RAN Sailing

There is a specific kind of courage required to untie the lines and sail halfway around the world. There is an entirely different, perhaps more stubborn, brand of fortitude required to sell a perfectly capable blue-water cruiser, move into a farmhouse in the Swedish countryside, and spend the next half-decade building a 52-foot performance sailing yacht from scratch. This is the current chapter in the saga of RAN Sailing, a channel that has evolved from a nomadic travelogue into one of the most technically ambitious boat-building projects on the digital seas.

For Malin Löf and Johan Hammarlund, the journey didn't start with a pile of Western Red Cedar in a barn. It began in the winter of 2016, when they departed Sweden aboard their original 40-foot aluminum vessel, RAN. After years of navigating the Atlantic, the Caribbean, and the rugged coastlines of Alaska, the arrival of their daughter, Vera, in 2019 prompted a shift to a larger Najad 440 (RAN II). Yet, even that classic Swedish build wasn't the final answer. In 2022, they made the radical decision to come home, settle at Sun Hill Farm, and pour every ounce of Johan’s boat-building expertise into the creation of RAN III.

Key Takeaways

• Channel Vibe: Cinematic, technical, and family-oriented storytelling with a focus on masterful craftsmanship.
• The Boat: Currently building RAN III, a custom 52-foot timber/epoxy/carbon-fiber sandwich performance cruiser.
• The Journey: Land-based at Sun Hill Farm, Sweden, documenting a massive multi-year boat build projected to launch around 2028.

⚓ Quick Specs & Channel Vitals

Meet the Crew and the Vessel

The Sailors Behind the Helm

Johan Hammarlund is not your average YouTube sailor; he is a professional boatbuilder whose hands-on expertise forms the backbone of the channel’s technical depth. His history includes a solo expedition to Antarctica, a testament to his resilience and seafaring skill. Malin Löf, a former project manager, transitioned from a sailing novice to a skilled navigator and the primary creative force behind the channel's high production value. Together with their daughter Vera—who has grown up amidst sawdust and sea spray—they represent the ultimate modern sailing family: grounded in tradition but fueled by a DIY spirit that rejects the easy path.

Source: ransailing.se

The Boat: RAN III

RAN III is an evolution of everything the couple learned during their 40,000+ nautical miles of blue-water cruising. Choosing a wood-core (Western Red Cedar) sandwich construction with carbon fiber and fiberglass lamination, Johan is building a hull that is both incredibly stiff and lightweight. The design features a deck saloon for 360-degree visibility, watertight bulkheads for safety, and a mast height just under 22 meters to remain versatile for global bridge clearances. As of May 2026, the project has reached a major milestone: the deckhouse walls have been mounted, giving the massive 52-foot structure its first true sense of an interior sanctuary.

Source: RAN Sailing Episode 488 (May 15, 2026)

Voyages, Destinations, and Local Waters

Top Routes and Expeditions

Before the barn build, RAN Sailing took viewers on a world-class journey. Their 2016 departure from Sweden saw them tackling the English Channel and the Bay of Biscay during the winter—a baptism by fire for Malin. They spent years exploring the Atlantic, from the lush islands of the Caribbean to the technical navigation required in the Pacific Northwest. Their voyage to Alaska stands as a highlight, showcasing their ability to handle cold-weather cruising and remote wilderness logistics. These experiences directly informed the design of RAN III, which is being built specifically for the high-latitude adventures they plan for the future.

Navigating the Swedish Countryside

While they aren't currently dodging icebergs, the crew faces a different set of challenges at Sun Hill Farm. Navigating the logistics of a massive construction project in the Swedish interior requires a steady supply of high-grade marine materials and the patience to weather the long Nordic winters. The "voyage" is now one of inches and millimeters, as they precisely align bulkheads and laminate carbon reinforcements. This phase of their life anchors them to the land, but every episode is a countdown to their eventual return to the Baltic Sea and beyond.

Life Aboard: Techniques, Gear, and Challenges

Essential Gear and Tech Stack

The boat build itself is a showcase of high-end marine technology and industrial-grade tools. Johan utilizes a variety of specialized equipment, from Mirka sanding systems to West System epoxies. The future RAN III will likely feature the latest in marine electronics—drawing from their past experience with B&G systems—and off-grid power management. For filming, Malin uses a sophisticated kit including Sony cameras and drones to capture the cinematic vistas and the intricate details of the build, maintaining a standard of production that rivals professional documentaries.

Skills & Tutorials: Learning from RAN Sailing

Viewers come to RAN Sailing not just for the lifestyle, but for a masterclass in boat construction. The channel provides deep dives into the strip-planking technique, the complexities of vacuum bagging fiberglass, and the structural engineering of a carbon-reinforced mast step. Johan’s ability to explain the "why" behind every technical decision—from the chemistry of epoxy to the physics of hull stress—makes the channel an invaluable resource for aspiring boat builders and technical sailors alike.

The YouTube Journey and Financing the Dream

Building a custom 52-foot yacht is a monumental financial undertaking. RAN Sailing has successfully built a sustainable model through a combination of Patreon support, merchandise sales at their RAN Sailing Store, and YouTube ad revenue. They also sold their previous boat, RAN II, to provide the initial capital for the RAN III build. Their transparency about the costs and the sheer amount of labor involved has earned them a loyal community of supporters who are invested in seeing the boat reach the water.

Top Episodes: Where to Start Watching

• We Can Finally See It (Ep. 488): The most recent major milestone showing the scale of the new boat as the deckhouse walls go up.
• One Giant Box (Ep. 487): Witness the arrival of the laser cutter and the technical start of the deckhouse construction.
• Building What We Always Missed (Ep. 486): A deep dive into custom design choices for the aft deck hangout area.

Channels Similar to RAN Sailing

• Sailing Uma: For those who appreciate a focus on technical innovation and custom boat modifications, particularly their electric motor journey.
• Sampson Boat Co (Tally Ho): Ideal for viewers who enjoy long-form, expert-level timber boat construction and massive restoration projects.
• Sailing Zatara: For fans of family-centric cruising adventures and the logistics of global travel with a large crew.

Frequently Asked Questions about RAN Sailing

What kind of boat is RAN III?
RAN III is a custom 52-foot performance cruiser designed by the crew, featuring a wood-core sandwich construction with carbon fiber reinforcements.

How do Malin and Johan afford to build their boat?
The build is funded through a mix of Patreon contributions, YouTube ad revenue, merchandise sales, and the proceeds from selling their previous yacht, RAN II.

Where is RAN Sailing currently located?
As of May 2026, they are based at Sun Hill Farm in the Swedish countryside, working full-time on the RAN III build.

When will RAN III be launched?
The current estimate for the "splash date" is sometime in 2028, depending on the progress of the interior fit-out and rigging.