How To Go Sailing Around The World with Brian Trautman
Jan 23, 2025
auto_awesome
Brian Trautman, captain of SV Delos and a seasoned sailor, shares his adventures from a decade of sailing across six continents. He reveals how to transition from a corporate career to a life at sea, making sailing more accessible for beginners. The conversation covers transformative life changes linked to sailing, the joys of traveling with family, and essential tips on sailing certifications—especially in beautiful Grenada. Listeners will be inspired to embrace adventure and consider the possibilities of a sailing lifestyle.
Brian Trautman's transition from a corporate career to full-time sailing exemplifies the freedom and personal growth achievable through embracing adventure.
Learning to sail is more accessible than many think, with complete beginners often mastering the basics within just a few days.
Establishing a sustainable sailing lifestyle involves creative income strategies and community building, allowing for financial independence while exploring the world.
Deep dives
The Essence of a Fulfilling Life Through Travel
Living a fulfilling life is often associated with travel, especially in communities that prioritize authentic experiences. Embracing challenges, both mental and physical, allows individuals to achieve their travel goals and create unforgettable memories. This pursuit requires a mindset open to possibilities, often leading to adventures that transform everyday life into something extraordinary. Vehicles designed for exploration, such as the Defender, resonate with this adventurous spirit, combining durability with modern features to cater to a new generation of explorers.
Learning to Sail: A Journey of Personal Growth
Sailing has emerged as an exciting way to travel, providing both freedom and adventure on the open water. Surprisingly, people can quickly learn the basics of sailing, often completing instruction within days. The appeal lies not only in the skill acquisition but also in how sailing fosters personal growth and independence, allowing individuals to escape the constraints of traditional work-life. The podcast highlights stories from experienced sailors, emphasizing how immersing oneself in the sailing lifestyle can profoundly change a person.
Navigating the Costs of Sailing
Understanding the financial aspects of sailing is crucial for those looking to embark on such adventures. The costs can vary significantly depending on personal choices, boat size, and maintenance needs. Average expenses for living while sailing can be surprisingly manageable, as people often budget around 15 euros daily for meals and supplies. Potential sailors can find relatively affordable boats, ranging from 30,000 to 300,000 USD, making it feasible for many to pursue this lifestyle.
Creating a Sustainable Sailing Lifestyle
Establishing a sustainable sailing lifestyle requires creativity and adaptability, particularly when it comes to sourcing income. Sailors often combine work with travel, utilizing technology to edit videos or write while at sea. Seasonal planning allows them to synchronize work with leisure, stopping in ports for connectivity when necessary. By building a supportive online community through platforms like YouTube and Patreon, sailors can share their experiences while maintaining financial independence.
Safety and Community in Sailing
Safety is paramount in sailing, and building a sense of community among sailors can significantly enhance the experience. Connections within the sailing community allow travelers to share invaluable knowledge about safe ports, local cultures, and best practices while at sea. Instances of crime or emergencies are often mitigated by the collective awareness and support of fellow sailors. Developing these relationships not only enriches the journey but also creates shared memories and lifelong friendships.
The Impact of Parenthood on the Sailing Journey
Becoming a parent introduces new dynamics into the sailing lifestyle, as individuals grapple with balancing adventure and protection. Parents often reflect on how raising children on the open water can provide unique educational experiences, leading to well-rounded development. Adjustments to sailing routes and strategies may be necessary to ensure a child’s safety, particularly in areas known for risk. Emphasizing family connections and creating a nurturing environment while traveling expands the definition of adventure.
Have you ever dreamed of learning how to sail and setting off on a global adventure? What if I told you it’s more achievable than you think?
Brian Trautman is the captain of SV Delos, a 53-foot sailing vessel that’s been his floating home for over a decade. What started as an 18-month sailing trip in 2008 turned into a lifelong adventure as Brian explored six continents and 45 countries by sea (at the time of this recording). Along the way, he started documenting his journey on YouTube, becoming a popular sailing channel with over 900k subscribers.
In this episode, Brian shares how even beginners can master sailing, plan a round-the-world trip, and embrace the adventure of a lifetime.
From practical tips for learning to sail and the best places to get started to fascinating stories of life at sea, you’ll discover how sailing can transform your life and perspective.
Ready to get your sea legs? If you could sail anywhere in the world, where would you go first? I'd love to hear your thoughts, and I hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message.
*This is a previously released episode from the archives! Zero To Travel interviews are timeless, offering valuable insight whenever you listen.
Premium Passport:
Get ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and access to all episodes for only $3/month. Subscribe now!
Tune In To Learn:
How Brian went from a corporate career to full-time sailing
How he turned his lifestyle into a sustainable source of income
Why learning to sail is easier and more accessible than you think
The best places in the world to learn how to sail
What certifications you need (or don’t need) to sail internationally
Tips for planning your first sailing trip, from short journeys to global routes
What it’s like to live self-sufficiently on the water and navigate challenges like storms, repairs, and seasickness
How to find a crew and insights into the global sailing community
What it actually costs to live on a boat
Safety tips and lessons learned from real-world experiences
