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

🌊 Welcome aboard! In this episode of Sailing and Cruising the East Coast of the United States, join host Bela Musits and boat owner Mike Malekoff as they share a captivating leg of their journey from Brunswick, Georgia to Burlington, Vermont. Today’s featured stop: the historic and charming port city of Charleston, South Carolina.

⛵ In this sailing podcast episode, we take you behind the scenes of a real-life coastal cruising adventure aboard Mike’s Hunter 44 Deck Salon. From navigating offshore in the Atlantic Ocean to docking in one of the East Coast's most iconic sailing towns, this episode is packed with storytelling, lessons learned, and seafaring camaraderie.

⛵ What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• How Mike and Bela planned and executed an offshore sail to Charleston

• The surprises that came up despite perfect weather forecasts (spoiler: plans go awry at sea!)

• First impressions of Charleston Harbor and why it's a must-visit for any East Coast cruiser

• Anchoring tips, marina reviews, and navigating the approach to Charleston

• An authentic day-in-the-life look at living aboard while coastal cruising

• Reflections at anchor after a long sail and how the boat (and crew) held up
  

📍 Location Highlights:

• Charleston, South Carolina – Historic, hospitable, and full of nautical charm. We discuss what makes this city such a welcoming port, from its protected anchorage to vibrant waterfront culture.

• Offshore Route – Our sail from Georgia to South Carolina: how the weather evolved and the real-time decisions made while underway.

• ICW vs Atlantic – Why we chose to go outside the Intracoastal Waterway for this leg—and how that decision played out.
  

🧭 Gear & Boat Info:

• Boat: Hunter 44 Deck Salon

• Navigation: Windy, Navionics, NOAA charts

• Weather: Light winds forecasted… reality was a bit different

• Conditions: Calm seas, shifting winds
  

🔔 Don’t Miss an Episode! Subscribe and click the bell to be notified when new episodes drop! We post regularly about:

• Coastal navigation and trip planning

• Marina reviews and anchoring guides

• Boat maintenance and living aboard

• Interviews with sailors and cruising experts
  

👍 Like, Comment & Share if you're enjoying the journey!

Connect With Us:

Our email is Sailingtheeast@gmail.com

Happy Sailing!

Bela and Mike

🔎 Keywords (for SEO): sailing Charleston, coastal cruising podcast, Hunter 44 sailboat, sailing South Carolina, East Coast sailing, offshore sailing Atlantic, ICW alternatives, Charleston marina, liveaboard sailboat, cruising lifestyle, real sailing stories, podcast for sailors

Welcome back to another episode of Sailing and Cruising the East Coast of the United States! In Episode 138, we continue our adventure as host Bela Musits and fellow sailor Mike Malekoff embark on a remarkable journey to move Mike’s Hunter 44 Deck Salon sailboat from Brunswick, Georgia to Burlington, Vermont.

Join us for another unforgettable leg of our journey as we sail into the historic harbor of Charleston, South Carolina — just as the sun rises over the Atlantic.

⛵ Episode Highlights

• Navigating the busy and narrow Charleston Harbor entrance

• Watching the sunrise over the city’s historic skyline

• Tips for timing your entrance into Charleston based on tides, currents, and bridge openings

• Mike and Bela’s observations on boat handling, navigation, and local traffic

• Why Charleston is a must-visit for East Coast cruisers
  

🎙️ What You’ll Hear in This Episode This is episode, recorded live aboard the boat. While the sound quality reflects the real-world sailing conditions, the authenticity shines through. There’s nothing quite like hearing the boat creak, the birds call, and the excitement in our voices as Charleston slowly appears in the dawn light.

📍 About Charleston, South Carolina Charleston is one of the most beloved ports along the Atlantic and ICW. Known for its charm, maritime history, and vibrant waterfront, it’s both a rewarding destination and a navigational challenge. Bela and Mike share their perspective on arriving by boat, navigating the commercial traffic, and enjoying the skyline view from the water.

📚 For New and Experienced Cruisers Whether you’re dreaming of sailing the ICW or are already planning your trip, this podcast delivers real-time lessons from sailors who are out there doing it. Learn from our experiences — the wins, the mistakes, and the little things that make a big difference.

Thanks for joining us on the water! Stay tuned for the next leg of our journey — and fair winds to you, wherever you're cruising. 🧭⛵

Tune in wherever you get your podcasts—whether on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or your favorite app. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with fellow sailors!

Connect With Us:

Our email is Sailingtheeast@gmail.com

Happy Sailing!

Bela and Mike

Welcome back to another episode of Sailing and Cruising the East Coast of the United States! In Episode 137, we continue our adventure on the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) as host Bela Musits and fellow sailor Mike Malekoff embark on a remarkable journey to move Mike’s Hunter 44 Deck Salon sailboat from Brunswick, Georgia to Burlington, Vermont.

This episode—recorded directly from the cockpit while under sail at 2:00 AM during Bela’s night watch—captures the raw, real-time audio of sailing at night.

Night Sailing on the Atlantic:

Sailing at night is a whole different world. The water is quieter, the sounds sharper, and your senses are dialed up. In this episode, we reflect on what it’s like to helm a 44-foot sailboat after sunset and how we manage watches, lights, navigation, and fatigue.

The Magic of Night Watch:

There’s something special about being the only one awake while everyone else is sleeping below deck. It’s peaceful, introspective, and a perfect time for enjoying our place on the globe.

• Night navigation

• Sharing night watches on a two-person crew

• How to stay alert and avoid fatigue

• Tips for safe and smooth sailing at night

• Why nighttime on the water can be both eerie and beautiful
  

Tune in wherever you get your podcasts—whether on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or your favorite app. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with fellow sailors!

Connect With Us:

Our email is Sailingtheeast@gmail.com

Happy Sailing!

Bela and Mike

Welcome back to another episode of Sailing and Cruising the East Coast of the United States! In Episode 136, we continue our adventure on the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) as host Bela Musits and fellow sailor Mike Malekoff embark on a remarkable journey to move Mike’s Hunter 44 Deck Salon sailboat from Brunswick, Georgia to Burlington, Vermont.

This episode—recorded directly from the cockpit while under sail—captures the raw, real-time audio of two seasoned cruisers navigating the Atlantic coastline, tackling unpredictable weather, mechanical surprises, and the daily rhythm of life at sea.

🚤 Departing Brunswick, GA: Bela and Mike set out in calm inland conditions, with glassy seas and no wind. But the peaceful start doesn’t last long—unexpected rising swells, present early challenges when out in the Atlantic.

⛵ Life Aboard “Our Way”: The crew discusses how they handle the quirks and comforts of sailing on a Hunter 44 Deck Salon, from the interior layout to the mechanics of navigating tight marinas and unfamiliar channels.

🛠️ Troubleshooting at Sea: From minor electrical issues to interpreting weather forecasts, Bela and Mike troubleshoot on the go. You’ll hear them reflect on decision-making processes and the value of preparation when offshore.

📍 Real-time Reflections: One of the best aspects of this episode is its immediacy. As they speak, the crew reacts to what’s happening around them—maneuvering the boat, discussing strategy, and absorbing the ever-changing conditions of the waterway.

Whether you’re a liveaboard sailor, weekend cruiser, or someone dreaming of sailing the East Coast one day, this episode is packed with insights and real-world takeaways:

• Firsthand cruising experience on the ICW
  

• Details about boat handling in coastal and offshore conditions
  

• Conversations about safety, planning, and spontaneity on long passages
  

• Sailing camaraderie and the shared joys and frustrations of life afloat
  

Tune in wherever you get your podcasts—whether on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or your favorite app. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with fellow sailors!

Connect With Us:

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it helps us reach more sailing enthusiasts like you!

Happy Sailing!

Bela and Mike

Welcome aboard! In Episode 135 of the Sailing and Cruising the East Coast of the United States podcast, host Bela Musits kicks off an exciting new series documenting a memorable sailing trip from Brunswick, Georgia to Burlington, Vermont aboard a Hunter 44 Deck Salon with fellow sailor and boat owner Mike Malekoff.

🎙️ Episode Overview:

This is the first episode in this series, where we chronicle what it’s like to cruise the Eastern Seaboard by boat. It’s not just about navigation—it’s about the lifestyle, the camaraderie, and the unexpected moments along the way.

Recorded aboard the boat, this podcast invites you to join us as we prep the vessel, troubleshoot, reflect, and sail northward through the ICW and coastal waters.

⛵ What You'll Hear in This Episode:

The story behind the trip and why we're making this voyage

First impressions of the Hunter 44 Deck Salon and boat prep in Brunswick, GA

Navigational strategies and planning for the ICW

Real-life sailing moments: weather checks, equipment hiccups, and dockside decisions

Behind-the-scenes insights: provisioning, maintenance, and what it’s like to live aboard

🌊 About the ICW (Intracoastal Waterway):

The Intracoastal Waterway is a 3,000-mile inland waterway that runs along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States. This protected route allows sailors to cruise without venturing into open ocean. In this series, we explore the ICW's challenges, rewards, and unique character—from marshes in Georgia to bustling ports and quiet anchorages further north.

🛥️ The Vessel:

We’re aboard a Hunter 44 Deck Salon, a comfortable and spacious cruising sailboat known for its panoramic cabin windows, roomy interior, and reliable performance. Whether you’re a sailor or just a curious listener, you’ll appreciate the real-world experience this vessel provides as we navigate tides, currents, and marina stops.

🧭 Why This Trip Matters:

Sailing the East Coast isn’t just about moving a boat—it’s about exploration, learning, and making connections. This journey gives you a firsthand look into what it’s like to live aboard a boat for weeks at a time, manage systems, plot courses, and experience the joy (and sometimes stress) of cruising.

🔥 Top Moments in This Episode:

Why we chose this route

What it takes to prep a sailboat for long-distance travel

Our first technical hiccup before even leaving the dock!Thoughts on weather, tides, and planning daily mileage

Musings on the beauty and unpredictability of life on the water

🧰 Gear and Tools We Talk About:

Navigation charts and apps (Navionics, Aqua Map, etc.)Onboard communication tools

Safety gear and equipment for long-haul coastal cruising

Essential maintenance items for ICW travel

📢 Join the Conversation: Have you sailed the ICW? Are you planning a similar trip? Drop a comment below or reach out—we’d love to hear your stories and answer your questions in upcoming episodes. Our email is sailingtheeast@gmail.com

Connect With Us:

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it helps us reach more sailing enthusiasts like you!

Happy Sailing!

Bela and Mike

Welcome aboard another episode of the Sailing and Cruising the East Coast of the United States podcast! In episode 134, co-hosts Bob Musits and Mike Wasserman welcome fellow sailing enthusiast and longtime listener Dan Pfeiffer to the show for a deep dive into the world of planning for the unexpected.

Equipment failures are bound to happen on a sailboat, usually not when it is nice and calm. Bela and Dan discuss several serinos and possible solutions,

Some key points in the conversation:

Keep calm, most things are not time critical emergencies.

Dan suggests several pieces of kit that can be very helpful - but only if they are easily accessed.

Practice, practice, practice.

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