How we afford to Sail Around the World - Full time sailing on a Budget - Ep.79

How we fund our dream and what it took to start out sailing around the world. After 4 years of full time travel sailing around the world, we explain how we fund this dream life now in our 30's rather than waiting until retirement. We break down how much it cost us to sail around the world over the last year, where than money was spent and where the money comes from. Answering is one of the questions we are asked most often. How do we make our money as digital nomads off grid full time sailing on a budget.
We are a British couple who set off from England in 2016 to fulfil our dream of sailing around the world on our 37ft sail boat, Florence. Along the way we share the live aboard lifestyle with the highs and lows of travelling around the world by boat, our own little tiny house. Boat life out at sea on the ocean.
Support us on Patreon: / sailingyachtflorence
You can also follow us via our blog at www.sailwiththe...
Music in order as played:
Keep Walking - Alvaro Angeloro - www.hooksounds.com - Creative Commons - Attribution
A Hopeful Tomorrow - Nick Petrov - www.hooksounds.com - Licenced
Cinematic Fall - sound2ears - www.hooksounds.com - Licenced
Funky Motion - Nazar Rybak - www.hooksounds.com - Licenced

[@kevinhiggins23]

One of the most humble and enjoyable sailing channels I watch. Keep living the dream, you guys are awesome!

[@deaconkameron2308]

You probably dont give a damn but does any of you know a trick to log back into an Instagram account..? I was dumb forgot the login password. I would appreciate any tricks you can offer me

[@deandreparker4161]

@Deacon Kameron instablaster =)

[@deaconkameron2308]

@Deandre Parker I really appreciate your reply. I got to the site on google and Im trying it out atm. Seems to take a while so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@deaconkameron2308]

@Deandre Parker It did the trick and I now got access to my account again. I am so happy! Thanks so much you saved my account !

[@deandreparker4161]

@Deacon Kameron you are welcome =)

[@neilgordon8145]

What a brilliant video. When I say I hope you never come back, I mean it in the best possible way! How could you settle down into a regular life after the adventures you have had? It is a terrible thing to have had the best years of your life before you are half way through. You are inspirational, I look forward to your vids, and wish you all the best with your adventures.

[@danielchavez2887]

I'm a latino who grew up in LA. I know nothing about boats and maybe have been on three boats my whole life. This channel is inspiring to me and you two are some of the most genuine people. I love watching your videos and getting updates. Live in the dream as much as you can!

[@sd3693]

"In hope of inspiring others." This evening, I'm putting a deposit down on a bluewater cruising boat just a hair bigger than Florence, which has an awful lot of my refit list work already done on it. Thanks for sharing your videos! They've been a big highlight, and a push.

[@sd3693]

...and now it's done. Alea iacta est!

[@SailingYachtFlorence]

Awesome, best of luck to you!

[@johnlees1176]

Good luck Susan.

[@popsoldboats3406]

Susan i hope you have some video of it.

[@alr2656]

This is why I appreciate you guys so much. Your comment about the trust fund is the way that I tried to raise my kids too. You know the meaning of life. I figured you two out the first time I saw your videos. I wish the World was full of people like you.

[@evslone]

Too often in modern times we think of education and growth in terms of school and textbooks, but you two have enriched your knowledge and skill sets beyond measure. Your photography, videos, music, story-telling and on-camera charisma will carry you in good stead throughout your life's adventures. I am so impressed by your planning, discipline, thrift, and genuine values -- somewhere your parents must be incredibly proud.

[@MrLebro11]

You may just end up rich & famous. Absolutely love your work. By far the best sailing channel out there and I watch them all. Other channels pale in comparison. Another informative, beautifully shot & edited vid. You inspire my husband & I to keep working towards our goal to be out on the water. Keep up the magnificent work. ❤️

[@chinoodin4735]

I remember the indecision, the jumping off from a land living life, the jumping into the love of sailing you were both so fond of...your ability to not only express details in a fun and entertaining way and give recognition to the uncertainty of the future has been refreshing, but the job of doing this work and editing the “good life” has been a joy to watch! It’s your story and it’s still playing out. The work of filming and editing is no easy task to make it both entertaining and a document to your years in the present. Your film techniques, the eloquence written to the areas visited have educated and inspired many for sure and improved vastly from the early you tube releases. Again I remember the first few releases and wasn’t sure if the story line would hold my interest, but each time I returned, I saw the format improve, the visual become awesome, the story continuing and the wish to see more of what tomorrow would bring. Changing the beginning music and intro was huge! It created anticipation of new and fresh adventures... I know these things don’t go on forever, but it’s been a joy to watch you share what you have and share your spirit for an adventure few of us will ever experience. Cheers 🥂 take care...

[@SailBeforeSunset]

One of the better vids on finances. Much thanks. We’ve retired early and been able to sustain, too. Goodonya for being so vigilant with your finances!

[@MrCrabbing]

Well done, I hope you can keep on cruising for as long as you want to

[@robbiemorrison1181]

“Well that’s mostly down to you, but how does that work?” *Advert begins* Well played

[@darrenmanser2847]

You both richly deserve every joyous moment you experience

[@diesel8869]

The right kind of "trust fund". Seek it, and truth will set you sailing. Good job guys. Notification bell on officially.

[@tomst9417]

The " trust fund " from your parents is a wonderful gift which far exceeds any sum of money. You have an appreciation for the natural world and a keen sense of adventure which you generously share with us , as well as excellent videography skills and an easy style of communicating. I am in awe of how low cost your adventure has been. Of course not being encumbered by all the stuff we have in the rat race life helps! Thank you for the many hours of enjoyment your videos have provided,. In my opinion you have the best KZbin sailing channel by far. I would be very happy if you continue your circumnavigation for a few more years! A fair wind and following seas. :-)

[@barbarianlife]

You did the right thing. You will not regret it. You will land on your feet when back in the UK. Well done!

[@WM_Partners]

I know you are both adults in your thirties, but this comes from a retiree in his late sixties, so please take this as the complement it is intended to be. YOUR PARENTS SHOULD BE SO PROUD! You are the young adults every parent hopes they raised. You are humble, humourous, engaging, and delightful without being trite or obnoxious. Your videos are beautifully shot, insightful and well edited to provide the mix of relaxing travel footage, interesting commentary, and lighthearted adventure. This video in particular was just wonderful. The introspection needed to realize and then reveal your "trust fund" was perfect. The best gifts in life aren't things, and you got that in spades from your parents. They gave you the greatest gift of all, and you are using it to explore your world and live your dream. They must cry with joy when they watch every video. Well done, Amy and Matt. Well done, indeed. You guys are fantastic.

[@georgehockaday7584]

Ya'll never acted like "Trust Fund Kids" Keep living the dream. Dee and Deb

[@georgehockaday7584]

Yep, we spent less than 50 per week.....on wine. Dee and Deb Chesapeake Bay Virginia

[@SaltyNomad]

My god you guys are so humble! I love it. Safe travels.

[@brutus7319]

There's so much to say about this video! In summary: Your editing and filming skills are superb. All filming is outstanding. If you later on can't find a job in your previous professions, you can start as documentary makers I would say. Both your presenting skills (appearance, voice, body language) are impressive. Lots of detailed information, I haven't seen any other cruiser given such a huge amount of insight. Big shout out to your parents for raising you with this thrust fund, the world would look way better if more parents raised their children like this. All together you very well deserve to make the trip of your life in your 30's! Cheers and happy sailing!

[@brutus7319]

Forgot to mention that is was very funny to see the mini-you's :)

[@ronhinks]

I have watched many of your videos, and I feel blessed to be able to share your experiences. As I approach retirement, I definitely fall into your "FIRE" category. May your journey continue safely, and full of fun

[@chappyd5109]

Absolutely the very best explaination of cost and income. Thank you for sharing.

[@Bill_N_ATX]

Great video. You guys have not only got the frugal lifestyle down pat, you’ve got really good at making and editing videos. You put a lot of effort into it and it shows. There are the folks that crank out one a day and it shows...and those of you who turn them into a production. Both are OK, but I really appreciate the effort you go to. I’m in the broadcast business and I know what it takes to do this level of video. It’s not quick. Thanks!

[@man-with-handle]

Totally agree that the effort is most definitely visible and the quality has improved dramatically as a result of the investment into new camera equipment. Always a joy to watch and look forward to and the honesty about the 4th year income is admirable. Keep up the great job on the videos because there is so much more to look forward to. Thanks guys.

[@andiharper5563]

Sailing Florence (Matt & Amy) is the best sailing/travel vlog by a country mile. Meaningful, honest and informative videos… great and genuine content of excellent quality. Unlike some sailing vlogs, Matt & Amy never simply ‘churn out’ content of limited value…. Indeed, Sailing Florence is of documentary standard. I also like their ethos and values… you never see them drinking beer, expensive dining out and living-it-up on donated funds. Matt & Amy have earnt their sustainable position. Good luck

[@SVBlownAway]

You guys make the best sailing adventure videos on you tube we love your ethos and hope you NEVER stop making videos or lose your humble approach to life

[@Maui-nf6yx]

I love that laugh in the intro when you have the dolphins on your bow

[@jeffdouglas9437]

Simple, beautiful, informative and honest video. Amy and Matt you brighten my day ( In stage 4 lockdown in Melbourne ) and allow me to dream. I hope England is still many more years away. Stay safe and healthy. NOT THE END

[@timh6385]

"Not the end" - love it! :-)

[@dougturner489]

A 45ft Catamaran and a pile of money behind it.... Ha... that's my current plan... Can maybe do it in about 7 years, right before I turn 50. I really appreciate you guys sharing all of this information and your through process behind it!!! Thank you, so much!

[@AndoCommando1000]

My 2 favourite sailing channels now become 3 favourite sailing channels Sailing Millennial Falcon Sailing Zatara and now adding Sailing Yacht Florence to the list!

[@soving]

freshingly transparent. Thank you for showing the way

[@petewitt2867]

Thanks for your honesty. So refreshing!!!!

[@johnlees1176]

Great job you two. It's sweet you're justifying what you do & how much it costs but there's no need - we all earn money for a bunch of reasons. Do it & love it. Respect. JohnL

[@richardrose7382]

I waited until I retired, now I have health issues and more limited mobility as well as a pension that doesn’t cover much in the way of living expenses. My advice; do it while you’re young enough to really enjoy it! Fair winds and a following seas, you two!

[@corujariousa]

You two made an important decision that required faith, courage, planning, collaboration and lots of strength (physical and psychological). Congratulations! I wish you continued success. Stay safe, strong and together.

[@trinadecker657]

You guys are my favorite sailors! So glad you were 100% funded you deserve it!

[@satw3673]

Good luck guys , making my plans as will to go to the sea, thats why I am here

[@feamechCanada]

I am moved, touched and inspired by you🌟

[@sixtenfredriksson1224]

I just love to hear that You are able to continue living the cruising life and share it with us. I, and I think many others, is sitting in our own boats dreaming Your dream. Simply love it.

[@randyd4456]

I've been following you guys for some time now along with several other couples that are living my dream. You are hands down the best out there. Your videos are always exceptional. You care about and respect all cultures and each other...and most important...the boat. You have my respect and I hope you make enough from your work to continue your voyage and have a pot to launch you back into life...or start another circumnavigation ;) waiting for next video....

[@SailingYachtFlorence]

Well there were so many places we didn't have time to stop at the first time round... ;-) Thanks for your kind words Randy

[@alr2656]

You know, you may end up rich and famous too.

[@clifflong1203]

Brilliant explanation and accomplishment!! My wife and I are just getting started at retirement age, but better late than never!👌

[@johnkwong9819]

Junk rig is most suitable for short handed cruising, especially safe for older people. You can learn a lot from junkrigassociation.com .I am also retired and sailed junk rig.

[@Gilespargiter]

That was an honest and succinct video. Thankyou. You sure are making the most of your trust fund!

[@cswannack4120]

Thank you for the time you take on your videos!! I look forward to them and appreciate the sharing of your budget/finances as you did in this episode and in episode 51

[@TopD90]

Thanks for sharing, wonderful video. One thing I noticed you didn't mention is medical costs...! But the two of you are young and you're careful. "Stay Healthy and Stay Well!"

[@davesimpson7416]

Many thanks for explaining your journey. Yes redundancy is actually positive energy to asses and change your life for the better. Happy days and love your down to earth attitude. Safe travels from NZ.

[@jackbrunner4126]

Wow. I projected 170,000$ Minimum to sail my boat around the world. You guys are awesome! Your parents taught you how to economize extremely well. I sense the biggest weapon you have is what appears to be a loving couple with an incredible unity of purpose, emotion, and cooperation, that enables you to stay on task and budget. BRAVO!!

[@PhilLemoine]

Happy to be a modest patreon and had no idea this would have contributed to 100% funding of year 4... Enjoy it until everyone here sells stuff and follow your wake !

[@SailingYachtFlorence]

Thank You Philippe, we have been blown away by the support that we receive and also amazed at how little it can cost to live this life (if we are careful).

[@matthewpocock4824]

You two are so practical and wise beyond your years. Sailing can be expensive, but some costs are controllable, and you do it well without sacrificing the simple pleasures of life. Great video.

[@christophermelo7889]

The hardest part of returning will be understanding how anyone can get so excited about baubles and possessions when memories are the only treasure you keep forever. Be prepared for the low that follows achieving a dream early - it is said that the two worse fates are dreams unachieved and those achieved early. You have each other and a clear love that will give you the energy to look ahead to the next big dream with the experience to know you can fulfill it. Thank you for sharing your adventures!

[@SherrynMorgan]

Fantastic breakdown. We have a garage sale tomorrow to get rid of all our stuff so we can move onto our sailboat. Then it’s save save save until we can take off. We are in our fifties so won’t be returning to work……we want to go now but just need to keep working through the process

[@hakanweidrup8357]

Very kind of you too chear this with us. Thanks alot.

[@itsajourney2611]

Out of all the sailing channels that put out "How can we afford this video", you are the only one that was honest enough to mention the monetarization of the videos. Gone with the Wynns, Sailing Devois, and the Z boat could learn from you guys

[@freefallpilot]

I really really love your channel! Your videos are so well scripted, filmed, and edited! Definitely my new favorite sailing channel 😊

[@stevelee7713]

You are two of the most genuine and humble people on youtube. So inspired by you both and really loved the honesty of this video. I never comment on youtube but just wanted to say your style is so refreshing. Love it. Thank you for being so real.

[@simonbroddle754]

You missed the "4th Factor". That is having each other, being prepared to live and work together as a team as much as a couple. Lovely video, thank you.

[@allmightygreat1892]

That was a good thought to get quality filming equipment and put effort to you tube. Allow you tube to pay for your hobby. Thank you for this video.

[@bryankuhl9436]

I love your videos and greatly admire what you have done and I am happy to help with your support on Patreon. It is great that you are inspiring others to take the adventure of a lifetime; but anyone starting out need to understand that without a free set of new sails you would be in a significant bind now on your budget, not able to sail home safely and not being able to afford what is needed. When budgeting someone needs a reserve fund, and cannot count on being able to do this as economically as you have done so far. Hope the Quarantine ends soon, Happy Sailing!!

[@SailingYachtFlorence]

Hi Bryan, Thanks for your support :-). We were gobsmacked when the offer of support came back from Rolly Tasker instead of a price when we asked for a quote. That has meant that the contingency fund is still there to deal with the next problem instead of being spent on sails. We think a new mainsail would have been between $1K and $2K. More info on quarantine for us coming up in the next video. Thanks again, Matt and Amy

[@chipbhi]

You two are so inspirational!

[@andycavalier1920]

God bless you both, life is so short,live your dreams.

[@bdphourde]

I'm not any where near getting caught up in watching your videos but I jumped a few years ahead to this, the most current one, to see how you were progressing! I am really amazed at the quality of your videos since the beginning! The resolution has increased, but certainly the editing and story flow has increased in quality significantly! You have moved up to the top and there are some good videographers in the making out there! I am glad things are looking up for you. It is shown by all your hard work! This video was done amazingly well and it's just a financial recap!!

[@briglnai]

thanks so much for those insights! this gives me hope to finance my own voyage, maybe even in my 30s too... Though I am planning to do the "seasonal" model... You both have my full respect in making your dream possible, and to give us those detailed insights in your financial aspects... Keep up the great work! 😎👌

[@robertkreamer7522]

You are both such a refreshing breath of fresh air on KZbin! Thank you for sharing your adventures 😎🌴

[@knobblystudios6237]

This is fantastic. I congratulate you both on your success. The rest of us numpties can just follow along in envy (the positive kind). 😘😘

[@NotMitch69]

We’ve been at it for 2.5 years. Still stuck at the marina working and outfitting/upgrading systems which is SUPER expensive, but will soon be out there.

[@clark7662]

Again so informative and inspiring. I really look forward to the next video. It was nice to take a break from storm (derecho) recovery efforts to see your video here. Thanks.

[@earthangel8730]

That was a horrible wind storm. I feel for those who were negatively impacted.

[@Ajojets]

One word. Fantastic

[@MichaelMechsner]

Great video as usual. I know that you’ve answered the “cost” question in a previous video - but thank you for the update. I admire you both for taking the chance to go early! My wife and I are now making plans to do it in retirement. But earlier in our lives (when we were in our 30’s) we were at “cross roads” of career and buying a small boat and going. We chose the career path, and there have been times when we look back with regret. Now we are hoping above all else that our HEALTH will continue to be good (the costs are now accounted through savings)!

[@MichaelMechsner]

BTW thanks for putting it all in US$ for us “Yanks.”

[@MichaelMechsner]

One other Q - will there be a video on your Vietnam adventure? Or is it already posted?

[@SailingYachtFlorence]

Hi Michael, Thanks for your support! There is a written blog on our website about our trip to Vietnam but not a video. Filming takes a huge amount of time, placing cameras, walking/riding past them then returning to pick up the camera. Instead of doing that we wanted to focus on making the most of time with Amy's brothers. We would love to go back one day with the cameras though :-)

[@goingmouch3753]

I have only once gave to patron as things are tight and we all know it’s going to get worse...However , you two I will definitely start to support.. I can’t explain why, but there’s something really nice about ya... PS, under no circumstances must you ever say sketchy please please please always say dodgy lol.. it’s nice hearing English speak English

[@peterb871]

Respect. Well done. A perfect example of the difference between price and value.

[@richardkelly1124]

Really great video - very honest info for us dreamers.

[@peterstocker6863]

Thank you , I appreciate your honesty,

[@GuidanceFS]

Great video guys, thanks for being so transparent. Wishing you huge success.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Truly a superb video! Although we're not sailing, we've been doing the FIRE thing since before it had an acronym. At 35 (and my wife 38) we quit our full time jobs when our twin girls were born. We love travelling and do so on a shoestring budget like you. Our girls are 13 now, and we've been showing them your videos some evenings. You've got one of the best channels on KZbin--certainly the best in the sailing world. Keep up the amazing work and thanks for keeping the videos alive even when it's so difficult to upload them these days. Wishing you guys the best! Stay well!

[@sailingmoonshadow3169]

A really great video guys. It's so interesting to see what the real cost of living this way is. My own budget was pretty much on par with what you had in your first video about this but, unfortunately, due to C-19 just over half of my income has dissapeared (at least until the end of the year). This gave me a bit of a dilema. I had quit my job literally 5 days before the lockdown started in the UK - I had planned to set off at Easter. Of course that didn't happen and I had to make a choice of trying to get my job back (but the company I worked for aren't hiring - in fact they are closing a bunch of shops), or setting off anyway and hoping for the best. As a fully paid up member of the glass half full club I set off on 12 July. I'm looking at several options to generate some extra cash but only time will tell if I made the right decision! ps my first KZbin video will be release soon!

[@crikycrocky]

Well done and good luck and fair winds.

[@MichalHolec11]

You are doing a great job. THANK YOU

[@SamsonMugo]

Very inspiring. Keep on winning guys.

[@chrissugden164]

That was brilliant. Thanks. Only discovered your channel about 18 months ago and now check out youtube for at least 24hrs before each video is due. Have not yet caught up with all your videos. A pleasure to come. Thank you Matt and Amy for so much enjoyment .

[@normandlandry1398]

You are both a inspiration to take the plunge early in order to follow your dreams. Kudos to making your travels last far longer than you initially expected. Thanks for sharing and for making such entertaining, high-quality videos.

[@theTeslaFalcon]

We live in Midwest USA. Our food costs for wife and I & 6 kids (8 people) is ~$350/wk. My daughter and her family (4 people) are having income fluctuation issues, so we often buy her groceries as well for a grand total of ~$500/wk in food costs. When they move in with us next month, they should be able to divert their rising rent payments into savings and food so I expect our food budget to drop to closer to $350/wk again. As inflation and supply shortages causes prices to rise, we might see a $400/wk food budget with minimal changes to our purchasing. We're looking at alternative sources, diets, and bulk buying to stabilize the avg cost of a family meal. Even still, that's 7 days of food for 8 people for only $6-7/person/day.

[@trevorward1690]

Always a pleasure to watch your videos thankyou. 😊😊

[@camilaguimaraes1916]

You guys are driven, resourceful, creative and think outside the box!! Great job!!

[@how2shorts540]

Amazing and very doable! Thank you, very inspiring.

[@timsteppeler7489]

I practically grew up on a boat and always wanted to sail around the world. Not done it yet but I did help a friend cross the Atlantic back in 2004. Done a lot of long distance cycling including across SE Asia. Unfortunately I forgot to retire in my 30s. Now in my 50s and getting ready to get sailing. Point to note, US$15000 per annum for 2 people really is a lot cheaper to live on for a year. People don’t realise how economical life on a boat can be.

[@pmnfernando]

really nice cost breakdown! hope you continue for as long as you wish.

[@nickacelvn]

17:00 Worth every cent.

[@Aheitchoo]

Yall are my favorites, I think because of how not douchy you are. Thank you for being who you are.

[@peterrobinson5576]

Fair play guys. Actually made me a little emotional.

[@Plantandpeoplecarer]

Well done guys.... You've inspired me....

[@robsierobs]

Not the end 😎 This is my new, favourite saying!! Looking good guys, great summary, funny how people see you!! 😂 The quality of the videos & aerial shots are superb! I know how much time you spend making these videos for us all, which clearly has paid off!! Amazing that you’ve so many followers now & star patrons. Big love to you both. Keep being brilliant. Linda xx

[@LuftKorps]

Congratulations and good luck for you guys!

[@howardheckers8186]

Thanks for sharing this video, this really helps finishing my spreadsheet on living cost as I'm planning to sail the world, been working for 2 years on the spreadsheet you like you did. love all your videos and can't wait till the next episode

[@Godzilla9]

Appreciate a lot what you guys are doing, best wishes.

[@markrickel1632]

Love this video! Really appreciate the openness with your budget and how sponsors are keeping you going. I was thinking it would take 3 years of production with a patreon account for a good channel to support budget cruising.

[@mikewoodard6984]

Completely agree with kevin higgins below. I've watched a number of channels. I enjoy following yours the most. I think it's partly your frugal life style, your low budget beautiful monohull, but mostly your personalities. You seem to be people I would enjoy having as neighbors. Best o' luck to you.

[@coug96fan]

Great break down... Makes me think it is possible!

[@pvince71]

That is one of the best informative videos I've watched, great work, keep going 👍

[@Thomas-eu6fj]

Thank you guys for making the most professional Videos on KZbin. Unlike many with Million subscribers and only couple of hundred actual viewers, your subscribers and your viewers are very close in numbers and that says it all.

[@dagj8299]

We are getting so inspired by your videos and good explanations. Hanse boat is ordered. 😃

[@ToddDuplerDUPDAWG]

Excellent video ... A ton of great information! 👍🏻👊🏻✌🏻