Captain German Exploring

Sailing the World with Captain German and Crew: A Journey of Dreams and Adventure

In the world of intrepid explorers, Sergiy, better known as Captain German, and his partner Dina, are in the midst of an extraordinary second circumnavigation that began in 2013. Their way of life is extraordinary, as they call their boat home and navigate the most remote corners of the Earth.

The Adventure of a Lifetime

Sergiy and Dina have been on a non-stop adventure, with their floating home, SV MUSHU, serving as the vessel for their dreams. Their journey is a remarkable blend of living aboard, traveling to distant and wild places, and engaging in the art of circumnavigation. Along the way, they have accumulated a wealth of experiences and footage, sharing it with a growing audience.

Captain German's Lifelong Dream

Sergiy's love for the sea was born and nurtured in Kyiv, Ukraine. From an early age, he nurtured a childhood dream of circumnavigating the globe on a yacht. After a decade of dedicated preparation and study, that dream became a reality in 2013. His journey commenced in France, where he took delivery of the Beneteau factory's finest creation, SV MUSHU. The first year saw Captain German, along with friends, exploring the Mediterranean, honing their sailing skills in France, mainland Spain, and the Balearic Islands, tallying thousands of miles in their logbook. The boat was readied for extended passages during the winter in Spain, and that marked the beginning of their circumnavigation.

Dina: Partner, Adventurer and Artist

Dina's journey intersected with Sergiy's in Thailand, where she had been living on the beautiful island of Phuket for the last five years. What was initially meant to be a brief stay for Sergiy extended to seven months, and more importantly, it led to their decision to continue the journey together. In Phuket, Dina's skills as an artist, creating shell paintings (Seashell art by Dina Toporska), and her work as a kite surfing instructor proved to be the perfect complement to the control of sails on the boat.

Their partnership faced challenges during difficult passages, including breakdowns of the autopilot and manual steering for 1560 miles across the rugged Indian Ocean. The journey included crossing Sri Lanka out of season, against the wind and current. With over 20,000 nautical miles under her belt, Dina emerged as an experienced sailor in challenging waters.

Diana: The Captain's Daughter

The passion for adventure runs deep in the German family. Diana, Sergiy's daughter, has been part of her father's hobbies since birth. From motorcycles to parachutes, cars, and yachting, she embraced it all. The real-world became her classroom when, after completing the 9th grade, she joined her father on the journey. Two years of crossing the Pacific Ocean from Micronesia to Asia and completing the Indian Ocean are now part of Diana's portfolio.

The Enchanting Tale of SV MUSHU: A Name Born of Adventure

Captain Sergiy German's choice of the name SV MUSHU for his sailing boat is inspired by the spirit of adventure. He draws a parallel to the spirited character Mushu from Walt Disney's film "Mulan," emphasizing the qualities of being fast, small, brave, and a tad crazy, which resonate with the essence of their boat. The name takes on a unique meaning in Ukrainian, signifying a sense of obligation or destiny, which beautifully encapsulates their commitment to sailing. Furthermore, in Fiji, it symbolizes cutting and chopping, a fitting representation of their determination to conquer the oceans. In all aspects, MUSHU is indeed a great name that embodies the spirit of their maritime journeys.

SV MUSHU: A Home on the Water

SV MUSHU, a 2013 Beneteau Oceanis 45, is the vessel that has carried the German family on their adventures. Designed with a long keel and a 3-cabin, 2-head layout, this vessel was ordered brand new from the factory in France to become their floating home.

We wanted to have not a boat but a house that we can move and change the location around the world. So we have it...

Captain Sergiy German, SV MUSHU

Sergiy equipped the boat with the best and most reliable options available. It boasts three cabins, two electric heads, teak wood decking, three air conditioners, a 6.7 kW Genset, hot water, a 450-liter water tank, a 60-liter-per-hour 12/220V water maker, a 250-liter fuel tank, four chart plotters, two radio stations, Beneteau's Dock and Go system for easy docking, and LED lighting, among other features. With all sails onboard, including code zero, gennaker, and storm sails, SV MUSHU is ready for extended passages.

The Captain's Legacy

SV MUSHU has traveled over 70,000 nautical miles, a testament to Sergiy's commitment to sharing his adventures. With 107K subscribers, Sergiy, also known as Captain German, is the most popular Russian-speaking YouTuber. His 360 videos on his second channel, "Captain German Sailing," have captured the imagination of a global audience. Sergiy also shares his expertise through his yacht school, offering a range of online courses covering everything from inshore skipper training to celestial navigation, advanced navigation, boat ownership, meteorology, and understanding tides and currents.

Sergiy, Dina, and Diana's journey is a testament to the allure of the sea, the power of dreams, and the enduring spirit of adventure. Come aboard and join them in their extraordinary voyage, where life is defined by sails, wind, and boundless dreams.