Meet Ben Brehme and Ashley Stobbart, the Canadian couple hailing from Victoria, BC, who turned their passion for the open seas into a decade-long odyssey, circumnavigating the globe and clocking over 50,000 nautical miles. Their adventures not only shaped their lives but also birthed Nahoa Yachts, a brand dedicated to crafting yachts that blend safety, comfort, and sustainability for the modern adventurer. Their journey is a testament to the transformative power of the ocean and the limitless possibilities when sailors become innovators.
From Novice Cruisers to Ocean Veterans: The Genesis of a Vision
Ben, a former mechanical engineer, and Ashley, a marine biologist, first set sail in 2015 aboard a second-hand fiberglass catamaran. Their initial voyages, spanning from the icy fjords of Patagonia to the vibrant coral reefs of French Polynesia, were a crash course in the realities of life at sea. “We were immediately drawn to the freedom of sailing, but we quickly realized the compromises we had to make with our boat,” Ben recalls. “Every storm exposed flaws in its design, from leaking hatches to cramped living spaces and a hull that struggled in rough seas.”
By the end of their nine-year circumnavigation, they had not only welcomed two children, daughter Willa and son Bodhi, into their seafaring family but also witnessed firsthand the changing face of the oceans. Their experiences highlighted a significant gap in the market. Yachts built for speed often sacrificed comfort, while those focused on comfort lacked the resilience for remote expeditions. “We came to the realization that if we wanted a boat that could take us anywhere in the world – safely, sustainably, and in comfort – we would have to design it ourselves,” Ashley says.
The Nahoa 55: A Boat Born from 10,000 Hours at Sea
The Nahoa 55 is a culmination of Ben and Ashley’s years of hands-on experience, with every detail carefully considered. Leveraging Ben’s engineering expertise and Ashley’s in-depth understanding of marine environments, they centered their design around three core principles:
Safety First
Safety was their top priority. The Nahoa 55 features skegged rudders, which protect against grounding, and an aluminum hull. Aluminum’s ductility means it can absorb impacts without cracking, a crucial factor when navigating through unpredictable waters. The forward cockpit is designed to keep the crew sheltered during storms, and Ben notes, “We’ve seen too many fiberglass boats severely damaged or even destroyed by collisions with ice or debris. Aluminum offers a level of durability and safety that we believe is essential for long-distance voyages.”
Comfort as Endurance
Recognizing that a significant portion of sailing life is spent at anchor, the couple designed the Nahoa 55 with spacious living areas, a full-size galley, and soundproof cabins. These comforts, often overlooked in the pursuit of speed, are seen as essential for long-term voyages. “Crossing oceans is a marathon, not a sprint,” Ben adds. “A well-rested crew is a safe crew, and having a comfortable living environment is crucial for the well-being of everyone on board, especially when you’re at sea for extended periods.”
Sustainability by Design
In an effort to minimize their environmental footprint without sacrificing their ability to explore remote areas, the Nahoa 55 is equipped with solar panels, a watermaker, and efficient electric motors. This setup allows the yacht to operate off-grid for weeks at a time. “We are acutely aware of the impact that our actions have on the oceans, and we wanted to create a vessel that could enable us to explore while treading as lightly as possible on the environment,” Ashley explains, emphasizing their commitment to sustainable sailing.
The Journey That Shaped a Brand: Lessons from the High Seas
One of the most pivotal moments in their journey came in 2020, during a storm in the South Atlantic. A rogue wave severely damaged their rudder, leaving them reliant on emergency steering for 48 challenging hours. “That experience was a wake-up call,” Ben says. “It taught us the critical importance of redundancy and robust construction in a vessel.” This incident directly influenced the design of the Nahoa 55, with features such as double-layered aluminum in high-stress areas and deck hardware that is welded, not bolted, to eliminate potential leak points.
Their travels also brought them into contact with various coastal communities, and they witnessed the devastating effects of climate change and overfishing firsthand. In the Tuamotu Archipelago and other places they visited, they saw how these issues were threatening the livelihoods of local people. “In Fiji, we met a fisherman whose nets were constantly coming up empty due to ocean acidification,” Ashley remembers. “That encounter was a powerful reminder that our passion for sailing and exploration is intertwined with the need to protect the oceans and the communities that depend on them. Our boat design, we hope, can play a role in enabling more sustainable voyages and, in turn, contribute to the preservation of these precious ecosystems.”
Nahoa as a Movement: Building a Community of Bold Explorers
Today, the Nahoa 55 represents more than just a yacht; it’s a statement of intent for intentional and responsible sailing. Ben and Ashley’s YouTube channel, Sailing Nahoa, offers an intimate look into their design process, sea trials, and family life on board. Viewers can watch as Willa and Bodhi grow up on the boat, climbing rigging and learning about the ocean, while Ashley conducts marine biology surveys and Ben troubleshoots systems in the engine room. “Our goal is to demystify expedition sailing,” Ashley says. “We want to show that it’s not an exclusive pursuit for adrenaline junkies but is accessible to anyone with a sense of adventure who wants to explore the world deeply, safely, and in an environmentally conscious way.”
Their vision has resonated with a diverse range of sailors. They are receiving inquiries from scientists eager to study Arctic ice melt, families planning multi-year voyages, and retirees seeking adventure without sacrificing comfort. The first Nahoa 55 is set to launch in 2025, with an ambitious mission to sail from Alaska to Antarctica, documenting marine ecosystems along the way. This voyage will not only showcase the capabilities of the Nahoa 55 but also serve as a platform for raising awareness about the importance of ocean conservation.
The Legacy of a Lifetime at Sea
For Ben and Ashley, their journey is not just about the miles they’ve sailed but about the impact they can have on the world. “We want Willa and Bodhi to grow up with a deep respect and love for the ocean, understanding that it’s both their classroom and their responsibility,” Ashley says. “And we hope that our story and the Nahoa 55 can inspire other sailors to think differently about their adventures, to consider the environmental and social implications of their travels, and to be part of the solution in protecting our oceans.”
Their story serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that with experience, innovation, and a clear vision, sailors can create something that enriches their own lives while also contributing to a greater cause. The Nahoa 55 is a symbol of what can be achieved when passion meets purpose, inviting others to embark on their own adventures, explore the world’s oceans, and help safeguard them for future generations.
Join the Nahoa Voyage
Whether you’re a seasoned sailor planning your next big adventure or someone dreaming of a life at sea, Ben and Ashley’s story offers valuable insights and inspiration:
- Website: www.nahoa55.com (Explore the detailed design specs of the Nahoa 55, read their expedition logs, and sign up for the latest build updates.)
- YouTube: Sailing Nahoa (Subscribe to their channel for behind – the – scenes design insights, thrilling storm survival stories, and an intimate look at their family life at sea.)
- Instagram: @sailingnahoa (Follow their daily adventures, enjoy stunning marine photography, and get sneak peeks of the Nahoa 55’s construction progress.)
As they often say: “The best boat isn’t the one that gets you to shore the fastest; it’s the one that allows you to fully embrace the journey, safely, comfortably, and sustainably.” Ben and Ashley have transformed their decade of sea – faring wisdom into a vessel that encourages others to do just that – to explore the world’s oceans with courage, respect, and a commitment to preserving them for future generations.
Nominate a sailor for our next feature! with “Sailor Spotlight” in the subject line.