The Adventurous Crew of SV NAHOA

Meet the incredible crew of SV NAHOA: Ben, Ashley, Willa, and Bodhi—a Canadian family hailing from Victoria, BC, on an awe-inspiring global sailing adventure. Over five years, they’ve explored 35 countries and covered an impressive 40,000 nautical miles. Their mission? To reveal the world as they encounter it, without judgment but with understanding and openness to diverse ideas.

Ben and Ashley were raised in middle-class families that instilled in them the values of hard work, humility, and gratitude. These values continue to shape their lives today.

Ben & Ashley: Dream Chasers

After leading typical post-university lives—working to pay the mortgage, traveling to keep the money flowing, and climbing the corporate ladder to own a house and some toys—Ben and Ashley faced a pivotal question: “What motivates someone to sell everything and embark on a perilous journey to sail around the world, facing storms, pirates, and financial uncertainty?”

After a decade of sacrifice, hard work, and saving every penny, Ben and Ashley made the bold decision to sell their house, car, and possessions to purchase an offshore sailing vessel. They left their jobs behind and set sail to live their dream… only to run out of money in their second year of sailing. That’s where their captivating videos commence—the remarkable story of Ben, Ashley, Willa, and Bodhi, and their sailboat, Nahoa.

Ashley: The Heart of the Crew

Ashley wears many hats, from logistics coordinator to yogi, mother, and cheerleader. Whether researching the next destination, steering the boat, ensuring meals keep flowing, or managing the schedule, Ashley is everywhere you look, often in a bikini. The crew jokingly claims that Ashley fills the bilges with seashells.

Ben: The Jack-of-All-Trades

Ben’s talents span from self-taught mechanic to plumber, electrician, videographer, ecologist, and beyond. He’s an avid fan of romantic comedies and an enthusiastic fisherman, often seen battling massive tuna in their videos. His famous line, “I AM NOT AN EXPERT!” is frequently heard when he’s fixing the boat. Ben’s tool of choice? A sledgehammer over a conventional one.

Willa & Bodhi: Young Adventurers

Willa, who ascended the ranks in her second year of life, helps her parents and holds the camera during fishing escapades. She favors mango-based foods, dislikes cold water, and sleeps soundly even in rough seas. Bodhi, a seasoned sailor since birth, has quickly adapted to life at sea. He’s a fast learner, mastering sailor skills, and enjoying his time in the water.

The Boat: SV NAHOA

SV NAHOA is a 2005 production Lagoon 410 catamaran. While not the newest vessel on the seas, Ben and Ashley firmly believe it strikes the perfect balance between comfort, performance, and cost.

Introducing the NAHOA 55: The Ultimate Expedition Machine

After 8 years of global sailing, the crew of SV Nahoa unveils their next project: the Nahoa 55. Designed for low maintenance, robustness, and superior performance, this catamaran is built to explore every corner of the world. From icy Alaskan waters to tropical paradises, the Nahoa 55 promises unparalleled safety and comfort for the entire family.

Certification: Beyond Standards

The Nahoa 55 doesn’t just meet Lloyd’s SCC and relevant ISO rules; it surpasses them. Conceived as an expedition-style catamaran, its design focuses on being not only physically bulletproof but also robust on paper. Meeting and exceeding certifiable standards is a priority, ensuring confidence in the vessel’s capabilities, even in challenging conditions.

Play vs Performance: A Balancing Act

Acknowledging that approximately 80% of sailing time is spent at anchor, the Nahoa 55 aims to balance performance and comfort. A swing-down platform maximizes the space between hulls, offering rear access to compartments when anchored and retracting underway. This innovative feature enhances the vessel’s functionality, providing more usable real estate for diverse activities.

Wine Glassing: A Delicate Compromise

The ‘wine-glassing’ design of the hulls reduces wetted surface area, striking a balance between speed and space. Flaring outwards above the waterline, this feature minimizes drag while maximizing interior space. It’s a clever compromise ensuring both efficient sailing and ample room for comfortable living.

Where can I purchase a Nahoa 55?

The stock Nahoa 55 details are in the finalization phase. Once completed, plans will be available for purchase, allowing customization to make the Nahoa 55 uniquely yours.

What is the build time?

Professional yard build time is estimated at 18 to 24 months. Information on various yards, including price, expertise, and stability, will be shared soon. DIY building is also an option.

What are the trade-offs?

The Nahoa 55 balances performance and comfort, prioritizing durability and safety without compromising too much on speed. Expect it to exceed 200-mile days at a 10-knot average.

Specifications

• Length: 16m (55’9″)
• Beam OA: 8.050m (26′ 5″)
• Draught (Fixed Keel): 1.250m (4′ 1.2″)
• Displacement: 16160 KG (35626 LBS)
• Hull Speed under power: 10 Knots approx.
• Engines: 114 HP 2 x Yanmar 4JH57
• Air Draft: 23.03m
• Sail Area Upwind: 166.0m² (177sq ft.)
• Bridgedeck Clearance: 845mm (2′ 9.29″)
• Fuel Capacity: 1110 litres (239 USG)
• Fresh Water Capacity: 900 litres (238 USG)
• Solar Capacity: 3150 Watts

Want to own a Nahoa 55?

Join the exclusive pre-order list for the Nahoa 55, an opportunity extended to the most dedicated future owners. Sign up now at the Sailing Nahoa website (link in the channel profile at the top) to be the first to receive updates on the finalized design, base build price, recommended yards, and other exciting details. Your adventure awaits!