Journal

Gear reviews, refit notes & passage logs

Write-ups that mirror the YouTube channel and Instagram — real gear used aboard, refit progress, and passage stories.

Boat Systems

Seven Years of Refit: Every Upgrade Since 2019

The full list of everything replaced or upgraded aboard Gran Blau since 2019 — the index post before each system gets its own deep-dive.

Read the Overview
Gear Review

Bespoke Boarding Ladder

A custom stainless and teak boarding ladder, designed and built with a trusted local metalworker.

Read the Review

Gear Reviews

One Post Per System

Following the refit overview, each item gets its own dedicated review — reasoning, installation, and how it's performed underway.

Gear Review

Rig, Deck & Winches

New standing/running rigging (2021), new mast tracks and winches (2025), and a new suite of sails (2024).

Read the Review
Gear Review

Power: TITAN Lithium & Solar

Off-grid power for weeks at a time, without the engine.

Read the Review
Gear Review

The Watermaker

Fitted 2025 — fresh water for extended, self-sufficient passages.

Read the Review
Gear Review

Seacocks & Hoses

Seven new GRP TruDesign seacocks, fitted 2026.

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Gear Review

Induction Galley

Cooking on a 3kW inverter, with no gas aboard.

Read the Review
Gear Review

Navigation & Instruments

A full Raymarine instrument suite, autopilot control, radar and AIS.

Read the Review
Gear Review

Steering & Compass Refurbishment

A full binnacle overhaul: new compass, galvanised wheel holder, and the steering chain inspected and greased.

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Coming Soon

Secondary Autopilot

Backing up the primary system for ocean passages.

Gear Review

Anchoring & Ground Tackle

Two bow anchors, a proper snubber, and a kedge in reserve.

Read the Review
Gear Review

Liferaft & Hydrostatic Release

A Duarry liferaft and Hammar hydrostatic release, mounted at the stern.

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Gear Review

Lifejackets, MOB3 Beacons & EPIRB

Every lifejacket fitted with an MOB3 locator beacon, backed by a vessel EPIRB.

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Follow Along

YouTube & Instagram

Follow along for refit updates and passage footage as it happens.

YouTube Instagram