The Bahamas Raised Fees Too Far… Now They’re Reversing Course

The Bahamas pushed cruising fees too far in 2025, and the boating industry says the fallout was immediate: fewer boats, weaker marina occupancy, and millions in lost economic activity across the islands. As of April 1, 2026, they’ve changed the system again. I’m breaking down the new official fee structure, comparing it to the old one, and showing what it means for a typical cruising boat heading to the Bahamas today.

In this episode of the Sailing Doodles Podcast, I finally sit down with Chloe for a real conversation about her background, where she came from, and how she ended up joining the crew. It’s a fun, honest episode where you really get to know her beyond what you see in the videos… But we also share some important news. Chloe will be leaving Sailing Doodles for now to head home and take care of some medical things. We talk about what’s going on, what this means moving forward, and what’s next. It’s not goodbye forever — just a new chapter. Chekc out her Patreon https://www.patreon.com/chloer

In this episode of the Sailing Doodles Podcast, I’m answering your questions—from the new 525e catamaran build to future sailing plans, life in Thailand, and yes… Chloe. We cover everything from boat systems and upgrades, to where I’m sailing next, to how all of this actually works behind the scenes. Nothing is off limits in this one. Topics include: Status of the new Island Spirit 525e Future sailing plans (Maldives, Australia, beyond) Life and relationships on the road and at sea Boat systems, maintenance, and lessons learned Content, Patreon, YouTube, and how it all works Thanks to everyone who submitted questions—these AMA episodes are some of my favorites to do.

For years I assumed I had another 5–10 years as a content creator before technology really started disrupting things. After seeing how fast AI video is advancing… I’m not so sure anymore. AI can now generate voices, scripts, music, and even realistic video scenes. I recently watched several AI-generated reels and videos that honestly fooled me at first. And the scary part is this technology is improving incredibly fast. In this episode I talk about: • AI-generated videos that fooled me • How fast AI video is improving • Why creators might actually lose this battle • How AI could flood YouTube with unlimited content • Whether real creators will still be able to make a living Even if people prefer real creators, the amount of AI content coming could make it almost impossible to compete. But there may still be one thing AI can’t replicate… real life experiences. So is this the end of creators, or just the next evolution of content creation?

Ever wondered how hard it is to move pets internationally? visit AE Pets https://www.aepetsgo.com In this episode of The Sailing Doodles Podcast, I break down exactly what it took to move my two dogs from the United States all the way to Thailand. There are a lot more steps involved than most people realize — health certificates, government approvals, airline regulations, quarantine rules, and more. To help explain the process, I sit down with James from AE Pets International, the company that handled the logistics of transporting my dogs. We talk about how international pet shipping works, what pet owners need to know before moving abroad, and how professionals coordinate everything from paperwork to flights to make sure pets arrive safely. If you’re planning to travel or relocate overseas with your pets, this episode will give you a behind-the-scenes look at the process and how to make it much easier. Topics we cover: • The paperwork required to ship pets internationally • Health certificates and vaccination requirements • Airline cargo vs passenger transport • What happens when pets land in a new country • Common mistakes pet owners make • How pet shipping companies simplify the process Whether you're moving abroad, sailing around the world, or just curious about how pets travel internationally, this episode will walk you through everything. become a patron! https://www.patreon.com/sailingdoodles

In this episode of The Sailing Doodles Podcast, I dive into one of the biggest decisions I’ve ever made… going all-electric with the new catamaran. Why did I choose an electric propulsion system? How does it compare to boats like Fountaine Pajot’s electric cats? What are the real risks — lightning, reliability, long-term maintenance? And what spares and tools will I be carrying to prepare for worst-case scenarios? Then we pivot into your most asked personal questions… – Will there be rotating crew in Thailand? – What’s happening with Flying Doodles and Emma? – Can I get my pilot’s license back? – Does Chloe ever get tired of keeping her real name private? – And yes… how dating works when you’re constantly moving. We also talk YouTube growth “experts,” long-term life plans, the Bronco, and my favorite episode I’ve ever created. Big changes ahead. Let’s get into it.

In this episode of The Sailing Doodles Podcast, I sit down with Emma — the host of Flying Doodles — to talk about her aviation journey, career path, and what really goes on behind the scenes of the channel. From her flight training and early experiences in the cockpit to where she sees her aviation career heading next, Emma shares stories you haven’t heard before. We also talk about the future of Flying Doodles, upcoming projects, and what excites her most about aviation right now. If you’ve been watching Flying Doodles and wondering who Emma really is and how she got here — this is the episode for you. Make sure you check out @flyingdoodles here: https://www.youtube.com/c/FlyingDoodles/ Let us know in the comments: What should we film next on Flying Doodles? #FlyingDoodles #AviationPodcast #PilotLife #SailingDoodles

In this Ask Me Anything episode, I answer the question everyone keeps asking… Who is actually coming with me to Thailand to pick up the new boat? There’s been a lot of speculation about crew, plans, and what’s happening next — so I finally address it. I also talk about: Whether Chloe is joining me Lauryn? Thailand flotilla details What I actually have planned once I get there The current status of the boat raffle RV updates and the Camping World situation Craziest sailing mistakes I’ve ever seen And how to get hired on a sailboat Big year ahead. New boat. New adventures. Possibly new crew. Let’s get into it.

This one feels surreal to say out loud — the new boat is getting very close to completion. In this update, I share where the build is at, what’s left to finish, and why this moment feels different than anything before. After months (and years) of planning, I’ll be flying to Thailand next month to finally step onboard and start the next chapter. I know a lot of you have been following this journey from the beginning, and I can honestly say… I’m just as excited (and nervous) as you are. Thanks for sticking with me — things are about to get really interesting. Want more info in the Island Spirit 525e? Be sure to say you saw it on Sailing Doodles. https://inspiredyachting.com/sailing-doodles-and-inspired-yachting-island-spirit-525e-referral/

Sailing YouTube looks easier than ever — bigger audiences, better cameras, more success stories. But the reality? It’s harder now than when I started, and most sailing channels don’t even make it past year two. In this episode, I break down why channels really fail — not because they can’t sail, but because they run out of money, burn out, struggle with people, or misunderstand how YouTube actually works today. I talk honestly about how long it took me to break even, living on beans and rice, dealing with burnout that never really goes away, why subscribers matter less than they used to, and why AI might be the biggest challenge creators face next. This isn’t meant to discourage anyone — it’s meant to prepare you. If you’re thinking about starting a sailing channel, or you’ve wondered why so many disappear, this episode is for you.