82. Shorthanded Sailing and a Changing Sailboat Market with John Neal

This week, I’m joined by Aaron Bandstra, a marine surveyor based in the Pacific Northwest, for a practical conversation about boat surveys, maintenance, and what buyers and owners should really be paying attention to.We talk about what surveyors actually look for during an inspection. Aaron also shares what signs often point to a well-maintained boat. We discuss how boats that sit unused can age differently, what owners can do to maintain long-term value, and how maintenance habits often tell a deeper story.A great episode for anyone buying a boat, maintaining one, or simply wanting to better understand what really matters below the surface.This podcast is brought to you with curiosity, kindness and a big sailing dream.You can explore more episodes, show notes and ways to support the show at liveaboardsailingpodcast.comFollow our community on Instagram & Facebook: @liveaboardsailingpodcastIf this episode inspired you, please rate or review the show; it makes a world of difference!Guest inquiry formHave a story to share? Apply to be a guest! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Liveaboard Sailing Podcast, John Neal from Mahina Offshore Services returns for another practical conversation—this time around shorthanded sailing.We talk about why checklists matter, how good systems reduce stress offshore, and what sailors can do to make shorthanded sailing more efficient, safer, and less overwhelming. We also shift into the current sailboat market, because for the first time in a while, there’s finally more to say than just prices are going up. We talk about what’s changing, what buyers and sellers should be paying attention to, and why the market conversation is becoming more interesting again.A practical episode for anyone sailing with a small crew, planning bigger passages, or thinking through smarter boat decisions.This podcast is brought to you with curiosity, kindness and a big sailing dream.You can explore more episodes, show notes and ways to support the show at liveaboardsailingpodcast.comFollow our community on Instagram & Facebook: @liveaboardsailingpodcastIf this episode inspired you, please rate or review the show; it makes a world of difference!Guest inquiry formHave a story to share? Apply to be a guest! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mike Beemer is a marine technology instructor and sailor who, in 2025, took part in an expedition through the Northwest Passage. We spoke about what it actually takes to prepare for and sail a route like this, from the technical side of the boat to the realities of operating in ice and constantly changing conditions.We talk about the day-to-day life on board an Arctic expedition, including watchkeeping, workload, and the need to stay adaptable when plans shift quickly.Mike also shares how his work as an instructor shapes the way he approaches sailing, from problem-solving to understanding systems, and how that perspective played a role during the voyage.This podcast is brought to you with curiosity, kindness and a big sailing dream.You can explore more episodes, show notes and ways to support the show at liveaboardsailingpodcast.comFollow our community on Instagram & Facebook: @liveaboardsailingpodcastIf this episode inspired you, please rate or review the show; it makes a world of difference!Guest inquiry formHave a story to share? Apply to be a guest! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎙️ Today's guests are Julie and Gio from Pelagic Blue, who sail aboard their Malo 39, Sea Fox.⛵️ At the time of this recording, they were preparing for a Pacific passage toward the Galapagos, and in this episode, we talk through what that actually involves, both practically and mentally.From permits and route planning to watch systems, fatigue, and decision-making at sea, this is a grounded look at the reality behind longer offshore passages.We also explore what it means to sail as a couple. Julie and Gio share how they moved from being “two captains” with different approaches to building a system that works, and how looking after each other has become central to how they sail.Along the way, we talk about the smaller routines that matter more than you might expect, from food and morale to staying rested enough to make good decisions.And finally, we touch on what “home” means when your life is tied to a boat, and how that definition can shift over time.⭐️ Find Julie & Gio online:Pelagic Blue websiteCruiser's CollegeThis podcast is brought to you with curiosity, kindness and a big sailing dream.You can explore more episodes, show notes and ways to support the show at liveaboardsailingpodcast.comFollow our community on Instagram & Facebook: @liveaboardsailingpodcastIf this episode inspired you, please rate or review the show; it makes a world of difference!Guest inquiry formHave a story to share? Apply to be a guest! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s episode is a deep dive into what solo ocean sailing actually looks like in practice.In this second conversation with Tomas Fehrling, we pick up where we left off in episode 67 back when he was in Panama, and follow his journey across the Pacific and beyond.We talk about what long passages are really like day to day, how decision-making changes when you’re alone at sea, and why experience often leads not to more action… but to calmer, more measured responses.From 30 days without seeing another boat, to losing contact with the outside world for third of that, to choosing the less-travelled route across oceans — this episode is full of practical insights for anyone thinking about long-distance sailing.This podcast is brought to you with curiosity, kindness and a big sailing dream.You can explore more episodes, show notes and ways to support the show at liveaboardsailingpodcast.comFollow our community on Instagram & Facebook: @liveaboardsailingpodcastIf this episode inspired you, please rate or review the show; it makes a world of difference!Guest inquiry formHave a story to share? Apply to be a guest! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a break, the Liveaboard Sailing Podcast is back, and we’re starting with a conversation that goes straight to the heart of what makes a successful life at sea.In this episode, I’m joined by returning guests John Neal, Julie, and Gio Cappelli for a wide-ranging discussion on decision-making, preparation, and what it really takes to go cruising, and to keep going.We talk about the skills that matter most offshore, why good decisions matter more than perfect plans, and how risk, weather, and changing conditions are shaping modern cruising. We also dive into the realities behind the dream: from over-reliance on technology to the importance of hands-on experience, training, and knowing your boat.If you’re in the planning phase, feeling stuck, or wondering whether you’re “ready,” this episode is full of grounded, experience-driven insights to help you move forward with confidence.This podcast is brought to you with curiosity, kindness and a big sailing dream.You can explore more episodes, show notes and ways to support the show at liveaboardsailingpodcast.comFollow our community on Instagram & Facebook: @liveaboardsailingpodcastIf this episode inspired you, please rate or review the show; it makes a world of difference!Guest inquiry formHave a story to share? Apply to be a guest! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lin Pardey is a name that needs little introduction in the sailing world—her voyages, books, and philosophy of simple cruising have inspired generations of sailors. In this episode, she’s joined by her partner David Haigh, an experienced offshore sailor and circumnavigator. Together, they share lessons on seamanship, self-reliance, and the mindset needed to cross oceans.We talk about:⛵ The evolving world of offshore sailing—what’s changed and what hasn’t🌊 The importance of seamanship and why simplicity often wins over complexity🛠 Lessons from decades at sea, from storm tactics to boat preparation⚓ The mindset that makes long-term cruising possibleA quick heads-up — audio quality in this episode is a little below the usual level. Thank you for bearing with it, because the story and insights are too good not to share!This podcast is brought to you with curiosity, kindness and a big sailing dream.You can explore more episodes, show notes and ways to support the show at liveaboardsailingpodcast.comFollow our community on Instagram & Facebook: @liveaboardsailingpodcastIf this episode inspired you, please rate or review the show; it makes a world of difference!Guest inquiry formHave a story to share? Apply to be a guest! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Julie and Gio from Pelagic Blue Cruising Services return to the podcast after their 15,000 nautical mile journey from Mexico to Hawaii, Alaska, and back to the Pacific Northwest. And that’s just the beginning! Along the way, they've not only explored incredible destinations but also transformed from eager cruisers to trusted mentors, helping others prepare for life at sea.In this episode, we talk about:⛵ Their Pacific Loop: sailing from Mexico to Hawaii, Alaska, and back to the Pacific Northwest⚓ What they learned about planning, preparation, and staying flexible🛠 How to prioritize refit projects—and avoid common mistakes📋 The SMART goals framework for turning cruising dreams into reality👩‍🏫 How they’ve gone from students to mentors, guiding others on their journey to life at seaWhether you're planning your first passage or dreaming of long-term cruising, this conversation is full of practical advice and inspiration.This podcast is brought to you with curiosity, kindness and a big sailing dream.You can explore more episodes, show notes and ways to support the show at liveaboardsailingpodcast.comFollow our community on Instagram & Facebook: @liveaboardsailingpodcastIf this episode inspired you, please rate or review the show; it makes a world of difference!Guest inquiry formHave a story to share? Apply to be a guest! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it take to sail to the most remote and extreme destinations on Earth? Jimmy Cornell, legendary sailor, author, and rally founder, has spent decades exploring the world’s oceans—including multiple voyages to Antarctica and the Northwest Passage. Now, he’s launched the High Latitude Challenge, an ambitious event connecting these two iconic destinations.In this episode, we talk about:✔️ What makes Antarctica and the Arctic so captivating for sailors✔️ The unique challenges of high-latitude cruising✔️ Practical advice for new sailors just getting started Jimmy also shares stories from his past voyages, lessons from 200,000+ nautical miles, and his best advice for sailors preparing for offshore adventures.This podcast is brought to you with curiosity, kindness and a big sailing dream.You can explore more episodes, show notes and ways to support the show at liveaboardsailingpodcast.comFollow our community on Instagram & Facebook: @liveaboardsailingpodcastIf this episode inspired you, please rate or review the show; it makes a world of difference!Guest inquiry formHave a story to share? Apply to be a guest! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

⛵ Boat buying, major refits, and a first adventure to Alaska—this episode is packed with insights for new and aspiring cruisers. My guest shares how expert guidance helped them navigate the boat-buying process, how they tackled a refit with support from Pelagic Blue Cruising Services, and what it was like taking off for an offshore shakedown cruise. Dive into: ⛵ What matters when buying a liveaboard sailboat🔧 Lessons from a refit🌊 Taking off straight into a high-latitude adventure📖 The importance of having a GOOD logbook at seaThis podcast is brought to you with curiosity, kindness and a big sailing dream.You can explore more episodes, show notes and ways to support the show at liveaboardsailingpodcast.comFollow our community on Instagram & Facebook: @liveaboardsailingpodcastIf this episode inspired you, please rate or review the show; it makes a world of difference!Guest inquiry formHave a story to share? Apply to be a guest! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.