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Liveaboard Sailing Podcast

Annika Rautiola

Dreaming of living on a sailboat one day? Already cruising and craving connection?


The Liveaboard Sailing Podcast brings you into the cockpit with people who live and travel on their own sailboats. Each conversation goes deeper than destinations and boat specs — we talk about decisions, doubts, budgets, storms, relationships, work, courage and more.


Host Annika, not yet a liveaboard herself, is learning as she goes and asking the questions many new sailors are thinking but don’t know who to ask. Expect warm, meaningful stories, practical advice, lessons learned the hard way, and inspiration for your own journey afloat.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  • 84 episodes
  • Updated June 3

Episodes84

Newest first
  • May 27 · 1 hr 3 min

    82. Shorthanded Sailing and a Changing Sailboat Market with John Neal

    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 the first time in a while, there’s finally more to say than just prices are going up. We talk about what’s changing, what buyers and sellers should be paying attention to, and why the market conversation is becoming more interesting again. A practical episode for anyone sailing with a small crew, planning bigger passages, or thinking through smarter boat decisions. This podcast is brought to you with curiosity, kindness and a big sailing dream. You can explore more episodes, show notes and ways to support the show at liveaboardsailingpodcast.com Follow our community on Instagram & Facebook: @liveaboardsailingpodcast If this episode inspired you, please rate or review the show; it makes a world of difference! Guest inquiry form Have a story to share? Apply to be a guest! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • April 23 · 59 min

    81. Sailing the Northwest Passage – Adapting at the Edge of the Chart

    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 watchkeeping, workload, and the need to stay adaptable when plans shift quickly. Mike also shares how his work as an instructor shapes the way he approaches sailing, from problem-solving to understanding systems, and how that perspective played a role during the voyage. This podcast is brought to you with curiosity, kindness and a big sailing dream. You can explore more episodes, show notes and ways to support the show at liveaboardsailingpodcast.com Follow our community on Instagram & Facebook: @liveaboardsailingpodcast If this episode inspired you, please rate or review the show; it makes a world of difference! Guest inquiry form Have a story to share? Apply to be a guest! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • April 1 · 43 min

    78. Good Decisions Make Good Voyages with John Neal, Julie & Gio Cappelli

    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 matter most offshore, why good decisions matter more than perfect plans, and how risk, weather, and changing conditions are shaping modern cruising. We also dive into the realities behind the dream: from over-reliance on technology to the importance of hands-on experience, training, and knowing your boat. If you’re in the planning phase, feeling stuck, or wondering whether you’re “ready,” this episode is full of grounded, experience-driven insights to help you move forward with confidence. This podcast is brought to you with curiosity, kindness and a big sailing dream. You can explore more episodes, show notes and ways to support the show at liveaboardsailingpodcast.com Follow our community on Instagram & Facebook: @liveaboardsailingpodcast If this episode inspired you, please rate or review the show; it makes a world of difference! Guest inquiry form Have a story to share? Apply to be a guest! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Mar 12, 2025 · 33 min

    77. Sailing Wisdom with Lin Pardey & David Haigh: Seamanship, Simplicity, and Offshore Lessons

    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 evolving world of offshore sailing—what’s changed and what hasn’t 🌊 The importance of seamanship and why simplicity often wins over complexity 🛠 Lessons from decades at sea, from storm tactics to boat preparation ⚓ The mindset that makes long-term cruising possible A quick heads-up — audio quality in this episode is a little below the usual level. Thank you for bearing with it, because the story and insights are too good not to share! This podcast is brought to you with curiosity, kindness and a big sailing dream. You can explore more episodes, show notes and ways to support the show at liveaboardsailingpodcast.com Follow our community on Instagram & Facebook: @liveaboardsailingpodcast If this episode inspired you, please rate or review the show; it makes a world of difference! Guest inquiry form Have a story to share? Apply to be a guest! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Feb 26, 2025 · 40 min

    75. Exploring the Ends of the Earth: Jimmy Cornell on High-Latitude Sailing

    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: ✔️ What makes Antarctica and the Arctic so captivating for sailors ✔️ The unique challenges of high-latitude cruising ✔️ Practical advice for new sailors just getting started Jimmy also shares stories from his past voyages, lessons from 200,000+ nautical miles, and his best advice for sailors preparing for offshore adventures. This podcast is brought to you with curiosity, kindness and a big sailing dream. You can explore more episodes, show notes and ways to support the show at liveaboardsailingpodcast.com Follow our community on Instagram & Facebook: @liveaboardsailingpodcast If this episode inspired you, please rate or review the show; it makes a world of difference! Guest inquiry form Have a story to share? Apply to be a guest! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Feb 19, 2025 · 36 min

    74. Liveaboard Lessons: Boat Buying, Refits & Sailing to Alaska

    ⛵ 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 liveaboard sailboat 🔧 Lessons from a refit 🌊 Taking off straight into a high-latitude adventure 📖 The importance of having a GOOD logbook at sea This podcast is brought to you with curiosity, kindness and a big sailing dream. You can explore more episodes, show notes and ways to support the show at liveaboardsailingpodcast.com Follow our community on Instagram & Facebook: @liveaboardsailingpodcast If this episode inspired you, please rate or review the show; it makes a world of difference! Guest inquiry form Have a story to share? Apply to be a guest! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.