The art of slow living: hobbies to enjoy while living on a sailing boat

Life aboard a sailing boat is one of slowness, ease and simplicity. The gentle movement of the waves, the infinite horizon and the rhythm of the wind create an atmosphere where time seems endless. It’s the perfect setting to enjoy hobbies that most of us have forgotten in this fast-paced world. Whether anchored in a peaceful bay or sailing across open waters, here are some fun activities to make your sailing experience even better.

1. Getting lost in a good book

Books are sailors’ best companions. Whether you are a fan of classic stories, gripping thrillers or enlightening non-fiction, having enough books on board makes any long voyage worthwhile. Reading a book on a boat is special because the scenery enhances it. Audiobooks are also great, allowing you to listen to the stories while you work on the sails or watch the sunset.

Tips:

• To get the most out of your reading time, choose books that relate to your maritime lifestyle.
• While e-readers are great for saving space, don’t underestimate the charm of a physical book.
• Most marinas have a library where you can exchange your books so you always have something new to read. You can also often find small book exchanges in towns and cities, and it can be fun to search for your next favourite book. You can also swap with other sailors to get new reads.
• Bring a mix of genres for different moods and weather.
• Create a comfortable reading area on your boat by making sure you have good lighting and comfortable seating.

2. Board games: Connecting without screens

Board games are lovely in this respect because they bring everyone together. In a world full of digital screens, it’s nice to play with physical pieces, roll dice and plan your moves face to face. From Monopoly and Scrabble to Catan and Dixit, there is a game for everyone.

Tips:

• Use compact versions designed for travel, card games or ditch the boxes to save space. We keep our larger games, like Wingspan, in bags.
• Try cooperative games for teamwork and problem solving.
• Keep a few games around to change things up and keep things interesting.
• Pirate games are great fun on board a boat like Noorderwind or Tortuga 1667.
• Either choose games with very simple rules that can be played quickly or set up or include some classic games that are familiar and can be played quickly.

3. Portable gaming: Fun on the go

If you love video games, portable devices such as the Nintendo Switch or Steam Deck offer plenty of entertainment. They’re great for rainy days, long journeys when you can’t go outside or overnight passages. With games ranging from relaxing puzzles to exciting action games, there is something to suit every mood.

Tips:

• Download games that don’t require an internet connection to play.
• Keep an eye on your battery life; solar chargers can help keep your devices charged.
• Download games and updates before you go to avoid slow connections.
• Use a protective case to protect your device from bumps and spills.
• Explore game settings to reduce battery drain and extend play time.

4. Music: The perfect companion for your sailing trip

Music and sailing go hand in hand. Whether you play an instrument or just listen to your favourite tunes, music can make your trip more enjoyable and memorable. You can bring a portable instrument such as a guitar, ukulele or even a harmonica. Shanties at sunset or a ukulele under the stars will add a special spice to your sailing experience.

Tips:

• Learn a few shanties or maritime songs to set the mood.
• Organise playlists according to different moods, such as relax, energy booster or reflect.
• Waterproof or splashproof speakers will help keep your music safe.
• Create a playlist of your favourite songs before you set off and you’re ready to go.
• Bring travel-sized musical instruments for impromptu music sessions. We have a harmonica, ukulele and melodica on board. Keep your instruments in padded cases to protect them from damage.

5. Movies: Escaping into other worlds

Movie nights on a sailboat are very cosy. After a good day’s sailing, a nice movie on the tablet or portable projector, with a blanket and some popcorn, is very soothing. Whether it’s a nautical adventure like Pirates of the Caribbean or something light and funny, movies are a great way to relax.

Tips:

• Download movies before you go, as streaming may not always work.
• Plan movie nights around a theme, such as nautical movies to match your adventure.
• Take a small speaker with you so you can enjoy the perfect sound.
• Keep a list of your favourite films and genres to find the one that best suits your mood.
• Make sure your device has enough space to store all your favourite movies.
• Have a cosy viewing area with plenty of cushions and blankets so you can get extra comfortable.
• You might want to munch on some popcorn or crisps.

6. Creative projects: Let your imagination sail

Living on a boat is a great time for creative projects. The changing views and unique surroundings can inspire you to try new things. Whether you like painting, macramé, woodcarving, cross-stitching, writing, photography or crafting, there are countless ways to engage your hands and mind. Use a sketchbook or journal to record your thoughts and experiences. If you enjoy photography, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to capture interesting scenes and light.

Tips:

• Bring small, easy-to-carry art supplies, such as a travel watercolour set or a small sketchbook.
• Pack tools for sculpting or crafting, and use materials you have on hand.
• Consider upcycling materials found on your trip, such as driftwood or shells.
• Create a special area on the boat for your projects to keep things organised.
• Use online tutorials, Pinterest or craft books to learn new skills and get inspiration.
• Keep your materials in waterproof bags to keep them safe.
• Try different activities to keep things fun and exciting.

7. Podcasts: Stories and knowledge on the go

Podcasts can be a great way to entertain and learn. With a wide range of topics – storytelling, history, science and self-improvement – they’re perfect for boat chores, night watches or just chilling out.

Tips:

• Download episodes before you go; the app has an offline feature you can use.
• Explore different genres so you have pre-selected shows to suit your mood.
• Organise and save your favourite shows in your podcast app to keep everything neat and tidy.
• Make a list of suggested podcasts to share with friends or other cruisers.
• Podcasts can be enjoyed through headphones or portable speakers without disturbing others.

8. Cooking: Culinary adventures at sea

It’s an adventure to cook on a sailing boat. The kitchen may be limited, but it definitely gives room for creativity to try out tasty meals. Fresh seafood that is caught during your trip adds to the feel of making mealtime extra-special.

Tips:

• Plan your meals in advance to make full use of your limited space and the ingredients at your disposal.
• Try simple recipes using fresh, locally found ingredients which you may find during your journey.
• Use a pressure cooker or slow cooker to make hearty, easy meals with less fuss.
• Keep some staple ingredients on hand, like rice, pasta, and canned goods, to make a quick meal.
• Use up leftovers to create new dishes and reduce waste.
• Organize your galley so that your cooking tools and ingredients are always easy to find.
• Use multi-purpose utensils and tools to take up less space.
• Try local recipes or methods for cooking when visiting different places—it is quite a fun experience in the culinary area.
• Clean as you go to keep your small kitchen tidy and take a load off cooking.

9. Fishing: Reeling in fresh catches

Fishing from a sailboat is equally relaxing and pragmatic, whether you’re just casting a line from the deck or trolling while underway.

Tips:

• Be prepared to fish responsibly by learning about local fishing regulations and practices.
• Bring along some basic fishing equipment and the kind of tackle appropriate for fish you’ll encounter in the waters.
• Store any catch well to keep it fresh until you are ready to cook it.
• Use basic fishing techniques to increase your effectiveness.
• Respect the environment by returning fish you won’t eat.
• If fishing in different areas requires any permits or licenses, make sure to get the right ones.

10. Beach Combing: Treasure hunting on shore

Beach combing is quite fun when you are docked or at anchor somewhere near a beach. Take a walk along the shore and see what kinds of natural treasures you can find—shells, driftwood or other finds.

Tips:

• Carry a small bag or container with you, to be used when you’ve found your treasure.
• Visit other beaches to find one-of-a-kind shells or unique rocks.
• Conduct your search in a way that will not disturb the surroundings or wildlife.
• Be sure to check out local rules about collecting items from the fauna.
• Bring a handful of your best specimens to display on the boat or as presents.
• Do not collect on private property; collect only on a public beach.
• Do a little cleanup as you go: Pick up any trash or litter you come across during your search. It helps keep the beach pristine for future visitors and protects wildlife.

11. Stone stacking: Creating artistic rock formations

Stone stacking or cairn building, is a calming and creative activity you can do on shore. Stacking rocks to create balanced formations lets you connect with nature and add a personal touch to the places you visit.

Tips:

• Pick stones that are stable and easy to stack.
• Take your time and be careful; the process is part of the fun.
• Check local rules to make sure stone stacking is allowed, especially in protected or cultural areas.
• Start with larger stones and work your way to smaller ones for better balance.
• Look for unique shapes or colors of stones to make your stack stand out.
• Create small, simple stacks if you’re unsure about balancing the stones.
• Respect nature by not disturbing wildlife or natural habitats while you stack.
• Avoid building overly large or heavy stacks that could collapse or cause damage.

12. Photography: Capturing the world’s beauty

Photography is a great way to remember your journey and capture the beautiful views and moments on your boat. The changing light, colors on the water and marine life offer many chances for amazing photos.

Tips:

• Try different angles and lighting to get interesting and unique photos.
• Keep your camera and gear safe from water and moisture.
• Take lots of photos to increase your chances of getting the perfect shot.
• Look for interesting details or moments, like a dolphin jumping or the sunrise.
• Learn some basic photography techniques to improve your shots.
• Edit your photos later to enhance colors or fix any issues.
• Keep your camera gear organized and easily accessible for spontaneous photo opportunities.
• For underwater photography, a GoPro is an excellent choice to begin with.

13. Videography: Creating moving memories

Videography lets you capture your adventures in a lively and exciting way. Whether you’re making a travel vlog, recording underwater scenes or documenting daily life on the boat, videos can make your stories come alive.

Tips:

• Edit your footage to put together interesting and engaging stories.
• Record short clips throughout the day to capture different moments.
• Check your camera’s battery and memory card regularly to avoid running out of space.
• Use a tripod or mount to keep your camera steady for better shots.
• Experiment with different angles and perspectives for more creative videos.
• Add music or voiceovers during editing to enhance your videos.
• Share your videos with friends or online, e.g. my YouTube channel.
• Make backups of your footage to keep your memories safe.

14. Writing blogs: Sharing your sailing story

Share the fun of your sailing adventure with other folks by blogging about how it went for you. A place to post daily updates, deep thoughts while at sea—all thoughts.—and a way to share your experience with other sailors and readers.

Tips:

• Start your blog before you leave so you can start writing right away.
• Write about day-to-day experiences and thoughts. This is what can make your blog the most interesting. I like using Polarsteps as a way to write daily extracts of our journey.
• You can share your blog through social media so that it reaches more people, and this way you are also connecting with others who have an interest in sailing.
• Use photos or videos in your blog to make it more engaging.

15. Snorkeling: Exploring underwater worlds

Snorkeling will allow you to discover the amazing underwater world. Armed with a mask, snorkel, and fins, you can get closer to coral reefs or rock formations; swim together with various fish and admire the beauty of the ocean.

Tips:

• Ensure that all of your gear is properly fitted and in good working condition.
• Try snorkeling in various spots to get a view of the sea creatures in the best spots.
• Do not touch or disturb underwater creatures by following good practices.
• Always check the weather and the water conditions ahead of snorkeling.
• Apply a coral reef safe sunscreen to protect yourself without damaging the environment.
• Acquaint yourself with basic snorkeling techniques to feel safe and comfortable in the water.
• Take along a waterproof camera to document your underwater adventures, like a GoPro.
• Never allow any strong currents to divert you and always swim in safe places.

16. Exercising: Staying fit on the water

Keeping fit at sea might be tricky, but it’s very essential for your health. You can still go ahead and do yoga, stretching, and other bodyweight exercises and resistance training right on the boat. Use the deck or follow along with online workout routines specifically tailored for small areas.

Tips:

• Plan a daily or weekly workout routine that will help you stick with your workouts.
• Use resistance bands or light dumbbells, which are easy to stash away.
• Opt for exercises that can fit within the small space of the boat.
• Do some stretch and balance exercises that complement the movements of the boat.
• Find a safe area on deck where you can do your exercises without risking injury.
• Follow along with videos or apps designed for small spaces or boats. I personally love workouts from GrowWithJo.
• Make time for workouts, no matter if it’s just a few minutes each day.
• Mix up the routine so that you will at least be doing something that will interest you in the exercises.
• Stay hydrated and well-fed for your fitness regime.
• Take breaks and listen to your body to avoid overdoing it.

17. Hiking: Discovering new landscapes on shore

Arriving by boat or anchoring at the shore allows the satisfaction of beautiful hikes. The hikes will always make landscapes interesting beyond the shoreline, from leisure strolls along beaches to challenging treks up mountains, which allows one to experience nature, get some exercise, and enjoy views from another perspective.

Tips:

• Before you go, look up local hiking trails and their difficulty rating to match your experience and energy.
• Take sufficient water, a few snacks, a local map, and a minor first-aid kit. You will need a light backpack that does not act as a heavy burden to carry all through.
• Many people prefer the trail to be done wearing a pair of comfortable shoes to keep them away from injury.
• Respect nature; keep to designated trails and don’t bother the wildlife. Carry out all trash to keep the environment looking its best.
• If you are a photography or sketching enthusiast, bring your camera or sketchbook to capture the entire beauty that you can find while hiking.

18. Watersport activities: Exploring on the water

Watersports add a new exciting dimension to your sailing experience. From stand-up paddleboarding to kayaking and windsurfing, these sports offer fun and exercise but also a possibility to discover the waters that surround you.

Tips:

• Choose one of the watersports activities that suits you the most according to your skills and interests. SUP is brilliant for starting out since it’s not hard to do and offers a peaceful, engaging experience.
• Make sure you are well protected with life jackets and leashes.
• Check local sea conditions and regulations.
• Take waterproof sacks to keep your kit and other gear dry.
• Use sun protection, drink plenty, and stay hydrated if out for long periods of time.
• Visit different spots, seeking out hidden coves or looking for unusual sea life.

Enjoy the slow moments

Sailing is as much about the journey as about the destination. Doing these hobbies will enhance your time on the water, better your connection with others, and make some great lifelong memories. Whether reading a book, playing the guitar or painting, these activities help to slow you down and enjoy your time at sea.

While making plans for your next cruise, don’t forget to include the things that bring you happiness. Sailing is not just about getting from point A to point B; it is the fun and serenity on the way there.

What hobbies do you enjoy while sailing or traveling? Share your favourite activities or tips in the comments below!