Sailing Zatara · video

What this video covers

Renee Whitaker has parked Zatara and moved the family to their dormant Montana cabin for three to four months, marking the first extended time off the boat in nine years.1:31 With all four children now adults, Renee redirects her energy into a long-neglected greenhouse on the property, framing the project as a new form of nurturing after a decade of full-time cruising and homeschooling.0:04 The practical work includes removing rotten fencing, discarding weed-choked in-ground garden beds, and hauling in multiple bags of topsoil from Home Depot after the existing soil proved too dry to reuse.2:39 Keith extends an existing drip-line irrigation system into the greenhouse interior, mounting lines along the framework with adjustable drippers and misters.5:46 Renee uses ChatGPT to generate a custom planting layout based on sun exposure by zone, then plants carrots, tomatoes, onions, strawberries, blueberries, bell peppers, jalapeños, spinach, lettuce, celery, watermelon, cantaloupe, and cilantro — a mix of already-started plants and seeds chosen to compensate for a late-season start.7:08 Keith lays two pallets of sod ($350) over the areas where the old garden beds were removed.12:15 Adult children Jack and Kate are present, along with Kate's boyfriend Remy and family friend Luke.4:10

More from Sailing Zatara

FINALLY WEATHERPROOF! (Winter won't stop us now!)Sep 2026From One Extreme to the Other!Aug 2026Was that our Last Sail on Zatara? (+ big announcement! 📢)Aug 2026Why We AREN'T Afraid of Sharks!Jul 2026

From Sailing Zatara — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analyzed video.

The Sailing Directory Newsletter

One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.