Seven months ago, Rhonda sold everything, ditched land-life, and flew to Sydney to meet up with James and move aboard Triteia — a 30ft (9 meter) 1965 Alberg 30 sailboat. Rhonda’s now covered more than 1800NM cruising up the east coast of Australia, she’s visited 85 anchorages so far, and is currently preparing to sail to South East Asia, and onwards. In this episode I talk with Rhonda about how she came to live on the water cruising full-time with James, with one of the best love stories you’ll hear! We talk about jumping in the deep end to start a new life on the ocean, all the while sharing the journey on YouTube with thousands of followers around the globe. Rhonda also shares her experience fitting out her own van and solo-travelling for nine months exploring Aotearoa, New Zealand. If you’ve ever thought about trying van life or dreamed of sailing the world, this episode is for you. Rhonda shares about the realities and personal challenges that come with cruising full-time and living in a tiny space but also her joys on the journey, and encouragement for anyone seeking a life less ordinary. Connect via Instagram @rhonda.of.triteia @love_grub_galley & @james.the.sailor.man Youtube @LoveGrubGalley & @SailorJames Connect with Saltwater Journal ⁠@saltwater_journal⁠ Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Saltwater Journal⁠⁠⁠ EPISODE NOTES | Rhonda 1:41 Meeting James & SV Triteia 10:45 Saying yes to staying 13:07 A big adjustment 16:16 Reality vs perception 16:49 An intro to 9m Triteia 18:36 Challenges of boat life  20:43 Cooking in a small space 21:26 Being adaptable & creative 24:45 Alternative living & vanlife 26:41 Kitting out the van 28:53 Van life vs boat life 31:33 Home on the ocean  34:55 Nature and travel 37:22 Sailing in NZ & overseas 43:40 Swimming with sharks 45:17 Proud moments 50:54 Learning styles 51:46 Working together 52:27 Imposter syndrome 56:14 Just give it a go