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.

Why Go Cruising?

Published on February 16, 2019; last updated on May 9, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock/Cory Nickerson

Why go cruising? It’s riskier than staying home. Here’s how one cruiser answers, eloquently explaining his reasons for heading to sea . . . to see the world. [More] Why Go Cruising?

Aqua Map

Published on February 13, 2019; last updated on June 19, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Aqua Map is a fantastic app for route planning and navigation, with excellent (and affordable) charts. Learn all the features that make it a winner. [More] Aqua Map

Do You Need a Rehydration Drink?

Published on January 12, 2019; last updated on May 8, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Signs that you need to replace electrolytes and the recipe to make your own rehydration drink from common ingredients that you probably have on hand. [More] Do You Need a Rehydration Drink?

Keeping Band-Aids On

Published on January 6, 2019; last updated on January 1, 2021 by Carolyn Shearlock

A simple trick for keeping Band-Aids and other adhesive bandages on, even if you’re active, sweating or swimming! [More] Keeping Band-Aids On

Where to Store the Ditch Bag

Published on November 26, 2018; last updated on September 3, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Where and how to store your boat’s ditch bag so that you can grab it instantly, plus five tips so it’s ready for an emergency and will serve you well. [More] Where to Store the Ditch Bag

Sunset Traditions

Published on November 1, 2018; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Sunset is an important time of day for cruisers, and we’ve all developed rituals it seems. [More] Sunset Traditions

The Mental Aspect of Cruising

Published on October 29, 2018; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Cruising is mentally challenging. There are so many new things to be learning, to be coping with. Seven helpful ways to deal with the stress and make cruising enjoyable. [More] The Mental Aspect of Cruising

Choosing Your Emergency Contact

Published on October 22, 2018; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

What to know in choosing your emergency contact for your EPIRB, float plan and medical emergency, including what information to give each one. [More] Choosing Your Emergency Contact

Travel Time

Published on October 1, 2018; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Travels by boat are so much more uncertain than travels by land. We think we understand that and allow for it, but any cruiser’s first trip seems to be filled with surprises about just how long it takes. [More] Travel Time

Cruising Stories: Working from a Boat

Published on August 29, 2018; last updated on May 9, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

How feasible is it to support yourself by working while you cruise? What does it take to really do it? Elena from Kittiwake tells all! [More] Cruising Stories: Working from a Boat