Leigh & Grant

Episode 24: First sail

Episode 24

Sailboat Juno came to us as a bare deck, without any equipment above it, leaving us with the challenge of turning her into a fully functional sailing vessel. Over time, we carefully installed everything she needed, from winches and tracks to masts and sails. Both the standing and running rigging had to be fitted, transforming … Read more

Episode 23: StarLink

Episode 23

We recently received our Starlink satellite connection, and the setup was surprisingly quick and easy—it took us about 15 minutes from start to finish! With just a few simple steps, we were able to connect to the internet, thanks to Starlink’s user-friendly system. The dish, modem, and cables all came neatly packaged, and after positioning … Read more

Episode 22: Bending on the sails

Episode 22

We recently received our new sails from C Sails, a sailmaker based in South Africa, and were eager to get them installed on our yacht. The process of attaching sails to the rigging is known as “bending” the sails, and it’s more complex than it might seem. Each sail must be precisely fitted to ensure … Read more

Episode 21: The New 24V Battery Bank

Episode 21

Our original pair of 8D Lead Acid battery cells had reached the end of their lifespan and needed replacement. After considering the options, we decided to upgrade to AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) batteries. These are a great choice for marine use since they are maintenance-free and don’t “off-gas,” which means no harmful fumes are released. … Read more

Episode 20: The Haul Out

Episode 20

The sailing ship Juno, owned by brothers Leigh and Grant, is embarking on an exciting world tour. Juno has already seen countless seas, but before setting sail for the next leg of their journey, Leigh and Grant decided to lift her out of the water for maintenance. The primary goal was to inspect the hull’s … Read more

Episode 19: Installing the first deck winch

episode 19

As the crew of the sailboat Juno prepares for their ambitious around-the-world tour, the first major task is installing the initial deck winch. This crucial piece of equipment is essential for handling sails and ensuring smooth sailing under various conditions. The team carefully selects the winch, ensuring it is robust enough to withstand the demands … Read more

Episode 18: Diving on Robs yacht

episode 18

@Sailjuno is an amazing friend and a true team player. Today, we teamed up to help out our marina neighbor by diving under his boat to scrape off the stubborn mussels and barnacles that had built up on his rudder. It was a tough job, but @Sailjuno made it a lot easier with their positive … Read more

Episode 17: AIS and radar functions

Episode 17

Welcome to the Juno Sailboat! Today, we’re installing an AIS system and integrating it with the NMEA 2000 backbone. First, mount the AIS transponder in a dry, well-ventilated spot. Ensure it’s securely attached. Now, let’s connect the AIS to the NMEA 2000 backbone. Use a T-connector to link the AIS to the network. This allows … Read more

Episode 16: Radio and wind instrument

episode 16

SailJuno gets the new antennae connected to the radio and has the wind instrument connected. Sounds simple, but it took some boat-yoga to achieve! The tight spaces and awkward angles on a sailboat made the task much trickier than it appears. Our team had to contort and twist in ways we didn’t know were possible … Read more

Episode15: Stepping the Masts

Juno Episode 15

Welcome to Sail Juno, Episode 15! In this exciting installment, we’re thrilled to share a major milestone in our journey: the masts are finally being installed on the boat. This crucial step marks a significant progress in bringing Juno to life. Once the masts are in place, we dive into the intricate process of sorting … Read more