MJ Sailing
The MJ Sailing YouTube channel is a long-running series documenting the lives of Matt and Jessica, a couple who transitioned from a standard suburban life in Michigan to full-time nomadic sailors and DIY boat builders.
This is a “learn-as-you-go” story like Wildling Sailing, but in this case with a relentless commitment to their Max Cruise Marine build.
Channel Summary
Matt and Jessica (and their cat, Georgie) air aiming to explore the world by sea. What began as a plan to sail for a few years turned into a big boat building project. Forget the glamour of Sail La Vagabonde, this is all about grit and elbow grease.
The Mission
To document the reality of long-term cruising – including the grueling work of boat construction and maintenance, while inspiring others to “dream big” and realize that a nomadic life is achievable with hard work and budgeting.
Philosophy
They are firm believers in “sweat equity.” Instead of buying a catamaran, they have gone for the self-build option.
Current Focus
For the past several years, they have been stationed in a “tent” in Annapolis, Maryland, performing a DIY build of a Max Cruise 42/44 performance catamaran, which they are building from scartch
Notable Episodes (Top 10)
“How We Left To Go Cruising at 30” (EP 7) – A starter video explaining how they saved money, downsized their lives, and made the leap from “normal” jobs to the ocean.
“Welcome to the Boat Graveyard” (EP 1) – The start of their second major journey, where they find their aluminum boat, Daze Off, sitting in a derelict yard.
“A Day In The Life Of An OCEAN CROSSING” (EP 79) – A realistic look at the 24-hour rhythm of a Trans-Atlantic passage, from coffee and engine checks to dodging tankers.
“10 YEARS of the Nomadic Life!!” (EP 247) – A milestone retrospective covering their decade on the move, their evolution as sailors, and future goals.
“We Left on a Trans-Atlantic & No Working Watermaker” (EP 77) – A high-stakes episode showcasing the challenges of long-distance sailing when critical systems fail.
“VISITING OUR BOAT IN VIETNAM!!” (EP 239) – The couple travels to the Max Cruise factory to see the hull of their current catamaran being infused.
“From the Boat Graveyard to Sailing Once Again” (EP 30) – The triumphant moment after a 2-year refit when their boat finally returns to the water.
“The Blue Dye That’s Changing My Life!!” (EP 258) – A fan-favorite technical episode demonstrating the grueling “fairing” process (sanding and smoothing the hull) using a guide-coat technique.
“Diesel Demands Space, Electric Plays Nice” (EP 363) – A deep dive into their innovative hybrid propulsion system, featuring one electric motor and one diesel-electric hybrid engine.
“All Good Things Must Come To An End” (EP 94) – The emotional conclusion to their time with their aluminum boat, Elements, as they prepare for their next chapter.
Facts at a Glance
The Crew:
Matt (DIY expert/mechanic), Jessica (Editor/Filmmaker/DIY Expert/Sander), and Georgie (cat food expert).
Current Boat: Max Cruise 42SC/44 (A high-performance DIY fiberglass catamaran).
Previous Boats:
Serendipity: A 1989 Sabre 34 Targa (Monohull).
Elements of Life / Daze Off: A 1983 Trisalu 37 (Custom Aluminum Monohull).
Destinations Covered
U.S. East Coast, Bahamas, Caribbean (Cuba, Jamaica, BVI), Azores, Ireland, Scotland, Norway, and Thailand.
Topics Covered
Fiberglass infusion, engine installation, heavy sanding/fairing, ocean navigation, budget cruising, and nomadic lifestyle logistics.
Since
The channel began documenting their journey roughly 10-11 years ago (around 2013-2014), though they have been living the nomadic life since 2012.