In this podcast episode, Bela Musits engages in a conversation with Simon and Sawyer Balint, delving into their adventure of returning their sailboat, a Passport 40, to the United States after their inaugural Atlantic crossing. Prior to their journey, this aspect had not been given much thought, as planning the crossing monopolized their attention.

Various options were contemplated by this father and son team, including sailing the boat back themselves, employing a captain and crew for the return voyage, leaving the boat in the UK or Europe for a few years of continued sailing, selling the boat in the UK, or opting for the transportation of the boat via a freighter. Throughout the episode, a detailed exploration of the factors influencing their decision-making process unfolds. Be sure to tune in for this enlightening conversation.

If you would like to support the podcast, we now have a Patreon page. Just go to Patreon.com/sailingtheeast.

Our podcast is now also available on YouTube, just search for “Sailing the East”

https://www.youtube.com/@sailingandcruisingtheeast

We love to hear from you, our listeners, send us your questions, comments, and suggestions at sailingtheeast@gmail.com. If you know someone that would be an interesting guest on the show, please reach out to us and let us know—wishing you fair winds, and calm seas.

Bela and Mike

In this podcast episode, Bela Musits engages in a conversation with Simon and Sawyer Balint, delving into the modifications they implemented on their Passport 40 sailboat in preparation for their maiden Atlantic crossing. The discussion revolves around the adjustments made to enhance safety and expand their sailing capabilities across a wider spectrum of wind angles and speeds. And the trips they took prior to the crossing to refine their systems and techniques.

Moreover, the podcast explores how seemingly minor alterations in sailing angle or speed can significantly impact the duration of their journey, potentially reducing a 20-day voyage by 1 to 2 days. The discussion also revolves around the meticulous modifications they implemented on their vessel to ensure optimal performance and safety during their first Atlantic crossing.

Simon and Sawyer share their experiences and insights gained from previous sailing trips, highlighting the importance of refining systems and techniques before embarking on such a challenging endeavor. They delve into the various adjustments they made to enhance their sailing capabilities across a wider spectrum of wind angles and speeds, enabling them to harness the power of the wind more effectively.

The podcast explores how seemingly minor alterations in sailing angle or speed can significantly impact the duration of their journey. By optimizing their sail configurations and trimming techniques, they were able to reduce their estimated 20-day voyage by an impressive 1 to 2 days. This demonstrates the profound impact that seemingly small adjustments can have on a long-distance sailing expedition.

This father and son team provide detailed accounts of the specific modifications they made to their Passport 40 sailboat. These modifications included installing a new self-steering system, optimizing their sail inventory, and upgrading their navigation and communication equipment. They discuss the rationale behind each modification and how it contributed to their overall sailing experience.

Moreover, the podcast delves into the psychological and emotional aspects of preparing for and undertaking such an ambitious voyage. Simon and Sawyer candidly share their hopes, fears, and motivations, offering listeners a glimpse into the mindset of sailors who dare to chase their dreams on the open ocean.

Throughout the episode, Bela Musits skillfully guides the conversation, asking probing questions and facilitating a lively exchange of ideas between the Balint’s. The podcast is a testament to the passion and dedication of these accomplished sailors, providing valuable insights and inspiration for aspiring adventurers and seasoned sailors alike.

If you would like to support the podcast, we now have a Patreon page. Just go to Patreon.com/sailingtheeast.

Our podcast is now also available on YouTube, just search for “Sailing the East”

https://www.youtube.com/@sailingandcruisingtheeast

We love to hear from you, our listeners, send us your questions, comments, and suggestions at sailingtheeast@gmail.com. If you know someone that would be an interesting guest on the show, please reach out to us and let us know—wishing you fair winds, and calm seas.

Bela and Mike

In this podcast episode, Bela Musits and Mike Wasserman discuss the Summer of 2024 sailing season on Narragansett Bay. We review the trips taken and places visited. We also discussed some of the new experiences, sights seen, and what we learned. We also review the scheduled and unscheduled maintenance projects that were performed. For example, a ripped mainsail and a water tank sensor that stopped working.

If you are interested in learning how to sail, check out NauticEd. which is short for Nautical Education, an established company with a really cool online platform for learning the knowledge elements of sailing at your convenience, along with a network of experienced sailing instructors for the hands-on skill development elements on the boat. To check out NauticEd, click on the link below and as a bonus you will receive your first two lessons for free.

https://www.nauticed.org/?school=bela-l-musits&utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=

If you would like to support the podcast, we now have a Patreon page. Just go to Patreon.com/sailingtheeast.

Our podcast is now also available on YouTube, just search for “Sailing the East”

https://www.youtube.com/@sailingandcruisingtheeast

We love to hear from you, our listeners, send us your questions, comments, and suggestions at sailingtheeast@gmail.com. If you know someone that would be an interesting guest on the show, please reach out to us and let us know—wishing you fair winds, and calm seas.

Bela and Mike