From sailing dreams to financial reality: tales from the sea with Sailing Zingaro

Embarking on a journey to sail around the world is a dream for many, but the practicalities of financing such an adventure often become a daunting reality. The question that looms large for those undertaking this maritime odyssey is: How do people sustain themselves financially while navigating the vast expanses of the open sea? This inquiry resonates deeply with those who have set sail into the unknown as they grapple with the challenges of maintaining a nomadic lifestyle on the water.

For those who have chosen to cast off the conventional trappings of land-based living, the initial step involves divesting themselves of possessions and embracing a minimalist existence. The stark reality of living with only the essentials becomes a cornerstone as they set out to traverse the world’s oceans. Living on the edge, they draw from their savings, attempting to stretch their resources to endure the unpredictable journey that lies ahead.

As the horizon stretches endlessly before them, so too do the demands of maintaining their floating homes. The financial strains become palpable, with a significant portion of their funds allocated to the relentless upkeep of their boats. The illusion of a carefree life on the open sea is shattered by the harsh truth that money dwindles faster than anticipated, necessitating a swift and resourceful response to secure the means to continue their expedition.

Amid this financial labyrinth, a beacon of hope emerges in the form of diverse solutions to replenish their coffers. A chance encounter with James Evenson, the visionary mind behind Sailing Zingaro, sheds light on one avenue: the world of YouTube. As a fortunate YouTuber who embarked on his channel when the seas of online content creation were still relatively uncharted, James offers a glimpse into the possibilities of leveraging digital platforms to share the unique experiences of a seafaring life. However, the fundamental question persists: Can a YouTube channel alone navigate the turbulent waters of financial sustainability?

Join us as we delve into the intriguing world of financing a global sailing expedition, exploring the challenges, triumphs, and creative avenues that sailors chart to keep their dreams afloat.

A Dream of Paradise and Navy Beginnings

James Evenson’s story begins in the rainy city of Seattle, Washington, where he spent his childhood dreaming of being a Sea-Doo tour guide in the US Virgin Islands. “I thought that was paradise when I was 12.” James says. Little did he know that this childhood dream would resurface surprisingly years later. Born in a military family, with his father in the Army and grandfather in the Marines, James initially planned to join the Army. James says; “When I told my dad I was going into the Army, he smacked me in the face, and he’s like, no, no, no, no, you’re smart, go in the Navy or the Air Force and get an education”

Enrolling in the Navy at the age of 19, James spent five years as an electrical engineer and navigator. Unfortunately, his naval career offered limited opportunities for port visits. James says, “Unfortunately, because I was on a ballistic missile submarine, so we had nuclear missiles on the boat. And that severely limits the ports that you can enter into. Right after I got in the Navy in 1999, they stopped going to any ports at all. So, in 5 years, I saw one port, and it was Port Canaveral, Florida, and we got what’s called Cinderella Liberty. We only got out until midnight and had to be back on the boat.”

Life on a Submarine

According to James, life on a submarine was a unique experience. The way it works on a submarine is that “they have two crews. So, you go out for three months, and then you’re back for three months. The crews combine, and you refit the boat for about three months, and then the other crew takes it out to sea for three months. So, during that time, you are land-based, and you’re doing training, and you’re basically screwing off. You’re not really doing much because you work so hard when you are onboard the submarine, you know, 12 to 18-hour days when you’re working, that you have more off time during your land-time. And then you come back, the other crew comes back, you refit the boat together, and then you guys take it out.”

It’s hard for me to envision life on a submarine. What does it look like? James explains, “Picture fluorescent lighting casting a stark glow in spaces with very low ceilings. Imagine a structure resembling a 4-story office building, but here’s the twist—it’s oriented horizontally. The hallways are exceptionally long, like an office building on its side. The submarine spans an impressive 600 feet in length and rises four stories high. However, the height of each floor in some areas is only around 1.4 to 1.6 meters. So, despite its considerable length, it’s not exactly spacious—especially for someone tall. Constant bending is necessary; moving around becomes a game of navigating through passageways without hitting your head, a common occurrence. Living quarters are tight, with nine people sharing a room. The submarine accommodates 165 individuals, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a densely populated office building. With confined spaces and shared living, one can imagine the challenges of maintaining a pleasant environment.”  Yet, James cherishes the memories of camaraderie and the invaluable knowledge he gained about the intricate systems of the billion-dollar submarine. James vividly recounts an incident where it got really smelly. “We were navigating a hurricane, 400 feet underwater, experiencing 15-degree rolls from left to right. The nuclear team on the boat was conducting a drill, and an error occurred. They scrammed the reactor, halting propulsion in the big steam engine. As a result, the boat, always slightly positively buoyant, floated to the surface. Now, we make 35-degree rolls due to the round tube design of the submarine, which lacks a keel like a sailboat, which makes the situation challenging. Everyone started vomiting, and inside the confined space, lacking fresh air, it began to smell like vomit. It was a horrible experience and one of the only times I felt seasick.” 

Transition to civilian life and sailing dreams

Leaving the Navy, James transitioned to a career as an electrical mechanical engineer, working on high-tech equipment for over a decade. His expertise in problem-solving, learned in the Navy, proved beneficial in his civilian career. The idea of sailing around the world had always been a dream, but it seemed financially unattainable until he discovered the world of YouTube sailing channels.

Inspired by YouTuber Delos, James saw an opportunity to document and share his sailing adventures with the world. James tells; When I started, there were 13 sailing channels in 2016, and now there are like 400 or 500 sailing channels. So, it wasn’t really saturated, and there weren’t a lot of people doing it, and I feel like I was one of the first people that kind of was in a position to jump onto that. And I just went for it, too. I saved up $135,000 over four years, and I spent $65,000 on the boat. So, what does that leave me, like $70,000 or something? I thought that would last me for a couple of years. It lasted me for about six months. Due to numerous repairs, I had to refit the boat, costing around $15,000. At that point, I met a girl, and my focus shifted away from YouTube. I created only four or five videos before completely halting my YouTube activities. I fell deeply in love with her, and we used up all of my remaining money together. When I had about $10,000 left, I said, OK, babe, we need to start doing YouTube videos again because this will be a problem.

Sailing Zingaro YouTube success and business ventures

James Evenson, the man behind the YouTube channel “Sailing Zingaro,” didn’t start his journey on the high seas with just wind and waves. The early days of his YouTube channel saw unconventional methods to grab attention. “I put a very good thumbnail picture on the first video. It was my girlfriend’s butt. So, sexual. I hate to say, I wouldn’t do it now. But yeah, I exploited sex. And I had a lot of different… At the time, I was single, so I had a lot of girlfriends coming and going and many friends, and basically, I just had a girl crew. I was lucky, my first video got 100,000 views, and it really propelled me up fast. I think I had 10,000 subscribers within two months, which is a lot; that’s hard to do nowadays because everybody’s on YouTube. It’s so saturated.” James explains. 

Channel dynamics

James openly acknowledges that, at the time, his channel attracted primarily male viewership. The choice to have a female-dominated crew on the boat was both intentional and strategic. He found that having women on board eliminated the machismo dynamic, creating a more collaborative and enjoyable environment. This move shaped the boat’s atmosphere and influenced his viewers’ demographic. “For the last seven or eight years, it’s been 96% men”. Older men or younger men? “Older men.”  What is this about older men? “I think it’s the niche. I think it’s the sailing niche that older men are attracted to this niche because sailing was a man’s sport. You can see it in the sailboat design. In designs of the 1980s, there were only single beds everywhere. There are like eight single beds. Who wants a boat with eight single beds these days? Nobody. They must be refit for double beds because everybody wants to take their girl. But back then, it was only men in the 60s, 70s, and 80s. It was only men who were buddies. It’d be a drinking weekend or whatever. Nowadays, the size, type, and layout of boats are changing. It’s not male-dominated anymore, as you can attest to. There are a lot of women captains. There are a lot of women who are equal partners in the boat, which is awesome.I think that’s amazing. But, yeah, that’s why.” James has witnessed a shift in his viewership demographics since having a child. Adding Luna to the crew has brought a more balanced audience, with around 10% being female. 

Channel identity and content

Sailing Zingaro, as quantified by online trackers, is labelled as a travel channel. However, James prefers to view it as a travel and education channel. Drawing from his extensive experience, James aims to share valuable knowledge with his audience. He really likes teaching. The channel name, “Zingaro,” derived from the Italian word for gipsy, reflects James’s nomadic lifestyle despite its unintentionally derogatory connotations of the word. James was just like, “Oh, look, Italian word, fun. Because Nomad was boring for me, in retrospect, I probably would have picked a better name just because I didn’t realise my entire user base would be my demographic is mostly Americans. And they can’t pronounce Zingaro. Every single time they say, what? Can you spell that? And I just wish that I would put like seasick sailing or anything but Zingaro, really. But now it’s my brand, and everybody knows it, so it’s not a big deal. But in the future, if I ever did this again, I’d choose a little bit better brand name.”

Sailing Zingaro’s path to success

With dedication and consistency, Sailing Zingaro releases content every week. James used to do all the editing himself, but now he has a team of people, which is nice. James explains, “I don’t make as much money personally because I pay all those other people, but I don’t have to do much work.

I film it and then give it to my editor in big blocks, like two terabytes. I just sent him a hard drive. He’s good. I gave it to him and said, “Look, you make it interesting; whatever you need to do to make the story interesting, you do it. “But he wants me to tell him a synopsis of what happened during that time. So, for instance, he has a big inventory right now of a loop we did around the Pacific.Galapagos, Easter Island, Marquesas and Panama. And he said, OK, what did you do here? And I have to think about it. OK, yeah, we went here, this happened, this happened. Sometimes, I review it a little bit. But he’s pretty good. If you’re going to find an editor, it’s very difficult to find somebody that’s good, cheap and knows it all, yeah, and has the wherewithal to be creative. And he sits in the States? No, he’s in Mexico. Despite crossing the 100,000 subscribers milestone, James admits that the channel’s income alone is insufficient to sustain his lifestyle. He makes approximately $100,000 annually, considering revenue from YouTube, Patreon, merchandise, and other sources. To supplement his income, James ventured into chartering, offering sailing experiences to those eager to explore the open seas. Operating two separate businesses – the YouTube channel and chartering – he found a balance that supported his lifestyle. James is now in the process of establishing a third business, focusing on providing advanced cruising techniques and education.

Monetizing the sailing experience

While sharing the highs and lows of his sailing adventures, James reveals the financial intricacies of sustaining such a lifestyle. His boat demands a significant annual maintenance cost of $30,000, significantly impacting his profits. Offering unique sailing experiences, including advanced educational courses, James has found a niche that allows him to charge premium rates for exclusive journeys. For example, on a sailing trip from the Galapagos islands to Easter Island, which basically can’t be bought anywhere, James charges $10,000 per person. It will be a unique experience in which you are about to explore the Galapagos Islands and Easter Island and stay on my boat and sail in between. This sailing trip is 14 days. Another example is a sailing trip in the San Blas, which is about $4,000 per person. That would be ten days in spearfishing and hanging out, drinking coffee, having sundowners, and meeting other boaters. James can fit a maximum of five people on board.

Challenges, lessons, and the future of Sailing Zingaro

Sailing Zingaro’s journey is not without its challenges. James recounts instances where the boat’s dynamics became strained due to personal issues, emphasizing the importance of setting clear boundaries and maintaining a zero-tolerance policy for disruptive behavior. Acknowledging the financial realities, James is transparent about the costs and profits associated with his ventures. He candidly discusses the difficulties in finding the right balance for pricing that attracts customers while covering the significant expenses involved in maintaining a seaworthy vessel.

Educational focus and future aspirations

As Sailing Zingaro progresses, James expresses a growing interest in emphasising the educational aspect of his channel. With a team supporting the content creation process, he aims to share his extensive knowledge, offering viewers insights into sailing, navigation, and boat maintenance.

James says; They will be part of the experience instead of a catered charter situation where you’re waiting on them because you don’t want to get into that. That’s not what I do. They want to come down and learn what cruising is all about. So, I sell it as an experience. If the boat breaks down, that’s an experience. If you are seasick and have to puke, that’s your experience. and if you have to cook in a small space with not all the luxury kitchen tools available, that’s an experience. 

Sailing and seasickness realities

In the unpredictable sailing world, James Evenson, the seasoned captain of Sailing Zingaro, has encountered many challenges over his 24 years at sea. From handling seasickness to braving intense storms, his experiences on the open water have shaped the stories that define his adventurous life.

Seasickness is an inevitable part of life on a sailing vessel. James shares that approximately 40% of his guests experience seasickness. He humorously acknowledges the varying levels of discomfort, recalling instances where passengers turned green, emphasising that seasickness is not just a cartoon cliché but a genuine challenge sailors face.

Medical emergencies at sea

While the majority of challenges are par for the course, James recounts a serious medical incident involving a rescued sailor with MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) or seawater boils. The lack of immediate access to medical facilities pushed James to improvise, administer antibiotics, and oversee the healing process, showcasing the resourcefulness required when medical help is not readily available.

Chartering tales and comedic mishaps

Venturing into the chartering world, James shares some entertaining and, at times, comical tales of his experiences with guests. James’s eyes lit up when he thought back at some of his guests and started telling, “Oh man, this story’s… I got to just tell you the truth. “So, he’s like, “Hey, I got to go to the bathroom. We’re in like four-meter waves. “I’m like, “Bro, can you hold it for a few hours before, you know, until we… “No, no, I got to go now.” ‘I’m like, okay, but just be really careful. Oh, yeah, no problem. I’m a boater. I got this. And he’s a little overweight.

Well, he’s in there, you know, doing his business, and he gets thrown off the toilet, through the door, completely takes off the door from the frame. And then he turns around mid-flight and goes in the side of, you know, furniture and the boats are made really strong, and it just… And he had three broken ribs, and he took it like a champ. The whole time he couldn’t even lay down. And he had to sit down to sleep, poor guy.

Another story is about one of my first charter guests. I had a group of people, very beautiful people. One of the guys got… This is a really funny story.

I had just refitted the boat. It was a $20,000 refit in Colombia, so this is a lot of work. I had all-new canvas, all-new white interior cushions, and every single piece of fabric on the boat. It was new. The floors were brand new, and everything was nice. The first guy who came was a good friend of mine. He’d been my Patreon for a long time. So, he brought me a bottle of very good tequila, Cohar Alejo. And we all took a shot of it. And then one of the other guys grabbed the bottle and said, “Yeah, we need more. I’m like, okay, whatever, just drink it; I don’t care. “So, he ended up drinking almost the whole bottle before we took it away from him. And there was only, you know, a couple of centimetres of tequila left in the bottle. Later that night, the guy needed to use the restroom and accidentally tumbled out of the top bunk while attempting to get up in the dark, hitting his head quite badly. I didn’t hear anything because the way my boat is set up in the back room, you don’t really hear much. So, he bled all over the place; he unknowingly wandered into the front cabin where someone was sleeping and, in the process of trying to urinate. He inadvertently peed on the guy in the front cabin. And then, the guy suddenly woke up, fully aware of the situation unfolding. Swiftly, he turned the intruder around and pushed him into the bathroom. He did his thing and couldn’t get back into bed. So, he went out on the white cushions and laid down, but he was so drunk that he couldn’t sleep well. So, he was tossing and turning all night, all different ways, all over my couch. And when I got up in the morning, I was like, this is a massacre. I thought the guy was dead. There was so much blood everywhere. And it was like dried blood. It was brown, dried, and nasty. I can’t believe he got it clean. So we gave him a bottle of hydrogen peroxide, and he did it. It ended up being fine. What’s funny about boating is that you can freak out about everything or just be chill, but usually, 99% of the time, it will all be fine the next day. It’s like unless your boat is sinking, which has happened to me, there’s not really anything to be freaked out about.

One of the key skills James highlights is the ability to adapt to unforeseen circumstances. His calm and collected demeanour is evident, whether it’s dealing with seasickness, unexpected medical incidents, or comedic mishaps during charters. James emphasises that, despite the challenges, the vast majority of situations tend to resolve themselves naturally, underlining the resilient nature of life at sea.

Sailing catastrophes and epic rescues

James unveils some of the most intense moments of his sailing career, including the heart-stopping incident when his catamaran tore in half 60 miles off the coast of Hawaii after a 2200-mile voyage from Tahiti through the Line Islands, Christmas Islands, Fanning, and then to Hawaii. Battling 60-knot winds and monstrous waves, he vividly describes the sensation of being lifted and dropped by a colossal wave. The subsequent damage to the boat and the dramatic efforts to save it reveal the extraordinary challenges faced during life at sea. As the boat faced potential catastrophe, James started telling; So I want you to take the dinghy, unwrap it, and get it in the water and tie it to the boat. That way, if the boat turns over, we have something we can get into. What about the life raft? We didn’t have a life raft because the boat and catamarans don’t sink. The catamaran is kind of your life raft, so you can. Plus, the dinghy that I have is unsinkable, too; it’s an OC tender. Even if you fill it with water, it’s got too much flotation. So, we figured with two different kinds of life raft things, which, you know, in retrospect, I don’t regret that decision because the life raft wouldn’t have helped us in this situation anyway. Anyway, she’s like, why don’t we tie it together with ropes? And I was like, no, no, no, no, no, no, that’s impossible. Wait a minute. That’s not a bad idea. I think we can do it. So, I did it. Then, the force of the ropes, the forces on the boat, and the waves on the boat broke all the ropes. And then I had to do it again. I ended up doing it four times. The third time, I realised- I remembered that I’d redone the rig with Dyneema. So, I had this really thick Dyneema, and I used that. It stayed and didn’t break, but then it started sawing through the boat. We found ourselves near the Big Island of Hawaii, eventually taking shelter in its lee. Consequently, we had to rely on the motor. Unfortunately, during this manoeuvre, I lost one of my propellers; a line caught the propeller, resulting in the entire shaft getting bent. As a result, I was left with only a 10-horsepower engine, but we managed to navigate the situation and reach our destination successfully. The survival of both the boat and its crew serves as a testament to James’s experience, resourcefulness, and ability to navigate through life-threatening situations. You were saying that how many times, four times, you were about to sink? Four times I’ve had boats sink on me, almost sink on me. I’ve been able to save them all, but yeah, crazy, right? But that’s in 24 years.

Insight into a boat’s demise

As we continue unravelling Captain James Evenson’s adventurous tales, it becomes evident that sailing is more than just a leisurely pursuit; it demands a unique set of skills, resilience, and decisiveness. James describes the crucial importance of effective emergency response, emphasising that people react differently in crisis situations. As a captain, he exemplifies the ability to remain calm and take decisive actions, essential qualities in ensuring the safety of both the vessel and its crew. The anecdote underscores the stark contrast in responses, highlighting the need for a crew that can act cohesively under pressure. Transitioning into the story of the dismasted boat, James candidly reveals details about the vessel’s unfortunate fate. The boat, manned by three French sailors, faced challenges not only due to the dismasting incident but also due to its inadequacies and lack of proper maintenance. They were like friends of the owner, and these friends wanted to help him get his boat back to France by going the wrong way across the Pacific, which, I have to tell you, is not a good idea. Navigating a weekend cruiser in an unconventional journey, the crew found themselves in a perilous situation, losing the rig and spending six days adrift. The captain contracted MRSA in his leg, a severe complication that could have been fatal if not for the timely arrival of someone with antibiotics. Contemplating a potential medevac involving a boat and helicopter journey back to Hawaii, the situation was critical. Concerns about the captain’s health aside, the boat’s fate was uncertain as it took on water. The boat left floating with many issues and eventually met a grim fate. Whether it sank or was stripped remains uncertain, but the boat, initially saved by James and his crew, faced an unfortunate demise. The captain’s decision not to disclose these details immediately, out of respect for the boat owner and to maintain the positive essence of his channel, highlights his ethical approach to storytelling.

Shift from catamarans to monohulls

A noteworthy revelation surfaces as the conversation shifts to the type of boats James prefers. Despite his initial fame as a catamaran sailor, he shifts in preference towards monohulls. James shares, “I have a bit of PTSD from catamarans. I’m not really a fan of their motion; I don’t fully trust their safety for the kind of sailing I do—offshore adventures covering 16,000 miles. This year, I revisited Easter Island for the second time. I prefer extensive and exploratory journeys, and with that comes encounters with storms, waves, and rough seas. Personally, I feel more secure in a sturdy monohull. The heavier weight and motion suit my preferences.

The Oyster 485

James introduces his current vessel, an Oyster 485, emphasising the boat’s strengths and acknowledging its imperfections. He provides insights into the boat’s design, mentioning large opening windows that offer a catamaran-like experience but admitting they have a tendency to leak. The pragmatic view of his boat reflects the seasoned sailor’s understanding that every vessel, no matter how well-designed, has its pros and cons. 

Golden guidelines for sailing

Before delving into his Pacific escapades, James leaves us with some straightforward sailing guidelines. In his usual pragmatic style, he emphasises essentials like not falling overboard, refraining from being an unpleasant shipmate, and, humorously, advising against smoking. The simplicity of these rules conceals the complexity of the challenges sailors face, reinforcing the importance of safety and camaraderie.

Pacific passages and recommendations

With the basics covered, James transitions to sharing his Pacific adventures. Having crisscrossed these waters multiple times, he provides invaluable recommendations for aspiring sailors. Notably, he extols the virtues of taking the adventurous route to Easter Island, recounting the mesmerising allure of this enigmatic place. His recommendation comes with practical advice, highlighting that the journey from Panama to Easter Island is slightly shorter than the more conventional route to the Marquesas.

Marquesas and beyond:

While Marquesas in French Polynesia is popular, James encourages sailors to explore beyond. He advocates for the less-trodden path, emphasising the rewards of navigating the Southern Pacific, from Pitcairn Islands to the Gambier, Austral Islands, and Tumotus. The captain’s insights stem from years of firsthand experience, painting a vivid picture of the diverse and beautiful destinations that await intrepid sailors.

Challenges of sustainable anchoring

James acknowledges that the adventurous route presents its own set of challenges, particularly in anchoring. The need for an adequate anchor road to secure the vessel in deep waters demands careful planning. Despite the hurdles, he affirms that the rewards of this less conventional journey far outweigh the difficulties.

Easter Island’s enigma:

Easter Island, with its colossal statues and mysterious history, holds a special place in James’s heart. The captain delves into the island’s unique cultural heritage, recounting the story of a civilisation alienated from the world, leaving behind awe-inspiring yet perplexing relics. The allure lies in the statues and the enigmatic narrative of a people whose demise is in mystery. James explains: “Nobody knows how they moved them because they were all built from the same volcano and ended up on the island’s outskirts. So how does a culture in 1100 AD move an 80-ton statue and then stand it up straight? Nobody knows. They all died out because that ancestral worship ended up killing them because they cut down all the trees to roll these logs, and then they ate all the birds there, and then they ended up eating each other, and they all died.

So, there are people who live there now who call themselves Rapa Nui and have kind of reinvented the language. But nobody from that era can tell us what happened. We get some signs, we can guess, and we can make educated guesses. The island is crazy. It’s a system of caves, and it’s just a beautiful place.

Evolution through sailing:

Reflecting on his extensive sailing experience, James candidly shares how this lifestyle has shaped him. Patience and a heightened respect for the environment top the list of lessons learned. The sailor’s philosophy emphasises responsible living, advocating against unnecessary harm to nature and promoting a proactive stance in addressing environmental issues.

Environmental challenges at sea

As James navigates the world’s oceans, he keenly observes the changing marine environment. Drawing on conversations with locals in places like Cuba and Moorea, he sheds light on the visible degradation of coral reefs, hinting at potential causes like global warming, pollution, and overfishing. The decline of vibrant reefs serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance that humans must maintain with nature. “They said that the reef outside Moorea used to be purple, blue, and all these different colours, and now it’s just muted brown. “James explains. “There is still some colour and some live coral there, but much of it is diminishing. And whether that’s global warming that’s bleaching the coral or maybe pollution or some other reason that we haven’t even figured out yet, I think it’s overfishing because that’s what happened in Jamaica. Pictures are from the same spot in Jamaica from 1975, 85, 95, 2005, and 2015. It’s the exact same spot, and you can see vivid life in 1975 and absolutely nothing living in 2015 because those guys took all the fish away. The fish clean the coral, and they clean all that crap off of it. Then the weeds move in, and that’s what caused Ciguatera. And Ciguatera, I think, is the earth’s natural reaction to the dying of the coral. It’s a perfect reaction because now we’re going to make an alga that grows on dead coral that fish eat and are fine, but humans, when they eat the fish, are sick. So, they can’t take the fish anymore. And in places with a lot of Ciguatera, like the Gambia Islands, that’s where Ciguatera started. It is beautiful. The reef is amazing. The fish, you can see tripletail, grouper, huge beautiful fish that are meter long. Everywhere. And you can’t take them. And they know it. The fish will come right up to your face. It’s kind of a cool, you know, if you think about it that way, it’s a really cool natural reaction for the earth.

The impact of overfishing

The conversation turns toward overfishing, a concern close to James’s heart. He narrates the stark contrast in fishing experiences, comparing anecdotes from the ’70s, where catching fish was seemingly effortless, to the present-day reality of struggling to get a single catch. The captain points out the lack of regulation for open ocean fishing and expresses concern about modern fishing practices, particularly with large fishing boats depleting entire schools.

Personal evolution and parenthood

As James shares his observations about environmental changes, the focus shifts to a more personal realm – his journey into parenthood. Acknowledging the world’s challenges, he expresses hope for positive change and a brighter future. With a touch of humour, James reflects on the joy and unpredictability of having a five-month-old daughter, emphasising the need for a collective effort to address global issues.

Sustainable living in the San Blas

The interview takes us to the San Blas Islands’ idyllic setting in Panama, James’s favourite destination. He extols the vibrant reef and sustainable living, cherishing the ability to spearfish for dinner. However, he notes a decline in fish population, attributing it to increased human presence and the impact of tourism, particularly cruise ships promising lobster dinners. The negative consequences of overfishing become glaringly apparent in the diminishing lobster population and the environmental toll on these pristine waters.

The Challenges of Being a YouTuber

Reflecting on the challenges of running a YouTube channel in the sailing niche, James advises aspiring content creators. Given the saturation in this market, he suggests finding a unique angle, whether it’s themed content, personal stories, or extraordinary feats, to stand out and attract an audience because “it’s hard being a YouTuber. And, you know, you don’t make much money until you probably have about 50,000 subscribers. So, you’re working basically for free.” James explains.

Embracing the Roller Coaster

Despite the difficulties, James passionately emphasises the rewarding nature of his roller-coaster life. From boat refits to idyllic anchorages, he highlights the highs and lows that make his journey unique. He encourages those contemplating a similar lifestyle to embrace the challenges and rewards that come with it.

Parting Words of Encouragement

As our conversation concludes, James offers words of encouragement to those intrigued by the sailing lifestyle. He urges individuals to take the leap, emphasising that necessity often leads to invention. With countless ways to make money in today’s world, he assures potential sailors that they will find solutions when faced with challenges.

In the end, James leaves us with a resounding message: If you’re drawn to a life at sea, with its unpredictability and unparalleled beauty, go for it. The open waters are waiting, ready to unveil their wonders to those daring enough to explore them.

In our next blog

Exploring the serene San Blas Islands was a four-week exploration marked by enriching interactions with the indigenous people of Guna Yala and fellow cruisers. As the crossing through the Panama Canal approaches, the atmosphere mixes with enthusiasm and uncertainty. Our journey to the Pacific side is upon us, and the mixed emotions are palpable: some are eager for the challenge, while others ponder whether they are really ready to cross. In the upcoming blog post, we will share the authentic stories of our sailing experience, capturing the unique dynamics of the community, the connections with fellow sailors, and the heartfelt reflections on preparing to transit the Panama Canal.