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Liveaboard Sailing Podcast

Liveaboard Sailing Podcast

Annika Rautiola 84 Episodes Jun 3, 2026

The Liveaboard Sailing Podcast takes listeners into the world of people who live and travel on their own sailboats. Host Annika Rautiola, who isn't yet a liveaboard herself, has honest conversations about the decisions, doubts, budgets, storms, relationships, work, and courage involved in cruising life. Each episode goes beyond destinations and boat specs to share warm, meaningful stories and practical lessons learned the hard way. It's a source of inspiration and advice for anyone dreaming of living afloat or already cruising and craving connection.

Episodes

83. What a Marine Surveyor Looks For Before You Buy a Boat
83. What a Marine Surveyor Looks For Before You Buy a Boat Jun 3, 2026 45:25 This week, I’m joined by Aaron Bandstra, a marine surveyor based in the Pacific Northwest, for a practical conversation about boat surveys, maintenance, and what buyers and owners should really be paying attention to.We talk about what surveyors actually look for during an inspection. Aaron also shares what signs often point to a well-maintained boat. We discuss how boats that sit unused can age d
82. Shorthanded Sailing and a Changing Sailboat Market with John Neal
82. Shorthanded Sailing and a Changing Sailboat Market with John Neal May 27, 2026 1:03:04 This week on the Liveaboard Sailing Podcast, John Neal from Mahina Offshore Services returns for another practical conversation—this time around shorthanded sailing.We talk about why checklists matter, how good systems reduce stress offshore, and what sailors can do to make shorthanded sailing more efficient, safer, and less overwhelming. We also shift into the current sailboat market, because for
81. Sailing the Northwest Passage – Adapting at the Edge of the Chart
81. Sailing the Northwest Passage – Adapting at the Edge of the Chart Apr 23, 2026 59:22 Mike Beemer is a marine technology instructor and sailor who, in 2025, took part in an expedition through the Northwest Passage. We spoke about what it actually takes to prepare for and sail a route like this, from the technical side of the boat to the realities of operating in ice and constantly changing conditions.We talk about the day-to-day life on board an Arctic expedition, including watchke
80. The Little Things That Make Life at Sea Work
80. The Little Things That Make Life at Sea Work Apr 15, 2026 49:02 🎙️ Today's guests are Julie and Gio from Pelagic Blue, who sail aboard their Malo 39, Sea Fox.⛵️ At the time of this recording, they were preparing for a Pacific passage toward the Galapagos, and in this episode, we talk through what that actually involves, both practically and mentally.From permits and route planning to watch systems, fatigue, and decision-making at sea, this is a grounded look a
79. Thirty Days Alone in the Pacific — What It’s Really Like
79. Thirty Days Alone in the Pacific — What It’s Really Like Apr 8, 2026 35:34 Today’s episode is a deep dive into what solo ocean sailing actually looks like in practice.In this second conversation with Tomas Fehrling, we pick up where we left off in episode 67 back when he was in Panama, and follow his journey across the Pacific and beyond.We talk about what long passages are really like day to day, how decision-making changes when you’re alone at sea, and why experience o
78. Good Decisions Make Good Voyages with John Neal, Julie & Gio Cappelli
78. Good Decisions Make Good Voyages with John Neal, Julie & Gio Cappelli Apr 1, 2026 43:35 After a break, the Liveaboard Sailing Podcast is back, and we’re starting with a conversation that goes straight to the heart of what makes a successful life at sea.In this episode, I’m joined by returning guests John Neal, Julie, and Gio Cappelli for a wide-ranging discussion on decision-making, preparation, and what it really takes to go cruising, and to keep going.We talk about the skills that
77. Sailing Wisdom with Lin Pardey & David Haigh: Seamanship, Simplicity, and Offshore Lessons
77. Sailing Wisdom with Lin Pardey & David Haigh: Seamanship, Simplicity, and Offshore Lessons Mar 12, 2025 33:06 Lin Pardey is a name that needs little introduction in the sailing world—her voyages, books, and philosophy of simple cruising have inspired generations of sailors. In this episode, she’s joined by her partner David Haigh, an experienced offshore sailor and circumnavigator. Together, they share lessons on seamanship, self-reliance, and the mindset needed to cross oceans.We talk about:⛵ The evolvin
76. Lessons from Offshore: Sail Training, Preparation & Living the Dream
76. Lessons from Offshore: Sail Training, Preparation & Living the Dream Mar 5, 2025 51:01 Julie and Gio from Pelagic Blue Cruising Services return to the podcast after their 15,000 nautical mile journey from Mexico to Hawaii, Alaska, and back to the Pacific Northwest. And that’s just the beginning! Along the way, they've not only explored incredible destinations but also transformed from eager cruisers to trusted mentors, helping others prepare for life at sea.In this episode, we talk
75. Exploring the Ends of the Earth: Jimmy Cornell on High-Latitude Sailing
75. Exploring the Ends of the Earth: Jimmy Cornell on High-Latitude Sailing Feb 26, 2025 40:33 What does it take to sail to the most remote and extreme destinations on Earth? Jimmy Cornell, legendary sailor, author, and rally founder, has spent decades exploring the world’s oceans—including multiple voyages to Antarctica and the Northwest Passage. Now, he’s launched the High Latitude Challenge, an ambitious event connecting these two iconic destinations.In this episode, we talk about:✔️ Wha
74. Liveaboard Lessons: Boat Buying, Refits & Sailing to Alaska
74. Liveaboard Lessons: Boat Buying, Refits & Sailing to Alaska Feb 19, 2025 36:37 ⛵ Boat buying, major refits, and a first adventure to Alaska—this episode is packed with insights for new and aspiring cruisers. My guest shares how expert guidance helped them navigate the boat-buying process, how they tackled a refit with support from Pelagic Blue Cruising Services, and what it was like taking off for an offshore shakedown cruise. Dive into: ⛵ What matters when buying a liveaboa
73. John Neal on the future of cruising: Climate, insurance & boat buying trends
73. John Neal on the future of cruising: Climate, insurance & boat buying trends Feb 12, 2025 49:04 The cruising world is changing—weather patterns are shifting, offshore insurance is getting harder to secure, and the boat market isn’t what it used to be. So what does this mean for sailors planning their next adventure?In this episode, offshore sailing expert John Neal shares his insights on the biggest trends affecting cruisers today. With decades of experience and over 400,000 nautical miles u
72. Why Wait? Pressing Pause on Careers to Tackle a Refit and Embrace the Cruising Life
72. Why Wait? Pressing Pause on Careers to Tackle a Refit and Embrace the Cruising Life Feb 5, 2025 58:30 What happens when you buy a fixer-upper sailboat and dive headfirst into liveaboard life? Kim and Bob Stephens are here to share their story of perseverance, teamwork, and learning on the go.🌊 From refitting their 1985 Stevens 47 to navigating their first cruising season through the Caribbean, this episode is packed with practical advice and inspiring tales for anyone dreaming of life on the water

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