Frequently Asked Questions

Please email me or leave a comment below with questions you have or would like to see posted here. Unfortunately, I do not have time to answer ever question we get, but I’ll do my best to answer as many as possible.

Q: How do you make money if you are sailing around?

A: During my time aboard Daphne I have only been without work for about three months. I settled down and found work in Massachusetts, New York, and Florida. I also found “portable” work online as a resume writer, virtual assistant, writer, blog designer, and social media marketer. I was very creative and flexible in finding jobs. Some of the other jobs I had were; teacher, sailor, housekeeper, waitress, private dance instructor, babysitter. After a few years of sailing I returned to teaching as a Marine Science and Dance instructor for one year. Now I am back aboard Elizabeth, a boat that I share with my partner. As I did while I was traveling, I still make jewelrey and crafts and sell them on my online Etsy shop. Ben and I offer consulting services for sailors and soon-to-be sailors. You can email me for more info if you are interested. Blog readers who feel that my blog is enjoyable or worthwhile often purchase from my store or send a gift donation to show their support for my blogging efforts. Currently I continue to look for online, independent, or portable work. I am also working on an independent film project and writing a book, which I hope to publish and sell.

Q: How much money does it cost to live on a boat?

A: The cost of living aboard a boat varies as much as the cost of living on land. Some people live in large houses with multiple cars, tvs, many rooms, furniture, etc. They require a lot of electricity and upkeep. Others live in small houses, trailers, or RVs with solar panels or no electricity at all. As you can see, the same is for living on the water. It all depends on what you want, how much money you have, and what sacrifices you are willing to make. Check out this post for more info.

Q: What web resources were your favorites?

A: I frequently referenced the following websites for the latest weather reports:
Windfinder
NOAA Weather
Passage Weather

Q: You sold Daphne! Are you done sailing?

A: Absolutely not! I love sailing and will do more in the future. However, I purchased Daphne not only for the love of sailing but also for a new experience to learn and grow from. I traveled and lived aboard Daphne for several years and now I’m once again seeking different challenges and new experiences. I’m currently living aboard Elizabeth, my partner’s boat which is also for sale.

Q: How did you learn to sail?

A: I have been sailing since I was eight years old with my family on Lake Michigan. I began sailing professionally at 18 years old as an instructor at a summer camp. Three years later I became a US Coast Guard Licensed Captain and began working as a lead instructor for Outward Bound, which may have been the best training and sailing experience for me. The Outward Bound pulling boats are not equipped with electronics, an engine, or other high-tech equipment, and they don’t even have a proper toilet or a cabin! Truly rugged sailing and a close connection to the elements. It is why I still sail with minimal technology, and am adaptable and comfortable in many challenging situations. I prefer traditional boats, like the Outward Bound boats, and worked as a deckhand on schooners. But I also have worked on more modern boats, and taught sailing at yacht clubs as well. I have sailed on both the east and west coast, Bahamas, Newfoundland, the BVIs, and the Gulf of Mexico. I met a sailor (Ben) who lived on his boat, and he encouraged me to purchase my own and go for it. When I bought Daphne, I didn’t even know how to start the engine, let alone change the oil or replace a bent connecting rod! Maintaining and caring for my own boat were new skills that I had to learn. I learned a lot of these things by reading, doing, and asking a lot of questions of the right people. I also took an internship, and then a job at a sailmaker’s loft, and did maintenance work for other boats.

Q: I have more questions! Can I speak with you?

A: Yes. Ben and I have been helping people plan voyages and enjoy doing so. We offer consulting services for a small fee. We can help you with planning a coastal sail, a small offshore passage, a sail training program, vacation, professional sailing gigs, or gearing up your boat for living aboard. Between Ben and I we have experience in coastal sailing, offshore, trans-atlantic, windjammers, educational programs, American Sailing Association, American Sail Training Association, US Sailing, and US Coast Guard licensing, living aboard, solo sailing, and more. Send me an email if you are interested.