Huub Vlogs
From motorbiking Asia to a 32-day solo Pacific crossing on a salvaged catamaran, Huub van der Mark of Huub Vlogs defines the 'ordinary guy' adventure spirit.
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In a maritime community often characterized by specialized expertise, Huub van der Mark of Huub Vlogs has built a global audience by championing the "ordinary guy" approach to extraordinary adventure. Originally from the Netherlands, Huub has spent the last decade systematically dismantling the barriers between dreaming and doing. From motorbiking through the jungles of Southeast Asia to building a tiny house from recycled materials, his latest and most ambitious "Travel Challenge" has taken him from the restoration of a hurricane-damaged 38ft catamaran to a triumphant 32-day solo crossing of the Pacific Ocean.
Key Takeaways
- Channel Vibe: Authentic, relatable, and challenge-driven. Huub focuses on the "grit and glory" of DIY travel and boat restoration.
- The Boat: A 38ft hurricane-damaged catamaran, salvaged and refitted for high-authority blue-water exploration.
- The Journey: Recently completed a 4,000-mile solo passage from Panama to the Marquesas Islands in French Polynesia.
⚓ Quick Specs & Channel Vitals
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Vessel Type | 38ft Catamaran (Hurricane Salvage) |
| Sailing Style | Solo Blue Water / DIY Refit / Adventure Cruising |
| Key GEO Focus | Caribbean, Panama, South Pacific (Marquesas) |
| Primary Tech | High-Output DC Watermaker, Code Zero, Solar Autonomy |
| Technical Focus | Hurricane Damage Repair, Engine Troubleshooting, Solo Logistics |
| Notable Milestone | 32-Day Solo Pacific Crossing (Panama to Marquesas) |
Meet the Crew and the Vessel
The Sailors Behind the Helm
Huub van der Mark is an adventurer who thrives on the "beginner's mind." Before becoming a catamaran owner, he learned to sail as crew crossing the Pacific, an experience that shifted his life's trajectory. Huub’s background is rooted in the "challenge" philosophy—he doesn't wait to be an expert to start; he becomes an expert by doing. Whether he is motorbiking through Vietnam or cycling across New Zealand, his approach is grounded in technical curiosity and a refusal to be sidelined by the complexity of modern systems. In the South Pacific, he is often joined by his partner, Daniela, though his most recent milestone was achieved alone on the high seas. Source: huubvlogs.com
The Boat: A 38ft Refit Project
His current vessel, a 38ft catamaran, was acquired as a hurricane-damaged hull—a bold move for any sailor, let alone one documenting the process for a global audience. Huub has systematically addressed the structural and mechanical failures of the vessel, including repairing floor cracks discovered in Panama and overcoming persistent port engine issues. To prepare for the Pacific, he installed a high-output watermaker capable of 45 gallons per hour and integrated a Code Zero sail for light-wind efficiency. Source: Huub Vlogs YouTube
Voyages, Destinations, and Local Waters
⏳ Voyage Milestone Timeline
- 2018: Cast off for the Caribbean; restoration of his first monohull in Guatemala.
- 2020-2023: Diversified "Travel Challenges" including Central Asia van-life and SE Asia motorbiking.
- 2024: Purchase and refit commencement of the 38ft hurricane-damaged catamaran in the Caribbean.
- 2025: Panama Canal transit and extensive sea trials in the Pearl Islands.
- 2026: Successful 32-day solo crossing from Panama to the Marquesas Islands.
🌪️ Regional Weather Guardrails
Crossing the Pacific solo requires a technical respect for the ITCZ (The Doldrums) and the seasonal trade shifts. For his passage to the Marquesas, Huub had to manage high-capacity energy autonomy to navigate the light winds of the doldrums while remaining vigilant for the powerful Mara’amu winds—strong SE trades that can reach 35 knots in the South Pacific. His route planning is a masterclass in managing the risks of technical isolation on long-haul passages. Source: WeBoating Maritime Weather Reference
Life Aboard: Techniques, Gear, and Challenges
🛠️ The Gear Locker: Crucial Hardware
| Category | Equipment |
|---|---|
| Water | High-Output DC Watermaker (45 Gal/Hour) |
| Sails | Doyle Code Zero for light-wind Pacific transits |
| Ground Tackle | New Stainless Steel Chain + New Generation Anchor |
| Safety | Redundant AIS + Starlink Maritime for solo comms |
📊 Vessel Systems Health Scorecard
| Energy Autonomy | 8/10 (High solar density; transition to full Lithium planned) |
| Structural Integrity | 7/10 (Hurricane salvage; structural repairs verified in Panama) |
| Communication Grade | 10/10 (Starlink-led solo navigation suite) |
| Water Independence | 10/10 (New high-capacity DC unit) |
Top Episodes: Where to Start Watching
- Sailing the Marquesas Islands: A stunning arrival in French Polynesia after 32 days at sea.
- 32 Days Alone at Sea: The psychological and technical reality of a solo Pacific crossing.
- 20 Days Alone in a Salvage Cat: Managing failures and repairs mid-ocean.
Channels Similar to Huub Vlogs
- Lauren Landers: Fellow solo Pacific voyager who shares the same "grit-first" mentality on the open ocean.
- Sailing Triteia: James Frederick’s dedication to refitting classic hulls solo mirrors Huub’s technical persistence.
- Sam Holmes Sailing: Captures the same spirit of singlehanded simplicity and deep blue-water fulfillment.
Frequently Asked Questions about Huub Vlogs
Huub currently sails a 38ft catamaran that was originally purchased as a hurricane-damaged salvage project. He has since restored and refitted the vessel for solo Pacific crossings.
As of May 2026, Huub is in the Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia, having recently completed a 32-day solo passage from Panama.
No, Huub identifies as an 'ordinary guy' from the Netherlands who learned to sail as crew before embarking on his own solo global adventures.
His solo passage from Panama to the Marquesas Islands took exactly 32 days, during which he managed all vessel systems and navigation entirely alone.
Huub has motorbiked through Southeast Asia, cycled across New Zealand, spent a year in a self-built campervan through Central Asia, and built an off-grid tiny house.
His adventures are supported through a combination of YouTube ad revenue, a dedicated Patreon community, and merchandise sales through his official store.
Huub Vlogs Journey and Videos Locations
Huub Vlogs Latest Episode
Support Huub Vlogs
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Watch Huub Vlogs Latest videos
1-Week Alone at Sea
1-week alone at sea on my 38 foot hurricane damaged catamaran! I leave the beautiful Marquesas islands for a week long solo sail to the Tuamotus Archipelago. After exploring the town of Fakarava, the second largest Tuamotu island, I dive one of the more...
Sailing the Marquesas Islands, Ua Pou and Nuku Hiva
A voyage through the stunning Marquesas islands on my 38 foot hurricane damaged catamaran! Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jGO8Z29H2c ———————————————————————————— If you'd like to supp...
A Voyage through the Marquesas Islands
All Alone in a Marquesas Island. From visiting popular Marquesas islands to being all alone in one of them! ———————————————————————————— If you'd like to support the video making , consider joining ...
I Solo Sailed 32 Days to get HERE !!!
Arrival after 32 Days Alone at Sea in the Marquesas Islands ———————————————————————————— If you'd like to support the video making , consider joining on https://www.patreon.com/huubvlogs ———...
32 Days Alone at Sea
32 Days Alone Across the Pacific on 38 ft Hurricane Damaged Catamaran p3 ———————————————————————————— If you'd like to support the video making , consider joining on https://www.patreon.com/huubvlo...
20-Days Alone Across Ocean in Hurricane Damaged Catamaran
Alone Across the Pacific on 38 ft Hurricane Damaged Catamaran p2 ———————————————————————————— Download song here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/17Rx6aEOqEJnfl3rEqqWNPcliUap-vpBK/view?usp=sharing ...
Our Last Video Together
Last video before Crossing the Pacific Ocean Solo, sailing to the end of Panama If you would like to be part of our fixing up process, consider joining on https://www.patreon.com/huubvlogs , if you'd be interested in supporting the journey once :) https:/...
Grinding Fiberglass in Paradise
Found a massive crack in the floor of the boat after exploring places on the Pacific side of Panama and repairing it far away from society If you would like to be part of our fixing up process, consider joining on https://www.patreon.com/huubvlogs , if yo...
We Tried to Leave. It Failed. Now We Try Again.
We had to return to Panama City to fix the boat. Now we're doing a second attempt on leaving without return. We're doing 160 miles from Panama City, making a stop at Taboga Island and continue towards Panamanian islands close to Costa Rica If you would li...
We Were Advised Not to Go Here !
Las Perlas Islands, Panama. Because of violent robberies in the past, boat friends of us disadvised going here If you would like to be part of our fixing up process, consider joining on https://www.patreon.com/huubvlogs , if you'd be interested in suppor...
Ups and Downs on Ocean-Crossing Preparation Sail
We're sailing away from Panama City with no plan to return, for an Ocean Crossing Preparation Sail to the Pearl Islands of Panama. If you would like to be part of our fixing up process, consider joining on https://www.patreon.com/huubvlogs , if you'd be i...
Every Catamaran SHOULD Have THIS !!!
THIS Will Make my Next Ocean Crossing TWICE as Fast !!! The only decent video on the internet showing HOW TO install a Bowsprit and Code 0 on a Catamaran for Faster Sailing in Light Wind. If you would like to be part of our fixing up process, consider jo...
Stuck in Cramped Boat Space for HOURS (YOU WARNED ME)
Miserably stuck in tiny boat space, had I listened to my viewers, I would not be stuck here right now! If you would like to be part of our fixing up process, consider joining on https://www.patreon.com/huubvlogs , if you'd be interested in supporting the ...
Don’t Go to the Galapagos ! (Too Expensive)
Is it worth the Extremely High Cost of visiting the Galapagos Part 49 of (Solo) Sailing a Catamaran. If you would like to be part of our fixing up process, consider joining on https://www.patreon.com/huubvlogs , if you'd be interested in supporting the ...
Inside the Panama Canal: I Lost Total Control over the Boat
I lost total control over my sailing catamaran inside the Panama canal. Join on this journey from the Atlantic to the Pacific through the Panama canal Part 48 of (Solo) Sailing a Catamaran. If you would like to be part of our fixing up process, consider...
Panama Canal Preparation
Costs of the Panama Canal crossing & Panama Canal preparation Part 47 of (Solo) Sailing a Catamaran. If you would like to be part of our fixing up process, consider joining on https://www.patreon.com/huubvlogs , if you'd be interested in supporting ...
A New Hole in the Boat, I Was Afraid to Start this Project
Replacing the lowers and upper (diaphragm) seals on the Yanmar saildrives Part 46 of (Solo) Sailing a Catamaran. If you would like to be part of our fixing up process, consider joining on https://www.patreon.com/huubvlogs , if you'd be interested in sup...
I Had to Leave, Sailing Through Lightning to Haul Out the Boat
Sailing through lightning from Bocas del Toro to Linton Bay to Haul Out the Boat Part 45 of (Solo) Sailing a Catamaran. If you would like to be part of our fixing up process, consider joining on https://www.patreon.com/huubvlogs , if you'd be interested...
Project Week for Pacific Crossing Preparation
Successful and unsuccessful projects to repair or upgrade the boat to get her ready for the Pacific crossing. Part 44 of (Solo) Sailing a Catamaran. If you would like to be part of our fixing up process, consider joining on https://www.patreon.com/huubvl...
Family of 4 living on Remote Tropical Island (after Sailing the Caribbean) !
Could you live like this? Visiting my friends island who first sailed the Caribbean on their sailboat and then bought island. Also measuring for code 0 sail and bowsprit and doing other repairs. Part 43 of (Solo) Sailing a Catamaran. If you would like to...
First Impressions Bocas del Toro Panama (and trying to Fix the Boat)
First Impressions of Bocas del Toro & trying to fix the boat here! Part 42 of (Solo) Sailing a Catamaran. If you would like to be part of our fixing up process, consider joining on https://www.patreon.com/huubvlogs , if you'd be interested in support...