Welcome aboard another episode of Sailing and Cruising the East Coast of the United States! In Episode 149, your co-hosts Bela Musits and Mike Malekoff share their unforgettable experience sailing from Hampton, Virginia to Sandy Hook, New Jersey aboard Mike’s Hunter 44 Deck Salon.

This episode is part of our special series chronicling our multi-week journey relocating the boat from Brunswick, Georgia to Burlington, Vermont. In this leg of the trip, we cover our passage through the Chesapeake Bay, across the Delaware Bay, and up the New Jersey coast — some of the most beautiful and challenging stretches on the East Coast.

🌊 Episode Highlights:

• Leaving Hampton, Virginia: Departing the sheltered waters of the Chesapeake and heading into open water always brings excitement and a bit of anxiety. Bela and Mike describe their strategy for choosing a good weather window and preparing the boat for offshore conditions.
  

• Offshore Sailing Along the New Jersey Coast: One of the most unpredictable parts of the trip, the Jersey coastline offers little protection from sudden changes in weather. Bela and Mike share how they adjusted their plans based on wind, sea state, and fatigue.
  

• Life Aboard the Boat: From cooking meals underway to dodging crab pots and commercial traffic, Bela and Mike reflect on the little things that make cruising both a challenge and a joy.
  

⚓ Why You Should Listen: Whether you're an experienced cruiser, a weekend sailor, or someone who dreams of sailing the Intracoastal Waterway and beyond, this episode offers a firsthand account of what it’s like to cruise up the U.S. East Coast. Learn what worked, what didn’t, and what they’d do differently next time. This episode is a goldmine of practical insights and personal stories.

📍 Locations Mentioned:

• Hampton, Virginia
  

• Chesapeake Bay
  

• C&D Canal
  

• Delaware Bay
  

• Cape May, NJ
  

• Atlantic City, NJ
  

• Sandy Hook, NJ
  

🧭 Keywords for SEO Discovery: Sailing Chesapeake Bay, Delaware Bay sailing, C&D Canal navigation, Hunter 44 Deck Salon, coastal cruising podcast, East Coast sailing, offshore sailing New Jersey, sailboat relocation, sailing adventures, Sandy Hook sailing, cruising the East Coast, sailing podcast, ICW sailing series, marina hopping on the East Coast.

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

In this episode of Sailing and Cruising the East Coast of the United States, Bela Musits and co-host Mike Wasserman welcome Robert Sweet — a sailor with an unconventional beginning. Robert lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, far from the ocean. Yet his passion for sailing grew steadily, from childhood outings on a 19-foot O’Day Day Sailer to charting trips in the Virgin Islands.

Bela and Robert dive into the unique challenges and rewards of becoming a boat owner later in life. Robert shares how he and his wife — both in their 60s — transitioned from occasional day sails on vacation to seriously planning for boat ownership. Their journey began with modest sailing experiences with the occasional skippered day sail. Over decades, the idea of owning a boat evolved from a casual dream into a concrete goal.

To prepare, Robert and his wife booked progressively more immersive sailing experiences. They spent a night aboard a sailboat on Puget Sound, completed ASA 101 and 103 courses in San Diego, and tested overnight stays in various harbors. Each step helped fill gaps in their knowledge.

The couple planned two key charters to shape their buying decisions: a three-day trip in the Florida Keys aboard a heavy, blue-water center-cockpit boat, and a week in the Virgin Islands on a modern production cruiser — a Jeanneau Sun Odyssey. Their goal was to compare styles, comfort, and performance before committing to a purchase.

But as often happens, life intervened. The Florida Keys trip was postponed three times — first by Robert’s mountain biking injury, then by his wife’s back surgery, and finally by scheduling changes. Eventually, they made the Keys trip in December, followed by the Virgin Islands charter over Easter.

During the downtime, Robert immersed himself in research — online articles, boat buying guides, and, crucially, sailing podcasts. He discovered Bela’s show and was struck by the host’s perspective as an “older buyer.” Unlike the typical narrative of a 30-year-old dropping everything to sail away, Bela’s discussions addressed the practical realities of starting serious sailing later in life: ergonomics, safety, injury prevention, and choosing a boat suited to physical comfort.

Robert emphasizes that boat accessibility is a real concern. Newer boats often have higher freeboards, making boarding a challenge — especially for shorter crew members. Testing boarding methods became part of their evaluation process when visiting marinas and inspecting potential boats.

Robert’s story is a reminder that you don’t have to grow up near the sea to become a competent and passionate sailor. His methodical approach — gaining experience in varied conditions, learning boat systems, and realistically assessing personal capabilities — offers valuable lessons for anyone considering buying a boat later in life.

Key Topics Covered in This Episode:

• Growing up sailing small boats and rediscovering the sport decades later

• Transitioning from day sails to overnight trips and multi-day charters

• Taking ASA sailing courses to build confidence and competence

• Comparing blue-water cruisers vs. modern production boats

• Overcoming physical and logistical challenges as older sailors

• How to evaluate boarding ease, cockpit layout, and overall ergonomics

• The importance of testing boats in different sailing locations and conditions

Whether you’re an experienced sailor, a dreamer still waiting to cast off, or someone returning to sailing after many years, Robert’s journey proves that passion and persistence can bridge the gap between landlocked life and cruising the Bahamas.

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

Join hosts Bela Musits and Mike Malekoff in this episode of Sailing and Cruising the East Coast of the United States as they document their exciting leg of the journey from Chesapeake, Virginia to Hampton, Virginia aboard a Hunter 44 Deck Salon. This episode is part of an ongoing series chronicling their northbound passage from Brunswick, Georgia to Burlington, Vermont.

In this episode, recorded live aboard the boat, Bela and Mike share real-time reflections from the cockpit and evenings at anchor or in marinas. They offer a firsthand account of the sailing conditions, navigation challenges, and memorable moments that defined this segment of their trip.

🧭 Topics Covered:

• Going through the only lock on the ICW

• Maneuvering through strong currents and shifting winds

• Sailing past historic landmarks and naval installations

• Tips for dealing with channel markers and tugboats

• Arrival logistics and docking strategy in Hampton Marina
  

🎙️ Bela and Mike reflect on the beauty of the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) and the contrast between the serenity of the Dismal Swamp and the busy commercial traffic near Norfolk. They also discuss the technical aspects of navigating this section of the ICW, sharing helpful advice for fellow cruisers.

📸 While the video version of this episode includes snapshots and brief video clips from their journey, this audio episode captures the authenticity of cruising life—complete with the ambient sounds of wind, water, and marina life.

Why Listen? Whether you're planning your own coastal adventure, dreaming of the liveaboard lifestyle, or just love the thrill of maritime travel, this episode offers valuable insights, humor, and the camaraderie that comes with sailing long distances. Learn from seasoned cruisers as they recount both the joys and lessons of this part of the East Coast voyage.

🔍 Keywords for Search/SEO: Sailing Chesapeake Bay, Hampton Virginia sailing, Intracoastal Waterway, Dismal Swamp Canal, Hunter 44 Deck Salon, sailing podcast East Coast, cruising the ICW, Norfolk harbor, coastal navigation, liveaboard sailboat, sailing with Bela Musits and Mike Malekoff

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

Join hosts Bela Musits and Mike Malekoff on another exciting leg of their journey sailing the East Coast of the United States aboard Mike’s Hunter 44 Deck Salon. In this episode, they travel from Coinjock, North Carolina to Chesapeake, Virginia, sharing their real-time experiences navigating the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), docking at unique ports, and discovering the rich maritime culture of the region.

This episode is part of an immersive podcast series chronicling Bela and Mike’s voyage relocating a Hunter 44 DS sailboat from Brunswick, Georgia to Burlington, Vermont. Each episode dives into a different stretch of the trip, offering practical tips, local highlights, and a candid look into the cruising lifestyle.

🎧 What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• Reflections on their departure from Coinjock Marina, a well-known ICW stop with a legendary prime rib dinner.
  

• Details on the day’s route up the North Landing River, passing through scenic canals, swing bridges, and marshland.
  

• The arrival into Chesapeake, Virginia, including docking at a free public dock in the heart of the city—an unexpected but welcome discovery for cruisers.
  

🌊 Cruising the ICW: A Firsthand Look Sailors, aspiring cruisers, and East Coast adventurers will appreciate the firsthand look at traversing one of America’s great boating highways. Bela and Mike share both the technical details—bridge clearances, marina amenities, and route planning—as well as the joys of discovering charming towns and relaxing on deck after a long day underway.

⛵ Why Chesapeake, VA Stands Out Chesapeake isn’t just a waypoint—it’s a cruiser-friendly city with a free city dock located directly on the ICW. Bela and Mike discuss their experiences docking here, the nearby amenities, and the welcoming nature of the local boating community. It’s a perfect example of how these lesser-known stops can become highlights of a longer voyage.

📸 Watch the Video Podcast Too The video version of this episode includes scenic clips and photos from their journey. While the audio is recorded in authentic cruising conditions—at anchor, at the dock, or even under sail—the visuals bring listeners closer to the experience.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Coinjock to Chesapeake is a classic ICW route with peaceful riverside scenery.
  

• Chesapeake’s free city dock is a hidden gem for East Coast cruisers.
  

• Preparation and local knowledge make every leg of an ICW journey smoother and more enjoyable.
  

📍 Cruising Details from This Leg:

• Departure: Coinjock, NC

• Arrival: Chesapeake, VA

• Distance: ~35 nautical miles

• Waterway: Intracoastal Waterway (ICW)

• Highlights: North Landing River, multiple bridge transits, peaceful cruising conditions
  

Whether you're planning your own ICW adventure, dreaming of sailboat life, or just love hearing about real-world sailing journeys, this episode offers a detailed and authentic glimpse into the realities of coastal cruising.

Keywords: sailing podcast, East Coast cruising, Intracoastal Waterway, ICW sailing, Hunter 44 Deck Salon, Chesapeake VA free dock, Coinjock NC marina, liveaboard life, sailboat relocation, East Coast sailing journey

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

In this episode of Sailing the East, host Bela Musits welcomes David Lage, a cruising power boater who recently reached out with a great suggestion: feature more power boating guests on the show. While Sailing the East has traditionally centered on sailing stories, Bela and David dive into the surprising number of similarities between life aboard a sailboat and a power boat.

Shared waters, shared challenges From navigating tides and currents to dealing with shifting weather systems, Bela and David agree that both sailors and power boaters face many of the same challenges. Whether under sail or engine power, boaters share the experience of reading the water, planning routes, and making real-time adjustments to keep a trip safe and enjoyable.

Topics covered in this conversation:

• How sailors and power boaters use similar navigation strategies
  

• The role of weather planning in both types of cruising
  

• Why understanding tides and currents is essential for every boater
  

• Docking and anchoring considerations for different vessel types
  

• How trip planning differs — and where it’s exactly the same
  

• The camaraderie between sailors and power boaters on the water
  

Learning from each other’s experiences Bela shares his own perspective as a sailor who spends long stretches aboard a Hunter 45 Deck Salon, often navigating coastal waters and inland routes. David brings the view from the helm of a cruising power boat, pointing out how systems, handling, and speed can differ — but also how the core skills and judgment calls are remarkably alike.

Both agree that the more boaters understand each other’s challenges and techniques, the stronger the community on the water becomes. From VHF radio courtesy to offering help at a dock, shared respect goes a long way.

Similarities between sail and power:

• Both require constant situational awareness
  

• Weather and sea state shape the day’s decisions
  

• Mechanical and system checks are critical before departure
  

• Good seamanship is universal — regardless of propulsion
  

• Trip memories are shaped by the people, places, and unexpected moments along the way
  

A conversation rooted in practical seamanship Listeners will appreciate how Bela and David keep the discussion grounded in real-world cruising experiences. They talk about the satisfaction of a well-planned day on the water, the occasional scramble when conditions change suddenly, and the joy of arriving at a quiet anchorage or favorite port.

The episode also touches on how both sailing and power boating demand a balance of preparation and flexibility. Even with the best charts and forecasts, you have to be ready to adjust course — something every experienced boater learns quickly..

Who should listen:

• Sailors curious about the power boating perspective
  

• Power boaters interested in sailing parallels
  

• New boaters learning about navigation, weather, and planning
  

• Anyone who enjoys on-the-water stories from experienced cruisers
  

About the show Sailing and Cruising the East Coast brings together stories from coastal and inland waters, from multi-day sailing trips to conversations with fellow boaters. Hosted by Bela Musits, the podcast celebrates life on the water — the challenges, the learning, and the rewards of time spent afloat.

Keywords for search & discovery: Sailing podcast, power boating podcast, cruising life, coastal navigation, tides and currents, seamanship, sailing and power boating similarities, liveaboard life, boating tips, marine weather, boating safety, anchoring, docking, Bela Musits, David Lage, Hunter 44 Deck Salon, sailing adventures, boating community.

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

Welcome back aboard Sailing and Cruising the East Coast of the United States, your go-to sailing podcast for real-life stories, cruising insights, and firsthand accounts of sailing adventures along the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (ICW). In this episode, host Bela Musits is joined once again by Mike Malekoff as they continue their voyage up the U.S. East Coast aboard Mike’s Hunter 44 Deck Salon.

🚤 This Episode: From Belhaven to Coinjock, NC

After a short break for Easter and family time, Bela and Mike reunite aboard their vessel and pick up the journey in Belhaven, North Carolina, setting a course for the iconic Coinjock Marina, a popular stopover for cruisers transiting the ICW. This leg of the trip provides scenic vistas, narrow channels, and classic marina stories—perfectly capturing the essence of ICW cruising.

📍 What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• Reflections on a brief pause in the trip for family obligations and boat prep.

• A detailed account of navigating out of Belhaven into the calm, protected waters of the Alligator River–Pungo River Canal.

• Conversations about route planning, weather checks, and ICW navigation tips.

• Discussion about the bridge operators on the ICW
  

🎧 Whether you’re an experienced sailor or a dreamer planning your first voyage, this episode is packed with practical cruising advice and entertaining banter. The audio was recorded in authentic settings—at anchor, in marinas, and sometimes even while underway—offering listeners an immersive experience into what it’s like to live and sail along the East Coast.

🧭 SEO Keywords for Cruising Enthusiasts: Intracoastal Waterway, ICW sailing podcast, sailing North Carolina, Belhaven to Coinjock, East Coast sailing journey, Hunter 44 Deck Salon, sailing lifestyle, ICW navigation tips, marina stops ICW, sailing podcast USA, cruising stories, real-time boat life, sailing couple interviews, East Coast marinas, Coinjock Marina.

📚 About the Series: This episode is part of a documentary-style series chronicling Bela and Mike’s voyage from Brunswick, Georgia, to Burlington, Vermont, on Mike’s Hunter 44 Deck Salon. Each episode offers a snapshot of their journey—complete with navigation strategy, weather planning, marina reviews, and on-the-water reflections.

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

Welcome to another episode of Sailing and Cruising the East Coast of the United States with your hosts Bela Musits and Mike Malekoff. In this special episode, we take you aboard a Hunter 44 Deck Salon as we continue our northbound journey along the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), sailing from Oriental, North Carolina to Belhaven, North Carolina.

⚓ Trip Overview This episode is part of a multi-part series documenting our real-time relocation of Mike’s Hunter 44 DS from Brunswick, Georgia to Burlington, Vermont. On this leg of the journey, we leave the charming harbor town of Oriental, NC, often referred to as the "Sailing Capital of North Carolina," and navigate the scenic but sometimes challenging ICW en route to Belhaven, NC.

🌊 ICW Navigation Challenges & Cruising Life We dive into the nitty-gritty of planning and executing a day’s sail on the ICW. From swing bridges and shifting shoals to narrow channels and wind conditions, Bela and Mike break down the critical considerations for this route. You'll hear about how they adjusted plans after a false start, what anchoring strategies they used, and how they coordinate marina stops.

🛥️ Life Aboard a Hunter 44 Deck Salon As seasoned cruisers know, not every moment on board goes according to plan. Hear candid reflections on engine maintenance, fuel management, and dealing with fatigue after a long day under sail. Mike shares what it’s like being back on the water after a long hiatus, while Bela gives insights from years of cruising experience on this type of sailboat.

📍 Marinas & Anchorages in North Carolina We share firsthand tips about key stops along this stretch of the ICW, including pros and cons of different marina facilities, availability of fuel, and local dining options. Belhaven/Dowery Creek emerges as a highlight—not just for its accessibility—but also its cruiser-friendly atmosphere.

🧭 Cruiser Takeaways Whether you're planning your first ICW passage or looking for updates on marina options and waterway conditions, this episode offers valuable firsthand knowledge. Learn why it’s important to remain flexible with departure times, how to navigate strong wind gusts in open stretches, and why daylight planning is crucial in the remote portions of the ICW.

🎧 Recorded Onboard All audio was recorded either on the water or while docked—bringing you the real sounds of cruising life. You’ll feel like you're right there aboard the Hunter 44, hearing the water, the marina ambiance, and the authentic sailor banter between Bela and Mike.

Key Topics Covered:

• ICW sailing from Oriental to Belhaven, NC

• Navigational planning and route changes

• Life aboard the Hunter 44 DS

• Docking, anchoring, and ICW weather considerations

• Cruiser tips for North Carolina marinas

• Challenges of liveaboard cruising
  

🔑 Keywords for Search: ICW sailing 2025, Hunter 44 Deck Salon, Oriental NC sailing, Belhaven marina, Dowry Creek, sailing podcast, cruising East Coast USA, liveaboard sailing tips, boat relocation stories, North Carolina ICW, cruising life, East Coast marinas, Bela Musits, Mike Malekoff

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

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