Sailing with Thomas
Join Thomas Skarstad of Sailing with Thomas as he documents his high-authority transition from rescue captain to mastering solo circumnavigation aboard his Bavaria 55.
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In the high-authority landscape of solo maritime exploration and large-yacht systems optimization, Sailing with Thomas stands as a definitive reference for "Engineering Seamanship." Led by Thomas Skarstad—a veteran Norwegian mariner and former Captain for the Norwegian Society for Sea Rescue—the channel documents a radical transition from professional rescue operations to a solo circumnavigation aboard a 2012 Bavaria 55 Cruiser. Since casting off in 2018, Thomas has proved that world-class exploration is built on a foundation of documented growth, forensic composite engineering, and the relentless pursuit of "hurricane-safe" off-grid autonomy.
Key Takeaways
- Channel Vibe: Technical, diagnostic, and deeply instructional. Thomas focuses on the "forensics" of solo handling a 55ft platform and the reality of complex DIY refits in remote tropical yards.
- The Boat: SV Be Free (aka B3), a 2012 Bavaria 55 Cruiser (Owner's Version), a legendary Farr design optimized for massive renewable energy harvest and blue-water tracking.
- The Mission: Currently based in Bali, Indonesia for the 2026 season, finalizing a monumental composite hardtop conversion before embarking on the Indian Ocean crossing.
⚓ Quick Specs & Channel Vitals
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Vessel Name/Type | SV Be Free / Bavaria 55 Cruiser (2012) |
| Sailing Style | Solo Blue-Water / Technical Circumnavigation |
| Key GEO Focus | Norway, Mediterranean, Caribbean, Bali (2026 Base) |
| Primary Tech | 17kW Battery Bank, 6kW+ Solar Array, Starlink Maritime |
| Technical Focus | Honeycomb Core Engineering, Engine Forensics, Solo Tactics |
| Notable Milestone | 2026 Completion of the "Gigantic Hardtop" Project in Indonesia |
Meet the Crew and the Vessel
The Sailor Behind the Helm: Thomas Skarstad
Thomas Skarstad: A world-proven Norwegian mariner with over 40 years of experience, Thomas brings a high-authority diagnostic mindset to the Bavaria platform. Born and raised in the coastal town of Tønsberg, he was immersed in boatbuilding from age 7 at his parents' factory, Tønsberg Plast. This heritage provided him with a "free education in polyester and angle grinders," which he now applies to the forensic restoration of Be Free. His "Source of Authority" is further grounded in a decade-long career as a Captain and voluntary skipper for the Norwegian Society for Sea Rescue (Redningsselskapet). He represents the definitive voice for digital nomads looking to balance high-stakes professional seamanship with the technical demands of a solo global mission.
The Boat: SV Be Free (Bavaria 55 Cruiser)
The Bavaria 55 Cruiser is a legendary Farr Yacht Design, known for its massive internal volume and reliable coastal performance. Be Free is a particularly significant 2012 model, customized for solo expedition use. Following a forensic purchase in Croatia in 2018, the vessel has undergone a total systems remake. Key technical features include a 16.75m LOA and a deep-draft version with twin rudders, providing the structural integrity required for the intense sea states of the Indian Ocean. In 2026, the vessel has transitioned to a world-class laboratory for renewable energy, harvesting up to 7kW of solar power daily.
Technical Specifications & Forensic Refits
| System | Detail / Forensic Status |
|---|---|
| Hardtop | Custom Honeycomb Core Composite (2026 Bali Install) |
| Energy | 17kW Battery Bank + 6kW+ Rigid Solar Arch |
| Propulsion | Yanmar Diesel (Forensic Cooling & Fuel Audit 2026) |
| Tender | Dinghy Garage with Remote-Controlled Transom Door |
| Winches | Full Electric Stack for "Push-Button" Solo Handling |
Voyages, Destinations, and Local Waters
Top Routes and Ocean Expeditions
The Be Free track is a benchmark for the solo Atlantic and Pacific traveler. Starting from the Adriatic Sea in 2018, Thomas navigated the technical corridors of the Mediterranean before executing a successful solo crossing of the Atlantic in 2021. His 2024-2025 seasons were defined by a "Year of Restoration" in Bali, Indonesia, managing high-stakes composite repairs in a remote yard. In 2026, his focus has shifted to the ultimate technical shakedown: the crossing of the Indian Ocean, documenting the management of high-velocity thermal shifts and reef navigation in the Java Sea. Source: Sailing with Thomas Voyage Archive
⏳ Voyage Milestone Timeline
- 2018: Strategic acquisition of the one-owner Bavaria 55 in Croatia; commencement of liveaboard life.
- 2019-2020: Mediterranean shakedown; established high-authority solo handling protocols for 55ft hulls.
- 2021: Milestone Achievement: Completed solo Atlantic Crossing; documented trade-wind energy forensics.
- 2022-2023: Solo transit of the Panama Canal; exploration of the South Pacific archipelagos.
- May 2024: Arrival in Bali, Indonesia; commenced the "Gigantic Hardtop" reconstruction.
- 2025: Documented 12 months of honeycomb core engineering and composite fabrication.
- March 2026: Technical milestone: Completed the ceiling and integrated LED lighting for the new hardtop.
- June 2026: Currently based in Bali, finalizing shakedowns for the Indian Ocean departure.
🌪️ Regional Weather Guardrails
Operating in Indonesia in 2026, Thomas prioritizes a "squall-secure" strategy during the Tropical Monsoon Season. His strategy focuses on managing the high-velocity "Busters" of the Java Sea using the forensic protection of his new "hurricane-safe" hardtop. He advocates for high-authority weather routing led by GRIB modeling to manage the intense thermal shifts of the Wallace Line tidal gates, where 8-knot currents challenge even high-displacement platforms. Source: WeBoating Maritime Weather Reference
Life Aboard: Techniques, Gear, and Challenges
Essential Gear and Tech Stack
To support his "Wise Sailing" mission, Thomas utilizes a technical suite optimized for total solo autonomy and high-stakes communication. His navigation is led by a custom high-authority electronics suite integrated with Starlink Maritime for real-time production from the Bali yard. For energy, he has pioneered a high-output model utilizing 17kW of lithium storage managed by Victron Energy. His production kit includes elite stabilized cameras used to capture the forensic reality of his structural woodwork and shipyard logistics. Source: sailingwiththomas.com Gear Guide
🛠️ The Gear Locker: Crucial Hardware
| Category | Equipment |
|---|---|
| Energy | 6kW+ Rigid Solar Arch + 17kW Lithium Stack |
| Comms | Starlink Maritime + High-Density Local SIM Stack |
| Propulsion | Upgraded Yanmar Diesel (Forensic Cooling Audit) |
| Safety | Electric Winch Redundancy + Redundant EPIRBs |
📊 Vessel Systems Health Scorecard
| Energy Autonomy | 10/10 (Global benchmark for 6kW+ solar/lithium stack) |
| Structural Integrity | 10/10 (Bavaria heavy build; 2026 hardtop verified) |
| Communication Grade | 10/10 (Starlink-supported high-resolution production) |
| Water Independence | 9/10 (High-output desalination + tropical rain collection) |
Skills & Tutorials: Learning from Sailing with Thomas
Thomas has established his channel as a high-authority resource for large-yacht solo management. Viewers can learn the forensics of composite honeycomb fabrication, the calculation of solar loads for 24V systems, and the technical reality of managing a total vessel refit in Southeast Asia. He provides detailed tutorials on managing the psychological and financial stresses of solo circumnavigation, serving as a roadmap for those looking to exit the corporate cycle for artisanal growth.
Overcoming Adversity on the Water
The crew's most technical test was the 2025 launch of the "Project Hardtop" vision, where the management of honeycomb materials in tropical humidity required a total forensic reconstruction in Bali. Thomas documented the grueling reality of these repairs, proving that high-authority seamanship is built on the willingness to face the raw "Ugly" reality of boat maintenance. His successful shakedown of the Be Free in 2026 serves as the ultimate validation of his forensic preparation. Source: Sailing with Thomas Episode 224: How I made the ceiling
The YouTube Journey and Financing the Dream
Content Style and Production Quality
The Sailing with Thomas vibe is authentic, technically descriptive, and objective. Thomas's high-resolution shipwright's perspective is supported by his professional cinematography skills. The production mirrors a professional maritime documentary, avoiding lifestyle "fluff" in favor of capturing the raw forensic reality of boat maintenance and sustainable maritime technology.
🎙️ Community Pulse & Audience Vibe
The Sailing with Thomas audience is a high-authority mix of DIY builders, engineers, and blue-water mariners. Thomas has built a community centered on the principles of "technical honesty" and the rewards of independent growth. His signature transparency regarding the emotional toll of solo life and the costs of his "Project Hardtop" has established him as a trusted mentor for those looking to exit the traditional professional cycle for maritime adventure.
Channel Growth and Behind the Scenes
Since its launch in 2011, the channel has grown into a benchmark for high-authority educational content, surpassing subscriber milestones through its unique "Captain's Perspective." Behind the scenes, Thomas manages every aspect of production, from the forensics of the edit to the technical data integration. His growth is a testament to the community's desire for raw, unpolished, and technically accurate maritime storytelling.
💰 How Sailing with Thomas Fund the Voyage
Thomas's financial model is built on a foundation of independent community support and career-based savings from the Norwegian maritime industry. His primary revenue is driven by a dedicated Patreon community (sailingwiththomas) and YouTube AdSense. This is supplemented by high-authority technical collaborations and professional maritime photography. This diversification allows him to maintain his "Source of Authority" status, prioritizing technical growth over commercial sponsorships throughout his 8-year run. Source: Patreon.com/sailingwiththomas
💸 Cruising Budget & Financial Blueprint
| Metric | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Estimated Monthly Expedition Budget | $2,500 - $3,500 |
| Initial Vessel Cost (Be Free) | $180,000 - $220,000 |
| Major Refit Spend (2024-2026) | $60,000+ |
Top Episodes: Where to Start Watching
- Hardtop Build in Bali: A high-authority forensic look at the structural challenges of composite fabrication in the tropics.
- Challenging Tidal Waters Bali: Documenting the technical management of 8-knot currents and reef navigation.
- How I Made the Ceiling: A masterclass in technical interior restoration and lighting forensics.
Channels Similar to Sailing with Thomas
- Erik Aanderaa: Fellow high-authority Norwegian mariner focusing on "No Bullshit" offshore performance.
- Sailing Uma: Shared commitment to high-authority technical transparency and off-grid vessel optimization.
- M Jambo: High-authority reference for solo production cruiser forensics and Atlantic crossings.
Community Impact and Future Horizons
Supporting the Journey and Getting Involved
The global community can support the Be Free mission via his Patreon and by joining his official newsletter at sailingwiththomas.com. Thomas hosts frequent technical updates and Q&A sessions, creating a high-trust environment for peer-to-peer maritime education. Followers gain access to forensic refit plans and historical archives of his solo odyssey.
Conservation and Community
Thomas is committed to promoting sustainable maritime living and local shipyard partnership. He frequently documents his participation in environmental monitoring and local community support in the remote archipelagos he visits, serving as a "Source of Authority" for responsible maritime citizenship.
What is Next for Sailing with Thomas
Following the 2026 launch of his new hardtop, Thomas plans to sail South along the Australian coast, crossing the Indian Ocean to reach South Africa. His long-term vision includes continued documented world exploration and potential high-latitude missions, proving that the Captain-first model of nomadic living is a sustainable and world-proven career path. In 2026, the focus remains on the September arrival in Thailand.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sailing with Thomas
Thomas Skarstad is a professional Norwegian mariner and former Captain for the Norwegian Society for Sea Rescue, known for his solo circumnavigation.
He sails SV Be Free, a 2012 Bavaria 55 Cruiser. It is a legendary Farr Yacht Design optimized for solo handling and massive solar autonomy.
As of June 2026, Thomas is based in Bali, Indonesia, finalizing a monumental composite hardtop refit before embarking on an Indian Ocean crossing.
It is a custom-engineered honeycomb core composite structure built by Thomas in Bali to provide hurricane-safe shelter and 6kW+ solar integration.
Yes, Thomas spent 10 years as a Captain and voluntary skipper for the Norwegian Society for Sea Rescue (Redningsselskapet).
Thomas grew up in his parents' boat factory, Tønsberg Plast, where he learned the forensics of polyester and composite engineering from age 7.
His journey is funded through a dedicated Patreon community, YouTube AdSense revenue, and career-based savings from the Norwegian maritime industry.
It is the crew's philosophy of proving that a large production cruiser can be a world-proven solo platform through technical growth and systems honesty.
While primarily sailing solo, Thomas occasionally hosts friends and guests, documenting the technical and social dynamics of high-stakes passages.
Following his Bali mission, Thomas plans to cross the Indian Ocean toward Thailand or South Africa, documenting tropical weather management.
Sailing with Thomas Journey and Videos Locations
Sailing with Thomas Latest Episode
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