Sailing and Cruising the East Coast of the USA – Détails, épisodes et analyse

In this podcast episode, Bela Musits engages in a conversation with Conor Smith, a fascinating individual who holds a PhD in Applied Marine Physics, is a USGC Master Captain, an ABYC Electrical Technician, and is actively involved with Warrior Sailing.

The discussion revolves around the significance of a "healthy boat checkup," emphasizing that just as humans undergo regular physical examinations, boats should receive similar attention to ensure their well-being. Conor highlights the crucial role of electrical systems and wiring in boats, emphasizing their susceptibility to aging and the potential risks associated with neglecting their maintenance.

Moreover, the conversation explores Conor's involvement with Warrior Sailing, an organization dedicated to providing sailing opportunities for wounded, ill, or injured military service members and veterans. The podcast delves into the transformative impact of sailing on these individuals, promoting healing, camaraderie, and a sense of purpose.

The sponsor for this episode is NauticEd. which is short for Nautical Education, an established company with a really cool online platform for learning the knowledge elements of sailing at your convenience, along with a network of experienced sailing instructors for the hands-on skill development elements on the boat. To check out NauticEd, click on the link below and as a bonus you will receive your first two lessons for free.

https://www.nauticed.org/?school=bela-l-musits&utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=

If you would like to support the podcast, we now have a Patreon page.  Just go to Patreon.com/sailingtheeast.  

Our podcast is now also available on YouTube, just search for “Sailing the East”

https://www.youtube.com/@sailingandcruisingtheeast

We love to hear from you, our listeners, send us your questions, comments, and suggestions at sailingtheeast@gmail.com.  If you know someone that would be an interesting guest on the show, please reach out to us and let us know—wishing you fair winds, and calm seas.

Bela and Mike

In this episode of the podcast, Bela Musits engages in a conversation with Chris Curtis, an experienced sailor who has extensive sailing experience on the East Coast and is currently based in Seattle. Chris recently undertook an impressive journey, sailing from Seattle to Mexico over the past few months.

The discussion delves into the intricacies of planning a long-distance cruise, addressing crucial factors such as weather analysis and strategic route selection. Emphasis is placed on the significance of establishing organized processes and routines to ensure a smooth and efficient sailing experience.

Furthermore, the episode explores the art of balancing long-term strategic goals with the day-to-day tactical decisions that arise during such an endeavor. This approach is presented as a key ingredient for a successful and enjoyable voyage.

The sponsor for this episode is NauticEd. which is short for Nautical Education, an established company with a really cool online platform for learning the knowledge elements of sailing at your convenience, along with a network of experienced sailing instructors for the hands-on skill development elements on the boat. To check out NauticEd, click on the link below and as a bonus you will receive your first two lessons for free.

https://www.nauticed.org/?school=bela-l-musits&utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=

If you would like to support the podcast, we now have a Patreon page.  Just go to Patreon.com/sailingtheeast.  

Our podcast is now also available on YouTube, just search for “Sailing the East”

https://www.youtube.com/@sailingandcruisingtheeast

We love to hear from you, our listeners, send us your questions, comments, and suggestions at sailingtheeast@gmail.com.  If you know someone that would be an interesting guest on the show, please reach out to us and let us know—wishing you fair winds, and calm seas.

Bela and Mike

In this episode, Bela Musits interviews Mark Darling, an avid sailor from Massachusetts. Mark's sailing journey began on a small lake, where he first developed his passion for the sport. Now, he enjoys exploring the beautiful coastline of New England, navigating its waters and seeking out some of the best sailing destinations in the region. Our conversation delves into the world of sailing, with Mark sharing his experiences and insights, as well as some of the must-visit sailing spots in New England.

It’s a great episode, so be sure to subscribe and listen.

If you would like to support the podcast, we now have a Patreon page.  Just go to Patreon.com/sailingtheeast.  

Our podcast is now also available on YouTube, just search for “Sailing the East”

https://www.youtube.com/@sailingandcruisingtheeast

We love to hear from you, our listeners, send us your questions, comments, and suggestions at sailingtheeast@gmail.com.  If you know someone that would be an interesting guest on the show, please reach out to us and let us know—wishing you fair winds, and calm seas.

Bela and Mike

In this episode, Bela and Mike thank our first podcast supporter, Andrew.  If you are also interested in supporting the show, there is a link at the bottom of these show notes to support the podcast.

Bela and Mike also discuss chartering a sailboat.  What you need to know to charter, the credentials you may need, and how it all works.  They also highlight charter locations around the world and how Bela chartered various boats to get a better idea of the type of boat he wanted to purchase.

We love to hear from our listeners, send us your questions, comments, and suggestions at sailingtheeast@gmail.com.

Wishing you fair winds, and calm seas.

Bela and Mike

In today’s episode, Bela and Mike discuss the destination of Shelburne, Nova Scotia.  Bela spent several days there during a passage from Halifax, NS to Baltimore, Maryland.  Shelburne is a beautiful small town in the Southwest part of NS.  It has a population of less than 2,000 with a rich history.  After the American Revolution, over 17,000 Loyalists to the UK left the Colonies and settled in Shelburne.  This rich history is still visible in much of the architecture of the town.

Some links about Sheiburne, NS

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shelburne,_Nova_Scotia

https://www.novascotia.com/places-to-go/regions/south-shore/shelburne

https://www.town.shelburne.ns.ca

We love to hear from our listeners, send us your questions, comments, and suggestions at sailingtheeast@gmail.com.

Wishing you fair winds, and calm seas.

Bela and Mike

In today’s episode, Bela and Mike discuss buying a sailboat and how Bela ended up buying a 2009 Hunter 45 DS in the Summer of 2020.  Discussing sailboat brands and models is one topic that will get sailors all riled up, as everyone has an opinion.  The sailing forums are full of statements on why a specific sailboat model is the best.

Bela goes through his process for determining his requirements and then mapping those requirements onto the various sailboats models.  Reducing the long list of sailboats to the ones that match how and where they will be used and taking into account the sailor’s ability and experience is also key.  And the most important factor, make sure you are being realistic on how you will actually use the boat.

We love to hear from our listeners, send us your questions, comments, and suggestions at sailingtheeast@gmail.com.

Wishing you fair winds, and calm seas.

Bela and Mike

In today’s episode, Mike and Bela reply to an email from a listener.

Mike and Bela,

Thank you so much for the podcast.  I am new to boating and I have found it to be very informative.  I have been thinking about buying a small sailboat for several years and I am happy to say I am the proud new owner of a 1979 Catalina 22.  As a matter of fact, the day after I purchased the boat, I listened to your episode #13 all about buying a trailerable sailboat.  And in the episode, Bela mentioned he had a Catalina 22 for many years.  So, I feel good about my decision.

Now, I must confess, I know nothing about sailing or boating.  I know even less than Mike!  I want to take the next several months, while the weather is cold, to learn as much as I can about boating and sailing.  I just do not know where to start.  Do you have any suggestions?

Thanks again for the great podcast.

George

We discuss the various sources for learning about boating and sailing.  Both formal courses from ASA, US Sailing, US Coast Guard Auxiliary, some great reference books, and of course YouTube.

We love to hear from our listeners, send us your questions, comments, and suggestions at sailingtheeast@gmail.com.

Wishing you fair winds, and calm seas.

Bela and Mike

In today’s episode, we have a special guest, Sam Holmes.  Sam is an accomplished sailor, having sailed from Los Angeles to Hawaii, solo, in a 23 ft boat.  This past Summer, Same sailed from the Gulf Coast of Florida to Maine and then back South to North Carolina.  Most of this adventure was solo as well.  Sam also has a great YouTube channel where you can follow his adventures.

We discussed the challenges of solo sailing as well as the inspiration and feeling of accomplishment that comes from solo passage making

Check out Sam’s YouTube videos here:

https://www.youtube.com/user/SamoPajamo

We love to hear from our listeners, send us your questions, comments, and suggestions at sailingtheeast@gmail.com.

Wishing you fair winds, and calm seas.

Bela and Mike

In today’s episode, Mike and I discuss a recent stopover I made in Cape May NJ.  It’s a great little sea-side town that has easy access, good marinas, excellent restaurants, places to provision, and a nice beach.  I also talk about an important lesson I learned about anchoring.

You can check out Cape May here:

https://www.capemay.com/

Here is a link to the South Jersey Marina where we stayed for 2 nights.

https://www.southjerseymarina.com/

We love to hear from our listeners, send us your questions, comments, and suggestions at sailingtheeast@gmail.com.

Wishing you fair winds, and calm seas.

Bela and Mike

In today’s episode, Mike continues his curiosity about buying a sailboat.  He asks a bunch of questions about boats that can be trailered.  We discuss the advantages, disadvantages, and limitations of a trailerable sailboat. Bela talks about his first sailboat, a Catalina 22 that is one of the best know trailerable sailboats.  Stand by for future episodes about buying a sailboat.

We love to hear from our listeners, send us your questions, comments, and suggestions at sailingtheeast@gmail.com.

Wishing you fair winds, and calm seas.

Bela and Mike