Preparing to Cruise

Cruising involves so much -- and some skills and mindsets that many of us find a little different than for living on land.

Let's start preparing to cruise right now!

What Is Cruising?

Published on November 12, 2018; last updated on November 23, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Cruising has lots of different definitions; you can make it what you want. Eight areas to think about as you contemplate a cruising life. [More] What Is Cruising?

The Financial Realities of Cruising

Published on November 7, 2018; last updated on May 9, 2020 by Megan Downey

What do you do when you run out of money in your cruising kitty? Megan Downey shares how the crew of s/v Clarity faced the financial realities of cruising. [More] The Financial Realities of Cruising

9 Great Books for the Soon-to-Be Cruiser

Published on November 5, 2018; last updated on September 21, 2021 by Carolyn Shearlock

Nine great books on everything from deciding to go cruising and how to do it to buying a boat and maintaining it, with a couple of “let’s dream about it” selections too. [More] 9 Great Books for the Soon-to-Be Cruiser

Preparing to Cruise and Overwhelmed

Published on October 17, 2018; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

You’ve decided to cruise. Now you’re wondering if you can really become “a cruiser” — you know, learn everything that cruisers need to know. Second thoughts and feeling overwhelmed are normal. Tips to help you cope. [More] Preparing to Cruise and Overwhelmed

When Family Doesn’t Want You to Cruise

Published on September 17, 2018; last updated on May 9, 2020 by Elena on Kittiwake

How do you break the news to your family that you’re going cruising? Make them feel comfortable with your decision? Elena tells how she did it with her disapproving parents. [More] When Family Doesn’t Want You to Cruise

Downsizing 101

Published on June 11, 2018; last updated on September 3, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

You’ve decided to downsize, but where do you even start? The job can appear overwhelming. Here’s a guide to making it manageable. [More] Downsizing 101

Doing New Things . . . Badly

Published on May 9, 2018; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock/Pamela Douglas Webster

If being willing to try something new is a basic cruising skill, being willing to stink at things while you’re learning them might be just as important. [More] Doing New Things . . . Badly

The Courage to Try Something New

Published on April 23, 2018; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Cruising itself may be new, and it’s made up of all sorts of individual items that are going to be “something new” too. Preparing for the challenge of doing all sorts of new things. [More] The Courage to Try Something New

Where the Magic Happens

Published on March 28, 2018; last updated on June 10, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock/Caspar Craven

Five years planning. Two years around the world. How a family of five decided to head off cruising and made it happen. [More] Where the Magic Happens

Practicing Cruising Skills

Published on March 22, 2018; last updated on August 31, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Preparing to cruise? There are lots of non-boating skills you can be gaining before you even move aboard. Seven that you may not have thought of! [More] Practicing Cruising Skills