this candid conversation, Hugo reveals his unlikely journey from dissatisfied engineer to commanding multi-million dollar vessels, offering a rare glimpse behind the curtain of an industry that caters to the world's ultra-wealthy.

Hugo shares the pivotal moment when, feeling trapped in his corporate engineering job, a chance encounter with a yacht crew member in Thailand completely transformed his career trajectory. This meeting sparked what would become a remarkable maritime journey, eventually leading to his founding of Superyacht Sunday School – a platform dedicated to helping others break into the yachting industry without making costly mistakes.

The economics of luxury yachting are nothing short of staggering. With weekly charter rates starting around $200,000 for a 180-foot yacht (before fuel, food, and extras), clients willing to spend upwards of $300,000 for a single week's vacation expect nothing less than perfection. Hugo details how crew members benefit from this lavish industry, potentially earning thousands in tips alongside their base salaries, while navigating the unique challenges of living in close quarters and catering to extraordinary requests – from flying in $25,000 meat orders to arranging impromptu carnivals complete with fire breathers.

For sailing enthusiasts, Hugo offers valuable insights on how skills from the superyacht industry transfer to private sailing ventures and charter businesses. His engineering background proved unexpectedly valuable in his maritime career, highlighting how diverse experiences can strengthen one's sailing journey. Whether you're dreaming of working on luxury vessels, starting your own charter business, or simply enhancing your sailing skills, Hugo's practical wisdom and entertaining stories provide both inspiration and actionable guidance.

Ready to explore if the yachting lifestyle might be right for you? Or curious about the real differences between Below Deck and actual superyacht operations? This episode delivers honest, expert perspective on an industry few truly understand. Subscribe now and join our community of passionate sailors and maritime enthusiasts charting their own unique courses.

Support the show

SALTY ABANDON: Cap'n Tinsley, Orange Beach, AL:
Oct 2020 to Present - 1998 Island Packet 320;
Nov 2015-Oct 2020; 1988 Island Packet 27
Feb-Oct 2015 - 1982 Catalina 25

SALTY PODCAST is LIVE every Wed at 6pm Central and is all about the love of sailing!
YOUTUBE PLAYLIST: https://tinyurl.com/SaltyPodcastPlaylist
Wanna create a Livestream?: Https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5430067749060608

GEAR FEATURED IN MY UPCOMING VIDEOS:
🛟 Boat Fenders → https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08S1PXKKR
⚓ Dock Lines → https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BS4BNYR9
🧽 Exterior Cleaning Kit → https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BL533KR7

Send us a text

The truth about yacht insurance isn't what most boat owners expect to hear. As insurance veteran Keri Gonzalez reveals in this candid conversation, "Insurance is not your friend, we're not a good neighbor, you're not in good hands." With 36 years of experience as an insurance broker, Keri strips away the marketing slogans to expose what boat owners need to understand about their coverage—especially for older vessels.

For owners of boats over 26 years old, the insurance landscape becomes increasingly treacherous. Most standard markets reject vessels valued over $150,000 once they reach this age threshold, forcing owners into specialized markets with higher premiums and more restrictions. Documentation emerges as your most powerful ally, with Keri emphasizing the critical importance of maintaining cloud-based records of all maintenance and upgrades. These aren't just helpful—they can be the difference between a claim being paid or denied when disaster strikes.

Storm coverage presents particularly dangerous territory for the uninformed. Many boat owners don't realize that their hurricane plans become literal contracts, where any deviation—even moving to what might objectively be a safer location—can void coverage entirely. GEICO policyholders face the additional burden of updating their location every 14 days regardless of weather, while other policies silently depreciate your vessel's value without notification. Perhaps most alarming is the revelation about lithium batteries, which many policies exclude entirely unless specifically disclosed and approved in writing.

The conversation ventures into international waters as well, with Keri offering invaluable guidance for Caribbean cruisers and explaining the strict blue-water experience requirements for those seeking transatlantic coverage. Whether you're maintaining your vessel in a hurricane zone, planning extended cruising, or simply trying to protect your investment, this episode provides the unvarnished truth about what your policy actually covers—and the many ways you might accidentally void it.

Want to ensure your boat insurance actually protects you when you need it most? Listen now, take notes, and check your policy before it's too late. Have questions about your specific situation? Reach out to Keri directly at keri@amginsuranceinternational.com for personalized guidance.

Support the show

SALTY ABANDON: Cap'n Tinsley, Orange Beach, AL:
Oct 2020 to Present - 1998 Island Packet 320;
Nov 2015-Oct 2020; 1988 Island Packet 27
Feb-Oct 2015 - 1982 Catalina 25

SALTY PODCAST is LIVE every Wed at 6pm Central and is all about the love of sailing!
YOUTUBE PLAYLIST: https://tinyurl.com/SaltyPodcastPlaylist
Wanna create a Livestream?: Https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5430067749060608

GEAR FEATURED IN MY UPCOMING VIDEOS:
🛟 Boat Fenders → https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08S1PXKKR
⚓ Dock Lines → https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BS4BNYR9
🧽 Exterior Cleaning Kit → https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BL533KR7