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Published -
- April 20, 2020
- 5:55 am
Brian and Karin Trautman have been living on a sailboat for 10 years, and their boat is set up so they can be off the grid in remote places for months at a time with solar and wind power providing electricity.
They also have a water maker that turns saltwater into freshwater, multiple freezers and loads of storage space for food, and even a small washing machine on board!
They’ve sailed SV Delos – a 53′ sloop rig ketch – 83,000 nautical miles which is the equivalent of circling the earth at the equator more than 3 times. Their latest adventures include sailing as a family with their 6-month baby, Sierra, and outfitting the boat with a heater so they can explore the Arctic this summer after several years in the Tropics.
What are some of the challenges of living on a self-sufficient sailboat for 10 years?
Living on a self-sufficient sailboat for 10 years can be an incredible adventure filled with challenges and rewards. For those who dare to embrace this lifestyle, there is no shortage of opportunities for exploration, self-reliance, and an unparalleled connection to the natural world.
At the heart of this way of life is a focus on self-sufficiency. Living on a sailboat requires an attentiveness to resources and a willingness to live simply. A self-sufficient sailboat means having the ability to generate your own power, purify your own water, and grow your own food. It means using renewable energy sources, like solar or wind power, and collecting rainwater for drinking and washing. It means being able to fix things on your own, using the tools and skills you have acquired along the way.
This kind of self-reliance is not easy to achieve, but it is incredibly fulfilling. It requires a deep understanding of one’s own needs and the ability to adapt to changing conditions. It also requires a willingness to be flexible and to accept that sometimes, things won’t go according to plan. Nevertheless, there are few things as satisfying as knowing that everything you need to survive is right at your fingertips.
There are other benefits to living on a sailboat as well. When you are removed from the distractions of modern life, you have more time to focus on the things that matter most to you. Whether it’s writing, painting, or simply spending time with loved ones, living on a sailboat can provide the space and quiet needed to pursue your passions fully.
There are also environmental benefits to living on a self-sufficient sailboat. By using renewable energy sources and minimizing waste, you are doing your part to reduce your carbon footprint and protect the ocean and its inhabitants.
Of course, living on a sailboat isn’t without its challenges. You must be prepared to deal with storms, rough seas, and the occasional breakdown of equipment. You must also be comfortable living in a relatively small space and being cut off from some of the conveniences of modern life.
But for many who have chosen to live on a self-sufficient sailboat, these challenges are nothing compared to the freedom, intimacy with nature, and sense of accomplishment that come from this way of life.
In closing, living on a self-sufficient sailboat for ten years can be a transformative experience. It requires a willingness to embrace self-reliance, to be flexible, and to take risks. But for those who are up to the challenge, there are few experiences as rewarding or as inspiring as living on the open water. So if you are searching for a way to connect more deeply with yourself, with nature, and with the world around you, consider making your home on a self-sufficient sailboat.
