Haven't moved on board full time yet. Surprised that you were so honest and "real," in the best of anyway a person can be. I mean that as a high compliment. There were a lot of solid takeaways for me. Create a passive income stream, possibly from the house that I may want to return. Within reason, Keep and take the key lifestyle items that bring me joy. The sailboat is small, is a small living space, has one head, is small and won't get bigger. After the boat fulfills its sailing duties, make sure it can also be a comfortable home. Weather matters. .... Have a therapist, mediator, strategies for negation, ,timeout and don't forget how small the sailboat is. (I only have 38'- Yikes!). Loved the video. Thanks.
Only a natural, French comedienne could frame barfing and bathroom humor into a lifestyle challenge confessional episode !! My face hurts from laughing ...
Somewhere in Iowa there is a monument to Ryan erected by all the other farms boys, they have erected this monument to celebrate the hope that Iowa farm boys can aspire to move out of Iowa, to a foreign country, buy a super yacht and get themselves a French Supermodel girlfriend. Well played Ryan you are an Iowan Legend.
He is doing well. I left Linn county in 2003 and with a French speaking Belgium who was already a sailor and now a yachtmaster. However, I'm not so much like Ryan, so I'll take more notes from his lessons. No need for a statue one lives in my hometown of 500 they all left when the school closed in 2008.
Thank you. I find this video incredibly enlightening. There are old sailing rules going back in time over millennia that state, 'don't bring a woman on board a ship (boat)' which are not really explained. Now I understand those very old sailing rules much better. Don't shoot the messenger...
I have very recently found your channel and I love it. A vast amount of sensible advice in this video. I actually live on a narrowboat on the UK canals and if you need a regular workout just come and help me with all the locks there are lots of them and they are not manned so you have to do all the work yourself (winding paddles up and down and opening and closing all the gates). In addition I am singlhanded and pretty geriatric so I keep more than fit. Keep up the sailing it looks even more idyllic than my lifestyle. The only advantage is that my boat is steel and needs a bit less maintenance than a yacht. I fully get the small space scenario mine is 2 metres (6 ft 10 ins) wide by 13. 4 metres (44 ft) long.
Nice video. I like the idea understanding it isn't always puppies and unicorns out there. Usually things get a bit tense when something breaks at sea or mistakes are made. Being with the same person all the time 24/7 will eventually get you saying some things you wish you could take back. I like the video because you really get across that some days might just be bad days.....just like life anywhere. The downside is depending where you are, on a boat, you cant just walk away to cool off. I have a friend who cruises with his long time partner and sometimes they just need a break for a few days in port. They pull into the next marina and hit a good restaurant or a bar and mingle with others. Unknown the bartender or bar patrons they are going to help them through therapy. It actually works most of the time. I have been with them for about two weeks at a time on a 65ft and as long as the weather is good and nothing breaks, its seems its easier to get along. Never the less, great advice and I appreciate the video. But having two heads and two full staterooms does help! At least you can sleep separate and have some alone time.
I liked this approach to things. There's plenty of practical stuff out there to learn from, but what's just as important is not losing yourself in the process. A heads up for self care!
We certainly kept the house & after a few months my wife got on a plane & went home. No arguments whatsoever. Just the lack of lasting friendships. Internet friends are not friends. People one meets on ones travels come & go.They are not long term. They are not like family . The lack of friendships was our biggest problem. You skated over that. Plus we got bored of the same old thing every day. You do the same thing day in & day out. Surely that must drive you nuts. You know exactly what you will be doing tomorrow & the day after that & the day after that !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. Is paradise really paradise any more after so long? But excellent, like all your videos & I look forward to every one. Thanks
Your last 5 minutes was the most meaningful for me. We already can’t live without each other. We’ve never been to salt water and don’t know if we’ll like it when we get there. We’re Lake Michigan sailors. In the 2022 season we plan to rent out our house and head south. We’ll see what happens.
Refreshingly honest, well edited and delivered with a great sense of personality and humour. Wishing you fair winds, lots of sunshine and amazing adventures ahead.
Despite we are already sailors, it is exactly our moment: leaving our jobs, kids going home schooling and the whole family to live soon onboard our boat... thanks for sharing all of it with us
This is the first time I've watched one of your videos, though I regularly watch "Project Atticus" or "The O'Kelly's" RUclips channel. I have to say I really enjoyed this episode of yours, mainly because I am about to embark on a similar adventure, though with some variation and delays. In 2 months, I will be taking possession of a new Bavaria 37. I sold my townhouse to buy the boat, and moved into my girlfriend's place to not only live together, but also to enable the boat purchase. I wanted to do something different, now that I've reach the age of 50, and also give her the adventure she would otherwise not experience. You talk of having fears, and for sure, my lady definitely has fears. To give an example - whenever the boat leans more than 10 degrees, she starts to panic. So we have a lot of work to do to provide her with overcoming her fears and comfort level. One comment I did present to her when we started dating - I clearly laid out "I will challenge your comfort level, you cannot live in fear around me, but at the same time I will not deliberately put you into danger". I do also recognize the need to be patient, to communicate and try to go at a pace she will be able to handle. The second thing I wanted to comment on is the concept of property ownership - after a 24 year marriage that ended, assets divided, downsized and try to rebuild a life - I came to realize that when it comes to equity ownership and banking, by the time I would have retired at 65 given the normal way of life - I would be half-way through my mortgage (I could only do a 30-year term, in order to fulfill my financial obligations) - which means majority of my money paid would go to bank profits, with little to show for it. In my mind, I lost that financial race when my marriage ended. So the idea of living aboard on a new boat fully paid for made sense to me. But then I met my girlfriend, and while I assured her that her assets are 100% hers, having this boat would provide us with a means to an adventure. She would keep that equity for her security, but also for that land base - similar to you selling your apartment and combining with your partner. It is my desire in a few years that we would be able to take a few years, go sailing down the West coast of Canada, US to Panama and through to the Caribbean. Life should be about adventure, the enjoyment of experiences. There will always be challenges but there will always be the victories as well. If the sailing doesn't work, so be it, sell it and do something else. But if your heart is there - go for it.
Sophie - Damn great tips gal... we went sailing 16 years ago. I thought I knew my wife after 25 years being married. Whee I was wrong - did not know water was so IMPORTANT to her... we had 250 litres on board to cross the Indian Ocean. Not enough to wash her hair every night ... however she is is an amazing sailor - can pick out a squall at 10 nm... and we up graded to a bigger boat - water maker . and a house at anchor- Thanks for your passion and sharing..
Hilarious and entertaining. Sophie could be a leading actress! Overall, good advice so I am now thinking I need a 100 m sailboat, oh yeah, with 2 bathrooms!
Beautiful, smart and capable, I hope Ryan appreciates how lucky he is. Definitely room for glamor and comfort on board a small boat, that`s not just for the big boys and there big toys!
As an interested landlubber and spotter into quite a few sailing channels, two non-negotiable items for boat purchase come to my mind: - headspace in major parts of the boat, as you wouldn't want to live contorted all the time, and - bedroom space. This should be your comfort room! I find it acceptable to "waste" some space there, especially when more people or kids are expected on board. Just having a double pilot's berth won't be sufficient!
Yes, headspace... I had a dutch sailingbarge with little headspace and even smaller doors. 1st year okay. After that its very clear to never buy a boat without sufficient headspace again. However, if you are a weekend sailor, it doesn't have to be a dealbreaker. I think the bed must just be long enough, then I can sleep in it.
Very good! Very funny, yet realistic to the change in lifestyle. Great advise on the land-homes too. It's always good to be prepared for "Plan B", land dwellers.
Ryan, My wife and I have been married for 34 years, plus another 11 living together for a total of 45 years. I am alive today because of what was taught to me as a child.... when it comes to feelings, good, bad or indifferent your wife is always right. When it comes to mechanical problems you are always right. Now heed my words and there will be no need for that councilor :) We love your posts, Sophie your sense of humor is priceless!
I have lived on boats most of my life now ime 74 years old and was a boat builder , so have a look at Elley Grey a live aboard boat that’s built to cross oceans in comfort and two can manage here as three sails are powered even the square sail , and look at the jaccusi !
Absolutely right Sophie, never get out of the housing market. As you say you’ll probably not be able to get back in. Watching you guys I wish I’d set off earlier in life. I’m retired and about to set off but in most ways that limits the time I have left to sail. But hey, too late now. Hope to see you guys out there sometime. John
Oh Sophie! Finally... somebody has said you don’t have to come down in your way of living on a BOAT ! I am 20 yrs in and on the hard stand shed at the moment..anyway....I have crystal , silverware, china, linens, and silks....and my beautiful skin care regime......It is possible to get into your tender in BLack Tie with your stilettos in your hand....anything is possible Baby!! Thank you for this video about this stuff......yep....tough life, but beautiful.....and challenging. Love you guys. 🇳🇿🇦🇺 Gold Coast Australia
Sophie has personally to burn and is an absolute natural in front of a camera 👍😃 We aren’t into sailing, we do a lot of overland touring and camping here in Australia so lifestyles are very similar Totally agree with Sophie in regards to creature comforts, the little nice things make life so much easier..
So, as time passes...knowing more about both of you only improves with time. The same is not true for Mandy, many channels. Your unique twist of authenticity coupled with episodes like the risk analysis and this one are truly valuable and not so common. Keep up the great work. You’ve got this.
You two are awesome! I can relate to so many of these challenges and priorities. The true litmus test of a relationship is living and working together in a confined space 24x7.
I did not see coming the relationship issue being the most difficult but it is so true. In general you did a very comprehensive review. Thanks a lot, Merci
It’s not an issue, it’s just something that was a lot harder to deal with, mostly because there are so little resources to help. There will always be someone to talk to about boat, sailing and finances. But very few valuable resources to help with the challenges of a relationship onboard...
This is one of my favorite videos. Thank you for such an insightful perspective, especially regarding relationships. Too many people discount this very important aspect. I really enjoy your channel.
Fabulous video! Yes, it did feel like you made the video for us. THANK YOU! We have not considered a therapist, but have a good friend who is one. We were tested over twenty years ago by remodeling a house that Franny wanted and I did not. Lots of tears later and lots of time together doing things together. We made it and the house was beautiful. We did have a therapist at that point... I am sure we will chat again but this is a great video. Makes me want to quit our jobs now and go tomorrow. Not yet, but very soon... Heidi
Wifey and I (retired in our mid 60's) are just finishing the refit of our 46' sailboat before we head off for a 10 year stint gunkholing the SoPac. I have forwarded this link to her, as I agree with much of what you attest. I do, however, agree with Ryan about hanging onto an asset for the future. With what is happening in the world, I would not count on an asset being of much value in the future unless you have direct and constant contact with it. Management costs, bad tenants, fluctuating interest rates, and ever increasing maintenance fees and taxes, I would rather buy gold or a better boat, than hang onto real estate. Besides, like sailing, the next bay could be where we finally seek landfall. It is nice not to be tied.
That's nice to see that you still take care of yourself. Once in a while, it's nice to look natural but other times it's also ok to wear make up and dress well.
A lot of truth in this, especially the real estate one. If the market jumps you can be left behind. My friend was looking at houses and a real estate person persuaded him to sell for a very good price, unfortunately the market took off and the real estate agents were crossing out the old price and putting them up by $2000 every week. I earned that a month back then. We were saying which crazy fool would pay $145k for a 2 bedroom terrace in Sydney. Probably the same fools that pay $1.8 million for the same houses today.
Nicely done. Great insight. We’ve lived aboard for 6+ years, and been cruising full time for 3. We are in total agreement with all of the issues you discussed, even if we have arrived at different solutions for some of them.
I agree what a great topic to touch on considering so many of us watching are dreaming of a cruisong life ome dqy and this was an excellemt video for us with the dream especially for the women watching thank you Sophie. I agree never sell your home to live this dream fins a way to make it happen and keepnyour home, so you can more enjoy thebtimenyou hsve on the boat. I wouldn't want to be forced tobhave tobstay on a boat all year long or depend on relatives either
I think that the partnership is the winning thing we have. We already are 24/7 together, because we also work together. My partner is my boss. The hardest thing for us would be the moment we will choose to leave. We now we want to do it. We already told our family we will go, but what would be the moment we go and how do you find the right boat for you. Now with COVID it is not an option to go for us, but are we continuing to make changes on our current boat.
As someone who plans on retiring to a catamaran within the next decade and a half, I appreciate videos such as this more than you can imagine. I don't want to see the glamorous lifestyle parts. I want to see and hear the real life trials and tribulations that are involved with being a cruiser. Having watched hours and hours of videos, yours is the first one I have seen that even mentions the couples therapy aspect. As of now, I plan an being a solo cruiser, but who knows, I may have someone in my life that will join me and hearing your recommendation is another box to add to my checklist. I look forward to watching more and more of your videos. Thank you!
Too funny about the one bathroom. Striking a paper match after number two does the trick. Just saying.... You shared a lot of good lessons Sophie. Thanks.
I love Sophie,she is so honest and entertaining 🤗Ryan I don’t know 😐the part about couples counseling is so funny😂😂I like Ryan but he’s kinda grumpy 😠 I appreciate your honesty and telling it like it really is 🙏I really appreciate you two sharing your life with all of us,hope you both will be totally happy sailing around the world 🤗🤗😊😊
Great insight. Definitely recognizes the real human personal aspect of such a major change in lifestyle and all the little things that are taken for granted in a more normal everyday life.
Very well organized and presented (but I get the sense that this is what Sophie did in her other career). Well balanced between light humor and serious topics. Saying what needs to be said.
Definetely one of your best ever videos. The quality of your channel continues to improve further and further. Really well done! This video in particular happens to be really applicable to ourselves as we have just last week bought a boat to move onto, so thank you :)
This was an incredible video! I love that you said living in a boat has somewhat made you more attached to certain aspects of your personality. I think we probably discount the importance of the "home/in-land" comforts thinking the sailing life is somewhat going to make those irrelevant or less important but I suppose it's not always (or rarely) the case. This certainly has implications down the line on the sort of sailing lifestyle one can realistically sustain and what the financial/emotional etc. needs one requires to do so. On the topic of videos with a more serious note, I haven't seen a lot of people talk about how retirement fits into their sailing plans. Do you get worried about having enough money for retirement, the potential health expenses etc, difficulties reinterring the conventional (think corporate) job market down the line (in the unlikely scenario where you decide to go back to land)?
YES!!! of course, anyone can drink wine out of plastic glasses on occasion, it doesn’t bother me. But every single time? That would be sad 😢 we have sturdy wine glasses made of tempered glass that have not let us down in the three years we’ve been onboard!
I've lived off grid with women before.....if they are about makeup and comfort.....it really becomes a pain.....but good luck to you two. Seems like there's a large posh apartment in Paris missing a girl.
Thanks for the video) Your channel is very nice! I wish I knew about it before. I found so much similar with our perception of having a boat as a house) P.S. And my wife said that Sophie is the coolest woman onboard!
Love your honesty in the vid. We have been studying the pitfalls of the sailing lifestyle for months. We thought a log cabin in the mountains and starting a farm made more sense. Plus you can always fly, dive, or catch a train to a vacation destination The property "increases in value.
The video title caught my eye. I'm in the dream stage of sailing and have been paying attention to all the things you said most people are as well!... I was pleasantly surprised by your delightful presentation and, more valuable than I thought, content that MATTERS. I'm a single guy with no marriage prospects currently so I'm planning my hardware (boat size, etc) with that in mind - being single. I hope to purchase the largest katch that can be sailed solo. Listening to your video woke me up to the space issues. If I am blessed to find that special life partner "between dreams and sailing" the globe, great, but I'd better be ready with the most appropriate boat & gear. To start with, I'll start looking at boats with TWO heads and TWO roomy state rooms/births fore & aft. (I'd better throw head room as well as I'm 6'3" wearing tennis shoes). Not only will this be nice should I ever have guests to sail with but if I want to stay up late with the light on or play guitar and sing at 3:00 AM, I'll have somewhere to go and not disturb sleeping beauty (she'll have to be or I'm staying single! HaHa!) ANY ADVICE you can throw my way will be greatly appreciated. PS. I don't know what to ask about the "detail" you alluded to... SO TELL ALL!! : ) AND thank you very much for what I'd guess everyone who hears your thoughts will and has greatly appreciated.
Thank you for this video. We are on a track to become cruisers in the very near future and this by far the most helpful video I have watched. RUclips sailing videos paint a picture of the fun and sometimes the work but your video was real and honest. I know we are going to love it but going in eyes wide open is the way to do it. Thank you!
You are incredible..both of you.....I love the honesty.....I had my wife watch this video......It's so inspiring to see how much joy cruising brings you, how much it's taught you about yourself and how you use the challenges of cruising to stretch what you believe is possible and grow as a person.....fantastic job on this video and on your channel ......thanks for sharing your true experience
Spot on advice- our biggest area of growth after a season aboard was in our relationship even more than our sailing skills. Great video and really great perspective!
Bullseye!! This one was a 12 out of 10. You resonated with Pam on dress, skin care (your skin is perfect, BTW) and glass glasses, particulary the wine variety. Hit my buttons with "don't sell the house, find a tenant." Couples counseling -- have done it before and are still happily married after 47 years. BTW, you are definitely the most humorous cruiser on RUclips. Keep it up. Totally entertaining and Ryan makes a great straight man. You two remind us of George Burns and Gracie Allen.
Thanks for the tips! We just boat a sailboat and are about to move aboard in three weeks and I will definitely be bringing my real dishes, glasses, and silverware!
There were some things I didn't think of so this is great info!! This is also why I watched over 100 channels of sailing vids for 2 years. YUP...I have over 2,000 hours of watching and trying to decide if this lifestyle is for me. AND...some of what you just said really helped. My original plan was to buy a 30 foot boat and circumnavigate for 3 years. The first year was going to be spent in the Caribbean as a practice run and then venture out two more years around the world. My original cast off date (YES...you MUST choose a date to cast off) was November 7th, 2020. Well, covid came along and ruined that plan so the new plan is to move somewhere from the Bahamas all the way to Grenada. Then...buy a smaller boat that's great for day and weekend sailing. Ya know...sail off to some island and stay overnight. AND...If I'm jonesing to do a major crossing, I'll apply for a crew position and get my jollies that way. i'll also leave the breakdowns and other maintenance to the owner of the boat while my maintenance will be much less on my day sailor. So...THANK YOU Sophie for all your input and wise advice!!! PEACE OUT! .
Sophie and Ryan ... THANK YOU! For your incredible honesty and great recommendation for newbie cruisers to take the right steps. VERY informative and hilarious episode. THANK YOU!
Did any of this come as a surprise to you? I would love to hear from you guys who also moved onboard: what were the things you wish you knew? :)
Yes, had no clue you wear makeup. was sure it is all natural.
Haven't moved on board full time yet. Surprised that you were so honest and "real," in the best of anyway a person can be. I mean that as a high compliment. There were a lot of solid takeaways for me. Create a passive income stream, possibly from the house that I may want to return. Within reason, Keep and take the key lifestyle items that bring me joy. The sailboat is small, is a small living space, has one head, is small and won't get bigger. After the boat fulfills its sailing duties, make sure it can also be a comfortable home. Weather matters. .... Have a therapist, mediator, strategies for negation, ,timeout and don't forget how small the sailboat is. (I only have 38'- Yikes!). Loved the video. Thanks.
Most of the time, it is natural ;) (especially when I wake up in the morning, that’s a no-filter situation 😬)
Thanks Sharon, I’m so happy you got something out of it ☺️ and if means a lot that you took the time to write it in a comment as well!
The "surprise" is that yours is one of the few channels that actually has talked about this in any depth. Thanks for sharing great advice.
Love your sense of humour and down to earth personality...great video Sophie...thanks! :)
Only a natural, French comedienne could frame barfing and bathroom humor into a lifestyle challenge confessional episode !! My face hurts from laughing ...
Somewhere in Iowa there is a monument to Ryan erected by all the other farms boys, they have erected this monument to celebrate the hope that Iowa farm boys can aspire to move out of Iowa, to a foreign country, buy a super yacht and get themselves a French Supermodel girlfriend.
Well played Ryan you are an Iowan Legend.
He is doing well. I left Linn county in 2003 and with a French speaking Belgium who was already a sailor and now a yachtmaster. However, I'm not so much like Ryan, so I'll take more notes from his lessons. No need for a statue one lives in my hometown of 500 they all left when the school closed in 2008.
Your personality really makes this a great video.
Thank you. I find this video incredibly enlightening. There are old sailing rules going back in time over millennia that state, 'don't bring a woman on board a ship (boat)' which are not really explained. Now I understand those very old sailing rules much better. Don't shoot the messenger...
I have very recently found your channel and I love it. A vast amount of sensible advice in this video. I actually live on a narrowboat on the UK canals and if you need a regular workout just come and help me with all the locks there are lots of them and they are not manned so you have to do all the work yourself (winding paddles up and down and opening and closing all the gates). In addition I am singlhanded and pretty geriatric so I keep more than fit. Keep up the sailing it looks even more idyllic than my lifestyle. The only advantage is that my boat is steel and needs a bit less maintenance than a yacht. I fully get the small space scenario mine is 2 metres (6 ft 10 ins) wide by 13. 4 metres (44 ft) long.
Nice video. I like the idea understanding it isn't always puppies and unicorns out there. Usually things get a bit tense when something breaks at sea or mistakes are made. Being with the same person all the time 24/7 will eventually get you saying some things you wish you could take back. I like the video because you really get across that some days might just be bad days.....just like life anywhere. The downside is depending where you are, on a boat, you cant just walk away to cool off. I have a friend who cruises with his long time partner and sometimes they just need a break for a few days in port. They pull into the next marina and hit a good restaurant or a bar and mingle with others. Unknown the bartender or bar patrons they are going to help them through therapy. It actually works most of the time. I have been with them for about two weeks at a time on a 65ft and as long as the weather is good and nothing breaks, its seems its easier to get along. Never the less, great advice and I appreciate the video. But having two heads and two full staterooms does help! At least you can sleep separate and have some alone time.
Love this video. Money can't buy happiness. But it can buy you a boat.
I liked this approach to things. There's plenty of practical stuff out there to learn from, but what's just as important is not losing yourself in the process. A heads up for self care!
I love that you guys do advice and experience videos. Thanks so much for these!
Couldnt agree more! Amen and Sophie your explainations is really the best :) /Greetz from Sweden
Finally, someone that is open and honest about this. Thank you, some very good points!
Love how you treat one another. So gently and respectful. Your investments pay off!
Amazing frankness, just what we need to hear. Thank you Sophie. Fair winds
We certainly kept the house & after a few months my wife got on a plane & went home. No arguments whatsoever. Just the lack of lasting friendships. Internet friends are not friends. People one meets on ones travels come & go.They are not long term. They are not like family .
The lack of friendships was our biggest problem. You skated over that. Plus we got bored of the same old thing every day. You do the same thing day in & day out. Surely that must drive you nuts. You know exactly what you will be doing tomorrow & the day after that & the day after that !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. Is paradise really paradise any more after so long?
But excellent, like all your videos & I look forward to every one. Thanks
One of your best videos Sophie! Totally true about your house. Larger sunglasses and hats going forward I guess. Looking forward to that.
Aaah thanks so much Dan! It really means a lot :) (and I mean, can hats and sunglasses ever get too big? 😆)
Your last 5 minutes was the most meaningful for me. We already can’t live without each other. We’ve never been to salt water and don’t know if we’ll like it when we get there. We’re Lake Michigan sailors. In the 2022 season we plan to rent out our house and head south. We’ll see what happens.
Refreshingly honest, well edited and delivered with a great sense of personality and humour. Wishing you fair winds, lots of sunshine and amazing adventures ahead.
Despite we are already sailors, it is exactly our moment: leaving our jobs, kids going home schooling and the whole family to live soon onboard our boat... thanks for sharing all of it with us
How wonderful Tiago!!! I really hope you have a the best time on your sailing adventure, we’re right here with you! ☺️
great video. you exposed the hidden reality, contrary to "sell it all, move on board" thanks Sophie
This is the first time I've watched one of your videos, though I regularly watch "Project Atticus" or "The O'Kelly's" RUclips channel. I have to say I really enjoyed this episode of yours, mainly because I am about to embark on a similar adventure, though with some variation and delays. In 2 months, I will be taking possession of a new Bavaria 37. I sold my townhouse to buy the boat, and moved into my girlfriend's place to not only live together, but also to enable the boat purchase. I wanted to do something different, now that I've reach the age of 50, and also give her the adventure she would otherwise not experience. You talk of having fears, and for sure, my lady definitely has fears. To give an example - whenever the boat leans more than 10 degrees, she starts to panic. So we have a lot of work to do to provide her with overcoming her fears and comfort level. One comment I did present to her when we started dating - I clearly laid out "I will challenge your comfort level, you cannot live in fear around me, but at the same time I will not deliberately put you into danger". I do also recognize the need to be patient, to communicate and try to go at a pace she will be able to handle. The second thing I wanted to comment on is the concept of property ownership - after a 24 year marriage that ended, assets divided, downsized and try to rebuild a life - I came to realize that when it comes to equity ownership and banking, by the time I would have retired at 65 given the normal way of life - I would be half-way through my mortgage (I could only do a 30-year term, in order to fulfill my financial obligations) - which means majority of my money paid would go to bank profits, with little to show for it. In my mind, I lost that financial race when my marriage ended. So the idea of living aboard on a new boat fully paid for made sense to me. But then I met my girlfriend, and while I assured her that her assets are 100% hers, having this boat would provide us with a means to an adventure. She would keep that equity for her security, but also for that land base - similar to you selling your apartment and combining with your partner. It is my desire in a few years that we would be able to take a few years, go sailing down the West coast of Canada, US to Panama and through to the Caribbean. Life should be about adventure, the enjoyment of experiences. There will always be challenges but there will always be the victories as well. If the sailing doesn't work, so be it, sell it and do something else. But if your heart is there - go for it.
Sophie - Damn great tips gal... we went sailing 16 years ago. I thought I knew my wife after 25 years being married. Whee I was wrong - did not know water was so IMPORTANT to her... we had 250 litres on board to cross the Indian Ocean. Not enough to wash her hair every night ... however she is is an amazing sailor - can pick out a squall at 10 nm... and we up graded to a bigger boat - water maker . and a house at anchor- Thanks for your passion and sharing..
Insightful, Highly Personal, Helpful, Motivational, Truthful, Full of Life’s Realities!
Thank you.
Aaah thanks! This comment made my day 🥰
Hilarious and entertaining. Sophie could be a leading actress! Overall, good advice so I am now thinking I need a 100 m sailboat, oh yeah, with 2 bathrooms!
Beautiful, smart and capable, I hope Ryan appreciates how lucky he is. Definitely room for glamor and comfort on board a small boat, that`s not just for the big boys and there big toys!
I simply cannot like this video enough.
Thank you! 🙏
As an interested landlubber and spotter into quite a few sailing channels, two non-negotiable items for boat purchase come to my mind:
- headspace in major parts of the boat, as you wouldn't want to live contorted all the time, and
- bedroom space. This should be your comfort room! I find it acceptable to "waste" some space there, especially when more people or kids are expected on board. Just having a double pilot's berth won't be sufficient!
Yes, headspace... I had a dutch sailingbarge with little headspace and even smaller doors. 1st year okay. After that its very clear to never buy a boat without sufficient headspace again. However, if you are a weekend sailor, it doesn't have to be a dealbreaker.
I think the bed must just be long enough, then I can sleep in it.
Very good! Very funny, yet realistic to the change in lifestyle. Great advise on the land-homes too. It's always good to be prepared for "Plan B", land dwellers.
Ryan, My wife and I have been married for 34 years, plus another 11 living together for a total of 45 years. I am alive today because of what was taught to me as a child.... when it comes to feelings, good, bad or indifferent your wife is always right. When it comes to mechanical problems you are always right. Now heed my words and there will be no need for that councilor :) We love your posts, Sophie your sense of humor is priceless!
I have lived on boats most of my life now ime 74 years old and was a boat builder , so have a look at Elley Grey a live aboard boat that’s built to cross oceans in comfort and two can manage here as three sails are powered even the square sail , and look at the jaccusi !
The best sailing video I have ever watched!!! Thank you and stay lovely 🤩
Absolutely right Sophie, never get out of the housing market. As you say you’ll probably not be able to get back in. Watching you guys I wish I’d set off earlier in life. I’m retired and about to set off but in most ways that limits the time I have left to sail. But hey, too late now. Hope to see you guys out there sometime. John
Very funny and well constructed Sophie, some solid advice.
Oh Sophie! Finally... somebody has said you don’t have to come down in your way of living on a BOAT ! I am 20 yrs in and on the hard stand shed at the moment..anyway....I have crystal , silverware, china, linens, and silks....and my beautiful skin care regime......It is possible to get into your tender in BLack Tie with your stilettos in your hand....anything is possible Baby!! Thank you for this video about this stuff......yep....tough life, but beautiful.....and challenging.
Love you guys. 🇳🇿🇦🇺 Gold Coast Australia
Sophie , you are so expressive and funny.
Sophie has personally to burn and is an absolute natural in front of a camera 👍😃
We aren’t into sailing, we do a lot of overland touring and camping here in Australia so lifestyles are very similar
Totally agree with Sophie in regards to creature comforts, the little nice things make life so much easier..
Agreed. She has "it"
So, as time passes...knowing more about both of you only improves with time. The same is not true for Mandy, many channels. Your unique twist of authenticity coupled with episodes like the risk analysis and this one are truly valuable and not so common. Keep up the great work. You’ve got this.
Sophie, one of your bests videos!!! Thanks a lot. Merci beaucoup.
You two are awesome! I can relate to so many of these challenges and priorities. The true litmus test of a relationship is living and working together in a confined space 24x7.
Yep! And it’s WORK 😆
Well done for being honest about the housing ladder.
Yes! More! Please download your immense list to us all! (maybe have an ongoing series of videos...in installments...on this topic)
6m BRILLIANT. 13m Spot on. And “a relationship out card?” LOL - too true.
I did not see coming the relationship issue being the most difficult but it is so true. In general you did a very comprehensive review. Thanks a lot, Merci
It’s not an issue, it’s just something that was a lot harder to deal with, mostly because there are so little resources to help. There will always be someone to talk to about boat, sailing and finances. But very few valuable resources to help with the challenges of a relationship onboard...
This is one of my favorite videos. Thank you for such an insightful perspective, especially regarding relationships. Too many people discount this very important aspect. I really enjoy your channel.
Fabulous video! Yes, it did feel like you made the video for us. THANK YOU! We have not considered a therapist, but have a good friend who is one. We were tested over twenty years ago by remodeling a house that Franny wanted and I did not. Lots of tears later and lots of time together doing things together. We made it and the house was beautiful. We did have a therapist at that point... I am sure we will chat again but this is a great video. Makes me want to quit our jobs now and go tomorrow. Not yet, but very soon... Heidi
I really enjoy the Ryan & Sophie RUclips videos. This is hands down one of my favorite!
Wifey and I (retired in our mid 60's) are just finishing the refit of our 46' sailboat before we head off for a 10 year stint gunkholing the SoPac. I have forwarded this link to her, as I agree with much of what you attest. I do, however, agree with Ryan about hanging onto an asset for the future. With what is happening in the world, I would not count on an asset being of much value in the future unless you have direct and constant contact with it. Management costs, bad tenants, fluctuating interest rates, and ever increasing maintenance fees and taxes, I would rather buy gold or a better boat, than hang onto real estate. Besides, like sailing, the next bay could be where we finally seek landfall. It is nice not to be tied.
This is very very good advices and aspects to look into on livingaboard. Totally practical!
That's nice to see that you still take care of yourself. Once in a while, it's nice to look natural but other times it's also ok to wear make up and dress well.
A lot of truth in this, especially the real estate one. If the market jumps you can be left behind. My friend was looking at houses and a real estate person persuaded him to sell for a very good price, unfortunately the market took off and the real estate agents were crossing out the old price and putting them up by $2000 every week. I earned that a month back then. We were saying which crazy fool would pay $145k for a 2 bedroom terrace in Sydney. Probably the same fools that pay $1.8 million for the same houses today.
Nicely done. Great insight. We’ve lived aboard for 6+ years, and been cruising full time for 3.
We are in total agreement with all of the issues you discussed, even if we have arrived at different solutions for some of them.
I agree what a great topic to touch on considering so many of us watching are dreaming of a cruisong life ome dqy and this was an excellemt video for us with the dream especially for the women watching thank you Sophie. I agree never sell your home to live this dream fins a way to make it happen and keepnyour home, so you can more enjoy thebtimenyou hsve on the boat. I wouldn't want to be forced tobhave tobstay on a boat all year long or depend on relatives either
I love the crazy French Lady! You are who you are. While things around you, a change in lifestyle and so on can influence you, you are still you.
I think that the partnership is the winning thing we have. We already are 24/7 together, because we also work together. My partner is my boss.
The hardest thing for us would be the moment we will choose to leave. We now we want to do it. We already told our family we will go, but what would be the moment we go and how do you find the right boat for you.
Now with COVID it is not an option to go for us, but are we continuing to make changes on our current boat.
As someone who plans on retiring to a catamaran within the next decade and a half, I appreciate videos such as this more than you can imagine. I don't want to see the glamorous lifestyle parts. I want to see and hear the real life trials and tribulations that are involved with being a cruiser. Having watched hours and hours of videos, yours is the first one I have seen that even mentions the couples therapy aspect. As of now, I plan an being a solo cruiser, but who knows, I may have someone in my life that will join me and hearing your recommendation is another box to add to my checklist. I look forward to watching more and more of your videos. Thank you!
Thanks for the tips
Too funny about the one bathroom. Striking a paper match after number two does the trick. Just saying.... You shared a lot of good lessons Sophie. Thanks.
I love Sophie,she is so honest and entertaining 🤗Ryan I don’t know 😐the part about couples counseling is so funny😂😂I like Ryan but he’s kinda grumpy 😠 I appreciate your honesty and telling it like it really is 🙏I really appreciate you two sharing your life with all of us,hope you both will be totally happy sailing around the world 🤗🤗😊😊
Excellent! Absolutely great advice! Thank you!
Great insight. Definitely recognizes the real human personal aspect of such a major change in lifestyle and all the little things that are taken for granted in a more normal everyday life.
Thank you , very smart lady!
Thanks for the video. Usually when I think something and my wife thinks something else...she is more often than not...right. Thanks again.
Sophie...... You are brilliant.... most excellent advice...
Aaah thanks Lanc! Glad you enjoyed it!
Brilliant video👍 You’re a natural in front of the camera.
Well done, Sophie.
Very well organized and presented (but I get the sense that this is what Sophie did in her other career). Well balanced between light humor and serious topics. Saying what needs to be said.
Definetely one of your best ever videos. The quality of your channel continues to improve further and further. Really well done! This video in particular happens to be really applicable to ourselves as we have just last week bought a boat to move onto, so thank you :)
This was an incredible video! I love that you said living in a boat has somewhat made you more attached to certain aspects of your personality. I think we probably discount the importance of the "home/in-land" comforts thinking the sailing life is somewhat going to make those irrelevant or less important but I suppose it's not always (or rarely) the case. This certainly has implications down the line on the sort of sailing lifestyle one can realistically sustain and what the financial/emotional etc. needs one requires to do so.
On the topic of videos with a more serious note, I haven't seen a lot of people talk about how retirement fits into their sailing plans. Do you get worried about having enough money for retirement, the potential health expenses etc, difficulties reinterring the conventional (think corporate) job market down the line (in the unlikely scenario where you decide to go back to land)?
Excellent, a very frank honest view of the decision you made and the pros and cons. Great stuff..
So agree with your choice of luxury items such as a decent wine glass.....
YES!!! of course, anyone can drink wine out of plastic glasses on occasion, it doesn’t bother me. But every single time? That would be sad 😢 we have sturdy wine glasses made of tempered glass that have not let us down in the three years we’ve been onboard!
Wow great advice! I was just thinking of the house issue. Good points
Sophie, out of a 10, you are a 13. Thank you for being so honest and real. Ryan is a blessed man. Fair winds.
Hahaha! Thanks Mike, that’s a nice compliment 🥰
Great video Sophie! Thank you for making it seem less scary to transition into boating life :)
That advice on not selling the property... was a gem! Thanks Sophie! 👏🏻
I've lived off grid with women before.....if they are about makeup and comfort.....it really becomes a pain.....but good luck to you two. Seems like there's a large posh apartment in Paris missing a girl.
I absolutely loved watching this video! C'est tres bon! J'aime beaucoup &
Merci pour le video! 💘
amazing video! thanks for all the disclosure and good advices ,seriously thanks!! again, amazing work.
Thanks for the video) Your channel is very nice! I wish I knew about it before. I found so much similar with our perception of having a boat as a house) P.S. And my wife said that Sophie is the coolest woman onboard!
A Sophie tour de force! Thank you for your effort; very entertaining!
Love your honesty in the vid. We have been studying the pitfalls of the sailing lifestyle for months.
We thought a log cabin in the mountains and starting a farm made more sense.
Plus you can always fly, dive, or catch a train to a vacation destination
The property "increases in value.
The video title caught my eye. I'm in the dream stage of sailing and have been paying attention to all the things you said most people are as well!... I was pleasantly surprised by your delightful presentation and, more valuable than I thought, content that MATTERS.
I'm a single guy with no marriage prospects currently so I'm planning my hardware (boat size, etc) with that in mind - being single. I hope to purchase the largest katch that can be sailed solo.
Listening to your video woke me up to the space issues. If I am blessed to find that special life partner "between dreams and sailing" the globe, great, but I'd better be ready with the most appropriate boat & gear.
To start with, I'll start looking at boats with TWO heads and TWO roomy state rooms/births fore & aft. (I'd better throw head room as well as I'm 6'3" wearing tennis shoes). Not only will this be nice should I ever have guests to sail with but if I want to stay up late with the light on or play guitar and sing at 3:00 AM, I'll have somewhere to go and not disturb sleeping beauty (she'll have to be or I'm staying single! HaHa!)
ANY ADVICE you can throw my way will be greatly appreciated.
PS. I don't know what to ask about the "detail" you alluded to... SO TELL ALL!! : )
AND thank you very much for what I'd guess everyone who hears your thoughts will and has greatly appreciated.
Well done Sophie!!
Thank you for this video. We are on a track to become cruisers in the very near future and this by far the most helpful video I have watched. RUclips sailing videos paint a picture of the fun and sometimes the work but your video was real and honest. I know we are going to love it but going in eyes wide open is the way to do it. Thank you!
You are incredible..both of you.....I love the honesty.....I had my wife watch this video......It's so inspiring to see how much joy cruising brings you, how much it's taught you about yourself and how you use the challenges of cruising to stretch what you believe is possible and grow as a person.....fantastic job on this video and on your channel ......thanks for sharing your true experience
Thanks so much for sharing. Love this video.
Thank you Sophia for baring it all and sharing your life with us.....Good job...
This was a great episode. Thank you so much for filming it.
Thanks for being real
Excelent video as usual. Sophie is becoming a star and a wonderfull coach. My best for both of you
Spot on advice- our biggest area of growth after a season aboard was in our relationship even more than our sailing skills. Great video and really great perspective!
You are so open and honest, I love you guys for that. Thanks for all of your advice
Just loved the SOPHIE & ryan show this week.
-Dave & Olga
Bullseye!! This one was a 12 out of 10. You resonated with Pam on dress, skin care (your skin is perfect, BTW) and glass glasses, particulary the wine variety. Hit my buttons with "don't sell the house, find a tenant." Couples counseling -- have done it before and are still happily married after 47 years. BTW, you are definitely the most humorous cruiser on RUclips. Keep it up. Totally entertaining and Ryan makes a great straight man. You two remind us of George Burns and Gracie Allen.
Thanks for the tips! We just boat a sailboat and are about to move aboard in three weeks and I will definitely be bringing my real dishes, glasses, and silverware!
Wonderful video, very educational, thank you very much
There were some things I didn't think of so this is great info!! This is also why I watched over 100 channels of sailing vids for 2 years. YUP...I have over 2,000 hours of watching and trying to decide if this lifestyle is for me. AND...some of what you just said really helped. My original plan was to buy a 30 foot boat and circumnavigate for 3 years. The first year was going to be spent in the Caribbean as a practice run and then venture out two more years around the world. My original cast off date (YES...you MUST choose a date to cast off) was November 7th, 2020. Well, covid came along and ruined that plan so the new plan is to move somewhere from the Bahamas all the way to Grenada. Then...buy a smaller boat that's great for day and weekend sailing. Ya know...sail off to some island and stay overnight. AND...If I'm jonesing to do a major crossing, I'll apply for a crew position and get my jollies that way. i'll also leave the breakdowns and other maintenance to the owner of the boat while my maintenance will be much less on my day sailor. So...THANK YOU Sophie for all your input and wise advice!!! PEACE OUT! .
Sophie and Ryan ... THANK YOU! For your incredible honesty and great recommendation for newbie cruisers to take the right steps. VERY informative and hilarious episode. THANK YOU!
Lady, You are awesome!
Thanks! ☺️
OMG! Sophie, you nailed it! Now I can just tell people to watch this episode when they ask us the question.
courageous program. refreshing and makes your youtube better. tx