Sailing Doodles Podcast

After years of planning, delays, factory visits, and a whole lot of frustration, my new Island Spirit 525e electric catamaran is finally in the water — and sailing. In this episode, I talk through the last few crazy weeks of the build: inspecting the boat at the factory, the Buddhist blessing ceremony, the nerve-racking truck move to the marina, launching the yacht, and finally taking her out for the first sail and sea trial. I’ll share what went right, what still needs work, what surprised me most about the boat’s performance, and whether this electric catamaran project is turning out th...

Electric boats are no longer some far-off future idea — they’re here, and my new Island Spirit 525e is a perfect example. With a 210 kWh battery bank, two 65 kW electric motors, and around 80 nautical miles of electric range at 6 knots, this is a serious electric propulsion system. In this episode, I talk about the safety side of modern electric boats: lithium batteries, battery monitoring, cooling systems, electric propulsion, installation quality, and why today’s systems are much safer than they were just a few years ago. I also get into one of the biggest fears on any modern sailboat: lightning. A ligh...

Dating while sailing around tropical islands sounds like it should be easy… but the reality is a lot more complicated. When you live on a boat and cruise full-time, you are constantly moving from one place to the next. You are rarely in one place long enough to casually date, and most cruising destinations are full of couples, families, honeymooners, and retired cruisers — not single people looking to date. Then add YouTube into the mix. In this episode, I talk about what it is really like trying to date while living on a boat, traveling internationally, filming my life for YouT...

The Bahamas pushed cruising fees too far in 2025, and the boating industry says the fallout was immediate: fewer boats, weaker marina occupancy, and millions in lost economic activity across the islands. As of April 1, 2026, they’ve changed the system again. I’m breaking down the new official fee structure, comparing it to the old one, and showing what it means for a typical cruising boat heading to the Bahamas today.

In this episode of the Sailing Doodles Podcast, I finally sit down with Chloe for a real conversation about her background, where she came from, and how she ended up joining the crew. It’s a fun, honest episode where you really get to know her beyond what you see in the videos… But we also share some important news. Chloe will be leaving Sailing Doodles for now to head home and take care of some medical things. We talk about what’s going on, what this means moving forward, and what’s next. It’s not goodbye forever — just a new chapte...

In this episode of the Sailing Doodles Podcast, I’m answering your questions—from the new 525e catamaran build to future sailing plans, life in Thailand, and yes… Chloe. We cover everything from boat systems and upgrades, to where I’m sailing next, to how all of this actually works behind the scenes. Nothing is off limits in this one. Topics include: Status of the new Island Spirit 525e Future sailing plans (Maldives, Australia, beyond) Life and relationships on the road and at sea Boat systems, maintenance, and lessons learned Content, Patreon, YouTube, and how it all works Thanks to everyone...

For years I assumed I had another 5–10 years as a content creator before technology really started disrupting things. After seeing how fast AI video is advancing… I’m not so sure anymore. AI can now generate voices, scripts, music, and even realistic video scenes. I recently watched several AI-generated reels and videos that honestly fooled me at first. And the scary part is this technology is improving incredibly fast. In this episode I talk about: • AI-generated videos that fooled me • How fast AI video is improving • Why creators might actually lose this battle • How AI could flood YouTube with unlimited content • Whet...

Ever wondered how hard it is to move pets internationally? visit AE Pets https://www.aepetsgo.com In this episode of The Sailing Doodles Podcast, I break down exactly what it took to move my two dogs from the United States all the way to Thailand. There are a lot more steps involved than most people realize — health certificates, government approvals, airline regulations, quarantine rules, and more. To help explain the process, I sit down with James from AE Pets International, the company that handled the logistics of transporting my dogs. We talk about how international pet shipping works, what pe...

In this episode of The Sailing Doodles Podcast, I dive into one of the biggest decisions I’ve ever made… going all-electric with the new catamaran. Why did I choose an electric propulsion system? How does it compare to boats like Fountaine Pajot’s electric cats? What are the real risks — lightning, reliability, long-term maintenance? And what spares and tools will I be carrying to prepare for worst-case scenarios? Then we pivot into your most asked personal questions… – Will there be rotating crew in Thailand? – What’s happening with Flying Doodles and Emma? – Can I get my pilot’s license back? – Does Chloe e...

In this episode of The Sailing Doodles Podcast, I sit down with Emma — the host of Flying Doodles — to talk about her aviation journey, career path, and what really goes on behind the scenes of the channel. From her flight training and early experiences in the cockpit to where she sees her aviation career heading next, Emma shares stories you haven’t heard before. We also talk about the future of Flying Doodles, upcoming projects, and what excites her most about aviation right now. If you’ve been watching Flying Doodles and wondering who Emma really is and how she got here...

In this Ask Me Anything episode, I answer the question everyone keeps asking… Who is actually coming with me to Thailand to pick up the new boat? There’s been a lot of speculation about crew, plans, and what’s happening next — so I finally address it. I also talk about: Whether Chloe is joining me Lauryn? Thailand flotilla details What I actually have planned once I get there The current status of the boat raffle RV updates and the Camping World situation Craziest sailing mistakes I’ve ever seen And how to get hired on a sailboat Big year ahead. New...

This one feels surreal to say out loud — the new boat is getting very close to completion. In this update, I share where the build is at, what’s left to finish, and why this moment feels different than anything before. After months (and years) of planning, I’ll be flying to Thailand next month to finally step onboard and start the next chapter. I know a lot of you have been following this journey from the beginning, and I can honestly say… I’m just as excited (and nervous) as you are. Thanks for sticking with me — things are about to get...

Sailing YouTube looks easier than ever — bigger audiences, better cameras, more success stories. But the reality? It’s harder now than when I started, and most sailing channels don’t even make it past year two. In this episode, I break down why channels really fail — not because they can’t sail, but because they run out of money, burn out, struggle with people, or misunderstand how YouTube actually works today. I talk honestly about how long it took me to break even, living on beans and rice, dealing with burnout that never really goes away, why subscribers matter less than they...

In this podcast, I answer one of the biggest questions I’ve been getting lately: who’s coming with me to Thailand on the new boat? We talk about the new boat timeline, potential crew lineup, and what this next chapter of Sailing Doodles is really going to look—both on and off camera. I also address questions about Chloe, future appearances, and how I handle bringing new people into the videos while balancing privacy, reality, and the internet’s opinions. We also dive into: Who may be joining the boat in February How crew decisions actually get made Viewer question...

A month or so ago, I shared a podcast about the nightmare I was dealing with on my RV — and at the time, I hadn’t even gotten to the worst part yet: needing a full engine overhaul. In this episode, I give a full update on everything that happened afterward, how the situation evolved, and how Camping World ultimately stepped up and made things right. It was a long, stressful process, but in the end they took care of the problem, made me whole, and even got me into a newer and better RV. I believe in being fair and...

In this episode, I share my personal thoughts on the tragic aviation accident involving Greg Biffle and his family. I had the opportunity to meet Greg and his wife Kristina about a year and a half ago at Spanish Cay Yacht Club, and they were incredibly kind, welcoming people. This is not an episode about speculation or assigning blame, but rather about acknowledging the human loss, explaining what is currently known, and offering perspective on how unforgiving aviation emergencies can be—especially shortly after takeoff and in marginal weather conditions. Investigations by the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Sa...

You asked some tough questions, so it’s time to answer them. In this Q&A episode I cover everything from crew changes and relationships, to insurance and the new boat, along with sailing myths, health insurance while cruising, provisioning mistakes, and what’s coming next for Sailing Doodles and the spin-off channel. Nothing scripted, nothing off limits, just honest answers to the questions you’ve been sending in. Thanks to all the patrons and supporters who keep this channel going and help shape these conversations. Enter the contest here: https://raffall.com/398138/enter-raffle-to-win-sailing-doodles-sailboat-hosted-by-sailing-doodles Want more info in the Island Spirit...

Ever wondered what sailing is really like? After years living aboard, crossing oceans, rescuing boats, breaking boats, and teaching new crews how to sail, I’ve heard every sailing myth in the book… and today we’re busting the big ones. In this episode, we break down the 12 most common (and most misleading!) sailing myths that stop people from getting on the water — including the truth about boat costs, storms, sharks, catamaran safety, anchoring, YouTube crew life, and whether you actually need experience before buying a boat. Whether you’re dreaming of cruising, already sailing, or just love the lifestyle, this podca...

After many delays, stress, paperwork, and uncertainty… the insurance saga is finally over. As most of you know, the delivery crew had a major mechanical failure last year that led to my boat being totaled. Since then, I’ve been working through the long insurance process behind the scenes. I can’t share specific numbers, terms, or private details because of my NDA — but I can walk you through what the experience was like, what I learned, and how this affects the future of Sailing Doodles. In this episode I cover: What I can legally say about the resolution What this mea...

Ever wonder where everyday expressions like “three sheets to the wind,” “overboard,” “the bitter end,” or even “windfall” actually came from? Turns out, tons of common words in English were invented by sailors, pirates, and old-school sea captains, and today we still use them without even thinking about it. In this episode of the Sailing Doodles Podcast, I break down over 80 everyday words and sayings that all started on ships — from naval terms, pirate slang, emergency commands, rigging language, and old maritime traditions. Some of these are obvious… but most of them will absolutely blow your mind! If you enjoy sailing, history, la...

What upgrades are actually worth the money on an older sailboat… and which ones you should avoid? In this episode of The Sailing Doodles Podcast, I break down the most valuable upgrades I’ve done across all the boats I’ve owned — from my classic CT-56 to the newer catamarans and charter boats we’ve sailed. I cover which improvements truly make your boat safer, easier to sail, and more enjoyable… and which “fancy” upgrades usually end up being a waste of money. If you’re shopping for an older cruising boat or planning a refit, this episode will save you thousands. To...

The fans didn’t hold back on this one… In this Q&A episode, I answer YOUR questions about the new catamaran, future sailing plans, past crew, and even a few spicy ones about “hot babes” and babies on board We talk about: • Updates on the new Island Spirit 525e catamaran (Hull #5) • Future cruising plans in Thailand and the Mediterranean • Crew, relationships, and how the channel has evolved • Life as a full-time liveaboard and YouTuber • Gear, filming setups, and how the dogs handle land life Thanks to everyone who submitted questions — I read as many as I could! Watch next: [link to related podc...

I just bought a brand-new RV… and it didn’t even make it off the lot before breaking down. Within minutes, the engine started smoking and I quickly realized the EGR cooler had failed, dumping coolant straight into the exhaust. In this episode of The Sailing Doodles Podcast, I talk about what happened, how I diagnosed the issue, and what comes next. The dealer says they’ll cover the repair — but we’ll see what really happens. I’ll share what I’ve learned from years of owning boats, planes, and RVs about mechanical failures, warranty claims, and how to handle breakdo...

In this episode, I dive into how sailors and cruisers deal with one of the biggest threats on the ocean — hurricanes. Fifty years ago, crossing an ocean meant hoping you didn’t run into a storm. There was no internet, no satellite tracking, and little warning. Today, we carry a weather computer in our pocket, with live hurricane data, Starlink connectivity, and routing tools that can literally save lives. We’ll talk about: How hurricane forecasting has changed in just a few decades The role of Starlink and modern weather apps at sea What the “hurricane box” is — and why insurance wo...

A Queensland superyacht agent was offered $300,000 for a “simple” job — help two divers enter Australia. Days later, one diver was dead, another had vanished, and 100 kilos of cocaine were floating in Newcastle Harbor. In this episode, Captain Bobby White of The Sailing Doodles Podcast breaks down the true story of James Blake Blee — how financial desperation led to a deadly smuggling plot, what “parasite smuggling” really is, and why this growing underwater drug tactic is spreading around the world. All details sourced from court reports, News.com.au, ABC Australia, and VICE News investigations. Enter the contest here: https://raffall.com/398138/e...

A U.S.-flagged motor yacht was raided by Bahamian authorities in Bimini after a tip-off — and what they found shocked everyone. Ten people were arrested, including the crew, and officers seized a cache of weapons, ammunition, and cash. In this episode, Captain Bobby White of Sailing Doodles breaks down the facts, shows footage from the local news, takes a look at the yacht’s charter listing, and shares his honest opinions about carrying weapons onboard and the risks every cruiser faces when crossing borders. I’m not a lawyer — this is my perspective as a captain who’s checked in at Bimi...

This week’s Sailing Doodles Podcast gets personal. Viewers submitted hundreds of questions — and of course, the most common one was about Laura. Are Laura and I getting back together? What really happened behind the scenes at the Annapolis Boat Show? And how does Miss Lone Star fit into all this? I also answer your questions about the new catamaran, future flotillas, the boat raffle, and what’s next for Sailing Doodles in 2026. Drop your next questions in the comments for the next Q&A episode! Enter the contest here: https://raffall.com/398138/enter-raffle-to-win-sailing-doodles-sailboat-hosted-by-sailing-doodles Want more info in the Island Spirit...

This might be the biggest announcement I’ve ever made. I’m looking for two people — ideally a couple — to come sail with me in Thailand this February for four months. You don’t need sailing or editing experience. I’ll teach you how to sail, how to film, and how to create a YouTube channel like Sailing Doodles. The goal? To train the next generation of creators and help them launch their own sailing channel when the journey’s done. In this episode, I explain what I’m looking for, what the experience will be like, and how to apply. To apply...

At the Annapolis Boat Show, Bobby sits down with Amanda and Maryline from Current Yachts, a new brokerage that’s shaking up the traditional 10% commission model. Instead of sky-high broker fees, they’re offering a flat-fee, transparent system — just $1,500 to list your boat and à-la-carte options for everything else. We dive into why they believe the old system is broken, how they’re making boat buying and selling fairer, and what this means for the future of yacht sales. If you’ve ever thought about selling your boat — or buying one — you won’t want to miss this conversation. Check out Current Yacht...

Fan-favorite Laura from Sailing Doodles Seasons 2 & 3 is back! She joined me at the Annapolis Boat Show with her two young kids, and things got a little… chaotic. We catch up on what Laura’s been up to since her sailing days, talk about motherhood, life after the show, and the possibility of getting back on the water. This one’s totally “wheels off” — her 14-month-old demanded plenty of attention (and snacks), interrupted mid-sentence, and even forced an unexpected break for feeding time. It’s messy, real, and absolutely hilarious. If you’ve missed Laura’s energy, laughter, and down-to-earth honesty — this episode’s for y...

What started as one man’s dream to sail the world has grown into one of the most ambitious and inspiring sailing projects on YouTube. In this episode of The Sailing Doodles Podcast, I sit down with Nate and Amy from Expedition Drenched to uncover how it all began — from filming underwater expeditions to building a worldwide nonprofit that protects the oceans. We talk about: How Nate left everything behind to chase a life at sea The early struggles of creating a sailing show with a bigger purpose What makes Expedition Drenched so different from other sailing channels How their team...

Sailing the Caribbean has always been a dream — but is it getting riskier? Between rising fees in the Bahamas, U.S. drug-interdiction ops near Venezuela, and shifting maritime laws, we dive into whether the Caribbean is still the paradise sailors imagine. In this Q&A episode, I answer fan questions on: Safety in the Caribbean today Rising costs in the Bahamas & alternatives like Cuba and the BVIs Planning & paperwork for international cruising Boat ownership, chartering, and insurance lessons Life aboard with crew, pets, and future sailing plans Drop your thoughts in the comments — would YOU still sail the Caribbean right now...

In this special episode, I’m sharing my full life story — from my childhood sailing a Sunfish on my grandparents’ lake, to my aviation career flying Gulfstreams for celebrities, to the stroke that ended my flying days, and how that ultimately led to creating Sailing Doodles. It’s been a wild ride: flying rockstars around the world, living in Nigeria and Dubai, surviving a medical crisis, and then finally selling everything to chase the dream of sailing full time. I’ll take you through the twists, setbacks, and adventures that brought me here today. If you’ve ever wondered how Sailing Dood...

Ever dreamed of selling it all and retiring to sail the world? In this episode of The Sailing Doodles Podcast, Bobby breaks down what it really takes to make that dream happen. From health and fitness (because sailing isn’t a spectator sport), to money and income streams, to choosing the right boat and lifestyle — we cover it all. Whether you’re 55 and planning ahead or 67 and wondering if it’s too late, this episode gives you the honest truth about the realities of retiring at sea. Topics include: Why your health matters more than your bank account How much money yo...

t’s time for another viewer Q&A podcast! In this episode, I answer your most popular questions about life on Nauti Dogs, the upcoming new catamaran, what’s happening with the crew, and even some personal stuff you’ve all been curious about. We cover everything from: Plans for raffling off Nauti Dogs Who might join as the first crew on the new boat My thoughts on flotillas, the Great Lakes, and future destinations Tech and maintenance questions — chart plotters, radar, twin-engine sync Personal topics like crew relationships, family, and even those AI “net worth” videos Thanks to everyone who submitte...

Think the ocean is lawless? Think again. In this episode we dive into some of the quirkiest maritime laws that still affect sailors today — from the Coast Guard’s power to board your boat anytime without probable cause, to the myth of 33% salvage rewards, to fines for flying the wrong or tattered flag, bizarre anchoring restrictions, and even odd crew contract rules. Topics covered: Coast Guard boarding authority (Revenue Act roots & Prohibition era) Salvage rights & the truth behind the 33% myth Courtesy flag fines & quirky traditions Anchoring bans, seagrass zones, and “pay-to-anchor” politics Crew contracts, Bible laws, and desertion rights Have you ever...

It’s time for another Q&A podcast with questions straight from our amazing Patrons and YouTube Members! In this episode, I cover: The biggest sailing mistakes I’ve made (and what I learned) Updates on the new catamaran in Thailand and what’s next for Sailing Doodles Thoughts on circumnavigation, the Pacific vs. Caribbean, and charter advice Crew questions — who’s joining, what happened with past crew, and Aubrey’s future plans The latest on insurance, gear, and electric boat tech Plus stories about the dogs, Burning Man, and life on the water Huge thanks to our supporters who submitted th...

In this episode of The Sailing Doodles Podcast, I sit down with Lauryn from Lost Lauryn to talk about her life of adventure. She’s built a following with her motorcycle channel, traveling on two wheels and sharing her journey, and recently she joined me on a sailing trip at sea. We dive into: How she started her motorcycle channel and what inspires her adventures The challenges (and rewards) of documenting life on the road Her experience sailing with me and what surprised her most about life on the water What’s next for her in both motorcycles and sailing It’s...

In this episode of The Sailing Doodles Podcast, I sit down with fellow YouTuber Auburey from Sailing Miss Lone Star while we’re in Greece chartering a catamaran together. We talk about: Her journey into sailing and YouTube What it’s like sailing with an 11-month-old baby on board Our first time sailing together from Athens to Aegina The ups and downs of life as full-time sailing creators It’s a fun and honest conversation about the realities of sailing, motherhood at sea, and the adventures that come with chasing this lifestyle. Make sure to check out Auburey’s channel Sailing...

In this episode, I take a moment to address some recent negativity from former crewmates. While I won’t name anyone or speak ill of them, I wanted to share my feelings of disappointment and how I’m choosing to respond with positivity. I also want to thank everyone who’s sailed with me over the years, and I’m honored by the memories we’ve shared. On a brighter note, former crewmate Sydney sent in a beautiful video sharing her appreciation for her time on board. Tune in for a mix of gratitude, reflection, and a little behind-the-scenes honesty. Let Sydney...