Sailing and Cruising the East Coast of the USA

Bela Musits
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Places & Travel
  • Semiweekly

Welcome to the Sailing and Cruising the East Coast of the USA podcast. The hosts for the show are Bela Musits, who has many years of sailing experience, and Mike Wasserman who knows almost nothing about sailing. This podcast will consist of discussing destinations around the East Coast of the United States. We will also provide interesting and helpful information about sailing and boating, and all sorts of cruising related topics. We love to hear from our listeners, send us your questions, comments, and suggestions at sailingtheeast@gmail.com. Thanks, Bela and Mike

  1. 1h ago

    EP-194: First TIme On A Long Passage - Mike Story - Blue Water Sailing Club

    Welcome back to the Sailing and Cruising the East Coast of USA Podcast! In this episode, host Bela Musits sits down with offshore cruiser Mike Story to break down real-world experiences from the Blue Water Sailing Club (BWSC) Caribbean Challenge Cruise. Offshore passages test every aspect of seamanship, from yacht preparation and route planning to mental stamina and watch-keeping routines. In this conversation, Bela and Mike dive into the realities of blue water sailing, dealing with ocean swell, managing crew dynamics, and tackling the unpredictable offshore conditions encountered along the East Coast and out toward the Caribbean. Whether you're gearing up for your very first ocean crossing or looking to refine your offshore sailing strategies, this discussion provides practical takeaways directly from the deck. The Caribbean Challenge Cruise Experience: Mike Story shares his firsthand account of participating in the BWSC offshore rally, including fleet coordination and day-to-day life underway. Passage Planning & Weather Windows: Understanding offshore routing, navigating weather fronts, and timing open-ocean departures safely. Vessel Preparation & Gear Reliability: Critical gear inspections, redundant systems, and keeping your boat seaworthy for extended blue water voyages. Managing Ocean Swell & Changing Conditions: Realities of handling offshore chop, staying rested on watch rotations, and maintaining seamanship when conditions get tough. Cruising Lessons & Advice: Practical tips for coastal cruisers looking to make the leap into long-distance offshore sailing. If you enjoy authentic sailing discussions, offshore cruising advice, and real passage stories, please make sure to like, subscribe, and leave a comment below sharing your own passage plans or offshore experiences! offshore sailing, blue water sailing club, BWSC, caribbean challenge cruise, blue water cruising, bela musits, mike story, ocean passage planning, sailboat cruising, east coast sailing, sailing podcast, marine weather, gulf stream crossing, sailboat maintenance offshore What’s Covered in This Episode:SEO Search Terms & Keywords

  2. 1d ago

    EP-193: We Got Through the Gulf Stream and Now the Waves are Getting Bigger - Chris Clark

    Welcome back to the Sailing and Cruising the East Coast of USA Podcast! In this episode, host Bela Musits sits down with offshore sailor Chris Clark aboard his cruising vessel, Avocet, as part of the Blue Water Sailing Club (BWSC) Caribbean Challenge Cruise. Whether you're planning your first blue water passage, outfitting a sailboat for extended cruising, or curious about the realities of long-distance offshore sailing, this conversation dives deep into the preparations, gear, seamanship, and mindset required to cruise offshore safely and confidently. Bela and Chris explore: Preparing the boat for open ocean passages: essential systems, rigging checks, and equipment redundancy on board Avocet. Navigation strategy, weather routing, and managing changing offshore conditions. Realities of watch-keeping, crew dynamics, and offshore life during long cruising rallies. Lessons learned from the Blue Water Sailing Club’s Caribbean Challenge Cruise and practical tips for anyone looking to transition from coastal sailing to bluewater voyaging. Chris shares honest firsthand experiences about what works, what doesn't, and how thorough preparation turns daunting ocean crossings into rewarding adventures. About the Host:Bela Musits hosts the Sailing and Cruising the East Coast of USA Podcast, bringing you candid interviews, cruising guides, seamanship tips, and boat maintenance insights from sailors, cruisers, and maritime experts along the Atlantic seaboard and beyond. Join the Community:If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the Like button, Subscribe to the channel, and tap the notification bell so you never miss an interview or passage update. Have questions about offshore prep, sailboat outfitting, or the Caribbean Challenge Cruise? Drop them in the comments below! SEO Search Terms & Tags:blue water sailing, offshore sailing, sailing sv avocet, chris clark sailing, bela musits, sailing podcast, cruising sailboat, offshore passage making, blue water sailing club, caribbean challenge cruise, sailboat cruising, east coast sailing, sailing lifestyle, marine navigation, offshore seamanship, ocean cruising tips

  3. 3d ago

    EP-192 Day 2 update - Caribbean Challenge Cruise - Blue Water Sailing Club

    Welcome back to the Sailing and Cruising the East Coast of USA Podcast! In this episode, host Bela Musits sits down with seasoned sailor Ed Story to explore the realities, rewards, and practical challenges of sailing and cruising along the East Coast and offshore waters. Whether you're preparing for your first coastal passage, planning an extended cruise down the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), or gearing up for blue water sailing, this conversation delivers actionable advice and firsthand stories to make your time under sail safer and more rewarding. Passage Preparation & Seamanship: How to prepare both boat and crew for open water conditions and changing coastal weather. East Coast Sailing Routes: Navigating challenging inlets, tidal currents, and cruising grounds along the Atlantic coast. Boat Systems & Gear Management: Essential gear checks, onboard maintenance priorities, and lessons learned while underway. Cruising Mindset: Developing situational awareness, weather routing strategies, and practical decision-making for long-distance cruising. Bela Musits hosts the Sailing and Cruising the East Coast of USA Podcast, bringing you in-depth conversations with mariners, cruisers, and maritime experts. From coastal island hops to deep offshore passages, each episode dives into the practical knowledge you need to explore the waters of the American East Coast with confidence. Subscribe for new episodes covering boat maintenance, passage planning, and cruising life. Leave a comment below with your favorite cruising destinations or questions for Bela and Ed. Share this episode with a fellow sailor or cruising partner preparing for their next voyage. sailboat cruising, east coast sailing, sailing podcast, cruising the east coast, blue water sailing, passage planning, sailboat maintenance, coastal cruising, offshore sailing, Bela Musits, Ed Story, sailing lifestyle, sailing navigation, boat life, sailing adventures

  4. 5d ago

    EP-191 Caribbean Challenge Cruise - Blue Water Sailing Club - Pre Departure

    In Episode 191 of the Sailing and Cruising the East Coast of USA Podcast, host Bela Musits sits down with guests Jerome Rossert and Aidan Bunting for an in-depth pre-departure briefing as they prepare for the Blue Water Sailing Club’s Caribbean Challenge Cruise. Proper preparation is the cornerstone of safe, successful blue water cruising. Casting off for a demanding offshore passage like the Caribbean Challenge Cruise requires complete alignment across vessel readiness, navigational strategy, and crew coordination. In this episode, Bela, Jerome, and Aidan break down the vital pre-departure planning process, sharing real-world insights, crew management strategies, and practical preparations required for joining a Blue Water Sailing Club fleet heading offshore. Key Topics Covered in This Episode: The Caribbean Challenge Cruise: An inside look at preparing for this offshore route with the Blue Water Sailing Club, from fleet coordination to passage expectations. Pre-Departure Checklists & Vessel Readiness: Ensuring critical boat systems, rigging, offshore safety equipment, and mechanical spares are thoroughly inspected and tested before leaving port. Passage Planning & Weather Routing: How to evaluate marine weather windows, analyze sea states, navigate challenging coastal transitions, and plan viable bail-out harbors along the way. Watch Schedules & Crew Dynamics: Structuring sustainable watch rotations to prevent crew fatigue, managing responsibilities underway, and fostering seamless teamwork during multi-day offshore runs. Offshore Safety Protocols: Best practices for ditch bag preparation, nighttime harness and jackline rules, emergency drills, and standing watch protocols in varied sea conditions. Navigation & Onboard Routines: Combining digital chart plotters with backup routing, tracking waypoints, and managing daily routines to keep the crew fueled, rested, and focused. Whether you are preparing to participate in a Blue Water Sailing Club event, dreaming of your own Caribbean Challenge Cruise, or gearing up for an extended coastal hop, this discussion offers actionable seamanship advice for heading out into open waters with confidence. If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share your own offshore passage preparations or rally experiences in the comments below! Blue Water Sailing Club, Caribbean Challenge Cruise, offshore passage planning, Bela Musits, Jerome Rossert, Aidan Bunting, bluewater sailing, East Coast cruising, sailboat pre-departure checklist, sailing rally preparation, sailboat watch schedule, marine weather routing, ocean sailing safety, Caribbean sailing routes, offshore sailboat cruising SEO Search Terms (Tags & Keywords)

  5. Oct 23

    EP-190: Offshore Sailing Newport to Bermuda & Caribbean: Passage Planning with John Slingerland

    Welcome back to the Sailing and Cruising the East Coast of USA Podcast! In this episode, hosts Bela Musits and Mike Wasserman sit down once again with offshore passage-maker John Slingerland from the Bluewater Sailing Club to explore the reality of sailing offshore from Newport, Rhode Island to Bermuda and down to the Caribbean. Offshore passage planning can easily become overwhelming, especially with dense checklists, gear debates, and shifting weather patterns. John brings a refreshingly practical perspective to bluewater cruising, arguing why genuine overnight sea time on your own boat matters far more than just ticking boxes on an equipment inspection. We break down the Bluewater Sailing Club’s Caribbean Challenge Cruise—a multi-stage, à la carte voyage starting with a late-autumn crossing of the Gulf Stream to Bermuda, continuing on to St. Martin, and meandering down the island chain all the way to Grenada. John breaks down what it takes to navigate 10-to-15-foot seas, the realities of handling heavy weather, and why comfort, crew endurance, and conservative sailing choices always trump chasing high boat speeds. In this deep dive, Bela, Mike, and John examine critical offshore topics: • Gulf Stream weather windows and partnering with trusted weather routers like Chris Parker • Watch schedules, rest cycles, and managing crew fatigue on long passages • Practical onboard safety: hydrostatic EPIRB mounting, life raft placement, jackline rigging, and personal AIS beacons • Critical logistics at sea: underway fuel transfers, fresh watermakers, and battery management • The psychology of risk, group sailing dynamics, and finding your own cruising comfort zone Whether you are preparing for your very first Gulf Stream crossing, planning an Atlantic rally, or dreaming of trading coastal cruising for warm island anchorages in the Caribbean, John’s candid advice provides invaluable insights for skippers of all experience levels. Plus, stay tuned as Bela and Mike share an exciting new series format: real-time underway podcast dispatches recorded directly with boats at sea via Starlink satellite! Enjoyed the episode? Hit Subscribe, tap the notification bell, and leave a comment below sharing your own offshore passage dreams or Gulf Stream crossing stories! Resources & Sailing Tools Mentioned: • Bluewater Sailing Club • Marine Weather Center (Chris Parker) • Weather Planning: Windy & PredictWind Contact & Connect: • Email: sailingtheeast@gmail.com • Podcast: Sailing and Cruising the East Coast of USA SEO Search Terms / Keywords: offshore sailing, Newport to Bermuda, bluewater sailing, Caribbean cruising, Gulf Stream crossing, passage planning, ocean passage making, sailboat weather routing, Chris Parker weather, marine safety gear, John Slingerland, Bluewater Sailing Club, Bela Musits, Mike Wasserman, sailing podcast, cruising the Caribbean, St Martin, Grenada cruising

  6. Oct 22

    EP-189: Buying a Sailboat from Afar & Gulf Coast Cruising with Barry Hays

    Welcome back to the Sailing and Cruising the East Coast of USA Podcast! In this episode, hosts Bela Musits and Mike Wasserman sit down with longtime listener and sailor Barry Hays to discuss the adventures, unexpected surprises, and valuable lessons learned while buying a cruising sailboat from afar. Barry has spent decades sailing on Lake Pontchartrain in Louisiana aboard his Watkins 27, but when he and his family decided to expand their cruising horizons to the Mississippi Sound and open Gulf waters, the hunt began for a larger, more capable vessel. After navigating the used boat market across several states, walking away from a keel issue uncovered during a survey, and learning the critical importance of a dedicated buyer’s broker, Barry finally found his next boat: a 2005 Hunter 38 located in Florida. However, finalizing the purchase was only the beginning. Barry walks us through the realities of remote boat buying, yard work delays, and preparing a new-to-him boat for a 350-nautical-mile delivery passage across the Gulf of Mexico back home to Ocean Springs, Mississippi. In this episode, Bela, Mike, and Barry explore: Navigating the Boat Buying Process: The immense value of having a trusted buyer’s broker in your corner, knowing when to walk away from a deal, and balancing “must-haves” like air conditioning and an inverter versus “nice-to-haves.” The Survey & Yard Realities: What really happens when a boat hits the slings, identifying strut and alignment issues, replacing motor mounts and damper plates, and handling remote boatyard repairs from hundreds of miles away. Passage Preparation & Gear: Essential preparations for offshore and coastal deliveries, including fuel polishing, Starlink marine setups, AIS installation, and calculating offshore diesel capacity. Transitioning from Lake to Gulf Cruising: Shifting from lake sailing to open coastal passages, route planning with paper charts and navigation software, and the importance of ongoing maritime education through America's Boating Club / Power Squadron courses. Whether you are actively shopping for your first liveaboard sailboat, stepping up in size, or planning long-distance coastal passages, Barry’s practical experience offers an honest look at what it truly takes to bring a boat home. If you enjoyed this conversation, please hit the like button, subscribe to the channel, and share your own boat-buying lessons or Gulf Coast cruising experiences in the comments below! Sailing and Cruising the East Coast of USA Barry Hays sailing Buying a sailboat from afar Sailboat survey tips Used sailboat buying guide Hunter 38 sailboat review Gulf Coast sailboat cruising Lake Pontchartrain sailing Sailboat pre-purchase inspection Sailboat delivery passage planning Bela Musits sailing podcast Mike Wasserman sailing podcast SEO Search Terms & Keywords

  7. Oct 9

    EP-188: Taking the Long Way from Lake Erie to the Chesapeake with Kevin Kreisa

    Welcome back to the Sailing and Cruising the East Coast of USA Podcast! In this episode, hosts Bela Musits and Mike Wasserman sit down with experienced cruiser Kevin Kreisa to break down an ambitious, unforgettable passage: taking the long way around from Lake Erie all the way to the Chesapeake Bay. Long-distance cruising requires careful preparation, sharp navigation, and the patience to wait out unpredictable weather windows. Kevin shares the unvarnished reality of planning and executing this unique route, detailing the transition from freshwater cruising across the Great Lakes system out into open coastal waters and down into the historic waters of the Chesapeake. Whether you are dreaming of casting off your dock lines for an extended coastal voyage or you are already actively outfitting your boat for blue water passage making, Kevin offers invaluable real-world perspective. Bela, Mike, and Kevin dive into: Route Planning & Strategy: The challenges, bridge clearances, water depths, and weather routing considerations involved in taking the long route between the Great Lakes and Mid-Atlantic cruising grounds. Vessel Preparation & Safety: Essential gear, boat systems, engine checks, and rigging prep required before tackling prolonged coastal passages and open-water legs. On-the-Water Reality: Navigating variable tidal currents, managing watches, anchoring versus marina hopping, and handling unexpected mechanical hiccups along the way. The Cruising Mindset: Practical advice on living aboard, pacing yourself during long-distance passages, and adapting when mother nature changes your itinerary. Kevin’s hands-on experience reminds us that cruising is not just about the final anchorage—it is about the lessons learned and memories made along every nautical mile. If you enjoyed this conversation, please hit the like button, subscribe to the channel, and leave a comment below sharing your favorite East Coast or Great Lakes cruising destinations! Sailing and Cruising the East Coast of USA Kevin Kreisa sailing Lake Erie to Chesapeake Bay sailing East Coast cruising routes Great Lakes sailboat cruising Long distance sailing passage planning Chesapeake Bay sailboat navigation Offshore passage making Liveaboard sailboat lifestyle Bela Musits sailing podcast Mike Wasserman sailing podcast

  8. Sep 24

    EP-187 A Veteran Sailor's Tips: Cliff Boro on Living on a Boat

    In this episode of the Sailing and Cruising the East Coast of USA Podcast, hosts Bela Musits and Mike Wasserman sit down with seasoned sailor Cliff Boro. With decades of experience navigating the waters, Cliff shares invaluable insights into the world of offshore cruising, the technical nuances of the iconic Gulfstar 50, and the hard-earned lessons learned from a life lived on the water. Whether you are a weekend coastal cruiser or preparing for your first major blue-water passage, Cliff’s veteran perspective provides a roadmap for success. We dive deep into his history with the Gulfstar 50, exploring why this specific vessel has become a legendary choice for those seeking a balance of comfort, performance, and durability. Cliff breaks down the essential modifications and maintenance tips that keep a classic boat in peak condition for modern cruising. Beyond the technical specs, this conversation explores the philosophy of sailing. Cliff reflects on his journey, offering a veteran sailor’s tips on weather routing, crew management, and the mental resilience required for long-term cruising. He shares stories from his most memorable voyages along the East Coast and beyond, illustrating the joys and challenges of the cruising lifestyle. Bela and Mike lead a detailed discussion that covers everything from safety protocols at sea to the evolving technology in the sailing world. This episode is packed with practical advice that listeners can apply to their own adventures, emphasizing preparation, respect for the ocean, and the continuous pursuit of maritime knowledge. Join us for a masterclass in cruising with one of the most respected voices in the sailing community. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the Like button and Subscribe for more sailing stories. Email us: sailingtheeast@gmail.com Watch on YouTube: Sailing and Cruising the East Coast of USA Enjoyed the episode? Hit the Like button on your app! Happy Sailing! Sailing and Cruising the East Coast of USA Podcast Veteran sailor tips Gulfstar 50 sailboat review Cliff Boro sailor Bela Musits Mike Wasserman Blue water cruising tips Offshore sailing advice Gulfstar 50 cruising modifications East Coast sailing destinations Sailboat maintenance for cruisers Maritime wisdom and life lessons Ocean crossing preparation Sailing podcast for cruisers Bela and MikeSEO Search Terms

See All (196)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Sailing and Cruising the East Coast of the USA podcast. The hosts for the show are Bela Musits, who has many years of sailing experience, and Mike Wasserman who knows almost nothing about sailing. This podcast will consist of discussing destinations around the East Coast of the United States. We will also provide interesting and helpful information about sailing and boating, and all sorts of cruising related topics. We love to hear from our listeners, send us your questions, comments, and suggestions at sailingtheeast@gmail.com. Thanks, Bela and Mike

Information

You Might Also Like