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.

Route Planning to Cross the Gulf Stream

Published on March 8, 2020; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

How to plan the fastest Gulf Stream crossing in your boat; figuring your start and destination points, how far the stream will sweep you and tips for a fast crossing. [More] Route Planning to Cross the Gulf Stream

Gulf Stream Location, Speed and Counter-Currents

Published on February 8, 2020; last updated on December 27, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Planning a trip that involves the Gulf Stream? Don’t count on it being where your chart says it is. Here’s how to get the real location and speed, updated daily. [More] Gulf Stream Location, Speed and Counter-Currents

Abandoning Our Boat In Mexican Waters

Published on March 2, 2019; last updated on June 30, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Read one cruiser’s harrowing story of abandoning their boat in a Gulf of Mexico Storm. What did they do right? And what do they wish they had done? [More] Abandoning Our Boat In Mexican Waters

Bahamas Internet Options

Published on February 20, 2019; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

8 Bahamas internet options compared: wifi from businesses, international roaming, T-Mobile, BTC, Aliv, MyIslandWifi, Google Fi and Iridium GO! [More] Bahamas Internet Options

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 May 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