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💥Hot off the press, Ultima is on the cover of May/June 2022 Ocean Navigator Magazine!!

Vivian took this shot off of the Pitons in St. Lucia while our crew Russ & David helped me raise our sail and tie in a reef before our offshore sail to St. Thomas. What a beautiful way to remember our 2021-2022 season in the Caribbean!

📸: @vizamedia

@oceannavmag @johnkretschmersailing
@zoomsails

Vivian’s latest article “Atlantic Waypoints” is online now, click the link in our profile or stories to view it! It’s also still in print in @yachtingworldmagazine’s September 2022 issue.

She writes about her Caribbean season followed by Ultima’s first transatlantic from St. Martin to Azores via Bermuda. The article is full of tips and insights for cruisers dreaming about sailing to Europe.

“Where possible, we enjoy experiencing life in the various ports we visit, and getting to know the locals and their community. Our Atlantic waypoints voyage had given us the best of both worlds – an adventurous crossing, and characterful islands to explore.”

Vivian’s latest article “Atlantic Waypoints” is online now, click the link in our profile or stories to view it! It’s also still in print in @yachtingworldmagazine’s September 2022 issue.

She writes about her Caribbean season followed by Ultima’s first transatlantic from St. Martin to Azores via Bermuda. The article is full of tips and insights for cruisers dreaming about sailing to Europe.

“Where possible, we enjoy experiencing life in the various ports we visit, and getting to know the locals and their community. Our Atlantic waypoints voyage had given us the best of both worlds – an adventurous crossing, and characterful islands to explore.”

Vivian’s latest article “Atlantic Waypoints” is online now, click the link in our profile or stories to view it! It’s also still in print in @yachtingworldmagazine’s September 2022 issue.

She writes about her Caribbean season followed by Ultima’s first transatlantic from St. Martin to Azores via Bermuda. The article is full of tips and insights for cruisers dreaming about sailing to Europe.

“Where possible, we enjoy experiencing life in the various ports we visit, and getting to know the locals and their community. Our Atlantic waypoints voyage had given us the best of both worlds – an adventurous crossing, and characterful islands to explore.”

Today’s the day! I've (Nathan) been editing and working with Bo Streiffert to make a North American paperback version of his original Skipper's Cockpit Guide, and it’s published by Adlard Coles, a division of Bloomsbury. It is an excellent source of information in a concise book with all the information you need for a USCG captain's license or RYA Yachtmaster or just a handy reference to have while you are sailing, perfect for new boat owners, beginning sailors, or experienced sea dogs.

You can preorder it from your prefered retailer using this link: geni.us/skippers-guide

Orders available today, July 26th!

Movement feels good at 31 weeks, so when our @zoomsails headsail needs to go up we work together. I have been taking it easy and Nathan’s been doing all the heavy lifting (as he usually does) but I try to help when I can these days. 😅💪🙋🏻‍♀️

Ultima is getting ready for her sail to New Caledonia. Nathan and crew will head out at the end of the month and I’ll be weather routing from our little nesting spot on land.

Just a few of the upgrades from Ultima’s latest yard period in lovely Whangarei, New Zealand.

1. Some serious maintenance and work on her boom includinginstalling lazy jacks! Finally after 6 years of doing things the hardest way possible (often my favorite way to do things). Dropping the main will no longer be a 2-3 person balancing act of flaking, dropping, and attempting to gather all the sail in an act akin to folding a napkin onto a toothpick while riding a tilt-a-whirl.

2. New hard solar panels totaling 460W. With more power we should be able to keep the batteries topped off even as we sail nearly due West across the Indian Ocean. We struggled on our Pacific Crossing with the sails shading the panels in the mid afternoon, and had to motor on occasion to keep the batteries up.
@raymarine also replaced our broken radar under warranty. So we will once again be able to track squalls, navigate fog, and see other vessels while using this marvelous technology.

3. Our solid fiberglass deck had just one spot with some coring, under the windlass, presumably to stiffen the deck for the loads put on the windlass by the anchor and chain. That coring, rotten since we bought the boat, is now replaced with new marine ply and properly glassed in so it should stay dry and solid for years to come. With the foredeck rebuilt we decided to go ahead and get a brand new Lofrans windlass and new chain, We now have 100 m in one length of 10mm G40 chain with another 50m of 16mm 8 plait nylon rode. The anchor locker also got its shelf for the secondary anchor rebuilt and a fresh coat of paint.

4. Finally we got a brand new drive unit for our beloved hydrovane. Our hydrovane has steered Ultima over 30,000 miles since we installed it back in 2021, and was getting a bit tired, especially after some botched maintenance by yours truly. Thanks to Will and Sarah and the whole team @hydrovane

I’m looking forward to getting back onboard and a fun sail up to New Caledonia at the end of the month.

Just a few of the upgrades from Ultima’s latest yard period in lovely Whangarei, New Zealand.

1. Some serious maintenance and work on her boom includinginstalling lazy jacks! Finally after 6 years of doing things the hardest way possible (often my favorite way to do things). Dropping the main will no longer be a 2-3 person balancing act of flaking, dropping, and attempting to gather all the sail in an act akin to folding a napkin onto a toothpick while riding a tilt-a-whirl.

2. New hard solar panels totaling 460W. With more power we should be able to keep the batteries topped off even as we sail nearly due West across the Indian Ocean. We struggled on our Pacific Crossing with the sails shading the panels in the mid afternoon, and had to motor on occasion to keep the batteries up.
@raymarine also replaced our broken radar under warranty. So we will once again be able to track squalls, navigate fog, and see other vessels while using this marvelous technology.

3. Our solid fiberglass deck had just one spot with some coring, under the windlass, presumably to stiffen the deck for the loads put on the windlass by the anchor and chain. That coring, rotten since we bought the boat, is now replaced with new marine ply and properly glassed in so it should stay dry and solid for years to come. With the foredeck rebuilt we decided to go ahead and get a brand new Lofrans windlass and new chain, We now have 100 m in one length of 10mm G40 chain with another 50m of 16mm 8 plait nylon rode. The anchor locker also got its shelf for the secondary anchor rebuilt and a fresh coat of paint.

4. Finally we got a brand new drive unit for our beloved hydrovane. Our hydrovane has steered Ultima over 30,000 miles since we installed it back in 2021, and was getting a bit tired, especially after some botched maintenance by yours truly. Thanks to Will and Sarah and the whole team @hydrovane

I’m looking forward to getting back onboard and a fun sail up to New Caledonia at the end of the month.

Just a few of the upgrades from Ultima’s latest yard period in lovely Whangarei, New Zealand.

1. Some serious maintenance and work on her boom includinginstalling lazy jacks! Finally after 6 years of doing things the hardest way possible (often my favorite way to do things). Dropping the main will no longer be a 2-3 person balancing act of flaking, dropping, and attempting to gather all the sail in an act akin to folding a napkin onto a toothpick while riding a tilt-a-whirl.

2. New hard solar panels totaling 460W. With more power we should be able to keep the batteries topped off even as we sail nearly due West across the Indian Ocean. We struggled on our Pacific Crossing with the sails shading the panels in the mid afternoon, and had to motor on occasion to keep the batteries up.
@raymarine also replaced our broken radar under warranty. So we will once again be able to track squalls, navigate fog, and see other vessels while using this marvelous technology.

3. Our solid fiberglass deck had just one spot with some coring, under the windlass, presumably to stiffen the deck for the loads put on the windlass by the anchor and chain. That coring, rotten since we bought the boat, is now replaced with new marine ply and properly glassed in so it should stay dry and solid for years to come. With the foredeck rebuilt we decided to go ahead and get a brand new Lofrans windlass and new chain, We now have 100 m in one length of 10mm G40 chain with another 50m of 16mm 8 plait nylon rode. The anchor locker also got its shelf for the secondary anchor rebuilt and a fresh coat of paint.

4. Finally we got a brand new drive unit for our beloved hydrovane. Our hydrovane has steered Ultima over 30,000 miles since we installed it back in 2021, and was getting a bit tired, especially after some botched maintenance by yours truly. Thanks to Will and Sarah and the whole team @hydrovane

I’m looking forward to getting back onboard and a fun sail up to New Caledonia at the end of the month.

Just a few of the upgrades from Ultima’s latest yard period in lovely Whangarei, New Zealand.

1. Some serious maintenance and work on her boom includinginstalling lazy jacks! Finally after 6 years of doing things the hardest way possible (often my favorite way to do things). Dropping the main will no longer be a 2-3 person balancing act of flaking, dropping, and attempting to gather all the sail in an act akin to folding a napkin onto a toothpick while riding a tilt-a-whirl.

2. New hard solar panels totaling 460W. With more power we should be able to keep the batteries topped off even as we sail nearly due West across the Indian Ocean. We struggled on our Pacific Crossing with the sails shading the panels in the mid afternoon, and had to motor on occasion to keep the batteries up.
@raymarine also replaced our broken radar under warranty. So we will once again be able to track squalls, navigate fog, and see other vessels while using this marvelous technology.

3. Our solid fiberglass deck had just one spot with some coring, under the windlass, presumably to stiffen the deck for the loads put on the windlass by the anchor and chain. That coring, rotten since we bought the boat, is now replaced with new marine ply and properly glassed in so it should stay dry and solid for years to come. With the foredeck rebuilt we decided to go ahead and get a brand new Lofrans windlass and new chain, We now have 100 m in one length of 10mm G40 chain with another 50m of 16mm 8 plait nylon rode. The anchor locker also got its shelf for the secondary anchor rebuilt and a fresh coat of paint.

4. Finally we got a brand new drive unit for our beloved hydrovane. Our hydrovane has steered Ultima over 30,000 miles since we installed it back in 2021, and was getting a bit tired, especially after some botched maintenance by yours truly. Thanks to Will and Sarah and the whole team @hydrovane

I’m looking forward to getting back onboard and a fun sail up to New Caledonia at the end of the month.

Splash day with a 7 month baby bump. Ultima is feeling a little more like home again after an almost 4 month yard period. Thank you to Norsand Yacht Services and all the contractors in Whangārei who worked hard while we were away.

Ultima is now gearing up for her journey to New Caledonia at the end of the month and I’m already having a little FOMO for missing out on these next few passages. All will be worth it come May when we get to meet our little boy/girl.

🐣 Any guesses?

Splash day with a 7 month baby bump. Ultima is feeling a little more like home again after an almost 4 month yard period. Thank you to Norsand Yacht Services and all the contractors in Whangārei who worked hard while we were away.

Ultima is now gearing up for her journey to New Caledonia at the end of the month and I’m already having a little FOMO for missing out on these next few passages. All will be worth it come May when we get to meet our little boy/girl.

🐣 Any guesses?

Splash day with a 7 month baby bump. Ultima is feeling a little more like home again after an almost 4 month yard period. Thank you to Norsand Yacht Services and all the contractors in Whangārei who worked hard while we were away.

Ultima is now gearing up for her journey to New Caledonia at the end of the month and I’m already having a little FOMO for missing out on these next few passages. All will be worth it come May when we get to meet our little boy/girl.

🐣 Any guesses?

Splash day with a 7 month baby bump. Ultima is feeling a little more like home again after an almost 4 month yard period. Thank you to Norsand Yacht Services and all the contractors in Whangārei who worked hard while we were away.

Ultima is now gearing up for her journey to New Caledonia at the end of the month and I’m already having a little FOMO for missing out on these next few passages. All will be worth it come May when we get to meet our little boy/girl.

🐣 Any guesses?

Splash day with a 7 month baby bump. Ultima is feeling a little more like home again after an almost 4 month yard period. Thank you to Norsand Yacht Services and all the contractors in Whangārei who worked hard while we were away.

Ultima is now gearing up for her journey to New Caledonia at the end of the month and I’m already having a little FOMO for missing out on these next few passages. All will be worth it come May when we get to meet our little boy/girl.

🐣 Any guesses?

Sign up for a Heavy Weather Passage Opportunity
From New Zealand to New Caledonia with Nathan on SV Ultima sailing 1200nm
We have 1 Spot Available!
28 March - 07 April 2026

Email us directly at
Info@sailoceanpassages.com or
Jrkretschmer@gmail.com

We’ll be hanging out and discussing sailing and cruising topics with @hydrovane, @sailing.kaia, & @pelagicbluecruising at the @seattleboatshow tomorrow.

Join us tomorrow on Saturday, January 31 at 1100!

Come get cozy and hide from the rain! ⛈️

We’ll be hanging out and discussing sailing and cruising topics with @hydrovane, @sailing.kaia, & @pelagicbluecruising at the @seattleboatshow tomorrow.

Join us tomorrow on Saturday, January 31 at 1100!

Come get cozy and hide from the rain! ⛈️

Join us tomorrow Friday, Jan 30 at the Seattle Boat Show!
We’ll be hosting live, FREE Seminars on Stage 2 at 1215 and at 1615!
1215: THE COCONUT MILK RUN - Island Hopping through the South Pacific
1615: CREW MANAGEMENT - Tips on helping crew feel safe, capable, confident, ready, and willing to help aboard your boat.

See you all there

We’ve been quiet on the socials lately but it’s because we’ve been preparing for a new addition to the Ultima crew.

We had a busy last few weeks but had the pleasure to attend John & Tadji’s party for all the shipmates who have sailed on Quetzal. Seeing everyone who has traveled far and wide to be part of their story gave us all the more reason to keep pressing on with our own sailing journey. It’s been a challenge wondering all the what’s and where’s and how’s but if sailing has taught us anything, it’s just to go with the flow. 🌊

We always joked that it took both of us to do what @johnkretschmersailing does. But after 6 years running Ocean Passages and sailing over 50,000nm conducting 47 training passages aboard Ultima, Nathan is still keen and eager as ever to continue crossing oceans with our amazing crew while me and baby will meet him along the way.

2027 schedule will be posted soon but we’re only changing a couple passages around so Nathan can be around for the birth.
For now, we’re celebrating, taking it easy, and looking forward to meeting our little one due in May.

Happy holidays and much love from Nathan & Vivian.

Thanks for the cute pics of us all dressed up to @demilalonde & @gntsailing

We’ve been quiet on the socials lately but it’s because we’ve been preparing for a new addition to the Ultima crew.

We had a busy last few weeks but had the pleasure to attend John & Tadji’s party for all the shipmates who have sailed on Quetzal. Seeing everyone who has traveled far and wide to be part of their story gave us all the more reason to keep pressing on with our own sailing journey. It’s been a challenge wondering all the what’s and where’s and how’s but if sailing has taught us anything, it’s just to go with the flow. 🌊

We always joked that it took both of us to do what @johnkretschmersailing does. But after 6 years running Ocean Passages and sailing over 50,000nm conducting 47 training passages aboard Ultima, Nathan is still keen and eager as ever to continue crossing oceans with our amazing crew while me and baby will meet him along the way.

2027 schedule will be posted soon but we’re only changing a couple passages around so Nathan can be around for the birth.
For now, we’re celebrating, taking it easy, and looking forward to meeting our little one due in May.

Happy holidays and much love from Nathan & Vivian.

Thanks for the cute pics of us all dressed up to @demilalonde & @gntsailing

Sunset rituals on Ultima.
We always have a conversation on whether or not we will see a green flash but we do not always remember if the last one we saw was three sunsets ago or four. 😂

BTW yes, I am a professional sailor who gets seasick. 🙋🏻‍♀️🤢

Do you get seasick?

It’s almost workshop time again at John Kretschmer Sailing.We’ve expanded our program this year, and have four unique offerings that will help you prepare for blue water sailing and world cruising. Just like everything else we do, we take a hands-on approach to sharing information and always manage to have a lot of fun in the process. We keep class sizes manageable and still have a few openings left so please consider joining us this November in Fort Lauderdale.

November 13-16, JKU Blue Water Cruising Workshop with John Kretschmer and Bob Pingel.This is a far ranging, highly informative 4 days of total seamanship immersion. The discussions range from equipment priorities to storm management to worldwide route planning. You will learn to splice dyneema, make soft shackles, and build rigging terminals.The safety at sea day includes a liferaft launch and fresh thinking on Man Overboard strategies. $`1350

November 17, Choosing and Refitting an Older Boat for a Circumnavigation. Nathan Zahrt and Vivian Vuoung of S/V Ultima, lead this one day deep dive into selecting a capable boat and making the right modifications for far ranging and comfortable ocean crossings. $375

November 18, Cooking in Heels, This one day workshop, also conducted by Nathan and Vivian, discusses provisioning insights from different countries, organizing and storing foods and cooking in all conditions.The food aboard Ultima is always amazing, learn their tips and techniques $375

November 19-22, Celestial and Natural Navigation.This four day workshop will turn you into a competent celestial navigator and ignite a passion for the night sky and natural oceanic world.From sun sights to sea birds, from plotting multibody star fixes to interpreting the swell, this workshop is truly unique and connects you to the ocean in a profound way. $1350

For more details, click on the link in bio or send an email to jrkretschmer@gmail.com

#sailinglife #sail #sailing #sailboat #sailboats #sailor#johnkretschmersailing #offshoresailing#adventure #offshore #offshoresailing #passagemaking #oceansailing #ocean #stormsailing #force10 #atlanticsailing #atlanticcrossing #sailingworkshop

It’s almost workshop time again at John Kretschmer Sailing.We’ve expanded our program this year, and have four unique offerings that will help you prepare for blue water sailing and world cruising. Just like everything else we do, we take a hands-on approach to sharing information and always manage to have a lot of fun in the process. We keep class sizes manageable and still have a few openings left so please consider joining us this November in Fort Lauderdale.

November 13-16, JKU Blue Water Cruising Workshop with John Kretschmer and Bob Pingel.This is a far ranging, highly informative 4 days of total seamanship immersion. The discussions range from equipment priorities to storm management to worldwide route planning. You will learn to splice dyneema, make soft shackles, and build rigging terminals.The safety at sea day includes a liferaft launch and fresh thinking on Man Overboard strategies. $`1350

November 17, Choosing and Refitting an Older Boat for a Circumnavigation. Nathan Zahrt and Vivian Vuoung of S/V Ultima, lead this one day deep dive into selecting a capable boat and making the right modifications for far ranging and comfortable ocean crossings. $375

November 18, Cooking in Heels, This one day workshop, also conducted by Nathan and Vivian, discusses provisioning insights from different countries, organizing and storing foods and cooking in all conditions.The food aboard Ultima is always amazing, learn their tips and techniques $375

November 19-22, Celestial and Natural Navigation.This four day workshop will turn you into a competent celestial navigator and ignite a passion for the night sky and natural oceanic world.From sun sights to sea birds, from plotting multibody star fixes to interpreting the swell, this workshop is truly unique and connects you to the ocean in a profound way. $1350

For more details, click on the link in bio or send an email to jrkretschmer@gmail.com

#sailinglife #sail #sailing #sailboat #sailboats #sailor#johnkretschmersailing #offshoresailing#adventure #offshore #offshoresailing #passagemaking #oceansailing #ocean #stormsailing #force10 #atlanticsailing #atlanticcrossing #sailingworkshop

It’s almost workshop time again at John Kretschmer Sailing.We’ve expanded our program this year, and have four unique offerings that will help you prepare for blue water sailing and world cruising. Just like everything else we do, we take a hands-on approach to sharing information and always manage to have a lot of fun in the process. We keep class sizes manageable and still have a few openings left so please consider joining us this November in Fort Lauderdale.

November 13-16, JKU Blue Water Cruising Workshop with John Kretschmer and Bob Pingel.This is a far ranging, highly informative 4 days of total seamanship immersion. The discussions range from equipment priorities to storm management to worldwide route planning. You will learn to splice dyneema, make soft shackles, and build rigging terminals.The safety at sea day includes a liferaft launch and fresh thinking on Man Overboard strategies. $`1350

November 17, Choosing and Refitting an Older Boat for a Circumnavigation. Nathan Zahrt and Vivian Vuoung of S/V Ultima, lead this one day deep dive into selecting a capable boat and making the right modifications for far ranging and comfortable ocean crossings. $375

November 18, Cooking in Heels, This one day workshop, also conducted by Nathan and Vivian, discusses provisioning insights from different countries, organizing and storing foods and cooking in all conditions.The food aboard Ultima is always amazing, learn their tips and techniques $375

November 19-22, Celestial and Natural Navigation.This four day workshop will turn you into a competent celestial navigator and ignite a passion for the night sky and natural oceanic world.From sun sights to sea birds, from plotting multibody star fixes to interpreting the swell, this workshop is truly unique and connects you to the ocean in a profound way. $1350

For more details, click on the link in bio or send an email to jrkretschmer@gmail.com

#sailinglife #sail #sailing #sailboat #sailboats #sailor#johnkretschmersailing #offshoresailing#adventure #offshore #offshoresailing #passagemaking #oceansailing #ocean #stormsailing #force10 #atlanticsailing #atlanticcrossing #sailingworkshop

It’s almost workshop time again at John Kretschmer Sailing.We’ve expanded our program this year, and have four unique offerings that will help you prepare for blue water sailing and world cruising. Just like everything else we do, we take a hands-on approach to sharing information and always manage to have a lot of fun in the process. We keep class sizes manageable and still have a few openings left so please consider joining us this November in Fort Lauderdale.

November 13-16, JKU Blue Water Cruising Workshop with John Kretschmer and Bob Pingel.This is a far ranging, highly informative 4 days of total seamanship immersion. The discussions range from equipment priorities to storm management to worldwide route planning. You will learn to splice dyneema, make soft shackles, and build rigging terminals.The safety at sea day includes a liferaft launch and fresh thinking on Man Overboard strategies. $`1350

November 17, Choosing and Refitting an Older Boat for a Circumnavigation. Nathan Zahrt and Vivian Vuoung of S/V Ultima, lead this one day deep dive into selecting a capable boat and making the right modifications for far ranging and comfortable ocean crossings. $375

November 18, Cooking in Heels, This one day workshop, also conducted by Nathan and Vivian, discusses provisioning insights from different countries, organizing and storing foods and cooking in all conditions.The food aboard Ultima is always amazing, learn their tips and techniques $375

November 19-22, Celestial and Natural Navigation.This four day workshop will turn you into a competent celestial navigator and ignite a passion for the night sky and natural oceanic world.From sun sights to sea birds, from plotting multibody star fixes to interpreting the swell, this workshop is truly unique and connects you to the ocean in a profound way. $1350

For more details, click on the link in bio or send an email to jrkretschmer@gmail.com

#sailinglife #sail #sailing #sailboat #sailboats #sailor#johnkretschmersailing #offshoresailing#adventure #offshore #offshoresailing #passagemaking #oceansailing #ocean #stormsailing #force10 #atlanticsailing #atlanticcrossing #sailingworkshop