For over a decade, Brian Trautman, Karin Syren, and their daughter Sierra—along with a rotating crew of global adventurers—have redefined modern sailing through their YouTube channel Sailing SV Delos. With over 923,000 subscribers and 675+ videos, their journey is not just about sailing the world, but about inspiring a movement for sustainability and environmental protection.
Aboard the 53-foot Amel Super Maramu (their original vessel) and the upcoming Delos Explorer 53—a 52-foot 6-inch (16m) aluminum catamaran under construction—they have become a beacon for those seeking to blend adventure with environmental stewardship.
The Evolution of a Maritime Legacy
The Early Days: From Corporate Grind to Open Seas
Brian, a former electrical engineer, and Karin, a Swedish-born artist, launched their voyage in 2009 aboard a 2008 Amel Super Maramu—a 53-foot monohull celebrated for its offshore durability. Joined by Brian’s brother Brady Trautman and other crew, they set sail from Seattle with no prior sailing experience. Their first major challenge? A 2010 trans-Pacific crossing to French Polynesia, where mechanical failures and cultural immersion in remote islands became foundational lessons. “Every breakdown taught us to rely on creativity, not just tools,” Brian reflected in a 2024 Yachting Monthly interview.
Delos Explorer 53: Reinventing the Future of Sailing
In March 2024, the team officially unveiled Delos Explorer 53 (16m/52′6″)—a groundbreaking vessel designed with cutting-edge technology to reduce the environmental footprint of long-term voyaging. Partnering with maritime technology firms, they’ve integrated a hybrid-electric propulsion system, which combines traditional diesel power with an electric motor, providing fuel efficiency and reducing emissions. A 3,750W solar array harnesses the sun’s energy, and an integrated rainwater collection system (total freshwater capacity 900L) helps them achieve greater self-sufficiency. The hull features 6mm-thick aluminum plates below the waterline, while an outside galley and reinforced safety rails prioritize crew protection. “This boat is a culmination of 15 years of lessons,” Karin explains, highlighting their dedication to minimizing fossil fuel reliance.
Life Aboard: A Floating Classroom and Innovation Hub
Surviving the Elements
SV Delos has weathered a 50-knot gale en route to Madagascar in the Indian Ocean and icy waters near Svalbard. In 2021, they documented intense storms and massive swells in their video “SCARIEST Dive Yet—Midnight Ocean SCUBA in 5,000 ft of Water”, showcasing their reliance on redundant navigation systems and a storm-proof medical kit.
Off-Grid Living at Scale
On their Amel Super Maramu, the crew upgraded to solar panels and lithium-iron-phosphate batteries—powering induction cooking and a watermaker to eliminate propane. They’ve used PredictWind’s weather-routing service for years to optimize passages, a tool critical for safe and efficient navigation.
Educational Impact
Karin, a certified teacher, designs Sierra’s curriculum around real-world experiences—studying coral bleaching in Fiji and engaging in marine biology projects off Mexico’s San Benedicto. The team’s educational content goes beyond online tutorials, as they actively engage in local conservation efforts, educating their followers on the importance of marine preservation. They also engage fans through Patreon workshops, teaching skills like “DIY Sail Repairs” and “Sustainable Fishing for Cruisers.”
Global Expeditions: From the Arctic to Tropical Reefs
The 80° North Series
Their documentary “80° North” not only captured the majestic wildlife of the Arctic but also emphasized the urgent need for waste removal in polar regions, inspiring collaborative efforts to protect these fragile ecosystems. In 2020, their 10,000-nautical-mile journey to Svalbard included efforts to remove abandoned fishing nets, fostering a sense of community engagement in environmental protection.
Equatorial Adventures
During their Pacific crossings, they filmed manta ray and shark encounters off Mexico’s San Benedicto, documented in their blog “Mantas and whales and sharks – Oh My!”. In the Galápagos, they explored marine biodiversity, though no official collaboration with biologists has been publicly detailed.
Challenges and Accountability
After occasional anchoring close calls, they’ve advocated responsible anchoring practices and supported reef‑restoration initiatives where needed.
Impact: Redefining Adventure for a Generation
Environmental Advocacy
By 2019, they’d channeled over $50,000 via Patreon and partnerships to Surfrider Foundation and Caribbean hurricane relief. Their work includes documenting plastic pollution and promoting sustainable practices, urging viewers to reduce single-use plastic. Their efforts have not only provided financial support but have also raised awareness about the importance of environmental conservation.
DIY Culture and Community
Brian’s tutorials on hull maintenance and solar systems have collectively garnered millions of views, becoming go-to resources for aspiring cruisers. The crew hosts monthly live Q&As on Patreon, connecting with supporters who receive exclusive boat plans and sailing guides. This sense of community fosters a shared passion for sailing and environmental protection.
Sustainable Sailing Model
Funded by YouTube, Patreon, and affiliate partnerships, the team proves long-term voyaging is feasible with community support. “We’re storytellers first,” Brian emphasizes. “Our goal is to show that adventure and responsibility can coexist.” Their success in sustaining their journey through these partnerships sets an example for others in the sailing community.
Join the Journey
Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a landlocked dreamer, SV Delos offers a front-row seat to the world’s last wild places. Follow their progress:
- YouTube: Sailing SV Delos (weekly episodes, storm stories, and DIY tutorials)
- Website:svdelos.com (free guides, gear reviews, and updates on Delos Explorer 53)
- Instagram: @svdelos (daily glimpses of life aboard, from iceberg encounters to underwater photography)
By sharing their adventures and the lessons learned from living sustainably at sea, the team fosters a global community committed to ocean conservation and responsible exploration. As Brian often says, “The ocean doesn’t care about your plans—it cares about your preparation.” SV Delos embodies this philosophy, proving that the most meaningful adventures are those that challenge us to protect the planet we explore.
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