Life Aboard SV Agua Azul – Engine Repairs, Local Adventures & Delicious Cooking in the DR

Living on a sailboat brings a unique mix of challenges and joys. In this latest update from our life aboard SV Agua Azul in the Dominican Republic, we share everything from fixing our boat engine, exploring local town life, stocking up on groceries, to cooking up fresh, tasty meals with the bounty of this beautiful region.

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Morning in Paradise: Fresh Breakfast & Kitchen Life

Our mornings usually start with a homemade breakfast. This time, Baba whipped up a hearty egg scramble with fresh sausage, veggies, and cheese—using some top-notch fresh cilantro right from the DR. The fresh produce here is amazing and really elevates simple meals. We’ve been reducing our flour tortilla intake for health’s sake and focusing more on wholesome, hearty meals of meat, potatoes, and vegetables.

Keeping our water clean has been part of daily life too. We recently had to change our water filters because they started smelling. These filters aren’t super expensive, but maintaining them can get tedious. We’re exploring ways to clean and reuse them to avoid waste and save money.

Engine Troubles and DIY Fixes

After two months, our boat’s engine refused to start. Troubleshooting with a screwdriver revealed a failing starter solenoid. Replacing the starter was sweaty work but rewarding when the engine finally roared back to life, powering our 41ft Hunter 410 once again.

Testing the engine at various RPMs against our mooring was nerve-wracking but reassuring — everything seems to hold well. It’s a reminder that even small maintenance tasks can stretch into full-day projects on a sailboat.

A Walk Through Town: Fuel, Groceries & Local Life

Next up was a trip to town for fuel and supplies. Navigating dusty roads covered with Sahara dust, dodging traffic including motorcycles and trucks, and passing local spots like a pizza place and meat markets, was part of the adventure.

Fuel prices in the DR surprised us—around $50 for 10 gallons—making us envy US gas prices a little. Still, the local markets are fantastic for fresh food. We visited our favorite grocery store, DN supermarket, stocked with great eggs, veggies, and even liquor for a celebration later.

Evening and Leisure: Bonfire Fun and Relaxing Onboard

After a busy day, a bonfire on the beach with friends capped off our adventure. The relaxed vibe, local music, and homemade sauce made for a perfect night. Back on the boat, the comfort of AC, new stainless steel pans, and a loving pet taking in the sun rounds out life’s simple pleasures.

Takeaways from Living on a Sailboat in the DR:

Fresh local produce makes cooking a delight and healthful eating easier.
Boat maintenance requires patience but can often be handled DIY with the right tools.
Routine errands like fuel runs become little excursions full of local color and challenges.
Community and simple joys make sailboat living rich and rewarding despite the hardships.

For those dreaming of a life off-grid or on the water, we share these honest glimpses to inspire your journey toward freedom, self-reliance, and adventure.

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