When it comes to living the cruising dream on a budget, few sailors are more qualified—or more colorful—than Cap’n Fatty Goodlander. In the second episode of Ahoy!, Cruising World’s signature podcast, we sit down with the legendary storyteller, three-time circumnavigator, and lifelong liveaboard to explore a life afloat that’s as unconventional as it is inspiring.
Born into a sailing family and raised aboard a 52-foot schooner, Goodlander took to the sea before he could even walk. Since then, he’s salvaged boats, built his own, weathered cyclones, and logged more offshore miles than most sailors will see in a lifetime—all while staying true to his frugal philosophy.
As Goodlander often emphasizes, cruising isn’t about spending money—it’s about making it memorable.
This episode dives deep into what that means. We hear tales of self-reliance and resilience, from refitting wrecks to riding out storms with nothing but grit, good seamanship, and a well-stocked sense of humor. Along the way, Goodlander shares the kind of hard-earned wisdom only a life offshore can teach, from embracing simplicity to navigating relationships in close quarters—especially with his longtime partner and first mate, Carolyn.
Though no longer a contributor to Cruising World, Goodlander’s voice remains one of the most iconic in the cruising community. He’s authored more than a dozen books and countless columns over the years, all infused with his trademark wit, candor, and deep love for the sailing life.
Whether you’re a salty liveaboard, a weekend sailor, or just harboring the dream of cutting the docklines someday, this episode is a reminder that adventure under sail doesn’t have to come with a luxury price tag.
Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
