😂😂 we decided in the end to leave the cameras safely stored away, but yes, I was so smooth I could slide uphill... Hope you have a blessed year

thanks so much... let the adventures begin

thanks so much for your great comments, makes a great start to the new year... we are going to respond by each replying to your question, first myself, and then Nix... my reply is as follows: if we are taking finances into consideration, I would not change anything... After years (and I really mean years) of reading, learning and following some of the great adventurers out there (Pardeys, Get Real, Get Gone etc) we sourced, surveyed and purchased a boat that was designed and built to endure challenging conditions. She does not have the modern-day luxuries such as a water maker, endless battery capacity or the latest tech gear. She was built to sail. As far as research goes, I don't think we could have done more and I think that is why I am so comfortable with our decision. If I really have to think about any changes, I would prefer to control most, if not all, running rigging from the cockpit. Hoisting and reefing the mainsail has to be done from on deck and this can be hairy at times. She sails beautifully with balanced sails and with the wind vane steering we are using not using battery power to run an auto-pilot, although this is an option under engine. There's very few days where I don't acknowledge how lucky we are to have found her (or she found us)... thanks for your subscription and good luck in the cold, it's currently sunny and warm in Thailand and we are having a great time. Much love, Derek and Nicole

Ahoy there, and thanks for subscribing! I hope you enjoy our future videos, as we have a lot to show you, especially around Phi Phi Don in Thailand. :) I agree with Derek that our boat sails so well. I love the 3/4 keel, skeg-hung rudder configuration as she does not get pushed around very easily out there sailing in the ocean and she turns on a dime. An excellent boat for us to manage together or single-hand. And I so love our wind vane, I would not change it for the world. The one thing I would change though, is to have more cover in the cockpit. We were in a long-lasting squall in Sumatra and we just got pelted with rain the entire night. So I got wet, cold, and tired and we could not sleep due to the conditions. And when I could finally take my shift to sleep I was so cold I could not sleep. I know, we are in the tropics! But wind and rain the whole night is not fun! So yes, that would be my only realistic change. The unrealistic changes would be to add a dive compressor, a water sports equipment room, and a cabin for family, friends, and crew! But that's in my dream world! 😂😂 Again, thanks for being here! Sending you all our best!