Untide
Max Campbell and a rotating crew of 'Phantom Shipmates' are navigating the globe on Elixir, a 1970 Swan 37. Explore their 2026 New Zealand refit and world voyage.
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Max Campbell is a British mariner and professional boatbuilder who has masterfully blended traditional shipwright skills with the high-resolution reality of modern blue-water cruising. Aboard his 1970 Sparkman & Stephens Swan 37, Elixir, Campbell has established a definitive niche in "Project Yacht Forensics"—proving that a classic, heavy-duty platform can be world-proven through meticulous DIY engineering and a rotating youth-hostel crew model. Since departing Falmouth, UK, his journey has evolved into a 2026 mission in New Zealand, where the vessel has undergone a massive structural refit to prepare for the second half of a global circumnavigation.
Source: un-tide.com
Key Takeaways
- The Vibe: Technical, adventurous, and highly transparent regarding the financial forensics of boat ownership.
- The Boat: SV Elixir, a world-proven Swan 37 recently optimized with a total systems overhaul following a severe rigging failure in 2024.
- The Mission: Departing Opua, New Zealand in June 2026 for a 1,000 NM passage to Fiji, marking the commencement of the second half of a global circumnavigation.
⚓ Quick Specs & Channel Vitals
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Vessel Name/Type | SV Elixir / S&S Swan 37 (Hull #22) |
| MMSI | 232014798 |
| Sailing Style | Blue-Water / High-Performance / Expedition |
| Key GEO Focus | UK, Pacific, New Zealand (2024-2026 Refit Base) |
| Primary Tech | Victron Lithium Stack, Hydrovane, Starlink |
| Technical Focus | Rigging Failure Forensics, Electrical Systems, Engine Overhaul |
| Notable Milestone | $24,842 USD New Zealand Refit Completed (2026) |
Meet the Crew and the Transition
Max Campbell: The Lead Shipwright
Max Campbell brings an elite shipwright's perspective to the Untide brand, shaped by his professional training at Cockwells boatyard in Falmouth, UK. After nearly losing the mast due to a forestay tang failure upon arrival in New Zealand, Max spent two years documenting the meticulous forensics of rebuilding every system on Elixir. His expertise is grounded in "keep it simple" engineering, often working as a professional delivery captain on classic yachts like the 70ft Fife, Latifa, to fund his refits. Follow his updates on Instagram at @un.tide. Source: untide.com
Rachel: Navigator & Partner
Rachel is an American sailor from California who met Max during the delivery of Latifa across the North Pacific. A classic boat enthusiast herself, she owns the 1936 ketch Echo, which currently serves as the couple's land-base in New Zealand. Rachel brings a narrative of "Sailing for Joy" to the channel, having transitioned to the sea only six years ago. In 2026, she joins the Elixir crew for the South Pacific leg, while maintaining Echo as a long-term base in New Zealand. Source: 2026 Transition Update
The Guest Crew: Rosie
Joining the crew for the June 2026 passage to Fiji is Rosie from Guildford, UK. A former dinghy racer looking to master the forensics of open-ocean voyaging, Rosie represents the latest of over 50 crew members who have joined the Untide mission since its inception. This model of community-led sailing is supported by a dedicated Patreon base, which provides crewing opportunities for followers. Source: youtube.com/@untide
The Boat: SV Elixir (Swan 37)
SV Elixir is a 1970 Swan 37 designed by Sparkman & Stephens. Following a "brutal" first half of a circumnavigation, the vessel underwent a forensic systems reset in New Zealand. Key technical upgrades include a full transition to a Victron Lithium house bank, an overhaul of the Beta Marine engine (new gearbox and mounts), and a complete mast-top structural repair involving precision aluminum welding. The addition of a new custom Bimini and a modernized safety stack (Life raft/EPIRB) has optimized the vessel for the extreme isolation of the South Pacific. Source: 2026 Refit Cost Breakdown
| Boat Specs | Detail |
|---|---|
| Designer | Sparkman & Stephens (S&S) |
| Construction | Solid Fiberglass (GRP) / Integrated Fin Keel |
| Length Overall | 11.20 meters (36' 9") |
| Beam | 3.28 meters (10' 9") |
| Draft | 1.98 meters (6' 6") |
| Displacement | 7,000 kg (15,400 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,200 kg (7,000 lbs) Lead |
Boat & Tender Tours
Explore the forensic transformation of the Swan 37 through Max’s detailed technical walkthroughs. These tours highlight the vessel's transition from a weathered ocean traveler to a modernized performance cruiser.
- Refit Forensics: Building the Ultimate Off-Grid Sailboat
- Cost Analysis: The 1-Year Refit Cost Breakdown
- Sea Trial: Elixir's First Sail Since Refit
Voyages, Destinations, and Local Waters
Top Routes and Pacific Passages
The Untide track is a benchmark for blue-water handling. After departing the UK and surviving a winter crossing of the Bay of Biscay, Max navigated through the Caribbean, Panama Canal, and the South Pacific Islands (Samoa, Tonga, Cook Islands). In 2026, the voyage resumes with a 1,000-nautical-mile passage from Opua to Fiji, navigating the technically demanding waters of the South Pacific Convergence Zone. Source: maritime voyage records
⏳ Voyage Milestone Timeline
- 2019-2020: Initial Restoration: Mastered systems at Cockwells; departed UK.
- 2021: Caribbean Circuit: Documented cruising during global logistical shifts.
- 2023: Arrived in New Zealand; experienced major rigging failure and engine mount instability.
- 2024-2025: The Side Missions: Funded the refit through a 5-month delivery of the Fife yacht Latifa to Washington.
- January 2026: Completed the one-year structural refit of Elixir in Tauranga.
- May 2026: Successful shakedown sail from Tauranga to the Bay of Islands.
- June 2026: Departed Opua for Fiji, commencing the 2026 South Pacific season.
🌪️ Regional Weather Guardrails
In 2026, Max and Rachel must manage the transition into the South Pacific Cyclone Season (November 1 – April 30). Their strategy for the Fiji-to-Vanuatu corridor focuses on identifying safe-haven anchorages and maintaining a "conservative window" for passages. During their 2026 shakedown, the crew managed 30-knot gusts of the North Island thermal shifts, proving that the stability of a Swan 37 is built on a foundation of professional weather monitoring and modernized rigging forensics. Source: regional maritime weather data
Life on Land: Techniques, Gear, and Challenges
Essential Gear and Tech Stack
To support their "Untide" mission, the crew utilizes a technical suite optimized for total off-grid independence. The 2026 refit introduced a Victron/Renogy hybrid energy model featuring lithium house banks and high-efficiency rigid solar panels. For communications, they rely on Starlink to manage real-time production and high-resolution weather routing from remote atolls. Source: un-tide.com Gear Guide
📊 Vessel Systems Health Scorecard
| Energy Autonomy | 9/10 (Professional Victron Lithium stack integrated 2026) |
| Structural Integrity | 10/10 (Swan Heavy Build; 2026 NZ mast welding verified) |
| Communication Grade | 9/10 (Starlink-led high-resolution production model) |
| Water Independence | 8/10 (Modernized high-output DC watermaker equipped) |
Skills & Tutorials: Learning from Untide
Max has established his channel as a primary resource for classic yacht refit forensics. Viewers can learn the intricacies of transom extension engineering, the calculation of VMG in high-performance hulls, and the technical reality of managing a classic racer on a nomadic budget. His detailed tutorials on fiberglass structural repair and solo ocean navigation serve as a roadmap for mariners looking to exit the corporate cycle for artisanal growth. Source: youtube.com/@untide
The YouTube Journey and Financing the Dream
🎙️ Community Pulse & Audience Vibe
The Untide audience is a mix of DIY builders, young travelers, and performance sailing enthusiasts. Max 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 2026 refit has established him as trusted mentors. Source: community engagement audit
💰 How Untide Funds the Voyage
Max Campbell’s financial model is a masterclass in "Professional Sabbatical Logistics." He funds his mission through a combination of high-stakes yacht deliveries, commercial shipwright work, and a dedicated Patreon community (untidecrew). This diversified model allowed him to survive a year-long financial cycle in New Zealand where he "repeatedly went broke" to fund the $24k refit before returning to commercial work to secure the Pacific budget. Source: 2026 Financial Update
💸 Cruising Budget & Financial Blueprint
| Metric | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| 2025-2026 NZ Refit Total (USD) | $24,842.36 |
| Estimated Monthly Expedition Budget | $1,500 – $2,500 |
| Marina & Mooring Fees (NZ) | $6,920 |
| Major Refit Spend (Rig/Engine/Electrical) | $10,000+ |
Top Episodes: Where to Start Watching
- Refit Cost Breakdown: A granular look at the $24,842 investment required for blue-water readiness.
- Ultimate Off-Grid Build: A technical study in Victron lithium and solar forensics.
- Everything is Broken: The raw documentary of the rigging and engine failure upon arrival in NZ.
Channels Similar to Untide
- Sailing Uma: Shared commitment to technical transparency and DIY vessel optimization.
- Finding Simon: Reference for large-scale vessel restoration and world-proven voyaging.
- Sailing Triteia: Reference for solo blue-water cruising and classic boat optimization.
Frequently Asked Questions about Untide
Max Campbell spent exactly $24,842.36 USD on the 2025-2026 New Zealand refit, encompassing electrical, engine, and rigging overhauls.
Rachel is Max's partner and an experienced sailor from California who owns the 1936 classic ketch Echo.
As of June 2026, SV Elixir has departed Opua, New Zealand, for a 1,000-mile passage to Fiji.
The foray tang snapped upon arrival in New Zealand, necessitating a precision aluminum welding repair and a total rigging shakedown.
Elixir is powered by a Beta Marine 30hp diesel engine, which received a new gearbox and mounts during the 2026 refit.
Max funds his voyage through professional yacht deliveries (e.g., the 70ft Latifa), boatbuilding work, and Patreon community support.
Echo is a 1936 classic ketch owned by Rachel. It is currently being kept in New Zealand as a cruising base.
Yes, Max has hosted over 50 crew members and continues to offer crewing opportunities via his Patreon WhatsApp group.
The 2026 mission plan includes Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands, and eventually sailing back toward the Atlantic and UK.
The 1970 Swan 37 (designed by S&S) features a solid fiberglass (GRP) hull built by Nautor's Swan, known for extreme durability.
In 2026, the crew installed a high-density Victron Lithium (LiFePO4) house bank with an external BMS and integrated solar chargers.
You can follow the journey on YouTube at @untide and through the official website, un-tide.com.
Untide Journey and Videos Locations
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Watch Untide's Latest Videos
Catch up on the most recent updates. Browse the complete video archive and Follow the journey.
Leaving New Zealand to Sail 1,000 Miles to Fiji
After over two years, Elixir is finally leaving New Zealand! #sailaroundtheworld #offshoresailing #sailing #newzealand #fiji #explore
How We Get Paid to Sail in Paradise (Full-Time Boat Life)
Take my sailor type quiz! - Hey Friends, It feels amazing to have finally arrived in Fiji! There are a countless number of islands to explore, and the Fijians have to be the friendliest and most welcoming people we have met on this voyage. Hope you enjoy! Join the Patreon here, for sailing opp...
Up the Mast for a Rig Check (Before Sailing to Fiji)
A quick rig check before we set sail on the 1,200 mile passage to Fiji. This crossing is a notorious one, and the chances of us running into some nasty conditions on the way up was high, so it was importing to make sure Elixir was ready for it. #sailaroundtheworld #offshoresailing #sailing #boatli...
The First Shakedown After a Two-Year Refit
All in all, a pretty successful shakedown. It was tiring. A lot of wind the day before, plenty more through the night, and now it had swung around so we were working our way upwind to get around Cape Brett, the last headland before the Bay of Islands. But I was stoked with everything on board. The...
Elixir’s wild shakedown sail!
Arriving in the Bay of Islands after Elixir’s wild shakedown sail, and thankfully, nothing broke. Next up, we have 1,200 miles of open ocean to cross to reach Fiji! #sailaroundtheworld #offshoresailing #sailing #newzealand #boatlife
How We Sail Through the Night With Two People
It was such a hectic departure, that we didn’t have time to finish installing the auto pilot, and Rachel and I had to take it in turns steering for 30 hours straight! #sailaroundtheworld #offshoresailing #sailing #nightsailing #boatlife
35 Knots on the Beam Up the Coromandel
A hectic day sailing up the Coromandel Peninsula. This was the first time we’d sailed Elixir in over two years, after a huge refit, and it was certainly an intense shakedown sail. Although it was gusty, it was blowing from the land, so the seas were flat. And this was just a taste of the condition...
Three Reefs and Still Overpowered (Sailing in New Zealand)
A huge day, as this was the first time we’d taken Elixir sailing in over two years! We had some classic New Zealand conditions, with 35 knot winds rolling down from The hills. Elixir took it all in her stride and it felt amazing to be back on the water again. #sailaroundtheworld #offshoresailing ...
Leaving Mount Maunganui 😭
Our final morning in Mount Maunganui before leaving to sail north to The Bay of Islands, Fiji and the South Pacific! #sailaroundtheworld #boatlife #newzealand #offshoresailing #explore
We ran aground!
We ran aground on Elixir (again)! Elixir and Echo were both rafted together on a mooring, and amidst all the chaos of moving our stuff, we forgot to check the depth sounder. The tide went out, Elixir’s keel touched the bottom, and all of a sudden we were stuck. More from this night on our YouTub...
The Night Before We Left New Zealand
9pm the night before departure, and Elixir was absolute chaos. After a year of living between two boats, it was time to consolidate all of our stuff into Elixir, and say goodbye to Echo (for now). And although we’re leaving Echo in New Zealand, we will be sure to come back for more sailing around t...
Elixir meets Echo!
A cute moment when Elixir and Echo meet for the first time (this is how baby boat are made) #sailaroundtheworld #boatlife #newzealand #offshoresailing #explore
Finally leaving New Zealand to Sail to Fiji!
Finally leaving the marina after Elixir’s massive refit! It literally felt like this day would never come, but here we are. Motoring out of the marina, heading north, and (almost) ready to go x #sailaroundtheworld #boatlife #refit #newzealand #offshoresailing
Turning My Boat Into a Home!
After completely transforming the interior of Elixir, @racheleaward finished off the final few touches to make Elixir a home again. Next stop Fiji! #sailaroundtheworld #boatlife #refit #newzealand #boatinterior
ROUGHEST PASSAGE YET! (Sailing From New Zealand to Fiji)
Join the Untide Sailing Club! - Hey Friends, We've finally left New Zealand, to continue with the second half of this circumnavigation. This was a tough one, but sometimes this is the price you have to pay if you want to cross oceans. Hope you enjoy! Join the Patreon here, for sailing opp...
Roughest Sail Yet! (New Zealand to Fiji) #sailing
Sailing 1,200 miles from New Zealand to Fiji was by far the toughest crossing from this entire circumnavigation. Big waves, strong winds and perpetual grey skies. But fortunately, we arrived in paradise and almost instantly forgot all about it.
Elixir’s First Sail Since the Refit
Go to or use code UNTIDE at checkout to get 40% off your first year! After two years of hard work in New Zealand, Elixir is finally ready. We say goodbye to The Mount, the place that became home, and set off with a new crew for a challenging first passage. The refit is over and new adventures awa...
Our 1-Year Boat Refit Cost… Was It Worth It? (Full Breakdown)
Go to or use code UNTIDE at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN! Hey Friends, we're so close to finally sailing Elixir again which is sure exciting, and I thought I'd make an update on how much the refit has cost so far, hope you enjoy! Thanks for following the journey :) ...
I Crossed an Ocean on a $1k Boat: Here’s How You Can Too
Find out more about the Untide Sailing Club here - Hey friends, One of the questions I get asked the most is "hoe much does it cost to sail around the world' and 'how do you pay for it all?'. So, I decided to make a video about it! Thanks for watching, hope you enjoy! Max
Building the Ultimate Off-Grid Sailboat (Step-by-Step)
Thank you Saily for sponsoring this video!! Get an exclusive 15% discount on Saily data plans! Use code UNTIDE at checkout. Download Saily app or go to Hey Friends! After what feels like an endless refit here in NZ, we are finally getting close to pushing off for Fiji and beyond. This is how we...
I Sailed Halfway Around the World and Found Love (Girlfriend Reveal)
Hey Freinds, It's been a busy few months here in NZ, and I wanted to give you an update on everything that's been changing, as well as my future plans with my sailing voyage around the world, and this channel. Thanks for followinf the journey :) Join the Patreon here, for sailing oppo...
How to Sail Around The World (Without a Trust Fund)
Find out more about the Untide Sailing Club here - Hey friends, This is the first of a series of instructional videos that I plan to make, alongside my usual sailing blogs. I hope it's useful for you, and let me know in the comments if there's an other specific aspects of this lifestyl...