In this insightful episode of the podcast, join Bela Musits and Carter Yepsen as they delve into the intricacies of obtaining a USCG (United States Coast Guard) license. Carter, having recently completed this process, provides a firsthand account of the steps involved, offering valuable insights to listeners.

The discussion encompasses a wide range of topics, including:

Whether you're considering a career in the maritime industry or simply interested in expanding your nautical knowledge, this episode offers a wealth of information and guidance on the USCG license process. Tune in to learn from Carter's firsthand experience and Bela's expert insights, and set sail on your own journey toward obtaining a USCG license.

If you would like to support the podcast, we now have a Patreon page.  Just go to Patreon.com/sailingtheeast.  

Our podcast is now also available on YouTube, just search for “Sailing the East”

https://www.youtube.com/@sailingandcruisingtheeast

We love to hear from you, our listeners, send us your questions, comments, and suggestions at [email protected].  If you know someone that would be an interesting guest on the show, please reach out to us and let us know—wishing you fair winds, and calm seas.

Bela and Mike

Join Bela Musits as he interviews Mike Malekoff, a seasoned sailor and frequent guest on this podcast. In this episode, Mike shares his valuable insights and experiences as he prepares his boat for an extended cruise from Georgia to the Florida Keys. After spending six months on the hard, Mike delves into the meticulous planning and preparations required for such a voyage, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of the process.

Throughout the discussion, Mike provides a wealth of practical tips and advice on essential safety measures, crucial equipment, and the significance of staying on the boat during the journey. He emphasizes the importance of thorough preparation, highlighting key areas such as navigation, weather forecasting, provisioning, and communication.

Mike also shares his personal experiences and lessons learned from previous voyages, offering listeners a unique perspective on the challenges and rewards of long-distance cruising. His passion for sailing and his deep knowledge of the subject matter shine through as he generously shares his expertise.

As always, Mike proves to be a captivating and informative guest, providing listeners with a wealth of valuable information and inspiration for their own sailing adventures. Whether you're a seasoned sailor or an aspiring cruiser, this episode is sure to provide you with valuable insights and practical advice for your next voyage.

If you would like to support the podcast, we now have a Patreon page.  Just go to Patreon.com/sailingtheeast.  

Our podcast is now also available on YouTube, just search for “Sailing the East”

https://www.youtube.com/@sailingandcruisingtheeast

We love to hear from you, our listeners, send us your questions, comments, and suggestions at [email protected].  If you know someone that would be an interesting guest on the show, please reach out to us and let us know—wishing you fair winds, and calm seas.

Bela and Mike

Join Bela Musits as he interviews Dan Kerpelman, who, along with his wife, embarked on a unique sailing adventure from Rochester, NY, to Portland, Maine, via the St. Lawrence River. This route deviates from the typical path taken by sailors heading south, which usually involves the Erie Canal, the Hudson River, and then south to New York City and the Atlantic or Long Island Sound. Another alternative route involves a short stint on the St. Lawrence River before connecting with the Richelieu River southward into the Chambly Canal, leading to Lake Champlain.

Dan's captivating account of the journey is filled with breathtaking sights and valuable lessons learned. Listeners will gain insights into overcoming the challenges of transitioning from freshwater lake sailing to river sailing and then to ocean sailing, all within a single trip. Dan also shares broader wisdom on maximizing the joys of life under sail.

Key Takeaways:

Additional Points of Discussion:

This episode offers a wealth of information for both experienced sailors and those interested in exploring unconventional routes and embracing the adventure of sailing.

If you would like to support the podcast, we now have a Patreon page.  Just go to Patreon.com/sailingtheeast.  

Our podcast is now also available on YouTube, just search for “Sailing the East”

https://www.youtube.com/@sailingandcruisingtheeast

We love to hear from you, our listeners, send us your questions, comments, and suggestions at [email protected].  If you know someone that would be an interesting guest on the show, please reach out to us and let us know—wishing you fair winds, and calm seas.

Bela and Mike

In this podcast episode, Bela Musits has a conversation with Jeremy Elwell, a former corporate executive who boldly left his six-figure job to pursue his passion for sailing. Jeremy's decision to purchase an ASA sailing school marked a significant turning point in his life, exemplifying a fearless approach to diving into new endeavors.

This episode intertwines the worlds of sailing and entrepreneurship, offering listeners a unique blend of insights and experiences. Jeremy shares valuable tips on how to potentially transform a passion for sailing into a fulfilling business venture. For those curious about sailing schools, the discussion delves into their operations, the value they provide, and the evolution they have undergone over the years.

Jeremy's journey is particularly inspiring as he courageously stepped away from a comfortable corporate career to embrace his love for the sea. His story highlights the importance of pursuing one's passions and taking calculated risks in order to achieve personal fulfillment.

Moreover, the conversation sheds light on the inner workings of sailing schools, demystifying their structure, curriculum, and the role they play in fostering a love for sailing among students of all ages and skill levels. Jeremy's insights provide valuable information for aspiring sailors and those interested in exploring the world of sailing education.

Whether you are an avid sailor, an aspiring entrepreneur, or simply curious about the world of sailing schools, this episode promises to captivate and inspire. Jeremy Elwell's journey serves as a testament to the power of following one's dreams and the transformative potential of embracing new adventures.

If you would like to support the podcast, we now have a Patreon page.  Just go to Patreon.com/sailingtheeast.  

Our podcast is now also available on YouTube, just search for “Sailing the East”

https://www.youtube.com/@sailingandcruisingtheeast

We love to hear from you, our listeners, send us your questions, comments, and suggestions at [email protected].  If you know someone that would be an interesting guest on the show, please reach out to us and let us know—wishing you fair winds, and calm seas.

Bela and Mike

In this podcast episode, Bela Musits has a conversation with Rory Frey, a passionate sailor residing in a charming small town located north of Allentown, Pennsylvania. Despite not being in close proximity to a significant body of water, Rory's love for sailing shines through.

Rory owns a trailerable boat that he keeps on a small lake near his house, allowing him to indulge in his passion even during short periods of time. This boat serves as his go-to vessel for quick sailing adventures when he has a few hours to spare.

Additionally, Rory possesses a 26-foot Seafarer sailboat that he keeps in Annapolis, Maryland. This larger vessel is reserved for longer weekend trips, offering him the opportunity to explore the Chesapeake Bay and embark on extended sailing excursions.

Rory's sailing journey didn't happen overnight. He has diligently taken several ASA sailing courses to refine his skills and knowledge. He has also gained valuable experience by participating in sailboat charters, immersing himself in different sailing environments and learning from seasoned sailors.

In essence, Rory Frey embodies the spirit of a typical sailor. His dedication to the sport, combined with his willingness to learn and grow, makes him a true testament to the sailing community. Rory's passion for sailing is contagious, and his story inspires others to embrace the freedom and exhilaration that comes with being out on the water.

If you would like to support the podcast, we now have a Patreon page.  Just go to Patreon.com/sailingtheeast.  

Our podcast is now also available on YouTube, just search for “Sailing the East”

https://www.youtube.com/@sailingandcruisingtheeast

We love to hear from you, our listeners, send us your questions, comments, and suggestions at [email protected].  If you know someone that would be an interesting guest on the show, please reach out to us and let us know—wishing you fair winds, and calm seas.

Bela and Mike

In this podcast episode, Bela Musits has a conversation with Peter Lawrence, an avid sailor who recently embarked on an extraordinary journey. Peter's passion for sailing led him to purchase a new-to-him 2005 Beneteau 473 sailboat and  bring her back from Racine, Wisconsin to his home port in Rochester, New York.

This remarkable voyage spanned over 800 nautical miles and traversed four of the Great Lakes—Erie, Huron, St. Clair, and Ontario—as well as the St. Clair and Detroit Rivers, culminating in the challenging Welland Canal. Peter's meticulous planning and preparation became the cornerstone of this 11-day passage, ensuring a smooth and pleasant first trip on his newly acquired vessel.

Peter's unwavering commitment to planning and preparation was evident from the outset. He meticulously studied weather patterns, charted optimal courses, and gathered comprehensive information about the various waterways he would encounter. Peter's extensive research paid off when he successfully navigated the often-treacherous waters of the Great Lakes, skillfully maneuvering his sailboat through narrow channels and unpredictable weather conditions.

If you would like to support the podcast, we now have a Patreon page.  Just go to Patreon.com/sailingtheeast.  

Our podcast is now also available on YouTube, just search for “Sailing the East”

https://www.youtube.com/@sailingandcruisingtheeast

We love to hear from you, our listeners, send us your questions, comments, and suggestions at [email protected].  If you know someone that would be an interesting guest on the show, please reach out to us and let us know—wishing you fair winds, and calm seas.

Bela and Mike

In this podcast episode, Bela Musits engages in a conversation with Simon and Sawyer Balint, delving into their adventure of returning their sailboat, a Passport 40, to the United States after their inaugural Atlantic crossing. Prior to their journey, this aspect had not been given much thought, as planning the crossing monopolized their attention.

Various options were contemplated by this father and son team, including sailing the boat back themselves, employing a captain and crew for the return voyage, leaving the boat in the UK or Europe for a few years of continued sailing, selling the boat in the UK, or opting for the transportation of the boat via a freighter. Throughout the episode, a detailed exploration of the factors influencing their decision-making process unfolds. Be sure to tune in for this enlightening conversation.

If you would like to support the podcast, we now have a Patreon page.  Just go to Patreon.com/sailingtheeast.  

Our podcast is now also available on YouTube, just search for “Sailing the East”

https://www.youtube.com/@sailingandcruisingtheeast

We love to hear from you, our listeners, send us your questions, comments, and suggestions at [email protected].  If you know someone that would be an interesting guest on the show, please reach out to us and let us know—wishing you fair winds, and calm seas.

Bela and Mike

In this podcast episode, Bela Musits engages in a conversation with Simon and Sawyer Balint, delving into the modifications they implemented on their Passport 40 sailboat in preparation for their maiden Atlantic crossing. The discussion revolves around the adjustments made to enhance safety and expand their sailing capabilities across a wider spectrum of wind angles and speeds.  And the trips they took prior to the crossing to refine their systems and techniques.

Moreover, the podcast explores how seemingly minor alterations in sailing angle or speed can significantly impact the duration of their journey, potentially reducing a 20-day voyage by 1 to 2 days. The discussion also revolves around the meticulous modifications they implemented on their vessel to ensure optimal performance and safety during their first Atlantic crossing.

Simon and Sawyer share their experiences and insights gained from previous sailing trips, highlighting the importance of refining systems and techniques before embarking on such a challenging endeavor. They delve into the various adjustments they made to enhance their sailing capabilities across a wider spectrum of wind angles and speeds, enabling them to harness the power of the wind more effectively.

The podcast explores how seemingly minor alterations in sailing angle or speed can significantly impact the duration of their journey. By optimizing their sail configurations and trimming techniques, they were able to reduce their estimated 20-day voyage by an impressive 1 to 2 days. This demonstrates the profound impact that seemingly small adjustments can have on a long-distance sailing expedition.

This father and son team provide detailed accounts of the specific modifications they made to their Passport 40 sailboat. These modifications included installing a new self-steering system, optimizing their sail inventory, and upgrading their navigation and communication equipment. They discuss the rationale behind each modification and how it contributed to their overall sailing experience.

Moreover, the podcast delves into the psychological and emotional aspects of preparing for and undertaking such an ambitious voyage. Simon and Sawyer candidly share their hopes, fears, and motivations, offering listeners a glimpse into the mindset of sailors who dare to chase their dreams on the open ocean.

Throughout the episode, Bela Musits skillfully guides the conversation, asking probing questions and facilitating a lively exchange of ideas between the Balint’s. The podcast is a testament to the passion and dedication of these accomplished sailors, providing valuable insights and inspiration for aspiring adventurers and seasoned sailors alike.

If you would like to support the podcast, we now have a Patreon page.  Just go to Patreon.com/sailingtheeast.  

Our podcast is now also available on YouTube, just search for “Sailing the East”

https://www.youtube.com/@sailingandcruisingtheeast

We love to hear from you, our listeners, send us your questions, comments, and suggestions at [email protected].  If you know someone that would be an interesting guest on the show, please reach out to us and let us know—wishing you fair winds, and calm seas.

Bela and Mike

In this podcast episode, Bela Musits and Mike Wasserman discuss the Summer of 2024 sailing season on Narragansett Bay.  We review the trips taken and places visited.  We also discussed some of the new experiences, sights seen, and what we learned.  We also review the scheduled and unscheduled maintenance projects that were performed.  For example, a ripped mainsail and a water tank sensor that stopped working.

If you are interested in learning how to sail, check out NauticEd. which is short for Nautical Education, an established company with a really cool online platform for learning the knowledge elements of sailing at your convenience, along with a network of experienced sailing instructors for the hands-on skill development elements on the boat. To check out NauticEd, click on the link below and as a bonus you will receive your first two lessons for free.

https://www.nauticed.org/?school=bela-l-musits&utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=

If you would like to support the podcast, we now have a Patreon page.  Just go to Patreon.com/sailingtheeast.  

Our podcast is now also available on YouTube, just search for “Sailing the East”

https://www.youtube.com/@sailingandcruisingtheeast

We love to hear from you, our listeners, send us your questions, comments, and suggestions at [email protected].  If you know someone that would be an interesting guest on the show, please reach out to us and let us know—wishing you fair winds, and calm seas.

Bela and Mike

In this podcast episode, Bela Musits and Jeff Wettig team up to interview Gene Martel. Jeff, a veteran podcaster and Chesapeake Bay sailor, has hosted his sailing podcast, "Shooting the Breeze," since 2014, producing over 180 episodes. Bela and Jeff previously interviewed each other in episode 90 of this podcast.

Gene Martel, new to sailing, listens to both Jeff's podcast and this podcast. Recognizing their shared interest, the trio decided to collaborate on a podcast episode. Gene, who has spent the past year dedicated to learning how to sail, shares his personal experiences, insights, and valuable advice about his sailing journey.

If you are interested in learning how to sail, check out NauticEd. which is short for Nautical Education, an established company with a really cool online platform for learning the knowledge elements of sailing at your convenience, along with a network of experienced sailing instructors for the hands-on skill development elements on the boat. To check out NauticEd, click on the link below and as a bonus you will receive your first two lessons for free.

https://www.nauticed.org/?school=bela-l-musits&utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=

If you would like to support the podcast, we now have a Patreon page.  Just go to Patreon.com/sailingtheeast.  

Our podcast is now also available on YouTube, just search for “Sailing the East”

https://www.youtube.com/@sailingandcruisingtheeast

We love to hear from you, our listeners, send us your questions, comments, and suggestions at [email protected].  If you know someone that would be an interesting guest on the show, please reach out to us and let us know—wishing you fair winds, and calm seas.

Bela and Mike