After a refreshing morning workout in the cockpit, we set sail back to Ibiza! This time, we head into the stunning Old Town (Dalt Vila) for some exploration.

The crossing is wonderfully calm, and we're thrilled when a pair of dolphins come to play right beside the boat as we approach our anchorage.

We treat ourselves to a delicious vegetarian paella with a view, and catch-up with our good friends Stu & Di from @thecampbellgamble. There's plenty of boaty camaraderie as Stu shows Richard how to clean a carburettor and Jude makes them a new outboard cover. This is what the sailing community is all about — helping each other out on the water!

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We finally set sail to Ibiza for the first time! In this episode, we explore the charming town of Sant Eulalia (Santa Eulària), with its beautiful streets, marina, and relaxed vibe.
After a few wonderful days, a southerly swell forces us to make a move. We head back to our favourite island — Formentera — and anchor in the stunning turquoise waters off Es Pujols. This picture-perfect bay and lively seaside town made the perfect escape.
Come along as we sail between these two beautiful Balearic Islands, enjoy the views, and find our perfect anchorage.

Locations:
• Sant Eulalia, Ibiza
• Es Pujols, Formentera

If you're planning a sailing trip to Ibiza or Formentera, this video will give you a great feel for both places!

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In this episode, we head back to Sant Agusti to escape a building southwesterly wind. The passage quickly turns into a rusty start-of-season reality check when we get a serious override on the winch and have to cut the jib sheet to free it!

Once safely anchored, we go ashore for a quick grocery run and well-earned ice creams in town. Back on board, I swap out the membrane and housing on the watermaker — it’s now producing better than ever, but we still have a small leak to sort.

Later, we meet up with Marcus on the water to collect our long-awaited parcels he brought all the way from Cartagena. And finally… after 10 days of waiting, Helios gets her zinc anodes back on!

A bit of drama, some boat jobs, and plenty of cruising life in the Balearics.

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In this episode, we finally cast off from Cartagena and set sail on an overnight passage to Formentera! The wind and sailing conditions were excellent, but Jude wasn’t feeling her best, so our early morning arrival was a huge relief.
Once anchored, we deployed our brand-new smart GPS Anchor Buoy Morpheis for the very first time. With unsettled weather moving in and several days of rough conditions forecast, having Morpheis on anchor watch gave us real peace of mind. We slept soundly, knowing it was constantly monitoring our position and would alert us if anything went wrong.
Have we finally solved the eternal problem of anchor watch? Watch to find out!

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In this episode we’re in full “get it done” mode as we race to finish three major projects before leaving on our next adventure with Helios!

First up — after weeks of planning, parts ordering, and preparation, we finally complete the full installation of the Lookout AI Camera System. Watch the whole process come together as we get this powerful new smart system up and running..

LOOKOUT combines data from charts, AIS, computer vision, and radar, then fuses it into one intuitive, 3D augmented reality view.

Next, we make some long-overdue custom cushions for Bob (our trusty dinghy) so he can rest comfortably and securely on the foredeck without damaging the deck or himself.

And finally, with all gas appliances now removed from the boat, we completely redesign and reorganise the aft locker to make much better use of the space.

Lots of satisfying progress in this one as we tick off big jobs and get Helios ready for the next chapter!

🛠️ Projects Featured:

• Lookout AI Camera System – Full Install

• Custom cushions for Bob the Dinghy

• Aft locker transformation (gas-free setup)

If you’re into boat projects, refits, cruising prep, and life aboard, hit LIKE and subscribe for more!

#Sailing #BoatLife #Helios #BoatRefit #LookoutAI #Cruising #Sailboat

For a limited time Lookout are offering a 10% discount to Sailing Helios viewers using the code “HELIOS10”. Go to https://www.getalookout.com/discount/HELIOS10

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Time is running out, and there’s still a mountain of work to do before we can set sail! In this episode, we test our brand new Seldon mainsail cars, give the mainsail a much-needed deep clean, and then dive into the big installation of our new Lookout AI camera system.
Richard spends over two hours at the top of the mast pulling new cables for the camera and upgrading the VHF system — and of course, not everything goes to plan! Meanwhile, Jude is back at the sewing machine as we finally solve the tricky boom tent project with a clever fix that makes it all come together.
Boat life, technical upgrades, problem-solving, and pre-departure prep — the real side of sailing life on Helios!

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We finally fixed the sewing machine — thank you so much for all your helpful suggestions! 🙏
But boat projects took a short back seat as we headed to Madrid for a couple of days. We soaked up the beautiful sights of the city and caught up with Jude’s brother who was visiting from California. Madrid really is stunning!
Back on the boat, it’s straight into work again: Jude returns to her sewing projects while Richard installs our brand new liferaft. We also get our first look at the exciting new Lookout AI camera system that just arrived — installation coming next week!
If you enjoyed this mix of travel and boat life, please give the video a thumbs up, comment below, and subscribe for more adventures aboard Sailing Helios!

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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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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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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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