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They took friend’s advice: “If you want to travel the world, don’t buy a couch” and bought sailboat instead

Have you already heard about sailing Uma ? Are you in for an amazing story about two architects who have decided that is much more important to build the life of your dreams rather than some tall buildings in the middle of the city? Then you’ve come to the right place! Meet Dan and Kika (sailing Uma) who are exactly that. Two architects travelling around the world on their boat – sailing Uma.

Have you always been in love with sailing and when did this love exactly happen? What was the trigger that made you leave everything behind and do it?

We often joke about how different our childhoods were, Dan being from British-Colombia Canada , and I (Kika) being from Port-Au-Prince Haiti, yet they led us both to the same place in time. Our existences merged in Architecture school in Atlanta GA. When we met,  neither of us knew anything about sailing. Honestly, it was never even a topic in our conversations.

Not long after graduation, we were contemplating about what our future would be, and many times the subject of “freedom to travel” would come up, still not knowing what that really meant. Around that time, a friend gave us the most important advice we ever received, he said “If you want to travel the world, don’t buy a couch .” The more we thought about it, the more it made sense. The couch is a metaphor for settling down and being tied to “stuff”, making it hard to live a mobile lifestyle. And so we started to define what freedom meant to us.

And THAT  freedom, became  our Priority .  One thing was certain, we both dreamt a bigger world existed than the one we grew up in and longed to see it for ourselves. With this binding ideal, we set our sights on achievement. By working backwards, we came up with a plan. By the end of the summer of 2014, we had sold the majority of our materialistic ties to our past lives, and purchased a sailboat (sailing Uma), our new home. 

Sailing without the engine must be hard. How have you decided to do it without a motor? Is it just because the love of the environment or are there other reasons to it?

We are asked many times “why electric?” And our answer is not as simple as “because we love it.”

In the beginning, we honestly thought we would, like most boats out there, have a Diesel engine. When we purchased our boat, the engine was seized. Her original price on the market was $21,000. But, since we had a replacement we found on eBay for $3,000 . We also put an equal offer of $3,000 for the boat, and to our surprise, the owner accepted. Unfortunately, the “replacement diesel” was built as a generator and when at first we thought we could swap parts between the two engines, it was not a possible option. Fast forward a few months, we sent the boat (along with the 2 non working engines ) to Florida on a truck in order to keep working on the refit.

Out of money, and out of ideas for the engine issue, we took a break and flew to Haiti for 3 months for an architecture project. It’s during those 3 months in Haiti that the electric idea sprouted. Many of the houses in Haiti are “off grid” relying on their own power, either with a generator or solar panels to charge their batteries. And we started to ask ourself “Do we really NEED a diesel?”

Lets first take a look back in time when “production” boats became popular in the late 60s early 70s , the intent was to make an inexpensive boat the average family could afford and handle with limited sailing experience and knowledge. As a result, one of their requirements was the ability to move the boat in difficult situations. This is where the “auxiliary engine” was coined. But, for many, it has become the primary means of maneuvering their boat. Yes, there are places in the world you can’t sail, like the Panama Canal. But, there are often alternatives where you CAN sail.

The answer was right in front of us. After all, we own a sailboat. They are inherently slow. We are not in a rush. We love the idea of being self sufficient. For those who sail with schedules , are short on time, lack the patience to sit out a wind hole, feel the need to power their boat to hull speed, enjoy maintaining a diesel engine or are just set in their ways, then an electric motor probably isn’t the right choice, but for us, and our needs, it was perfect. 

When we came back from Haiti. We removed the diesel engine, and used our DIY skills to rebuild and upgrade our sailboat, while starting a life at sea. With solar to power our everyday needs along with our electric motor to power our boat, sailing Uma is 100% off grid . We have very rarely used our motor for more than 30 minutes at a time and pretty much always sail in and out of harbours and on and off anchor. 

When and why have you decided to buy a boat, what type of a boat is it and how did you come up with a name?

Sailing Uma is a 1972 Pearson 36 . We named our her UMA, inspired by the Portuguese number 1, to us she represents hard work, patience, and determination—putting one foot in front of the other, she is the first step of a life long journey.

You are both architects and you have met in college? How is architecture built-in (intentional pun) your lives? Or is it whatsoever? Do you plan to work as architects when your adventure comes to an end?

The type of architecture that inspires both of us was never the fallac tall buildings in the middle of a city, but the ones that act as catalyst for a bigger purpose. The architecture and innovations that forces us to redefine how we “think” the world works. Although we are grateful for our education, we realized that we cannot truly know how to help, if we do not know how, and school for us was not enough. And the only way to truly learn how, is to be there and be present.

That is our motivation to observe the world, learn from our experiences, and share every step along the way on our Youtube Channel . That is our current focus. We do not know what we will discover during this journey. When the right opportunities come our way, we embrace them. But one thing that is certain is that no matter what we do in life, our adventures will never come to an end, it shifts and evolves, and leads us to different paths.

What are your everyday difficulties with living on board? How hard is living on a boat?

Our determination guides us though the difficulties and toward solutions. Most things on a boat that might be considered difficult can all mostly be solved with time and money. We started out this lifestyle with very little money, but had plenty of time.

Our comfort level was very low and our determination very high, we had no toilet, no shower, no fridge, no windlass, the list was quite long… We were basically camping. But we knew it wouldn’t be this way for long, so we were ok with the situation. Since those first few sailing trips, we’ve been able to adapt and modify sailing Uma to meet our needs and provide a safe, dry home as we travel the world. The term “difficulties” is unique to everyone, but I guess for us, we don’t see them as difficulties but as inconveniences. Things like getting water, or taking a cold shower out in the cockpit might still be considered an inconvenience, but they too can be solved when they are no longer a want and become a need.

What is the biggest advantage living on a boat compered to living on land?

What we love the most about living on our boat is that we are traveling with our entire home! We get to have different neighbors and a different back yard every time we lift our anchor , and if we do not like a place, all we need to do is move our home. 

Do you ever plan on moving back to land? Do you think it will be boring now as you have experienced the other way of living?

We do not know what the future holds but one thing that is certain is that we will never force ourselves to live a life we do not wish to have. Dan and I often find ourselves overwhelmed whenever we head back to a city, where there is noise and traffic, and where everything is stressful. We enjoy visiting those places for a limited time, but we absolutely love living on the water and will continue this journey as long as we are happy doing it. If one day we decide to change the path of the adventure, we will. 

What does a person need if someone wants to follow your steps? Do you have some tips&tricks you want to share?

To achieve any adventure, dream, or passion, we believe the most important tool is “DETERMINATION” . We are where we are today because we were determined to start 4 years ago. Many seem to believe everything need to be perfect to start. The truth is, you only need a handful of things to build a good foundation to start from— a good anchor, sails, a solid hull, everything else is comfort. 

Because of our determination, our comfort level was set very low from the beginning. We focused on what we needed now vs what was more comfortable. Not having a shower, working toilet, or a fridge, to us was a luxury we did not need right away. Our choice was to leave now and upgrade along the way.

“SAILING AROUND THE WORLD” was too intimidating, so we started by learning how to sail to the horizon, which is only about 10 miles away. From there, we could sail to the next horizon, and just keep going. By breaking the journey down into little steps, it made the idea of years of travel into the unknown much more manageable. 

I see you are an experts on not buying furniture ? Is there all to it if you want to explore the world – just don’t buy a couch?

The term don’t buy a couch means much more than just a piece of furniture. The couch is a metaphor for settling down and being tied to “stuff” making it hard to live a mobile lifestyle . 

Where to have you headed next? Why have you chosen the Mediterranean as your next destination because I’ve seen not many insta-sailors sailing here but rather exploring Asia or the Carribean?

Dan and I ( sailing Uma ) always shared the passion for doing things differently, creating our own path instead of following others, which is a motivation for the routes we choose. However, going to Europe has been on our bucket list for a very long time, since before we moved onto a boat . We look forward to exploring the wonders of the Pacific Ocean, but having done the sandy beaches and palm trees of the Caribbean , we felt the need to see something different. Our plans this summer is to sail to Greenland and Iceland before entering the med. 

2 thoughts on “They took friend’s advice: “If you want to travel the world, don’t buy a couch” and bought sailboat instead”

Hi… I have been following UMA since I seen it on YouTube.. I love their determination and drive. I hope they make it around the world. I sail also but only on Lake Ontario.My Dream is to sail to the east coast of Canada, and to the Caribbean.When I retire in two years! Good luck with your dreams! Long may your job draw! Stay safe…..Lloyd Brown

Loving these vids. I feel like I am travelling with you. Your shots and the angles chosen are beautiful particularly shots across the waves at dusk. Such a peaceful time. We are kayakers in Oz. Maybe you will come out to the south pacific?? Sail safely, Trish and Colin

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• Yachting Monthly
• Digital edition

Sailing Uma talk sailing to Svalbard in an electric-assisted yacht

• April 14, 2023

In their electric-assisted yacht two architects and YouTube stars, Sailing Uma, venture to the Norwegian Sea’s most remote and stunning fjords and islands

Eight years ago, Dan and Kika sold everything they didn’t need and bought their first sailing boat, a 1972 Pearson 36, for $3,000 in cash. The architecture students had just graduated and were keen not to ‘buy a couch’ and settle into the predictable evolution of life.

Since that day in 2014, they have sailed more than 28,000 miles, visited 28 countries and never motored for more than 30 minutes at a time. They make a living documenting their trips and promoting sustainability at sea, notably the ground-breaking use of electric engines.

Their story is one of adventure and true pioneering spirit. It is also inspirational, as witnessed by their 101,000 Instagram followers and 411,000 subscribers to their YouTube channel Sailing Uma .

‘Our boat is called Uma . Her name was inspired by the Portuguese word, uma, meaning first or primary. To us, she is more than just a number,’ says Kika.

Dan and Kika of Sailing Uma

Inspired to explore

‘In life there are many paths to choose; all require a first step, a first idea, a first choice to stand on, to guide you on your journey. We hope that our story will stand as an inspiration for those wanting to pursue their dream, to take their first step to discover their own Uma.’

Dan grew up in Canada and Kika is from Haiti; they met in Atlanta at university. ‘We realised that after five years in architecture we had spent a lot of our lives learning about other people’s ideas from books. We wanted to live our own experiences,’ says Kika. ‘We believe that architects have a strong possibility of changing the way people live and in turn change our world for the better. We knew we had to go out and study different cultures, experience different ways of living to search for the right solution. We felt the need to do so, not through textbooks but through people. And through our own adventures.’ Now their office is their sailing boat, which is also their home.

Dan and Kika are passionate about sustainability and are keen to seek and test cutting-edge solutions, ‘powered by the sun, wind and water. We want to be as self-sufficient as we can and share our passion for sustainability’, says Kika. They are working with manufacturers, testing their nautical equipment.

After buying Uma, Dan and Kika spent two years living on board in the shipyard in Florida while they repaired and refitted her. During this time, they replaced the original diesel engine, which had seized, and bought two 240W solar panels. ‘We spent $100 on Ebay buying an electric motor formerly used by a forklift truck,’ says Dan. He then spent many, many hours refining and converting the new engine to power the propeller. ‘We were not trying to replace the power of the diesel engine. We wanted the electric equivalent of oars, something that would guide us to a mooring or into harbour. It was new to us, a new system in general and we were testing it by sailing.’

Dan and Kika spent more than a year exploring the hundreds of coves and fjords on the Norwegian coast. Photo: Dan and Kika Sailing Uma

2,200 miles across the Atlantic

The couple first sailed to the Caribbean, spending six months in Haiti and another six months cruising through Curaçao, Martinique and many other islands. A second year was spent cruising between Colombia, Guatemala, Mexico and the Bahamas. Dan and Kika then cruised up the American east coast. In 2019, the couple sailed over 2,200 miles across the Atlantic from Newfoundland to Southampton. Taking more than two weeks, it was not always easy, with fog and gale-force winds. A large wave also knocked out some of the instruments and the electric motor at one point.

After arriving in Southampton, Dan and Kika spent a year in the UK, taking advantage of the shore time to upgrade their electric engine to an Oceanvolt system. At this time, electric systems were not widely available for yachts. ‘We were lucky. There was a catamaran with four engines that had been hit by lightning,’ says Dan. ‘They were replacing two of these with diesel engines and so we took one of those.’

Dan and Kika then decided to head north and cross the North Sea, just as the Covid pandemic was beginning to take hold in Britain. ‘The plan was always to go to Iceland,’ says Dan. ‘It is just that we found some great places on the way and of course we were looking at the wind patterns. A lot of our decisions are based on how the wind is.

Uma covered in snow. Photo: Dan and Kika Sailing Uma

‘The more we sailed the more we learned that timing can make or break a passage. While the North Sea, just like any other sea, can indeed be fierce and terrifying, it isn’t always storms and bad weather, and can make for some beautiful sailing, if one is patient enough to wait for the right wind. We believe it’s the sailors that are in a hurry to get somewhere that inevitably run into trouble.’

Just before lockdown in 2020, Uma sailed into Norway in what was the start of a two-and-a-half-year tour of Norway, Svalbard, Jan Mayen island and Iceland. ‘We were one of the last boats to be allowed into Norway before lockdown,’ says Dan. What started as a shorter trip aimed at being a jump off point for Iceland, evolved into over a year of cruising the Norwegian fjords. ‘We really loved Norway. We wanted to spend time in Norway so we sailed up the coast and into the fjords.’ Uma cruised up the coast, stopping at many of the hundreds of coves and fjords on the way, including the stunning Nærøyfjord, the longest fjord in Norway at 120 miles.

During the winter, prepping Uma for up to 50-knot winds became second nature as strong winds hit almost weekly and there was also snow and the hazard of the boat setting into the ice. ‘This far north, we get “snow squalls”. Just some non-threatening clouds on the horizon, but filled with blinding snow instead of rain. Oh, and they can happen at pretty much any time of the year.’

The couple made it as far north as the glaciers of Svalbard. Photo: Dan and Kika Sailing Uma

Not enough solar power

With fickle winds and very little solar power, there was also a need to charge the batteries. This, however, was easy with marinas every five miles or so. ‘As you know in the Norwegian winter, and sometimes even the summer, there is not too much light. You are so far north and there are the mountains that sweep down to the fjords – it is quite dark. Solar panels are useless covered in snow and ice so we plugged into powerpoints all along the coast. We didn’t feel bad doing this as almost all the energy produced in Norway is from renewables.’

Uma then sailed north into the Arctic Circle to the tiny offshore island of Myken, which has only 12 inhabitants. Then on to the Lofoten islands, through Raftsund and Trollfjord. ‘We anchored in the most lovely bay just outside of Raftsundet. We stayed there for a full week as the first signs of spring finally arrived around the end of April. It’s amazing how quickly the weather can change around here,’ says Kika. ‘In one fjord you get iced in, with 10cm of fresh snowfall, and just around the corner, you get a tropical white sandy beach surrounding your anchorage.’

Uma on the Norwegian coast. Photo: Dan and Kika Sailing Uma

After a year in Norway, Uma reached Tromsø in the spring of 2021. Dan and Kika decided to install a new, regenerative charging Oceanvolt engine system. ‘Ours had a folding prop which didn’t really provide any regen while we were sailing. And to us the entire point about going electric is that while you are sailing you can generate an unlimited amount of electricity.’ They also bought a portable Honda 2.2kW petrol generator which was useful for topping up the batteries on foggy days or in extremely remote areas.

To the Arctic circle

In July, Uma left Tromsø, heading 570 miles north to Svalbard, halfway between Norway and the North Pole. At above 74°, it is as far north as most sailors are happy to venture. ‘After five days offshore, our first sign of land did not disappoint. We arrived in Svalbard, 700 miles beyond the Arctic Circle, at 0100. When the fog lifted, the view was nothing short of spectacular,’ says Kika. Incredibly majestic, Svalbard has around 2,100 glaciers, some dated to be 4,000 years old, as well as polar bears, reindeer and Arctic foxes. ‘Sailing in front of a glacier will forever be one of our most magical moments on board Uma. ‘The vocabulary a glacier uses to communicate is complex and alive. We’ve never heard a sound like it,’ says Kika. ‘Freezing and thawing water has cracked and fractured the rocks over thousands of years, creating a landscape unlike any other we’ve ever experienced.’

Dan and Kika sailed Uma up to one of the 2,100 glaciers on Svalbard. Photo: Dan and Kika Sailing Uma

Svalbard on ice

Longyearbyen – the Longyear Town – is the world’s most northern settlement. As you approach it, you notice hundreds of white balls up on the mountain top. These belong to the Svalbard Satellite Station, which provides ground services to more satellites than any other facility worldwide. It has many clients, including NASA, the European Space Agency and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Data is transferred to mainland Norway through a large, undersea fibre-optic cable.

Svalbard also hosts the world’s largest secure seed storage: the Svalbard Global Seed Vault stores up to four million different types of seeds at -18° in a vast cavern inside a frozen mountain. Should a species become extinct in its native habitat, it can be revived from here.

Dan and Kika always sail, waiting for suitable wind rather than motoring. Photo: Dan and Kika Sailing Uma

Summer brings the midnight sun – sunlight for 24 hours a day. ‘This far north, this remote, satellite images and Google Earth aren’t updated very often and usually lack significant detail. Charts and guides are minimal, so we are often going in “blind” or at least with much less data than we are used to. But it all just adds to the adventure.’

Before venturing north, Dan and Kika also installed the main systems with backups. ‘We have a cooker that uses alcohol, we have a wood stove for warmth and we have a windvane to act as an autopilot.’ They had some questions about their electric engine too. ‘We took lithium batteries into the Arctic. We were not quite sure what to expect in terms of performance at such low temperatures – nobody has ever done that before.

Uma noses up the dramatic Trollfjord in Norway. It was too deep to anchor in. Photo: Dan and Kika Sailing Uma

Batteries have less capacity when cold. Once we got down to 20% we decided to just sail out of the port and tack south using the winds and the currents.’ The sailing season in Svalbard is short, even in summer, due to being so far north. ‘We wished we could stay for months, but after a short stay, it was time to turn south.’

Remote volcano

‘After six days of pretty favourable weather, we saw land – Jan Mayen.’ This tiny, remote island in the middle of the Arctic Ocean, with no protected anchorages or harbours, is a very difficult place to stop at. ‘We were lucky enough to arrive with the best forecast you can ask for in this place – 24 hours of zero wind.’ Mostly uninhabited, Jan Mayen is 325 miles north of Iceland and hosts the glacier-covered, active volcano Berenberg at 2,277 metres high.

Iceland was the last stop before Scotland. ‘We arrived in thick fog. We hunkered down on board for a few days of pretty nasty weather, and when the fog cleared, we realised how majestic the coast was. Waterfalls dropping straight into the ocean, bizarre rock formations. Iceland is full of surprises.

‘Making our way so far north in our little fibreglass electric sailing boat was a journey like no other, and it also came with challenges like no other. From Polar bear watch, to ice watch, to constantly shifting weather, to the pressure of simply wanting to tell a good story, let’s just say we haven’t had a good sleep for months. But having the opportunity to admire all of these arctic wonders, from the deck of our home, was seriously worth ALL the effort!’

10 top places in the Norwegian Sea

Stavanger and the Lysefjord – One of our absolute favourites: all the little islands, free mooring bouys, and a huge jjord to explore. It’s a quick sail from the UK too.

Nærøyfjord – One of the narrowest fjords in the world is a great spot with a very narrow entrance and waterfalls right next to the boat.

Coastal Norway – All the coast of Norway is a perfect cruising area, because there are lots of inland passages. Even in strong winds you are protected from the swells.

Stad – This popular stretch of water (also called Stadhavet) can be very treacherous. The weather is so notorious that the Norwegian government built a 1.7km (0.9 mile)-long ship tunnel (an underground canal) so vessels can avoid the Stadlandet headland.

Lofoten – We went through the Raftsund cut to visit Trollfjord. There is a basic berth at the end but you can anchor inside a little bay just north of the fjord.

Senja – Senja is nice, but it’s not very protected so you need to pay close attention to the weather.

Tromsø – Tromsø is a great place with an awesome community. A good place to prep and to get your Arctic permits (ideally 2-3 months before your planned departure).

Svalbard – In Svalbard/Spitsbergen, we mainly stayed in Area 10 where Longyearbyen is. In high season, this is where the ferries and expedition boats stay.

Jan Mayen – Before anchoring there, you need to call on the radio to request permission to go ashore.

Iceland – There is always a current flowing clockwise around the island, and the weather is never with you. There aren’t a lot of protected harbours.

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Where is Sailboat Uma Now? (Follow the Journey)

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to travel the world by sailboat? Join us on the incredible journey of Sailboat Uma and explore the enchanting places she’s visited and the challenges faced along the way.

From her departure in San Francisco to her current location, we’ll take a look at the in-depth overview of the voyage and what lies ahead for Uma and her crew.

Follow along and explore the world with Sailboat Uma!

Table of Contents

Short Answer

Sailboat Uma is currently located in the Caribbean, off the coast of the Dominican Republic.

She spends her time sailing the Caribbean Sea, exploring the islands and visiting the many ports in the area.

Uma is a 51-foot Bavaria sailing yacht and has been in the Caribbean for the last two years.

Uma’s Journey Overview

Sailboat Uma is currently on a two-year journey around the world, having departed from San Francisco in October 2020.

The small sailboat , captained by a single sailor, has already made its way across the Pacific Ocean, and is now making its way through the South Pacific, with its next stop being New Zealand.

Along the way, the sailor has been documenting their experiences on social media, sharing pictures of the stunning places they have visited.

The journey is expected to last until around 2022, and will take Uma from the Caribbean to the South Pacific, through the Indian Ocean and across the Atlantic.

Uma’s journey has been an incredible adventure so far, with the sailor having experienced a variety of cultures and landscapes.

From the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean to the stunning beaches of the South Pacific, Uma has been in some truly remarkable places.

The sailor has also encountered some incredible wildlife, such as whales, dolphins, and turtles, as well as a host of exotic fish.

Uma is no stranger to rough weather, too, having experienced some of the toughest conditions at sea.

The sailor has had to battle storms, high winds, and strong currents, all while maintaining the safety of the boat.

Despite the challenges, Uma has made it through, and the sailor has continued to enjoy the breathtaking sights and sounds of the sea.

As Uma continues on its journey, the sailor’s social media posts continue to provide a glimpse into the exciting and often dangerous life of a sailor.

As they make their way across the globe, Uma’s journey promises to be an incredible adventure.

Follow the journey and experience the breathtaking sights and sounds of the sea with Uma!

The Sailboat Uma

Sailboat Uma is a small sailboat, captained by a single sailor, currently on a journey around the world.

Uma was launched in October 2020 from San Francisco and is currently in the South Pacific, heading towards New Zealand.

This journey is expected to take Uma from the Caribbean to the South Pacific, through the Indian Ocean and across the Atlantic, and is estimated to last until 2022.

Uma is a unique and special sailboat.

She is a 33-foot wooden sloop with two masts and a gaff-rigged sail setup.

Her hull is made of fiberglass and her sails are made of Dacron, giving her the ability to sail in any wind conditions.

Uma was designed and built with comfort and safety in mind, complete with a comfortable cabin and plenty of storage for supplies.

Uma is also equipped with the latest in navigation and communication technology, including a chart plotter, GPS, and VHF radio.

This equipment allows Uma and her captain to stay connected to the world while underway and safely navigate their journey.

Uma also has an onboard computer and autopilot, allowing the sailor to easily and accurately manage the course and speed of the boat.

Since her departure, Uma and her captain have been sharing their journey with the world via social media.

Along the way, they have visited some of the most stunning places on earth, and have photographed and documented their journey for all to follow.

This promises to be an incredible adventure, and with over a year of sailing still ahead, Uma and her captain are sure to have some exciting experiences ahead of them.

Departure From San Francisco

In October 2020, Sailboat Uma set off on an epic journey around the world, departing from the San Francisco Bay.

The small sailboat was captained by a single sailor, who was determined to explore the world and experience new places along the way.

Before leaving the Bay, the sailor made sure to stock their boat with plenty of provisions and supplies to last them throughout the journey.

The sailor also used the opportunity to check in with friends and family, as well as wave goodbye to the many onlookers who had come to see Uma off.

As the boat sailed away, it was quickly surrounded by a pod of dolphins, as if to wish them luck on their journey.

Since then, Uma has been heading steadily south, visiting a number of stunning places along the way.

From the stunning beaches of the Caribbean to the towering volcanoes of the South Pacific, the sailor has been documenting their experiences on social media, sharing pictures of the incredible places they have visited.

With over a year of sailing still ahead, Uma’s journey promises to be an incredible adventure.

As the boat continues to make its way across the world, we can only wonder where it will go next.

Follow the journey of Sailboat Uma and see where it will take us!

Life on the High Seas

Life on the high seas is an adventure like no other.

For those who have the opportunity to experience it, it is a journey of discovery and exploration, full of surprises and unexpected challenges.

Sailboat Uma is no exception.

Since leaving San Francisco in October 2020, the small sailboat, captained by a single sailor, has been making its way around the world, heading towards New Zealand.

Life on board a sailboat is a unique experience, and one that requires a certain level of preparation and skill.

From learning how to navigate using the stars and the currents, to understanding the different weather patterns, the sailor must be prepared for any situation.

Maintenance of the boat itself is also a big part of life on the high seas, and Umas captain must be able to keep the vessel in good condition while out at sea.

The journey is expected to take Uma through the Caribbean, South Pacific, Indian Ocean, and across the Atlantic.

The sailor is sure to encounter some incredible sights, such as dolphins playing in the wake of the boat, sunsets reflecting off the waves, and the beauty of the night sky.

Along the way, the sailor will also face some difficult challenges, including unexpected storms and the loneliness of being away from home for so long.

No matter what happens, Sailboat Uma’s journey is sure to be a memorable one.

Join us in following the boat’s progress, as we explore some of the most beautiful places on earth and discover the beauty of life on the high seas.

Enchanting Places Visited

The journey of Sailboat Uma has been nothing short of extraordinary.

From the bright blue skies of the Caribbean, to the pristine white sand beaches of the South Pacific, the places visited have been nothing short of breathtaking.

Uma has been lucky enough to explore some of the most enchanting places on the planet, and the sailor has been documenting their experiences on social media, sharing pictures of the beautiful locations they have visited.

The journey began in San Francisco in October 2020 and has taken Uma to all corners of the globe, from the Caribbean to the South Pacific and across the Indian Ocean.

Along the way, Uma has encountered some of the most picturesque places in the world, from the clear blue waters of French Polynesia to the lush rainforests of Costa Rica.

With each port of call, the sailor has been able to experience a unique culture and landscape, and take in the incredible beauty of the locations they have visited.

Uma’s journey is expected to last until around 2022, and will take them from the Caribbean to the South Pacific, through the Indian Ocean and across the Atlantic.

With more than a year of sailing still ahead, Uma’s journey promises to be an incredible adventure, and the sailor is sure to encounter even more breathtaking locations along the way.

From the snow-capped peaks of New Zealand to the vibrant cities of Southeast Asia, the journey of Sailboat Uma is sure to be a journey of a lifetime.

Challenges Faced

Sailboat Uma’s journey around the world has been an incredible adventure, but it hasn’t been without its challenges.

From navigating stormy seas to dealing with unexpected repairs, the sailor has had to face some difficult situations.

The biggest challenge, however, has been dealing with the isolation of being alone on the open ocean for extended periods of time.

Even though the sailor has been able to stay in touch with family and friends through social media, there is no replacement for the companionship of other sailors.

Furthermore, the lack of access to medical care and other resources can be a cause for anxiety.

Despite these challenges, the sailor has persevered and is well on their way towards completing the journey.

What’s Next?

Sailboat Uma is now in the South Pacific and heading towards New Zealand, with plenty of exciting stops and experiences still ahead.

The sailor will be exploring some of the most beautiful places on Earth, with plenty of new cultures and customs to discover.

As Uma continues on its journey, there is sure to be plenty of breathtaking views, interesting stories, and beautiful memories to be made.

The journey is expected to take Uma from the Caribbean, across the Indian Ocean, and through the Atlantic Ocean, ending up back in San Francisco around 2022.

Along the way, Uma will visit some of the worlds most iconic locations, such as the Galapagos Islands, Tahiti, Fiji, and many more.

The sailor will also be learning more about the unique cultures and customs of the places they visit, including the traditional food, music, and language.

The sailors journey will be documented on social media, where they will be sharing pictures of their experiences and offering insights into the places they visit.

This will be an incredible opportunity to follow Umas journey and look back on all the amazing memories they make as they sail around the world.

So whats next for Uma? The sailor is sure to be looking forward to the next leg of the journey, which will take them to some of the most beautiful places in the world.

With over a year of sailing still ahead, theres sure to be plenty of adventures in store for Uma and its sailor.

Final Thoughts

The journey of Sailboat Uma has been an incredible adventure thus far, with more to come.

From the Caribbean to the South Pacific, and from the Indian Ocean to the Atlantic, the single sailor has experienced and witnessed stunning places and faced many challenges.

With over a year of sailing still ahead, Sailboat Uma’s journey is sure to be an inspiring story.

Follow along with Uma’s journey, and be sure to share your own sailing stories with the hashtag #SailboatUma.

James Frami

At the age of 15, he and four other friends from his neighborhood constructed their first boat. He has been sailing for almost 30 years and has a wealth of knowledge that he wants to share with others.

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Behind the Scenes with Sailing Uma

When we write the history book of how electric sailing began, Dan and Kika from Sailing Uma definitely will have a chapter. For years, they have been sailing around the world with an electric sailboat and sharing their story with the world. They have helped us all learn that electric sailing is possible, even for a young couple who didn’t know how to sail when they started their journey.

Hundreds of thousands of us around the world watch their videos. But what’s it like behind the scenes sailing with Dan and Kika? This blog post reflects my experience sailing with them for five days in December 2020 when I met up with them in Croatia to test sail hull #1 of Salona’s new S46 with twin Oceanvolt electric motors.

First, they are both some of the kindest people I have ever met. They are kind to others, but just as importantly, they are kind to each other. In the five days that I was with them, I saw a couple that genuinely loved each other, had fun together, and supported each other. After we stopped sailing each day and were down in the cabin, Dan and Kika sat curled up together on the settee or around the dinette – and this affection is after they have spent years on a sailboat living and working together. Kika still laughs at Dan’s jokes and Dan is still as impressed with Kika’s intellect and empathy as when he first got to know her.

Second, they work hard at the professional side of Sailing Uma. They put a lot of time and thought into planning what they want to film. They literally call ‘business meetings’ with each other to discuss the shots they want to get on this or that day or other matters as a way of separating their personal and professional life, which is hard when both take place in the confined space of a sailboat, not to mention with the world watching.

When they film, they use multiple cameras simultaneously so there is more than one angle. This gives us the varied cinematography we experience. Rather than use the auto settings on their digital camera to measure and process light intensity, they shoot raw footage or uninterrupted light without it being transformed by the camera. Then in a process called debayering, they manually put color into the image in order for their video to truly capture depth, contrast and the richness of color. You may see Dan tinkering with the Uma boat systems in videos, but no one sees the twenty or more hours that Kika spends on video production for each video they put out weekly for us to enjoy.

Naively, before this trip I thought they just casually recorded things on their camera, edited it together and put videos out. One of my biggest surprises from the trip was how much effort and time they put into all the little details of each video they produce. I asked them why they did this and they almost didn’t understand the question because they are so emphatic about the importance of producing great videos. Almost as good is not an option for them even if achieving really good is a heck of a lot harder. They truly feel committed to all of us. For example, I asked them if they were interested in participating in an upcoming boat show and they said, “only if there is something in it for our subscribers.”

Third, they are both good sailors. Each of them can single-hand sail a boat on their own. Their videos show Dan sailing more because of how they do their filming, but both of them are capable in all the different aspects of sailing: from helming, to navigation, to trimming.

Even with six years of sailing experience and tens of thousands of sailing miles under their belts, there is no air of expertise, but rather a desire to help, learn, and share. Sometimes this is missing in sailing as we have all been on boats with folks who have an air of expertise. Dan and Kika are humble team players and being in the limelight of Sailing Uma has not changed them one bit in this regard. They are fun to sail with and I truly enjoyed the experience of sailing with them every day of our trip.

I don’t know why I’m surprised, but in the end, Dan and Kika behind the scenes are who we see in their videos. There is no show or façade. There is no alter ego off camera. They are truly the kind, informative, and fun couple we see in their videos.

Before the trip, I admired them for what they have done as electric sailing pioneers.

After the trip, what I really admire is who they are as people.

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Who Is Sailing Uma?

Last Updated by

Jacob Collier

August 30, 2022

If you are at all interested in sailing, then you have probably come across the famous blog Sailing Uma. So, who is Sailing Uma? Let’s find out.

When it comes to blogs dedicated to the art of sailing, there is certainly no dearth of options. However, not all sailing blogs are equal. When you are first starting out with your passion, that is, sailing, you will need to find the right resource that can guide you.

Sailing Uma was started by Dan and Kika, two sailing enthusiasts who discovered their love for sailing together. The blog Sailing Uma documents their travels as they sail across the world in their yacht, a Pearson 36 from 1972.

We have visited their blog, read articles, and watched videos of the couple as they navigate through some of the most treacherous waters on the planet and visit exotic places most people can only dream of. If you are interested in living life like Dan and Kika of Sailing Uma, then you are going to find out some fascinating information about the duo right here.

As sailing enthusiasts who have experience in sailing, we are always looking for great resources that can help us improve our sailing experience. Sailing Uma is definitely one such resource. Read on to find out what we’ve learned about Sailing Uma.

Table of contents

‍ Who is Sailing Uma?

Dan and Kika met in college. They started a successful architectural design-consulting business soon after graduation, but they quickly realized that the rat race was not for them. One thing was certain they both imagined a larger universe existed than the one they grew up with and yearned to discover for themselves.

They boldly chose to sell all they possessed in quest of something greater and go on their sailing voyage after realizing that material things had little meaning in their lives and with a burning desire to travel the globe. They put everything they had into the 1972 Pearson 36 christened "Uma."

Dan didn't grow up sailing, so being on a sailboat didn't appeal to him at first. But, both knew that they wanted to see new countries, see new sights, learn about different cultures, eat new foods, and observe how people live. They considered numerous options for travel (including RVs and backpacking), but their major aim was to live sustainably and travel on their own terms, so living aboard a boat seemed like a natural choice.

Both had no prior experience with sailing or boats, so they figured they could 'architect' their way in by installing a bed and a sink. Then they looked up "sailboat interiors" on Google and realized that, indeed, you could live aboard a sailboat. With time and a lot of effort, the two have turned their sailing yacht into their home.

Knowing where you are in the world is only one aspect of navigation. That's a solid start, but you can't define your route and therefore know where you're headed until you know where you were a few minutes, hours, or days before. This is exemplified by the GPS chart plotter seen on many boats—at any given time, a half-dozen or more satellites are telling you exactly where you are on the planet. This position is remembered and used to create a predicted route on the screen. You can change the predicted destination by changing your current position.

In life, we frequently dwell on worries about tomorrow, next week, a five-year plan, or retirement. But perhaps the most accurate approach to predict our future is to look back at our history and compare it to the thoughtful contemplation of today. A future forecast can be obtained by connecting these theoretical dots. The trip becomes more important as a result of this process, which shifts our focus from the future to the present.

What Does Uma Mean?

The name of Dan and Kika’s boat is Uma. The name was inspired by the Portuguese number “one,” which translates to Uma. The reason behind this name choice is that it was their first attempt to sail a boat. We've learned that UMA has many diverse connotations in various cultures, each translation being awesome and unique in its own way.

During the years of living and traveling onboard their small home: the couple found out that Uma is also a name for Pavarti, the Hindu Goddess of fertility, beauty, and strength. The name also symbolizes Hope in Inuit and Nation in Hebrew and translates to Tranquility in Sanskrit. If you were wondering what the word Uma means in Japanese, well, don't get your hopes up because it's a horse.

What Boat do they Sail?

It is said that a thousand-mile trip begins with a single step. Dan and Kika's trip began with a leap instead of just a step. The two made everything they owned, including vehicles, laptops, motorbikes, and furniture. They sold all of their belongings so that they could invest in a yacht that they could sail around the world.

"However, why a sailboat?" The basic answer is that they wanted to live simply and travel eternally, and a yacht seemed the best solution. Their yacht, "Uma," was built in 1972. She is neither showy nor fragile, which is what made the boat ideal for the job.  The two wanted a name that reflected their passion and reasoning for purchasing Uma in the first place, so her name came from a poem.

Of course, the cost is a big deciding element. The best boat is the one you already possess, as it has been said. The issue was that they did not initially own a boat. Their post-grad budgets would not enable them to purchase a new boat, and they had no intention of going into debt to do so.

So, when the notion of buying a sailboat came up, they went straight to www.yachtworld.com to look at several options. The larger the boat, the more expensive it is, not only in terms of the purchase price but also in terms of maintenance and marina fees. As a result, they began small and worked their way to a larger boat.

The one factor that they considered when buying a boat is that they were looking for something that was easy for them to navigate and maintain but also roomy enough for the two to live in comfortably (Uma being their only home).

With that in mind, the duo estimated the entire length to be between 32 and 40 feet. They then began looking for a decent blue water-capable boat in their price range. They used the internet to read books, blogs, and forums. In the interim, they contacted a handful of guys and paid visits to their 36-40' boats.

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