Exploration

Bluewater Living: A Primer for Aspiring Bluewater Cruisers

Xwin

Summary

$99   [eBook, Bluewater Briefings-Dreamers, Captain's Minutes]

Bluewater Living: A Primer for Aspiring Cruisers is the essential guide for anyone dreaming of a life at sea. Written by experienced bluewater cruiser Dwain Craddock, this primer takes you through the foundational steps of transitioning from land to sea. Whether you're planning your first ocean voyage or just exploring the idea of a cruising lifestyle, this book offers the clarity, knowledge, and inspiration to make informed decisions every step of the way.

In this first volume, you'll learn about the key responsibilities, skills, and equipment needed to embark on a successful cruising adventure. From understanding nautical terms and selecting the right vessel to addressing the emotional aspects of such a major life change, this primer lays the groundwork for your bluewater journey. Each chapter is packed with practical advice, real-life stories, and insights that will help you assess whether life at sea aligns with your goals and lifestyle.

This book is the first in a two-part series, with the companion volume Bluewater Living: A Practical Guide for Leaving Land Behind diving deeper into the financials, decision making requirements, preparation, equipping, and adapting to life afloat. Together, these books provide the roadmap to help you transition smoothly into your dream of bluewater cruising, ensuring you're fully prepared for the challenges and rewards the sea has to offer.

Embark on your bluewater adventure with confidence. Bluewater Living will help you navigate the exciting, transformative journey ahead.
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Bluewater Living: A Primer for Aspiring Bluewater Cruisers


Table of Contents

  1. Getting Started
    1. Phase I Exploration
      1. Exploration
      2. Transformation
      3. Acquisition
      4. Coastal Passages
      5. Achieving Safer Passages
    2. Common Nautical Terms
  2. ANCHORS AWAY: DISCOVERING THE LIFE OF A CRUISER
    1. Purpose
      1. Recreational Cruising
      2. Adventure and Exploration
      3. Long-Term Liveaboard Lifestyle Changes
      4. Family Bonding or Solo Journey
      5. Cultural Exploration and World Travel
    2. Considering a Life at Sea: Questions, Reflections, and Practical Insights
      1. Understanding Your Motivation
      2. Assessing Practical Realities
      3. Evaluating Your Compatibility with the Cruising Lifestyle
      4. Questions to Ask Yourself
      5. Preparation for a Life at Sea
      6. Why You Might Decide Against It
      7. Finding Your "Why" and Moving Forward
      8. Moving from Land to a Sea-Based Life
    3. Voyage Duration and Planned Routes
      1. Voyage Duration Considerations
      2. Climate Zones and Seasons
    4. Finding the Boat That Fits Your Dream
      1. Sailing vs. Motor Yacht Preferences
      2. Type of Experience Desired
  3. EMOTIONAL TIDES: RELATIONSHIPS AND RESILIENCE AT SEA
    1. Adapting to Isolation or Less Space
      1. Adapting to Isolation
      2. Adapting to Small Living Spaces
      3. Tools for Adapting to Small Spaces and Isolation
    2. Family Considerations
      1. Understanding the Challenges of Living in Close Quarters
      2. Managing Family Dynamics
      3. Exercises to Improve Family Dynamics
      4. Special Considerations for Families with Children
    3. Homeschooling Children at Sea
      1. Developing a Homeschooling Curriculum
      2. Establishing a Homeschooling Routine
      3. Managing Family Dynamics and Roles
      4. Maintaining Motivation and Engagement
      5. Handling Challenges in Homeschooling at Sea
      6. Promoting Socialization and Emotional Well-Being
    4. Communication Strategies and Roles
      1. Communications Strategies at Sea
      2. Family Roles at Sea
    5. Stress Management at Sea
      1. Identifying Stressors at Sea
      2. Establishing a Routine
      3. Building Emotional Resilience
      4. Mental Health Considerations at Sea
      5. Creating a Positive and Supportive Environment
  4. BUDGETING FOR A SEA-BASED LIFE
    1. Budgeting for Life at Sea
      1. Initial Costs & Long Term Financial Consideration
      2. Recurring Costs and Budgeting Considerations
      3. Creating a Sustainable Budget
      4. Long-Term Planning Considerations
      5. Tips for Cost Management and Financial Sustainability
      6. Degree of Autonomy and Self Sufficiency
    2. Cost Breakdowns for Life at Sea
      1. Vessel Maintenance
      2. Haul-Out and Yard Fees
      3. Fuel and Energy Costs
      4. Provisioning
      5. Mooring, Docking and Marina Fees
      6. Communications and Connectivity
      7. Health, Insurance, and Personal Care
      8. Summary and Cost Management Tips
    3. Maritime Laws and Regulations
      1. Licensing and Documentation
    4. Marine Insurance
      1. Understanding Your Insurance Requirements
      2. Legal & Regulatory Concerns
    5. Health Insurance Options
      1. Health Insurance for Vessel Owner and Family
      2. Travel Health Insurance for Short-Term Cruising
      3. Health Insurance Options for Crew
      4. Medical Evacuation and Repatriation Insurance for Crew
      5. Choosing Health Insurance Coverage
      6. Financial Planning for Health Insurance
      7. Emergency Medical Fund
      8. Summary
    6. Financial Planning: Vessel Insurance
      1. Types of Insurance
      2. Limitations and Exclusions in Vessel Insurance
      3. Navigation Limits
      4. Regulatory and Regional Requirements for Vessel Insurance
      5. Charter and Commercial Operations
      6. Financial Planning for Vessel Insurance
      7. Summary
      8. Insurance with Limited Experience
  5. HOME ON THE WAVES: CHOOSING AND PREPARING YOUR VESSEL
    1. What type of vessel is best for you?
      1. Monohull Sailboat
      2. Catamarans
      3. Motorized Yachts & Trawlers
      4. Motor Sailers
      5. Summary of Vessel Types for Long-Term Living
    2. Vessel Selection and Outfitting
      1. Size of Vessel
      2. Layout of Vessel
      3. Galley Design
      4. Stability Considerations
      5. Storage Capability
      6. Safety Features
    3. Retrofitting for Energy Independence
      1. Solar Systems
      2. Wind Power Systems
      3. Battery Bank and Energy Storage Solutions
      4. Diesel and Gas Generators
      5. Energy-Efficient Applications and Systems
      6. Water Makers and Freshwater Management
      7. Monitoring and Control Systems
      8. Summary
    4. Security Enhancements
      1. Surveillance Cameras
      2. Alarm Systems
      3. Anti-Piracy Measures
      4. Non-Lethal Defense Tools
      5. Lighting and Visibility Enhancements
      6. Security Safes and Secured Storage
      7. Security Signage and Decoys
      8. Summary of Security Enhancements
    5. Emergency Gear
      1. Liferafts
      2. Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs)
      3. Stowage and Accessibility
      4. Fire Suppression Systems
      5. First Aid and Medical Kits
      6. Personal Flotation Devices
      7. Summary Enhancements
      8. Navigational Tools

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