Setting you up for
‘OMG this is amazing!’
sailing adventures

Tara Cooney sailing with husband Jeff

Welcome aboard

Learning to sail, buying your first boat and spending time on the sea is one epic adventure and the perfect getaway (I’m talking jumping off the boat nude into crystal water in a beautiful secluded bay, and star gazing under a blanket while the rest of the world watches Netflix).

Discover what’s over the horizon using this collection of the best advice, best gear, support and inspiration to set you up for your sailing journey.

— Tara Cooney, Editor

LATEST

Featured
Ice Maiden: Behind the Scenes With Lisa Blair
Ice Maiden: Behind the Scenes With Lisa Blair

Lisa Blair shares her insights into solo-sailing and surviving in the Southern Ocean, and the making of her feature documentary Ice Maiden.

20 Must-Know Tips for Your First Boat Show
20 Must-Know Tips for Your First Boat Show

From Auckland to Annapolis, boat shows are a highlight of the year for boaties. Discover these must-know tips to make the most of your visit and have a blast!

The Best Mineral Sunscreen for New Zealand
The Best Mineral Sunscreen for New Zealand

Looking for a high-performance sunscreen? Introducing Seasick Sunscreen — my go-to mineral sunscreen in New Zealand and why it’s the best I’ve found for sailing.

Saltwater Journal podcast graphic

LEARN TO SAIL

Featured
Extreme Small Boat Sailing Adventures: Could You Do This?
Extreme Small Boat Sailing Adventures: Could You Do This?

Meet Igor Stropnik, a Slovenian adventurer sharing his love for sailing small boats and extreme weather cruising in his short documentary ‘How I ended up Here’.

An Easy Guide to the 8 Best (And Funnest) Small Sailboats to Learn to Sail
An Easy Guide to the 8 Best (And Funnest) Small Sailboats to Learn to Sail

Discover why bigger isn’t always better, with these 8 small sail boats — perfect for learning to sail, racing and getting your thrills on the water!

How to get sailing experience when you don’t have a boat
How to get sailing experience when you don’t have a boat

Discover the best tips to meet other boaties, set yourself up as crew and begin a new sailing adventure — one that suits your lifestyle and budget.

How To Get Race Ready For Your First Women’s Regatta
How To Get Race Ready For Your First Women’s Regatta

Here’s everything you need to know to prepare for your first women’s sailing regatta, so you can turn up ready to go, and have fun!

Beginner's Guide to Understanding Port and Starboard
Beginner's Guide to Understanding Port and Starboard

Here’s everything you need to know about the nautical terms port and starboard, with illustrations, sailors’ sayings and 3 tricks to help you remember which is which!

Beginner’s Guide to Types of Sails
Beginner’s Guide to Types of Sails

Learn about sails quickly and easily with this illustrated guide to common types of sails, different sail materials, and the basics of how sails work.

LIVEABOARD INSPIRATION

Featured
9 Easy Ways to Make Your Boat Interior Look Lighter and Bigger
9 Easy Ways to Make Your Boat Interior Look Lighter and Bigger

Maximise your living space onboard with these clever interior design elements. Let’s transform your boat vibe and create a home you love.

85+ Ways To Make Money While Cruising
85+ Ways To Make Money While Cruising

Need to fund your sailing dreams? Check out this huge list of remote jobs ideas and services to inspire your cruising plans, and help you make money while living aboard.

The Ultimate Collection of Sailing Songs
The Ultimate Collection of Sailing Songs

Get the lyrics to your favourite sailing songs and discover new hits, in this largest music collection about life on the water. Time to crank the tunes!

 
 

BEST GEAR

Featured
The Best Mineral Sunscreen for New Zealand
The Best Mineral Sunscreen for New Zealand

Looking for a high-performance sunscreen? Introducing Seasick Sunscreen — my go-to mineral sunscreen in New Zealand and why it’s the best I’ve found for sailing.

Hydration on the Move: The 5 Best Collapsible Water Bottles
Hydration on the Move: The 5 Best Collapsible Water Bottles

Discover the 5 most compact, durable and reliable collapsible water bottles and how these can reduce your gear size and weight on any adventure.

7 Best Sperry Women’s Shoes For Everyday Wear
7 Best Sperry Women’s Shoes For Everyday Wear

Here are the 7 best Sperry Women’s shoes that you can wear everyday for a modern sailor vibe — from sailing, to the clubhouse, to life in the city.

OUR PHILOSOPHY

 

Escape the daily grind

Be inspired to do something different and create new sailing adventures. Learn what it’s like and get practical information so you can get started.

Reconnect with nature

Explore the great outdoors with new places and great hikes, tips on outdoor gear and motivation to switch off your phone and discover somewhere wild.

Feel alive

Every great adventure has some risk but we’ll give you our tools and information you need to buy a boat, learn to sail and stay safe on the water.

 
 
 
 

TRAVEL GUIDES