In 2013, Dan, a Canadian with a yearning for far – flung places, and Kika, a Haitian with a heart set on making a mark, met at an architecture school in the north of Atlanta, Georgia. After graduation, as they pondered their futures, a friend’s advice – “if you want to travel the world, don’t buy a couch” – became their guiding light. This simple yet profound statement led them to shun the trappings of a sedentary life and embrace a life on the waves. And so, Sailing Uma was born, a YouTube channel that has since captivated over 420,000 subscribers with their adventures.
The Boat: Uma – A Floating Home Transformed
Their vessel, a 1972 Pearson 36, was a diamond in the rough when they first laid eyes on it. With an asking price of $21,000, but a seized engine, Dan and Kika saw potential. They found a replacement engine on eBay for $3,000 and made an offer of the same amount for the boat, which was surprisingly accepted. However, the replacement turned out to be a generator – based engine, not suitable for their needs.
This setback, though, became a blessing in disguise. During a three – month architecture project in Haiti, where many homes are off – grid, relying on generators or solar panels, they had an epiphany. Why not convert their sailboat to an all – electric one? They returned from Haiti, removed the diesel engine, and using their DIY skills, set about rebuilding and upgrading Uma.
Today, Uma is powered by an electric motor, making it a more environmentally friendly option. To meet their daily power needs, they’ve installed solar panels, allowing them to be almost entirely off – grid. With an overall length of 36.5 feet and an 11 – foot beam, Uma has been transformed from a dilapidated old boat into a modern, cozy home, as shown in their popular video “boat tour: the modern interior of our 50 yr old dream yacht,” which has amassed over 4 million views.
The Journey: Sailing Across the Globe, One Adventure at a Time
Caribbean Circumnavigation
Dan and Kika’s journey began with a two – year circumnavigation of the Caribbean, including the Bahamas. They navigated through crystal – clear waters, exploring idyllic islands, and interacting with local communities. Their videos from this period show the beauty of the Caribbean, from the vibrant colors of the coral reefs to the warm hospitality of the people. They completed an almost 10,000 – mile loop in the Caribbean.
Atlantic Crossing and Beyond
Leaving the Caribbean behind, they sailed along the east coast of North America. This was no easy feat, as they had to contend with changing weather conditions and rough seas. But their determination paid off, and they successfully crossed the North Atlantic to reach the United Kingdom.
From the UK, they continued their adventure, exploring the Norwegian coastline and venturing all the way to the Arctic Circle. In their video “an emotional ending near the north pole,” they share the awe – inspiring experience of being so close to the polar region. The landscapes of snow – covered mountains and icy fjords were a far cry from the tropical Caribbean, but equally captivating.
They even made it to Svalbard, as close to the North Pole as one can get by sailboat. Along the way, they’ve covered more than 28,000 nautical miles and visited 28 countries, each stop adding a new chapter to their nautical story.
The Challenges: Weathering Storms, Both Literal and Figurative
Hurricane Matthew
In 2016, while in Haiti, Uma was at anchor when Category 4 Hurricane Matthew hit. In their video “hurricane survival tactics (i stayed on the boat in haiti),” they document their hurricane survival plan. As the storm approached, they had to ensure Uma was as secure as possible from the high winds, large waves, and the risk of other boats colliding with them. Dan’s footage shows the chaos in the anchorage as other boats drifted dangerously close to Uma, highlighting the importance of proper hurricane preparation.
Technical Hurdles
Converting Uma to an electric – powered boat wasn’t without its challenges. They had to learn about electric motors, solar panels, and battery systems. There were times when they faced technical glitches, like issues with the charging system or motor performance. But through trial and error, and with a lot of research, they managed to overcome these problems and keep their electric sailing dream alive.
The Community: The Uma Nation
Dan and Kika have built a strong community around their channel, aptly named the Uma Nation. Through their Patreon page, they offer exclusive content such as bonus videos, behind – the – scenes footage, secret podcast episodes, and live streams. Patrons also get access to a private Discord group, where they can interact with Dan and Kika and other members of the Uma Nation.
Signing the chalkboard on Uma has become a tradition for those they meet on their travels, family, friends, and members of the Uma Nation who visit. It’s a symbol of the community they’ve created, a community of like – minded individuals who share their love for adventure, sailing, and a sustainable lifestyle.
The Impact: Inspiring Others to Set Sail
Sailing Uma has not only been a personal journey for Dan and Kika but has also inspired countless others. Their videos show that it’s possible to pursue a life of adventure, even if you start with little sailing experience. They’ve demonstrated the beauty of a minimalist lifestyle on the water, free from the constraints of a traditional home and a 9 – to – 5 job.
For those interested in following in their footsteps, Sailing Uma’s YouTube channel is a treasure trove of information. From boat maintenance tips to navigation advice, and from stories of their travels to insights into different cultures they’ve encountered, their content offers a comprehensive look into the world of long – term sailing.
Join the Sailing Uma Adventure
Whether you’re an experienced sailor looking for new inspiration or a land – lover dreaming of a life on the ocean, Sailing Uma has something for you.
- YouTube: Sailing Uma (Subscribe to follow their latest adventures, from navigating through rough seas to exploring hidden coves.)
- Website: SailingUma.com (Learn more about their journey, join the Uma Nation, and get access to exclusive content.)
- Instagram: @sailinguma Follow them on social media to get daily updates, stunning photos from their travels, and behind – the – scenes glimpses of life on Uma.
As Dan and Kika continue their voyage, they remind us that the world is vast, full of wonders waiting to be discovered, and that sometimes, all it takes is the courage to listen to a friend’s advice and set sail.
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