10 Reasons Why BOATLIFE SUCKS (Relationships, Drinking, Nudity... etc) | EE 150

Summary

Brett and Jade Evans share their 3-year journey of sailing 10,000 nautical miles, offering insights into the challenges and joys of boat life. They discuss the strain on relationships, the constant repairs, and the need for cleaning, contrasting these with the community, the unpredictability, and the connection to nature. They humorously touch on the sailing community's alcohol culture, the importance of ocean-safe products, and the realities of living in tight quarters. The couple also reflects on the positives, like the strong bonds formed and the unique lifestyle that sailing offers, including a bonus point on the freedom of nudity.

Takeaways

• 🌊 The sailing lifestyle is challenging for relationships, as it requires constant close contact and can lead to friction among couples and friends.
• 🛠️ Maintenance is a perpetual aspect of boat life; something is always in need of repair or replacement, from minor leaks to major system failures.
• 🧼 Cleaning the boat's bottom is a regular and necessary task to prevent the buildup of moss, algae, and barnacles, which can affect sailing performance.
• 🤢 Seasickness is a common occurrence due to the constant rocking motion of the boat, affecting both the sailors and their ability to enjoy the journey.
• 🔮 The unpredictability of life at sea is a defining characteristic, making long-term planning difficult and requiring adaptability to changing conditions.
• 🍻 Alcohol consumption is a notable part of the sailing community's culture, often used as a social lubricant during gatherings and celebrations.
• 🌊 The use of ocean-safe products is essential for protecting marine life, but these products can be more expensive and less effective than conventional ones.
• 🏠 Living in a small space on a boat means minimal possessions, quick cleanup, and constant proximity to others, which can be both a benefit and a challenge.
• 💩 Dealing with human waste through holding tanks is an unpleasant but necessary part of boat life, impacting the sailors' daily routines and comfort.
• 🔒 The sailing community can have gatekeepers who may exclude newcomers or those who don't fit a certain mold, hindering inclusivity and growth.
• 👙 Nudity can be both a liberating and a potentially uncomfortable aspect of boat life, as sailors shed societal norms and become more comfortable with their bodies in a natural state.

Q & A

How many nautical miles have Brett and Jade Evans sailed together?

Brett and Jade Evans have sailed nearly 10,000 nautical miles together.

What is the approximate time it took for Brett and Jade to get a feel for the boat life?

It took Brett and Jade approximately 3 years to get a feel for the boat life, as mentioned in the script.

What is the name of the sponsor for this particular episode of their sailing experience?

The sponsor for this episode is Bottle Bottle, with their Hydro X product being featured.

What are some of the challenges that Brett and Jade have faced in terms of relationships while living on a boat?

Relationships can be strained due to the constant close proximity, the difficulty of maintaining friendships due to the different lifestyle and time zones, and the transient nature of connections made with locals and other sailors.

Why does Brett mention that something is always broken on the boat?

Brett mentions that something is always broken because as soon as one issue is resolved, another arises, whether it's equipment that needs replacing or maintenance tasks that need to be done.

What is a specific maintenance task that is particularly all-consuming for sailors?

Cleaning the bottom of the boat is particularly all-consuming, as it constantly grows moss, algae, and barnacles, affecting the boat's speed and performance.

How does the constant motion of the boat affect those living on it?

The constant motion of the boat can cause discomfort and seasickness, as it's always rocking to some degree, whether at anchor or sailing.

What is the impact of the unpredictable nature of the sailing lifestyle on Brett and Jade's life?

The unpredictable nature of the sailing lifestyle makes it almost impossible to plan ahead or give definite locations to people who want to visit, and it can lead to unexpected issues like equipment failure or weather changes.

Why does Brett and Jade mention the prevalence of alcohol consumption in the sailing community?

Alcohol consumption is prevalent in the sailing community due to the frequent social gatherings like Sundowners and the culture of celebrating with drinks, which can sometimes lead to excessive consumption.

What are the environmental considerations when it comes to using personal care products on a boat?

Environmental considerations include using ocean-safe products to prevent chemicals from affecting marine life, as anything washed off the boat ends up in the ocean.

How does living in a small space on a boat affect daily life for Brett and Jade?

Living in a small space means limited storage, increased closeness to each other, and the need for constant cleaning and organization to avoid clutter.

What are some of the unique challenges of handling human waste on a boat?

Handling human waste on a boat involves dealing with holding tanks, which can be unpleasant and requires careful management to avoid issues like leaks or overflows.

What are some of the negative aspects of the sailing community mentioned by Brett and Jade?

Negative aspects of the sailing community include gatekeeping, where some sailors believe there is a specific way to sail and exclude others, and in-fighting over various opinions and practices.

What positive aspects of the sailing community does Brett and Jade highlight?

Positive aspects of the sailing community include the strong bonds formed, the willingness to help each other in times of need, and the shared experiences that create lasting friendships.

How does the unpredictability of the sailing lifestyle affect the way Brett and Jade plan their days?

The unpredictability of the sailing lifestyle means they live more in the moment, making plans based on current conditions rather than long-term schedules, which can be both liberating and stressful.

What is the significance of the boat constantly rocking and how does it affect daily activities on board?

The constant rocking can be both a positive and negative aspect of boat life. It can be soothing, helping with sleep, but it also requires constant physical adjustment and can make tasks more difficult.

Why does Brett enjoy the fact that something is always broken on the boat?

Brett enjoys the constant fixing of things because he loves working on projects and being hands-on, which boat life provides in abundance.

What is the impact of the sailing lifestyle on Brett and Jade's relationships with each other and others?

The sailing lifestyle can put a strain on relationships due to the close quarters and shared challenges, but it also strengthens the bond between them and creates deep connections with other sailors.

How does nudity become both a positive and negative aspect of the sailing lifestyle?

Nudity can be liberating and a return to the essentials of life, away from societal norms, but it can also be shocking for newcomers who are not yet accustomed to the cultural differences in the sailing community.