Join Bela Musits and fellow sailor Mike Malekoff as they reflect on the journey so far, sailing up the scenic East Coast of the United States aboard Mike’s Hunter 44 Deck Salon. In this insightful episode, they share stories, lessons learned, and favorite moments from their adventure sailing from Brunswick, Georgia to Burlington, Vermont.

They discuss the highs and lows of long-distance coastal cruising, including navigating tight inlets, dodging weather systems, and making memorable stops in charming maritime towns. Bela and Mike also offer practical insights for aspiring cruisers — from provisioning tips to boat handling, anchoring strategies, and how to adapt to life aboard over an extended trip.

Whether you're an experienced sailor, a weekend boater, or dreaming about your first coastal adventure, this episode is full of real-life takeaways from two passionate sailors.

Key Highlights:

• 🧭 Reflecting on the route and key stops along the East Coast
  

• 🌦️ Dealing with unpredictable weather and learning from challenging days
  

• 🧳 The importance of preparation, provisioning, and flexibility
  

• 📸 Visual elements: the YouTube version of the episode features stunning photos and short video clips captured during the trip
  

Watch the Video Version on YouTube: 📽️ Note: This podcast episode is also available in video format, showcasing still images and video clips captured throughout the trip.

Keywords for SEO & Discovery: sailing podcast, east coast sailing, Hunter 44 Deck Salon, sailboat cruising, sailing stories, Brunswick to Vermont, ICW sailing, boat life, liveaboard tips, sailing adventures, cruising lifestyle, East Coast ICW, boating podcast, sailing reflections, offshore sailing, marina life, coastal navigation, sailboat journey, Mike Malekoff, Bela Musits

Subscribe & Follow: Don’t miss upcoming episodes as Bela and Mike continue their journey north! Subscribe to Sailing and Cruising the East Coast of the United States on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform.

Thanks for Listening!If you enjoyed this episode, please consider rating and reviewing the podcast — it helps more sailors and dreamers discover the show. Have a sailing story or technical tip you’d like to share? Reach out via email at sailingtheeast@gmail.com

Episode Summary: Welcome to another episode of Sailing and Cruising the East Coast of the United States! In this episode, host Bela Musits sits down with Charlie Kirchofer. This is Charlie’s second time on the podcast. In EP-133 we discussed his recent purchase of a 2022 Beneteau Oceanis 38.1. In this episode we discuss hiring a captain to help Charlie and his partner move the boat from Annapolis to Boston. Charlie has no offshore experience and we are reluctant to do such a long trip without experienced assistance onboard.

We took a deep dive on hiring a captain and here are some tips:

Ask Around: Word of mouth or referrals from local marinas or sailing friends can be your best source.

Have a Conversation: Get on the phone with the captain beforehand to make sure your sailing styles and goals align.

Set Expectations: Clarify responsibilities—will you be hands-on or just observing? Are you looking to learn or just get the boat moved?

Be Prepared: Make sure your boat is ready—fuel, systems checked, provisions in place. The captain isn’t there to do maintenance.

Watch and Learn: Use the opportunity to soak up knowledge. Experienced captains can show you how to manage conditions and make better decisions on the water.

Connect With Us:

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it helps us reach more sailing enthusiasts like you! Send us your comments and suggestions. sailingtheeast@gmail.com

Happy Sailing!

Bela and Mike

Episode Summary: In this insightful episode of Sailing and Cruising the East Coast of the United States, Bela Musits and fellow sailor Mike Malekoff dive into an important and all-too-common issue faced by boat owners—fuel tank problems. Recorded aboard Mike's Hunter 44 Deck Salon during their voyage from Brunswick, Georgia to Burlington, Vermont, this conversation takes a practical look at what can go wrong with diesel fuel systems, how to recognize early warning signs, and the best ways to fix and prevent issues while cruising the Eastern Seaboard.

⚙️ Why This Episode Matters: Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or a weekend sailor, understanding your fuel system is essential. Bela and Mike share firsthand stories, technical knowledge, and lessons learned through experience, offering valuable takeaways for anyone sailing the U.S. East Coast—or preparing for an extended journey. Issues like algae in diesel fuel, fuel polishing, and the role of water separators are all covered in plain language, making this episode accessible and practical for all sailors.

🗺️ About the Voyage: This episode is part of a mini-series documenting Bela and Mike’s 2024 trip up the East Coast aboard a Hunter 44DS. Along the way, they encounter the joys and challenges of long-distance cruising, from mechanical setbacks to serene anchorages. The trip covers major ICW stops and offshore segments, providing a real-life look at life aboard a modern cruising sailboat.

📸 Watch the Video Version: Want to see more than just hear it? The video edition includes photos and short clips captured throughout the journey. It’s a great way to visualize the voyage and the fuel system issues discussed.

🔧 Technical Topics Covered:

• Primary vs. secondary fuel filters

• Overfilling a fuel tank

• Best practices for installing access ports in a fuel tank

• How to avoid stirring up sludge when refueling

📢 SEO Keywords for This Episode: fuel tank issues on sailboats, diesel fuel problems marine, Hunter 44DS cruising, east coast ICW sailing, sailing podcast 2025, fuel system troubleshooting, Racor fuel filter maintenance, algae in diesel tank, ICW sailing experience, Hunter sailboat engine tips

🧭 Subscribe and Follow: Love learning about sailing, cruising, and boat maintenance? Subscribe to Sailing and Cruising the East Coast of the United States wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes feature practical advice, real stories, and insights from sailors who’ve been there and done that.

📬 Connect with Us: Have a sailing story or technical tip you’d like to share? Reach out via email at sailingtheeast@gmail.com

Join us on another episode of Sailing & Cruising the East Coast of the United States, where we document an unforgettable leg of our journey: sailing from Beaufort to Oriental, North Carolina. This episode is part of a multi-part series recorded onboard a Hunter 44 Deck Salon, as we relocated the vessel from Brunswick, Georgia to Burlington, Vermont.

Hosted by Bela Musits and joined by fellow sailor and boat owner Mike Malekoff, this episode captures the essence of small-town charm, open water adventure, and life aboard a cruising sailboat navigating the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW).

🌊 Episode Highlights:

• Departing the historic maritime hub of Beaufort, NC

• Navigating canals, bridges, and markers through the Intracoastal Waterway

• Our scenic and peaceful arrival into Oriental, the Sailing Capital of North Carolina

• Docking challenges and anchoring tips from real-time experience

• Capturing the magic of golden hour on the water with photos and video (available in the video version)

• Evening reflections recorded onboard
  

⛵ Topics Covered:

• Sailing and cruising best practices along the U.S. East Coast

• Day-in-the-life insights from liveaboard sailors

• Using navigation tools and local knowledge for safe passage

• Marina life vs. anchoring out — pros, cons, and candid reflections

• What makes Oriental a favorite stop for cruisers heading north or south on the ICW
  

🧭 Why This Episode is a Must-Listen for Cruisers: If you're planning a cruise along the East Coast of the U.S., especially on the ICW, this episode offers practical takeaways and a vivid firsthand account of what to expect in this stretch of the journey. From bridge openings to currents and tides, we discuss real-world challenges and how we dealt with them.

This segment is ideal for:

• New sailors looking for confidence on the ICW

• East Coast cruisers researching anchorages and towns worth stopping in

• Fans of slow travel and boat life stories

• Anyone curious about the cruising lifestyle or boat relocation adventures
  

🎧 Audio Note: This podcast was recorded on the boat, often at the end of each day. You’ll hear the ambient sounds of marina life and nature, adding to the authenticity. For a richer visual experience, check out the video version with photos and clips from this leg of our voyage.

📍 About the Route: We begin in Beaufort, known for its maritime history and waterfront charm, and head up through scenic stretches of the North Carolina ICW. Along the way, we pass through peaceful waters, quiet inlets, and picturesque canals before arriving in Oriental, a haven for sailors and one of the most welcoming boating communities on the East Coast.

🚤 About the Boat: The vessel for this trip is a Hunter 44 Deck Salon, a spacious and comfortable cruiser perfect for coastal passages and long-term living aboard. Listen in as we share our experiences managing systems, provisioning, and handling the boat on this multi-state journey.

🔗 Connect & Subscribe: Don’t miss future episodes as we continue north toward Burlington, Vermont. Subscribe and follow Sailing & Cruising the East Coast of the United States wherever you get your podcasts. Share with fellow cruisers and help us grow our community of sailors, dreamers, and adventurers!

📸 Watch the Video Version: For visuals of our trip from Beaufort to Oriental, check out the video podcast featuring photos and short clips from the water. It’s the next best thing to being there!

#SailingPodcast #EastCoastCruising #ICW #BoatLife #Hunter44 #BeaufortNC #OrientalNC #LiveaboardLife #SailingUSA #CruisingCommunity #SailingAdventure

Mark D'Alton, a seasoned sailor and friend of Mike Wasserman, brings a fresh perspective on sailing the canals of Europe in a 100 year old barge.

You’ll hear about:

• Mark’s transition from coastal sailor to canal adventurer

• Sailing in Europe as compared to sailing in the USA

• Reflections on sailing culture and what makes the boating lifestyle so rewarding
  

🧭 Why This Episode Matters: Whether you’re a weekend sailor, a full-time cruiser, or just love great stories from the water, this episode offers a rare glimpse into the practicalities and pleasures of long-distance sailing. 💬 Listener Favorite Moments:

• Mark sharing his first impressions boarding the boat after weeks of updates

• Navigating inland waterways including dealing with commercial traffic.
  

🎧 Perfect For Listeners Who Love:

• Sailing and cruising podcasts
  

• Friendship and travel stories
  

• DIY sailing and problem-solving on the water
  

🌐 SEO Keywords: sailing podcast, liveaboard sailing, european canals, inland waterways, boat life, cruising lifestyle, Mark D'Alton sailor, sailing adventures, nautical travel, boating podcast, cruising stories

Connect With Us:

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it helps us reach more sailing enthusiasts like you! You can connect with us at sailingtheeast@gmail.com

Happy Sailing!

Bela and Mike

Welcome aboard another episode of Sailing and Cruising the East Coast of the United States! I’m your host, Bela Musits, and in this episode, we continue our journey north aboard a Hunter 44DS, as we relocate the boat from Brunswick, Georgia to Burlington, Vermont.

Joined by sailor, good friend, and boat owner Mike Maloff, we share real-life stories, challenges, and logistics of moving a cruising sailboat through the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) and beyond. In this installment, we dive into a major topic for East Coast cruisers: navigating bridges.

Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a dreamer planning your own voyage, this episode is packed with helpful insights:

• 🚧 Bridge protocols and how to handle VHF radio communications with bridge tenders
  

• ⛵ Timing tides and currents to get under fixed bridges safely
  

• 🗺️ The importance of route planning through major ICW cities like Charleston, Norfolk, and New York
  

• ⚓ Real-world anecdotes from our anchorages, marinas, and passages
  

• 🔧 Unexpected maintenance stories and lessons learned while underway
  

• 🌉 The quirks of swing, bascule, lift, and fixed bridges along the ICW
  

Sailing the East Coast of the U.S. is about more than just beautiful scenery — it's about knowing the waters, understanding the infrastructure, and appreciating the people you meet along the way. This episode captures that essence.

🎧 Recorded live aboard Mikes boat, most segments were captured at anchor or in marinas after long sailing days. Expect an authentic soundscape with some natural background ambience — it’s all part of the experience.

📽️ Don’t forget: the video version of this episode includes bonus photos and video clips from our trip. Check it out if you want a visual look at the bridges and landscapes we discuss.

• 00:04 — Intro to the journey and boat
  

• 04:12 — Bridge opening schedules and VHF etiquette
  

• 11:35 — Tidal planning and mast clearance strategies
  

• 19:20 — Unexpected delay in South Carolina
  

• 24:55 — Night anchoring just before a low-clearance bridge
  

• 30:10 — Reflections on ICW vs. offshore sailing routes
  

If you’re enjoying this podcast, don’t forget to: ✅ Subscribe ⭐ Leave a review 📬 Share it with fellow sailors and dreamers

Thanks for listening, and we’ll see you on the next leg of our voyage up the beautiful U.S. East Coast. Fair winds! 🌬️⚓

Join host Bela Musits and fellow sailor Mike Malekoff as they continue their voyage up the East Coast of the U.S. aboard Mike’s Hunter 44, Deck Salon. In this episode, we anchor out in Butler’s Creek as part of a multi-leg trip from Brunswick, GA to Burlington, VT. The route offers a mix of motoring and sailing, with real-time insights into navigation, boat life, and the joys and challenges of coastal cruising.

This episode is part of an ongoing documentary-style sailing series capturing the liveaboard experience, offering tips and commentary on East Coast marinas, anchorages, currents, and inland waterways. Recorded onboard—either at anchor or dockside—this episode captures the rhythm of life aboard a cruising sailboat.

🚤 In This Episode:

• Anchoring in Butler’s Creek

• Reflections on ICW segments and inland water travel

• Boat handling tips when motoring in narrow channels

• Weather challenges and strategic anchoring decisions

• Personal anecdotes from life aboard
  

⛵ Whether you’re an experienced cruiser, preparing for your first voyage, or simply fascinated by life on the water, this episode delivers an authentic look into America’s Atlantic coast by sailboat.

📌 Follow the Journey Subscribe and leave a review! Follow us for future episodes as we sail north through iconic stops and hidden gems from Georgia to Vermont.

Connect With Us:

Our email is Sailingtheeast@gmail.com

Happy Sailing!

Bela and Mike

Welcome back to the Sailing and Cruising the East Coast of the United States podcast! I’m your host, Bela Musits, and in this special episode, we kick off a two-part conversation with seasoned sailor and liveaboard cruiser Mark D'Alton.

For our regular listeners, you know we’ve been chronicling our trip moving Mike Malekoff’s Hunter 44 Deck Salon from Brunswick, Georgia to Burlington, Vermont. But today, we take a thoughtful detour to feature Mark D'Alton unique sailing journey and philosophy on life aboard a boat.

🎙️ In This Episode:

• Mark’s background and how he got into sailing full-time
  

• What it’s really like to live aboard for extended periods
  

• Why choosing the right boat is about purpose more than size
  

• The importance of mindset when things go wrong offshore
  

• Practical tips for managing power, systems, and provisioning
  

• How community and solitude coexist in the cruising lifestyle
  

⛵ Who Is Mark D'Alton? Mark is not just a sailor—he’s a storyteller, a teacher, and a man who has found deep meaning in the cruising life. With years of experience sailing the East Coast and beyond, Mark shares heartfelt insights on everything from boat maintenance and anchoring strategies to the emotional ups and downs of life at sea.

Whether he’s talking about engine failures, tricky weather windows, or unforgettable sunsets, Mark brings wisdom, humor, and a calm, centered perspective that will resonate with sailors of all levels.

🧭 Episode Highlights

• “You don’t own a boat. A boat owns you. And that’s a good thing if you’re ready for it.”
  

• Why flexibility is the most powerful tool a cruiser has
  

• How to prepare mentally and practically for long passages
  

• What Mark looks for in weather forecasts (and when to ignore them)
  

• 
  

💡 Listener Takeaways:

• You’ll learn how to think like a long-term cruiser
  

• Understand the emotional reality of being at sea for weeks
  

• Get practical ideas for boat prep, repairs, and provisioning
  

• Discover how to stay connected and find community while sailing
  

📸 This audio episode is part of a broader visual journey we’ve been capturing on video, featuring both stunning footage and day-by-day logs from our coastal voyage. If you’re interested in seeing the images behind the stories, check out our companion video episodes.

🔍 SEO Keywords for Search: sailing podcast, Mark D'Alton sailor, Hunter 44 Deck Salon, liveaboard lifestyle, East Coast cruising, ICW sailing, boat ownership tips, provisioning for cruisers, offshore sailing mindset, Bela Musits podcast, Mike Malekoff boat journey, sailing interviews, full-time cruising advice

🎧 Don’t Miss Part 2! This is just the beginning. In Part 2 of our interview with Mark Dalton, we go even deeper into his philosophies on self-reliance, boat design, and navigating personal change through sailing. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss it!

Connect With Us:

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it helps us reach more sailing enthusiasts like you! You can connect with us at sailingtheeast@gmail.com

Happy Sailing!

Bela and Mike