TLDR;
Karen and Brian Chapman, along with their baby Sierra, share their experiences of living and travelling on their 53-foot sailboat, Delos. They discuss the self-sufficient nature of their boat, which allows them to live off-grid for extended periods, making their own power and water. They highlight the joys and challenges of sailing, including the constant maintenance required, the importance of weather awareness, and the unique experience of raising a child on a boat. They also touch on how they fund their travels through YouTube and Patreon, and their plans to explore colder climates like Greenland.
- The Delos is a self-sufficient sailboat equipped with solar panels, wind generators, and a desalination plant, enabling off-grid living.
- The family funds their travels through YouTube and Patreon, allowing them to continue their sailing adventures.
- Living on a boat requires constant maintenance, adaptability to weather conditions, and preparedness for emergencies.
Intro [0:10]
Karen and Brian Chapman, along with their six-month-old daughter Sierra, have been living and travelling on their sailboat, Delos, for ten years. They enjoy the self-sufficient lifestyle it offers, allowing them to visit remote locations and live off-grid for months at a time. Delos is equipped with solar and wind power, a desalination plant, and ample food storage, enabling a sustainable and fulfilling way to travel. Over the past decade, they have sailed 83,000 miles, visited six continents, and navigated every major ocean.
Meet Delos [2:56]
Delos is a 53-foot sloop rig ketch with two masts. The cockpit serves as the "brain" of the boat, housing the navigation and steering station. The helm is protected, allowing for comfortable and safe sailing in various conditions. All sail controls are within the cockpit, making it safe for short-handed sailing and bad weather. The cockpit also functions as an outdoor living space.
Living Spaces [4:08]
The kitchen is compact, designed for one person, and equipped with essential appliances like a gimballed induction stove, oven, and a toaster. Storage is optimised with specific places for pots, pans, and other items. The boat features a fridge with a door, a washing machine for Sierra's cloth diapers, and a chair for Sierra to sit in during meal preparation.
Navigation and Communication [6:47]
The navigation and communication station includes a single sideband radio for long-distance communication, a VHF radio for close-range communication, and boat instruments for speed and depth. A server rack supports a satellite communication system, providing internet access anywhere in the world. Safety devices include a fire extinguisher and an EPIRB for emergency situations. The boat carries 1,000 litres of water, with a water maker capable of producing 200 litres per hour.
Living Room and Food Storage [8:46]
The living room serves as a multi-functional space for eating, working, and relaxing. Delos has extensive food storage, including freezers, which are essential for long off-grid trips and storing caught fish. A playpen is set up for Sierra, ensuring her safety while allowing her to be part of the action. Canned goods are stored in a deep bilge, with labels removed to prevent cockroaches. Running out of fresh food while off-grid highlighted the importance of adequate provisioning.
Life at Anchor [11:38]
The family spends most of their time anchored, preferring remote and desolate locations over marinas. They sail approximately 8,000 nautical miles per year, planning their routes based on weather and ocean currents. Over the past decade, 60 people have sailed with them.
Bedroom and Bathroom [12:59]
The master bedroom is located in the stern of the boat, featuring a desk, a comfortable bed, and fans for cooling. A separate bathroom (head) includes a toilet with an electric motor, a deep sink for hand washing, and a combined shower. Closet space is limited, with only essential clothing items stored. Additional storage is available under the bed for long-term items.
Forward Cabin and Safety Features [16:22]
The forward cabin can sleep up to three people and currently serves as a workroom and diaper drying station. It also includes a second toilet. A watertight bulkhead door acts as a crucial safety feature, isolating the front of the boat in case of a hull breach.
Funding the Adventure [17:10]
The family earns money by creating YouTube videos, supported by the "Delos tribe" through Patreon. Initially, they worked various jobs to fund their sailing, but now rely on crowdfunding and ad revenue. The monthly cost to live and sail on Delos is approximately $2,500, excluding the boat's mortgage.
Boat Maintenance [18:59]
Maintaining the boat is a constant task, requiring Brian to become proficient in various trades, including electrician, plumber, and diesel mechanic. He spends several days each month on maintenance, which costs around $700 per month on average. Hiring technicians would significantly increase these costs.
Engine Room [20:19]
The engine room houses the boat's essential systems, including a 600-litre fuel tank, a diesel engine, an 8-kilowatt generator, a hot water heater, a dive compressor, and a desalinator. This allows the family to stay at sea indefinitely without needing to go into port for water.
Life with a Baby [21:55]
Having a baby on board is both incredible and challenging, requiring constant attention and adaptation. Sierra sleeps in a beach tent and has a designated diaper changing area. Medical supplies are stored above her sleeping area.
Exterior Features [22:52]
The boat features a large deck area for lounging, 1400 watts of solar power, and two wind generators producing 400 watts each. A gimballed satellite dome provides broadband internet access. The main mast is 66 feet high, and the mainsail is on a roller furling system controlled from the cockpit.
Challenges and Safety [24:44]
Living on a boat presents unique challenges, such as sudden shifts in weather and the need to be constantly vigilant. The boat is equipped with survival supplies, including a manual pump, a six-man life raft, spare water, and a ditch kit containing essential items for abandoning ship.
Future Plans [26:59]
The family loves the connection with weather and nature that comes with living on a boat. They are planning to sail to Greenland and the Arctic, preparing the boat with a heater and cold-weather gear.