It’s going to serve two main purposes on board:

• A reliable backup to our induction stove in case we ever have an electrical issue

• A portable setup we can easily take to the beach for cooking sessions away from the boat (which seems to b…

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In this episode of Sailing Helios, our long-awaited Momentum Marine electric outboard motor finally arrives! We’ve been counting down the days for this upgrade, but there’s a small hitch — the battery is still stuck in Customs, so we can’t fire it up just yet.

While we wait, there’s no time to waste. Jude upgrades the harness on our petrol outboard to make it much easier and safer to use, then we dive into one of the biggest jobs yet: completely altering and improving the boom tent.

With only a few days left in port and a long list of projects still to complete, the pressure is on! Join us as we push hard to get Helios ready for the next adventure.

If you’re into sailboat refits, electric propulsion upgrades, and real-life cruising challenges, this one is for you!

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In January we headed back to the Düsseldorf Boat Show, just like the year before. We knew what to expect, but we didn’t go with huge expectations — beyond checking out the new Sun Odyssey 455, which is seriously impressive by the way!

But as we wandered through the halls, a bunch of products actually stopped us in our tracks. After three seasons of full-…

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Welcome to Season 4 of Sailing Helios! 🎉

After a long off-season, we’re getting the boat ready for another year of adventures. We kick things off by finally putting our brand new EZRaft inflatable dinghy in the water for its first test run — how does it perform?

While Jude builds beautiful new dressers for the summer, Richard tackles a major galley upgrade: installing a new induction cooktop and completely rethinking the storage.

After a productive day, we head into town for Friday night drinks with the local cruiser community… It’s Good Friday, and another spectacular parade is taking over the streets of Cartagena! What was meant to be a quick trip to the bar turns into a fun, immersive evening soaking up the culture and community of Spain.

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In this special episode of Sailing Helios, Jude celebrates turning 60 and shares 4 practical life hacks to help you play the game of life with more joy and wisdom.
Her children treat her (and Richard) to a wonderful trip to the beautiful regional capital of Murcia. Join them as they explore the city’s rich history, strolling through historic sights, browsing charming vintage shops, and enjoying vegetarian restaurants — all thoughtfully mapped out by her kids.
The highlight? A heartwarming surprise from the family: tickets to a show at the stunning Teatro Romano in Murcia!
A warm, reflective episode filled with celebration, wisdom, family love, and the charm of Murcia’s heritage.

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Join us as we settle into the beautiful marina life in Cartagena, Spain! After weeks at sea, we’re finally tied up in this historic Mediterranean port, soaking up the warm autumn sun and the lively energy of the city. Cartagena feels like one endless party right now — with cruise ships lining the harbour, streets buzzing with traditional singing, folk music performances, and even medieval-style festivals bringing history to life through colourful parades and reenactments.

We’re embracing the slower pace: hitting the local gym for some much-needed workouts, then rewarding ourselves with lazy mornings at charming cafes. Nothing beats a classic tostada con tomate solo — fresh tomato-rubbed toast with olive oil and a perfect café con leche — paired with people-watching and the sound of live music drifting through the air.

From wandering the marina decks watching massive cruise liners come and go, to joining in the festive atmosphere of Cartagena’s cultural celebrations, this episode is all about finding that perfect balance between boat life routines and immersing ourselves in Spain’s vibrant culture.
If you love sailing vlogs, Mediterranean travel, Spanish food, or just the joy of slow travel in a stunning historic city, hit play and come along for the ride!

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and ring the bell for more episodes as we continue our Mediterranean adventure aboard Helios. Comment below: What’s your favourite thing about marina life or Spanish cafe culture? ☕⛵

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We’re coming to you from sunny Cartagena, where the final preparations are in full swing and we’re counting down the days until we cast off for a brand-new season aboard Helios!

In this update we share:

• Some of the great connections and conversations we had at the Düsseldorf Boat Show

• Exciting new additions and upgrades we’ve lined up fo…

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Join Jude and Richard aboard Helios for a memorable Alicante city day before our season-closing sail to Cartagena – our winter berth in Spain.
We wander the beautiful foreshore along the iconic Explanada de España — that wavy mosaic promenade lined with palm trees and offering stunning sea views.

We stroll into the charming old town, stopping for a coffee and pastry, and duck under enormous shady trees when a quick shower passes through.
Then we dive into the lively Mercado Central (Alicante Central Market), a 1920s treasure trove bursting with fresh seafood, local produce, cheeses, olives, pastries, and vibrant energy – perfect for grabbing provisions or soaking up authentic Spanish market life.

We visit the elegant Concatedral de San Nicolás (Co-Cathedral of Saint Nicholas), a serene Renaissance masterpiece with its striking blue-tiled dome, peaceful cloister, and historic charm right in the heart of the old town.

We finish with the easy lift up to Castillo de Santa Bárbara (just €2.70, 30-second ride from near Postiguet Beach) for incredible panoramic views over Alicante Bay, the city, and the Mediterranean – no steep hike needed, and the castle grounds are free to explore with ancient history dating back to the 9th century.

A fun surprise: we stroll down the whimsical Calle de Las Setas (aka Mushroom Street or Calle San Francisco) – transformed in 2013 into a fairy-tale wonderland with giant colorful mushroom sculptures, toadstool "houses," yellow brick roads, and playful installations by artist Sergio Martinez. It's a quirky, photo-friendly spot that brings out the childlike joy amid the city bustle – a quick, delightful detour!

The passage to Cartagena (~50–70 NM) was wonderfully calm – flat seas and sunshine meant mostly motor-sailing, giving us time to reflect. There's a touch of sadness wrapping up active Med cruising for a few months, but we're genuinely excited to settle into Cartagena: exploring its Roman amphitheater, historic port, local festivals, marina routine, boat tinkering, and deeper community vibes while recharging for what's next.

Perfect for anyone eyeing Costa Blanca stops, Med wintering, or loving real couple vlogs with city gems, quirky finds, and honest sailing conditions (even the motory ones!).

Your favorite Alicante quirky spot or Cartagena winter advice? Let us know in the comments!

👍 Like if Mushroom Street made you smile

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Join us for a full walkthrough of the brand-new Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 455 straight from the Düsseldorf Boat Show 2026!

This 45-footer (LOA 14.28 m) is already one of the stars of the show — it had an incredibly strong debut with 8 boats sold on the floor alone. Jeanneau has nailed the perfect mix of performance sailing and liveaboard comfort, and we were seriously impressed by how cleverly they’ve used every single inch of space.

In this episode, we show you everything we loved most:
• The massive forward sail locker (sailors are calling it a true “monster” — easily one of the best in class)
• The brand-new integrated workshop/storage area (our absolute favourite — it easily fits tools, spares, washer/dryer, extra fridge or even ventilated produce storage)
• The bright, spacious interior that feels way bigger than 45 ft
• Clever storage solutions everywhere, ergonomic cockpit, walkaround decks and a layout that’s perfect for short-handed cruising or family adventures

Reviewers and visitors at the show are raving about it being “practical, user-friendly, ergonomic and one of the best cruising boats in its class” — with thoughtful design that makes real-world sailing and living aboard so much easier. We really like this boat — it just feels right.

What do you think — would the new Sun Odyssey 455 make your shortlist? Drop a comment and let us know!

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In this Sailing Helios episode, we cast off from Denia as thunderstorms rumble along the coast – not ideal sailing weather! We push on and find excellent shelter from the forecast strong winds tucked beside the dramatic Penyal d’Ifac (Peñón de Ifach), the iconic limestone rock in Calpe that towers 332 meters (over 1,000 feet) – as tall as the Empire State Building and dominating the Costa Blanca skyline.

After waiting out the bad weather for a day (and enjoying the stunning views), we set sail south toward Alicante with the wind, waves, and current all pushing us along – finally some proper sailing! It’s exhilarating to harness the breeze after the calm, but we’re excited to arrive in Alicante for a few days of exploring the city and its sights.

Stay tuned for the next episode, where we dive into Alicante adventures!

If you’re into Mediterranean sailing, storm tactics, or cruising the Spanish coast from Denia to Alicante, hit LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and ring the bell for more real-time sailing vlogs!

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In this exciting episode from boot Düsseldorf 2026, we join Luis Vaquier from Jeanneau for an exclusive interview on the brand-new Sun Odyssey 455 yacht! ✨

This stunning refresh of the popular Sun Odyssey 440 and 490 features a high-performance hull, a refined walkaround deck, an ergonomic cockpit, and clever innovations for easier short-handed sailing and real-life cruising comfort. We dive deep into the design ideas behind this evolution, explore the available options and customisations, and get Luis's insights on what makes the 455 stand out.

Don't miss next week's full in-depth boat tour of the Sun Odyssey 455 – subscribe now and hit the bell so you never miss an update! 🔔

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In this Sailing Helios episode, we kick off with an early dawn departure from the charming historic port of Peñíscola, sailing alongside the fishing fleet toward Valencia, Spain's stunning coastal city and major commercial harbour.

The ancient historic centre welcomes us—but we've timed our arrival perfectly (or chaotically!) during the vibrant October festivities for Día de la Comunitat Valenciana and the Moors & Christians (Moros y Cristianos) celebrations! Harbor-area concerts blast through the night, and the next day we're hit with massive parades, people in elaborate period costumes (think medieval knights, Moorish warriors, striped robes, and more), marching bands, and thunderous "gunshots" from replica muskets/arquebuses fired right in the square—smoke everywhere, crowds loving it, no one running because it's all tradition!

We explore Valencia's top sights amid the festive energy before setting sail the following morning to our next destination, Dénia.

Perfect for fans of sailing adventures, Mediterranean cruising, Spanish history, cultural festivals with gunpowder displays, parades, and unexpected surprises! If you love real sailing journeys and stumbling into epic local events like Moors & Christians in Valencia, hit play!

Subscribe for more yacht life, port explorations, and wild discoveries along the Spanish coast.

In this episode, we’re back at the legendary boat show in Düsseldorf, Germany and looking at new innovations for the marine industry.

Whether you’re planning upgrades for your own boat or love staying up to date with the latest in sailing, this episode is packed with inspiration and insight.

Inflatable dinghies, electric outboards, AI-assisted boating and innovative cooking ideas. We discover four standout products, each pushing boundaries in its own way and designed to enhance life onboard — from smart innovations to practical upgrades for cruising sailors.

Join us as we explore the show floor, meet the people behind the ideas, and share our honest first impressions.

EZraft - Use code “helios” to get €100 off your new dinghy https://www.ezraft.com
Momentum - https://momentumelectricmarine.com
Lookout - Use code “HELIOS10” to get 10% off https://www.getalookout.com
NomadiQ - https://www.nomadiqbbq.com

Episode Recorded: January 2026

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Jude and Richard are wearing hats from Aussie Chiller: https://aussie-chiller.myshopify.com/judith

Season 3 Episode 44 Video

In this episode, we leave the safety of the bay near Sant Carles de la Ràpita and set sail for the historic coastal town of Peñíscola — a place shaped by Templar Knights and exiled popes.

As we approach, we carefully navigate the shallow waters inside the breakwater to find just enough depth, tucked safely away from the busy fishing fleet. The next morning, we head ashore to explore this beautiful old town, with its winding streets climbing toward the spectacular Castillo del Papa Luna.

Built by the Templar Knights in the 13th century, the castle later became home to Pope Benedict XIII, who lived here in exile during the Western Schism. Standing among these ancient walls, it’s impossible not to feel connected to centuries of history.

Moments like these — combining sailing, discovery, and unforgettable places — are what we truly cherish on our adventures aboard Helios.

⚓ Join us for another authentic sailing journey filled with history, hidden anchorages, and life aboard in the Mediterranean.

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If there’s anything we haven’t covered, please feel free to reach out.

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We wanted to take a moment to share an update with you about how we’re organising things behind the scenes at Sailing Helios, and what this means for our Substack community.

Over the past few years, this journey has grown in ways we never could have imagined. What started as a simple idea — sharing our life and travels aboard Helios — has …

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