Living the Sailboat Life – Birthday Celebrations, AC DIY, and Island Adventures

Sailing life is full of surprises, challenges, and simple joys. Our day started with a special birthday celebration for my wife—who turned 49 but is as vibrant and sexy as ever. We spent the day at Los Velas, an inviting tropical spot, exploring the beachside bars and enjoying the sunny island vibes. It’s not all leisure, though! I tackled some essential boat maintenance and shared some insights into how we keep our sailboat comfortable and functional during our travels.

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Celebrating on the Water

We kicked off the birthday with a casual walk toward the beach. The terrain was tougher than expected—halfway uphill! But that just made the celebration sweeter when we reached the bars by the shore for some day drinking. Despite the heat, the atmosphere was great. It reminded me how important it is to find moments like these on the water—moments that blend adventure with downtime.

Tackling Boat System Upgrades

After some fun in the sun, it was back to work on the boat. Our dingy spark plug failed the night before, but thanks to a helpful German couple who towed us back, we fixed it in the morning. Then I set out to reinstall our air conditioning unit in the rear cabin. This was a critical project because keeping the cabin cool, especially at night, helps us stay comfortable in the tropical heat and keeps humidity at bay.

Here’s what I learned during the DIY AC upgrade:

The AC runs alongside a water pump that’s part of our water maker system.
I installed a switch to turn them on and off separately to avoid system backflow.
The AC cycles the fan and pump on and off based on temperature settings, which conserves battery power.
Monitoring battery use is vital—at 51% battery capacity, the system lasts for about six hours, so we’re experimenting with cycling to extend runtime overnight.

This kind of troubleshooting and upgrade work is vital to sailboat living. It’s about balancing comfort, efficiency, and resource management. I shared detailed settings for the thermostat and pump controls to help other sailors optimize their systems.

Island Errands and Realities

Living on a sailboat in the Caribbean means more than just cruising and relaxing. We had to make a trip to town for essentials like dog food, liquor, and food. It was a long, hot walk from our mooring spot to the local store, with motorcycles buzzing past all day long. Trash on the beach reminded us of the environmental challenges island communities face.

Buying dog food was a learning curve—options are limited, and prices vary widely compared to ordering from home. Our dog, Bella, loved the new flavor, though we’ll be on the lookout for better-quality dog food in the city.

Enjoying the Local Scene and Sports

Our day also included watching a heated baseball game between Canada and the USA. The energy was electric, with exciting plays like a home run inside the park. Despite the friendly competition and some laughs about team lineups, the experience added a festive touch to our birthday outing.

Reflections on Sailboat Life

This day was a mix of celebration, maintenance, and navigating the realities of island life. It captured the essence of what it means to live on a sailboat—embracing ups and downs, creating memorable moments, and constantly adapting. Whether fixing the AC, shopping for essentials, or enjoying a beach bar with your loved one, it’s the little moments that make this lifestyle so rewarding.

Life Aboard: Birthday, Boat Maintenance & Island Errands | Ep 79

Living the Sailboat Life – Birthday Celebrations, AC DIY, and Island Adventures

Celebrating on the Water

Tackling Boat System Upgrades

Island Errands and Realities

Enjoying the Local Scene and Sports

Reflections on Sailboat Life

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