followtheboat

In the expansive and high-authority landscape of maritime storytelling, followtheboat stands as a definitive pioneer. Led by Jamie Furlong and Liz Cleere—a professional photographer and a writer who met in the Caribbean in 2003—the channel has documented over 20 years of nomadic life on the water. From their legacy two-decade tenure on the legendary Oyster 435, Esper, to their 2026 transition into the UK's inland waterways, the Foxwells provide a forensic and deeply human look at the intersection of cultural exploration and technical self-sufficiency.

Key Takeaways

• Channel Vibe: Authentic, technically transparent, and cinematically elite. Jamie and Liz focus on the "slow life" and the reality of perpetual travel.
• The Boats: Transitioned from the world-proven SY Esper (1989 Oyster 435 ketch) to their current 57ft widebeam canal boat, Happidaze.
• The Mission: After two decades of ocean passages, they are currently "Continuous Cruisers" on the UK canal system, documenting the technical nuances of fresh-water life.

⚓ Quick Specs & Channel Vitals

Meet the Crew and the Transition

The Sailors Behind the Helm

Jamie Furlong: A professional photographer and videographer whose cinematic eye has defined the high-authority visual standards of the channel since 2002. Jamie began his maritime career as delivery crew before purchasing Esper. He serves as the primary technical lead, documenting the grueling reality of boat maintenance—from the legendary 13-month refit in Thailand to the high-output solar integration on their current canal platform. His "Source of Authority" is built on 20 years of hands-on marine engineering and troubleshooting.

Liz Cleere: A professional writer, author, and storyteller who manages the narrative depth of the project. Liz has contributed to major international sailing and travel publications and is the author of the 2024 memoir, "Casting Off." Her work provides a high-trust reference for the psychological and emotional transition from traditional corporate life to the "big leap" of nomadic living. She is also the voice behind the Casting Off podcast, established as a cornerstone of the liveaboard community.

Marley: The crew is completed by Marley, a rescue "bullador" (Bulldog/Labrador cross) who joined the team in 2024. Marley has successfully transitioned from land to the unique technical environment of a widebeam canal boat, symbolizing the channel's focus on family and animal logistics.

The Boat: SV Happidaze (Widebeam Canal Boat)

In 2025, Jamie and Liz pivoted from the high seas to the UK's inland waterways, acquiring Happidaze, a 57ft widebeam canal boat. Unlike their previous heavy-displacement Oyster, this vessel is designed for the high-precision navigation of the British canal and river systems. Key technical refits in 2026 have included a custom off-grid solar installation, a total recommissioning of the onboard generator, and the integration of a multi-stage water filtration system designed for the varied water quality of inland canals. Source: followtheboat.com

Voyages, Destinations, and Local Waters

Top Routes and Expeditions

The followtheboat track is one of the most extensive in the cruising vlog space. Starting from Turkey in 2006, they navigated the Mediterranean before transiting the Suez Canal and "Pirate Alley" during the peak of Somali piracy in 2010. Their decade-long exploration of Southeast Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia) remains a definitive technical reference for the region. In 2026, their focus has shifted to the technical waterways of the UK, including the high-velocity currents of the River Trent and the intricate lock systems of the Stainforth and Keadby Canal. Source: followtheboat Voyage Archive

⏳ Voyage Milestone Timeline

• 2006: Officially "cast off" from Turkey for full-time global cruising aboard SV Esper.
• 2010: Transited the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean; survived complete autopilot failure and lightning strikes.
• 2014-2015: Completed the legendary 13-month "Total Refit" of Esper in Satun, Thailand; documented in 51 forensic episodes.
• 2015-2024: Deep exploration of the archipelagos of Southeast Asia, logging over 25,000 NM.
• Late 2024: Finalized the sale of SV Esper in Malaysia; return to the UK after nearly two decades offshore.
• Early 2025: Acquisition and "recommissioning" of the widebeam Happidaze for canal life.
• March 2026: Successfully completed the "Fresh Water Shakedown," documenting the first year of UK inland living.
• May 2026: Commenced "Continuous Cruising" phase, navigating the industrial and natural landscapes of South Yorkshire.

🌪️ Regional Weather Guardrails

Operating in the UK's inland waterways in 2026, Jamie and Liz manage the technical risks of tidal rivers like the Trent, where high-velocity currents require precise timing and bridge clearance logistics. Their strategy for wintering focuses on managing frozen canals and lock closures (November-March), prioritizing safe-haven moorings with access to solid fuel and reliable power. They continue to advocate for a "conservative window" approach, proving that even inland navigation requires high-authority weather routing. Source: WeBoating Maritime Weather Reference

Life Aboard: Techniques, Gear, and Challenges

Essential Gear and Tech Stack

To capture their new canal chapter, the followtheboat crew utilizes a high-spec production suite led by professional stabilized cameras and Jamie’s signature cinematic editing. Technically, Happidaze is supported by an off-grid solar stack and a high-capacity AGM battery bank. Their "Source of Authority" on boat systems was tested in 2026 with a total overhaul of their water filtration system, allowing them to draw from canal sources while maintaining high-purity standards. Source: followtheboat Gear Guide

🛠️ The Gear Locker: Crucial Hardware

📊 Vessel Systems Health Scorecard

The YouTube Journey and Professional Community

🎙️ Community Pulse & Audience Vibe

The followtheboat audience is a high-authority mix of long-term sailors and canal enthusiasts. Jamie and Liz have built a community—known as the "FTBMates"—that values technical honesty and the "warts and all" reality of the nomad life. Their transparency regarding the decision to sell Esper after 20 years has established them as trusted mentors for those navigating the emotional transition back to land (or fresh water). They represent the definitive voice for the "Slow Living" movement in the maritime space.

How followtheboat Fund the Voyage

Jamie and Liz's financial model is a benchmark for sustainable creative success. Their primary revenue is driven by their dedicated FTBMates community and a strong Patreon (followtheboat) presence. This is supplemented by high-authority photography commissions, royalties from Liz’s books, and YouTube AdSense revenue. This diversification allows them to prioritize "Technical Truth" and cultural storytelling over commercial sponsorships, maintaining their status as independent maritime authorities.

Top Episodes: Where to Start Watching

• One Year on a Canal Boat: A high-authority reflection on the transition from salt to fresh water.
• Canal Solar Installation: Documenting the technical reality of achieving off-grid power on the UK canals.
• Generator Recommissioning: A forensic look at the mechanical prep required for "Continuous Cruising."

Channels Similar to followtheboat

• Sailing Yacht Salty Lass: Fellow UK-origin cruisers with a shared focus on the "Slow Path" and DIY maintenance.
• Mothership Adrift: High-authority British liveaboard narrative with long-term nomadic roots.
• Sailing Ocean Fox: Shares the same professional transition narrative and high-resolution production.

Frequently Asked Questions about followtheboat