living on a sailboat in the philippines

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The Insider Truth About Living on a Sailboat

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Yup, you're in the right place. This blog is about life aboard---that is, life aboard a sailboat. While A Way Abroad generally focuses on living, well, abroad, we're really all about the unique lifestyles and all the wonderful opportunities there are out there.

Including living on a sailboat.

Things I always get asked about living on a boat are:

• Can you go to the bathroom?
• Can you take a shower on the boat?
• Is there WiFi?
• Does the boat always rock?

And I answer, yes, yes, yes, and sometimes!

Let's dive more into those details and everything you'll want to know about living on a sailboat, even for people like me who had no sailing experience prior to hopping onboard!

Short on time? Here’s the cheat sheet:

💭Living on a sailboat isn’t for everyone but for the right person it’s everything.

⛵There’s a strong learning curve but if you throw yourself in head first, you’ll get the hang of it and have freedom at your sails.

🤑Just be sure to prepare yourself ahead of time for the added costs of fixes, materials, and docking it at marinas.

🛍️Your space will be small, from storage space to fridge space, shower space to a closet but…

☀️It’ll teach you to be intentional with your purchases, the things that make you happy, and your day-to-day choices.

We’re not a regular travel blog; we’re a collection of women living around the world, all with different backgrounds, jobs, desires, & nationalities. What do we have in common? A passion for life abroad. Each article is written from the 1st-hand perspective of a woman who has actually done or experienced what she writes about. Learn more about the author by clicking her bio pic at the start or end of each article.

Dream of moving abroad but need a helping hand? I got you. This e-book isn't a regular book, it's also a workbook geared to helping you make some big decisions regarding the life abroad you want to build. Everyone's way abroad is different. This book is all about helping you find yours.

My Life Aboard

Living on a boat is quite nomadic and different from land life, but really, adjustments can be made to make it feel quite familiar. Before we dive into what it is like to live aboard a sailboat, let’s take it back a few nautical miles to how I found myself in this sort of nomadic life to begin with.

In September 2018, it was my first time sailing and I went with complete strangers to a remote island in the Pacific. It was actually a first date of sorts with a guy I had a big crush on. Our trip would take us on a 10-day sail from Oahu to Molokai, Lanai, and Maui.

The journey we embarked on soon led to a huge change in my life. But before I skip ahead, back to the trip.

I had no expectations or idea of what I was in for. Barely an hour in and the seas were consistently getting more and more choppy. We quite literally survived 14ft seas crossing the channel to Molokai.

“ This is normal ,” I thought, “ This is what sailing is. ” We endured the waves for 6 hours straight, and I did not find myself seasick once. I wasn’t even fully impressed with how the boat was handling the sea because I thought, “ This is probably how it always is. ”

It most certainly is not always like that.

We sailed into the night and the following morning I woke to the most beautiful sight I had ever seen--- land, all the way out in the middle of the ocean, with the sun peeking out over it. We dropped anchor close to shore and prepared the dinghy. As we made our way to land via the motorized dinghy, dolphins began to sort of ‘escort’ us.

Another moment where I just could not believe this was real life.

We explored the island, did some spearfishing, and went back ‘home’ to the boat to prepare fresh fish tacos. Not only did this experience hook us fresh fish, but it hooked me on this lifestyle altogether. 

For the rest of the trip, we walked around pretty remote islands, we laid on the deck and gazed at the stars, and we slept in a hammock hanging from the boom over the ocean.

By the end of those 10 days, I fell in love—with the man, and with sailing.

The Realities of Sailboat Ownership

The following year, I purchased my first sailboat which would also become my home. Honestly, I went into boat ownership with such naivety. If I could talk to myself then with what I know now, I’d have a lot to say (which is why I am writing this article for you aspiring liveaboards), but the bottom line is this: I have no regrets. 

Even today, I am still a novice, but I am less scared, and way more patient. If boats teach you anything, it is to be patient. Well, that and be adaptable.

Living aboard a sailboat has a lot of ups and downs that come in waves (see what I did there?). After getting over the constant rocking of the boat, there comes an endless list of boat projects that spring up.

In just my couple of short years of boat ownership, I have had to:

• Replace the head (toilet)
• Redo the back deck because of core rot
• Learn how to deal with fiberglass and epoxy
• Troubleshoot a finicky fridge
• And fuss with a temperamental a/c unit

Also, just to note, boat work is expensive-- like crazy expensive. A bolt that you could find for a house at Home Depot is probably 3x as much at West Marine because now it has to be stainless steel, aka rust-proof.

I also found out how hard it is to find help for boat work, which basically means that a lot of the work you have to do yourself. I never ever had any idea how to do electrical work, and while I may ‘understand’ how it sort of kind of works at this point, I still need YouTube (it’s my best boat life friend). I still am a novice when it comes to engine work…. I should get better at that one for sure but one step at a time. 

The Logistics of Buying a Boat

So, what should you know before jumping into the deep end of boat life? Let me tell you.

Financing a boat to live on can be a challenge

Really consider your budget and then tack on probably 30-40% of it for monthly maintenance and boat repairs. It’s not easy to find a bank that will give you a sort of ‘home mortgage’ for a boat so you often will either take out a boat loan OR a personal loan--- know the term differences before signing.

But, maybe you have the cash to buy outright and that’s a much better idea!

When you do go looking for a boat, consider its length.

What harbors can accommodate such boats? Do the harbors have availability?

Expect to pay a certain amount per foot of your boat, and this price is also contingent on whether you are a ‘transient’ (only there for a few months at a time) or a permanent slip holder.

Typically there is an extra charge for LIVING on the boat, so make sure and ask that as well.

Talk to an insurance company BEFORE buying a boat.

What rates can you get? Boat insurance is mandatory for getting a slip at a marina in order to protect not only you but also the harbor itself.

Ask yourself, will I be able to clean the bottom of the boat myself or will I need to pay someone to do it?

Check with local bottom cleaners for prices. Yep, even the bottom of the boat needs a solid scrub from time to time.

Get mentally prepared for the costs of boats and boat goods

And lastly, in preparation, go take a walk around West Marine or a local boat supply store and take a look at the prices. Price out projects you may think will come up.

Sticker shock? Yea, me too. 

A Sailboat vs. A Yacht

Before buying your own liveaboard sailboat, be aware of the differences between owning a sailboat and owning a yacht. For argument's sake, I'm speaking about a small yacht that doesn't require a crew to sail.

Because while you might crave a sea-worthy lifestyle, you might be better suited for a yacht or strictly motorized boat.

A few differences between living on a sailboat and a yacht are:

• A yacht is typically larger. While that will mean a more spacious living area, it will also take up more space at marinas.
• A yacht is typically more expensive. This is due to the material and technology on the boat. So if sailboat prices wow you, yacht prices will leave you stunned.
• A yacht requires an engine to run. One of the coolest things about living on a sailboat is that so long as the wind is favorable, you can sail for free. Set the sails and enjoy cruising without spending a cent on gas. On a yacht, you'll always have to pay to play.
• Driving a yacht has a smaller learning curve to it. To make a sailboat work for you, you're going to need to understand the intricacies of the sails. That's something you don't have to deal with, although, if you have engine trouble, the engine on a yacht is far more complex than that of a sailboat.

Land Life vs. Sea Life

There also is a major difference between land life and sea life, as you most likely already guessed.

While living in a house and living on a sailboat, you'll most likely get faced with unexpected costs and home repair, the day-to-day quirks of living full-time on a sailboat greatly outweigh those of "normal" land life.

When I lived in a house, I didn’t think about refilling the water tank or propane. I didn’t chant in my head, “ No TP in the toilet, no TP in the toilet ,” while peeing in fear of a major thru hull blockage. I didn’t double-check to make sure my house wouldn’t sink when I went on vacation. I also didn’t pick things up in Target and say, “ Hm, but where would I put this? ”

All this to say, living on a boat makes you much more conscious of literally everything. Your water use, your propane levels, your battery charge, the functioning of your pumps, and the things (or clutter) you bring into your life.

And this is a great thing---- we should be more conscious of our resource use and space management. But it still can come at a high learning curve if you're not ready for such a small space and the intricacies that come along with it.

Things to Know About Living on a Sailboat

Okay, so we are past some of the questions you should ponder as you go through the process of actually buying a boat. If you’ve come this far, I’d say you are interested in it, or at least morbidly curious about boat life.

Here are some things you need to know about actually LIVING on the boat.

Wifi Can Be Spotty

We work online from the boat so our wifi is quite necessary. We have had luck with Sprint as a provider and a small hotspot device. We're based in Oahu though, so Sprint might not be the best option, unless you're planning to be based nearby, too.

The Closets Are Often Really Small

I have had to downsize A LOT due to closet space so my wardrobe is full of basic items that can be mixed and matched. Capsule wardrobes will become your best friend here.

I also have a subscription to Nuuly, a clothing rental company, where I plan out outfits I would need for events and content creation. This subscription helps liven my wardrobe without actually taking up space.

The Head (Toilet) Is Weird

Oh, the head-- probably the weirdest thing about boat life. It can be daunting to do your business on a boat.

No TP (or other non-biodegradable) materials in the head ever unless you have a super fancy boat and this is not an issue for your plumbing system. And if you're wondering where your waste goes, it goes into a tank and every month or so gets pumped out at a pump-out station.

You will either have to use a hand pump or an electric button, depending on your head type. Honestly, having a head that is both electric and manual is the best thing ever in the event the electric part fails...speaking from experience.

The Fridge Space Is Tiny

Fridge space is limited. If you are a cruiser, you will know that most of your food will be nonperishable, but if you are coastal and can make stops frequently, you will be able to have more fresh items as well.

Galley (kitchen) space is often small-ish, but you can pretty much make most things you would make in a land home in a boat home.

We cook everything. We have a two-burner gas stove and oven. You can catch us making anything from enchiladas to stir fry, oftentimes we eat lots of “bowls”-- think quinoa, goat cheese, arugula, and red onion. Sometimes you just need to get creative! 

While a lot of people worry over this, once you get the hang of it, you'll learn you really can do a lot with this amount of storage space.

And So Is the Shower

Although we even have hot water in our shower, it's tiny, so I fit fine but my 6ft partner has difficulty.

Since we spend most of our time docked at the marina, we do have a reciprocal yacht club membership so we can shower there, or at other yacht clubs we get to.

And of course, there are always dock/deck showers! 

What I Wish I Knew Before Moving onto a Sailboat

Even with all of the information above, there are still a few things I wish I knew years ago before jumping aboard that should help you get a more realistic idea about what living on a sailboat full-time really entails.

If I could go back in time, I would give myself these tips and pieces of advice:

• Don’t buy a boat thinking you can stick to a timeline-- finding people to work on boats, having time yourself, and just, sheesh the money component, all extend the timeline.
• Know what you want to get out of it early on-- I remember saying, I want to sail around the world, and I still do, but it was unrealistic to think I would do that on my first boat. Remember there is so much to learn about sailing: electrical, provisioning, plumbing, engines, and the list goes on. I am grateful my project boat has been the best teacher.
• The boat rocks depending on when you are docked or anchored and also on the weather. Sometimes it is really peaceful, and sometimes it feels like you are on a mechanical bull. 

Are You Ready to Live on a Sailboat Full-Time?

You see, boat life is similar to how “normal” people live but with weird words like bilge, boom, head, and helm. It’s also pretty cool to live life like a honu (Hawaiian word for turtle) and take your home with you to other places. 

It's a lot like vanlife , just ya know, changing the road for sea.

My move from land to water felt like jumping all in, and in a lot of ways, it was. My life is so different from what I thought it would be, so different from many of my friends and family, but really, it is exactly perfect for me. 

To me living on a sailboat full-time has been an absolute dream, but what about for you? Interested in learning more? Follow @sammiealoha for a peek into boat life!

Hero photo by Anna Om/shutterstock.com

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Life on a Sailboat: Everything You Need to Know About Living on a Sailboat Full-Time

Living on a sailboat full-time is often romanticized as a life of endless sunsets, gentle waves, and freedom on the open sea. Many dream of casting off the lines and setting sail for a horizon of adventure and tranquility. However, the reality of life aboard a sailboat can be as challenging as it is rewarding, as frustrating as it is relaxing, and, more often than not, as mundane as it is exciting.

This blog post aims to peel back the curtain on the picturesque scenes to reveal what daily life is really like when you call a sailboat home. We will dive into the motivations, preparations, joys, and challenges of living on a sailboat full-time, providing a realistic glimpse into a lifestyle that is far from ordinary.

Our Live-Aboard Life

Our dream of living on a sailboat was a distant one for many years. But as we watched plans and dreams fall by the wayside in the wake of COVID, we made the decision to make our dream a reality. Once the borders opened up, we made a beeline for the Mediterranean and have since spent each summer living aboard our little 29-foot sailboat Whisper. Without any experience sailing or living on a sailboat, we have taught ourselves to sail and manage life on the boat along the way.

Before we took up sail life, we had been living “van life,” and we’ve come to realize there are lots of similarities but quite a few differences between the two . However, on the whole, learning to live van life first put us in good stead to take on life on a sailboat. Unlike most people, we up-sized when we moved onto a boat.

Despite the upgrade in living quarters, the learning curve and the adjustment to living on the sea were no less challenging. Nevertheless, the shift was not as scary as we thought it might be, and the reality of living on a sailboat full-time quickly became our new normal.

Initially, our plan was to buy a boat and spend one season aboard sailing the Mediterranean before selling the boat and settling down. Instead, it’s safe to say we have fallen in love with life on a sailboat. Now, as we enter our third season, we aren’t sure when we will be ready to furl the sails for good…

Get a Taste of Life on a SailBoat

We document some of the realities of living on a sailboat full-time on our YouTube Channel in our The Vanabond Sails series.

Deciding to Live on a Sailboat

The journey to becoming a full-time live aboard often starts with the desire for change.

Some people are transitioning from one stage of life to the next as careers wind up or children move out. Some yearn for adventure and excitement, while others seek a simpler way of life. Many are drawn to the promise of freedom, the allure of the sea, and the appeal of living more closely with nature. However, the decision to live on a sailboat full-time is not one to be taken lightly. It requires thoughtful consideration and planning.

For us, it was a long-held dream to sail and live aboard a sailboat. It was also a natural progression, having spent several years living and traveling by van . We were ready for a new challenge. 

It began with a conversation, then a plan, and then trawling classifieds for second-hand boat sales. Before long, the decision was set in stone, and we were on our way to Croatia to buy a boat , learn to sail it, and move aboard. 

Choosing the Right Sailboat

The type of sailboat you choose is critical and depends on your budget, sailing skills, and the kind of sailing you plan to do (coastal cruising, bluewater voyaging, etc.).

Will you prefer the size and stability of a catamaran, or will you prioritize the sailing experience of a monohull? Are you looking for something small that’s easily controlled and maneuvered by a limited (and potentially inexperienced) crew, or do you require the space of a larger vessel? Are you interested in the clean lines and comforts of modern boat designs, or do you prefer the style of older boats? There are a thousand decisions to be made when choosing a boat, and your own aspirations for boat life and, of course, your budget will be critical when it comes to making this decision. 

Spend as much time researching boats that are available in your price range, ask questions of sailors you know or on sailing forums, and, if possible, spend time aboard different types of sailboats to get a clearer picture of what life is really like on board before making a purchase.

Check out our full article on buying boat .

Emotional and Practical Considerations for Sail Life

Living on a sailboat means embracing minimalism and being comfortable with the idea of having less space and possessions.

You’ll need to consider the impact of such a lifestyle on relationships with family and friends, as it can mean spending long periods away from loved ones.

The decision also involves considering how to manage work or income while living at sea , which might include remote work, seasonal jobs, or living off savings.

There are plenty of options for those planning on working remotely while sailing. With the rise of remote work , there has never been more opportunity to work and sail.

All of these considerations represent potential challenges to adjusting to life at sea, but they are certainly not insurmountable. You just need to be honest with yourself and decide if your love of the open water and the freedom of living aboard a sailboat will be greater than the inconveniences.

Preparations and Adjustments

Transitioning to life on a sailboat involves a series of preparations and adjustments, both practical and psychological, to ensure a smooth and sustainable living experience.

Training and Skills

If you are thinking about taking up sailing, you should, of course, invest time in learning to sail, navigate, and understand weather patterns. While this may seem like a daunting task, it’s not an insurmountable one. Time on the water is the most important thing, so it’s time to sign up for sailing courses, start planning trips with sailing friends, join a local sailing club, or seek out opportunities to crew for other sailors.

Learning basic boat maintenance and repair is essential to manage the myriad challenges that come with life at sea.

Safety courses, such as first aid, sea survival, and radio operation, are also crucial for handling emergencies.

These skills are important for safe and comfortable sailing and are often legally required. Make sure you are aware of the licensing and registration requirements for sailors in the region you are preparing to sail.

In our case, I had experience sailing small dinghies as a child and thus some understanding of the fundamentals, while Kelli had zero experience. My existing marine license issued in Australia was recognized in Croatia, where we bought our boat. I only needed to acquire a VHF radio license to become adequately certified for inshore sailing in the Mediterranean. 

We paid some local sailors to come aboard and teach us both the fundamentals of our new boat (lots of docking and anchoring practice).

Downsizing and Adapting to Limited Space and Resources

As mentioned, moving onto a boat was actually upsizing for us. With a second cabin, a flushing toilet, and a large indoor table, our relatively small 29-foot monohull seemed luxurious compared to the vans we had been living in until this point. 

However, for most, moving onto a sailboat often means significant downsizing, and space becomes a premium commodity. The process of downsizing for sail life involves prioritizing essential items and learning to live without the comforts of a traditional home.

Space isn’t the only limitation on a boat. Reliance on water tanks (if you don’t have a watermaker) and solar, wind, or generator electricity often means a downshift in access to creature comforts we take for granted in a house on the grid.

Creativity in organizing and making the most of limited space and resources becomes a daily practice, requiring innovative storage solutions and multi-functional furniture. Most modern sailboats are well-designed with endless space-saving measures and designs. Nevertheless, an adjustment will likely be necessary.

Financial Planning

Financial considerations are paramount, as the cost of living on a sailboat can vary widely depending on factors like marina fees, maintenance costs, and lifestyle choices.

Setting a realistic budget that includes regular maintenance, unexpected repairs, and living expenses is essential for sustaining life at sea.

Depending on your personal aspirations for boat life, this lifestyle can be as affordable or as expensive as you want to be. For us, as a couple in our thirties still in the building and saving part of our lives and careers, we are able to live on a boat in the Mediterranean affordably and comfortably for far less than we (estimate) we would spend living a more stationary lifestyle.

Check out our full article on the Costs of Living on Sail Boat Full-Time

Overall, adjusting to the confines and challenges of sailboat living demands not only physical preparation but also mental resilience and adaptability. The transition from land to sea is a profound shift, requiring a willingness to embrace simplicity, flexibility, and a sense of adventure.

Daily Life Aboard

While there is no typical day aboard, and experiences will differ wildly from person to person and day to day, we can describe what many of our days do look like.

As we work from the boat, our weeks are generally divided into work days, Monday to Friday morning and weekends. The truth is that the novelty does wear off, and many days, especially during the working week, become just as mundane as any other lifestyle. However it never stays mundane for long, one exhilarating sail, a dolphin sighting, a picture perfect anchorage or even surviving an impromptu weather event and the thrill of living on a sailboat quickly returns.

A typical workday for us living on a sailboat often starts with the sunrise (or a little bit before if we have a lot on). Ideally, we are well rested after a still night without rolling swell or, worse, strong wind, but that isn’t always assured at sea. Mornings involve checking the weather first and foremost, all plans revolve around the direction and strength of the wind and waves. 

If the weather is calm, we usually try to work in the mornings when we are fresh and focused.

We travel slowly, often spending a few days in a quiet, well-protected anchorage, on a town quay, or in a marina before moving on a short distance along the coast. On sailing days, we often sail in the afternoon when the winds are a bit stronger in the Mediterranean. On days we are staying put, the afternoon might be spent exploring a new town, getting provisions, swimming, or finding a beach to lie on and read a book. In the evening, we will cook dinner onboard and get some more work done or watch some TV. 

Weekends look different, and we will take advantage of not needing to be close to reliable network services, completing longer passages along the coast, or visiting islands. 

Daily Differences in Sail Life

Living spaces on a sailboat are compact and multifunctional, necessitating an organized and tidy approach to prevent clutter and ensure safety. Cooking in a small galley kitchen presents its challenges, from securing pots and pans on a constantly moving boat to managing limited ingredients and storage.

Meals often need to be simple yet nutritious, requiring creativity and planning. Our approach is to cook simple, one-pot, vegetarian meals like dal or vegetable curry two or three times during the workweek and eat leftovers for lunch and dinner. On the weekend, we like to get more creative with our meals, seeking out local produce or fresh seafood and taking our time to prepare something special.

As mentioned, resource management is a critical aspect of daily sailboat life, especially when it comes to conserving water, fuel, and electricity. Efficient use of these resources is vital, whether it involves careful water usage, monitoring power consumption, or planning the next opportunity to resupply. For us, an electricity supply is mainly dependent on the sun when we are not under motor or plugged into shore power. Extended periods of cloud can alter our plans. Similarly, if we are not careful with water, more frequent visits to refill are required, which can be limiting. 

Personal hygiene and privacy take on a new meaning in the confined space of a sailboat. Showers may be quick and infrequent. In our case, we generally rinse off after a swim to bathe and take proper showers during marina stops. Personal space is limited on a sailboat and managing personal relationships can have extra challenges.

Sleeping on the boat can take some getting used to, especially when on anchor. Even on a calm day, the constant rocking of the water can be disruptive at first, and novice sailors may find they get seasick, although these symptoms usually go away after a few days. When it’s windy, or there is some swell, the noise, movement, and the ever-present worry that the boat may pull off its anchor with the movement can make it very difficult to get a good night’s sleep. 

Unforecast storms, gear failure, or some other emergency can occasionally create scary and challenging scenarios, especially if disaster strikes late at night. These situations are part of the adventure but can certainly be stressful.

Despite the challenges, daily life on a sailboat is interspersed with moments of profound beauty and peace. Whether watching dolphins play in the bow wave, enjoying a sunset over the ocean, or stargazing on a clear night, these experiences often make the hardships worthwhile, offering a sense of freedom and connection to nature that is hard to find elsewhere.

The Pros and Cons of Living on a Sailboat Full-Time

Pros: the joys of sailboat living.

Living on a sailboat brings a unique set of joys and rewards that can make the challenges seem insignificant.

+ One of the most significant benefits is the sense of freedom and adventure. Sailboat dwellers have the luxury of exploring new destinations, anchoring in secluded bays, and experiencing different cultures in a way that most people never will. The ability to call a variety of picturesque locations home, even if only temporarily, is a remarkable aspect of this lifestyle. Even compared to other forms of nomadic lifestyle, waking up in your own private bay or cove is hard to re-create. 

+ The connection with nature is unparalleled in sailboat living. Being surrounded by the vastness of the ocean, witnessing marine life up close, and experiencing the rhythms of the sea create a deep sense of harmony and peace. The simplicity of life on a boat can lead to a greater appreciation for the small things, like the beauty of a sunset, the changing colors of the sea, or the silence of a night watch under the stars.

+ Community and camaraderie are also central to the sailboat lifestyle. The sailing community is known for its close-knit, supportive nature, with fellow sailors often ready to lend a hand, share advice, or offer companionship. This sense of community extends across harbors and anchorages around the world, creating a global network of friends and contacts.

+ The personal growth and self-reliance developed through sailboat living are profound. Navigating the challenges and unpredictability of the sea fosters resilience, problem-solving skills, and a strong sense of self-confidence. The lifestyle encourages continuous learning, from mastering sailing and navigational skills to understanding weather patterns and marine ecosystems.

The Cons: The Challenges and Hardships of Liveaboard Life

While the joys of living on a sailboat are plentiful, the lifestyle also comes with its fair share of challenges and hardships. These difficulties test the resilience and adaptability of those who choose this way of life.

– One of the most significant challenges is dealing with bad weather. Storms, high winds, and rough seas can be terrifying and dangerous, requiring skill, experience (which you can only get by …experiencing it), and a calm demeanor to navigate safely (perhaps the trickiest thing to achieve). The stress from poor weather can be mentally draining, disrupt work, and put a strain on relationships.

– The learning curve required to become a confident and comfortable sailor is not small and can take many seasons while mastering sailing can take a lifetime.

– The constant exposure to the elements also means that maintenance is a never-ending task, with saltwater and sun causing wear and tear that must be regularly addressed to keep the boat functional and safe. Especially on an older boat like ours, fixing and maintaining gear and rigging is an endless cycle. Most systems and hardware on the boat are essential, and when they fail, there is often no one around to help. Constantly sorting out jammed anchors, engine or electrical issues can quickly become tiresome and (if you are trying to work) quite disruptive. It can also be quite stressful when critical systems fail.

– Isolation is another aspect of sailboat living that can be challenging. Long periods at sea or anchored in remote locations can lead to feelings of loneliness and disconnection from land-based communities. The confined space of a sailboat can strain relationships, making it essential for the crew, be it a couple, a family, or friends, to communicate effectively and give each other personal space.

– The financial aspect of sailboat living can also be a hardship. Unexpected repairs and maintenance can quickly drain savings, and the cost of mooring, fuel, and supplies can add up. Sailors must be adept at budgeting and often need to be resourceful in finding ways to sustain their lifestyle, which might include picking up temporary jobs or remote work.

– The physical demands of managing a sailboat should not be underestimated. It requires strength, stamina, and a willingness to tackle everything from sail repairs to engine troubleshooting. The learning curve can be steep, and the responsibility of keeping the boat and its occupants safe is a constant pressure.

Despite these challenges, many sailboat dwellers find that the hardships are part of what makes the lifestyle rewarding. Overcoming difficulties and learning to live in harmony with the sea can provide a profound sense of achievement and satisfaction.

Final Thoughts About Life on a Sailboat

Living on a sailboat full-time is a journey that encompasses the full spectrum of human experience, blending moments of sheer joy and beauty with times of challenge and adversity. It’s a lifestyle that demands resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace the unknown. While the romantic allure of sailing the high seas is undeniable, the realities of daily life on a sailboat are grounded in practical challenges and the necessity of continual learning and personal growth.

The decision to live on a sailboat should not be made lightly, as it involves significant changes in lifestyle, mindset, and social dynamics. However, for those who choose to embark on this adventure, it offers unparalleled opportunities for freedom, exploration, and connection with nature. The hardships encountered along the way are not just obstacles but also catalysts for growth, leading to a deeper understanding of oneself and the world.

If you have a question about living on a sailboat full-time, let us know in the comments below or shoot us an email anytime!

Fair winds and following seas!

In 2016, I had been dumped by my girlfriend, fired from my job, and the lease on my house was running out. Facing moving back in with my parents, 26, jobless and alone I decided to listen to the message the universe was trying to send me. I took off on my first solo backpacking trip, with a one-way ticket to Bangkok and a well-thumbed Lonely Planet guide. From there I wandered Southeast and Central Asia, traveled the Great Steppe, and made my way across Russia and throughout Europe.

In Estonia I met Kelli, who, despite having a less frantic travel style, shared my my restless spirit and passion for exploration. Together, we embarked on a new journey, van life. Over four years we travelled across three different continents with three different vans.

In 2022, as the world began to re-open post COVID we took an opportunity to realise a long held dream, to live aboard a sailboat. Since then we have spent two summers in the Mediterranean, sailing and living aboard our little sail boat Whisper. When we aren't sailing we continue to live our nomadic lifestyle, guided by a philosophy of slow travel and self directed adventure be it by van or backpacking.

We find excitement through our journey into the unknown, stillness and content in the beauty of the places we discover and we find ourselves in the vastness of our world.

Hopefully, we can help you find what you're looking for too. Get lost with us and find your own path.

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Cost of Living On A Sailboat (Monthly Breakdown)

The cost of living on a sailboat full-time is approximately $1,880 per month or $22,560 per year.

Please keep in mind that the cost of living on a sailboat can vary depending on your specific location, the condition of the vessel, the size of the boat and your boating experience.

The cost of living on a sailboat can be broken down into 9 monthly expenses including:

• Boat Marina Fees
• Boat Insurance Cost
• Boat Maintenance Fees
• Fuel Expenses
• Grocery Costs
• Boat Gear Costs
• Entertainment Costs
• Internet Costs
• Miscellaneous Costs

Below is a cost of living on a sailboat table summary.

1. Boat Marina Fees

The first cost to consider when living on a sailboat is the marina fees/slip fees.

The marina costs for a sailboat are approximately $10 to $20 per foot per month.

For example, a sailboat owner with a boat size of 30 feet will typically pay between $300 and $600 per month in slip fees to stay at a marina.

A marina will charge a boat owner on a per-foot basis based on the length of the vessel.

The size of the boat and the location of the marina will have a large influence on the price charged to boat owners with marinas in Florida typically being the most expensive in America compared to other locations.

Paying marina fees gives boat owners access to boat cleaning services, electricity, internet access, pump-out services and facilities, waste removal services and a marine store.

Some boat owners prefer anchoring which is free of charge. Anchoring can be the best option during warmer months from April until November when marina facilities are needed less.

Boat marina costs can be reduced by mooring in cheaper marina locations, only using the marina when necessary or anchoring the boat off the coast away from the marina.

2. Boat Insurance Cost

The second cost to consider when living on a sailboat is the boat insurance fee.

The cost of sailboat insurance is approximately $55 per month or $660 per year.

This is an approximate cost for the average sailboat owner living onboard their vessel in America.

According to Progressive , the annual Progressive boat insurance policy cost for the insurance policies they issued to boat owners in America ranged from $250 to $700 per year.

To get an accurate boat insurance cost for your specific sailboat, contact marine insurance providers for quotes.

The cost of boat insurance will vary based on the size, location and condition of the sailboat as well as a boat owner's experience and claims history.

Typically, the boat insurance cost will be 1% to 4% of the total retail value of your sailboat.

Boat insurance is the most expensive in locations that suffer from hurricanes like Florida and Texas.

Boat insurance costs can be reduced by browsing insurance providers, using cheaper sailboats, using the boat in lower-risk areas and increasing your boat experience.

3. Boat Maintenance Costs

The third cost to consider when living on a sailboat is the maintenance cost.

The average cost of sailboat maintenance is $250 per month or $3,000 per year.

A sailboat's maintenance cost can vary based on the condition, size, age and location of the sailboat as well as the boat owner's experience with repairing and maintaining the boat.

Boat maintenance cost includes paying for spare parts, cleaning supplies, boat paint, engine services, repairing fridges, electronics, lines, cookers, windows, seats, toilets, deck materials etc.

Boat maintenance costs can be reduced by using second-hand parts, manually repairing the sailboat yourself and treating the boat with care.

4. Fuel Expenses

The fourth cost to consider when living on a sailboat is the fuel cost.

Sailboat fuel costs approximately $150 per month or $1,800 per year.

Sailboat fuel costs include paying for diesel or gas for the boat engine and buying propane fuel for sailboat heating and cooking while living onboard.

The factors that affect the sailboat fuel costs are the location, weather, size and condition of the boat as well as the frequency of use.

In the winter, sailboat fuel costs tend to rise whereas they are cheaper in the months from April until September.

To reduce the fuel costs of a sailboat, use the sails more often rather than the boat motor. Sailboat fuel costs can also be reduced by only traveling when it is the optimal time for the current which can make a large difference in fuel efficiency.

5. Grocery Costs

The fifth cost to consider when living on a sailboat is the groceries cost.

The cost of groceries when living on a sailboat is approximately $450 per month or $5,400 per year.

Grocery costs include paying for food, drinks, bathing supplies and kitchen cleaning supplies.

The grocery costs remain the same year-round. To reduce the grocery costs when living onboard a sailboat, boat owners can choose to catch fish by fishing from their boat. However, this will only cause a small reduction.

A saltwater-to-freshwater converter can be used to get a fresh supply of drinkable water without having to spend money on buying drinks. This will only cause a small reduction in costs too.

6. Boating Gear Costs

The sixth cost to consider when living onboard a sailboat is boating gear costs.

The approximate cost of boating gear when living on a sailboat is $100 per month or $1,200 per year.

Boating gear costs include paying for gear like sailing sunglasses, sailing jackets, swim gear, fishing gear, sunscreen, wetsuits, sailing hats, fire blankets, and general boating accessories.

The boating gear cost is the most expensive in the winter months when extra sailing clothing is needed to keep warm.

To reduce the cost of boating gear, take good care of your current boat gear to ensure it lasts longer and purchase high-quality boating accessories that will last for a long time.

7. Entertainment Cost

The seventh cost to consider when living onboard a sailboat is the entertainment cost.

The cost of entertainment when living on a sailboat is approximately $200 per month or $2,400 per year.

Entertainment costs include paying for tv subscriptions, board games, dining out, trips to the cinema, etc.

The entertainment costs will not change throughout the year.

To reduce entertainment costs, find free entertaining activities to do rather than spend money for entertainment.

8. Internet Costs

The eighth cost to consider when living on a sailboat is internet costs.

The cost of the internet when living on a sailboat is approximately $100 per month or $1,200 per year.

Internet costs include paying for a 4G/5G connection or satellite internet connection. It includes paying for a wi-fi router to connect to the sailboat too.

To reduce the internet cost on a sailboat, anchor the boat at marinas with a Wi-Fi connection included in the slip fees.

9. Miscellaneous Costs

The ninth cost to consider when living on a sailboat is the miscellaneous costs.

The miscellaneous costs when living on a sailboat are approximately $125 per month or $1,500 per year.

Miscellaneous costs will typically remain the same throughout the year without much change.

Miscellaneous costs include costs associated with buying items like boat rugs, personal care items, boat care basics, coolers, boating decor, cooking utensils etc.

To reduce the miscellaneous costs, reduce the number of general boating items purchased and ensure the items that are purchased are of good quality so they last longer.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Cost Of Living On A Sailboat

Below are the most commonly asked questions about the cost of living on a sailboat.

How Much Does A Large Sailboat (Over 50ft) Cost To Live On?

The approximate cost to live on a large sailboat (over 50ft.) full-time is $3,200 per month or $38,400 per year.

What Is The Most Expensive Cost Associated With Living On A Sailboat?

The most expensive cost associated with living on a sailboat is the marina slip fees which are a monthly cost of $10 to $20 per foot of boat size.

How Can The Cost Of Living On A Sailboat Be Reduced?

The cost of living on a sailboat can be reduced by using the sails instead of boat fuel to power the boat when traveling, mooring the sailing vessel in a cheaper marina or anchoring outside a marina, browsing for cheaper marine insurance policies, ensuring care when using the vessel to keep repair costs low, downsizing to a smaller sailboat and keeping entertainment costs to a minimum by finding cheaper or free entertainment alternatives.

How To Live on a Sailboat

Living on a sailboat can be a rewarding experience, especially if you come prepared and make strategic lifestyle adjustments.

Living on a sailboat is possible if you find the right boat, stay organized, manage maintenance and utilities effectively, make an income, and choose a suitable marina. Anyone who follows these steps can live a frugal and comfortable life on a sailboat.

In this article, we’ll cover all the major points and lifestyle adjustments necessary to live a clean and comfortable life on a sailboat. Additionally, we’ll cover some of the benefits and go over the technical steps you’ll need to take to keep your boat in good shape.

We sourced this information from experienced liveaboards and included the lessons they learned from living on a boat.

Table of contents

‍ Decide if the Liveaboard Life is Right for You

Living aboard a sailboat can be a rewarding and life-changing experience. Many live aboard for adventure, and others choose to live a more laid-back lifestyle and reduce their living expenses. Regardless of your reasoning, it’s important to consider the realities of living aboard and the sacrifices you’ll have to make.

Living aboard requires careful attention to maintenance, good organization, and an actual desire to live the lifestyle. You can successfully live on a sailboat without experience if you’re willing to make some changes to your lifestyle, reduce the amount of stuff you own, and stay on top of maintenance.

Is Living Aboard Common?

Yes, many people live aboard sailboats. It’s legal in most places, and there’s a relatively large online community dedicated to the practice. The majority of people who live on sailboats do it because they love sailing and the lifestyle.

Liveaboard Sailboat Utilities

Like a house, your sailboat needs utilities if you plan to live aboard. These systems have been well-integrated over the years, so it’s pretty easy to get power, water, and fuel for living aboard. Here’s how utilities work on a liveaboard sailboat.

Power, Water, and Sewage

When living in a house or apartment, the only time you really have to think about power, water, and sewage is when the bill is due—or when it stops working. On a sailboat, these things aren’t so hands-free.

Boats store water and sewage in tanks. Usually, a sailboat has a freshwater tank (for drinking) and a greywater/black water tank (for sewage). Eventually, these tanks will be full and need to be dumped, but you don’t have to rely on your freshwater tank when living aboard.

Most liveaboards hook their sailboats up to shore power using a special marine extension cord and a dock outlet. Water is connected this way as well, and some marinas offer sewage hookups at each dock.

However, you’ll probably have to pump out your septic tank at a separate location every so often. Plus, marinas charge for power and water.

Saving Water and Power on a Sailboat

Conservation is key to a convenient and clean life on a sailboat. You may have unlimited fresh water from a shore connection, but your septic tank will eventually get full. This may necessitate taking shorter showers and other water-saving steps, which are good habits to develop anywhere.

Additionally, your sailboat’s electrical system is designed to operate with or without shore power. This makes it relatively easy to install solar panels or a wind turbine, which (with a battery bank) can completely eliminate your dependence on shore power.

Liquid Fuel

Sailboats usually don’t have electric or gas appliances. Instead, sailboat stoves and heaters usually run on liquid fuel such as kerosene, alcohol, or diesel. Unlike a house, you’ll need to haul in fuel and use it safely and conservatively.

Alcohol stoves are the cleanest, but diesel heaters are the most common. These systems must ventilate correctly and be free of leaks, and you have to clean them once or twice per season to ensure safe and efficient operation.

Liquid Fuel Alternatives

Liquid fuel can be messy, smelly, and dangerous if used or stored improperly. Most sailors don’t like having a diesel tank in their living room (understandably so), so they use practical alternatives.

For heating, you can use an electric heater when connected to shore power, provided your wiring is safe enough. Figure out what gauge of wiring your 110-volt system uses, and hire an electrician to retrofit it if the wiring is too thin.

Another alternative is propane, which is cheap and cleaner than diesel or kerosene. Propane stoves used for camping fit on top of liquid-fuel stoves, and they’re a great choice for cooking when in the dock. Additionally, portable indoor propane heaters can be used, provided you have adequate ventilation.

CO Detection

Always install at least one carbon monoxide (CO) detector in your boat, regardless of what kind of fuel you use inside. A sailboat cabin is essentially a ziplock bag and the perfect environment for carbon monoxide to settle.

Install the meter near the floor, as carbon monoxide tends to sink. Additionally, an extra meter in your sleeping area is a great idea as well. Always test your meter before using a propane heater inside, and keep a window cracked or a vent fan on regardless of the outside temperature.

How to Choose a Sailboat to Live Aboard

Choosing a sailboat to live on is the first step in the process. You’ll have to first determine what kind of a sailboat you want, your budget, and what level of space and comfort you’re looking for.

The smallest feasible liveaboard sailboat (in which you can be hygienic and stand up straight) is about 20 feet in length, though the average size ranges from 26 feet to 40 feet. This is strictly speaking for monohull sailboats, as multihulls like catamarans have very different size and space standards.

The average comfortable liveaboard for one or two people is about 30 feet in length. A boat like this is affordable on the used market and includes everything you need to live a normal and healthy life.

A 30-foot sailboat almost always includes a shower, a full-size marine galley for cooking (with an icebox), a comfortable sleeping area, and a separate space for dining and working. You’ll likely have additional sitting areas too, and a chart table for navigating.

Anything beyond 30 feet will add additional space, but the accommodations will be about the same. A boat 25 feet and longer will likely have good standing headroom, which is a necessity for the vast majority of liveaboards.

Liveaboard Sailboat Prices

Finding a boat is largely a budget issue. Thankfully, there are lots of used sailboats on the market that are suitable to live in and relatively inexpensive. New sailboats cost upwards of $150,000–but don’t use this price as a benchmark for used sailboats.

The majority of suitable liveaboard sailboats can be found for less than $50,000, and a little bit of searching can get you a nice liveaboard for $10,000 or less. This makes the lifestyle an affordable option for many people, especially if you have a house or a car to sell prior to purchasing your boat.

The price of a used sailboat doesn’t necessarily predict its value or condition. Used sailboats, especially those 30 to 50 years old, don’t have pricing guides like cars do. Additionally, the maintenance and docking requirements often prompt owners to sell for far less than they’re worth.

Sailboat Accommodations

The minimum accommodations you’ll need to live aboard are a galley (kitchen), a table for eating and working, and a head with a toilet and a shower. Almost all cabin sailboats have a berth (bed), even if they don’t have anything else.

You’ll want a sailboat with electrical power too. Most sailboats produced after the 1940s are equipped with electric lighting and outlets, so just make sure that they work. All of these features can be found on sailboats 25 feet and larger.

Sailboat Condition

Condition is another important element to consider, and it can make or break your liveaboard experience. A sailboat with mold, leaks, a messed up electrical system, or other systemic problems can hamper the quality of life and be more trouble than it’s worth.

Cosmetic repairs are much easier to deal with than other problems, and you can always reupholster the interior. When given the option, choose a sailboat that’s solid and sanitary over one that looks good but has serious issues.

How to Stay Organized on a Sailboat

Staying organized is a big part of living aboard, and it can make the experience much more enjoyable and practical. In fact, liveaboards say that staying organized is one of the most important skills to develop. Here are some tips for staying organized aboard a sailboat.

Downsize Your Tools

Everyone needs a certain set of tools to live a clean and healthy life. These include cleaning equipment, dishes, pots and pans, and so on. On a sailboat, your primary constraints are space, power, and water, so you’ll have to develop a system that makes the most out of each.

Start with your cleaning equipment. Toss out that large vacuum and replace it with a dust buster. A well-made dustbuster-type vacuum can easily keep a sailboat clean, even if you have pets. It’s worth splurging on the best one you can find, as you’ll get more out of the space and electricity with a high-quality unit.

Next, change your habits to reduce the amount of cleaning you have to do. Try to minimize crumbs and spills by eating only at the table, and use glasses designed for sailboats.

Additionally, you can reduce the size of your cooking utensils and wash them immediately instead of using a second or third pan before doing the dishes. You’d be surprised by how much stuff you can do without if you’re conscientious about what you use.

Dedicate Storage Spaces

Dedicate storage spaces aboard to specific types of items. For example, choose a cupboard for cleaning supplies and figure out how to fit everything you need inside. Keep safety equipment in one area, and be sure to separate dirty from clean items.

For example, you can choose a cockpit locker for storing sails, engine tools, and other items to keep the smell and grime of diesel fuel, oil, and fiberglass resin away from your living space. Sailboats are often filthy because outdoor items are stored inside, but you can break this trend by separating them into logical spaces.

Many sailors store clothing underneath sitting areas, and you can keep them clean by using vacuum-seal bags or plastic boxes. Glasses can be stowed overhead, and books can be kept on exposed shelves.

Buy Smaller Items

This will cost more initially, but using supplies conservatively can offset the cost. Things like soap bottles, toothpaste tubes, and paper towel rolls are usually purchased in bulk but are available in smaller quantities.

It’s cheaper to buy in bulk, this is true. But some items that take up lots of space in bulk simply aren’t worth sacrificing a sitting area or an entire box of clothing for. Over time, you can use the smaller quantities to become aware of how much you use and how to reduce costs.

Reduce Garbage

We produce a lot of trash. Trash is the most useless waste of space aboard a sailboat and also one of the worst contributors to unpleasant odors and unsanitary conditions. The simplest solution is to stop using as much disposable stuff as possible.

A dish rag used instead of paper towels will reduce costs, save space, and last infinitely longer. Avoid buying items with excessive packaging, and if you do, dispose of the package onshore before bringing it aboard.

This is a great opportunity to eat healthier, too. Many liveaboards live without a microwave, as it saves space and vastly reduces the amount of processed food and food packaging trash you produce.

Instead of throwing out extra food every day, cook portions that you can finish. You’ll have to shop more often, but you’ll have more fresh food every day and your health will improve in the long run.

Downsize Your Stuff Collection

The most dramatic shift that new liveaboards have to contend with is the lack of space. There’s simply not enough space on a sailboat to store years of stuff. Unused Christmas presents, old shoes, that workout machine you got at a yard sale—it’s all gotta go.

Things like photo albums and hard drives should be kept (maybe offsite), but other items can almost always be disposed of one by one.

An easy way to choose what to donate or throw away is to lay everything out on your driveway and sort through each item individually. Address each item one by one, and decide if it’s indispensable. After you’ve chosen all of the things you need, the rest of the space can be used for the things you don’t need but want to keep.

How to Make Money Living on a Sailboat

Another necessity when living aboard is money. Unless you’ve got a major nest egg, you’ll need to work and make a living somehow. Decades ago, this was complex, as there were few jobs on the waterfront that paid well and didn’t break your back. But today, you can make a full-time living without stepping foot onshore.

Remote Work and Freelancing

Remote work is the best prospect for making a liveaboard income. The minimum required to survive is between $1,000 and $2,000 per month, and virtually everyone can utilize or learn a skill to make money online.

Freelance careers, such as writing, web design, or coding, are a great option if you have the skills or want to learn, and entry-level opportunities are available. Additionally, personal assistant jobs are a way to go if you have experience in that field or want to give it a shot.

If you already have a job, enquire if it’s possible to work remotely. Today, many types of work can be accomplished remotely, including everything from mortgage underwriting to accounting.

Living aboard is the perfect opportunity to start a career, such as photography. The reduced expenses and location give you an opportunity to learn the ropes without going broke in the interim, and you can do virtually everything involved with an internet connection and shore power.

Boat Repair

Living aboard a sailboat puts you in the best environment for boat repair work. Skilled mechanics, carpenters, and handymen can find work almost anywhere that boats are stored. You’ll have to ask around, but liveaboard mechanics are indispensable in many areas.

Engine repair pays very well—upwards of $50/hour—as local mechanics like liveaboards can charge below shop rates. Fiberglass and hull cleaning gigs can net several hundred dollars per boat, and cosmetic/interior repairs also pay generously.

Finding a Place to Dock

Finding a marina is one of the most frustrating steps to living aboard, as location has a big impact on cost and the viability of living aboard. Some marinas encourage liveaboards, but others ban it outright.

A good medium is a clean marina with a few liveaboards, as these areas encourage responsible living and quickly expel people who don’t respect the area. Piles of garbage on derelict boats are unsanitary and shouldn’t be found in the best marinas.

The best way to find a marina is to call all the local docks and inquire about living aboard, price, and general atmosphere. Additionally, pay each marina a visit to see what it’s like in person. Try to talk with other liveaboards about marina management, hidden costs, and how they like the experience. This can save headaches down the road.

Where to Learn More

The liveaboard community online is sizable, especially on platforms such as YouTube. If you’re looking for insights, spend some time on the internet searching for videos and forums on the topic.

Lots of channels are dedicated entirely to living aboard, and you can learn a lot about day-to-day tasks and realities. It’s an excellent opportunity to learn vicariously and improve your liveaboard experience, and it gives you an opportunity to meet other people who share your new lifestyle.

Related Articles

Daniel Wade

I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

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The Ultimate Guide To Living On A Sailboat

Are you ready to live the life you’ve always dreamed of?

Get your copy of the ultimate liveaboard e-guidebook here

If you’re desperate to become a full-time liveaboard sailor, but you’re not sure where to start, then this is the guide for you.

200+ pages of actionable tasks and information to get you up and running, or should we say out and sailing! From buying a boat, to learning to sail, to making this dream life last. This e-book is in digital form to make it easy to bring aboard and have with you whenever you need.

What’s Included?

Dreaming and scheming

• Why should you live on a sailboat?
• Will you enjoy life on the water?
• Top tips to prepare for living on a sailboat
• Taking the stress out of the planning process
• How to downsize to live on a boat
• Making a fallback plan

Learning the ropes

• How and where to learn to sail
• Radio training
• Taking sailing advice
• Boat maintenance

Making the leap

• Choosing the right sailboat
• Setting a reasonable budget
• Where to buy a sailboat
• Is a project boat right for you?
• Where to find a sailboat
• Comparing sailboats
• How to buy a sailboat

Safety at sea

• What safety equipment do you really need?
• Rules of the road
• How to make a float plan
• Reading the weather
• Preparing for storms

Preparing for life afloat

• What should your cruising budget be?
• How to work from a sailboat
• Getting internet access
• The best websites and apps for sailing
• How to provision
• How to make water last onboard

Making the dream last

• Making your boat a home
• Living and working together
• Well-being aboard
• Sailing with kids
• Sailing with pets
• Friends on board
• The sailing community

Cruising problems solved

• How to get mail while living aboard
• How to get prescriptions
• Purchasing and receiving supplies
• Seasickness
• How to stay cool
• Doing your laundry
• Things to remember when cruising outside your home country

Who Is This Guidebook For?

Wanting a new adventure but not sure where to start?

Tired of the 9-5 and desperate to see the world?

Hoping to reduce your carbon footprint and live in a simpler way?

Already living aboard but scared to untie the docklines?

Buy the ultimate guide to living on a sailboat here

When we first decided to embark on this epic adventure we had literally no idea where to start.

Every time we thought we had a decision made, we would realise we hadn’t considered some other important factor that took us all the way back to square one.

We were clueless about the boat buying process, the paperwork, and the legal side and didn’t know where to start when it came to choosing the right boat.

After tackling that we needed to actually learn to sail!

And then there were all the other things we hadn’t thought of, like radio courses and fitting the boat out with the correct safety equipment and so much more.

It has taken us years (literally) of research and asking other cruisers to be confident in our setup. We wanted to produce a guide that would be full of all the advice we wished we’d had access to at the beginning of our journey.

So here it is – the ultimate guide to running away to sea !

Testimonials

Sailing Print Outs

We’ve been using checklists on our boat since day 1, whether to organise our grab bag and medical kit or every day before we head off sailing.

These printable sheets can be laminated or kept in a plastic folder on board to help you stay on top of all the many things to remember when you live on a boat!

China’s Risky Power Play in the South China Sea

By Agnes Chang ,  Camille Elemia and Muyi Xiao

China’s coast guard ships have swarmed and collided with Philippine boats. They have doused Philippine vessels with powerful water cannons. Chinese crew members have slashed inflatable crafts, blared sirens and flashed high-powered lasers at Filipino troops.

As China pushes to dominate the South China Sea , it is increasingly willing to use force to drive out the Philippines, a treaty ally of the United States. In recent months, China’s tactics have damaged Philippine boats and injured personnel, and raised fears of a superpower showdown in the strategic waterway.

A New Flashpoint

For months, the latest target of China’s power play was a Philippine coast guard ship, the Teresa Magbanua. The video above was taken by the crew of that ship, as a Chinese coast guard vessel collided into it late last month.

The episode was one of four confrontations between the two countries’ vessels, in just two weeks. The encounters were not only becoming more frequent, but they were also taking place in a new location — Sabina Shoal, a resource-rich atoll close to the Philippine mainland.

The two countries had in earlier months been facing off near another atoll in the disputed Spratly Islands, the Second Thomas Shoal, where Chinese ships regularly harass Philippine boats trying to resupply sailors stationed on a beached warship . Now, their feud has expanded.

These are the places where China has confronted the Philippines since 2023.

Confrontations involving collisions and the use of water cannons and other tools

Other confrontations

Nine incidents near Scarborough

Shoal, another disputed reef

north of the Spratly Islands

Philippines Exclusive

Economic Zone

Second Thomas Shoal

Where China has harassed

Philippine resupply missions

Sabina Shoal

New flashpoint where

recent incidents took place

Occupied by China

and Vietnam

Mischief Reef

Where China built

a military base

PHILIPPINES

SPRATLY ISLANDS

north of the Spratlys

Nine incidents near

Scarborough Shoal,

another disputed reef

Philippine resupply mission

Note: Incident locations are approximated from locations broadcasted by the Philippine and Chinese coast guard vessels. Other tools include lasers, knives, axes, and rocks.

The Philippines wants to control Sabina Shoal, an unoccupied atoll inside its exclusive economic zone. Sabina Shoal, which lies just 86 miles west of the Philippine province of Palawan and over 600 miles from China, is near an area rich in oil deposits, and on routes Manila considers crucial for trade and security.

“A hostile China would be able to strangle our maritime trade with the rest of Asia and most of the world from Sabina Shoal,” said Jay Batongbacal, a maritime security expert at the University of the Philippines. Sabina Shoal would make “a good staging ground for vessels that will interfere with Philippine maritime activities,” he said.

Manila anchored the Teresa Magbanua, one of its largest coast guard ships, at the Sabina Shoal in April to try to stop China from what the Philippines sees as efforts to try to build an island there.

The Philippine Coast Guard has pointed to piles of crushed and dead corals apparently dumped on the shoal as signs of Chinese land reclamation under way. China has denied the accusation. But the building and fortifying of artificial islands is a key part of how China has asserted its claims over contested waters hundreds of miles from its coast.

China, which claims almost all of the South China Sea, says its tactics are needed to defend its sovereignty. Beijing has rejected a ruling by an international tribunal in 2016 that China’s sweeping claim to the waters had no legal basis.

China accused the Philippines of trying to permanently occupy Sabina Shoal by parking the coast guard vessel on it, just as it had grounded the warship at Second Thomas Shoal. Beijing even sent tugboats to Sabina Shoal, which some read as a threat to tow the Philippine ship away.

China has not resorted to guns. Rather, it is using what military theorists call gray zone tactics, aggressive moves that fall short of inciting all-out war. That includes imposing blockades, blasting water cannons and sailing dangerously close.

But the moves can still cause damage: The recent collision between Chinese and Philippine boats, for instance, left a three-foot hole on the Teresa Magbanua, as well as another Philippine vessel.

Damage on the Teresa Magbanua

Philippine Coast Guard via Associated Press

“If the Philippines insists on occupying more shoals, China will have no choice but to use all available measures,” said Hu Bo, director of the South China Sea Strategic Situation Probing Initiative, a Beijing-based research group. “There is no limit.”

On Sunday, after months of pressure from China, the Philippines said that the Teresa Magbanua had returned to port in Palawan. The Philippine statement sought to cast the move as following the accomplishment of the boat’s mission.

But it nodded to the challenges of remaining in the face of a Chinese blockade that prevented the ship from being resupplied, saying the crew had been “surviving on diminished daily provisions” and that some needed medical care.

The Philippines said the vessel had suffered structural damage from being rammed by the Chinese coast guard, but indicated that the boat would return after undergoing repairs.

Tensions on the Rise

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. of the Philippines has taken on a more muscular approach against China than his predecessor did. He has beefed up the country’s alliance with the United States and invited journalists to join resupply missions at sea to highlight China’s actions.

China has called the United States “the biggest troublemaker stirring up unrest in the South China Sea.” Mr. Hu, the expert in Beijing, said that China has been compelled to use heavier-handed tactics because diplomacy with the Marcos administration has failed.

With both sides digging in, they are tangling with each other more often and more aggressively.

Confrontations between China and the Philippines

Recent escalation

near Sabina Shoal

Before last fall, collisions were

uncommon and China used

water cannons less frequently.

December 9–10, 2023

China used water cannons

against Philippine ships in

two days of confrontations.

A brief moment of peace in July after Beijing and Manlia made an agreement.

uncommon and China used water

cannons less frequently.

Recent escalation near Sabina Shoal

Before last fall, collisions

were uncommon and

less frequently.

In one confrontation in June, China’s coast guard used axes, tear gas and knives to harass Philippine troops on a resupply mission to the Second Thomas Shoal. Chinese sailors punctured Philippine military boats and seized their equipment, including guns.

Eight Filipino soldiers were hurt, including one who lost a finger . The Philippine military called it the “most aggressive” Chinese action in recent history.

Source: Armed Forces of the Philippines via Facebook

That episode on June 17 made clear that tensions needed to be dialed down. The two sides briefly came to a “provisional agreement” on the Second Thomas Shoal, and the Philippines was able to conduct a resupply mission at the end of July. But officials from both countries have disputed the details of the agreement, raising questions about how long it will last.

“China’s overarching strategy is to dominate the South China Sea. We should not expect the de-escalation to last,” said Rommel Ong, a professor at the Ateneo School of Government in Manila and a retired rear admiral in the Philippine Navy. “Unless they attain that objective, their coercive actions will wax and wane depending on the situation.”

Since October, the Chinese coast guard has used water cannons against Philippine ships more regularly than it likely ever has in the long-running dispute. Collisions have also become more common.

In recent confrontations, China has routinely used water cannons.

Sources: Armed Forces of the Philippines; Philippine Coast Guard; China Coast Guard; Reuters; Storyful

Whenever the Philippines has attempted to sail to disputed atolls, ships from the Chinese coast guard, maritime militia, and navy have rapidly confronted them.

Some of the Chinese ships shadow the Philippine boats. Others cut across their paths. The ships swarm around the Philippine vessels to form a tight blockade.

This is how Chinese ships set up a blockade.

Philippine coast guard

Chinese ships

Noon, June 17

A group of Chinese

ships moved to block

the Philippine vessel.

A Chinese ship began

tailing a Philippine

ship around 8 a.m.

More Chinese

ships waited here.

moved to block

the Philippine

The Chinese ships followed the Philippine ship.

They were here for 8 hours.

The Chinese ship followed

the Philppine ship. They

were here for 8 hours.

Midnight, June 18

The Philippine ship finally

headed home around 11 p.m.

and the Chinese vessels left.

Note: Tracks show positions over the prior six hours. Location data not available for all vessels on scene. Times shown in Manila local time.

China, which boasts the world’s largest navy in terms of the number of vessels, has been deploying more boats to these disputed waters over the past year than it did previously. The Philippines sends on average a few ships on its resupply missions, which has mostly remained unchanged.

Mr. Hu, the Chinese expert, said that China’s show of strength in numbers is meant to deter the Philippines without resorting to lethal force. “If China sends only a small number of boats to stop the Philippines, they might have to use guns,” he said.

China has sent more ships to harass Philippine resupply missions.

April 30, 2021

Feb.19, 2022

Feb. 6, 2023

Phillipine boats

Chinese boats

48 Chinese ships

were on scene

Feb. 2, 2024

Number of Phillipine boats

Source: Center for Strategic and International Studies (C.S.I.S.)

Note: Data shows vessels counted during resupply attempts to Second Thomas Shoal.

From Aug. 27 to Sept. 2, a weeklong period, the Philippine military tracked 203 Chinese ships in contested areas in the South China Sea — the highest number recorded this year.

Tensions have risen at a time when the militaries of China and the United States have had limited contact. On Tuesday, the commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command held a rare video conference with Gen. Wu Yanan, the commander of the People’s Liberation Army’s Southern Theater Command, which oversees the South China Sea. The United States said such calls help “reduce the risk of misperception or miscalculation.”

During the call, Adm. Samuel Paparo urged China to “reconsider its use of dangerous, coercive, and potentially escalatory tactics” in the South China Sea. China, in its own statement about the call, said only that the two sides had an in-depth exchange of views.

On Thursday, though, Lieutenant General He Lei, a former vice president of the People’s Liberation Army’s Academy of Military Sciences, struck a more hawkish note.

“If the United States insists on being a plotter that pushes others to stand on the front line to confront China, or if it has no other choice but to challenge us by itself,” he told reporters at a security forum in Beijing, “the Chinese people and the People’s Liberation Army will never waver.”

Chinese flagged boats anchored at Sabina shoal.

Jes Aznar for The New York Times

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China rams Philippine ship while 60 Minutes on board; South China Sea tensions could draw U.S. in

By Cecilia Vega , Aliza Chasan , Andy Court, Jacqueline Williams, Annabelle Hanflig

September 15, 2024 / 7:33 PM EDT / CBS News

An escalating series of clashes in the South China Sea between the Philippines and China   could draw the U.S., which has a mutual defense treaty with the Philippines, into the conflict. 

A 60 Minutes crew got a close look at the tense situation when traveling on a Philippine Coast Guard ship that was rammed by the Chinese Coast Guard.

China has repeatedly rammed Philippine ships and blasted them with water cannons over the last two years. There are ongoing conversations between Washington and Manila about which scenarios would trigger U.S. involvement, Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro said in an interview.

"I really don't know the end state," Teodoro said. "All I know is that we cannot let them get away with what they're doing."

China as "the proverbial schoolyard bully"

China claims sovereignty over almost all of the South China Sea, through which more than $3 trillion in goods flow annually. But in 2016, an international tribunal at the Hague ruled the Philippines has exclusive economic rights in a 200-mile zone that includes the area where the ship with the 60 Minutes team on board got rammed. 

China does not recognize the international tribunal's ruling. 

"The proverbial schoolyard bully is the best example of what China is," Teodoro said. "It just muscles you over."

Ray Powell, a retired U.S. Air Force colonel, runs the nonprofit Sealight at Stanford University's Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation , which tracks China's actions in the South China Sea. He said China gets away with its actions because there is no enforcement.

"China has decided that at this point in their history, they are large enough so that they can buck the law," Powell said. 

60 Minutes crew witnesses violent tensions in the South China Sea

Just last month, a 60 Minutes crew witnessed the dangerous situation in the region.

Correspondent Cecilia Vega boarded the Cape Engaño, a Philippine Coast Guard ship, for what was supposed to be a routine mission resupplying ships and stations in the South China Sea. But sirens rang out in the middle of the first night at sea as they were en route to Sabina Shoal.

"It's four in the morning," Vega said from the ship. "We've all been sound asleep. This alarm just went off on the ship. We were told to wake up and put our life jackets on because we've just been rammed by a Chinese boat."

The 60 Minutes crew was told to stay inside the cabin for safety. There was confusion and fear and it was unclear if the ship would take on water or if the Chinese would try to force their way on board. Philippine crew members prepared for that possibility and stood by the hatch holding clubs in case they had to fend off the Chinese.

After the Chinese Coast Guard ship — 269 feet long and nearly twice the size of the Cape Engaño — pulled away, the Filipino crew found a three-and-a-half foot hole in the hull. 

The ramming incident happened about 60 nautical miles off the coast of the Philippines and about 660 nautical miles from China.

As the day wore on, it became clear the Philippine ship was surrounded by Chinese vessels. Manila and Beijing have stationed coast guard vessels around an area called Sabina Shoal in recent months, with the Philippines fearing China will try to take control. The ship Vega and her team was on was headed to Sabina Shoal to resupply a Philippine coast guard ship there.

"We're at a complete standoff. We've been here for, going on, two hours now, not moving," Vega reported at the time. "It's unclear whether we can even turn around and go back, if we wanted to. We're just completely surrounded by Chinese ships."

The Filipinos tried to negotiate a way out, but ultimately were forced to abandon the first stop of their mission. In their damaged boat, they had to take a long detour to their next supply drop, as Chinese ships followed closely.

By then, the Chinese had already publicized their version of the incident — accusing the Filipinos of instigating the conflict and highlighting the faces of the 60 Minutes crew, accusing them of being part of a propaganda campaign.

Cpt. Daniel Labay, the top-ranking officer on the Cape Engaño, said it was clear the collision was not his ship's fault. He said the damage to the Cape Engaño would not stop it from continuing on.

"This is our place. This is our exclusive economic zone," he said. "This is the Philippines."

The most violent incident so far 

The Sierra Madre, a grounded World War II-era battleship used to hold down Manila's claim to another disputed area in the South China Sea, was the scene of the most violent incident to date. 

In June, when the Philippine Navy tried to resupply troops stationed on the Sierra Madre, the Chinese tried to block the delivery. They had bladed weapons and spears with them, Gen. Romeo Brawner, the Philippines' military chief of staff, said. A Filipino Navy SEAL lost his right thumb after the Chinese rammed his boat. 

"They stole our equipment. They destroyed our equipment. They hurt our personnel," Brawner said. "These are the doings of pirates."

If the Chinese were to open fire and the Filipinos fired back, it could mark the beginning of war, Brawner said. 

American intervention would be expected if the Chinese took the Sierra Madre, Teodoro said.

"That is an outpost of Philippine sovereignty," Teodoro said. "So we're not talking about a rusty, old vessel solely. We're talking about a piece of Philippine territory."

The U.S. role in the China-Philippines conflict

The U.S. has a mutual defense treaty with the Philippines, which means the U.S. is bound to defend the Philippines if it comes under armed attack. If, in a future ramming incident, a Philippine ship sinks and people die, the Philippines may get onto a war footing and turn to the U.S., Powell said. It could hurt U.S. credibility with allied countries if it fails to meet its treaty obligations.

"Every treaty in the end depends on the political will of the parties," Powell said.

Currently, the U.S. conducts regular joint exercises with the Philippines, though it has not had a permanent military presence in the country since 1992. This year the U.S. committed $500 million in military aid to the Philippines and another $128 million to upgrade bases.

President Biden has invited Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to the White House twice in the past 16 months and has assured him of America's support. He has stressed that the U.S. commitment to the Philippines is "ironclad,"  

Earlier this year, Washington sent the Philippines a powerful weapon during joint exercises – a mid-range missile system capable of reaching mainland China.

The move angered China. 

"What happens within our territory, it is for our defense. We follow international law," Teodoro said. "What's the fuss?"

China says the Philippines is increasing the risk of war in the region. 

"That's what they always say," Teodoro said. "Everything the world does that they don't like is the fault of the world."

• South China Sea
• Philippines

Cecilia Vega is an Emmy Award-winning journalist and "60 Minutes" correspondent who joined the CBS newsmagazine in 2023.

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8 Yacht Clubs and Marinas in the Philippines to Moor Your Boat In

FoodfindsAsia.com | 8 Yacht Clubs and Marinas in the Philippines to Moor Your Boat In | Filipinos’ history as a maritime people date back to prehistoric times. In fact, the Philippines’ basic sociopolitical unit today, the barangay, traces its etymological origins to the balangay , the ancient outrigger boats that were used by precolonial Filipino communities to explore and conquer islands this side of the Pacific. As a people belonging to a seafaring culture, it’s no wonder that modern Filipinos are taking a retrospective look at their glorious past as Austronesian mariners and are developing a renewed love for the ocean and marinas as present-day yachtsmen.

Today, Philippine marinas look to accommodate more and more yachts and other pleasure watercrafts as the years go by. In 2017, an ASEAN Briefing op-ed piece named the Philippines as a country with high potential in yacht industry growth. The natural beauty of the Philippine islands and its fantastic bays, combined with a growing interest in leisurely sea travel, can explain the spike in yachting activities throughout the country.

Are you part of the demographic that’s become enamored of the yachting lifestyle? Do you want to know where in the country you can berth your watercraft? Leading sailboat and motorboat authority Europa Yachts is happy to enter the conversation, and recommends the following locations for discovering the Philippines through yachting. Here is a short list of clubs and marinas in the country, organized by island region.  

Manila Yacht Club and Marina, Manila, Metro Manila

Established in 1927, the Manila Yacht Club and Marina is one of the oldest yacht clubs in all of Asia, and is nestled in the scenic Manila Bay. It is also near other well-known landmarks in the city, such as the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), the headquarters of the Philippine Navy, and the US Embassy. Facilities in the marina include a launching ramp and a fueling center, and the club itself is host to a restaurant and gorgeous function rooms. The Manila Yacht Club only welcomes visitors who arrive by boat, and it charges an initial security deposit of USD 750 upon arrival. Club membership is mandatory for medium and long-term mooring of boats.

Subic Bay Yacht Club, Zambales

The Subic Bay Yacht Club, which was founded in 1998, upholds itself as the country’s premier yacht club. It operates in the deepest bay in the country, and can host vessels well beyond 50 meters in length. Already benefitting from the innate beauty of the Zambales mountains surrounding it, the club hosts a number of other attractions, including its luxury accommodations, swimming pools, and its own movie theater, bowling alley, and nightclub. Those who venture outside of the club’s premises can also shop for well-priced imported goods at the Subic Freeport Zone, engage in water sports , or sign up for diving excursions.

Punta Fuego Yacht Club, Batangas

Peaceful Punta Fuego is a mecca for those who love the sport of sailing. As per its official website, the Punta Fuego Yacht Club aims to serve “a dynamic and vibrant community of boat enthusiasts and yacht owners.” This it does by playing host to a diverse population of watercrafts, from large catamarans and mono-hull yachts to small boats. Non-members of the club may use the berths for up to 3 weeks, and can refuel at the marina’s fueling station. The yacht club offers other amenities such as locker rooms, shower rooms, Internet facilities, a chart room, and a restaurant called Barracuda Bar, which serves delicious fares. Outside of the yachting crowd, Punta Fuego Yacht Club also caters to those wishing to celebrate weddings, conferences, and corporate events in their opulent quarters.

Puerto Galera Yacht Club, Oriental Mindoro

Further south, yachtsmen may moor at the Puerto Galera Yacht Club in Oriental Mindoro, an island location that’s home to tourist attractions like the Sabang Wreck dive site, lively beachfront resorts, and the Malasimbo Music Festival. Puerto Galera Yacht Club has been in operation for almost thirty years and lends services such as refueling provisions and yacht repairs from its marina. Boat owners also enjoy optimal convenience if mooring here, as they can also shop for spare parts in the nearby Batangas port.

Busuanga Yacht Club, Puerta del Sol Bay Marina, Palawan

Beautiful Palawan is a bucket-list destination for many, especially those who dream of cruising its crystalline waters. Accommodating the yachting community in this island province is the Busuanga Yacht Club, which promises secure mooring amidst breathtaking white-sand beaches. Here, each vessel will benefit from a typhoon-safe harbor, easy refueling, and direct access to transportation hubs like the New Busuanga Airport. Adjoining this marina is the Puerta del Sol Bay Resort, which offers luxurious accommodations to visitors. When not atop the deck of a boat, travelers can also explore the lagoons and freshwater lakes of Coron, go shipwreck diving, or relax in the hot springs of Maquinit.

Iloilo Sailing Club, Arevelo, Iloilo City, Iloilo

Iloilo Province is home to some of the country’s most beautiful old-world architecture, a flourishing ecotourism industry, and delectably fresh seafood cuisine. What will round off an unforgettable visit to Iloilo, however, is an excursion to the Iloilo Sailing Club on a leisure watercraft. The club accepts visitors and encourages membership in the case of medium and long-stay mooring. It also hosts a number of amenities and activities, including a dinghy storage, a beach bar and restaurant, and classes for those who want to learn about sailing. In recent months, the Iloilo Sailing Club has also been a convenient meet-up point for big maritime events, such as the Iloilo-Guimaras Paraw Regatta and the Seafarers’ Job Fair.

Cebu Yacht Club, Mactan Island, Cebu

The historic Mactan Island in Cebu was the site of Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan’s arrival in the Philippines. Now known as a commercial hub that hosts a prolific furniture and musical instruments industries, Mactan is also the location of the Cebu Yacht Club, an institution that is beloved by the locals. Aside from being an ideal spot to restock on much-needed fuel and supplies, the Cebu Yacht Club is also a trusted club to commission for boat repairs. There’s a good vibe in this club for everybody, as it sports both luxury accommodations and a waterfront strip of restaurants that laid-back diners can frequent. MINDANAO

Holiday Oceanview Marina, Samal Island, Davao del Norte

The Holiday Oceanview Marina is a major attraction of Samal Island in Davao del Norte Province, one that welcomes Filipino and foreign yachtsmen alike to moor within its premises. The space is quite roomy, in fact, with 56 berths that can fit vessels up to 15 meters in length. The club also has a boat ramp that can accommodate boats up to 18 meters in length. The well-guarded and weather-safe marina is a gateway to some of Mindanao’s finest attractions, such as the Pearl Farm, Hagimit Falls, and Giant Clam Sanctuary.  

There’s no better way to discover the Philippines from end to end than getting onboard a seaworthy vessel and going on a long cruise, with stops in some of the most beautiful places in the country. Find a safe harbor in any of these major clubs and marinas, and participate in the renaissance of sailing in the Philippines.

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German warships visit the Philippines amid its South China Sea clashes after angering Beijing by sailing through the Taiwan Strait

Two German Navy ships are visiting the Philippines for the first time in over 20 years.

The port call comes amid clashes between Chinese and Philippines vessels in the South China Sea.

The German ships just transited the Taiwan Strait, which sparked anger in China.

Two German warships are visiting the Philippines for the first time in over 20 years after making a notable transit through the Taiwan Strait .

The port call, which Germany said is a reaffirmation of its commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region and rules-based international order, rhetoric commonly used by the US, as well as a testament to its defense cooperation with the Philippines, is set against the backdrop of flaring tensions between China and the Philippines due to disputes in the South China Sea.

The vessels, the first-in-class frigate Baden-Württemberg and the Berlin-class supply ship Frankfurt am Main, arrived in Manila on Monday and will remain in port until Thursday.

Per Andreas Pfaffernoschke, the German ambassador to the Philippines, the visit speaks to the ongoing cooperation between the two nations and "underscores how politically significant the Indo-Pacific region has become for Germany."

In an opinion piece for The Philippine Star , Pfaffernoschke noted that Germany's visit also showcases its commitment to upholding international law and freedom of navigation, coming at a time "when the international rules-based order in the South China Sea is constantly being challenged."

Pfaffernoschke added that recent incidents between China and the Philippines have raised concerns about security and stability in the area.

Clashes between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea have been escalating for months as China unjustly claims sovereignty over a majority of the South China Sea, defying international law while increasing efforts to assert its authority in the area .

The Philippines says that China is engaging in aggressive behavior within its exclusive economic zone. Chinese vessels have been documented ramming and harassing Philippine vessels, as well as blocking them from sailing through Philippine waters.

The port call by the German warships also comes at a particularly tense moment between Berlin and Beijing. While traveling to Manila, the Baden-Württemberg and Frankfurt am Main transited the Taiwan Strait , sparking backlash from China.

Unlike most countries that acknowledge that the strait is an international waterway open for freedom of navigation, China claims the strait as its waters.

"The waters of the Taiwan Strait, from both shores toward the middle of the Strait, are China's internal waters, then territorial sea, then contiguous zone, and then exclusive economic zone," Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Mao Ning said last week, noting that countries who navigate the strait should do it in accordance with Chinese and international laws.

When the Baden-Württemberg and Frankfurt am Main sailed through the strait last week, German Defense Ministry Boris Pistorius asserted this example of innocent passage was reasonable. "International waters are international waters," he said . "It's the shortest and, given the weather conditions, the safest route. So we are passing through."

In a regular press conference last Friday, Mao said China "firmly" opposes " any act of provocation under the pretext of freedom of navigation that harms China's sovereignty and security."

The People's Liberation Army's Eastern Theater Command took things further, saying "the German side's behavior increases security risks and sends the wrong signal," while the Chinese embassy in Berlin said that "the question of Taiwan is not a matter of 'freedom of navigation,' but of China's sovereignty and territorial integrity."

Read the original article on Business Insider

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Philippines: Philippine Boats & Navigation

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Welcome to the Philippine Boats and Navigation Page

This page serves as a bibliography.  Below are sources on traditional Philippine boats, boat-building, navigation as well as indigenous maritime cultures.  These sources are either available at Hamilton Library or on the internet.  If an item is available at Hamilton Library, click on the link to access the item's bibliographic record.  For items not available online or at Hamilton Library, please contact the Interlibrary Loan office .  

Types of Boats

General information.

“The World of Amaya” by Patricia Calzo Vega; GMA News, June 1, 2011.   This is an article about the karakoa built for the "Amaya" TV series, a Philippine historical fiction and period drama series set in the Visayas.

“Chika Minute: Amaya, ‘dilang basta seryeng pantelebisyon;” GMA 7, May, 25, 2011.    A two-minute clip which includes an interview of Dr. Neil Santillan of the University of the Philippines-Diliman History Department who briefly describes the similarities/differences between Southeast Asian and Polynesian canoes, among other things in the “Amaya” TV series.  In Tagalog.

For those interested in watching the "Amaya" TV series, it is available in DVD from the Sinclair Library Wong AV Center.  Click here for the bibliographic record. 

“The Double Outrigger Sailing Canoe of Zamboanga and the Sulu Archipelago, Southern Philippines” by Alexander Spoehr in Occassional Papers of Bernice P. Bishop Museum vol. 24 no. 7 (March 26, 1971): 115-126.

“Wa, Vinta, and Trimaran” by Edwin Doran, Jr. in The Journal of the Polynesian Society vol. 81 no. 2 (1972): 144-159.

Archaelogical Literature

“Boat-Building and Seamanship in Classic Philippine Society” by William Henry Scott in Philippine Studies , vol. 30, no. 3 (1982): 335-376.

“The Ingenious Filipino Boat” by FR. Gabriel S. Casal, Eusebio Z. Dizon, Wilfredo P. Ronquillio and Cecilio G. Salcedo in Kasaysayan Vol. 2: The Earliest Filipinos . (Article available via Google Search).

“Traditional Island Southeast Asian Watercraft in Philippine Archaeological Sites” by Ligaya S.P. Lacsina from The MUA Collection.

Soul boats are part of a pre-colonial burial ritual in which the soul of the departed is sent across the ocean on a boat to the afterlife.

“The Soul Boat and the Boat-Soul: An Inquiry into the Indigenous ‘Soul’” by Maria Bernadette L. Abrera.

The Songs of Salanda: And Other Stories of Sulu by Harry Nimmo (1994).  [Asia PS3564.I47 S6 1994]

The Sulu Zone, 1768-1898.The Dynamics of External Trade, Slavery, and Ethnicity in the Transformation of a Southeast Asian Maritime State by James Francis Warren (2007).  [Asia HF3818.S95 W37 2007]

Iranun and Balangingi: Globalization, Maritime Raiding, and the Birth of Ethnicity by James Francis Warren (2002).  [Asia DS688.S9 W377 2002]

The Sama, or Bajao are an indigenous ethnic group who live as maritime nomads in small, wooden sailing vessels.  They are from the Sulu archipelago, coastal areas of Mindanao and northern Borneo.

"Bajau  Laut Boat-Building in Semporna" by Clifford Sather in Techniques and Culture , vol. 35-36 (2001): 177-198.

“Boat Building: Keeping a Sama Tradition Alive” by Ma. Bernadette L. Abrera in Philippine Daily Inquirer (June 6, 2009). * The library has copies of this journal [ Microfilm 91041 ].

“The Boats of the Tawi-Tawi Bajau, Sulu Archipelago, Philippines” by Arlo H. Nimmo in Asian Perspectives , vol. 29, no. 1 (1990): 51-88.

"Religious Beliefs of the Tawi-Tawi Bajau" by H. Arlo Nimmo in Philippine Studies vol. 38 (1990): 3-27.

“Sea Gypsies Losing Out – Philippines” uploaded on YouTube by Journeyman Pictures on May 4, 2011.

• Full episode  (BBC).
• Segment featuring the Bajaus  (BBC)
• Segment featuring the Pa-aling Fishermen (BBC)

Related Literature

Bugis Navigation by Gene Ammarell (1999).  [Asia DS632.B85A45 1999]

Canoes of Oceania by Alfred C. Haddon and James Hornell, 2 vols (1936 and 1975).  [VM353.H33 1975]

The Prahu: Traditional Sailing Boat of Indonesia   by Adrian Horridge, (1985).  [Asia VM371.H67]

Sailing Craft of Indonesia   by Adrian Horridge (1986).  [Asia VM351.H674 1986]

Seafaring in the Contemporary Pacific Islands : Studies in Continuity and Change edited by Richard Feinberg (1995).[GN662.S43 1995]

"Shipshape Societies: Boat Symbolism and Political Systems in Insular Southeast Asia" by Pierre-Yves Manguin in Southeast Asia in the 9th and 14th Centuries edited by David G. Marr and A.C. Milner. (1986). Singapore : Institute ofSoutheast Asian Studies ; Canberra, Australia : Research School of Pacific Studies, Australian National University . [Asia DS 526.3 .S68 1986 ]

Small Boat Design: Proceedings of the ICLARM Conference on Small Boat Design, Noumea, New Caledonia, October 27-28, 1975  ed. by Johanna M. Reinhart. Manila, Philippines: International Center for Living Aquatic Resources Management.

"Trading Ships of the South China Sea: Shipbuilding Techniques and their Role in the History of the Development of Asian Trade Networks" by Pierre-Yves Manguin in Journal of the Economic and Social History of the Orient vol. 36, no. 3 (1993): 253-280.

Wangka: Austronesian Canoe Origins  by Edwin B. Doran (1981).  [GN635.I75 D67]

Related Links

Andy Smith Boatworks is a franchised yard company in Bohol, Philippines that customizes Wharram Catamarans.  It has a close relationship with James Wharram Designs , which specializes in self-build boat designs, including "traditional ethnic" models.

Bangka Journey.  A project by a group of Filipinos and Filipino-Americans as well as mixed heritage Native American/Filipino in the San Francisco Bay Area to reawaken traditional Philippine boat building and sailing as a means to connect people (across the Filipino Diaspora and with indigenous groups) as well as demonstrate sustainable living on the waterways.

Indigenous Boats: Small Craft Outside the Western Tradition.   This is the blog by Bob Holtzman of Rockport, Maine who holds a master's of Marine Affairs degree and has been involved with boats, including writing and editing materials about the subject.  The blog is about the various water vessels from different traditions, including Hawaiian, Native American, Chinese and Indonesian.  This is the blog page for posts about Philippine boats . 

Voyage of the Balangay .  This Kaya ng Pinoy Inc. project was to build a replica balangay (Batuan boat) and navigate through the Southeast Asian islands, rekindling the traditional Philippine maritime practice.

Philippine Studies Librarian Travel Report on Austronesian Migration and Voyaging Culture - Taiwan (November 26-December 4, 2019)

In Search of the Philippines' Ancient Maritime Past in Taiwan!

Related Literature:

Boat-Building and Seamanship in Classic Philippine Society

On November 28, 2019, I fulfilled one of my dreams - to trace the origin of the Austronesian's maritime tradition in Taiwan, the birthplace of the great migration of the Austronesian-speaking people from Asia to the Pacific. Austronesians are people from island Southeast Asia such as the Philippines and Indonesia, Oceania, Madagascar, and the indigenous people of Taiwan.

My own journey to Taiwan began three years ago when Pro fessor Jesse Liu, the driving force behind the revival of the ancient bamboo raft in Taiwan and Indigenous Taiwanese land rights activist, found me at the UH Hamilton Library reference desk. I might have talked his ear off about canoes in the Philippines. Since then, he never stopped reminding me of the importance of the Philippines in the Austronesian migration.

Speaking about the maritime culture of the Philippines at his International Symposium on the Migration and Voyaging Culture of the Austronesian people in Taitung, Taiwan, was amazing! It was such an honor to be among some of the best seafarers in the Austronesian region.

Fayang, bamboo raft with woven pandanus leaves sail created by the Amis people of Taiwan, at Flowing Lake, Taitung, Taiwan. It recreates a 30,000 - year old seafaring technology. Dr. Jesse Liu of National Taitung University asserts that these rafts may have been the founder canoes of the Austronesian-speaking people.

Fayang with a sail using modern materials. Flowing Lake, Taitung, Taiwan (2019).

Official visit to the Taiwan Council of Indigenous Peoples in Taipei (2019).

Bunun Territory (2019).

Visiting with Lan, Bunun Tribe Leader (Left), and Elena, UH Philippine Studies Librarian, at Yenping, Taiwan (2019).

Visiting the Tao, Amis, Bunun, and other indigenous Taiwanese was like meeting family from 300 generations ago (4000 BC). We bonded over shared language (isa...one, dalawa...two, tatlo...three, baboy...pig, aso...dog, etc.), food, similar facial features, songs, dances, promises of visiting each other again, and lots of Taiwanese vodka and whiskey!

Bunun Tribe traditional dance at Taoyuantsun, Taiwan (2019).

When a lot was lost in translation, we went back to the most basic of communication - affectionate touches, breaking fruits to share, warm hugs and smiles, sharing desserts, getting down on the dance floor indigenous Taiwanese style, hospitality, pantomime, kindness, generosity, and photographs! I’ve never laughed so much at a conference and dinners over silly new phrases like “shih shih too much” or “shih shih very much." Shih shih means thank you in Mandarin. These words summed up everything that we could not articulate in our language. Combine that with lots of food and spirits, and then it made perfect sense! 

Elena Clariza, UH Philippine Studies Librarian

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• Last Updated: Sep 13, 2024 3:30 PM
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Welcome to Palawan, where the Philippines rolls out some of the most jaw-dropping scenery on the planet. Drift through the Underground River, making new friends in the mysterious dark. Spend a sun-soaked day snorkeling in El Nido, discovering hidden gems like Secret Beach and Hidden Beach. This five-day adventure is packed with non-stop fun — just bring your sense of adventure and get ready for an epic journey.

Puerto Princesa to El Nido

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