Episodes
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Sailing in the Mediterranean and Beyond — Neil Fletcher’s Summer Sailing Adventures In this episode of Sailing in the Mediterranean and Beyond, my good friend and longtime podcast contributor Neil Fletcher returns to share stories from another summer on the water in Europe. Neil has been contributing to the podcast for many years, and he has a wonderful ability to tell the stories of his adventures in a way that brings the experience of cruising to life. This time, he recounts his recent travels in France and Norway, but focusing mainly on 11 days on a riverboat in the canals and rivers of Bur
Special Announcement: Introducing Markets Without Spin This is a short update for listeners of Sailing in the Mediterranean and Beyond. Many of you know me as a sailor, but before retirement I spent more than 40 years in the investment business as a financial advisor and portfolio manager. I’ve recently launched a new educational podcast called Markets Without Spin. Unlike most financial podcasts, this isn’t about stock tips or predicting the market. Instead, it explores the incentives that drive financial markets and the hidden forces shaping the economy. Some recent topics include: Executive
Sailing in the Mediterranean and Beyond Episode 295 – From Charleston to Hampton: Groundings, Close Calls, and Coastal Gems Every cruising sailor has those passages that test both skill and resolve. This is one of them. In Episode 295, we depart historic Charleston and head north toward Hampton, Virginia, navigating the ever-changing waters of the U.S. East Coast. Along the way, we recount several unexpected groundings that serve as reminders that even experienced sailors can be humbled by shifting shoals and narrow channels. But it isn’t all adversity. We visit some of the most charming ports
Every sailor has a vision for how a voyage is supposed to begin. Mine involved launching in Indiantown, pointing the bow toward the Bahamas, and slipping into warm trade winds and turquoise water. Instead, 2026 had other ideas. In this episode of Sailing in the Mediterranean and Beyond, I tell the story of the first leg of this year’s sailing adventure — a trip defined less by tropical anchorages and more by stubborn weather forecasts, cold nights, and constant recalculating. After launching the boat in Indiantown, I waited for a weather window that never really arrived. Rather than bash east
In this second episode with Brad Atkins, who calls Charleston, South Carolina home. Brad has spent years sailing back and forth between Charleston and the Abacos, and he brings a wealth of local knowledge to this conversation. Here he goes into more details on sailing in the Bahamas We dive into: Clearing Customs in the Abacos – what to expect and the best ports of entry. Recommended Sailing Routes from Charleston to the islands. Must-See Places of Interest once you arrive, including anchorages and hidden gems. Tips for navigating the Abacos safely and making the most of your time there. This
In this episode, I’m joined by lifelong sailor Brad Atkins, who calls Charleston, South Carolina home. Brad has spent years sailing back and forth between Charleston and the Abacos, and he brings a wealth of local knowledge to this conversation. We dive into: Clearing Customs in the Abacos – what to expect and the best ports of entry. Recommended Sailing Routes from Charleston to the islands. Must-See Places of Interest once you arrive, including anchorages and hidden gems. Tips for navigating the Abacos safely and making the most of your time there. This is part one of a two-part conversation
In this episode, I reconnect with Bela Musits, a returning guest from several years ago, to hear about his latest adventures and his new podcast, Sailing and Cruising the East. Bela shares his firsthand insights on sailing the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), including: How to plan a trip up and down the East Coast Tips for navigating the ICW safely and efficiently His favorite anchorages, marinas, and coastal towns Lessons learned from years of cruising Whether you’re planning your first passage or looking for new ideas for your next trip, this conversation offers both practical advice and inspir
Sailing in the Mediterranean Episode 290 Interview with Matthew Bracken Version 1.0.0 From Navy SEAL to Novelist and Bluewater Sailor: Meet Matthew Bracken In this episode of the podcast, we welcome Matthew Bracken—a man whose life reads like an adventure novel. A former Navy SEAL and lifelong sailor, Bracken is best known for his action-packed political thrillers that blend real-world tensions with gripping, character-driven plots. But what truly sets him apart is his deep connection to the sea. After serving in the Navy, Bracken didn’t just settle into civilian life—he sailed off into it. He
Sailing in the Mediterranean Episode 289 Sailing from Puerto Rico To Florida 2025 This is a report on what will probably be my final sail on my own boat from Puerto Rico to Florida. See Dream is for sale and on the hard in Indiantown Marina in Indiantown Florida. Tie boat broker is Derek Jarvis and his phone number is 954-683-6047 C or 954-527-0664 O Here is a link for more information on See Dream a 28′ Sam Morse and Co., Lyle Hess designed Bristol Channel Cutter the boat made famous by Larry and Lynn Pardey in their various books. Want me to go sailing with you? Then contact me! If you have
Sailing in the Mediterranean Episode 288 Sailing from Puerto Rico To Florida 2025 Crew Call Sail from the Bahamas to Georgia I’m excited to invite you to apply for a crew position aboard my sailboat for a sailing trip from Marsh Harbor, Bahamas, to St. Augustine, Florida, and onward to St. Mary’s, Georgia. The trip will run from February 16th to March 1st, with the boat being hauled out at the end of the journey this may be my final adventure aboard See Dream, as I will be putting See Dream up for sale at the end of the trip after launching her in 1992, 33 years of wonderful memories. Below, I
Sailing in the Mediterranean Episode 286 Andrew Vic 2024 This is an interview with Andrew Vic where we talk about his 2024 summer sail from Sicily to Croatia Links to Vic's Google Earth kmz files are below http://www.sailgeja.com/geja2024.kmz http://sailgeja.com/2015/2024_Preview.html Vic's Photos are here: http://www.sailgeja.com/lat38-2023/ Lots of information here! Andrews Website http://www.sailgeja.com Andrew Vic: A Journey on the High Seas Andrew, a San Francisco native of Scandinavian descent, has always had a deep connection to the water. Born and raised in a city surrounded by the stu
Sailing in the Mediterranean Episode 286 Andrew Vic 2024 This is an interview with Andrew Vic where we talk about his 2024 summer sail from Sicily to Croatia Links to Vic's Google Earth kmz files are below http://www.sailgeja.com/geja2024.kmz http://sailgeja.com/2015/2024_Preview.html Vic's Photos are here: http://www.sailgeja.com/lat38-2023/ Lots of information here! Andrews Website http://www.sailgeja.com Andrew Vic: A Journey on the High Seas Andrew, a San Francisco native of Scandinavian descent, has always had a deep connection to the water. Born and raised in a city surrounded by the stu
Sailing in the Mediterranean Episode 285 Caribbean Sail Trinidad to Puerto Rico 2024 A report of my sailing season 2024 Sail from Trinidad to Puerto Rico Want me to go sailing with you? Then contact me! If you have ideas for future podcasts or comments please drop me a note! and PLEASE rate my podcast in iTunes and perhaps write a note. link https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/sailing-in-the-mediterranean/id566678892?mt=2 Sailing! Learn To Sail: Basic Keelboat Certification Lessons for the ASA 101 Exam Exam over 7 hours of Audio Instruction to help you get ready to take the written exam. If yo
Sailing in the Mediterranean Episode 284 Kieran Brown Caribbean Catamaran and Revive water Systems My name is Kieran Bown, and I've spent the last 15 years immersed in the marine industry. My journey began as a dive instructor, traveling the world and cultivating a deep appreciation for the ocean. Subsequently, I transitioned into becoming a yacht captain and marine engineer, a path that has been incredibly fulfilling and enriching. Currently, I serve as the Captain of Twin Flame, a Lagoon 77 catamaran based in the Caribbean. Our charter experiences focus on luxury adventure, blending elements
Sailing in the Mediterranean Episode 284 Kieran Brown Caribbean Catamaran and Revive water Systems My name is Kieran Bown, and I've spent the last 15 years immersed in the marine industry. My journey began as a dive instructor, traveling the world and cultivating a deep appreciation for the ocean. Subsequently, I transitioned into becoming a yacht captain and marine engineer, a path that has been incredibly fulfilling and enriching. Currently, I serve as the Captain of Twin Flame, a Lagoon 77 catamaran based in the Caribbean. Our charter experiences focus on luxury adventure, blending elements
Sailing with Norman Jewison: A Memorable Adventure I want to share some memories I have about my time sailing with Norman Jewison. Norman Jewison was a remarkable man whose life and achievements left an indelible mark on me and those around him. Though my interactions with Norman Jewison, and his at the time girlfriend, Lynn St David were primarily through our shared pleasures of skiing and sailing, I always held great admiration for Norman's illustrious career. His contributions to the film industry were unparalleled, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. The news of hi
Sailing in the Mediterranean Episode 282 Andrew Vic 2023 pt 3 and crew positions for the Spring sailing season in the Caribbean In this episode, I disclose that all my upcoming spring sailing season in the Caribbean available crew positions have been filled. Fut if you are interested in getting on the list of futer sailing adventures just write ma and include your phone number to franz1 at this website domain (I can't provide the full email address in text to avoid spam bots). This is an interview with Andrew Vic where we talk about his 2023 summer sail from Sicily to Tunisia and back Links to
Sailing in the Mediterranean Episode 281 Andrew Vic 2023 pt 2 and crew positions for the Spring sailing season in the Caribbean In this episode, I kick things off by discussing my upcoming spring sailing season in the Caribbean and the available crew positions. If you're interested in joining me, please send an email to franz1 at the provided website domain (I can't provide the full email address to avoid spam bots). This is an interview with Andrew Vic where we talk about his 2023 summer sail from Sicily to Tunisia and back Links to Vic's Google Earth kmz files are below http://www.sailgeja.c
Sailing in the Mediterranean Episode 280 Andrew Vic 2023 pt 1 Sicily This is an interview with Andrew Vic where we talk about his 2023 summer sail from Sicily to Tunisia and back Links to Vics Google Earth kmz files are below http://www.sailgeja.com/geja2023.kmz Vics Photos are here: http://www.sailgeja.com/lat38-2023/ Lots of information here! Andrews Website http://www.sailgeja.com Andrew Vic: A Journey on the High Seas Andrew, a San Francisco native of Scandinavian descent, has always had a deep connection to the water. Born and raised in a city surrounded by the stunning expanse of the Pac
Jack Andrys 2023 As usual when I start talking to Jack Andrys the time just slips away. Here is a link to some of Jack's photos. https://photos.app.goo.gl/QqBZESKH9B6ZUPZ66 Noforeignland link https://www.noforeignland.com/boat/vesna?sid=5145363304415232&tc=1593473376635 If you have suggestions for future episodes please write me a note Please Consider supporting the podcast in Patreon Want me to go sailing with you? Then contact me! If you have ideas for future podcasts or comments please drop me a note! and PLEASE rate my podcast in iTunes and perhaps write a note. link https://itunes.apple.c
Sailing in the Mediterranean Episode 278 Chris Ryba of S/Y Olivia Grace This is from the great website Chris put together to record this voyage: https://oliviagrace.travel.blog/home-page/ This voyage began in 2015 when I sent Joy a text message: “Just an idea… what do you think of taking a 6-month sabbatical?” I also sent a link to Sailing Totem (https://www.sailingtotem.com/welcome-aboard). Fully expecting a quick dismissal, I was floored upon receipt of her response, “that sounds awesome. Lets do it.” A few days later, Jimmy Cornell’s treatises, which detail world cruising routes and destina
Sailing in the Mediterranean Episode 277 Karen Jewell "Inside the Nautical Minds Eye" Karen Jewell reached out to me to see if I would be interested in interviewing her for this podcast. here is her background... "My writing background also includes three other published books: • A History of the Rowayton Waterfront (The History Press) • A Maritime History of the Stamford Waterfront (The History Press) • A History of the Greenwich Waterfront (The History Press) As well as... ● The weekly column Water Views that appeared in The Hour newspaper for twelve years (2001-2012) ● The Stamford Sailing
Sailing in the Mediterranean Episode 276 Jon Bilger founder of PredictWind Jon Bilger Bio: One might say the seas are in PredictWind Founding Director Jon Bilger’s genes. The son of a triple Olympian sailor, Jon set sail at the age of eight, traveling with his father to attend regattas around the world. Jon carried the family legacy forward, sailing on to become an Olympian in his own rite as well as a two-time America’s Cup winner and New Zealand National Champion in multiple classes. As a lifelong competitive yachtsman, Jon knows how dangerous sudden weather changes can be. A seemingly benig
Sailing in the Mediterranean Episode 275 Steve Payne pt. 2 England to Malta on a motorboat Quick bio: I was born on the south coast of England, but moved to London as soon as I could. After a few silly jobs, I decided to become a photographer. I had cards printed up before I even owned a camera. Started out working for the music press and ended up working for The Evening Standard, London's newspaper, but I slowly slipped back into the music industry and ended up directing a bunch of live concert videos. Then I got invited to do a couple of jobs in Los Angeles and fell in love with the place ….
Sailing in the Mediterranean Episode 274 Steve Payne pt 1 England to Malta on a motorboat Quick bio: I was born on the south coast of England, but moved to London as soon as I could. After a few silly jobs, I decided to become a photographer. I had cards printed up before I even owned a camera. Started out working for the music press and ended up working for The Evening Standard, London's newspaper, but I slowly slipped back into the music industry and ended up directing a bunch of live concert videos. Then I got invited to do a couple of jobs in Los Angeles and fell in love with the place …..
