The Nahoas: Exploring The Unique Boat Design

The Nahoa is a Lagoon 410 catamaran, built in 2005. It is owned by Ben and Ashley Stobbart, who, along with their two young children, have been sailing around the world in it. The Stobbarts have also been documenting their journey on YouTube and Instagram, sharing their experiences of different cultures and adventures, such as defending against pirate attacks and catching big fish. The Nahoa has been to the Panama Canal, the South Pacific, and Papua New Guinea, and the Stobbarts have plans to continue their journey, with the Indian Ocean being their next destination.

Nahoa is a 2005 Lagoon 410 catamaran

Ben and Ashley worked hard for several years to save up for Nahoa, sacrificing and investing to make their dream of sailing around the world a reality. The boat cost them approximately $320,000, and they have since made numerous upgrades to make it cruiser-ready. Some of these upgrades include a Code Zero and Main Sail, 1200 watts of solar panels, a 3000-watt inverter, and a new hardtop custom-made by Just Catamarans.

Nahoa is not typically considered a blue-water cruising catamaran but is instead best suited for the charter market. However, Ben and Ashley have made it work for their cruising adventures. They chose Nahoa for its perfect blend of comfort, performance, and cost. The catamaran's rugged, low-maintenance construction and ample solar capacity have likely contributed to their successful circumnavigation.

The Stobbarts' sailing journey has not only been a personal adventure but also a professional one. They have shared their experiences and interactions with different cultures through videos on their YouTube channel, "Sailing Nahoa." Their channel has provided them with a new way to fund their travels and has opened up opportunities to interact with new cultures and situations they may not have otherwise encountered.

The family's bold and brave decision to pursue their dream of sailing around the world has paid off, and they continue to inspire others through their journey.

Nahoa's owners, Ben and Ashley Stobbart

Nahoas' owners, Ben and Ashley Stobbart, are a Canadian couple who have been sailing around the world on their catamaran, the Lagoon 410, previously named Marheva. The couple worked hard and saved up for seven years to purchase their boat after Ashley lost her father in 2008, which brought the realisation that life is short and precious. They have a son, Bodhi, and a daughter, Willa, and as a family, they have visited 27 countries, with no intention of stopping any time soon.

Ben and Ashley have documented their journey on their YouTube channel, Sailing Nahoa, and Ashley's Instagram page, sharing their experiences and incredible footage from their travels. Their channel has gained a lot of attention, with people finding their content captivating and inspiring. The couple has also gained a following for their cinematography and genuine curiosity and appreciation for the world. From shark attacks in Vanuatu to exploring remote islands in Fiji, the Stobbarts have had many exciting adventures.

The Lagoon 410 catamaran is not typically considered a blue-water cruising catamaran but is more common in the charter market. However, Ben and Ashley have made it work for their long-term cruising adventures. They have made several upgrades to the boat, including a Code Zero and Main Sail, 1200 watts of solar panels, a 3000-watt inverter, and navigation equipment. The boat cost them approximately $320,000, and they have invested in further upgrades to make it cruiser-ready.

The couple has also built a successful online business through their YouTube channel and other income streams, allowing them to continue their sailing adventures and provide for their family. They have an estimated net worth of $1,900,000, although they hold little available cash. Their monthly income from YouTube advertising, affiliate links, Patreon and Substack memberships, merchandise sales, and brand sponsorships amounts to approximately $12,000.

Nahoa's upgrades

Nahoas upgrades

Ben and Ashley Stobbart, the owners of Nahoa, have made numerous upgrades to their boat over the years to enhance its performance, functionality, and comfort. Here are some of the notable upgrades they have made:

• Sails and Rigging: They added a Code Zero and Main Sail, providing improved sailing performance and flexibility.
• Solar Power: Nahoa is equipped with 1200 watts of solar panels, enabling off-grid power generation and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
• Inverter: The addition of a 3000W Victron inverter allows them to power various appliances and devices while away from shore power.
• Communication and Navigation: They installed an Iridium Go + Antenna and a Badelf GPS puck + iPad for reliable communication and navigation capabilities during their voyages.
• Sailbag: Ashley crafted a new Dacron Sailbag herself, showcasing her creativity and resourcefulness.
• Hardtop: They had a custom hardtop built by Just Catamarans, enhancing the boat's aesthetics and protection from the elements.
• Dinghy: The inclusion of a 10-foot inflatable dinghy with a 15-hp outboard motor provides a convenient way to explore shallow waters and get to shore from their anchored boat.

These upgrades demonstrate Ben and Ashley's dedication to improving their sailing experience and ensuring they have the necessary equipment for their global adventures.

Nahoa's travels

Nahoas travels have taken her far and wide, with her crew, Ben and Ashley Stobbart, and their two young children, Willa and Bodhi. After saving for years and selling most of their possessions, the family set off on their Lagoon 410 catamaran, Nahoa, to explore the world. Their journey has covered over 30,000 miles and 30+ countries, from the Caribbean to the South Pacific and Papua New Guinea.

One of their most memorable experiences was in Papua New Guinea, where they were fascinated to discover that trade was still the primary means of exchanging goods and services. They bartered fish hooks, clothing, rope, and light sail material for fresh produce, gaining an insight into a traditional way of life.

Nahoa's crew has also faced challenges and dangers, including a close encounter with pirates, a sinking catamaran, and a rock collision. They have also had to make repairs and upgrades to their boat along the way, ensuring she is ready for the next leg of their adventure.

After their first circumnavigation, the family is not planning to slow down. They are currently in Indonesia and will soon embark on their next journey across the Indian Ocean. There is even talk of a second lap around the world to visit the places they missed the first time. With their bold and adventurous spirit, Ben, Ashley, and their children continue to inspire others to pursue their dreams and explore the world.

The Stobbart family's journey can be followed on their YouTube channel, Sailing Nahoa, where they document their travels, cultural experiences, and the day-to-day life of living aboard a boat. Their channel has not only provided a platform to share their experiences but also a means to fund their ongoing adventures.

Nahoa's YouTube success

Nahoas YouTube success

Ben and Ashley Stobbart, the creators of the YouTube channel Sailing Nahoa, have gained success and a large following through sharing their sailing adventures and experiences. The couple, along with their young children, Willa and Bodhi, have been sailing around the world on their boat, SV Nahoa, a Lagoon 410 catamaran built in 2005.

Their channel offers an insight into their unique lifestyle and the challenges and rewards of sailing as a family. One of the key appeals of their content is their authenticity and relatability. In their videos, they discuss how they afford their boat and their travels, including the sacrifices and hard work involved in achieving their dream. This honesty and transparency have likely contributed to their success, as they provide a realistic portrayal of sailing life, rather than a romanticised version.

The Stobbarts' decision to share their journey on YouTube has not only provided them with a platform to document their experiences but also a means to fund their travels. They have utilised various monetisation strategies, including YouTube advertising revenue, affiliate links, Patreon memberships, and selling merchandise. Their success on YouTube has also led to brand sponsorships with companies such as Precision Sail Loft, OceanRodeo, Steiner Optics, and Brnkl.

The Sailing Nahoa channel covers a range of topics, from defending against pirate attacks and catching big fish to more light-hearted content, such as their merchandise and favourite gear. They also share their cultural experiences, such as their time in Papua New Guinea, where they encountered traditional trade practices. Their willingness to be vulnerable and share both the highs and lows of their journey creates an engaging and compelling narrative for their audience.

The success of Sailing Nahoa has allowed the Stobbart family to continue their adventures and connect with a community of like-minded individuals. Their channel serves as an inspiration for those seeking to pursue similar dreams, showcasing that with hard work and perseverance, it is possible to turn a passion for sailing into a reality.

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