This Sustainable Lifestyle is the Fairest of Them All. 10 Reasons Why Living on a Sailboat Matters.
Feel driven to make a difference?
You can.
The latest climate deal in Dubai draws attention, once again, to the catastrophic consequences we will face due to lack of awareness and care.
While global decisions promise the largest impact, many of us have the freedom to alter our life choices as well.
So, go ahead. Here are 10 ways living on a sailboat can benefit both you and your home (planet).
All of our posts on: Boat Life @ No Texting & Tacking.
1. Renewable Power
As long as there is sun, there will be wind.
It is all a sailboat needs to move (as well as patience from the crew).
The wind has the power to take you anywhere on Earth. With a bit of patience and careful planning, you can wait for the perfect weather to cruise, with the power of the wind.
We did use our engine (two of them on our catamaran), perhaps a bit more than we should have. I’d be a hypocrite, if I did not disclose this.
Still,
Engines are not a sustainable choice. They are also expensive to run. Diesel costs can quickly deplete the cruising budget.
2. Energy from the Sun
The sun has the ability to power all sensible lifestyle choices aboard.
Solar use aboard powered everything we used – the pumps, the water maker, the instruments, the freezer.
As well my least favorite – the electronic gadgets and gaming devices.
There is no need for a generator. They are loud, obnoxious and dirty.
Cruising in tropical destinations ensures sufficient access to sunshine.
Anchoring provides excellent ventilation aboard. Forget the AC and use wind scoopers for added breeze.
3. Energy from the Wind
Need a bit more power aboard? Call the wind.
While cruising and anchoring, the wind is your best friend. A small wind turbine aboard is another one.
Be inspired:
45 Epic Sailing Movies We Will Watch Over and Over…
81 Best Sailing Quotes & Captions. Stuff Boaters Really Say.
45 Epic Sailing Movies We Will Watch Over and Over…
We used the power from our wind turbine to create a bit more electricity. In addition, the excess power was redirected to our water heater.
Because hot showers aboard make a difference.
4. Clean Composting Solution
Holding tanks stink, put holes in your boat, take up space and are a pain in the neck (no appropriate puns available).
Composting toilets are affordable, easy to use and better for the environment, as well as the anchorage.
Use coconut coir for the solid waste composting medium.
When properly maintained, cleaning is not that hard (there is a bit of a learning curve). Knowing our children swam in clean water was enough for me.
Additionally, there are absolutely no pipes to clog, no holes on the hull. And a lot of additional storage space.
When there is no pump-out boat, and that neighbor of yours has been at the anchorage for a while, they might be opening their tanks…
5. Fresh Water from the Ocean
With a good water maker, making fresh and delicious water aboard is easy.
Cruising in clear-water destinations ensures the water filters will remain clean and will last longer.
With proper nutrition, there is no need for added electrolytes. The desalination of the ocean water leaves sufficient number of solutes in the drinking water as well.
We ran our water maker solely via solar power, on 12v.
6. Sustainable Food Options
When access to at least three grocery stores and a membership superstore is not a given, food choices change.
For the better.
Better does not mean boring.
Fishing is a bit harder than on TV, but it is doable. Mostly with patience, education and sufficient number of attempts, rather than fancy fishing gear.
But, we do have some ideas for fishing gear: 51 Classic Gifts for Boaters (Cruisers Approved)
In addition, the shopping list is filled with ingredients, rather than products, reducing waste overall.
Smart cooking aboard and respect for the available resources forced us to access our creativity and challenge nonsensical habits.
Fresh fish beats cereal for breakfast on any sunny morning. Rice can be a side dish, a main dish, as well as a desert.
7. No commute
Not having a daily commute is great for the environment, as well as for physical and mental health.
Public transit is available in many countries, and walking to the grocery store is perfectly doable with a little bit of research for the best anchoring site.
Transitioning to land life and our dependability on cars felt terrible. Even with an electric car, I do miss public transit and walking.
8. Good Health
Walking and hiking are more than an exercise routine, while living on a sailboat.
We reached any resources ashore by walking. While taxis and rentals were needed sometimes, they were not cheap. We tried to plan well and provision as much as possible, while having access to a car.
So, no junk food?
If you can do it – more power to you. We love M&M’s, Sour Patch Kids and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.
9. Smart, Simple Living.
Living on a sailboat is simple and smart.
Such should be the crew, ideally.
This makes life easier for everyone aboard and around.
Reduced space on a sailboat means fewer opportunities for shop-till-you-drop outings.
Less shopping means fewer resources wasted, less waste and no outfit dilemmas, so it is great for mental health as well.
Disclaimer: Opposition to be expected from teens.
10. Best Pay-it-Forward Strategy
No single act will have an impact, if it remains such.
For sustainable living to continue, we need to pass it along.
While we lived on a sailboat with our children, they had a chance to observe and experience (almost) every struggle and decision-making process.
There was no need for lengthy presentations and boring films and commercials.
It takes some downsizing, courage and curiosity. That’s all.
Oh, and a sailboat.
A couple of posts to help you find one:
Buying a Catamaran in 10 Steps – Complete Guide.
Catamaran vs Monohull: Let’s Solve This (we Lived on Both).
You will also like:
Pros and Cons of Living on a Boat. By Experienced Boaters.
The cost of living on a boat for a family
81 BEST Sailing Quotes & Captions
