Sailing Uma: What Type Of Boat Does She Prefer?

Dan and Kika, the couple behind the famous sailing blog 'Sailing Uma', travel the world on a 1972 Pearson 36 sailing yacht. The boat, named 'Uma', is 36 feet long and 12 feet wide and was purchased by the couple after selling most of their belongings. Uma is neither fancy nor cheap and flimsy, but rather, as Dan and Kika put it, she is perfect. The name 'Uma' was inspired by the Portuguese word for the number one, reflecting the fact that this was the couple's first step towards achieving their dreams.

Dan and Kika's sailing journey

Dan and Kikas' sailing journey began when the pair met at university. They soon started a successful architectural design-consulting firm, but the 9-5 grind wasn't for them. They knew they wanted to see the world, and after a friend advised them, "If you want to travel the world, don't buy a couch", they decided to sell everything and buy a sailboat. They invested all they had into a 1972 Pearson 36, which they named "Uma", inspired by the Portuguese word for "one".

Dan and Kika had no sailing experience, but they were determined to make their new boat liveable. They installed a bed and a sink, and over time, they transformed their yacht into their home. They also decided to build their own electric motor, which they later upgraded to an Oceanvolt ServoProp 15 electric sail drive motor.

Since then, Dan and Kika have sailed over 3000nm offshore, from Norway to Svalbard and down to France. They've braved treacherous waters and visited exotic places, sharing their journey on their blog, "Sailing Uma". They've also upgraded their boat with the latest B&G technology, including a Zeus³ multifunction chartplotter and a WS320 wireless wind sensor.

The couple's blog, Sailing Uma

The couples blog, Sailing Uma

Sailing Uma is the blog of Dan and Kika, a couple who have been sailing around the world on their boat, also named Uma. The pair met at university and, after graduating, founded a successful architectural design-consulting firm. However, they soon realised that the 9-5 life was not for them. They wanted to see the world and live life on their own terms. So, they decided to sell everything they owned and invest it all in a sailboat.

The Boat

The boat, Uma, is a 1972 Pearson 36. Dan and Kika chose this boat because it was the perfect balance; it was neither fancy and expensive, nor cheap and flimsy. They also wanted a name that carried with it the motivation and rationale that led them to buy her in the first place. Her name, Uma, is inspired by the Portuguese word for the number one, to represent that she is their first step on their journey. They also liked that Uma has many different meanings in several cultures, including hope in Inuit, nation in Hebrew, and tranquility in Sanskrit.

The Journey

Dan and Kika have sailed extensively through the United States, Haiti (Kika's home country), the US Virgin Islands, the British Virgin Islands, Norway, Iceland, and Scotland. They are currently in Europe and are planning to head into the Mediterranean next year. They have also braved some treacherous waters and visited some exotic locations that most people only dream of.

The Blog

The Sailing Uma blog documents the couple's travels and experiences as they sail around the world. It is a great resource for sailing enthusiasts, offering fascinating insights into what it's like to live and travel on a sailboat. The blog also provides helpful tips and tricks for those looking to follow in Dan and Kika's footsteps.

The Future

Dan and Kika do not know what the future holds, but they are determined to continue living a life that makes them happy. They may decide to change their path and try something new, but for now, they are happy sailing the world and sharing their journey with their followers.

The boat's name and meaning

Dan and Kika, the owners of the boat, explain that the name of their sailboat, Uma, was inspired by the Portuguese word for the number one. For them, the name represents the first step of a lifelong journey. It symbolises hard work, patience, and determination.

Over time, Dan and Kika have discovered that Uma has multiple meanings in different cultures. In Inuit, it means hope. In Hebrew, it means nation. In Sanskrit, it means tranquility. Uma is another name for Pavarti, the Hindu goddess of fertility, love, beauty, and strength. In Japanese, Uma means horse.

The name also reflects the couple's desire to live minimally and travel indefinitely. They wanted a name that carried the motivation and rationale behind their purchase of the boat. They chose the name Uma because it was their first boat and their first step towards pursuing their dreams.

Dan and Kika first met at university and later founded a successful architectural design-consulting firm. However, they soon realised that the corporate world was not for them. They decided to sell everything they owned and invest in their boat, Uma, to travel the world.

The 1972 Pearson 36 sailboat

The cockpit of the Pearson 36 is uncluttered, efficient, and safe. It features a well-placed steering pedestal, port and starboard sail lockers, winch handle alcoves, and a lazarette hatch aft for storage. The teak toe rails, cabin top handrails, and teak cockpit coamings add a touch of luxury. The fiberglass sea hood and non-skid deck surfaces are designed with safety and comfort in mind. The deckhouse design and wide walk-around deck provide excellent visibility and accessibility.

Below the waterline, the Pearson 36's skeg/rudder combination allows for easy steering, while over 600 square feet of moderate to high aspect sail area gives it power and performance. The galley, located at the bottom of the companionway, is efficient and well-equipped, featuring a gimballed 2-burner stove with an oven, ample counter space, storage drawers, and lockers. The navigation station is located opposite the galley and includes a lift-up chart table, electronics space, shelves, an oilskin locker, and a quarter berth.

The main cabin is the entertainment centre, with a bulkhead-mounted table that can accommodate six people for dining and can be folded away neatly for lounging or sleeping. The main cabin also features a settee/berth, a bookcase, and additional storage lockers. The forward cabin provides two full-length berths and storage options, including a bureau and hanging lockers. A large overhead hatch in the forward cabin allows for ventilation, light, and access to the foredeck.

The Pearson 36 sailboat is a well-designed and crafted yacht, offering a perfect balance of performance, comfort, and luxury. It provides ample living and storage space, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a dual-purpose yacht.

The couple's sailing route

Dan and Kika, the couple behind Sailing Uma, have sailed across the world in their yacht, a 1972 Pearson 36. They met at university and soon after graduating, they founded a successful architectural design-consulting firm. However, they soon realised that the 9-5 life was not for them. They wanted to see the world and live life on their terms. So, they decided to sell everything they owned and invest in a sailboat.

The name of their boat, Uma, is inspired by the Portuguese word for the number one, which represents the first step of their journey. For them, the name symbolises hard work, patience, and determination.

When they first started out, Dan and Kika had no prior experience with sailing or boats. They had to figure out how to navigate and maintain their boat, as well as make modifications to turn it into their home. They also had to learn how to live with minimal comforts and solve the various difficulties that come with living on a boat.

In terms of the sailing route, Dan and Kika have covered a lot of ground. They have sailed through the United States, Haiti (Kika's home country), the US Virgin Islands, the British Virgin Islands, Norway, Iceland, Scotland, and the Caribbean. They have also spent time in the Netherlands and Norway, and plan to continue sailing north to the Arctic Circle to experience a proper winter onboard Uma. They are excited to see the Northern Lights, reindeer, snow, glaciers, polar night, and whales.

For spring/summer, their plans are more flexible. They could head east to Russia and through the White Sea Canal, or go west to Iceland and then back down to Norway or south into the Mediterranean.

Dan and Kika's sailing journey is a testament to their determination and courage to pursue their dreams. They have embraced a life of adventure and freedom, and their story serves as an inspiration to others who wish to follow a similar path.

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