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.

Prepping for the Bahamas

Published on May 12, 2021; last updated on May 25, 2021 by Carolyn Shearlock

Over the years, I’ve used The Boat Galley newsletter to share what we’ve been up to and what we’ve learned while doing it. Here are two posts from a few years back sharing all the important little jobs we did to get Barefoot Gal (and us) ready for the trip. Lots of stuff to do to […]

Oh, the Places You’ll Go

Published on May 1, 2021; last updated on May 2, 2021 by Carolyn Shearlock/Judy Ludin

What’s the best thing about cruising? The people you meet. Check out some of the interesting folks you’ll meet in just one mooring field. [More] Oh, the Places You’ll Go

Hey Old Friend, Remember Me?

Published on April 24, 2021; last updated on April 23, 2021 by Carolyn Shearlock/Julie Bradley

One of the best things about cruising are the friends you make. But can those passing friendships stand the test of time? [More] Hey Old Friend, Remember Me?

The Future of AToNs

Published on March 3, 2021; last updated on March 2, 2021 by Carolyn Shearlock/Dave Skolnick

New technology has brought many changes to navigation. Here’s how to make sense of AIS aids to navigation before you get into trouble. [More] The Future of AToNs

Don’t Save the Best for Last

Published on February 13, 2021; last updated on February 24, 2021 by Carolyn Shearlock/Julie Bradley

Do you put off having the best for someday? It may not be the wisest choice for cruisers. [More] Don’t Save the Best for Last

How To Prepare A Boat For A Major Hurricane

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

How to prepare your boat for a hurricane, with ten things you absolutely must do and why. Give your boat a fighting chance! [More] How To Prepare A Boat For A Major Hurricane

Dinghy Drift

Published on May 17, 2020; last updated on December 24, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

A dinghy drift or raft-up is a floating party — generally for happy hour and a gorgeous sunset, shared with friends. How to make it happen! [More] Dinghy Drift

Cruising When Older

Published on May 9, 2020; last updated on June 11, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Many people go cruising in their early retirement years, but can you keep cruising at 75+? What does it take? [More] Cruising When Older

Living on a Boat: What Do You Do All Day?

Published on March 12, 2020; last updated on June 11, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

What do you DO all day, living on a boat? Is it boring when you’re at anchor? Is it like chartering? Hour-by-hour summary of a day cruising the Bahamas. [More] Living on a Boat: What Do You Do All Day?

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