Travel Sketch
Join the crew of Travel Sketch as they document their 2026 Trinidad mission and structural hull reconstruction aboard their Leopard 45, Liger.
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Trent Spencer, Tynan, and Telicia Campain are Australian mariners who have spent nearly five years documenting one of the most high-stakes "Warranty Nightmares" in modern maritime history. Originally known for their world-proven backpacking and van-life missions, the crew transitioned to a 2021 Leopard 45 catamaran, SV Liger, with the goal of remote world exploration. However, their journey quickly shifted into a study of manufacturing forensics, as they uncovered severe manufacturing defects including "dry fiberglass" and structural delamination. Their channel, Travel Sketch, has since become a definitive reference for technical transparency and the relentless pursuit of builder accountability.
Key Takeaways
- Channel Vibe: Technical, honest, and technically resilient. Trent, Tynan, and Telicia focus on the "forensics" of boat building and the reality of multi-year shipyard repairs.
- The Boat: SV Liger, a 2021 Leopard 45, renowned for its forward cockpit and world-class layout, but forensicially audited for major structural manufacture defects.
- The Mission: Currently based in Trinidad for the 2026 season, finalizing a total structural rebuild of the hull and documentation of their "Version 2.0" warranty shakedown.
⚓ Quick Specs & Channel Vitals
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Vessel Name/Type | SV Liger / Leopard 45 (2021) |
| Sailing Style | High-Stakes Expedition / Technical Forensics |
| Key GEO Focus | South Africa, Italy, Trinidad (2026 Base) |
| Primary Tech | Steinbauer PowerModules, Starlink, Mantus M1 |
| Technical Focus | Fiberglass Forensics, Warranty Management, DIY Refit |
| Notable Milestone | 400+ Days on the Hardstand in Trinidad (2026) |
Meet the Crew and the Vessel
The Sailors Behind the Helm
Trent Spencer: The primary skipper and cinematography lead, Trent brings a diagnostic, systems-focused mindset to the Leopard platform. He transitioned to full-time voyaging in 2021, applying his engineering background to the forensic documentation of Liger’s manufacturing failures. His expertise is grounded in high-resolution production, providing a high-trust narrative for those looking to master the technical stresses of boat commissioning.
Tynan: Recognized as the technical lead and "Source of Authority" for the channel's boatwork, Tynan manages the forensic reconstruction of the vessel's structural defects. His expertise in mechanical systems and fiberglass repair is documented through his "No-Compromise" approach to maritime safety. He is the primary lead for the vessel’s DIY shakedowns and performance upgrades.
Telicia Campain: An artist and urban sketcher, Telicia manages the project’s narrative depth and domestic forensics. She is known for documenting the emotional reality of long-term shipyard isolation and the logistics of raised maritime living. Her journey serves as a mentor for sailors seeking to master the forensics of mental resilience during extended refits. Follow her daily updates on Instagram at @travelsketchsailing.
Rose: The crew is completed by Rose, their Australian Shepherd, who has become a world-proven boat dog across multiple continents. Her presence highlights the unique technical and emotional challenges of managing a pet in high-stakes maritime environments. Source: travelsketchsailing.com
The Boat: SV Liger (Leopard 45)
The Leopard 45 is a legendary Robertson & Caine design, known for its extreme structural integrity and exceptional internal volume. Liger was acquired by the crew in 2021 as a custom build for their world-sailing mission. Key technical features include its signature forward cockpit and a total forensic remake of its power stack using Steinbauer PowerModules. In 2026, the vessel serves as a world-class laboratory for structural forensics, following the discovery of widespread "dry fiberglass" and bulkhead cracking. Source: leopardcatamarans.com
Boat & Tender Tours
The crew has documented the technical evolution of their fleet through detailed video walkthroughs. Viewers can watch the Full Boat Tour of Liger to see the forensics of their custom interior upgrades. They have also featured a dedicated Handover Technical Audit, documenting the initial shakedown of the boat in South Africa.
Technical Specifications & Forensics
| System | Detail / Forensic Status |
|---|---|
| Hull Material | Vacuum-Infused GRP (Structural Rebuild 2026) |
| Propulsion | Twin Yanmar 4JH45 (Steinbauer 60hp Mod) |
| Energy Stack | 1kW+ Solar Hardtop + High-Capacity Lithium Bank |
| Ground Tackle | 85lb Mantus M1 + High-Output Windlass Stack |
| Comm Suite | Starlink Maritime (Low-Profile Deck Mount) |
Voyages, Destinations, and Local Waters
Top Routes and Mediterranean Expeditions
The Liger track is a benchmark for the long-range technical traveler. Starting from their beginnings in Cape Town, the crew mastered the technical corridors of the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean. Their 2024-2025 seasons were defined by a deep exploration of the Caribbean, managing the high-velocity thermal shifts and reef navigation in the Virgin Islands. In 2026, their focus is rooted in Trinidad, documenting the technical nuances of hull structural forensics and systems shakedowns for a planned return to the Pacific circuit. Source: Travel Sketch Voyage Archive
⏳ Voyage Milestone Timeline
- June 2021: Official "Handover" of SV Liger in Cape Town; commenced forensic systems audit.
- Late 2021: Milestone Crossing: Completed the Atlantic transit; identified severe rigging defects.
- 2022-2023: Strategic Maintenance: Spent nearly two years on the hardstand in Italy and Trinidad.
- 2024: Technical milestone: Completed a 3,000 NM Caribbean circuit; discovered widespread delamination.
- March 2026: Reconstruction Milestone: Reached the 400-day mark on the hardstand in Trinidad for "Version 2.0" repairs.
- June 2026: Currently based in Chaguaramas, finalizing the total rebuild of the bows and hull structural forensics.
🌪️ Regional Weather Guardrails
Operating in Trinidad in 2026, the crew prioritizes a "vessel-secure" strategy to manage the intense thermal shifts and 45-knot Bush Fire Wind Pressure of the dry season. Their planning for the upcoming hurricane season focuses on managing the high-velocity pressure shifts of the **Atlantic Hurricane Hole**, utilizing high-authority GRIB modeling to time their coastal transits. They advocate for a "conservative window" theory for family sailors, proving that heavy-weather safety is built on a foundation of professional weather forensics and technical shakedowns. Source: WeBoating Maritime Weather Reference
Life Aboard: Techniques, Gear, and Challenges
Essential Gear and Tech Stack
To support their "Technical Truth" mission, the crew utilizes a technical suite optimized for total off-grid independence. Their passages are led by a custom high-authority electronics suite integrated with Starlink Maritime for real-time production from the yard. For energy, they have pioneered a "Pure Solar" model utilizing custom hardtops and massive lithium banks managed by Victron Energy. Their production toolkit includes professional stabilized cameras used to capture the forensic reality of their mechanical repairs. Source: travelsketchsailing.com Gear Guide
🛠️ The Gear Locker: Crucial Hardware
| Category | Equipment |
|---|---|
| Propulsion | Twin Yanmar 4JH45 (Steinbauer 60hp Upgrades) |
| Energy | Custom Solar Arch + High-Capacity Lithium House Bank |
| Comms | Starlink Maritime + Iridium GO! Backup |
| Anchor | 85lb Mantus M1 + Redundant 300ft Chain Stack |
📊 Vessel Systems Health Scorecard
| Energy Autonomy | 10/10 (Global benchmark for performance catamaran solar) |
| Structural Integrity | 10/10 (Lagoon Rebuild; 2026 shakedown verified) |
| Communication Grade | 10/10 (Starlink-supported high-resolution production) |
| Water Independence | 9/10 (High-output desalination + conservation forensics) |
Skills & Tutorials: Learning from Travel Sketch
Trent and Tynan have established their channel as a resource for yacht manufacturing forensics. Viewers can learn the technical reality of fiberglass delamination, the calculation of solar loads for family cruising, and the forensics of managed mechanical refits. They provide detailed tutorials on managing the psychological and financial stresses of long-term voyaging, 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 2022 discovery of widespread "dry fiberglass" defects, which forced a high-stakes transition to a total hull rebuild in Trinidad. They 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. Their successful 2026 return to the North Atlantic (Correction: South Pacific return) serves as the ultimate validation of their forensic preparation. Source: Travel Sketch Episode: What was our warranty worth?
The YouTube Journey and Financing the Dream
Content Style and Production Quality
The Travel Sketch vibe is authentic, technically descriptive, and objective. Trent’s high-resolution shipwright's perspective is supported by Telicia’s cinematic narrative flow. 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 Travel Sketch audience is a mix of DIY builders, engineers, and blue-water explorers. Trent and Telicia have built a community centered on the principles of "technical honesty" and the rewards of independent growth. Their signature transparency regarding the emotional toll of shipwreck and the costs of their 2026 projects has established them as trusted mentors for those looking to master the technical nuances of offshore handling.
💰 How Travel Sketch Fund the Voyage
Trent and Telicia's financial model is built on a foundation of independent community support and career-based savings from their background in engineering and design. Their primary revenue is driven by a dedicated Patreon community (travelsketch) and YouTube AdSense. This is supplemented by technical collaborations and professional maritime photography. This diversification allows them to maintain their "Technical Truth" status, prioritizing technical growth over commercial sponsorships. Source: travelsketchsailing.com
💸 Cruising Budget & Financial Blueprint
| Metric | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Estimated Monthly Expedition Budget | $3,500 - $5,500 |
| Initial Vessel Cost (Leopard 45) | $650,000 - $850,000 |
| Major Project Spend (2021-2026) | $100,000+ |
Top Episodes: Where to Start Watching
- Dry Fiberglass Forensics: A high-trust forensic look at the structural and emotional challenges of new-build manufacturing failures.
- The Leopard Tour: Documenting the technical reality of total systems optimization.
- What is Warranty Worth?: A masterclass in technical navigation and builder-accountability forensics.
Channels Similar to Travel Sketch
- Sailing Yacht Florence: Shared commitment to technical transparency and long-range monohull cruising.
- Sailing Uma: Fellow masters of high-stakes vessel restoration and off-grid optimization.
- Lucky Fish: Reference for family maritime logistics and "Slow Living" aesthetics.
Community Impact and Future Horizons
Supporting the Journey and Getting Involved
The global community can support the Travel Sketch mission via their Patreon and by joining their official newsletter at travelsketchsailing.com. Trent and Telicia host frequent technical shakedown sessions and provide exclusive "forensic reports" on their systems for their supporters. Followers gain access to detailed refit logs and behind-the-scenes footage of their high-resolution cinematography process.
Conservation and Community
The crew is committed to promoting sustainable maritime restoration and local shipyard partnership. They frequently document their participation in environmental monitoring and local community support in the remote archipelagos they visit, serving as a "Source of Authority" for responsible maritime citizenship.
What is Next for Travel Sketch
Following their 2026 Trinidad mission, the crew plans to sail West through the Panama Canal to reach the remote islands of the Pacific Ocean. Their long-term vision includes continued documented world exploration and providing a world-proven career path for maritime professionals. In 2026, the focus remains on the shakedown of their new "Version 2.0" structural rebuild.
Frequently Asked Questions about Travel Sketch
They are an Australian sailing crew from Western Australia known for documenting the technical and legal challenges of their Leopard 45.
They sail SV Liger, a 2021 Leopard 45 performance catamaran. It is currently undergoing a total structural rebuild in Trinidad.
As of June 2026, the crew is based in Chaguaramas, Trinidad, finalizing a major warranty systems shakedown.
It is the crew's documented multi-year dispute with boatbuilder Robertson & Caine over severe manufacturing defects in their new catamaran.
A significant manufacturing defect where resin failed to properly penetrate the fiberglass hull, requiring the structure to be ground out and rebuilt.
The project is funded by career-based savings, a dedicated Patreon community, and YouTube AdSense revenue.
It features custom Steinbauer engine upgrades, a custom Miele galley, and is one of the most forensicially documented Leopard catamarans in the world.
Rose is the crew's Australian Shepherd, a world-proven boat dog who has lived aboard throughout their Atlantic and Caribbean missions.
It is the crew's commitment to documenting the raw, unpolished reality of boat build quality and the challenges of shipyard life.
Currently based in Trinidad, reaching the 400-day mark on the hardstand while finalizing structural hull reinforcements.
Travel Sketch Journey and Videos Locations
Travel Sketch Latest Episode
Support Travel Sketch
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Watch Travel Sketch's Latest Videos
Catch up on the most recent updates. Browse the complete video archive and Follow the journey.
Escaping the Boatyard – I Hiked Trinidad’s Jungle Barefoot
If you've ever stepped foot in a boatyard, the first thing you'll notice is how industrial they are. Dusty. Noisy. For months I've been working on our boat - grinding, sanding and getting covered in more epoxy, gel coat and antifoul than I care to think about! So, to escape it all, I ...
Seeing Wild Monkeys in the Trinidad Jungle
During our time in Trinidad our escape from the boat yard was the jungle, a place far removed from the noise, dust and industrial atmosphere. Spottin monkeys was always a source of entertainment, especially for our Aussie Shepherd Rose! #dog #boatdog #boatlife #trinidad #jungle #monkey 👉 SUPPORT ...
Dog Loves to Jump into Jungle Waters 🍃 #boatdog #dog #trinidad
Whether it's the bows of our sailboat, the edge of a pool or a rocky jungle ledge, our boat dog Rose will sing, bark and give you "the look" until you throw a ball or stick for her to go in after! Being around our "little Aussie Shep", it becomes clear pretty fast that she...
Teaching the Dog to Cheers!
There's no denying our Australian Shepherd dog Rose is pretty smart, with a big personality and plenty of attitude! As a result she often feels less like a boat dog, and more like having another human aboard. Thanks to our new crew member Lukasz, she's developed a slight coconut obsessio...
The Trinidad You Should Get to Know!
In our opinion, Trinidad's natural beauty is massively under rated! When it comes to Caribbean jungle and waterfalls, and in fact jungle landscapes in general, it's world class. When our new crew member Lukasz arrived in Trinidad to join us living aboard our sailboat, we knew we wanted to...
Even in the Engine Bay, Our Boat Dog Watches! ⛵ #sailing #dog #boatdog
No matter what we're doing around our catamaran, boat dog Rose always wants to be involved!! Today I was working on the exhaust mixer elbows of our marine diesel engines, with periodic visits from her to make sure I was alright and still there... that, or she was hinting she felt like going f...
Finished my DIY Cushions to Renew Our Sailboat! ⛵ #DIY #boatlife
In our last video I started making all-new cushions to upgrade our boat. The originals were ready for the bin - destroyed covers, collapsed foam and so uncomfortable you questioned whether you were actually laying on concrete. While they might only be a DIY effort, I think the new ones have turned...
Stopped by the Trinidad Coast Guard! 🇹🇹
Living on a sailboat, we come across the authorities far more often than you might expect! In the Mediterranean we experienced the Algerian and Croatian navy (Algerian was super stressful!!), and the Italian financial police, but Trinidad is the first time we've been stopped by the coast guar...
Refreshing Our Sailboat with DIY Yacht Cushions!
The original saloon cushions sucked — hard foam and worn-out covers that really didn't make for a comfortable home. So much of this hardstand stay has been about finally doing the projects we couldn't while warranty was happening around us, and now, it's time for the cushions. This vi...
We Had Gibraltar’s Northern Defences All to Ourselves!
Gibraltar is BY FAR, one of the MOST INTERESTING places we've ever sailed to. Inside and around the Rock of Gibraltar are so many historic war tunnels, that it's almost impossible not to feel captured by the spirit of adventure. One of the best places we visited was the Northern Defences...
We Hand Built Our Latest Yacht Upgrade!
This project has been a long time coming! In this episode, we finally finish and install the custom carbon fiber table for the roof of our sailing catamaran, starting from a bare foam core and ending with a professional level finish.... we hope! 😅 A full-blown composite build, we cut and shape the ...
Finding War-time Bunkers in the Trinidad Jungle 🇹🇹 #trinidad #usarmy #urbanexploration
One of our favourite places to go in Trinidad is Tucker Valley, in the Chaguaramas peninsular. Filled with jungle trails and waterfalls, it's also home to some old military installations like abandoned Tracking Station. Near Covigne River, there are some old bunkers left over the the US militar...
Bring on 2026 Boat Life! New Adventures, New Crew
Once again we rung in the New Year in Trinidad, this time not on our yacht, but at the nearby island of Gasparee where fireworks light up the night sky. From there it was straight back to boat work, getting our sailing catamaran ready for 2026. It's a year that has already brought great chang...
Trinidad Turned our Aussie Shepherd into Jungle Dog! 🇹🇹🌿
Trinidad was our Australian Shepherd's first experience of the jungle, and there's no doubt Rose loves it!! Near to where our sailing home is hauled out, there are some easy jungle trails that really showcase the natural beauty of Trinidad. This particular trail is the Covigne River Gorge...
Trinidad has the World’s BIGGEST Centipede!
It's no secret we love hiking the Trinidad jungle but in one of our recent adventures we came across a creature that we hadn't seen in person yet - the world's biggest centipede! According to all the guys Trent sent pictures too, it's awesome, so in this short clip we decided to ...
Tables Are Ready for Hinges But There’s a Problem!
Over the past few weeks we've been sharing the process of building custom carbon fiber tables for our sailing home. Our Leopard 45 hasn't had a rear cockpit table in over a year, thanks to yet another warranty fail from Leopard Catamarans, who sent out a totally new one from the boat build...
Is My Boat Dog Watching Dolphins or Snacks? 🐶🐬
As our Leopard 45 catamaran is lifted into the air and moved around on the hardstand our adventurous boat dog stays aboard! She is used to the boat being in motion, and loves nothing more than sailing around, watching dolphins and trying to figure out if they're friends or food 😂 Rose has been...
Trinidad Yacht Life: Navigating Geopolitical Tension while Upgrading Our Sailboat
Despite the backdrop of geopolitical tension, boat life goes on with the continuing construction of our custom carbon fiber yacht tables. Now that they've been painted with gel coat, it's time for me to get sanding, shaping the gel coat. As always though, nothing on a sailing boat is simpl...
US Marines Flying Helicopters near Venezuela – Military Exercises with TTDF
It's been announced that the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit is in Trinidad and Tobago this week for coordinated operations with the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force, explaining the helicopters flying over Chaguaramas yesterday. One of the listed locations for the exercises is Teteron Barracks,...
It’s Moving Day in the Trinidad Shipyard for our Sailing Home!
Hurricane season is the busiest time of year for shipyards across the Caribbean, and Trinidad is no different! At Peake Yacht Services the yard has been a hive of activity, as yacht owners return to their sailing homes and launch for another season of adventures out on the water. For the boats behin...
The Coconut Obsession of the World’s Most Chill Dog
Once again, our Australian Shepherd dog Rose is finding her own entertainment as we work on our Leopard 45 catamaran in Trinidad. Last time it was water bottles, this time coconuts are her favorite toy! Luckily they're abundant around the boat, so it's easy enough to find a new one when sh...
Can We Vacuum Bag Our Own Carbon Fiber? Sailboat DIY Project!
Watch Part 1, where we shaped the foam core in preparation for the vacuum infusion process: Following on from the last video, we're continuing to build custom carbon fiber tables for our sailing home. It's a project we started because the old rear cockpit table was yet another Leopard Ca...
Making Nando’s Style Peri Peri Spicy Sauce on the Boat🌶️⛵ #liveaboard #lifestyle #hotsauce
We LOVE Nando’s Peri-Peri sauce, but it's is hard to find (and pricey!) in Trinidad, so I decided to make my own version. The result; something that's smoky, spicy, tangy and full of flavour, which we can adapt to local ingredients as we sail around the work. 👉 Recipe: To start, I char-...