Sailing, boat office & remote work: the ultimate guide to living on a yacht
It was not only the recent launch of a satellite system providing high speed internet connectivity for virtually all locations of our planet that living and working whilst sailing became the ultimate goal for many. As over the years, sailing has given rise to various lifestyles, be it the thrill of racing or the pleasure of sailboat cruising, a relatively new trend is on the rise: making the yacht their permanent home, living aboard full-time and earning money as “digital nomads”.
These individuals have managed to merge the love for sailing with the modern capability to work from anywhere. From embracing the vibrant rhythms of living on a boat in London to navigating remote tropical islands, they juggle the demands of open waters and digital workspaces, finding a balance that allows exploring the world while meeting deadlines and attending virtual meetings.
You are thinking of maybe becoming a digital nomad yourself? In this guide, we'll be delving deep into the world of living and working on a sailing yacht, navigating through the essentials, challenges, and rewards of this unique lifestyle.
How to start your project of becoming a sailing digital nomad
For many, living on a sailing boat merges the romance of the open sea with the practicality of modern remote work. In theory, every job that does not need a physical appearance and that is freed from certain locations or dates can be turned into an occupation to spend your work day with on a boat. Typical jobs for digital nomads are those of the advertising industry, graphics design or copywriting.
Some “classic” office jobs, like accounting or counselling, may also be turned into remote job. There are many company owners – even those running mid-sized companies – who managed to organise at least a large part of their jobs in such a way that multi-week or even monthlong periods of physical absence and digital work are possible.
Another area of remote-ready jobs is the whole world of being a teacher. Language courses can be held completely online, be it one-on-one exclusive hours or class teachings.
In any case: if you want to start a life as digital nomad, “becoming digital” should be the first task on your list. Ask your employer if your job could be turned into a full- or part-time remote job. If not, seek jobs which are clearly marked as such or, in the last consequence, create your own business as a self-employed entrepreneur.
If you see a life of adventure, daily sunsets over the horizon, ever-changing neighbours, and the unmatched freedom of choosing your next port, a sustainable income to finance your dream lifestyle should be given top priority.
How much does it cost to live aboard a sailing boat?
Of course there cannot be the one answer. For most digital nomads, choosing the liveaboard lifestyle is not necessarily about saving money but reallocating how you spend it. On a yacht, the financial landscape shifts: while you'll still face initial investments and maintenance costs for the vessel, you might offset some of these against traditional expenditures like rent and utilities. Also, working from your boat introduces new savings, such as the absence of daily commutes, fewer impulse purchases, and the flexibility to anchor in regions with different costs of living. It's about experiencing a unique lifestyle with a budget that is often comparable to traditional living. The allure? It's the freedom, the adventure, and the shifting horizons.
The downsides of living on a sailing boat
Let there be no doubt about it: as with everything in life, there cannot be something with just and purely only advantages. Living aboard a sailing yacht comes with many concessions and limitations. People who quit this lifestyle and couldn´t make it often refer to the cramped living conditions, the often lonely life and a certain tendency to become disconnected to normal shore life. The once normal connections to friends ashore may be severed, social life can suffer. When sailing long distances or changing location often, living aboard a sailing boat could indeed turn into a stressful experience as the small boat becomes the only anchor and small floating home. This is not a lifestyle for the majority.
That said, as you still go on reading this article, this might mean that you are honestly considering yourself becoming a digital nomad. As we´ve mentioned, the single most important and pivotal aspect of succeeding in mastering a floating life apart from the job that gets you the money to support it, is your boat.
Buying a boat to live on: what to consider?
The importance of having the right sailing boat cannot be overstated. As humans, and sailors even more, are capable to adapt to many things, not every vessel is crafted for the liveaboard and remote work lifestyle. For instance, a high-performance racing yacht, while sleek and fast, often compromises on interior space and amenities. The spacious cruising boat on the other hand, may be perfect for living, but in terms of seaworthiness and seakindness totally ill-suited for prolonged habitation and sailing to remote (and often prone to heavy weather) places. So, before you make up your mind on choosing a boat to live on, here's what to consider:
The sailing boat's size and comfort
When buying a boat to live and work on, consider the number of inhabitants and their space needs. Solo travellers or couples might find a cosy sub 40-feet monohull sufficient, offering a balance of space and manageability. However, a larger catamaran would better serve families or groups, providing multiple cabins, a spacious saloon and perfect living and working conditions when at anchor.
When choosing a boat for your remote work adventure, plan ahead where you want to stay and work. Is a lot of (long-haul) sailing involved? Or will you remain relatively stationary in terms of sailed distances and changing locations?
If alone or with a partner, a monohull might be the best choice for the digital nomad couple. They are comparatively fast, compact in size, manageable and relatively cheap in terms of maintenance and demurrage. Sailing with children, depending on their age, involves many new considerations. Here, larger-sized vessels with dedicated cabins for the children, larger salons and secluded working area for you may be the best choice. A catamaran can be an elegant solution. Your local dealer may be of sufficient help when briefed thoroughly: He may have some experience already with fitting the right boat in the right specification to sailing remote workers.
Onboard amenities
Living aboard a yacht involves much more equipment and amenities than to be found on leisure craft and vacation-oriented cruising yachts. Here's what to look out for:
Sturdy workspace: First and foremost, a designated area for work is what you should look out for. For some, a solid table might do. Some others may want to fit a thoroughbred onboard office with all the equipment. This working area should feature safe worktops for your computer and other gadgets, but also an ergonomic stool. Don´t forget that working on a yacht doesn´t free you from the well-known office-related maladies.
Reliable internet connection: As the name “digital nomad” suggests, your source of income is 100 per cent digital. This means a satellite or booster-enabled connectivity for remote work is absolutely essential. Seamless communication, large up- and download capacity are a testament. More on that later.
Energy management: Although your main engine is a powerful Diesel that can recharge your batteries in a relatively short time, you should aim for a more silent and ecologically responsible way of providing sustainable power. That said, there are great concepts based on solar power, wind- or hydro-generation and even fuel cells can be fitted to your yacht. Modern Lithium-ion battery banks can take on large amounts of energy, maintaining a consistent power supply. Try to opt for a redundant system: relying solely on solar power may be all-too optimistic. A clever combination of multiple systems makes the real autonomy.
Desalination system: Fresh water is a prime task, even more so if you plan to completely live aboard your boat. The more southern your location shifts, the more important this issue becomes. Modern desalinators convert seawater into fresh water effortlessly, guaranteeing a continuous drinking and everyday use supply. But behold: This water lacks essential nutrients which have to be supplemented. Also, desalination devices should only be used clear of land mass (and never in marinas or in crowded anchorages) due to pollutants.
Efficient onboard storage: Just think of your flat at home. How much stuff you need for everyday´s life. Although living on a yacht is all about reducing and focusing on what is really needed, carrying around the clothing for a complete year alone is a lot of volume needed. Smartly-designed compartments to store work equipment and personal belongings is a must for your liveaboard-approved yacht. In most monohulls with three cabins, one of those is usually turned into stowage.
Ventilation on your boat: No matter if you plan to live in the Northern hemisphere enjoying ice, snow and polar bears or you aim for the tropical latitudes indulging in hot temperatures under a burning sun: Good airflow is vital, not just for comfort but also for preventing mould. Make sure your boat has multiple opening portholes, skylight hatches and indirect ventilation.
Onboard cooking essentials: A functional kitchen or galley with a stove, oven, and sink to prepare meals is minimum. Remember: food is live! Even if you skip all-too voluptuous meals during vacational sailing, when living on your yacht, you might want to prepare proper meals with occasional treats. A birthday cake, a multi-dish recipe – all of this will significantly contribute to the elevation of your lifestyle. Hence, a proper ship´s galley (with a certain amount of stowage for kitchenware and crockery) should be a matter of course.
Onboard refrigeration: Preserving food was and still is one of the most essential challenges in seafaring. Even more when you plan less frequent dockings to save money, fridges and even deep freezing capacity may be on top of your list. Whilst modern dry-food can sustain nutrition even for longer periods, for a healthy life, a balanced diet with fresh and freshly cooked ingredients is important. But behold: More fridges and deep freezing means a high energy consumption. Discuss this with your local dealer because a thorough energy management is the key to liveaboard quality.
Yacht´s heating system: Having a warm interior is a true game-changer for those sailing in colder or moderate climates. Despite the luxury of having a warm boat, having a dry boat is even more important. Modern heating systems, be it Diesel forced hot air-ventilation or hot water-based systems, can thoroughly dry through a boat thus preventing mould and mildew from growing.
Stable power outlets: Surge- and possibly lightning-protected power supply is testament as your business depends on it. That said, strategically well placed outlets to safely charge and operate your devices and sockets to connect those are a must.
Bathroom facilities: Hygiene is an often underrated aspect of life aboard a sailboat. Usually, small vessels only come with a small head, barely capable to provide for basic personal hygiene. A well-equipped or bathroom with a shower for daily hygiene should be minimum to look for. Also, feces treatment is an aspect you should be keeping in mind.
Security features: Alarms, sturdy locks, and possibly surveillance for added safety while anchored in unfamiliar territories may be useful. Also, protecting your precious electronics and data storage will make a good safeguard for your business. Remember: as a digital nomad you are depending on these equipment parts.
Choosing boats to live on and transforming them into a remote workspace necessitates thoughtful additions. It´s best to consult your local dealer to cash in on his high level of technical experience.
When the hardware aspects are crossed off your list, let´s talk WiFi-plans. Usually, you begin by exploring versatile international data plans offered by the various networks. Your local home provider may offer sufficient and attractive data contingents even in remote countries. Also, it makes sense to contact connectivity providers in the countries or areas you are planning to visit beforehand to research their data-plans and cost structure. This is valid when you plan to utilize GSM-networks for maintaining an internet connection.
Pro tip: often marinas offer free WiFi on their premises, but also, those often do not live up to business-demands in terms of data rates and signal strength.
With the inception of Starlink, high-quality internet connectivity in almost all places of our Earth and all oceans is ensured. To use this service, you´ll need a hardware setup and a data plan, depending on your monthly up- and download consumption. Starlink works perfectly fine when underway but may come with interference when used in a crowded marina.
How to stay productive on open waters
Now that you´ve managed to acquire the perfect sailboat and came up with a business idea to sustain the liveaboard lifestyle, how does it work out in reality? Isn´t sailing in the most attractive areas all-too tempting to be “wasted” for work? Being ensconced in the vast beauty of the open sea, with its ever-changing landscapes and the allure of new adventures, can make it a challenge to keep one's focus anchored. However, discipline emerges as the true compass for those wanting to merge the thrills of sailing with work responsibilities. It's essential to strike a balance, ensuring that your productivity isn't left adrift while you're chasing horizons. Here are a few techniques to master this harmony:
Define a business plan that contains a clear plan
1. What to do and when: You business plan should contain clear to-do´s and time estimates so that you know what your daily or weekly work amount should be in order to create the income needed to sustain your lifestyle
2. Turnover plan: A clear and specified set of turnover figures will help you to keep track of your income and earnings. Sometimes, turnover will be bigger, sometimes smaller – achieving your clearly set monthly goals and a consistent frequent tracking of your progress can motivate you to not lose sight of the aim.
Set clear work-sailing boundaries aboard your boat
Designated workspace: Create a specific area on your boat solely for work. This space should be free from distractions, ensuring a mental distinction between 'work mode' and 'relax mode'. Headphones with noise cancelation are helpful when mooring in a crowded place.
Consistent work hours: Fix certain hours of the day exclusively for work. Sailing, maintenance, or exploration can be scheduled around these hours.
Prioritise tasks at sea
List it out: Start each day with a clear to-do list. Knowing your priorities helps in tackling assignments efficiently.
Tackle big tasks first: Address the most demanding tasks during your peak productive hours, leaving smaller functions for later.
Utilise boat-friendly technology
Offline modes: Use apps that function offline. Download necessary files and use tools that allow you to work even without an active internet connection. Limit or even cancel completely the dependency on utilizing printed sheets or other physical tools as those will eventually create a storage problem aboard.
Set digital boundaries: Limit social media and unnecessary online browsing during work hours. After completing your already digital work-day, enjoy your maritime surroundings and rather turn to real-life activities.
Navigate work breaks amid open waters
Scheduled breaks: Use techniques like the Pomodoro method: work intensively for 25 minutes and then take a 5-minute break.
Engage in non-work activities: After a work session, do something completely unrelated, like reading a book, swimming, or simply enjoying the sea.
Stay organised while working onboard
Daily review: At the end of each day, review your accomplishments and plan for the next. This ensures you stay on track. Also, clean up your workspace after a successful day. Start with a clean sheet the next day, don´t pile up leftover work as this can easily overwhelm you.
Use organisational tools: Make the most of tools like Trello, Asana, or even a physical planner to keep track of tasks.
Overcoming sailing challenges
The working part of the live-aboard adventure is clear now. But what about the normal day to day life on your boat? Living and working aboard a sailing yacht is an adventure filled with a unique set of experiences. Tackling issues like constrained space or connectivity glitches soon becomes intuitive with a proactive stance. The secret lies in foreseeing and navigating these aspects with optimism and foresight. Here are some challenges you might want to consider thinking about before embarking on your journey:
The limited space onboard
Sailing boats have compact living quarters, which can sometimes feel restrictive. Whilst this may be no problem for single handed sailors, when a partner or even a whole family is on the boat, this could turn out to create some issues. To overcome this, utilise multi-functional furniture and storage solutions. Prioritise decluttering regularly and invest in space-saving gadgets to maintain an organised and spacious environment. Again, discipline is the key to a happy boat life.
Battling seasickness while working
Working while the boat sways can lead to seasickness: many starters clearly underestimate how violent boat motion even at anchorage can become at times. Combat this by identifying stabilised zones on the boat for workstations and taking regular breaks on deck for fresh air. Over-the-counter medications or wristbands may help mitigate symptoms, tackling sever seasickness in dedicated courses can also be a solution.
Keeping electronics safe from salty air
Just like maintaining a high grade internet connection, keeping up the electronic equipment is testament for a digital nomad. Be aware of the fact that the marine environment can be harsh on tech gadgets – whilst your chart plotter is safeguarded and rugged to cope with this, ordinary home computers and other electronic equipment is often not. Protect them using waterproof and corrosion-resistant casings. If possible, regularly clean devices with fresh water and maintain a controlled cabin environment with dehumidifiers. For some electonics, having a brand new supplement at hand just in case can save your business. Utilize cloud storage for your data as HDD drives and other hardware can deteriorate and data may be lost forever.
Maintaining power supply on open waters
Power outages disrupt work and daily life. Invest in a thoroughly planned and indivisual energy concepts for your yacht. Solar panels, wind generators or fuel cells can ensure a consistent power supply or recharge of your battery banks. Regularly inspect and maintain onboard batteries, ensuring they're in optimum condition.
Pro tip: Don´t underestimate the power of your Diesel engine. Many engines aren´t used too much due to alternative energy production methods. While this is a good thing, also regularly run your engine (and when, not in idle) to make sure it stays in good shape.
Ensuring data security in diverse locations
Connecting to various networks can expose sensitive work data. Use VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) for secure connections and encrypt sensitive files. Regularly backup data on external drives or cloud storage. Depending on the business model you run, make sure you adhere to (local) data privacy rules and digital laws.
Adapting to varied time zones
Sailing across regions can mean frequently changing time zones. Use tools that automatically adjust time settings and reminders. Communicate your location with colleagues to coordinate meetings and deadlines effectively. Incorporate the time zone-factor into your business model, as this can affect greatly deadline planning, delivery times and such.
Overcoming limited access to supplies
Being in the middle of the ocean, moored in an secluded anchorage or just roaming barren shorelines means limited access to essentials. As a thorough seaman, plan and stock up on supplies beforehand. Create an inventory list to track and reorder essentials, leveraging port stops for replenishment.
How to start being a digital nomad on a boat?
Having read through almost our complete article, you are still sure that this lifestyle is yours? Well, then let´s get started! But how to tackle this task: casting off and aim for the remotest areas like a dive into cold water? Or remaining in a nearby area for just in case it doesn´t work out?
There cannot be a definitive answer: depending on your type of business, the character of yourself and the probability of success, both are attractive and bold undertakings. Playing it safe can be a best start if you are still unsure while sailing far away leaves no choice but for success, making you work even harder. It´s a decision only you can take. Just in case, here´s a list with possible locations to live aboard a yacht and their pros and cons:
Living on a boat in a marina in the UK
Brighton Marina, with its sheltered waters, is a favourite among sailors, especially those new to the craft. It offers top-notch amenities amidst bustling surroundings. Meanwhile, places like Plymouth's Mayflower Marina and smaller marinas in Lowestoft give a sense of tranquillity and intimacy. Both types have their charm: the vibrancy of the renowned versus the tranquillity of the undiscovered. Regardless of choice, marina etiquette remains paramount: respecting noise levels, keeping walkways clear, and assisting fellow sailors when docking. Starting in a marina of your home turf is a good way of adapting to boat life and remote work. If it fails, the efforts to cancel and return to your old shore-based life are somewhat controllable.
Living on a boat in London
London's iconic waterways, particularly the Thames with its noticeable tidal shifts, present an enticing challenge as you grow in your sailing journey. While mastering the river might require some learning and adaptation, the adventures it promises are worth every effort.
As the economic and literal capital of the UK, your business may flourish from being located here, albeit “digital” and location-independent.
Nestled in the heart of the city, you're never too far from renowned attractions like the Tower Bridge, the West End, and historic pubs along the Thames. Living on a boat in London allows you to take in the juxtaposition of serene canal living and the hustle of urban life, all while enjoying proximity to the city's cultural, culinary, and artistic offerings.
Anchoring in the Mediterranean
Let´s take a bolder step and sail into the Mediterranean. This area is a tapestry of pristine beaches, ancient harbours, and vibrant cultures. From the romantic coasts of Amalfi and the rich history of Dubrovnik to the festive atmosphere of Ibiza, each location is a treasure trove waiting to be explored.
Your business idea may flourish here, when choosing areas predominantly fancied by your target group. UK tourism is strong on the Balearic Islands, for example. On the other hand, if your business model is somewhat connected to tourism industry, you may opt for Greece or Italy to offer your services.
The region's relatively compact geography ensures you're always a short sail away from your next adventure. With sun-kissed weather, anchoring during summer offers a myriad of festivities and events. However, the spring and autumn months provide quieter beaches, local festivals, and milder climates - making it a heavenly setting for both work and leisure.
The proximity to the UK means short flight times and affordable fares if you need to fly home. Also, the jurisdiction of the European Union – even with UK´s Brexit – is a plus for businesses too, let alone the utilization of the unified currency, the Euro.
Living on a sailing boat in the Caribbean
The first real blue water adventure destination for almost all long haul sailors is the Caribbean. Renowned for its steady trade winds offering consistent sailing conditions, it indeed is a relatively easy task to cross the Atlantic Ocean. The ast archipelago of sun-drenched islands has something for everyone. From the lively beats of Jamaica and Barbados to the tranquil shores of the Grenadines, there's a melody for every sailor. Beyond shimmering sands and crystalline waters, an irie vibe of unity exists amidst diversity. Taste those delectable flavours and, ya man, you'll get why the locals can't stop smiling.
Combining work with this island charm can transform any mundane day into a rejuvenating experience. Be also aware that this is a completely different world from what you have been used to. Some islands may be prone to higher crime rates, drug abuse and other problems, often, life on the sun-blessed islands is harder than expected.
Whilst general living costs may be significantly lower than in Europe, other amenities may be much more expensive. Make sure that your business idea is productive, put a special emphasis on local laws, especially the taxation. This, of course, must be done before sailing the long way across the ocean.
Living and working remotely from your sailing boat: the bottom line
Living and working aboard a sailing boat is not just a dreamy concept but a lived reality for many. The surge in its popularity in recent years can be attributed to the confluence of technology enabling remote work and the human desire for freedom and adventure. For those curious about firsthand accounts of this lifestyle, vloggers like Sailing La Vagabond offer genuine insights through their YouTube channels. They showcase the true essence of sea living, from navigating challenges to celebrating small wins and raising a family amid the vast ocean's embrace.
Moved by their voyages? Maybe the tides of adventure are luring you too. Before charting your course, touch base with your local boat dealer. Buying a boat to live on that mirrors your aspirations is the first step to making waves of your own.