Send us a text

Rich Whitlock (@rich_whitlock9603) shares the smart upgrades he’s made to his 2018 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 419—from ☀️ solar and 📡 Starlink to 🧭 chartplotters & more. Whether you're refitting your cruiser or dreaming of the liveaboard life, this episode is packed with tips and gear talk you don’t want to miss.

Ever wondered what happens when submarine engineering meets modern sailing? Rich Whitlock, a former nuclear submarine officer with a mechanical engineering background, takes us deep into the technical transformation of his 2018 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 419.

From bow to stern, Rich breaks down his methodical approach to boat systems, starting with his 55-pound Rakhna spade anchor upgrade that provides unmatched holding power. His communication and navigation setup—featuring radar with custom alarms, AIS-receiving VHF, and advanced sonar imaging—creates multiple safety layers for solo offshore passages.

The heart of Rich's sailing philosophy revolves around power independence. He walks us through his lithium battery conversion that increased capacity by 70% while reducing weight, paired with an intelligent 700-watt solar array using specialized SIGs panels that perform remarkably well even in partial shade. The pure sine wave inverter running his coffee maker, laptop, and surprisingly efficient air fryer showcases how cruising comfort doesn't have to sacrifice energy consciousness.

What truly sets Rich's approach apart is his submarine-influenced redundancy strategy. Three different outboards, multiple dinghies, portable generators, and even a battery-powered air conditioner ensure he's never without options when plans change. His recent eight-day, 1,300-mile solo passage from the Bahamas to Saint Martin demonstrates how these systems function together in real-world conditions.

Whether you're planning your own extensive refit or simply curious about maximizing your boat's capabilities, Rich's blend of technical expertise and practical experience offers a fascinating roadmap to modern, self-sufficient cruising. His journey proves that with methodical planning and the right equipment, sailors can extend their range and comfort while maintaining robust safety systems for offshore adventures.

Support the show

SALTY ABANDON: Cap'n Tinsley, Orange Beach, AL:
Oct 2020 to Present - 1998 Island Packet 320;
Nov 2015-Oct 2020; 1988 Island Packet 27
Feb-Oct 2015 - 1982 Catalina 25

SALTY PODCAST is LIVE every Wed at 6pm Central and is all about the love of sailing!
YOUTUBE PLAYLIST: https://tinyurl.com/SaltyPodcastPlaylist

PODCAST TOOLS:
Livestream: Https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5430067749060608
Create AI Clips: https://klap.app/?via=SaltyAbandon

Send us a text

What if you could walk away from everything? The bills, the commute, the endless cycle of working to pay for things you barely have time to enjoy?

Captain Mark J. Reinhardt didn't just dream about it—he did it. Speaking from his sailboat in the Solomon Islands, Mark takes us deep into the realities of living completely off-grid on the open water. With candid honesty rarely found in sailing narratives, he reveals both the breathtaking freedom and sobering challenges of his unconventional life.

Mark shares the unlikely path that led from growing up on an Orlando lake to sailing 10,000 miles across the world's most challenging waters. After financial collapse following the 2008 recession and a humbling stint as a dishwasher, Mark found himself walking down the Florida coast with nothing but a backpack and tent. In that moment of rock bottom, he recognized his calling to return to the sea.

The heart of this conversation explores Mark's harrowing experience crossing the South Pacific alone—a journey that nearly cost him everything. With unflinching detail, he recounts how equipment failures, a devastating hand injury, and overwhelming seas pushed him to his absolute breaking point. His raw account of battling not just the elements but his own mind reveals the psychological resilience necessary for true self-reliance.

Beyond survival tales, Mark offers practical wisdom about the everyday realities of boat life. From conserving water and managing resources to finding innovative solutions for everything from flies to laundry, he demystifies the sailing lifestyle. His colorful stories of encounters with indigenous communities and the colorful characters he's met along the way paint a vivid picture of a life rich in experience if not luxury.

Whether you're an aspiring sailor, a freedom-seeker, or simply curious about alternative living, Mark's journey demonstrates what happens when you have the courage to choose adventure over security. His book "Off the Grid" and upcoming sequel document this remarkable path—proving that sometimes the most meaningful life isn't about what you acquire, but what you're brave enough to leave behind.

Support the show

SALTY ABANDON: Cap'n Tinsley, Orange Beach, AL:
Oct 2020 to Present - 1998 Island Packet 320;
Nov 2015-Oct 2020; 1988 Island Packet 27
Feb-Oct 2015 - 1982 Catalina 25

SALTY PODCAST is LIVE every Wed at 6pm Central and is all about the love of sailing!
YOUTUBE PLAYLIST: https://tinyurl.com/SaltyPodcastPlaylist

PODCAST TOOLS:
Livestream: Https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5430067749060608
Create AI Clips: https://klap.app/?via=SaltyAbandon

Send us a text

Oliver from Sailing Phoenix returns for a live update before he sets sail on one of the biggest adventures of his life—a solo(ish) crossing from Oregon to Hawaii with his trusty crewmate, Phoenix the cat.

Since our last chat in November 2024, Oliver has been hard at work making critical repairs and upgrades to his sailboat to get it ocean-ready for the journey ahead. In this episode, we dive into:

• What’s been fixed, changed, and overhauled since November
  
  
• The reality of preparing a boat for offshore sailing
  
  
• His route planning and timeline
  
  
• How he’s balancing preparation with anticipation
  
  
• What it’s like having a cat aboard for such a big crossing
  
  
• The emotional and mental prep involved in solo passagemaking

This is a raw and honest conversation about what it really takes to make a Pacific crossing—from one sailor to another.

*🎙️ LIVE at 6pm Central – April 16, 2025*
*Podlink:* [https://tinyurl.com/SaltyPodcastPlaylist](https://tinyurl.com/SaltyPodcastPlaylist)

Subscribe for more weekly sailing stories, offshore prep tips, and interviews with cruisers around the world. It’s always a great day to talk about sailing.

#SaltyAbandon #SaltyPodcast #Sailing #PacificCrossing #SailingPhoenix

Support the show

SALTY ABANDON: Cap'n Tinsley, Orange Beach, AL:
Oct 2020 to Present - 1998 Island Packet 320;
Nov 2015-Oct 2020; 1988 Island Packet 27
Feb-Oct 2015 - 1982 Catalina 25

SALTY PODCAST is LIVE every Wed at 6pm Central and is all about the love of sailing!
YOUTUBE PLAYLIST: https://tinyurl.com/SaltyPodcastPlaylist

PODCAST TOOLS:
Livestream: Https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5430067749060608
Create AI Clips: https://klap.app/?via=SaltyAbandon