Small Sailboat Cruising

Small Sailboat Cruising Starting Over Approaching 70

I’m rebuilding a life of faith, purpose, adventure. One day. One voyage. One story at a time.

I’m a sailor and wooden boat builder, drawn to the quiet charm of clinker planks, salty breezes, and the occasional boat ramp debacle. Along the way, I’ve also become a writer, filmmaker, and photographer — telling stories about small boats, big adventures, and the people (and mishaps) that shape them. From the Huon River to the Noosa Everglades, and now bringing *Moonlight* home to Tasmania, I sh

are slow journeys aboard small boats like *Sarah Ann* and *Moonlight* on YouTube and here on Facebook. If you like traditional boats, thoughtful storytelling, and the kind of travel where a cup of tea takes priority over top speed — you’re in the right place.

06/09/2026

I’m learning to treasure these quiet early-morning walks beside the lake—the stillness, the peaceful moments and those sublime sunrises that make the whole world feel at rest.

But this afternoon, 30 knots is forecast from the northwest, and I’m wondering what it will bring. Will it test the mooring? Will the old girl ride it out comfortably?

Life can feel a lot like this lake. We enjoy the calm while it lasts—but rest assured, the storms will come, and they will test what we’re anchored to.

So I’m soaking up the peace this morning…and making sure the mooring is secure.

And speaking of the old girl, she won’t be sailing under that name forever. Her new name—and the story behind it—will be revealed soon. ⛵️

05/09/2026

There is wisdom in the way a pelican moves across the water—no hurry, no wasted effort, simply gliding into the first light of a brand-new day.

Perhaps life isn’t always about pushing harder. Sometimes it’s about trusting what is carrying us, settling into the rhythm of the morning and quietly moving forward.

Inwards and upwards. Chris

05/09/2026

I was reminded today of Thomas Edison, standing at the age of 67 and watching much of his life’s work burn to the ground before his eyes. He is widely credited with saying, “There is great value in disaster. All our mistakes are burned up. Thank God we can start anew.”

Whether every word was recorded precisely or polished in the retelling, the thought resonates deeply with me. Edison’s documented response was equally powerful: “Although I am over 67 years old, I’ll start all over again tomorrow.”

I understand something of that now. At nearly 70, much of the life I knew has disappeared, and I cannot rebuild it exactly as it was. Nor would I want to erase the beautiful life Denise and I shared. But I can begin again—carrying the love, wisdom and memories forward while allowing some of yesterday’s mistakes, burdens and unnecessary clutter to remain in the ashes.

Tomorrow—or perhaps today—I start again.

04/09/2026

Another step towards making life aboard completely self-sufficient! ☀️⛵

Today I’m adding an extra solar panel and working my way through the mysterious world of controllers, cables and battery monitors. I’m learning as I go—but every extra watt means more power for the fridge, Starlink, lights and life aboard.

Most importantly, it means I can keep my Pepsi Max cold.

Yes—Pepsi Max. Not alcohol! 😂🥤

I’m posting regular live updates on Patreon if you’re interested. Today’s post there is all about getting settled into t...
03/09/2026

I’m posting regular live updates on Patreon if you’re interested. Today’s post there is all about getting settled into the new boat and turning it into my home.

It is totally free to join and you have the option of supporting the production of my videos there if you wish the link is in the first comment in this post.

02/09/2026

The ship-to-shore transfer is getting smoother… slowly! 😂

With Cavoodle Millie tucked under one arm, I’m tentatively climbing off the boat, lowering her into the dinghy and preparing to row us ashore.

I’m getting better at it every day—and I promise, next time Millie will be wearing her life jacket! 🐶⛵️

02/09/2026

Apparently, before I’m officially allowed to adopt the cruising lifestyle at 70, I have to pass the compulsory engine-room age-verification ceremony.

The rules are simple: insert myself headfirst beside the Beta engine, wave my legs helplessly in the air, and somehow get back out without calling the fire brigade.

The Beta passed inspection.

My dignity did not. 😂⚓

31/08/2026

For those of you who follow the cruising dinghy crowd from Sydney this is what I came across at Summerland Bay yesterday morning. Can anyone tell me who this is? I spent the day shadowing them sailing just under the Genoa and keeping up reasonably well with second navigated pulbar island.

I’m writing regularly on Patreon again, sharing the deeper and more personal side of starting over at 70.These posts wil...
30/08/2026

I’m writing regularly on Patreon again, sharing the deeper and more personal side of starting over at 70.

These posts will draw from my daily journals—the honest thoughts, struggles, encounters, faith, friendships and small victories behind my new life aboard VICTORIOUS.

The first new story is “The Day I Moved Aboard”—the moment the long road journey ended and a completely new chapter began on Lake Macquarie.

You can join my Patreon community and read it completely free.

You have the option on Patreon to join one of the paid tiers which will help support the production of my video content on YouTube and on Facebook

Cheers, Chris

29/08/2026

Inwards and upwards, nice gentle sail on a perfect day on Lake Macquarie

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