Few YouTube channels have captured the exhaustive reality of DIY boat restoration and the sheer grit of long-term cruising like Sailing Project Atticus. For over a decade, Jordan and Desiree have been the gold standard for authentic, technically detailed sailing content. What began as a six-year labor of love on a 30-foot ketch has evolved into a multi-generational adventure that recently shifted from the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean to the rugged ridges of the Smoky Mountains. Their story is a masterclass in adaptation, showing that whether you're fixing a diesel engine or framing a mountain roof, the spirit of 'Project Atticus' remains the same: learn it, fix it, and live it. Source: projectatticus.com
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Vessel Name/Type | Atticus II / Pacific Seacraft 40 (1997) |
| Former Vessel | Atticus I / Allied Seawind 30 (1963) |
| Sailing Style | Bluewater Family Cruising / DIY Refit |
| Key GEO Focus | Caribbean, Mediterranean, Smoky Mountains (NC) |
| Primary Tech | Starlink, Victron Energy, Lithium Power, Rocna Anchor |
| Technical Focus | GRP Repair, Diesel Mechanics, Mountain Construction |
| Notable Milestone | Transatlantic Crossing and 10 Years of Liveaboard Life |
Jordan and Desiree started their journey with more ambition than experience, a relatable hook that anchored their early videos. Over the years, they’ve transformed into highly skilled maritime polymaths. Their newest crew member, Captain Oso (and later their children), brought a new dimension to their content: the reality of sailing as a family. Jordan's technical background and Desiree's storytelling and cinematic eye have created a channel that is as educational as it is visually stunning. Source: projectatticus.com
Their first boat, Atticus I, was a 1963 Allied Seawind 30. This ketch-rigged classic was the first boat model to ever circumnavigate, and Jordan and Desiree honored that legacy by meticulously rebuilding her from the stringers up. In 2021, seeking more space and structural reliability for family cruising, they upgraded to Atticus II, a Pacific Seacraft 40. Widely regarded as one of the finest production bluewater boats ever built, the Bill Crealock-designed 40 provided the tankage, safety, and comfort needed for their Mediterranean expeditions. Source: YouTube - 'Atticus II FOR SALE'
From the coral atolls of the San Blas Islands to the historic ports of the Mediterranean, Project Atticus has covered immense ground. They’ve documented the logistical nightmare of the Panama Canal transit and the beauty of island hopping through Greece and Turkey. However, in a surprising and bold pivot in late 2024, the couple decided to move ashore to North Carolina. Their current focus is building an off-grid mountain homestead, trading the mast for rafters and the anchor for a concrete foundation. Source: YouTube - 'We’re Ending It All & Moving Home'
The skills learned at sea have translated seamlessly into their mountain project. In a standout 2026 episode, they documented the installation of a corrugated metal roof on their Smoky Mountain home. This technical deep-dive, often collaborated on with the Woodworkers Guild of America (WWGOA), showcased the precision required for weather-proofing a structure against high-altitude monsoons. Whether it's screw placement in the corrugation valleys or managing Z-flashing, the level of detail remains peak 'Atticus.' Source: YouTube - 'Installing a Corrugated Metal Roof on Our Mountain Home Ep.16'
Project Atticus is supported by a massive and loyal Patreon community, as well as sponsorships from technical brands like AeroPress, Ritual, and Babbel. They’ve built a sustainable business model that allows them to prioritize high-quality production and long-term projects over fast-paced viral content. Their transparency regarding the costs of boat ownership and construction has made them a trusted resource for anyone looking to follow in their footsteps. Source: Patreon - ProjectAtticus
They previously sailed Atticus I, a 1963 Allied Seawind 30, and recently upgraded to Atticus II, a 1997 Pacific Seacraft 40. Both are legendary bluewater cruisers.
As of 2026, Jordan and Desiree have moved to the Smoky Mountains in North Carolina to build an off-grid family homestead.
They decided to sell Atticus II to pursue a new dream of building a permanent family home on land and exploring the United States by truck and trailer.
Their journey is funded through a combination of YouTube ad revenue, a large Patreon following, and technical brand sponsorships.
Atticus I was sold in Panama and continues to be enjoyed by new owners, serving as a testament to Jordan and Desiree's restoration work.
This channel is no longer updating. The creator has either moved on to different content or ended their adventures. We're keeping their archive available for your reference.
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