59° North Sailing · video

What this video covers

Max Campbell, sailing a Swan 37 named Elixir, returns to Andy Schell's On The Wind podcast to describe sailing Elixir halfway around the world since their last conversation in 2019.5:39 Campbell rebuilt Elixir at his stepfather's boatyard in Falmouth, then departed for a circumnavigation that stalled seven months in the Canary Islands when Spain locked down on the day he planned to cross the Atlantic.12:13 He reached New Zealand in November 2023, based the boat in Tauranga, and is now completing a refit before the second half of the circumnavigation.15:41 The refit includes dual chart plotters, AIS, radar, a new electronic autopilot, and Battle Born lithium batteries — though import restrictions into New Zealand have delayed the battery installation.28:06 Volvo Penta engine work, including gearbox drive plate, engine mounts, and gaskets, was supported by UK distributor Salmarine.29:10 Campbell funds the voyage through delivery and charter work, editorial writing for Yachting World and Sail Magazine, sponsorships, and social media, which grew from roughly 1,000 to 30,000–40,000 followers after a viral post during a three-week communications blackout.25:37 His Untied project has brought roughly 50 crew aboard over four to five years, with 10–12 of them subsequently buying their own boats.19:24

Boats in this video

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