Holly and Ray

For many, the dream of selling everything and sailing into the sunset is a romantic notion, but for Holly and Ray of SV Sabado, it’s a mission grounded in rigorous engineering and an uncompromising quest for self-sufficiency. Originally hailing from Portland, Oregon, and San Diego, California, this duo traded their successful careers in science and photography for a life on the water, proving that with the right mindset—and a custom tool bench—the world’s oceans become a solvable equation.

Key Takeaways

• Channel Vibe: An authentic, technical-led exploration of blue-water cruising with a focus on DIY repairs and "all-electric" autonomy.
• The Boat: SV Sabado, a heavily modified 2017 Lagoon 42 (Owner's Version) transitioning into a custom-built explorer catamaran.
• The Journey: Currently undergoing a major systems refit in Whangarei, New Zealand, following a challenging crossing from Tonga and Minerva Reef.

⚓ Quick Specs & Channel Vitals

Meet the Crew and the Vessel

The Sailors Behind the Helm

Holly Hendricks and Ray Gordon bring a distinct "engineer’s eye" to the world of YouTube sailing. Before departing, Holly was a microbiologist specializing in infectious disease research, while Ray was a renowned commercial photographer and engineer in Portland. Since starting their journey together in 2020, they have cultivated a reputation for transparency—showing the grit of boat maintenance alongside the glamour of Pacific sunsets. Their philosophy is simple: live every day like it’s Saturday, provided the bilge pumps are working. Source: svsabado.com

The Boat: SV Sabado

While many Lagoon 42s are relegated to the charter fleets of the BVI, Sabado is a different beast entirely. As a 3-cabin Owner's Version, the entire starboard hull serves as Holly and Ray’s private residence, now featuring a dedicated office and filming suite. During their 2025 refit in New Zealand, they took customization a step further by converting the port forward cabin into a functional onboard workshop—a critical addition for their long-term circumnavigation plans.

Voyages, Destinations, and Local Waters

⏳ Voyage Milestone Timeline

• 2020: Departure from the US East Coast; beginning of the Sabado chronicles.
• 2021-2022: Extensive Caribbean and Bahamas cruising, refining onboard systems.
• 2023: Panama Canal transit and the "Big Left Turn" into the Pacific.
• 2024: Arrival in Tonga and a tactical survival anchorage at Minerva Reef.
• 2025: Arrival in New Zealand; commencement of the "Dream Boat" technical refit.

🌪️ Regional Weather Guardrails

Navigating the South Pacific requires a deep respect for seasonal shifts. While Holly and Ray are currently sheltered in New Zealand, their route through Tonga and Fiji placed them within the primary Cyclone belt (Nov 1 – April 30). Their passage to New Zealand was defined by managing the "Tasman Sea Lows" and the intense Southwesterly fronts that can turn a routine passage into a battle of endurance.

Life Aboard: Techniques, Gear, and Challenges

🛠️ The Gear Locker: Crucial Hardware

📊 Vessel Systems Health Scorecard

Top Episodes: Where to Start Watching

• From Production Catamaran to Dream Boat: A deep dive into their New Zealand refit philosophy.
• Addressing a Serious Safety Issue: A critical look at Lagoon escape hatch concerns.
• Could You Sleep at Anchor?: Real-world insights into anchor management and refit noise.

Channels Similar to Holly and Ray

• Dutch Sailing Family: Also sailing a Lagoon catamaran and sharing the technical nuances of production boat modifications and family life.
• Lady K Sailing: While focused on a different vessel class, Tim Labute provides the same level of technical "refit forensics" that engineering-minded viewers of Sabado appreciate.
• Sailing Parlay Revival: Known for their extreme catamaran refits (Lagoon 450), they share the same DIY grit and "solve it ourselves" mentality.

Frequently Asked Questions about Holly and Ray