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📅 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.

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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

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 [email protected] 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

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

Send us a text

Austin embodies what he calls the "tropical freedom mindset" – a philosophy that's taken him from the digital nomad scenes of Costa Rica and Colombia to his current life aboard Cha-Cha, a lovingly restored 1965 Choilee Bermuda 30 catch rig sailboat. With refreshing candor, he admits he's still learning to sail, yet his plans to navigate south to Florida and the Bahamas reflect a courage that comes from calculated risk assessment rather than reckless abandonment.

What makes Austin's journey particularly fascinating is the remarkable transformation of Cha-Cha herself. Originally discovered after sitting neglected for eight years, the boat underwent a complete refit by Austin and his stepfather. From stripping and revarnishing brightwork to removing old teak decks, the process taught Austin invaluable lessons about boat construction and maintenance. Though he confesses he would "never take on a project like that again," the experience created an unbreakable bond between sailor and vessel.

The episode delves into the practical aspects of boat life that rarely make it into glossy Instagram posts – from the simplicity of 12-volt electrical systems to innovative remote work setups that allow Austin to maintain his digital career while afloat. His hammock-rigged living space and portable technology solutions demonstrate the ingenious adaptability required for successful liveaboard life. Austin's perspective on what he calls "voluntary discomfort" offers listeners a thoughtful counterpoint to modern convenience culture.

Beyond the technical aspects, Austin shares profound insights about fear management and risk assessment. His "por que no?" (why not?) philosophy challenges listeners to examine their own relationship with adventure and comfort. As he prepares for his journey south after hurricane season ends, Austin's tropical freedom vision – chasing salsa dancing events along the coast while working remotely – represents a lifestyle that's attainable without vast resources but rich in experience and personal growth.

Ready to reconsider what's possible in your own life? Austin's journey might just be the inspiration you need. Subscribe now to continue following stories of ordinary people creating extraordinary lives through courage, creativity, and a willingness to embrace the unknown.

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 does it look like when you refuse to choose between career and adventure? Casey and Steve have found that sweet spot—spending half the year aboard their 50-foot aluminum sailboat and the other half working as expedition leaders on ships traveling to Antarctica and the Arctic.

Their story begins at a whale research station in British Columbia, where marine biologist Casey met Steve, who was leading paddleboard expeditions through the Great Bear Rainforest. Their shared passion for the ocean quickly evolved into a relationship and eventually led them to purchase their first boat together. After outgrowing their 30-footer, they set their sights on finding an expedition vessel capable of high-latitude sailing.

Through an unexpected connection, they discovered their current boat before it was even officially for sale. What followed was a six-month refit that transformed the vessel from a solo sailor's minimalist setup to their dream home. They converted storage space into a comfortable V-berth cabin, completely refinished the interior with two-part epoxy paint, added a hard aluminum dodger for protection and rainwater collection, and prepared the boat for challenging conditions.

Their sailing adventures have already been impressive, including a figure-eight circumnavigation of New Zealand that took them through the notorious Roaring 40s, facing 42-knot winds and challenging sea states. Between sailing journeys, they work on expedition ships and in the film industry, supporting survival reality shows in remote locations—careers that complement their passion for exploration.

Casey and Steve offer a refreshing perspective on the cruising lifestyle—one that doesn't require abandoning professional ambitions. Their balanced approach provides financial stability while still allowing them to pursue their dream of eventually sailing to Antarctica and through the Northwest Passage.

Ready to reimagine what your sailing life could look like? Listen now to discover how these two adventurers have crafted a life that truly offers the best of both worlds.

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

Watch Full Episode https://youtube.com/live/Pf-pWDAL048

When Maya and Aladino first laid eyes on their Cape George 36, most sailors would have walked away. What appeared decent from the outside concealed extensive rot and deterioration beneath. But this creative couple—whose backgrounds seemed destined for a nomadic seafaring life—saw potential where others saw a hopeless project.

Five years of intensive rebuilding later, they've transformed a near-derelict vessel into a stunning blue water cruiser they now call home. The journey wasn't just about reconstruction; it was about reimagining what's possible when persistence meets craftsmanship. Aladino's background (growing up traveling Europe in his father's homemade RV) and Maya's upbringing (hearing stories of her parents' world circumnavigation) provided the perfect foundation for this ambitious undertaking.

Their partnership thrives on complementary strengths—Aladino handling the technical aspects of boat building with remarkable skill while Maya brings artistic vision and storytelling expertise to their widely-followed content creation. Together they've crafted not just a seaworthy vessel but a beautiful floating home designed for comfortable long-term cruising.

Now exploring British Columbia's magnificent coastal inlets and archipelagos, they embrace a "sailing around the world as slowly as possible" philosophy. Moving just ten nautical miles a day, they discover hidden anchorages where mountains plunge directly into deep waters. Their approach reminds us that sometimes the journey itself—with its challenges, discoveries, and quiet moments of accomplishment—offers greater rewards than rushing toward distant destinations.

Whether you're contemplating your own boat rebuild, dreaming of coastal cruising, or simply appreciate stories of determination and craftsmanship, Maya and Aladino's adventure inspires us to reimagine what's possible with patience, skill, and a willingness to take on projects others might consider impossible. Follow their journey on YouTube and Instagram at Sailing Magic Carpet to watch as they navigate the next chapter of their extraordinary 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

Send us a text

The allure of crystal-clear Bahamian waters calls countless sailors each year, but planning that perfect island-hopping adventure requires insider knowledge and careful preparation. In this special bonus episode of the Salty Podcast, I'm sharing my upcoming journey from Orange Beach to Georgetown, Exumas—a voyage that represents both adventure and healing after the loss of my husband nine months ago.

Joined by experienced sailors Key West John and surprise guest Hayden, we dive deep into the practical elements of making this journey successfully. We chart the optimal route from Florida to the Bahamas, discussing the strategic advantages of checking in at South Bimini rather than North, why West Bay makes a better stopover than Nassau, and how to navigate the stunning Exuma chain through a series of manageable day hops.

What makes this episode particularly valuable is the candid perspective on Georgetown itself—that magical cruiser haven where up to 300 boats gather during peak season. We explore the vibrant community at Chat and Chill, the recent addition of mooring fields, and how to position your boat when weather fronts come through. The conversation touches on everything from pet import requirements to the significant increase in Bahamas entry fees, giving you a comprehensive planning guide.

Beyond the technical aspects, this episode captures something more profound—the healing power of the sailing community. As I prepare for this journey, I'm discovering that Georgetown's reputation as a welcoming sailor's paradise might be exactly the restorative experience needed after profound loss. Whether you're planning your own Bahamas adventure or simply dreaming of distant shores, you'll find something deeply valuable in this conversation between friends who share a passion for blue water and island life.

Have you sailed these waters before? What hidden gems should be on my must-visit list? Share your experiences and tips in the comments—I'd love to hear from fellow sailors and dreamers alike.

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

Have you ever dreamed of escaping to paradise without emptying your savings account? Meet Stan Loveday, a sailor, author, and retired firefighter who traded his landlocked existence for the gentle rocking of his sailboat "Southeast Up Disorder" in Key West's mooring field. 

Stan reveals the remarkable economics of his lifestyle choice – paying just $450 monthly for a mooring ball versus the staggering $3,000+ that marina slips command. But this isn't a story about sacrificing comfort for savings. Through ingenious systems and thoughtful planning, Stan and his wife Christina enjoy all the comforts of home while remaining completely off-grid for eight years and counting.

We dive deep into the practical aspects of sustainable boat life, from generating power through 1,300 watts of solar panels to creating fresh water daily with a 12-volt watermaker. Stan shares brilliant innovations like recycling shower water for toilet flushing and maintaining internet connectivity anywhere through Starlink. His insights on selecting the right boat, hurricane preparedness, and daily logistics offer invaluable guidance for anyone considering this lifestyle.

What makes this conversation truly compelling is Stan's candid assessment that living this dream isn't about endless financial resources – he estimates a couple can comfortably live this way for around $1,000 monthly. His upcoming book "Let's Buy a Boat and Move to the Keys" promises to be the definitive guide for turning this aspirational lifestyle into reality.

Whether you're actively planning your escape or simply curious about alternative living arrangements, Stan's practical wisdom, delivered with the calm demeanor of someone who's truly mastered his environment, will inspire you to rethink what's possible. Listen in as we explore how paradise might be more accessible than you ever imagined.

Ready to reimagine what your life could look like? Subscribe now and join us for more conversations with those who've charted their own course to extraordinary living.

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

Buying a boat isn't just a transaction—it's the gateway to freedom, adventure, and a lifestyle that many dream about but aren't always prepared for. Sisters Melanie and Carolyn Neale from Sunshine Cruising Yachts bring their extraordinary background as lifelong sailors and yacht brokers to this enlightening conversation about what it really takes to find your perfect vessel.

Check out Melanie's Books:
Boat Buying Basics:  https://amzn.to/4ez2vUP
Boat Girl:  https://amzn.to/4l99CWq
Boat Kid:  https://amzn.to/3GsOgUU

Having spent 19 years growing up on a sailboat, these sisters offer insights you simply won't find elsewhere. "A boat is not an investment," Melanie candidly shares. "It's an investment in your dreams, quality of life, time, and joy." This refreshing honesty permeates their approach to guiding buyers through the often complex journey of boat ownership.

The conversation unpacks crucial aspects of the buying process that potential owners frequently underestimate, from the true costs of maintenance (expect to spend roughly 10% of your boat's value annually) to the emotional rollercoaster that accompanies this major life decision. The sisters break down the typical four-to-five-week timeline from making an offer to closing, explaining the importance of thorough surveys and proper representation throughout.

What makes this episode particularly valuable is their perspective on family dynamics in boating. Having shared a V-berth with only a curtain separating them as kids, they understand intimately that "everybody needs their own space" on a boat, especially children. Their advice for couples considering the cruising lifestyle is equally thoughtful, emphasizing the importance of both partners feeling included and competent in handling the vessel.

Whether you're actively shopping for your first boat, dreaming of upgrading, or simply curious about the cruising lifestyle, this conversation offers practical wisdom delivered with warmth and authenticity. From navigating the current market conditions to avoiding common pitfalls, Melanie and Carolyn's insights might just save you from making an expensive mistake—or help you find exactly the right boat to launch your adventures.

Ready to turn your boating dreams into reality? This episode is your first step toward making informed decisions that will have you sailing confidently into the sunset.

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 happens when a 60-year-old retired teacher decides to sail solo from New England to the Bahamas? Deborah Hammett's remarkable journey proves that our boldest chapters can begin exactly when society expects us to slow down.

After three decades teaching on Martha's Vineyard, Deborah traded lesson plans for navigation charts and sailed her 36-foot Jeanneau "Mavia" over 1,500 miles - mostly alone. Her transition wasn't without challenges. From anchoring alone near Harlem at night to fixing mechanical failures with no prior experience, Deborah faced countless moments where panic and fear threatened to overwhelm her. Yet each obstacle became a lesson in resilience and self-reliance.

Throughout our conversation, Deborah reveals how sailing transformed both her mindset and capabilities. She describes mastering diesel engines and electrical systems through YouTube videos, learning the rhythms of docking and navigation, and discovering a generous sailing community that defied her expectations. Perhaps most powerfully, she confronted long-held beliefs about herself and others, finding that her preconceptions often limited her more than any external challenge.

Beyond the practical aspects of her journey, we dive into the profound emotional growth that comes from pursuing a dream that others might consider impossible or impractical. Deborah argues passionately that retirement should be viewed as an opportunity for bold new beginnings rather than a winding down. Her experience suggests that actively learning complex skills might even help stave off cognitive decline, while the physical demands of sailing have motivated her to maintain strength and fitness well into her 60s.

Whether you're contemplating your own sailing adventure or simply wondering what might be possible in your next chapter, Deborah's story will inspire you to reconsider the boundaries you've set for yourself. After all, as she reminds us, "People do what they want to do." The only question is: what adventure are you putting off?

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

The moment Jerome Rand set sail from the United States in his 1975 Westsail 32, he entered a world few modern sailors will ever experience. For 271 consecutive days, battling the planet's most treacherous waters completely alone, Rand wasn't just testing his sailing abilities – he was discovering the very edges of human resilience.

What makes Rand's journey uniquely compelling is his deliberate choice to forego modern sailing advantages. Selecting a heavy, full-keeled vessel over faster alternatives and eschewing sponsors or significant media attention, he sought the authentic experience of circumnavigation from the golden age of solo sailing. As he drifted past Point Nemo – Earth's most isolated spot with 1,600 miles of empty ocean in every direction – Rand wasn't just geographically removed from humanity; he was experiencing a psychological journey equally as profound.

The Southern Ocean was definitely challenging. For four and a half months, Rand battled 30-foot waves and sustained 55-knot winds, listening to the terrifying sound of white water slamming against fiberglass during violent knockdowns. Yet the physical challenges paled compared to the mental battles. "You become a student of what's going on up there," Rand explains, detailing his practice of "control thinking" – focusing on just one ocean, one day, or even one immediate problem rather than the overwhelming entirety of his journey. This mental discipline, coupled with his remarkable ability to find humor in suffering ("This is going to make for a pretty funny story"), carried him through moments that would crush most sailors.

The wisdom Rand gained transcends sailing. His discovery that true disconnection from our hyper-connected world leads to a childlike state of presence – where watching clouds becomes profoundly satisfying – offers a powerful lesson about modern living. Perhaps most inspiring is his message about resources: extraordinary achievements don't require extraordinary means. "You can do these huge things and you don't need every resource on the planet," he insists. "You can start really small and do really big stuff."

Has the chaos of modern life disconnected you from what matters? Listen now as Jerome Rand shares how 30,000 miles of solitude revealed truths about resilience, perspective, and what humans can accomplish with limited resources but unlimited determination.

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