Cruising & Chartering

Ahhh, living the dream! But what's it really like? What do I need to know?

Tips and skills to help you have a great time, whether it's on your own boat or a charter:

Chartering

Cruising Stories

International Cruising

Underway

Also check out my free and paid courses to help every step of the way.

Charter Meal Planning

Published on January 9, 2013; last updated on February 28, 2021 by Carolyn Shearlock

Chartering is a great way to try out cruising. But bareboat charter meal planning is new for most of us. How to have meals everyone will love! [More] Charter Meal Planning

Burning Trash

Published on January 2, 2013; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Many wonderful cruising areas don’t have much in the way of trash service. And so you have to do it yourself. Here are a few tips on responsibly burning what you can. [More] Burning Trash

Water Usage on a Boat

Published on December 19, 2012; last updated on June 28, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

How much water do cruisers typically use? And how do they use it? Here’s what you need to know before you head out on a longer trip! [More] Water Usage on a Boat

Cost Control While You Cruise

Published on November 7, 2012; last updated on June 11, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Controlling cruising costs involves more than just choosing between two products. The Pardey’s new DVD details many of the choices that will affect your budget. [More] Cost Control While You Cruise

Spanish for Cruisers

Published on October 31, 2012; last updated on June 10, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Headed to Spanish-speaking countries? You need this book — specialized vocabulary you won’t find elsewhere, arranged by cruising situation. [More] Spanish for Cruisers

Blue Horizons

Published on June 24, 2012; last updated on June 10, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Blue Horizons isn’t a typical cruising book. There’s no how-to or travelogue. But if you want to know how voyaging makes you FEEL . . . [More] Blue Horizons

Celebrating from Afar

Published on November 30, 2011; last updated on June 11, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

A concern for many cruisers is how to share special occasions with family and friends when you’re apart. Four ways to celebrate “together!” [More] Celebrating from Afar

Road ID: ID for Boaters Too

Published on November 9, 2011; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

If you were sick or injured while ashore, would you have ID? And would that ID provide a way for first responders to contact someone on your boat? Or know what meds you take? Your medical conditions — or drug allergies? Road ID provides all this and more! [More] Road ID: ID for Boaters Too

Provisioning by Dinghy

Published on June 27, 2011; last updated on June 11, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

If you’re taking groceries back to the boat by dinghy, you need to protect certain things (say, sugar) from getting wet. Here’s how to do it! [More] Provisioning by Dinghy