THE MOST IMPRESSIVE OFF-GRID ISLAND WE’VE EVER SEEN (full systems tour)

Self-reliance is a necessary way of life as a sailor. And this island has given us sooo many ideas for our sailboat!
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Self-reliance is a necessary way of life as a sailor. The longer we plan to be at sea, or on a remote uninhabited island, the more self-sustainable we need to be. Which is why we always say, Self-Reliance + Sustainability = Freedom.
Naturally, we’re always on the hunt for new ideas on how to better manage our floating home and limited resources.
And if there is one thing we have learned over the years, it’s that most of us will commit to almost anything if it saves us time or money. But it can’t come at the cost of comfort or convivence. In other words, the world isn’t going to move to foot pumps for water to save money on electricity.
But if you can guarantee me some solar panels will pay for themselves and then provide years of free electricity, then I am in.
So, when a long-time viewer and patron reached out about a remote island in Thailand with luxurious villas that have been off grid for over 20 years…we knew we had to check it out.
And wow, it really is the most impressive and inspiring off grid systems we have ever seen. We’re talking about a serious little slice of paradise completely designed and engineered to work with nature from the ground up.
Our minds are now reeling with ideas for our boat! Hopefully you will find a little inspiration too.
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WE’RE JASON AND NIKKI WYNN. A couple of modern-day documentarians, perpetual travelers, and seekers of tall tales.
We’ve been chasing our curiosity around the world on wheels and keels since 2011. Why? Because curiosity is the key to unlocking life. It pushes us outside our comfort zone, softens our assumptions, and helps us embrace the great unknown. The more we let our curiosity lead the way, the more we discover about ourselves and the world around us.
Our home is also our transportation and we spend weeks away from civilization and sometimes land. Self-reliance and living a sustainable lifestyle are a must. It's all about managing our resources and we’re always looking for new and better ways to do so.
We've lived off the grid for over 10 years now in everything from a Van to RV to a Sailboat. And over time we have learned a lot about renewable energy, creating safe drinking water, and managing our waste.
Our journey is ever-evolving but the mission remains the same: #CultivateCuriosity
Timestamps if you like to Jump Around:
00:00 Off Grid Island of Koh Racha Yai
02:11 Save the Trees
02:52 Capture Water & Protect the Aquifer
03:41 Use A/C Water Condensate
04:18 Make HOT Water from the Air Conditioner
05:07 Grow Local Fruit & Hydroponic Lettuce
06:47 Water Treatment - Sanitize, RO, UV & Glass Bottles
08:02 Reduce, Reuse, Recycle & Repair
09:21 Turning Food Waste into Gas & Compost
10:37 ZERO COST Solar (Shading & Rain Water Capture)
12:45 Solar-Diesel Hybrid Generators & Free Hot Water
13:07 Laundry Waste Water - Removing Detergents & Chemicals
15:04 Sewer Water Treatment & Recycling Water
17:12 How The Racha Relates to our Sailboat
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#BoatLife #Catamaran #TravelVlog #DigitalNomad #LifeStyle #Sailboats
© Gone With the Wynns 2023

[@JosePedroEspinosa]

I am an engineer and have worked designing, building and operating wastewater treatment plants. What you have just seen is a gem and deserves all our applause. Regarding Nikki and Jason's intention to implement wastewater treatment on their boat, my opinion is that it is unnecessary. The amount of pollution that two people generate is infinitely less than the pollution generated by a large school of fish, dolphins, or just one whale. The sea is itself a gigantic waste treatment plant, and to pollute it it is necessary to concentrate a gigantic amount of waste in one place and for a long time, like a city does. A sailing boat, which is in one place for a short time, and with only two people on board, is absolutely incapable of polluting anything. My suggestion is that they never allow a drop of hydrocarbons to reach the sea, neither fuel nor oil; and that they use biodegradable detergents, which are on sale in almost every supermarket in the world. They don't need to do more. Increasing the weight of your boat thinking about treating wastewater means increasing pollution by having to use engines for more time instead of sails to navigate, keep your boat as light as possible and that reduces your carbon footprint much more than treat your wastewater.

[@cleanriver2]

The wastewater caveat would be in coastal areas. While the wastewater is possibly even beneficial in the open ocean, coastal areas tend to be nutrient over-enriched, which leads to a variety of ecological problems. Most notably, it causes algae blooms. When the algae decay they pull oxygen from the water, which creates dead zones, affecting coastal marine life in a variety of ways. I always wonder what's happening with their wastewater in these crowded anchorages. I haven't seen anything about how much wastewater storage they have, or about getting pumped out at marinas. It would be interesting to hear more about that. If they are doing coastal zone wastewater release, I think their best upgrade would be more wastewater storage, so they can hold it all till they get offshore.

[@JosePedroEspinosa]

@@cleanriver2 Totally agree.

[@littlebitofhope1489]

@@cleanriver2 Plus, with 8 billion people on the planet, it is never just about two people.

[@lisaevans5840]

​@@littlebitofhope1489exactly!

[@davidallen9526]

@@littlebitofhope1489 however, everything begins with only one doing his or her small part.

[@ldirk58601]

I want to send this to every city planner in the US. It should be standard practice where it can be done. Amazing!

[@maryyankauskas4309]

Might not be effective or efficient in northern US cities.

[@stylezlp]

@@maryyankauskas4309 Or canada. Solar is a challenge, even in Vancouver when most of the year is overcast.

[@reesbritton6623]

We can’t even agree that humans cause climate change in America… this will never happen🤷🏼‍♂️

[@carlthor91]

The Southern US, would save billions of dollars. West central plains of the US and Canada, would do quite well. The picture of the gen-set heat exchanger, brought me back to the 80's-90's. I worked in a gold mine in the arctic, we used much larger versions of those plate style exchangers to scalp off excess heat from the LARGE Diesel gen-sets, water jacket, oil and exhaust. The exhaust was cooled to a point where we weren't cold stacking the system. We had electricity/heat, hot water, for the same price as Con-Ed was charging in NYC, @ 64°55' N. Best wishes from Northern Canada.

[@darlenarusso8235]

Hopefully city planners would like the idea. Gas and electric companies won't like it since it would cut into their profits. I'm with you on the idea tho.

[@mikedean8061]

I heard about the hot water from the A/C unit over 30 years ago. I had a system called an ECU system installed 30 years ago on a house I was having built. I live in Florida, so come late spring to early winter, I shut my hot water heater off, saving a ton of money, and use the hot water from the A/C. I have replaced the heating coils in the hot water heater only once in 30 years....another savings....:)

[@clearwaterflorida5267]

I too live in Florida and had the heat recovery system from my ac to hot water heater but as the heat pumps have become more efficient there was no heat exchanging to heat the water to any use... remember water temp straight out of the tap is 55f in the winter.

[@MrOso36]

I live in CA. I bought a house that had passive solar panels that went directly into a hot water heater. The water heater was 9 years old when we bought house. We lived in the house for 33 years. The hot water heater was still in good condition when we left. In the summer my gas bill was so low I was just paying the mandatory minimum charge. Passive solar hot water in the right latitudes makes a lot of sense.

[@justincase5272]

Nearly all brands of both electric and gas hot water heaters these days come with models with built-in auxiliary heating sources. These can be connected to solar hot water heaters, sand batteries... Basically, any external source of heat, including another hot water heater.

[@valmikabeneteau7229]

Those solar hot water systems are awesome. I put two of them in down in Baja. We attached a 5 gallon propane water heater just in case but I don't think its ever kicked on. The water out of those (down there) is hotter that anything the propane heater puts out. Apparently they had many of these in Ca. before energy got so cheap. I think they may make a comeback. @@MrOso36

[@frak357]

Large yachts use centralized coolers/heaters/heat pumps with redundant bypasses to water and engine cooling systems. Vs smaller yachts which typically use independent self-contained units. But one can convert over and be more efficient.

[@lunchrevisited]

I visited Koh Racha Yai by sailboat back in the 1990s when it was an undeveloped wild place - just a few huts and beautiful clear water. I'm glad to see it has been developed so thoughtfully and sustainably. Thanks for highlighting this positive example.

[@CreekRanger]

First you show us what a health system should be now we get a lesson on smart Eco city planning. Love what you do you are not a sailing channel you are ambassadors of what could be. ❤

[@cathyvirnoche3603]

Yes they could be ambassadors to what we should be doing!! With the health systems and now the eco systems.

[@nicoles4014]

The people on this island are the real heroes, I'm deeply impressed and thankful to see such a perfect way of living ❤️

[@danrambow7721]

as an old engineer, I was impressed by their physical plant for the hotel & island. A model for the rest of the world. As full timer RV'rs, we pride ourselves on maintaining our small footprint on the world, but these folks have taken it to a whole new level. Thanks for the very informative tour.

[@totallybonkers]

This is amazing. I wish every new community in the world was built like this. Everyone takes part in helping to keep the community clean and lessen the impact on our earth. It's really next level thinking and a wonderful, sustainable system.

[@SRM_NZ]

I can't wait for the next boat update.....and just want to express how much of an inspiration both of you are in promoting a clean, healthy future for all of us, without having to move into caves and wear banana leaves fashion.

[@stephki5812]

I’m absolutely in love with this island and definitely adding it to my travel bucket list! ❤🎉 Thanks so much for sharing the behind the scenes tour, showcasing the mastery of this place!!

[@byzughtfarnault2519]

What is the name and where u get the boat from?

[@laurence9695]

On my boat, i had electrolysis sewer treatment. It was electric, and handled black and gray water. It was powered by the solar panels. What came out the other side was 'drinkable'. This was Australia in the 90s, and was accepted by every marina on the seaboard. Not super expnsive, took up less room than a holding tank, and i didnt have to carry waste, or find pump out stations. Electrosan is the brand i had. No smells.

[@gonewiththewynns]

Thanks. We'll look into it, I've not heard of that brand before. 🤔

[@annchapman4220]

You mentioned wanting tips for other ways to be energy efficient on your boat. Have you considered solar cooking? As an example, the GoSun solar cookers can come with a marine clamp that allows you to cook while you sail. It might be a useful backup system -- or allow you to do baking on hot days outside of the kitchen.

[@jr.6199]

I so hope Racha inspires both the civil engineers and the individual Nomads. Most of us know we have to figure this out for every level now. Those dragging their feet will be carried along with us, because that is who we are and why we're here...to help those less fortunate. Keep us posted on your boat's progress, especially if any ideas arise for reducing the grey and black flows. Goodspeed!

[@trudymccann3671]

Another Wynn's Win! This knocked it outta the Park! WOW! What a cool place, and paradise on top of it! Thank you for this new twist on recycling everything! Namaste!

[@kurtblaser9421]

You guys continue to amaze me! Another excellent video!

[@chrishamilton2527]

We carried two vertical farms on our boat when we circumnavigated. Scrap food went into centre compost section. Even with two of these there was not enough fresh products to sustain us but, wow, it provided us with regular fresh treats of veggies / fruit. I’ll do it again when I sail again.

[@dianastevens9156]

Hello Nikki and Jason, I do enjoy your videos and this one was no exception. I was introduced to them years ago by my nephew and his wife, Kevin and Jeannine. These videos have brought me much joy over the past few years. Thank you.

[@karenpolansky9097]

I love this! Have you thought about doing something with your food waste? I bought myself a Lomi (but there are other brands too) and I LOVE it. It basically composts your leftovers and turns them into “dirt” in a few hours. Using a different setting that takes a bit more time, you can use it as compost for your plants (the heat on the shorter setting isn’t good for the nutrients). It a nice looking unit that sits on my counter, and it doesn’t use a lot of energy. Anyway, I’ve been thinking about it for a while for you.

[@robertjones9606]

Where I live on the shore of a large freshwater lake. There are no city sewage lines or leach fields, we all have aerobic septic tanks. They are aerated and the overflow after treatment is clean enough to water the grass. Small tank systems are available that may fit on your boat. The aeration pump may use some energy and care and feeding of the tank so that the fecal matter decomposes is necessary. About every 10 years we pump out some sludge just to be cautious. The standard systems are anaerobic, these use air and are called aerobic! You may find this type of system appropriate and already existing.

[@vickyoakes4584]

Thank you for this video, I really appreciate seeing this island living like this. It just goes to show that it can be done, and should be done around the planet. 😊❤

[@marysheehy4733]

Wow. So interesting. That resort is so beautiful and to be off the Grid!!

[@melanieshirkey5276]

You both bring such amazing vlogs! This island was incredible of the technology that they are doing their part to save the planet! Thank you for sharing!

[@kelleypitcher8754]

This is amazing, and one of the many many reasons I love your channel! I wish more people with the means did this, and more governments took notice. Thanks for putting it out there. The more often people like you do, the better informed we all become, and the more likely someone will be to duplicate this marvelous feet! ❤❤❤

[@LavenderLori406]

The entire Earth should have been running in this way since forever ago. Thank you for showing us this. What a beautiful thing.

[@cmdr_zer0821]

😮This video blew mind there’s more things required to be truly off grid and sustainable in sync with nature 🧘🏽‍♂️thanks for sharing 🙏🏽

[@kcsunnyone]

This is amazing and so inspirational! You two could become travel writers if you ever get sick of sailing. Beautiful video; thank you!

[@rongaskins]

These two are already travel writers ... and gold stars in doing/being so.

[@moviebuff6490]

There is hope for the future of our planet, this is how to do it. Absolutely wonderful ❤️

[@susanwatson1599]

Necessity truly IS the mother of invention. We clearly "have the technology" and innovation. What we really need is the will to put these systems in place everywhere and provide the financial incentives to aid implementation.

[@akhilchalil1585]

In Koh Kood i have noticed that there were fallen coconuts everywhere. Many of them were in germinating stage. No one bothered about it. Resorts could have given 'coconut apple" as a compliment to customers or include them in breakfast buffet.

[@pacmania1982]

Aw! Singh helping Jason out in the cupboard. Miss your fur babies

[@robertscottmarlowe4675]

Amazing video about an amazing place. I can't help but feel that one of the most fascinating elements is that the resort seems to have done all this while making little or no compromise to the comfort of the guests. That, in particular, makes me hopeful.

[@arulyfe6383]

I love seeing off the grid homes but this place is on another level! The video just proved it's possible for a city live off grid. I love it. Thanks for sharing!

[@lorq3370]

Boy you two have come a long way since your RV'ing days.

[@nemo227]

All through these years we've actually been learning stuff from tuning in to the Wynn's channel. Thank you, sincerely.

[@majortom2224]

First...Nikki you are so smartly dressed. Second this video should be the model of what our future could be if we have the will.

[@kskhew3377]

I bathe, shampoo and brush my teeth with minimal baking soda, and try to capture the water from all that which I use to water plants. The tropics tend to produce acidic soil, so this helps to neutralise it. Just the microscopic part I play in reducing the pressure on water treatment. In addition, not only am I healthier, the bathroom stays cleaner for way longer! 😁

[@robertbarstow5289]

Hi Wynns as a retired wastewater treatment plant operator I enjoyed the section on wastewater treatment! But honestly I enjoy pretty much everything you post! Have fun and come visit Avila Beach California when you get your new boat!!

[@CandycaneBeyond]

This is a list art fixing things. We need to go back to it

[@coffeeenjoylife]

To anyone who is reading this right now, i love you and so do many others. You have nothing to worry about, take a breath and appreciate the good things about this world. Everything is and will be okay, you’ve got this and i love you

[@MichaelKilby]

This is one of your best videos. I hope it gets a million views. Everyone should know theses things about their communities and vacation resorts/cruise ships etc. thank you!

[@jimmyrants4342]

I am so impressed with this complete system. WOW, do we have a lot to learn in this energy hungry world. GREAT video.

[@BigFireDave]

I use to work with some farmers in Ohio and had a chance to see Methane digesters, as they are called there, in action and had the chance to help build one. They also had some operating solar electric systems, and wood gas engines for generators. I had a chance to help design a wind generator, I had been exposed to them in High School having met and talked with Mr Jacobs who was the leading designer and producers of wind generator systems before the government "electrification" projects were initiated shutting down his business. He had one that he sold to the government for use at the South Pole. When a search team found the old abandoned research station in the 60's or 70's the windmill was still tuning in the wind and they hooked up their batteries from their vehicle to see if it still worked, and it did. Lots of alt power sources that America learned to live without because they could just plug in much easier.

[@stylezlp]

I LOVE how informative this video is for sustainability. Its such a unique way to relate to everyone. Really cool vid.

[@JB-eg1tb]

The endless possibilities and potential when intentional design, thoughtful planning and responsible management are implemented! I appreciated hearing how "organic or earth friendly" laundry detergents aren't safe for all plants and gardens. Would be interested in hearing more about separating laundry gray water should yall decide to implement this!

[@blackpepper8430]

This place is absolutely amazing. What an amazing commitment to sustainability and self sufficiency. I could watch a two hour video about everything they do!

[@cindyfleer2248]

I love that’s it’s another video from the Wynns!

[@looyosummers5796]

What an excellent video, we should be doing this all over the planet.

[@m1dn1ghts3w3rr4tzzz]

So happy to see you again, healthy and happy! This island really embodies what you two are all about. Finding ways to be adventurous and respectful to our precious home. I agree that every city, town, village in the world should practice respectful and renewable ways to keep our earth healthy and vibrant. There is no way anyone can deny our world is struggling and not doing well. What few places on earth that remain pristine are quickly losing the battle. I beg all of us to do our part in taking care of this precious miracle of a home; she is all we have and she needs us right now. Keep up the amazing work and knowledge!

[@imscanon]

What a gorgeous eco-island. Wow. Thanks for showing this to us. It's amazing to know they can do all that and live companionably with the Earth. Love it.

[@Theriangage]

This is amazing! The world would be so much better if every city adopted this! Thank y’all for once again teaching me something new and also once again blowing my mind 😂❤

[@MastaMan88]

the best system for "battery storage" is by utilizing reservoirs and water pumped to higher elevations with excess electricity then utilizing down flow to power turbines.

[@davidav3980]

As always really good videos. I will put this island in my bucket list. Thanks !!!

[@Pouncer_Fox]

Literal. Paradise. Thank you for sharing this great video.

[@robertlalor8090]

Inspirational. The future could be bright if we learn from these wonderful examples. Thanks for sharing.

[@HTC9184]

A true paradise…in every way. Thanks for sharing. 🏝️

[@EnoughTimeTravel]

Super lovely, inspiring video. Thank you for continuing to pave the way ❤️

[@midiacoste7506]

This made my day! Thanks for this outstanding vlog!!!!

[@michellepaperchaser]

Informative and inspiring The island looks like a true paradise. A Wynn Win

[@jamesbolling6407]

AMAZING, WOW, IMPRESSIVE, This video needs to blasted across the planet.

[@janicearmstrong9645]

Fascinating! Fabulous episode!!!!

[@michaelchownyk5255]

You can use electrolysis to purify, black water and gray water, including laundry detergent. And then filtration will take out the solids. Years ago when I was studying this process, I experimented with all kinds of materials and it works with everything I’ve tried. If you just take orange juice and electrolyze it, it becomes clean water and brown, floating crud same with urine. I’m going to try a little experiment today with laundry, discharge soap and measure the ppm. I also have an off grid solar powered house

[@jsm99]

I think this is the best production quality of any Wynns video I’ve seen. Amazing!

[@nomennominandum2453]

Your thoughtfulness is amazing!

[@gonewiththewynns]

You're amazing for helping us do what we do! Thanks for being a part of the team! 💙💛💙

[@sharynlynmorgenstern9594]

This is just incredible! Wished most resorts, and cities we’re like this. It can’t arrive soon enough ! If we haven’t said it lately THANK YOU !!! Thank you for making great video on important topics, places and people in between you boating adventures.

[@srqlisa7881]

I am just blown away by the island’s resourcefulness. How cool are they, we have a lot to learn from them. Would love another video on anything else, so much to learn about. Please share more.😊

[@SerenaMaeTV]

This is so amazing! Definitely inspired every time I watch your videos!! And this place looks like paradise - I hope to visit it and learn more as well!! ❤ Kudos to whoever recommended it! 😊

[@ingridbrooks7422]

Microgreens could work on the boat. You can grow them on a windowsill or under a grow light indoors ❤

[@sebastian681224]

This should be the model for any island. Thanks for highlighting the importance of the background workings of those beautify paradise developments.

[@RacovitsaD]

This is beautiful and wholesome

[@nevermind2394]

LOVE LOVE LOVED this video SO MUCH!!!! You guys are absolutely THE BEST! 🙏❤️🙏

[@fa0712]

Small scale type 1 MSDs are widely available, and it has always baffled me that they aren't standard issue on cruising sailboats. I've been chartering sailboats for 30 years, and have only had ONE with a type 1 MSD installed. No holding tank, no smells, pure sterile discharge of treated waste directly overboard. I would love to see you guys collaborate with HH to put this on your catamaran (and make it a standard on all HH catamarans)! I believe the device on the boat I chartered was a Raritan ElecroScan MSD system.

[@liz.mcdonough]

This is one of the most interesting videos you’ve made. Fantastic information.

[@baldyralphie1]

Wonderful episode, thank you!

[@ladybofbosham6117]

One of the best videos you guys have done. Gosh please send it to every prime minister every royal family every God damn country. No reason any country should not be replicating this absolutely no reason.

[@teresapittman8354]

And this is why of the boat channels, you are the best!

[@hardpass9855]

This should be shared and implemented EVERYWHERE!! What an amazing way to live!! Thank you for sharing 💞

[@carlthor91]

I live in the far North, most is nice, but not practical, winter time 9 hours of daylight? Nope, thankfully we are situated between two hydro power plants.😎 Makes life a little easier. Still -35 C is not fun.

[@careycathers3454]

Thank you for this episode. Very informative.

[@misskymbo]

This resort is amazing. I loved all this back end stuff. I find it fascinating. This should be the future of how towns and homes are built. So much to take away from this, thank you both for filming it!

[@leighsirvent654]

Utopia!! Wow!! That’s so incredible! Hopefully, people are paying attention. Time to share!

[@paulw8860]

one of the most educational episode

[@-B.H.]

Oh wow that is a pretty stunning place. Love the dedication in the ground up approach to create such a minimal impact space.

[@jennifer_u]

Absolutely love Nikki’s outfit 🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@CCB249]

Wow! That Island is fabulous! Thank you for sharing. Put this on the list to visit!

[@desertartturtle8190]

Thank you for sharing the video, incredible island!

[@francoispanneton609]

Very interesting and inspiring. Thank you for sharing. Excellent video as usual.

[@tunamaniak]

This is super informative and full of interesting surprises. I learned a lot. Thank you.

[@davidm6553]

How exciting! Love it.

[@dbfmster19]

Thank you guys!!! I love this content it is so hopeful! I hope it inspires everyone to see what's possible!! Thank you again... WOW!!!!!!

[@itenee]

Thank you for sharing this! What a beautiful space they have created

[@MalKyle1]

Absolutely loved this. Thank you

[@bradsquirrel7923]

This was quite a different episode, but I geeked out with you both. Thanks for going in a different direction. It is one of the things I like about your channel.

[@tomrauser4720]

Wow, what an amazing place, it totally demonstrates how these things can be done, on a big or small scale, thanks so much for sharing this

[@isnoo1]

I LOVE what you do on these types of videos!!!!!! YES!!!!!

[@SecretSquirrelFun]

What an awesome place. Thank you for sharing. 🙂🐿🌈❤️

[@laurierodriguez1432]

Soooo amazing...we need to do this everywhere✌️💜

[@jnbond]

Thank you for sharing this! That is just amazing what they were able to accomplish!! Bravo!!

[@hayleyjones6302]

Thank you for another great video guys

[@leemiller2811]

Love this. Love your excitement and curiosity. You are dear people. ❤️

[@richarddaniel2416]

Inspiring, especially the water treatment.

[@katiehanson6253]

Just started this video but kudos to the editor the wave transition in the beginning was epic!