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Sailing La Vagabonde

Sailing La Vagabonde YouTube

Sailing La Vagabonde are Riley and Elayna and their two boys, an Australian family documenting their journey around the world by sail.

Their website says “despite no previous sailing experience”. Well they have plenty of that now!

They have two boys in tow: Lenny and Darwin.

This couple have been filming their adventures  on YouTube since 2014, first on a mono (a 43ft Beneteau Cyclades), then on an Outremer 45 and lately on a Rapido 60 trimaran. Watch from the start to experience lightning storms, pirate scares, financial problems, kit failures, water shortages, and everything in between.

On the 4th November 2024, they were hit by a Japanese fishing boat which put a spanner in the works. Thankfully, the family and crew were all safe and sound following the incident, but it has forced them to take stock and get plans back on track. We’re wishing them well.

These two sailing entrepreneurs have branched out into a whole load of stuff such as swimwear (Vagabella Swim), chartering (Vagabonde Adventures) and apps (Sea People). Good for them!

sailing la vagabonde youtube
Photo credit: Sailing La Vagabonde

Notable Episodes

  1. Surviving a Lightning Storm at Sea
    Riley and Elayna share their tense experience enduring a severe lightning storm while at sea, discussing the precautions taken and the emotions felt during the event.
  2. Spearfishing a Deserted Island! (Sailing La Vagabonde) – Ep. 12:
    This episode showcases Riley and Elayna’s spearfishing expedition on a deserted island, focusing on their efforts to live sustainably by sourcing their own food. Riley likes to catch a fish.
  3. BOAT LIFE: Our Morning Routine Onboard Our Tiny Home on the Ocean:
    In this video, the couple shares a look into their daily morning routine aboard their sailboat, offering insights into life at sea.
  4. Sailing Around the World (Sailing La Vagabonde) – Ep. 1 Intro & Sailing Turkey:
    The first episode introduces viewers to Riley and Elayna’s ambitious plan to sail around the world, beginning with their journey through Turkey.
  5. TIGER SHARKS surround our boat. WE SWIM WITH THEM! 🦈 Ep.197:
    This YouTube episode captures the duo’s encounter with tiger sharks surrounding their boat and their decision to get in their and take a swim with them! Anything for the “Choob”!
  6. The Atlantic Crossing (Sailing La Vagabonde) – Ep. 7
    Documenting their first Atlantic crossing, this video details the challenges and triumphs faced during the voyage. Probably not as famous as the Greta Thunberg crossing, but a good one nevertheless.
  7. Sailing Through a Cyclone: Our Scariest Moment at Sea:
    Riley and Elayna recount their harrowing experience navigating through a cyclone, sharing the fears and lessons learned from the ordeal. It’s Halloween out there sailors.
  8. Life Onboard with a Newborn Baby: This video explores the adjustments and joys of welcoming their first boy, Lenny, aboard La Vagabonde. Top Cuteness Overload on this one.
  9. Sailing with Greta Thunberg: USA to Europe Carbon-Free: The couple documents their voyage taking climate activist Greta Thunberg across the Atlantic with Nikki Henderson. This one got them a fair amount of stick from the Petrol heads, not sure why.
  10. Our New Catamaran: Tour and First Sail: Introducing their Outremer 45, this video is a comprehensive tour of La Vagabonde 2 and shares their initial experiences sailing it. It’s worth a peek if yo are interested in these cats. Which got me wondering, how much extra second hand value have this pair added to all of those Outremer 45s out there, as the prices don’t seem to be coming down.
  11. SCARED FOR MY LIFE! Sailing at 22 knots boat speed down HUGE waves (Sailing La Vagabonde) Ep. 105
    The one where Elayna gets freaked out at 22 knots. Riley is pushing his boat to the limit. Pitch-pole anyone? Thankfully not.

12 Collision at Sea: A 2am Accident with Fishing Boat (Extended Cut)
Documenting their accident in Japan on the 4 November 2024. This one might delay their plans for a bit unfortunately, here’s hoping that they can resolve the situation quickly so that we can all get back to watching more adventures at sea.

Features

YouTube ChannelSailing LaVagabonde
BoatRapido 60
CrewRiley, Elayna, Lenny and Darwin
Previously on…Outremer 45, Beneteau Cyclades
DestinationsJapan, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, United Kingdom, Russia, Arctic Circle, Spain, Bermuda, Bahamas, Atlantic, Madeira, Azores, United States, Mexico, Caribbean (eg Dominica, BVI), Europe (eg Portugal, Italy and Greece), Gibraltar, Pacific Islands, Australia and New Zealand, Asia (eg Indonesia), Central America, Canada, South America (eg Venezuela), Galapagos Islands, China and more!
TopicsDocumenting their journeys, bringing up kids, how to improve your mental health, maintenance, repairs, organization tips, and the day-to-day challenges, Travel Destinations, Adventure Activities (free diving), Learning to Sail: Documenting their journey from novices to experienced sailors. Ocean Crossings: eg the Atlantic with Gteta Thunberg, Sustainable Living, Fishing and Spearfishing, Free Diving and Snorkeling, Weathering Storms, Navigational Challenges, Cultural Encounters: Engaging with diverse communities worldwide, Yacht Upgrades: Transitioning from a monohull to a catamaran, and later to a trimaran, Sailing Techniques: Tips on anchoring, sail handling, and route planning., Provisioning: Strategies for stocking up on supplies for long voyages., Health and Fitness: Maintaining well-being while living on a boat., Financial Aspects: Funding their travels through YouTube and Patreon., Sailing Mishaps: Sharing lessons from accidents and near-misses., Collaborating with fellow sailors and YouTubers, Sailing in Arctic Conditions, Sailing in Tropical Storms, Sailing in High Traffic Areas: Managing busy shipping lanes., Sailing in Remote Areas: Challenges of isolation and self-sufficiency., Sailing in Pirate-Prone Waters, Sailing in Heavy Seas, Sailing Solo: Experiences of single-handed sailing., Sailing in Busy Ports: Docking and mooring in crowded harbours.
SinceOct 2014. The first video introduced their journey aboard a Beneteau Cyclades.

@SailingLaVagabonde

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