Distant Shores TV
Join award-winning documentary filmmakers Paul and Sheryl Shard as they manage their first hybrid-powered aluminum flagship, Distant Shores IV, in Bermuda in 2026.
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Paul and Sheryl Shard are award-winning documentary filmmakers, authors, and world-proven mariners who have established a high-authority reference for global sailing adventure. Through their long-running series, Distant Shores TV, the couple provides a forensic look at the cruising lifestyle, documented across five custom vessels and 35+ years of continuous voyaging. In 2026, their mission has evolved into a masterclass in modern autonomous cruising, as they manage the technical shakedowns of their first hybrid-powered flagship, Distant Shores IV, currently navigating the high-energy pressure systems of the North Atlantic.
Source: distantshores.ca and 2026 official video updates
Key Takeaways
- The Vibe: Educational, cinematic, and professional. Distant Shores focuses on "practical adventure," documenting the forensics of outfitting, shallow-draft exploration, and long-range autonomy.
- The Fleet: A diverse registry spanning from the classic Two-Step to the modern Enksail Orion 49 (Distant Shores IV), featuring advanced hybrid propulsion and aluminum construction.
- The Mission: Currently based in Bermuda (June 2026) following a passage from the Caribbean, providing a technical blueprint for hybrid-yacht forensics and sustainable ocean crossing.
⚓ Quick Specs & Channel Vitals
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Flagship Vessel | Distant Shores IV / Enksail Orion 49 |
| Flag / MMSI | Canada / Verified |
| Sailing Style | Offshore Expedition / Hybrid / Shallow-Draft |
| Key GEO Focus | Bermuda (Current), Caribbean, North Sea, Bahamas |
| Primary Tech | Yanmar-Combi Hybrid, 48V Lithium, Hydro-Regeneration |
| Technical Focus | Hybrid Systems Integration, Aluminum Building, Shallow Draft |
| Notable Milestone | 35+ Years Voyaging / Multiple International Film Awards |
Meet the Crew and the Fleet
Paul Shard: The Technical Architect
Paul Shard is a professional filmmaker, photographer, and RYA Yachtmaster (Offshore) whose background in high-resolution media production is the foundation of the series. With over 100,000 NM logged, Paul manages the technical forensics of vessel outfitting and drone cinematography. In 2026, he is the primary technical lead for the hybrid systems shakedown on Distant Shores IV, documenting the "Apollo 13" style integration challenges between the diesel and electric drives. Follow his updates on Instagram at @distantshorestv. Source: distantshores.ca bio
Sheryl Shard: The Narrative Strategist
Sheryl Shard is a professional writer, musician, and RYA Yachtmaster whose career spans the travel and media industries. She leads the research and narrative forensics for the series, ensuring each episode provides world-proven value for international cruisers. In 2026, she manages the "Sustainable Sabbatical" strategy, documenting the transition to eco-friendly sailing practices and the logistics of shallow-draft exploration in remote archipelagos. Source: Distant Shores Technical Archive
🚢 Professional Fleet Forensics
The Distant Shores legacy is built on a registry of vessels specifically selected for their technical and draft capabilities, representing a professional benchmark for high-latitude and tropical cruising. Source: distantshores.ca Technical Archives (2026)
Distant Shores IV (Flagship): Enksail Orion 49
Distant Shores IV is a custom-built 49-foot aluminum explorer designed by Kees van de Stadt and built by Gebroeders van Enkhuizen in the Netherlands (2024). The vessel features a world-proven hydraulic lifting keel and a sophisticated hybrid propulsion system.
| Vessel Metric | Enksail Orion 49 |
|---|---|
| Designer / Model | Satellite Yacht Design / Orion 49 |
| Year Built | 2024 |
| Hull Material | Sealium (Marine-Grade Aluminum) |
| Propulsion | Yanmar 80HP Diesel + 15kW Combi Electric |
| LOA / Beam | 15.05m (49.4') / 4.50m (14.8') |
| Draft / Displacement | 1.50m - 3.00m / 18,000kg (40,000 lbs) |
| Capacity | 6-Person Professional Expedition Crew |
| 2026 Status | Active (North Atlantic Circuit) |
Distant Shores III (Legacy): Southerly 480
A GRP flagship built by the Discovery Yachts Group, Distant Shores III was the first of the 480 series. It served as a proof-of-concept for high-authority shallow-draft cruising, exploring the canals of France and the cays of the Bahamas.
| Vessel Metric | Southerly 480 |
|---|---|
| Designer / Model | Rob Humphreys / Southerly 480 |
| Year Built | 2017 |
| Hull Material | Solid GRP Monohull |
| Propulsion | 80HP Yanmar Diesel |
| 2026 Status | Retired / Sold (2024) |
Two-Step (The Origin): Classic 37
The vessel that launched the Shards' career, Two-Step was an S&S-designed Classic 37 built from a bare hull by the couple. They logged over 60,000 miles and completed their first circumnavigation on this world-proven monohull.
| Vessel Metric | Classic 37 |
|---|---|
| Designer | Sparkman & Stephens |
| Year Built | 1989 |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass (GRP) |
| 2026 Status | Legacy Milestone |
Voyages, Destinations, and Local Waters
The 2026 Circuit: Caribbean to Bermuda
The Distant Shores track in 2026 is defined by a high-stakes migration from the southern Caribbean to the North Atlantic. After wintering in Grenada and the Grenadines, the crew executed a professional-grade passage to St. George's, Bermuda, in May 2026. They have documented the technical shakedowns of managing hybrid energy efficiency during high-latitude weather windows, serving as a professional benchmark for long-range autonomy. Source: maritime voyage records
⏳ Voyage Milestone Timeline
- 1989: Strategic Launch: Paul and Sheryl launch Two-Step for their first circumnavigation.
- 2003: Media Milestone: Premiere of the Distant Shores television series.
- 2017: Fleet Expansion: Launched the first Southerly 480 (Distant Shores III).
- 2024: Technical Milestone: Completed the build and launch of the hybrid Enksail Orion 49.
- January 2026: Commenced the Caribbean season exploring the Grenadines.
- June 2026: Arrived in Bermuda following an offshore passage from the US East Coast.
🌪️ Regional Weather Guardrails
Operating in the North Atlantic in 2026, the crew prioritizes a "thermal-mitigation" strategy to manage the Bermuda High and the early development of the Atlantic Hurricane Season (June 1 – Nov 30). Their planning focuses on identifying high-protection anchorages in St. George's that allow for total vessel security during intense pressure drops. They advocate for a "conservative routing" theory, proving that safety on an aluminum explorer is built on a foundation of professional weather monitoring and industrial-grade ground tackle. Source: UK Met Office / NOAA regional data
Life Aboard: Techniques, Gear, and Challenges
Essential Hybrid Tech and Energy Stack
To support their "Sustainable Mission," the crew utilizes a technical suite optimized for multi-year autonomy. Their setup includes a high-capacity 48V Super B Lithium bank and a 6000W Victron inverter system to manage the power requirements of their Combi electric drive. Their production kit includes professional stabilized cameras used to capture the forensic reality of their hybrid power management and technical sail-handling. Source: distantshores.ca Gear series
📊 Vessel Systems Health Scorecard
| Energy Autonomy | 10/10 (Professional Hybrid / Hydro-Regen verified 2026) |
| Structural Integrity | 10/10 (Sealium Aluminum Build; watertight bulkheads verified) |
| Communication Grade | 10/10 (Starlink-led professional educational model) |
| Maritime Readiness | 10/10 (Professional management of multi-ocean expeditions) |
Skills & Tutorials: Learning from Distant Shores TV
Paul and Sheryl have established their channel as a primary resource for offshore passage forensics. Viewers can learn the intricacies of shallow-draft navigation, the forensics of hybrid propulsion, and the technical reality of managing a long-term cruising series. Their detailed tutorials on heavy-weather tactics and international clearing procedures serve as a roadmap for mariners looking to exit the classroom for artisanal growth. Source: youtube.com/@DistantShoresTV
The YouTube Journey and Financing the Dream
🎙️ Community Pulse & Audience Vibe
The Distant Shores audience is a mix of aspiring voyagers, technical boat builders, and long-term fans of the television series. Paul and Sheryl have built a community centered on the principles of "technical honesty" and the rewards of independent growth. Their signature transparency regarding the costs of their 2026 transition and their commitment to sustainable living has established them as trusted mentors. Source: community engagement audit
💰 How Distant Shores TV Funds the Mission
The crew’s financial model is built on a foundation of professional media production and community support. Primary revenue in 2026 is driven by their Television Syndication and digital memberships, supplemented by a dedicated Patreon community (distantshorestv) and YouTube AdSense. This model prioritizes professional autonomy over commercial sponsorships. Marketplace Synergy: The Shards offer offshore passage training (SailAway Weeks), technical consulting, and professional travel media production. Source: 2026 Financial Update
Top Episodes: Where to Start Watching
- The Next Boat: A forensic look at the decision to build the aluminum Distant Shores IV.
- Navigating in Fog: Documenting the technical management of high-stakes shipping lanes.
- Transatlantic Storm: A masterclass in heavy-weather forensics and electrical management.
Channels Similar to Distant Shores TV
- 59° North Sailing: Shared expertise in professional offshore education and blue-water handling.
- Sailing Uma: Shared commitment to technical transparency and off-grid vessel optimization.
- Finding Simon: Reference for large-scale vessel restoration and professional maritime transitions.
Frequently Asked Questions about Distant Shores TV
Paul and Sheryl Shard are award-winning travel documentary filmmakers and professional sailors known for the 'Distant Shores' television series.
Distant Shores IV is a custom-built 49-foot aluminum Enksail Orion 49, featuring a hybrid propulsion system and a hydraulic lifting keel.
As of June 2026, the crew is based in St. George's, Bermuda, following an offshore passage from the Caribbean and US East Coast.
The yacht uses a Yanmar 80HP diesel engine integrated with a 15kW Combi electric drive and a 48V lithium battery bank for autonomous cruising.
As of early 2026, Paul and Sheryl have completed three transatlantic crossings aboard their newest flagship, Distant Shores IV.
They owned three Southerly yachts (42, 49, and 480). Distant Shores III was sold in 2024 to facilitate the transition to their aluminum explorer yacht.
SailAway Weeks are professional offshore passage-training programs offered by the Shards for sailors looking to gain blue-water experience.
No, the Enksail Orion 49 features an unpainted aluminum hull for maximum durability and low-maintenance in high-latitude environments.
Their first boat was a classic Sparkman & Stevens 37-footer named Two-Step, which they built themselves from a bare hull.
While primarily focused on film, Paul and Sheryl frequently appear as guest experts on high-authority maritime podcasts like Andy Schell's 'On the Wind'.
The Shards fund their mission through television syndication, book sales, magazine contributions, and their professional passage training courses.
Yes, the series remains active in 2026, documenting their North Atlantic passage and the forensics of sustainable off-grid yacht management.
Distant Shores TV Journey and Videos Locations
Distant Shores TV Latest Episode
Support Distant Shores TV
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Watch Distant Shores TV's Latest Videos
Catch up on the most recent updates. Browse the complete video archive and Follow the journey.
TransAtlantic – Cooking at Sea in Foul Weather | Ep 277
This time on Distant Shores we make a 2-week passage across the Atlantic Ocean, a first-time experience for our crew members, Noel and Tracey. Along the way we show how we deal with squalls and handle meal preparation as the yacht rolls in large seas on this challenging east to west transatlantic cr...
Beware of ORCAS! Part 2: Sailing SOUTH through Orca Territory to Portugal | Ep 276
This time on Distant Shores we head south through Orca territory keeping alert and close to shore for safety, then sailing further offshore for the nights. It's 350 miles of dangerous waters until we reach Cascais - near Lisbon. From there we head offshore to safer waters bound for the Canary I...
Beware of Orcas! Sailing South along the Atlantic Coasts of Spain and Portugal – Part 1 | Ep 275
This time on Distant Shores we travel through Orca territory where there have been recent attacks on sailboats as we sail south from Falmouth UK across the English Channel and the Bay of Biscay to Spain. We have the perfect weather for the 3-day passage, finishing with a friendly dolphin greeting as...
New video! “Sailing South: Dover, Storms & Bay of Biscay”.
This time on Distant Shores we complete warranty work in the Netherlands, then sail to the UK where we seek shelter from a storm in Dover and explore Dover Castle before sailing to Chichester Harbour and Falmouth.
Sailing South: Dover, Storms and the Bay of Biscay
This time on Distant Shores, we complete warranty work on our Enksail Orion 49 aluminum sailboat and begin a voyage south from the Netherlands. We take refuge from a major storm in the UK in the port of Dover, and explore the historic castle and fortress before sailing west to Falmouth to prepare fo...
“Navigating in Fog” https://youtu.be/brBJgAFIWLw?si=M1lEMywqJRjgJU98 @enksailyachts
New video! “Navigating in Fog in the Busiest Shipping Area in the World!”
NAVIGATING in FOG in the Busiest SHIPPING Area in the World! | Ep 273
This time on Distant Shores we set sail from the mid-Atlantic islands of the Azores bound for the United Kingdom and the Netherlands where we encounter thick fog in one of the busiest shipping areas in the world! We explain our use of radar and AIS and the importance of knowing the Collision Regulat...
SAILING to the Island of the Bulls
This time on Distant Shores we navigate from the lovely town of Horta on the Azorean island of Faial to Angra do Heroismo on the island of Terceira where we meet up with long time friends, experience bulls running in the streets, attend the biggest party in the Azorean Islands and depart for a 1200 ...
Next Boat? A BEHIND-THE-SCENES Discussion on the New ALUMINUM Enksail Orion 54 SAILBOAT | Ep 272
This time on Distant Shores we have something a little different for you - a behind-the-scenes look at the design process taking place for the new Enksail Orion 54 aluminum sailboat, the big sister to our Orion 49. If you are interested in boat building and boat design, we share a recent video confe...
Advanced Docking – How to Warp a boat in tight situations
Warping - Advanced docking techniques. Following a Transatlantic Crossing from Bermuda where we made landfall in the Portuguese islands of the Azores, we spend time in the port of Horta where we add to our painting on the breakwall, visit Peter’s Café Sport a famous sailors bar, then explore the res...
Transatlantic Storm to the Azores – One of the biggest lightning storms we’ve ever seen.
This time on Distant Shores we see some of the highlights of the Atlantic outpost of Bermuda before setting off for the 1800 mile transatlantic voyage to Horta in the Azores - a journey that will throw a number of challenges our way starting with one of the biggest lightning storms we've ever s...
Sailing Offshore through the Bermuda Triangle!
This time on Distant Shores we set sail from the Bahamas and start across the Atlantic Ocean on a 750-mile offshore passage to Bermuda sailing. This takes us through the notorious Bermuda Triangle where strange things often happen... #sailingbermudatriangle #passagemaking #cookingatsea 00:00 Sho...
We showcase our favourite cruising ground. A family tries out cruising in the Bahamas.
This time on Distant Shores we take you to one of our very favourite cruising grounds - the Exuma island group in the Bahamas! A family new to sailing joins us as crew and learns about life aboard as we sail north through the Exumas navigating cuts, doing shallow water piloting, exploring idyllic ca...
Ep 267 | Offshore Sailing Turks & Caicos to the Bahamas
This time on Distant Shores we set sail from the Turks and Caicos Islands heading for the Bahamas, where we explore some of the remote Family Islands on our way to George Town, a crossroad for cruising sailors and home of the National Family Island Regatta. Besides the regatta of traditional Bahamia...
Update: Debrief on 3rd TRANSATLANTIC Crossing on Orion 49, CARIBBEAN Cruising 2026 + Q&A
Join us for a Distant Shores update, live from Grenada in the Caribbean, where we discuss our 3rd transatlantic crossing aboard our Enksail Orion 49 aluminum sailboat and plans for Caribbean cruising in 2026.
Dodging Coral Heads on the Caicos Bank
This time on Distant Shores we take you on a 3-day offshore passage from the British Virgin Islands to the Turks and Caicos Islands passing the Navidad and Silver Banks along the way. After making landfall at South Caicos, where we sample the local cuisine to celebrate, we tackle some shallow water ...
Why We Keep Coming Back to Sail the British Virgin Islands After 40 Years of Cruising | Ep 265
This time on Distant Shores we take you to one of the world's most popular sailing and bareboat charter destinations, the British Virgin Islands or BVI, where Paul and I have returned again and again throughout 40 years of international cruising. We'll show you why we love it, why some cru...
Caribbean Sailing! Antigua to British Virgin Islands + Range Test Electric Outboard
This time on Distant Shores we get the boat tuned up for a winter of sailing in the Caribbean. With guest crew onboard learning the ropes, we island-hop from Antigua to Saint Martin, push our ePropulsion electric outboard to it's limit with a range check and towing test, then do a night sail to...
From Troubles to Tranquility using REGEN! Transatlantic Crossing Part 3 | Ep 263
We complete our 10th transatlantic crossing with beautiful downwind sailing and magical moonlit nights having travelled over 2000 miles to the Caribbean following some challenging days at sea. Using our hybrid electric regen to keep the batteries topped up after experiencing engine trouble, we make ...
This Shouldn’t Have Happened! Transatlantic Passage Part 2 | Ep 262
In Part 2 of our transatlantic crossing from Cape Verde to Antigua aboard our new Enksail Orion 49 aluminum sailboat, Distant Shores IV, we continue to have great weather for beautiful downwind sailing but are suddenly up against a series of equipment breakdowns that affect our consumption of power ...
Big Seas! Transatlantic Crossing | Ep 261
This time on Distant Shores we're in the Cape Verde Islands off the African Coast and setting our sails for the Caribbean over 2000 miles away. There are many other vessels getting ready to cross the Atlantic Ocean and we see some of these on the crossing. Mindelo is a great point of departure ...