BIG ANNOUNCEMENT: We've Changed our Sailing Plans and This Is Why

[@sailingrubyrose]

Hey everyone, thanks so much for watching and commenting! We're so excited about getting Ruby Rose 2 to the Med to enjoy some beautiful sailing around Turkey, Greece, Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica, Spain, Italy, Croatia, as well as perhaps some more unusual cruising destinations like Montenegro, Tunisia, and Albania. So many options and we cannot wait! To some of you who are asking why we're not sailing Ruby Rose 2 to the Med, the answer is simple: We want to go sailing in Greece, not go on a two year odyssey to get the boat to Europe. We actually first hatched our dream of living on a boat while we were in Greece and agreed that it would be the first country we sailed to. Ten years later and we still haven't made it- it's been a dream of ours for so long, and we're so excited to fulfil it at last! For some context: If you want to sail from Asia to Europe, there are two options. One is the Red Sea which is clearly not an option right now. The other is the Cape of Good Hope. The map I showed on screen of the route the ship will take is a shipping route only- a sailboat *could* do this route but it would be incredibly tough with a lot of upwind sailing and not many ports to stop at on the way. The better way (less stress on both boat and us) would be to follow the trade winds, which would mean crossing the south atlantic ocean to Brazil, sail up to the Caribbean, up to Bermuda, then cross back west to east to the Med. So from Thailand to Greece would take about 2+ years doing it this way, unless we treated it like a delivery trip which would still take about 18 months (have to do good hope in summer, have to do north atlantic crossing 6 months later in May/June-ish, it's now April... you can figure this out). Importantly, this would be no cheaper than shipping. If nothing else, the wear on our sails alone would be worth almost as much as the shipping costs, and there would be a lot of further wear and tear and possibly breakages- not because the boat isn't tough, but because that's just the reality of crossing oceans and hitting challenging weather, and boat parts and repairs are bloody expensive. In short, we've done ocean crossings and we'd really love to take Ruby Rose 2 across an ocean one day too, because we know she'd be so comfortable and it would SO MUCH easier than in Ruby Rose! This is all for our future. But right now we just want a yiros, m'kay? Hope you're as pumped as we are, because in the meantime we have 1600 miles to just get RR2 to the ship, so strap in and enjoy.

[@rbnhood39]

Sounds like you have a well thought out plan. Pull up the anchor.

[@effortlesschoice]

I look forward to the Med sailing. Having RR2 shipped was the best choice. Sailing through the Gulf of Aden & Red Sea (right now) would be like leaning into a right hook. Watched Zatara go through that area last year and it appeared a bit sketchy. Good luck! 👍😎

[@peetky8645]

@@effortlesschoice seems like with the increased military presence in the red sea, piracy would be less likely and a sailboat seems like an unlikely Houthi drone target? just rename your boat Jihad II for the passage. the line for the suez passage is likely very short.

[@LoriCatton]

Please, please, please document the boat shipping process. 🙏🏻

[@jackwickman2403]

What's the worst that could happen? No worries.

[@diane8885]

I don't know if you realize how happy you make some of us, who have never sailed, never seen places that you take us to!

[@sailingtelaru]

Congratulations Ruby Rose! We are currently sailing the med. We crossed the North Atlantic and went to Portugal, Morocco, Ibiza, France and along the Italian coast to see The Colosseum in Rome, then back to France and now sailing Spain... Love your videos and senses of humor. We'll be watching weekly as you sail the med again in new areas!

[@johnparker7945]

glad you finally got the handle on the boat. Seemed such a struggle getting back in the sailing vibe. Fair Winds!!

[@Nancelot13]

I love how Nick's shirt matches the fish...lol Y'all have a fantastic day!

[@HGills]

Haha I saw the t-shirt matches the fish too, nice color 🩵

[@Eddybarrett84]

Weirdow

[@CCRenger]

The Med! See you guys there. Vicariously at least. Always enjoy following your adventures.

[@ejs6010]

What an interesting change of direction - off to the med! Safe journeys.

[@StephenMann-j1p]

As a recently retired dentist, I see there is a life after dentistry! Been watching for years, starting with you motoring the canals of Europe. Nice work and your presentations of life are nice and real, good and bad. Best wishes to you on your new journey to the Med. Love the new boat. Cheers!

[@2212db]

It wasn't so long ago that you looked completely scunnered with the learning curve you were on. There were times I thought you were regretting this new beauty. It's great to see you a few months later with so much enthusiasm and enjoying RR2

[@mikemendes7598]

I've told you this before, but since you like hearing it.... I watch a lot of the couples KZbinr sailing channels, and you guys have SUCH a lovely, nurturing, fun energy about you. There is such obvious love and respect between the two of you, it really comes across in your videos. Can't wait to see your adventures in the Med! Greetings from (warming up) Denver, Colorado!

[@donrussell2017]

There is certainly a complex process working around wind and wave and container ships and global politics to get from point A to point B. How do prep the catamaran for shipment to avoid problems? Mold, security, costs....re-assembly at destination ...etc ?

[@missVmilne]

Well done ! We really do appreciate how much work is involved to bring us the videos. Of course, we wish you good sailing xx

[@earlhunt2815]

Age caught up with me so my days of open ocean sailing are over. Mercy, I miss The smell of the ocean, the wind, and the driving purpose to keep from breaking anything, satisfaction of fixing with whatever's at hand. Enjoy the life while you can ...The memories are with it.

[@lyucky1]

You guys are the best. I really appreciate what you do. I can't imagine how much work it is, always filming and editing. But your doing so makes the lifestyle so much more approachable for the rest of us. You deserve every good thing you get from it and way more. Running in to you at Seawind at the Annapolis Boat Show was the highlight for me. Best wishes and can't wait to see videos in the med!

[@effortlesschoice]

When you two took Ruby Rose 1 across France via the canals…that stressed me out. Removing the mast, rocking up to those locks (the first couple times). That whole experience would have started some day drinking. 😂 Sure was fun to watch. Quick Pattaya story: 1979, US Navy arrives in Pattaya for liberty. We’re on LHA-1 USS Tarawa (Landing Helicopter Assault), looks like an aircraft carrier. Only way to get to beach…Higgins boats, the ones that hit the beach, the front falls down, revealing many angry Marines. Well…in our case…that front fell down, revealing many happy Marines & Sailors in their best Hawaiian shirts. The tanning, hungover German tourists on the beach were “gobsmacked.” This is the moment the phrase “push me over with a feather” was invented. It was hilarious. Looking back, I don’t remember there being any high rises or anything more than a little seaside village. Anyway…after 4 days of annoying the locals (in a nice way), we departed. But…not before we took aboard 200+ Vietnamese refugees (boat people) who were hightailing it out of Vietnam. As we departed, one woman gave birth and named her baby after our ship…Grace Tarawa Tran. That little girl grew up to be a successful Pharmacist in the United States. Last but not least…why the heII wasn’t I warned how hot Thai food is…I almost died (drinking more beer saved me). 👍😎

[@sailingrubyrose]

The canals is, to date, our favourite memory of sailing (more boating I guess). We have such fond memories of that time. It was so much fun. Yes, I'm sure Pattaya has changed a LOT since the 70s, it would be totally unrecognisable

[@karenwigan7236]

Hey Nick and Terysa, I have been an avid fan for years and loved watching all of your adventures. You were the start of my KZbin Sailing obsession and inspired my husband and I to dare to dream this lifestyle in our retirement. We've decided that Greece is where we want to start (we are both Aussies with no sailing experience :)) I'm totally addicted to everything I've seen about Greece and I'm so excited to see your sailing adventures in the Med. Completely hooked. Your both amazing humans and content creators who are so generous with your time to your followers, forget the naysayers, you do your thing - we are all along for the ride and cant wait to see what you do next. And I'm totally ready for some Greek food reviews!!! Yammas See you both soon xx

[@roybrunner1896]

Off to the Med great choice. I’m sure you have lots of ideas, suggestions, and plans. One suggestion I think you should consider. Valencia Spain! Just a few reasons The cup of Christ is there. Paella in Albuferra ( probably miss spelled that), The central market, the City of Arts and Sciences, the Torres de Sorano and the Quart. All of which are great visually and a great story line. With a little research I’ll be surprised if it doesn’t make your short list. Love watching and follow you!!!!

[@meltonwilliam]

Love watching you guys. Happy to hear you guys are finally getting the bugs worked out.

[@haydenwatson7987]

I am really surprised that you are blaming Seaward for the dingy drop situation when it was clearly an operator error. If you wrap the line the wrong way round the winch, you get no resistance to the pull of the line.

[@warrenpowell6570]

I'm very excited for you guys, and I look forward to watching your new adventures. I am in the NW corner of Montana. I will never be able to do what you are doing. Thanks for letting me see through your eyes. 😊

[@sailingtelaru]

My husband and I are currently sailing the med as well.... But had to comment since you said you were in Montana. Absolutely beautiful there! How's the weather in April? Assume all the snow has melted...

[@berndvorreiter6873]

I'm from Europe and our favorite sailing area is Greece when RR2 is back in the water we will welcome you🥂🇬🇷🇬🇷

[@hmallett]

9:30 - 10:20 - Heartfelt and sincere. 10:20 - 11:00 - It all goes downhill... 🤣

[@cliffordguess1008]

Nick and Terysa, your devotion to each other and perseverance during difficult times are an inspiration to many.

[@MJGruskin]

Difficult times? OMG 🤨

[@krisvanaut]

Fantastic to hear you are going to the Med! Looking forward to the series, not the least to get some inspiration for next holiday locations and marina advise 🎉

[@slowJoe1509]

You guys are a hoot. I don't care where you are or how you get there, it's fun to vicariously experience those lovely locales! Cheers!

[@isnoo1]

Sooo damn glad to hear /see you are about to get back to your "real" life - sailing and adventuring!! Yes I understand REAL life is hard and can be very difficult......... but here is hoping you can have some real FUN in between!! HUGS to the two of you!!

[@j.a.n.8456]

thanks guys

[@paulwalker5921]

Great to hear you are coming to Europe! Looking forward to seeing the future episodes.

[@charlesreeder2594]

I love watching your videos. The trials and solving them are just life. Keep up the good work.

[@jamesrichter4611]

I love that you don't hold back your way to comment...you make it feel more real with no polish to us who watch and follow

[@TheThreebucks]

I am housebound with long Covid, and cannot travel anymore, and really appreciate your travelogue, humor, and honesty, and I love that little tea mug holder by the helm station, it makes me happy every time I see it!

[@patrickjoneill5836]

Pat-ta-ya (note correct pronunciation, P'tTAYa is what chav tourists call it) is not as seedy as you make out. If it was, it wouldn't be the weekend destination of choice for 10s of thousands of Bangkok families. The place gets completely congested at weekends and we never go there then. At other times it's a good place for shopping, restaurants and other amenities.

[@jrosesftv]

Love watching you guys, Nicks sense of humor and Teresa's down to earth sensibility. Good speed and looking forward to the Med videos.

[@tm502010]

Ah, the perfect location!

[@KirkThomson]

I am sure the Med will be a fantastic time for you! Turkey is exceptional.

[@darrenykema979]

For me and the Mrs we hope you both keep having fun We hope for a bloody miracle and maybe we can get to the med It's been 20 years since we were in France

[@luciaraubenheimer5638]

So exciting🎉, may you have an amazing sail❤

[@whitneylake2107]

That solar panel issue is odd but should be fixable. Solar panels should have ventilation underneath despite flush-mounting being a nice design. They can get too hot. I hope the issues get worked out. Safe journeys

[@marcusleather1329]

It's so great to see you both happy with Ruby Rose 2. I was at Beaulieu at the end of last season next to Ruby Rose 1. . If you ever bring Ruby Rose 2 back to the UK it would be great to see up close.

[@craigmathieson970]

Nicks not making you a cup of tea,but reackon your Sydney pearents are happy your living your best life

[@EpicTyme]

The bravery you both exhibit through all your trials and tribulations is inspiring, thanks.

[@marcussydnor1907]

I have enjoyed your sailing content for a good bit, fair winds and following seas

[@GaryLeahy-vc2jp]

Just a note on anchoring as I had a Crowther 10m catamaran for 40 years and used a 60 lb CQR and 60 m of 10mm short link chain and never used an electric winch which worked all the time so operated manually with which assistance. I would attach a 15 lb anchor on 3m of 10 mm chain attached to the main anchor with a shackle if I needed extra security in gales and never dragged! Give it a try with your spare anchor and a short length of chain. Good luck! Gary

[@mikethomas2138]

Stumbled into your channel a few months ago, because of the Wynns, but I’m glad I did.

[@kirk9671]

I see you two as the professionals - I have had a cat for 2 years now and am still feeling my way around. It is nice to see you learning stuff even though you have many more miles sailed than me. (We use zip ties to make sure our bridle hook does not fall off when lowering the anchor.)

[@kimvanderlaan4120]

I’m so excited for your new season? Did you say you’re shipping the boat? Interesting! Love you guys

[@cflowrider]

I have been watching with a smile from the beginning - and if I hadn't I'd go back and watch from the beginning. My week would not be complete with a bit of Nick and Terysa. I am very much looking forward to your adventures in the Med!

[@pamheller5526]

I love your open honesty when things go well and when they don't. We can feel your frustration, fatigue and excitement. So happy to have you back sailing and being able to come along with you on your wonderful adventures! Thank you!

[@martyd5819]

Good to hear you are getting things sorted. Safety first. Will be watching where ever you go. Fair winds. ⛵

[@AnnaleeD]

Enjoy your content. Looking forward to the Med season. Wishing you best of luck with the repairs to Ruby Rose 2.

[@johnboy5038]

A new boat will always be stressful and it will take a toll on you both but it's great to see you both finally destressed and looking way more smiley and happy. Look forward to following you around the Mediterranean.

[@vraymond108]

Aww, so disappointed we won’t see you Shetland this Summer. 😢😂😂Maybe we will find you in Turkey this Winter. 😊or Malta or Tunisia or Gibraltar? Last Spring we took our boat up the Guadalquivir to Seville. Nick since you like to play guitar you might really enjoy it there. Theresa can practice her Flemenco moves with the best of the best. 😊 Enjoy no matter what. So happy to know you will back in our neck of the woods.

[@rayhargreaves6177]

Very interesting you are going to ship Ruby Rose. It would be cool if you could sail with her and document the journey. Enjoy your content. Cheers from 🇨🇦

[@patreilly4293]

Great video! I really enjoy your travels.

[@targetspecies]

So pleased you’re off to the Med. Looking forward to future vids. Take care out there!

[@sailingtelaru]

We've been sailing the med... but seems like they're going to be sailing Greece and some areas we haven't made it to. We too are excited to see what's to come!

[@williammacpherson2906]

You are a great couple. Outstanding team, negative people drive you down. Nick. You go through. things mathelogically. And doing a great job at it. You're living a life .Most people only Fantasize about. ❤😂😂

[@exploringlife738]

We were never so constrained, in the place I used to work, with sticking to just one language throughout a single sentence. Sprinkling words from four or five languages all through our sentences had us laughing, and generally understanding, what everyone was trying to communicate! So, you brought back great memories, and I thoroughly enjoyed that segment. What absolute fun! The Tower of Babel has nuthin' on you guys!

[@eschrad]

The ending with “Duolingo with Nick” was gold! Looking forward to the season in the Med!!!!!

[@HGills]

So so excited to follow you guys to the Med and some more adventures. It’s a dream of mine to one day cruise the med in our own boat but for now I’m happy to follow along with your guys and keep dreaming xx

[@miguelvarela5417]

"Olá" "muitos idiomas" nice accent. You are prepared to come to Portugal 🎉

[@kathyline11]

Love the episodes, glad to be on board!!

[@briansmith1720]

MAY THE WINDS be with you both... I so look forward to your next adventure..

[@markrudd917]

The issues you’ve had recently bring the dream of cruise sailing into stark reality. It’s hard work to ‘improve your lot’ and ‘enjoy yourselves’. (Not being ironic there!) You and the Wynns are demonstrating this in spades!! Keep plugging away and let’s hope a season in the med can see you more chilled.

[@juanbauza2329]

Safe travels! Good to see you guys smiling again! Keep those sails full!!!

[@paralifeppg]

I find yall very entertaining. Thank you for taking us along.

[@sailingtelaru]

Aren't they great? They never cease to give us a laugh at some point int their videos!

[@srj2590]

Come on folks 23 thousand views and only 4 thousand likes? Show them some love for sharing their adventures with us now and in the future.

[@bobuncle8704]

Smart call skipping the canal. Looking forward to the Med

[@patrickcrane1651]

PSYCHED that you guys are headed to the Med. Like you guys, I started with a monohull - still have her (50’ Beneteau from new in 2012), and thanks in part to your review series, got hooked on a Balance 526. Will be talking to them soon. Having sailed the Med many times, I’ve always wondered whether a catamaran is feasible given the more cramped marinas and ports. Your channel will be an invaluable resource. Best of luck with the next chapter!

[@HighAnxi3ty]

Something Positive! Sorry for the idiots that type crap.. they probably couldn't survive all the stress you've gone through the last few months. I wish I had the courage to do what you two have done. Thanks for all the time you spend sharing your adventures.

[@Four_Words_And_Much_More]

As I recall, this is hull number 1 or 2 for this edition of the SeaWind 1370. Then again my memory says you optioned the 1370 very specifically for your purpose. All of this is good. And all of this is a recipe for designs that are not as good as a company like SeaWind would like. I give SeaWind full credit. They want to make a quality boat that satisfies many tastes and uses. And one more time, this is hull number 1 or 2. Did you expect perfection that early in the build cycle? Hmmm. I think you have done very well given the hull numbers. Good luck in the Mediterranean.

[@Usepen]

😂 can’t wait to see what’s next!! 😅

[@Gottie1959]

I am from Cape Town South Africa and really enjoy all your videos

[@dennynelson4481]

I’m 79 now and I love sailing with you I enjoy your trips and going along with you May we have happy sailing

[@gbsailing9436]

Hey Nick, did you get a new wrist attached in the last week? I see the suture line and change in suntan at the same place: 08:55. Interesting, I think I'll get mine done as mine done too as my right wrist is Catus! Great update. I hope your 2024 plans come to fruition and that the shipping goes ahead without a hitch as Tula's Endless Summer had issues with their delivery (as you may already know). Here's hoping. 🤞

[@chrisc99999]

Following your journey has been so inspirational. Can't wait to follow along when you are in the Med

[@codegame027]

I suspect a visit to "curiosity" will be in order during boat work and shipping.

[@TouchMilap]

Cause those two know what they're doing. 😂😅😂😅😅

[@rburn99]

@@TouchMilap Cause they were on Ruby Rose 2 when it was delivered and they just got delivery of Curiosity 2 and because they are friends.

[@webheadusa9377]

Cause it's nice to have a dentist and an EMT on board. :¬) Webhead USA

[@sailingrubyrose]

We'd love that! N&J have been kind enough to extend an invitation :)

[@Shibalvr]

Looking forward to that!!! 😊😊😊😊😊 so close to La Vagabonde 3 as well. Before all three of your boats head in totally opposite directions on the globe!

[@jimconner1028]

Good to see you both smiling. Also somewhat glad to hear you're Med bound. Some of my favorite episodes of RR were when you were knocking about those lesser known ports in France and vicinity.....Safe travels.

[@williamdykes2750]

Shipping to the Med is great news. Really solid decision.

[@webheadusa9377]

RR2 is going on a solo cruise! How exciting! Hope the bubble wrap keeps her safe and sound. Meet up with Curiosity - they need an interpreter, and I think they're in your corner of the world. :¬) Webhead USA

[@anna-tn2ww]

Excited to see where this journey takes you!

[@sailingtelaru]

We are too! We loved their previous sailing in the med in Spain and France... Can't wait to see where all else they end up!

[@richardcamp8301]

I can see a lot of others loving the content but for me i miss the longer more involved vids from RR!. I'd guess you've tried to stretch the Thai experience so you can flip straight to post shipping in Europe. Shame you didnt follow FTB and GWTW east but you need to do what is right for you both

[@briancochran8356]

Thanks for the lovely video. HAppy to finally know your 2024 plans. Looking forward to your adventures in the Med.

[@JustinCaseSolarPower]

Good luck with the solar panels. That sort of panel always overheats and under producers due to heating issue. I was quite surprised to see them being used on such a nice boat. Sometimes they try too hard to save a few kg. Looking forward to seeing you both have lots of fun next season. You're going to miss the green grass of home 🤣

[@mountaindweller9118]

Very True! They have also been known to damage the gelcoat underneath the panel.

[@marcushamaker]

It's hard to convey exactly how much we mean things by writing them in a comment section. If I was sitting in front of you, it would come across with so much more emotion. You guys are wonderful to watch. I love that your videos have a certain rawness to them. You don't apologize for who you are -you wear your heart on your sleeve and it's a breathe of fresh air! I love Brian and Kazza, I love Riley and Elayna - but I feel like you show us a little more of the raw side of the lifestyle. I appreciate that. Now that I have blown a little smoke up your arse - go sailing! We're watching :)

[@aliciahambly6629]

I’m really surprised by some people in the comments who are cranky that RR2 is going to be shipped to the med. Despite the fact that Nick and Terysa owe us, the viewer nothing, from my perspective it makes perfect sense. - They left off their sailing adventures on RR1 in Europe - so they can continue their circumnavigation - they are familiar with the med and Europe - and have produced amazing content in that region before, and it makes sense to start the trip in the seawind facility in Turkey - they’ll be able to cross the Atlantic, experiencing familiar cruising grounds in the Caribbean and then do the pacific crossing sooner rather than later. - it will be nice as a viewer to watch content in a different part of the world, considering so many channels are in Asia and pacific currently! Jot to mention Zatara really sped through the med, and we didn’t get to see much of it. - if you’ve been watching their channel for a while, this decision would not come as a surprise, it’s always been on the cards as an option… All this to say, RR2, pumped to see your adventures wherever you decide to go!

[@MistaEmPe]

Could you please share what other channels are currently in asia? I am reallly missing quality content from that side of the world..

[@aliciahambly6629]

@@MistaEmPe The Wynns are in the Philippines, Vagabond are in Malaysia, Sailing Nandji has been in indo/malaysia/thailand for ages and although they are about to leave if you haven’t watched their channel there is plenty of SE Asia. Cruising kiwis have also just arrived to Maldives after a lengthy stint in Asia.

[@nooneanybodyknows7912]

​@MistaEmPe Quality content of Asia sailing: Sailing Florence and Follow the Boat. It's hard to beat real people who couldn't be farther from the Vaginabond types. Sailing with Thomas is a superior sailing channel in that area, which doesn't sugarcoat sailing. He's a favorite. For footage, Sailing Catalpa spent a long time there as well before California and Mexico.

[@PJCelis]

@@MistaEmPe followtheboat is also in Asia.

[@georgegilbert7347]

Wind Hippy Sailing is in the Philippines and planning on going to Australia. She is a solo sailor on a small boat; quite different from GWTW or RR2 but still very interesting.

[@harterbob]

Very happy that you’re shipping versus sailing RR2 to the Med. Hopefully Seawind will make you whole again.

[@johnvogel6896]

Enjoy your videos and the sharing of your ups and downs. Life is not all sunshine and rainbows and it is a breath of fresh air that you show real life issues on your travels.

[@michaelhaardt5988]

It looks like you not only shook the gremlins out of RR2, but also out of your expectations on who you should be. It was great to see you so happy.

[@erikranger241]

Good for you! Follow you needs, follow your wishes. We will follow .... or not. so be it you will survive and thrive! Best. Erik

[@davidmcbee814]

Great to hear the laughter and see smiles.

[@sailingtelaru]

We watch them every week for their incredible sense of humor! They keep us laughing.

[@jiminauburn5073]

Spent a week on Ko Chang when I was living in Thailand. It is nice there. Would have loved to been able to sail around there.

[@CaptainOdark30]

Exciting news! Where does RR 2 get shipped to; what country?

[@sailingrubyrose]

Turkiye

[@26N80W]

Boat is amazing and truly demonstrates the beauty and functionality of a modern well designed catamaran. I really love these new Seawinds.

[@williambremner9022]

We've sailed up and down that coast (Malaysia/Gulf of Thailand) so many times. Love it.

[@paulbrach5778]

It’s great to see you in a better place enjoying your boat. I was worried about you for a minute.

[@WyckoffMode]

I'll say it again... Balance Catamaran installs SOLAR PANELS properly by having brackets to raise them off the top to allow wind to flow under the panels to cool them down; which will enable them to operate more efficiently and likely help them last much longer as well due to less heat. By the way, I'm only sharing my honest opinion. I love your channel and I like Seawind. Unfortunately, the solar panels they use are not the best implementation for efficiency and longevity. That's not something I care to deal with every 2 to 5 years. Balance Catamaran has shown the way in regard to installing panels on a boat for the best efficiency, longevity and maintenance. Stay Awesome! David

[@jackwickman2403]

Can you walk on the raised Balance panels?

[@sailingrubyrose]

Sure- you do lose efficiency with flexi panels. But it's pretty standard on catamarans these days, and the advantage is you can use your coachroof and walk on them instead. Nothing's perfect. We're happy with our solar!

[@WyckoffMode]

@@sailingrubyrose Hi Mate! I agree in regard to finding the "perfect" boat checking "all" the boxes. Example: I like the layout of the seawind salon more than the balance 442 salon. I like the forward opening windows in the seawind 1370 more than the balance 442. However, I like there is more storage on the 442 than the 1370. I like the solar panels more on the 442 than the 1370. It's all a matter of personal preference in regard to which is more important to the buyer. I get that... I wish there was the perfect boat out there but there just isn't. At least not one I have seen yet. In regard to solar panels usage with Li-ion batteries and the 7kW alternators; I would rather have less solar panels running more efficiently which last a long time with double the capacity of Li-ion batteries than what is standard spec in order to run multiple AC units all night on a full charge and run the engine to charge up the battery bank again the next morning for an hour or so and let the solar panels "assist" charging them during the day. The only reason I made my comment was in the hope Seawind would read the comment and "potentially" consider making changes to make their boat even better with the solar in my opinion. Would my personal preference require less solar panels to allow room to walk safely around the main sail? Sure... but I would add more panels above the dingy to add more charging capacity. My opinion is a better boat requires less maintenance over time with less maintenance cost. Especially, for those of us on a budget. My first example of that is the way balance does their solar panels. Another would be to have as less stainless steel as possible for less maintenance and reduced replacement costs. Having shaft drive instead of sail drive for propulsion. Shaft drives require less maintenance and replacement cost over time. To me... It's a given to make less maintenance and less maintenance costs over time the highest priority and I wish all manufacturers would make this a priority for the environment salt water boats are in 24/7/365. My wife and I are on a budget. Maintaining a boat can be expensive over time. Especially, if equipment, systems and materials used in the boat did not have "maintenance costs" as the highest priority during the engineering, design and build of the boat. My favorite performance catamaran cruiser manufacturers are Seawind and Balance. They both are the two clear choices in my opinion. I have a bias against HH due to them being manufactured in China. That bias is due to political and geopolitical reasons. Especially, with China's recent threat of putting ANYONE in jail (including Americans) if they say anything bad about China on social media. This means you could be on a layover flight in Hong Kong and find yourself being arrested and put in jail for a negative comment made about China in social media. I love your 1370 and would take it over the HH any day. Seriously... I'm super stoked y'all collaborated with Seawind in the development of the 1370. Do I think it could have been better in regard to solar and other means of reducing maintenance over time? Yes... But that's subjective by personal preference. I'll stop rambling and let you get back to your day. Enjoy the rest of your week and Stay Awesome, mate! David

[@anthonyrondolino8148]

Good job matching your T-shirt to the fish decor…

[@tomjarecki]

@@jackwickman2403 Don't know about the Balance panels, but I would expect not as the brackets are designed for the panels, not people. In any case, no, you can't walk on rigid panels. But how is that a problem? The only part of the cabin and bimini that you need to walk on is the central portion to access the boom - the rest can be panels that you can't walk on.

[@gregwarren7746]

Great trip around Thailand, loved all the episodes, and a pleasure each day to watch your adventures ..... and yeah dump those haters

[@erichyney6287]

Isn't your vessel a sail boat ???

[@andyd8185]

keep on sailing and don't forget to make us aware of your north American stops.. Cheers from Canada