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Rich Whitlock (@rich_whitlock9603) shares the smart upgrades he’s made to his 2018 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 419—from ☀️ solar and 📡 Starlink to 🧭 chartplotters & more.  Whether you're refitting your cruiser or dreaming of the liveaboard life, this episode is packed with tips and gear talk you don’t want to miss.

Ever wondered what happens when submarine engineering meets modern sailing? Rich Whitlock, a former nuclear submarine officer with a mechanical engineering background, takes us deep into the technical transformation of his 2018 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 419.

From bow to stern, Rich breaks down his methodical approach to boat systems, starting with his 55-pound Rakhna spade anchor upgrade that provides unmatched holding power. His communication and navigation setup—featuring radar with custom alarms, AIS-receiving VHF, and advanced sonar imaging—creates multiple safety layers for solo offshore passages.

The heart of Rich's sailing philosophy revolves around power independence. He walks us through his lithium battery conversion that increased capacity by 70% while reducing weight, paired with an intelligent 700-watt solar array using specialized SIGs panels that perform remarkably well even in partial shade. The pure sine wave inverter running his coffee maker, laptop, and surprisingly efficient air fryer showcases how cruising comfort doesn't have to sacrifice energy consciousness.

What truly sets Rich's approach apart is his submarine-influenced redundancy strategy. Three different outboards, multiple dinghies, portable generators, and even a battery-powered air conditioner ensure he's never without options when plans change. His recent eight-day, 1,300-mile solo passage from the Bahamas to Saint Martin demonstrates how these systems function together in real-world conditions.

Whether you're planning your own extensive refit or simply curious about maximizing your boat's capabilities, Rich's blend of technical expertise and practical experience offers a fascinating roadmap to modern, self-sufficient cruising. His journey proves that with methodical planning and the right equipment, sailors can extend their range and comfort while maintaining robust safety systems for offshore adventures.

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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

PODCAST TOOLS:
Livestream: Https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5430067749060608
Create AI Clips: https://klap.app/?via=SaltyAbandon

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What if you could walk away from everything? The bills, the commute, the endless cycle of working to pay for things you barely have time to enjoy?

Captain Mark J. Reinhardt didn't just dream about it—he did it. Speaking from his sailboat in the Solomon Islands, Mark takes us deep into the realities of living completely off-grid on the open water. With candid honesty rarely found in sailing narratives, he reveals both the breathtaking freedom and sobering challenges of his unconventional life.

Mark shares the unlikely path that led from growing up on an Orlando lake to sailing 10,000 miles across the world's most challenging waters. After financial collapse following the 2008 recession and a humbling stint as a dishwasher, Mark found himself walking down the Florida coast with nothing but a backpack and tent. In that moment of rock bottom, he recognized his calling to return to the sea.

The heart of this conversation explores Mark's harrowing experience crossing the South Pacific alone—a journey that nearly cost him everything. With unflinching detail, he recounts how equipment failures, a devastating hand injury, and overwhelming seas pushed him to his absolute breaking point. His raw account of battling not just the elements but his own mind reveals the psychological resilience necessary for true self-reliance.

Beyond survival tales, Mark offers practical wisdom about the everyday realities of boat life. From conserving water and managing resources to finding innovative solutions for everything from flies to laundry, he demystifies the sailing lifestyle. His colorful stories of encounters with indigenous communities and the colorful characters he's met along the way paint a vivid picture of a life rich in experience if not luxury.

Whether you're an aspiring sailor, a freedom-seeker, or simply curious about alternative living, Mark's journey demonstrates what happens when you have the courage to choose adventure over security. His book "Off the Grid" and upcoming sequel document this remarkable path—proving that sometimes the most meaningful life isn't about what you acquire, but what you're brave enough to leave behind.

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

PODCAST TOOLS:
Livestream: Https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5430067749060608
Create AI Clips: https://klap.app/?via=SaltyAbandon

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Oliver from Sailing Phoenix returns for a live update before he sets sail on one of the biggest adventures of his life—a solo(ish) crossing from Oregon to Hawaii with his trusty crewmate, Phoenix the cat.

Since our last chat in November 2024, Oliver has been hard at work making critical repairs and upgrades to his sailboat to get it ocean-ready for the journey ahead. In this episode, we dive into:

• What’s been fixed, changed, and overhauled since November  
  
  
• The reality of preparing a boat for offshore sailing  
  
  
• His route planning and timeline  
  
  
• How he’s balancing preparation with anticipation  
  
  
• What it’s like having a cat aboard for such a big crossing  
  
  
• The emotional and mental prep involved in solo passagemaking

This is a raw and honest conversation about what it really takes to make a Pacific crossing—from one sailor to another.

*🎙️ LIVE at 6pm Central – April 16, 2025* 
*Podlink:* [https://tinyurl.com/SaltyPodcastPlaylist](https://tinyurl.com/SaltyPodcastPlaylist) 

Subscribe for more weekly sailing stories, offshore prep tips, and interviews with cruisers around the world. It’s always a great day to talk about sailing.

#SaltyAbandon #SaltyPodcast #Sailing #PacificCrossing #SailingPhoenix  

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

PODCAST TOOLS:
Livestream: Https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5430067749060608
Create AI Clips: https://klap.app/?via=SaltyAbandon

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Hayden & Radeen of S/V Island Spirit are back, streaming 🎙️ LIVE from Saint-Martin in the Caribbean (but the ended up being in Antigua)  🌬️ Wind patterns (with graphs), ⚓️ Best anchorages 🌀 Pro tips for maneuvering & anchoring around Sint Maarten

YouTube Link:  https://tinyurl.com/SaltyPodcast57

#SaltyPodcast #SaltyAbandon #SailingTips #IslandSpirit #SintMaarten

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

PODCAST TOOLS:
Livestream: Https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5430067749060608
Create AI Clips: https://klap.app/?via=SaltyAbandon

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Welcome to Part 3 of the Island Packet Factory Tour series! In this final episode, factory owners Darrell & Leslie Allen take Capn Tinsley deep inside the Island Packet Factory in Largo, FL. Watch where the skilled team brings each custom sailboat to life—from the mold to the finishing touches—and learn a few ways you can get your own Island Packet sailboat.  Made in America!

⛵ Watch the full 3-part series:
⚓ Part 1: First look at the IP 44 Motor Sailer – https://tinyurl.com/IPFactoryPart1
⚓ Part 2: Full tour of the Island Packet 349 – https://tinyurl.com/IPFactoryPart2
⚓ Part 3: Behind-the-Scenes Factory Tour (this video) – https://tinyurl.com/IPFactoryPart3

🎧 Listen to the full Salty Podcast Playlist here: https://tinyurl.com/SaltyPodcastPlaylist

#SaltyAbandon #SaltyPodcast #Sailing #IslandPacketYachts #SailingLife #CapnTinsley #madeinamerica 

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

PODCAST TOOLS:
Livestream: Https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5430067749060608
Create AI Clips: https://klap.app/?via=SaltyAbandon

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Juliette of sailing vessel Spica shares her journey from sailing novice to confident sailor, now planning an ambitious voyage from Florida to Nova Scotia, Greenland, and ultimately Norway.

• First hooked on sailing after a four-day course in Annapolis on an Island Packet 32
• Purchased an Island Packet 35 after meeting owners who had lived aboard for 11 years in the Keys
• Initially terrified during first solo sailing experience but now feels completely at home
• Currently docked at Fort Pierce, Florida after living at anchor for a year
• Balances life as a sailing nomad with running her life coaching business remotely via Starlink
• Plans to sail up the East Coast to Norway, connecting with her genealogical heritage
• Learned boat maintenance through necessity and YouTube tutorials
• Travels with her dog Bronson, who has adapted from non-swimmer to "full water dog"
• Values the supportive sailing community that has helped her along the journey

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

PODCAST TOOLS:
Livestream: Https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5430067749060608
Create AI Clips: https://klap.app/?via=SaltyAbandon

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Step aboard hull #22 of the Island Packet 349 as we explore its design, smart upgrades, and why it might just be my dream boat! This is Part 2 of a special 3-part of my Island Packet Factory Tour. Let’s dive in!  @IslandPacketYachts  

This is Part 2 of a 3-part series inside the Island Packet Factory on YouTube:
⚓ Part 1: First look at the IP 44 Motor Sailer:  https://tinyurl.com/IPFactoryPart1
⚓ Part 2: A full tour of the Island Packet 349 (this episode):  https://tinyurl.com/IPFactoryPart2
⚓ Part 3: A behind-the-scenes factory tour to see how these legendary boats are built (Coming soon)

Stepping aboard hull number 22 of the Island Packet 349 reveals why this vessel represents the pinnacle of modern cruising sailboat design. From the moment you enter the cockpit—purposefully designed by Bob Johnson with safety as the primary concern—you'll appreciate how thoughtful engineering enhances the sailing experience without compromising comfort.

What truly sets this boat apart are the electric sailing systems that make single-handed cruising accessible to sailors of all abilities. With the push of a button, the reacher unfurls itself while electric primary winches handle the sheet lines, creating what our guide calls "push-button sailing" for those who want to enjoy the journey without unnecessary physical strain.

Below deck, the transformation from traditional sailboat to comfortable living space becomes immediately apparent. The captain's chairs—fully adjustable, reclining, and paired with a storage footstool—address the number one comfort request from sailors tired of rigid built-in seating. The galley features twice-the-BTU Dickinson stoves, dual refrigeration drawers that can function as either freezers or refrigerators, and intelligent LED lighting systems that dim according to preference.

Perhaps the most impressive innovation lies in the engine access—a hinged companionway staircase that swings up to provide complete access to maintenance points without the typical sailboat gymnastics of removing and storing stairs. Combined with the spacious forward cabin, practical head with sliding shower door, and extensive customization options (from fiberglass wainscoting colors to fan placement), the 349 offers near-custom building with production boat efficiency.

Whether you're planning coastal cruises or contemplating longer journeys (like the Chicago to Annapolis trip planned for this particular vessel), the Island Packet 349 demonstrates how thoughtful design can transform the sailing experience. Ready to discover if this might be your dream boat? Visit an Island Packet dealer to explore the extensive customization options and perhaps even discuss trade-in possibilities for your current vessel.

#SaltyAbandon #SaltyPodcast #Sailing #IslandPacket #BoatLife #IP349

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

PODCAST TOOLS:
Livestream: Https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5430067749060608
Create AI Clips: https://klap.app/?via=SaltyAbandon

Send us a text

This is Part 1 of a 3-part series inside the Island Packet Factory on YouTube:
⚓ Part 1: First look at the IP 44 Motor Sailer (this episode): https://tinyurl.com/IPFactoryPart1
⚓ Part 2: A full tour of the Island Packet 349:  https://tinyurl.com/IPFactoryPart2
⚓ Part 3: A behind-the-scenes factory tour to see how these legendary boats are built (Coming soon)

A century of months in the making, the Island Packet 44 Motor Sailor emerges as a revolutionary hybrid vessel that forever eliminates the age-old "sail or power" dilemma. This walkthrough reveals a meticulously crafted boat offering unmatched versatility for serious cruisers seeking both worlds without compromise.

The tour begins with the exterior features showcasing Island Packet's renowned attention to safety and functionality—hard rails with strategic openings, dual shore power connections at bow and stern, and an ingenious side boarding door adjacent to the helm. The Dutch-style helm door allows for perfect climate control while maintaining connection to your surroundings, complemented by a fully swiveling, reclining helm seat from Stid.

Below decks, the craftsmanship continues with customizable wood interiors (maple, sapele, or cherry), an innovative galley featuring induction cooking and multi-function smart oven, and clever storage solutions throughout. The salon's convertible table, dedicated navigation area, and unique line management system reflect decades of real-world cruising experience.

The engine room reveals the heart of this hybrid marvel—a 110hp Yanmar diesel pushing the vessel to approximately 9 knots, complemented by electric sail handling systems for when the wind beckons. Systems redundancy defines the engineering philosophy, from dual 50-gallon holding tanks to comprehensive climate control options including variable-speed air conditioning and hydronic heating.

At a base price of $699,000 (or less configured as a pure trawler), this limited-production vessel represents extraordinary value. With only 12 built annually and just one discounted slot remaining before launch, serious cruisers should act quickly to secure their opportunity to own what might be the most versatile, thoughtfully designed vessel under a million dollars available today.

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

PODCAST TOOLS:
Livestream: Https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5430067749060608
Create AI Clips: https://klap.app/?via=SaltyAbandon

Send us a text

What draws sailors to cross vast oceans, leaving behind comfort and certainty for the unknown? Saskia shares her remarkable journey from the Florida Keys to French Polynesia, revealing both the exhilarating freedom and surprising challenges of the cruising lifestyle.

Originally beginning her Instagram (@saskiasailing) simply to update family about their Pacific crossing, Saskia never expected thousands of followers to join her virtual journey. Together with her husband Kyle, they've cultivated a life that prioritizes experiences over possessions, sailing their Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 409 named "42" through some of the world's most breathtaking seascapes.

Their Pacific crossing wasn't the gentle downwind sail many envision—instead, 30 challenging days at sea with equipment concerns tested their resolve before reaching the dramatic cliffs of the Marquesas. Since then, they've explored remote Tuamotu atolls, swum with humpback whales in Moorea, and connected with locals in ways that transform typical tourism into profound cultural exchange.

Beyond the postcard-perfect visuals, Saskia offers candid insights into the practical realities of long-term cruising: how they financed their dream through charter operations in Key West, their meticulous provisioning strategies, and the art of interacting respectfully with officials in foreign countries. Their approach to budgeting—asking whether any purchase is "worth X days of cruising"—reveals how meaningful priorities reshape financial decisions.

As they prepare to continue westward through the Cook Islands and eventually to Australia, Saskia's story reminds us that modern cruising isn't about escaping life, but embracing it more fully—challenges, beauty, and unexpected connections included. What part of this sailing life calls to you?

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

PODCAST TOOLS:
Livestream: Https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5430067749060608
Create AI Clips: https://klap.app/?via=SaltyAbandon

Send us a text

Emerald waters, secluded beaches, and tropical breezes await in the Florida Keys—America's own Caribbean paradise. But how can you experience this boater's dream without draining your cruising kitty on expensive marinas? Our expert local guests John and Vanessa Lindsley, seasoned Key West sailors, reveal the secrets to finding gorgeous, protected anchorages throughout these island chains.

This knowledge-packed episode delivers essential wisdom for anyone planning to cruise Florida's stunning southern coastline. From the remote beauty of the Dry Tortugas to the practical amenities of Marathon, we map out the perfect spots to drop your hook while protecting both your budget and the fragile marine ecosystem.

"There are two kinds of sailors in the Florida Keys," our guests explain, "those who have run aground and those who lie about it." This candid assessment sets the tone for an honest conversation about navigating shallow waters where charts may be outdated and currents can be challenging. John and Vanessa share precise anchoring coordinates, navigation warnings, and insider tips you won't find in standard cruising guides.

Discover the hidden dangers of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary regulations, where running aground can cost you significantly more than just embarrassment. Learn about Bahia Honda State Park's incredible $2-per-foot dockage that includes ice and beverages. Find out which anchorages offer dinghy access to waterfront restaurants, which spots provide the best hurricane protection, and where to avoid the dreaded lobster pot fields during season.

For sailors planning a Bahamas crossing, we reveal the strategic Rodriguez Key anchorage that provides both protection and the perfect jumping-off point. And don't miss the legendary "30-Minute Highway" route to safely navigate to the Dry Tortugas while avoiding treacherous currents.

Whether you're planning your first Florida Keys cruise or returning for another season of warm-water sailing, this episode equips you with the local knowledge to explore these magical waters confidently and economically. Subscribe now, download this episode, and start planning your ultimate Florida Keys anchoring adventure!

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

PODCAST TOOLS:
Livestream: Https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5430067749060608
Create AI Clips: https://klap.app/?via=SaltyAbandon