# S/V Sabado
> Holly and Ray on Sailing Vessel Sabado
Public Ghost content for AI and LLM tooling. Use `/llms-full.txt` for consolidated page and post context.
Append `.md` to any post or page URL to get the content in Markdown (for example, `/example-post.md`).

## Pages
- [About us](https://svsabado.com/about-us.md) - Sabado, Spanish for “Saturday,” is a 2017 Lagoon 42 owner’s version. Aboard Sabado, every day is Saturday! Ray is from Portland, Oregon, and has worn many hats over the years, including commercial fisherman, engineer, yacht delivery captain, consultant, photographer, and bar and restaurant owner. I…
- [Blog](https://svsabado.com/blog.md)
- [Coaching & Consulting](https://svsabado.com/consulting.md) - When something goes wrong on your boat, who do you call? Most cruisers find out the hard way that there's nobody to call. The yard is booked three months out. The advice on the forums contradicts itself. And the manual assumes you've already diagnosed the problem. We've spent years solving these pr…
- [Contact](https://svsabado.com/contact.md) - Contact us
- [Documents](https://svsabado.com/documents.md) - Here are the files, diagrams, code, images, inventory, anything that we think might help the lives of our members.
- [Holly and Ray on Sailing Vessel Sabado](https://svsabado.com/home.md) - Recent Blog Posts Read more Blog Categories Boat Life Behind the Scenes Recipes Crew Only Join us as we document our journey sailing around the world on our Lagoon 42 catamaran, Sabado. Together, we’ve explored the East Coast of the United States, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean. Then, we crossed th…
- [login](https://svsabado.com/login-2.md) - Join Not a subscriber yet? Join now for FREE Subscribe
- [Payment Confirmation](https://svsabado.com/payment-confirmation-2.md) - [simpay_payment_receipt]
- [Payment Confirmation](https://svsabado.com/payment-confirmation.md) - [simpay_payment_receipt]
- [Subscribe](https://svsabado.com/subscribe-2.md)
- [Subscribe](https://svsabado.com/subscribe.md)
- [Support the Adventure](https://svsabado.com/support-the-adventure.md) - From the bottom of our hearts (and the depths of Sabado’s bilges), thank you for wanting to support our adventure! All contributions will go directly to sailing and keeping Sabado in ship shape. The easiest way to help us is FREE: share, like, and comment on our posts. This tells the algorithm that…
- [testimonials](https://svsabado.com/testimonials.md) - "From troubleshooting my generator to digging through the manual and suggesting upgrades for better reliability, they consistently go above and beyond." — S/V Catnip "You were there for me as a trusted advisor as I made my first journey to the Caribbean." — S/V Rumaway "My sailing life is so much b…
- [Videos](https://svsabado.com/videos.md)
- [Welcome Aboard!](https://svsabado.com/welcome-aboard.md) - Screenshot Thank you for confirming your email You have joined our mailing list.
- [Welcome Crew](https://svsabado.com/welcome-crew.md)
- [Welcome Flagship](https://svsabado.com/welcome-flagship.md)
- [Welcome VIP](https://svsabado.com/welcome-vip.md)
- [Where is Sabado?](https://svsabado.com/where-is-sabado.md)
- [Your Profile](https://svsabado.com/your-profile.md) - [pmpro_member_profile_edit]

## Posts
- [Sourdough Discard Pretzel Bites & Beer Cheese Dip](https://svsabado.com/sourdough-discard-pretzel-bites-beer-cheese-dip.md) - When the battery bank hits 100% before noon, you know it’s time to have some fun in the galley! These sourdough discard soft pretzel bites with beer cheese dip are a favorite on board, and remind us of our favorite dive bar. Perfect for bringing a little shore-side fun to any anchorage. Cooked inAt…
- [Life at Anchor Just Got Better: Our Anchor Alarm & Bow Shade [EARLY + AD-FREE VIDEO]](https://svsabado.com/life-at-anchor-just-got-better-our-anchor-alarm-bow-shade-early-ad-free-video.md) - Two things have really changed the way we live at anchor this season. The first is our custom anchor alarm, which means we can both sleep easier at night. The second is the new shade over the bow. Together, they give us more comfort and peace of mind while living at anchor
- [Building a Custom Anchor Watch System With Home Assistant and SignalK](https://svsabado.com/building-a-custom-anchor-watch-system-with-home-assistant-and-signalk.md) - Holly and I take anchor watch seriously. Sleeping aboard with rocks on one side and a reef on the other means a dragging anchor isn't just a minor inconvenience, it's a serious safety concern. We've used handheld GPS alarms and a couple of phone apps over the years and have never been happy with th…
- [Sabado’s Anchor Watch System](https://svsabado.com/sabados-anchor-watch-system.md)
- [The Emergency We Weren’t Ready For [EARLY + AD-FREE VIDEO]](https://svsabado.com/the-emergency-we-werent-ready-for-early-ad-free-video.md) - What we had was a pounding heart, a serious injury, and one very simple question: What do we do first? So we built something for that moment. It’s called Overboard, it’s free, and it’s available for anyone who wants it.
- [Free Offline Emergency App for Cruisers, Built After Our Own Medical Emergency in Fiji](https://svsabado.com/free-offline-emergency-app-for-cruisers-built-after-our-own-medical-emergency-in-fiji.md) - After an accident onboard, Holly went to the hospital in Fiji, and I learned something about myself that I didn't like. I've been captaining boats for many years. I know the theory. I know what a MAYDAY call sounds like, I know where every piece of distress gear on this boat lives, and I could reci…
- [Sample Behind the Scenes Post](https://svsabado.com/sample-behind-the-scenes-post.md)
- [July 2026 Behind the Scenes](https://svsabado.com/july-2026-behind-the-scenes.md) - From our water, fuel, and energy consumption to what broke, what it cost to fix, and our monthly spending, these reports provide an honest look at what it actually takes to cruise full time
- [Reunited + New Medical Emergency Response System (SNEAK PEEK)](https://svsabado.com/reunited-new-medical-emergency-response-system-sneak-peek.md) - Exclusive video for our Crew, VIP and Flagship members.
- [A Stolen Credit Card Number Used to Ruin Our Month. Now It Takes Ten Seconds to Fix](https://svsabado.com/a-stolen-credit-card-number-used-to-ruin-our-month-now-it-takes-ten-seconds-to-fix.md) - One compromised credit card turns into weeks of headaches while cruising. Replacing cards, updating autopay, and getting mail simply isn't easy when you live on a boat. Thankfully, there's a simple solution we've relied on ever since that keeps our real card number safe.
- [Simple Boat-Friendly BBQ Chicken Marinade (Made with Pantry Staples)](https://svsabado.com/simple-boat-friendly-bbq-chicken-marinade-made-with-pantry-staples.md) - Fresh produce is often confiscated when clearing into South Pacific countries. This simple grilled chicken marinade made with pantry staples and served with canned sides has become one of our favorite post-passage meals.
- [Home Assistant Status Cards](https://svsabado.com/home-assistant-status-cards.md)
- [Power usage inventory sheet](https://svsabado.com/power-usage-inventory-sheet.md)
- [Holly's Progress: Timeline & Updates](https://svsabado.com/hollys-progress-timeline-updates.md) - Exclusive real-time update.
- [5 Lessons Every Cruiser Can Learn From Our Medical Emergency in Fiji](https://svsabado.com/5-lessons-every-cruiser-can-learn-from-our-medical-emergency-in-fiji.md) - I fell from the coach roof through an open hatch while we were anchored in Fiji and ended up in the local hospital. This post covers what we learned, the hard way.
- [Three Watermakers, Two Oceans, One Hard Lesson](https://svsabado.com/three-watermakers-two-oceans-one-hard-lesson.md) - Making fresh water is not optional on a cruising boat. It's the difference between real independence and being tethered to a dock and a hose. Over the years we've owned three watermakers and learned the hard way what actually matters when you choose one.
- [Automated Battery Compartment Cooling with ESPHome and Home Assistant](https://svsabado.com/automated-battery-compartment-cooling-with-esphome-and-home-assistant.md) - We needed active ventilation in our battery compartment, not just passive airflow. This post covers what we built and how it works.
- [I Should Be With Her: A Medical Emergency Sailing Fiji [AD-FREE VIDEO]](https://svsabado.com/i-should-be-with-her-a-medical-emergency-sailing-fiji-ad-free-video.md) - We hope you enjoy this week's ad-free video.
- [Starlink Changed the Roaming Rules. Here's How We're Handling It Aboard Sabado](https://svsabado.com/starlink-changed-the-roaming-rules-heres-how-were-handling-it-aboard-sabado.md) - If you cruise internationally and lean on Starlink to stay connected, the rules just changed underneath you. In this post, we discuss what changed, what we're doing about it, and what it's going to cost us.
- [Fan & Condensate Pump Controller (ESPHome)](https://svsabado.com/fan-condensate-pump-controller-esphome.md)
- [Offshore Passage Meal Prep: 5 Make-Ahead Boat Meals That Save Time at Sea](https://svsabado.com/offshore-passage-meal-prep-5-make-ahead-boat-meals-that-save-time-at-sea.md) - Preparing food for an offshore passage is a lot like reefing the sails before the wind arrives. A little work in calm conditions makes life much easier when things get challenging.
- [Sailing from New Zealand to Fiji: Our 8-Day Offshore Passage](https://svsabado.com/sailing-from-new-zealand-to-fiji-our-8-day-offshore-passage.md) - On day 8, we caught our first glimpse of land. Ray hoisted the Q flag, and we were relieved to see the current finally dissipate. We raised the sails for the final couple of hours of the passage and happily traded our sweatpants and socks for shorts and sunscreen.
- [Software We Use on Our Boat Every Day](https://svsabado.com/software-we-use-on-our-boat-every-day.md) - There's a full server running below decks on Sabado. Most people don't expect that on a sailboat, but after years of living aboard full-time, it's become one of the things we'd have a hard time giving up. Here's what's actually running, and why we bothered with each piece.
- [The Reality of an 8-Day Offshore Passage to Fiji [EARLY + AD-FREE VIDEO]](https://svsabado.com/the-reality-of-an-8-day-offshore-passage-to-fiji-early-ad-free-video.md) - Join us as we sail from New Zealand to Fiji on an 8-day offshore passage, sharing the day-to-day reality of life at sea as a short-handed crew.
- [One Last Week in NZ: We're Fiji Bound!](https://svsabado.com/one-last-week-in-nz-were-fiji-bound.md) - I have to admit, I felt a little nervous when I first saw them speeding toward us. Memories of being chased out of perfectly legal anchorages in French Polynesia came flooding back...
- [Vessel Reference Sheet](https://svsabado.com/vessel-reference-sheet.md)
- [Living on a Sailboat: Honest Stories from 3 Couples [EARLY + AD FREE VIDEO]](https://svsabado.com/living-on-a-sailboat-honest-stories-from-3-couples-early-ad-free-video.md) - We hope you enjoy this week's YouTube video, available early and ad free. This one is a little different from our usual content...
- [Sabado Spare Parts List](https://svsabado.com/sabado-spare-parts-list.md)
- [June 2026: Behind the Scenes](https://svsabado.com/june-2026-behind-the-scenes.md) - We spent about $800 NZD on fuel before departing New Zealand. We chose a weather window with beautifully calm seas during what had otherwise been a notoriously rough season for... (read more)
- [Boat Logbook Template](https://svsabado.com/boat-logbook-template.md)
- [Electronic Logbooks & Digital Watchkeeping: Modernizing Maritime Reporting on Sabado](https://svsabado.com/electronic-logbooks-digital-watchkeeping-modernizing-maritime-reporting-on-sabado.md) - Paper logbooks have limits. You cannot search, graph, or automatically populate them with data from onboard instruments while on watch at 2AM. We built a digital system that complements paper records by pulling data from Home Assistant and Signal K into a verified, practical reporting workflow.
- [Passage Log System Files](https://svsabado.com/passage-log-system-files.md)
- [Electrical Diagrams](https://svsabado.com/electrical-diagrams.md)
- [New Blog!](https://svsabado.com/new-blog.md) - Same boat, same crew, same stories — just a smoother ride from here on out.
- [Website Down? Don't Worry!](https://svsabado.com/web.md) - We are currently having issues with our website host and will be moving to a new provider. During this transition, our website may be unavailable for a few days.
- [A Stormy Week on Anchor](https://svsabado.com/a-stormy-week-on-anchor.md) - The wind continued to build on Monday, hitting 40kn+. We could hear the wind whistling through the rigging, and felt the boat vibrate... (read more)
- [Catamaran Workshop Reveal: The ULTIMATE Refit Upgrade [Early + Ad-Free Video]](https://svsabado.com/catamaran-workshop-reveal-the-ultimate-refit-upgrade-early-ad-free-video.md) - We hope you enjoy our next YouTube video, available early and ad-free!
- [Back in Our Element: Life After the Refit](https://svsabado.com/back-in-our-element-life-after-the-refit.md) - Right on schedule, the wind began to build Saturday night. I was restless, listening to it whistle through the rigging as gusts reached 30+ knots. We're still building trust in our new ground tackle and alarm system... (read more)
- [Refit to Reality: Will Our New Systems Actually Work? [EARLY + AD FREE VIDEO]](https://svsabado.com/refit-to-reality-will-our-new-systems-actually-work-early-ad-free-video.md)
- [April-May 2026: Behind the Scenes](https://svsabado.com/april-may-2026-behind-the-scenes.md) - The application process required a letter of support explaining the unusually rough weather conditions that had delayed our departure, along with a $318.65 USD application fee... (read more)
- [From Refit to Reality](https://svsabado.com/from-refit-to-reality.md) - After months of planning, installing, troubleshooting, and problem-solving, there’s something deeply satisfying about seeing all the pieces finally working together exactly as they were designed to. Below is our new YouTube video... (read more)
- [Refit Review: Contractors and Facilities](https://svsabado.com/refit-review-contractors-and-facilities.md) - A list of vendors we used during our extensive refit and an honest review of our experience with each.
- [232 Days Later: Back to Boat Life](https://svsabado.com/232-days-later-back-to-boat-life.md) - If we could go back in time, we would have started this refit with more realistic expectations. While there are plenty of specialty stores and highly skilled tradespeople here, that does not... (read more)
- [Real-Time Refit Reality Check (EXCLUSIVE VIDEO)](https://svsabado.com/real-time-refit-reality-check-exclusive-video.md) - Hey team! We wanted to check in as we head into what we hope will be our final week... (video below)
- [The Light at the End of the Tunnel (Refit Update)](https://svsabado.com/the-light-at-the-end-of-the-tunnel-refit-update.md) - The bad news: At the beginning of this refit, we decided to... (read more)
- [March 2026: Behind the Scenes](https://svsabado.com/march-2026-behind-the-scenes.md) - We paid $148.50 NZD for the yard’s fabrication team to create and mount a custom... (read more)
- [Nearing the End of this MASSIVE Refit](https://svsabado.com/nearing-the-end-of-this-massive-refit.md) - A real-time sneak peek for our Crew and VIPs: Construction is complete, and without sawdust and contractors constantly coming and going, we have begun... (read more)
- [February 2026: Behind the Scenes](https://svsabado.com/february-2026-behind-the-scenes-report.md) - The construction of our workshop was completed by Circa Marine for... (read more)
- [Major Milestones: Finished Workshop and a Quieter Rig Ahead](https://svsabado.com/major-milestones-finished-workshop-and-a-quieter-rig-ahead.md) - Refit Diaries: 2/03/2026 - 3/01/2026 The construction of our workshop is complete. Circa did an incredible job, and we are absolutely thrilled with the result! It looks nearly identical to the AI rendering we created. We were especially impressed by how... (read more)
- [Offshore Nightmare: Decisions That Saved the Crew](https://svsabado.com/offshore-nightmare-decisions-that-saved-the-crew.md) - What began as a carefully planned offshore passage with a capable crew and a promising weather window quickly became a crisis at sea... (read more)
- [7 Qualities You Want in a Sailing Partner](https://svsabado.com/7-qualities-you-want-in-a-sailing-partner.md) - The Top 7 things that actually make a great sailing partner, according to 169 sailors who have been there, done that, and probably argued about it while docking... (read more)
- [January 2026: Behind the Scenes](https://svsabado.com/january-2026-behind-the-scenes.md) - We paid ~$7,000.00 NZD to have the boat yard’s fabrication team... (read more)
- [Powering Up and Making Progress (Refit Update)](https://svsabado.com/powering-up-and-making-progress-refit-update.md) - Refit Diaries: 1/15/2026- 2/01/2026 It’s been dirty, sweaty, and frustrating as we battle the summer heat and spend hours wedged into tiny spaces working on electrical projects... (read more)
- [When Things Go Terribly Wrong in a Remote Anchorage](https://svsabado.com/when-things-go-terribly-wrong-in-a-remote-anchorage.md) - They confront a frustrating reality: they have an extensive medical kit, but not the one thing they need. Miranda describes the moment as devastating, surrounded by drugs they can’t use... (read more)
- [It's a Team Effort: Catamaran Refit Update](https://svsabado.com/its-a-team-effort-catamaran-refit-update.md) - Refit Diaries: 1/03/2026 - 1/10/2026 At the moment, Sabado is a disaster. The port forward and starboard aft cabins are both under construction, leaving the cockpit and salon overflowing with tools, spools of wire, and miscellaneous parts. We’re really struggling to... (read more)
- [The 5 Best Things to Have on Your Boat (According to Real Sailors)](https://svsabado.com/the-5-best-things-to-have-on-your-boat-according-to-real-sailors.md) - We asked 403 sailors "what is the BEST thing you have on your boat?" the 5 most popular responses might surprise you... (read more)
- [December 2025: Behind the Scenes](https://svsabado.com/december-2025-behind-the-scenes.md) - We ran into some significant delays with the Victron Quattro we ordered from... (read more)
- [Holiday Highlights: Exploring NZ with Family (A Break From Boat Work)](https://svsabado.com/holiday-highlights-exploring-nz-with-family-a-break-from-boat-work.md) - We haven’t all been in the same place for two years, so this time feels particularly special! Ray and I have loved sharing this beautiful country with them, and so far our favorite activities have been… (read more)
- [Not Much Boat Progress, Plenty of Everything Else](https://svsabado.com/not-much-boat-progress-plenty-of-everything-else.md) - Refit diaries: 11/30/25- 12/7/25 We try to keep our systems aligned with ABYC standards. With recent updates to the guidelines, Ray has been re-thinking parts of our electrical upgrade/rewire, like... (read more)
- [Gift Guide for Sailors (2025)](https://svsabado.com/gift-guide-for-sailors-2025.md) - With the holidays rapidly approaching, here are some gifts for the sailor in your life.
- [This Week on Sabado: Wiring Discoveries & Good Company](https://svsabado.com/this-week-on-sabado-wiring-discoveries-good-company.md) - Refit diaries: 11/23/2025 - 11/30/2025 The more we dig into this boat, the more wiring issues we find. In addition to a few more undersized cables, we also discovered... (read more)
- [November 2025: Behind the Scenes](https://svsabado.com/november-2025-behind-the-scenes.md) - Our new batteries arrived! For three 345Ah 24V LiFePO4 batteries, we paid... (read more)
- [From Production Catamaran to Dream Boat: Refit Projects That Will Change Everything](https://svsabado.com/from-production-catamaran-to-dream-boat-refit-projects-that-will-change-everything.md) - Early & ad-free version of our latest Youtube video for our Crew and VIPs.
- [Workshop Progress, New Batteries, and the Hunt for Parts](https://svsabado.com/workshop-progress-new-batteries-and-the-hunt-for-parts.md) - Refit Diaries: 11/16/25 - 11/23/25 The existing ones have no markings at all, so we have no clue who made them, and the mast manufacturer either doesn’t know or isn’t willing to tell us. We could... (read more)
- [EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: 3 Steps Forward, 2 Steps Back...](https://svsabado.com/exclusive-video-3-steps-forward-2-steps-back.md) - New video for our Crew & VIP members!
- [The Good, the Bad, and the Factory Wiring](https://svsabado.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-factory-wiring.md) - Refit Diaries: 11/09/2025 – 11/16/2025 Disappointing, cheap, and in this case, deceitful. From routine inspection points, you’d never spot this... (read more)
- [Finding Our Rhythm: Boat Projects and Balance in New Zealand](https://svsabado.com/finding-our-rhythm-boat-projects-and-balance-in-new-zealand.md) - Refit Diaries: 11/02/2025 - 11/09/2025 The longer the mast is down, the more we discover. From a preliminary inspection, it appears... (read more)
- [AD- FREE VIDEO: We’re FINALLY Doing It (Catamaran Workshop Conversion)](https://svsabado.com/ad-free-video-were-finally-doing-it-catamaran-workshop-conversion.md) - Early and ad-free video for Crew and VIPs!
- [Full Speed Ahead: Mast Unstepped and Workshop Gutted](https://svsabado.com/full-speed-ahead-mast-unstepped-and-workshop-gutted.md) - Refit Diaries: 10/26/2025 - 11/2/2025 Their attention to detail and precise prep work paid off when the crane arrived and removed the generator, boom, and mast in under an hour. It could not have gone smoother. We now have... (read more)
- [October 2025: Behind the Scenes](https://svsabado.com/october-2025-behind-the-scenes.md) - We were billed for our haul and launch from September 2025. The cost breakdown is as follows... (read more)
- [Let’s Chat: Unfiltered Exclusive Update (VIDEO)](https://svsabado.com/lets-chat-unfiltered-exclusive-update-video.md) - A video update for our Crew and VIPs.
- [Sawdust, Stainless, and Steady Progress](https://svsabado.com/sawdust-stainless-and-steady-progress.md) - Refit Diaries: 10/19/2025 - 10/26/2025 Despite being the exact same model number, it has slightly different dimensions. We drove to the boat to evaluate the gaping hole it will eventually reside in. Unfortunately... (read more)
- [AD-FREE VIDEO: Addressing a Serious Safety Issue During Our Catamaran Refit](https://svsabado.com/ad-free-video-addressing-a-serious-safety-issue-during-our-catamaran-refit.md) - Early and ad-free video for Crew and VIPs!
- [Step by Step, Project by Project](https://svsabado.com/step-by-step-project-by-project.md) - Refit Diaries: 10/12/2025 – 10/19/2025 We mapped out a spot for three 24V 340Ah LiFePO4 batteries by NZ Lithium using the empty shells they shipped us. This allowed Ray to precisely cut a space for them to sit under our bed. We promptly shipped the shells back to them to be filled with the actual b
- [AD-FREE VIDEO: Building Our Dream Electrical System (Catamaran Refit in New Zealand)](https://svsabado.com/ad-free-video-building-our-dream-electrical-system-catamaran-refit-in-new-zealand.md) - Early and ad-free video for Crew and VIPs!
- [Let The Boat Work Begin!](https://svsabado.com/let-the-boat-work-begin.md) - Refit Diaries: 10/05/2025 - 10/12/2025 After waiting on the carpenter for several weeks, we decided to complete the owner's cabin demolition ourselves. Ray removed all the screws he could access, but because the bed was put together before it was put into the boat, many of... (read more)
- [(Ad-free Video) BIG CHANGES AHEAD: Refitting our Catamaran in New Zealand](https://svsabado.com/ad-free-video-big-changes-ahead-refitting-our-catamaran-in-new-zealand.md) - Early and ad-free video for Crew and VIPs!
- [August + September 2025: Behind the Scenes](https://svsabado.com/august-september-2025-behind-the-scenes.md) - After approximately 28,000 nautical miles, our mainsail has stretched to the point where we can no longer achieve proper trim. It’s served us well, but it’s time for a new one. Our current mainsail is from Mack Sails; we will order a new one from... (read more)
- [Sailing to New Zealand: Pre-Departure & Arrival Guide for Foreign Yachts](https://svsabado.com/sailing-to-new-zealand-pre-departure-arrival-guide-for-foreign-yachts.md) - This checklist is designed to help streamline the foreign yacht clearance process in New Zealand, based on our firsthand experience in September 2025.
- [Cruising Tonga: A Sailor’s Guide to Port Logistics, Provisioning, and Yacht Resources](https://svsabado.com/cruising-tonga-a-sailors-guide-to-port-logistics-provisioning-and-yacht-resources.md) - This guide is designed to help sailors navigate the logistics of cruising in Tonga: from checking in and out, to provisioning, refueling, and more. It’s based on our firsthand experience visiting in 2025.
- [Sailing from Tonga to New Zealand— We did it!](https://svsabado.com/we-did-it-sailing-from-tonga-to-new-zealand.md) - It was a whirlwind of discomfort: enduring bone-chilling temperatures at the helm overnight, battling difficult and rapidly changing conditions, and wrestling with the constant underlying fear that we were making the wrong decision… (read more)
- [Refit Power Upgrade Plan - Part 1](https://svsabado.com/refit-power-upgrade-plan-part-1.md) - This report provides the finalized power budget for Sabado, optimized for a tropical circumnavigation with two full-time crew members and occasional guests. The system prioritizes solar-only autonomy, achieving net-zero demand/generation in normal anchored conditions… (read more)
- [Developing a Maritime Safety Monitoring Script](https://svsabado.com/developing-a-maritime-safety-monitoring-script.md) - The script was born out of necessity during our time in Vava’u, Tonga, where we faced volcanic activity and health concerns. By integrating APIs and AI, it provides a "safety dashboard" tailored to our location, ensuring we're proactive rather than reactive. It's designed to run on a local server (e
- [Responding to a Tsunami Warning at Anchor: Lessons from Tonga, July 2025](https://svsabado.com/responding-to-a-tsunami-warning-at-anchor-lessons-from-tonga-july-2025.md) - In this post, we detail the timeline and decision-making process we experienced aboard our sailboat in Tonga during the July 2025 tsunami warning… (read more)
- [July 2025: Behind the Scenes](https://svsabado.com/july-2025-behind-the-scenes.md) - Ray’s phone fell out of his jacket pocket and into the ocean while trying to start the dinghy. I dove down to retrieve it, and… (read more)
- [5 Boat-Friendly Sourdough Recipes](https://svsabado.com/5-boat-friendly-sourdough-recipes.md) - Five of our favorite boat-friendly sourdough recipes you can make with minimal effort and equipment!
- [One Step Closer…](https://svsabado.com/one-step-closer.md) - Ray warned me that the boat could get jostled if the whale decided to nudge us, and “I just need you not to fall overboard, Holly.” 😂 What an incredible moment! The whale slowly swam around our bow, eventually disappearing into the darkness… (read more)
- [May + June 2025: Behind the Scenes](https://svsabado.com/may-june-2025-behind-the-scenes.md) - We paid $115 to check into Tonga at Niuatoputapu. Since the island has no bank, we could not get local currency to pay the fee (no electronic payments are accepted). Luckily… (read more)
- [Life is Good in Vava’u](https://svsabado.com/life-is-good-in-vavau.md) - Although it was spectacular to witness, there can be negative environmental implications, like disrupting marine food chains and clogging intakes for cooling systems in… (read more)
- [Exploring Tonga: Niuatoputapu and Vava’u](https://svsabado.com/exploring-tonga-niuatoputapu-and-vavau.md) - The sea state began to calm down the following morning. As the wind died, we dropped the sails and started our engines. A pod of dolphins paid us a quick visit as we motored between the islands… (read more)
- [Day 10: We’ve Arrived in Tonga!](https://svsabado.com/day-10-weve-arrived-in-tonga.md) - As the sun began to rise, I realized one of our lazy jacks had become disconnected and was dangling below the boom. If we needed to drop the sail or reef again in these conditions, we’d risk the mainsail… (read more)
- [Day 9: Sailing from French Polynesia to Tonga](https://svsabado.com/day-9-sailing-from-french-polynesia-to-tonga.md) - This evening's sunset was partially blocked by thick grey clouds, but it might be the last one of this passage. We have about 100 miles to go, so we should make landfall… (read more)
- [Day 8: Sailing from French Polynesia to Tonga](https://svsabado.com/day-8-sailing-from-french-polynesia-to-tonga.md) - The sea state got pretty intense last night. When lying down inside, I could feel the vibration as the waves pummeled the boat, punching up against the… (read more)
- [Day 7: Sailing from French Polynesia to Tonga](https://svsabado.com/day-7-sailing-from-french-polynesia-to-tonga.md) - There’s a running joke amongst sailors that to be a liveaboard, you must be a nurse, chef, engineer, carpenter, maid, marine biologist, electrician, mechanic, meteorologist, doomsday prepper, seamstress, etc. I am constantly learning… (read more)
- [Day 6: Sailing from French Polynesia to Tonga](https://svsabado.com/day-6-sailing-from-french-polynesia-to-tonga.md) - Squalls rolled through every half hour last night, bringing 30kn of wind and waves on the beam, robbing us of sleep…(read more)
- [Day 5: Sailing from French Polynesia to Tonga](https://svsabado.com/day-5-sailing-from-french-polynesia-to-tonga.md) - The sun finally began to creep up over the horizon around 7:30AM, illuminating two large storm clouds: one behind us and one right in front of us. We already had the mainsail prematurely at its second reef, so… (read more)
- [Day 4: Sailing from French Polynesia to Tonga](https://svsabado.com/day-4-sailing-from-french-polynesia-to-tonga.md) - A loud creak developed in our starboard head. Our biggest complaint about this boat is how the furniture is put together. As the boat flexes, the interior… (read more)
- [Day 3: Sailing from French Polynesia to Tonga](https://svsabado.com/day-3-sailing-from-french-polynesia-to-tonga.md) - We fired up the generator around 2pm. Despite having relatively clear skies, our solar panels are shaded by the sails most of the day, so we’ve struggled to get charged. Before crossing the Pacific… (read more)
- [Day 2: Sailing from French Polynesia to Tonga](https://svsabado.com/day-2-sailing-from-french-polynesia-to-tonga.md) - Ray woke me just before midnight to help him reef the main as the wind and waves began to pick up. I strapped myself into my PFD, grabbed a headlamp, and met him at the helm. We don’t always wake each other to reef, but when the sea state is rough… (read more)
- [Day 1: Sailing from French Polynesia to Tonga](https://svsabado.com/day-1-sailing-from-french-polynesia-to-tonga.md) - We were cutting it close—checking out of the country the day our visas expired. I thought the three weeks I had scheduled between our insurance’s cyclone season restriction end date and our visa expiration would be plenty; who would’ve thought it would take 25 days for a weather window to come along
- [Goodbye, Tahiti](https://svsabado.com/goodbye-tahiti.md) - Bora Bora: a breath of fresh air! Sharing what we’ve learned about our upcoming stops on our route to New Zealand… (read more)
- [5 Tips for Sailors Heading to French Polynesia](https://svsabado.com/5-tips-for-sailors-heading-to-french-polynesia.md) - We’ve spent the past year sailing in French Polynesia. These islands have been our most challenging cruising grounds yet, and we have learned a lot along the way. Here are 5 things to think about if you’re planning to head this way… (read more)
- [April 2025: Behind the Scenes](https://svsabado.com/april-2025-behind-the-scenes.md) - We turned on our deck light so they could see us and watched in amazement as they pulled up right next to us and dropped their anchor. We were close enough to shout, so we told them we had 300ft of chain out and would absolutely hit them. We were astonished to see them casually put their… (read more
- [24hrs on Anchor as Liveaboard Sailors](https://svsabado.com/24hrs-on-anchor-as-liveaboard-sailors.md) - Their captain is awake, shining a headlamp on our boat, their bow, and then back into their cockpit. We’re close enough to shout, so Ray asks if everything is okay. Have they… (read more)
- [6 Days at Sea: Light Winds & Sail Troubles](https://svsabado.com/6-days-at-sea-light-winds-sail-troubles.md) - We’re back on the move! Sorry for the lack of posts lately. To be honest, crew morale has plummeted. Boat life has never… (read more)
- [Behind the Scenes: March 2025](https://svsabado.com/behind-the-scenes-march-2025.md) - Insurance cost, a burnt sail, broken leech line, and more... (read more)
- [Ditch Bag for Emergencies at Sea](https://svsabado.com/ditch-bag-for-emergencies-at-sea.md) - A ditch bag (also called an emergency grab bag) is a waterproof, pre-packed bag containing essential signal and survival gear that sailors take with them if they need to abandon ship… (read more)
- [Farewell, Norman Family!](https://svsabado.com/farewell-norman-family.md) - A sweet overnight sail from Tahuata to Nuku Hiva, where our family boards their flight back to the USA… (read more)
- [All Aboard! A Week of Sailing & Swimming With Family](https://svsabado.com/all-aboard-a-week-of-sailing-swimming-with-family.md) - Using our main and jib, we were able to sail past sunrise, only turning on an engine to complete our approach when the staggering mountains of Hiva Oa blocked our wind. We reminisced on our arrival to this very island after our 27-day sail from Panama…(read more)
- [Behind the Scenes: February 2025](https://svsabado.com/behind-the-scenes-february-2025.md) - We submitted the necessary paperwork for insurance renewal and will share the cost with you once we hear back… (read more)
- [January 2025: Behind the Scenes](https://svsabado.com/january-2025-behind-the-scenes.md) - We appreciate your support, and we hope you find these reports valuable. Here is a bullet point list of things we dealt with in January 2025… (read more)
- [2 Years of Behind-the-Scenes Reports](https://svsabado.com/2-years-of-behind-the-scenes-reports.md) - We’ve been posting monthly behind-the-scenes reports for two years! Let’s look back on them together: our most mentioned issues, haul out expenses, projects/upgrades we wish we’d done sooner… (read more)
- [Settling in for Cyclone Season](https://svsabado.com/settling-in-for-cyclone-season.md) - That’s right; we’d left all the tools, parts, and rags we’d used for the generator repair out for days. Sometimes, the most challenging part of a boat project is getting things out and putting them back… (read more)
- [Island Life: Exploring and Searching for Parts](https://svsabado.com/island-life-exploring-and-searching-for-parts.md) - After snapping our splicing tool in half last week, leaving us unable to repair the furling line for our headsails, we were eager to visit the local chandlery Monday morning in search of a new one… (read more)
- [Extending Our Stay in Nuku Hiva](https://svsabado.com/extending-our-stay-in-nuku-hiva.md) - We’d been watching the weather for nearly two weeks now for a window to sail to Tahuata, the home of our favorite anchorage in the Marquesas… (read more)
- [Brown Butter Honey Cinnamon Banana Bread](https://svsabado.com/brown-butter-honey-cinnamon-banana-bread.md) - Another bread machine recipe we can't stop making!
- [Relaxation & Recuperation in Nuku Hiva](https://svsabado.com/relaxation-recuperation-in-nuku-hiva.md) - We also dropped off three giant bags of laundry at the Yacht Services building- a total luxury for us. We somehow used every towel we own between our rough passage here and cleaning the boat afterward… (read more)
- [December 2024: Behind the Scenes](https://svsabado.com/december-2024-behind-the-scenes.md) - We hauled out at Technimarine in Tahiti after discovering water in our starboard sail drive. Here is the breakdown of our final invoice… (read more)
- [Our Worst Passage Yet](https://svsabado.com/our-worst-passage-yet.md) - By Monday, we found our situation quite comical. We’ve crossed the Pacific Ocean, yet this has been our most challenging passage... (read more)
- [Surprise, Surprise: More Bad Weather in French Polynesia](https://svsabado.com/surprise-surprise-more-bad-weather-in-french-polynesia.md) - Squalls lined the horizon at sunset. The bioluminescence glittered around us, illuminating our wake. We could feel the static electricity in the air, and our apparent wind speed began showing crazy numbers, a telltale sign of lightning nearby… (read more)
- [Home Sweet Home](https://svsabado.com/home-sweet-home.md) - The mechanics immediately got to work putting our sail drives and propellers back together. We were hoping to splash the following day. Ray kept a close eye on everything that was going on.... (read more)
- [Paradise Isn't Perfect: The Struggles of Boat Maintenance in Tahiti](https://svsabado.com/paradise-isnt-perfect-the-struggles-of-boat-maintenance-in-tahiti.md) - It feels like our lives have been moving a mile a minute lately! We’re exhausted. After finding water in our starboard sail drive during an overnight passage from Bora Bora to Moorea several weeks ago, we learned that… (read more)
- [Our Favorite Software for Boat Life](https://svsabado.com/our-favorite-software-for-boat-life.md) - Here are a few of our most used software applications that help us manage boat life.
- [November 2024: Behind the Scenes](https://svsabado.com/november-2024-behind-the-scenes.md) - We discovered water in our starboard sail drive during an overnight passage from Bora Bora to Moorea. We hauled out to address the issue and were surprised to see severe wear on the… (read more)
- [Gift Guide for Sailors (2024)](https://svsabado.com/gift-guide-for-sailors.md) - With the holidays right around the corner, here are some gifts to give the sailor in your life.
- [Internet at Sea | How We Stay Connected While Exploring the World](https://svsabado.com/internet-at-sea-how-we-stay-connected-while-exploring-the-world.md) - How we stay connected while sailing in remote areas.
- [Now What? Heading East for Cyclone Season](https://svsabado.com/now-what-heading-east-for-cyclone-season.md) - We have since learned that Humpback whales slap their tails on the water for a few reasons—like communicating with other whales or marking their territory. It can also be part of their feeding strategy, helping to scare fish into tighter schools, making them easier to hunt. Once the splashing ceased
- [Hawaiki Nui Va’a: The 3-Day Polynesian Outrigger Race](https://svsabado.com/hawaiki-nui-vaa-the-3-day-polynesian-outrigger-race.md) - The lagoon quickly became a washing machine of wakes. These skilled athletes seemed to alter their course to use it to their advantage, surfing where they could to increase their speed. People were cheering, music was playing, and coaches were yelling over loudspeakers. It was a chorus of chaos! We
- [October 2024: Behind the Scenes](https://svsabado.com/october-2024-behind-the-scenes.md) - We could not make water for four days after a storm with hefty rainfall brought significant runoff and debris into the anchorage. We spent $690.00 to get an insurance addendum to cover a last-minute trip to New Zealand for cyclone season. After watching our weather window disappear in a matter of h
- [5 Phrases for Salty Sailors](https://svsabado.com/5-phrases-for-salty-sailors.md) - Welcome to our new and improved website! Check it out, and enjoy our latest blog post… (read more)
- [False Alarm | Plans Change](https://svsabado.com/false-alarm-plans-change.md) - In our never-ending quest to stay positive, I’m not sure how our time here has been perceived online, but it has been hard for us. We were looking forward to getting to New Zealand… (read more)
- [On-the-Go Emergency Kit](https://svsabado.com/on-the-go-emergency-kit.md) - Ray has been carrying this kit in his backpack for years, and we have so many stories of when it has come in handy! If you’re interested in building your own kit, we dug through our Amazon order history and found the exact links to what he has… (read more)
- [Returning to Familiar Waters](https://svsabado.com/returning-to-familiar-waters.md) - A Week Aboard S/V Sabado: 10/13/2024 - 10/20/2024 We arrived in Moorea at sunrise. This is our third visit, our second time arriving at sunrise, and it is truly a sight to see. The steep, sharp mountains illuminated by the golden morning sun are spectacular. It reminds me of… (read more)
- [Crew Only Update: We have GOOD NEWS!](https://svsabado.com/patreon-only-update-we-have-good-news.md) - Life will be a bit chaotic between now and then as we scramble to get the boat ready + check out of French Polynesia, but we are excited to take you along on this new adventure… (watch video)
- [Haul Out Projects](https://svsabado.com/haul-out-projects.md) - We are currently developing our project list for our haul out at Port Whangarei Marine Center in New Zealand. This will be an extensive (and expensive) refit period for us and Sabado. We are not only addressing routine preventative and scheduled maintenance but we are also making significant modific
- [4 Anchorages in 4 Days](https://svsabado.com/4-anchorages-in-4-days.md) - A Week Aboard S/V Sabado: 9/29/2024 - 10/06/2024 His hull turned perpendicular to the wind and, with one of those 30-knot gusts, began dragging rapidly toward Sabado. Ray and I ran out onto the bow, yelling and waving our arms, trying to alert the captain that he was dragging. The guy stayed seated
- [September 2024: Behind the Scenes](https://svsabado.com/september-2024-behind-the-scenes.md) - We paid $39.67 for 6 gallons of gasoline at a gas station in Bora Bora. We endured three termite swarms this month. One in Tahiti, one in Moorea, and one in… (read more)
- [Bora Bora: A Bucket-List Destination!](https://svsabado.com/bora-bora-a-bucket-list-destination.md) - A Week Aboard S/V Sabado: 9/21/2024 - 9/28/2024 I’ve never seen more than two or three eagle rays at a time, so I was in awe as 30+ appeared from the depths! They moved so gracefully, seemingly unaware of my presence… (read more)
- [Cruising the Society Islands: Beautiful, but Challenging](https://svsabado.com/cruising-the-society-islands-beautiful-but-challenging.md) - A Week Aboard S/V Sabado: 9/15/2024 - 9/22/2024 The boat felt a bit steamy since we had to keep the hatches closed, so we set the table outside for dinner. Two bites in, and we saw them… termites! Flying around, everywhere. We ushered everyone inside and turned off all the lights. This wasn’t our fi
- [Exploring Moorea: Whales, Pineapples, and Booger Plums?](https://svsabado.com/exploring-moorea-whales-pineapples-and-booger-plums.md) - A Week Aboard S/V Sabado: 9/08/2024 - 9/15/2024 From the top, we could see fields of pineapples growing out of the reddish volcanic soil. Taking the hint, we decided to purchase some from a stand on the side of the road on the way home. We later learned that… (read more)
- [All Aboard! Sailing from Tahiti to Moorea with Friends](https://svsabado.com/all-aboard-sailing-from-tahiti-to-moorea-with-friends.md) - By Thursday, we were ready for a change of scenery. Once everyone had their fill of coffee, we set sail for Moorea. Conditions started out… (read more)
- [August 2024: Behind the Scenes](https://svsabado.com/august-2024-behind-the-scenes.md) - We replaced our rapidly failing B&G chartplotter for $4,340.88. We struggled to stay positive after a prolonged period of bad weather, failing equipment we were struggling to source replacements for, health issues, and an un-warm welcome to Tahiti involving angry locals and vicious dogs… (read more
- [Rain, Rain, Go Away!](https://svsabado.com/rain-rain-go-away.md) - I’ve been in a bit of funk lately… (read more)
- [The More Remote, the Greater the Responsibility](https://svsabado.com/the-more-remote-the-greater-the-responsibility.md) - A Week (or two) Aboard S/V Sabado: 7/21/2024 - 8/04/2024 The more remote the destination, the greater the magnitude of responsibility, and here, that notion is amplified by the lack of protection. Conditions in the Tuamotus change faster than I’ve ever seen and… (read more)
- [July 2024: Behind the Scenes](https://svsabado.com/july-2024-behind-the-scenes.md) - We purchased fuel in Fakarava. They will not honor a duty-free fuel certificate unless you bring the big boat to their dock. Conditions were bad, so we… (read more)
- [Seeking Seclusion](https://svsabado.com/seeking-seclusion.md) - A Week Aboard S/V Sabado: 7/14/2024 - 7/21/2024 We’ve become accustomed to life without a building in sight. It was surprising how easily we became irritated while anchored near this small village—we’ll need to get a grip before we sail to Tahiti… (read more)
- [A Dreamy Sail + A Nightmare on Anchor](https://svsabado.com/a-dreamy-sail-a-nightmare-on-anchor.md) - A Week Aboard S/V Sabado: 7/7/2024 - 7/14/2024 I began pulling up our chain while the boat's bow bashed up and down. How did the waves even get this big? This atoll is pretty skinny; I didn’t think this much fetch was possible… (read more)
- [Finding New Ways to Celebrate](https://svsabado.com/finding-new-ways-to-celebrate.md) - A Week Aboard S/V Sabado: 6/30/2024 - 7/7/2024 This way of life has become so fulfilling. Though stressful at times, there is joy and satisfaction in helping others and being helped… (read more)
- [June 2024: Behind the Scenes](https://svsabado.com/june-2024-behind-the-scenes.md) - After a rough passage from the Marquesas Islands to the Tuamotus that involved a trip up the mast in the dark to fix a broken lazy jack, we noticed… (read more)
- [A Beach Day with Locals and Swimming with Manta Rays](https://svsabado.com/a-beach-day-with-locals-and-swimming-with-manta-rays.md) - A Week Aboard S/V Sabado: 6/23/2024 6/30/2024 We learned some new dance moves, how to harvest giant clams and weave hats from palm fronds. Soon enough, a hoard of sailors joined us from the anchorage… (read more)
- [This is the life!](https://svsabado.com/this-is-the-life.md) - A Week Aboard S/V Sabado: 6/16/2024- 6/23/2024 The days have begun to blend together: mornings in the water, afternoons spent paddle boarding or exploring new beaches, and cocktails together on the bow at sunset. We are loving it here… (read more)
- [THIS is what we’ve been dreaming of!](https://svsabado.com/this-is-what-weve-been-dreaming-of.md) - A Week Aboard S/V Sabado: 6/02/2024 - 6/09/2024 Sunrise came and went, but the visibility was poor, and the wind had picked up to ~25kn. These are the exact opposite conditions we were hoping for… (read more)
- [Pacific Crossing Roundup](https://svsabado.com/pacific-crossing-roundup.md) - Here is a list of all the content we posted about our Pacific Crossing linked in one place- easy access to heaps of information from transiting the Panama Canal, making landfall in French Polynesia, and everything in between!
- [It’s Time to Move On…](https://svsabado.com/its-time-to-move-on.md) - A Week Aboard S/V Sabado: 5/26/2024 - 6/02/2024 It was miserably hot that night and too rough to open the hatches. We joked while switching shifts to “enjoy your time at the sweat lodge!” or “Have a nice sauna session!” when it was time for one of us to attempt to sleep inside… (read more)
- [April-May 2024: Behind the Scenes](https://svsabado.com/april-may-2024-behind-the-scenes.md) - One afternoon, while running the generator, our bilge alarm went off. We tasted the puddle… (read more)
- [Provisioning for the South Pacific: Planning, Shopping, Meal Prep and More!](https://svsabado.com/provisioning-for-the-south-pacific-planning-shopping-meal-prep-and-more.md) - What would you do if you could not go to a grocery store or restaurant for 27 days? This was our approach… (read more)
- [LAND HO! Sabado & Crew Have Arrived in French Polynesia](https://svsabado.com/land-ho-sabado-crew-have-arrived-in-french-polynesia.md) - Slowly but surely, we could make out the dramatic shoreline of steep cliffs, dark rock, and lush greenery... (read more)
- [Pacific Crossing Day 27: Horizon Gazing](https://svsabado.com/pacific-crossing-day-27-horizon-gazing.md) - We watched our last sunset of the trip and spotted a sliver of moon off our port side… (read more)
- [Pacific Crossing Day 26: What time is it?](https://svsabado.com/pacific-crossing-day-26-what-time-is-it.md) - Oh, we’re also down to 14 gallons of water. I’m ready to get on anchor… (read more)
- [Pacific Crossing Day 25: It Gets Easier](https://svsabado.com/pacific-crossing-day-25-it-gets-easier.md) - We spent the day sailing toward our destination using our main and jib; the exhausting days of motoring in the sweltering heat and constant headsail changes a distant memory… (read more)
- [Pacific Crossing Day 24: Life Underway as a Two-Person Crew](https://svsabado.com/pacific-crossing-day-24-life-underway-as-a-two-person-crew.md) - We’re going too fast. We can’t help but laugh at the fact that we have two watermakers, and we can’t use either of them. Mother Nature does not care how prepared you are… (read more)
- [Pacific Crossing Day 23: Less than a week from land…](https://svsabado.com/pacific-crossing-day-23-less-than-a-week-from-land.md) - It’s incredible what your body and mind can adapt to. Life underway feels completely normal to us now, and after… (read more)
- [Pacific Crossing Day 22: Sloppy Conditions](https://svsabado.com/pacific-crossing-day-22-sloppy-conditions.md) - It seems like our equipment is as fed up with these conditions as we are… (read more)
- [Pacific Crossing Day 21: The Companion of my Days](https://svsabado.com/pacific-crossing-day-21-the-companion-of-my-days.md) - The water below us is over 13,000ft deep. You can feel the power of the waves as they push our home forward, giving us an extra 2-3kn of speed… (read more)

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