Best Sailing Blogs of 2014

"The art of writing is the art of discovering what you believe." - Gustave Flaubert

So true. My writing forces me to examine my beliefs and my inner thoughts. That's free therapy and part of what I enjoy about blogging.

But I learn just as much about my own beliefs from reading what others write.

And so, it's that time of year again. No, I'm not talking about New Year's resolutions, fruit cake or boat shows. It's time to give some love back to the sailing blogs I've enjoyed following during 2014 and look ahead to other blogs that should provide new cruising adventures in 2015. (Need to catch up on the best blogs from 2013 or 2012? What are you waiting for!?).

SFLF's Best Sailing Blogs of 2014:

Sailing Totem: The s/v Totem crew has been cruising and blogging since way before 2014 and probably should have showed up on my annual "best sailing blogs" list sooner, but nonetheless, here they are. Inspiring stories, practical tips and destination information - That's how Behan describes her sailing blog. To that, I'll add honest and family focused. If you're looking to follow a family and learn the rewards of cruising with kids, take a virtual sail on s/v Totem.

Get a feel for Sailing Totem with this post: Finding Bliss in Stagnant Cruising

Where the Coconuts Grow: Lots of cruisers don't like rules. Many leave land to escape them. But Jody and Peter's 80/80/80 rule is ok by me! It goes like this - They strive to cruise where there's 80 degree air temps, 80 degree water and 80 feet of visibility for snorkeling/diving/swimming. If you're looking for a tropical escape through your computer screen, Where the Coconuts Grow delivers in spades. And they cruise with their two (2!!) dogs, so bonus for pet lovers.

Get a feel for Where the Coconuts Grow with this post: Welcome to Carriacou - A Wild Ride

John Vigor: If you like beautiful pictures and fancy graphics in the blogs you read, you might want to skip John's blog since he has neither. But if you do skip it, you'll be missing some of the most practical sailing knowledge available from an accomplished author and sailor. John's signature blog post finish is always "Tailpiece" - a quick and usually humorous joke relating to the post. He's also originally from England (now living in Washington state) so you can read his posts with a British accent for added entertainment!

Get a feel for John Vigor's blog with this post: Ideas Changes with Age

s/v Delos: Every year there seems to be a cruising boat and crew that attains rock star status in the blog community and this year Brian and crew have been the ones on stage. The Delos crew cruise the way many of us would when we were younger, even if just for a day or two. Parties, moonshine, nekkid swimming...it's all there aboard s/v Delos. Bonus - The Delos crew also produces some excellent and very entertaining videos about their cruising escapades that are shown on their YouTube channel.

Get a feel for s/v Delos with this post: The Manila Experience

Liz Clark and the Voyage of Swell: Surfer, solo sailor and environmentalist Liz Clark makes another appearance on my "best sailing blogs" list because quite simply, she rocks! This may well be the most honest and deeply passionate sailing blog on the planet.

Get a feel for the Voyage of Swell with this post: Hovering Neon Droplets - A Moment Between the Sea and Me

Attainable Adventure Cruising: John Harries' website is much more than just a blog. It features a ton of how-to resources and articles for offshore sailors written by offshore sailors (up to at least 3 authors contribute to the blog). There are some traditional travel log type blog posts on John & company's sailing adventures, but Attainable Adventure Cruising also serves as a great collection of informational resources on everything from rigging and storm tactics to plumbing and passage planning. ATT is even collaborating on the design and production of a new "affordable" (if $200k qualifies as affordable) back-to-basics voyaging sailboat called the Adventure 40.

Get a feel for Attainable Adventure Cruising with this post: We Are Not "Captains"

MJ Sailing: Here's a lively and inspiring young couple from my hometown and homeport who started their sailing journey in 2012 on the Great Lakes as green as the spring grass and have now explored the Atlantic Ocean on both sides. They've recently upgraded to a new-to-them aluminum sailboat and are currently (January 2015) on passage crossing the Atlantic again, this time from the Canaries back to the Caribbean.

Get a feel for MJ Sailing with this post: When Everything Works Against You, It Sometimes All Works Out

LAHO Wind: Sailing is very photogenic. From light dancing off the water and beautiful mountains rising from the sea to spray filled action shots and sun soaked anchorages, it's easy to find appealing subjects for a photo. But it's not easy to have the shots come out looking like they belong in a coffee table book. Enter Kim and her adventures with Jereme from LAHO Wind. New cruisers for 2014, these two have been thoroughly enjoying a run through the Bahamas and Puerto Rico while sharing it all quite masterfully through Kim's camera lens. That's not to downplay her writing (it's approachable and entertaining), but her photography is simply the best you'll find on any cruising blog.

Get a feel for LAHO Wind with this post: All Business in Georgetown

Up and coming blogs - Cruisers who have recently begun or will begin their journey in 2015:

Skelton Crew: Another homeport favorite. Ron and Jackie are deep in the preparation stage of getting their sailboat and lives ready for departure from Lake Michigan during the summer of 2015.

s/v Smitty: The to-do list for the crew of s/v Smitty is getting smaller and smaller. Looks like October 2015 is their planned departure date.

Sundowner Sails Again: I'm a longtime Sundowner Sails Again follower. They've done a remarkable job restoring and outfitting their Westsail and now it's time to reap the rewards. Congrats to Dani and Tate for cutting the dock lines! Read along as they leave Louisiana behind.

Project Atticus: Here's a fresh fix-it, learn it, sail it blog complete with plenty of videos. Desiree and Jordan spent a portion of 2014 finding and fixing their Allied Seawind. 2015 should bring sailing and and adventure.