The Top 7 Boating Podcasts: Listen Before Your Next Voyage

Boating is not just about the wind in your hair, the salt spray on your skin, or the open expanse of water ahead. It’s a lifestyle, a passion, and for many, a lifelong pursuit of learning. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor, a motorboat enthusiast, or just planning your first voyage, podcasts are an incredible way to enrich your boating experience. These audio companions offer knowledge, inspiration, stories, and the latest trends in the boating world, all while you prepare for or enjoy your time on the water.

In this article, we’ll explore The Top 7 Boating Podcasts that are perfect to listen to before your next voyage. From technical sailing tips to adventurous sea stories, these podcasts will keep you informed, entertained, and ready to hit the water.

1. On the Wind

• Host: Andy Schell
• Price: Free
• Available on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts On the Wind is one of the most popular sailing podcasts, with episodes that delve deep into the lives of sailors from all walks of life. Hosted by Andy Schell, a passionate sailor and professional podcaster, this show features interviews with adventurers, yacht owners, industry professionals, and boat builders. It’s perfect for those who dream of long-distance cruising and want to learn from the experiences of others who have sailed around the world.
• What You’ll Love:
  • Personal stories and in-depth interviews with famous sailors and cruising enthusiasts.
  • Informative insights on offshore sailing, ocean crossings, and the realities of life on a boat.
  • High production quality and expert storytelling.
• Best For: Anyone interested in long-distance sailing and learning from experienced sailors’ stories.

2. The Boat Galley Podcast

• Hosts: Carolyn Shearlock & Nica Waters
• Price: Free
• Available on: Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Podcasts The Boat Galley Podcast is your go-to source for practical advice on living aboard a boat and making life on the water easier and more enjoyable. Hosted by Carolyn Shearlock and Nica Waters, this podcast covers a wide range of topics like provisioning, boat maintenance, safety, and everyday life onboard.
• What You’ll Love:
  • Short, informative episodes packed with tips and advice.
  • Practical insights into everything from cooking aboard to dealing with rough weather.
  • Focus on solutions to common challenges for boaters.
• Best For: Liveaboards, cruisers, and boaters looking for practical tips and advice to improve their boating life.

3. The Sailing Podcast

• Hosts: David and Carina Anderson
• Price: Free
• Available on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts If you love hearing about the adventures and experiences of sailors exploring the globe, The Sailing Podcast is a must-listen. Hosted by David and Carina Anderson, this show features interviews with a wide variety of sailors who share their stories of traveling by sea, tackling tough conditions, and experiencing the beauty of the ocean.
• What You’ll Love:
  • Inspirational stories from sailors of all backgrounds.
  • Diverse topics, ranging from sailing techniques to cultural experiences in far-flung destinations.
  • A relaxed, conversational tone that makes you feel part of the boating community.
• Best For: Those looking for inspiration and adventure stories, particularly those planning long-distance voyages.

4. Ocean Sailing Podcast

• Host: David Hows
• Price: Free
• Available on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify For fans of competitive sailing and ocean racing, Ocean Sailing Podcast is the perfect listen. Hosted by David Hows, an experienced sailor and racer, this podcast focuses on the world of yacht racing and blue water sailing. With a focus on real-world experiences and interviews with sailing legends, it’s an engaging mix of education and entertainment.
• What You’ll Love:
  • In-depth discussions on ocean racing, boat preparation, and crew dynamics.
  • Expert insights from top sailors, including skippers, crew members, and yacht designers.
  • Detailed technical analysis of sailing strategies and gear.
• Best For: Aspiring racers and sailors interested in competitive sailing and blue water cruising.

5. Sailing Alone Around the World Podcast

• Host: Josh Burns (Reading Joshua Slocum’s book)
• Price: Free
• Available on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audible If you’ve ever wanted to hear one of the greatest sailing books of all time read aloud, the Sailing Alone Around the World Podcast is your answer. This podcast presents Joshua Slocum’s classic 1899 book, “Sailing Alone Around the World,” read in audio format. Slocum was the first person to sail solo around the world, and his book is a timeless classic that every sailor should experience.
• What You’ll Love:
  • The chance to experience a sailing classic in audio format.
  • Historical insight into one of the most incredible solo sailing adventures ever undertaken.
  • A slow-paced, thoughtful narrative that draws you into the golden age of sailing.
• Best For: History buffs, solo sailors, and anyone who loves classic sea stories.

6. Boat Radio

• Host: Mike McDowall and others
• Price: Free
• Available on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify Boat Radio is a diverse podcast that covers a wide range of topics related to boating and sailing. From interviews with marine professionals to adventure stories and practical tips, this podcast delivers a mix of entertainment and education. The show often features stories from sailors and adventurers all over the world.
• What You’ll Love:
  • A broad spectrum of content that covers various aspects of the boating lifestyle.
  • High-quality storytelling with episodes that range from interviews to technical how-to guides.
  • A fun, laid-back tone with great production value.
• Best For: General boating enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded podcast with diverse topics.

7. Sailing Doodles

• Host: Bobby White
• Price: Free
• Available on: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify Sailing Doodles is a bit different from the other podcasts on this list as it started as a YouTube series following Bobby White’s adventures aboard his sailboat. While most of the content is visual, there’s an accompanying podcast that shares behind-the-scenes stories, adventures, and mishaps from his voyages. Bobby’s relatable, humorous style makes the podcast especially enjoyable for those who love a good adventure with a touch of humor.
• What You’ll Love:
  • Fun and light-hearted storytelling that’s both educational and entertaining.
  • Real-life experiences of long-distance cruising with a candid, unscripted approach.
  • Behind-the-scenes insights into his popular YouTube channel.
• Best For: YouTube fans, aspiring cruisers, and anyone looking for lighthearted, entertaining sea stories.

Final Thoughts: Which Podcast Should You Listen To?

Whether you’re in need of practical advice, looking for inspiration for your next voyage, or just want to hear some thrilling sea stories, these seven podcasts have something to offer every type of boater. Many of these podcasts are free, accessible on multiple platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts, and most importantly, full of valuable insights that will enhance your time on the water. So, before your next voyage, load up your device with these top boating podcasts and sail into the sunset with newfound knowledge and inspiration!

Happy listening and happy boating!

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