Harbors Unknown: Sailing Life with Kristin, Fabio & Yoda

A couple’s journey from land-based routines to a life afloat on open seas.

Harbors Unknown is the story of Kristin and Fabio Potenti, who, with their French Bulldog Yoda, chose to leave conventional living behind to sail the world on their Seawind 1600 catamaran Wanderlust. Their platform combines documentary-style YouTube episodes with blog articles covering boat maintenance, sailing routes, cultural discoveries, and life onboard. Since 2020, they have steadily built an audience that follows their path across oceans and through remote anchorages.

At-a-Glance:

Web Name: Harbors Unknown
Names: Kristin & Fabio Potenti
Generation: Gen X
FI status: Achieved location independence through content creation, merchandise sales, and partnerships
Travel type: Sailing, live-aboard cruising
Travel Regions: Florida Keys, The Bahamas, U.S. Northeast, Panama Canal, South Pacific (French Polynesia, Fiji, New Zealand)
Media Platforms: Website, YouTube, Patreon, Instagram, Facebook, online shop

Backstory:

Kristin and Fabio lived in Florida prior to embracing life on the water. The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic made them reassess their priorities and long-term goals. They sold their home in May 2020 and transitioned to full-time sailing in September of the same year. Before purchasing Wanderlust, they owned and sailed a Beneteau Oceanis 473 and a Dragonfly 35 trimaran. These experiences gave them the skills needed to handle a larger performance cruising catamaran and navigate extended journeys.

The Shift:

The turning point came during lockdowns, when they realised that the routine of corporate life no longer aligned with their aspirations. Sailing offered a chance to live off-grid, embrace a slower pace, and immerse themselves in nature and new cultures. Their decision was driven by both a desire for adventure and a practical evaluation of the cost-effectiveness of boat life compared to maintaining a home and traditional lifestyle.

How They Made It Work:

Their financial independence is based on multiple streams: monetised weekly YouTube videos (over 190 uploaded as of mid-2025), Patreon subscriptions, branded merchandise, and collaborations with marine industry companies like Precision Sails. Kristin’s background in marketing and Fabio’s skills in engineering and systems maintenance provide the expertise needed to manage content creation and boat upkeep. Careful budgeting is essential, covering fuel, provisions, insurance, and regular maintenance such as sail repairs and hull cleaning.

Where They Travel & Why:

Their voyages began along the Florida Keys before moving on to The Bahamas (Bimini, Exumas, Abacos), where shallow waters and vibrant marine life suited Wanderlust’s draft and cruising capability. They sailed up the U.S. East Coast as far as Maine, then transited the Panama Canal in April 2023, opening the path to the Pacific. Since then, they have crossed over 4,000 nautical miles to reach French Polynesia, Fiji, and New Zealand. They seek destinations that combine cultural authenticity with challenging sailing routes, prioritising places where they can experience life beyond the tourist trail.

Challenges & Real Talk:

The couple has documented multiple challenges: engine maintenance, autopilot failures, steering cable issues, and unpredictable weather patterns. Fabio’s pneumonia during a critical Fiji–New Zealand passage underscored the risks of offshore sailing. Managing pet import permits and vaccinations adds another layer of complexity, particularly in island nations with strict biosecurity measures. Their honesty about the difficulties; ranging from storm planning to the isolation of long passages, adds depth to their storytelling.

What Keeps Them Going:

The appeal of anchoring in secluded bays, meeting local communities, and learning new cooking techniques motivates them to continue. Their culinary focus, often showcasing local ingredients and recipes, gives their videos a personal touch. Both Kristin and Fabio believe the challenges of boat life are balanced by the freedom, flexibility, and sense of accomplishment that comes with living simply yet fully.

Advice to Readers:

They advise aspiring sailors to invest time in learning practical boat systems, weather forecasting, and navigation skills. Starting with smaller coastal trips before committing to offshore passages is recommended. They highlight the importance of financial preparation and emergency planning but also encourage people not to wait for the “perfect” moment, as there will always be obstacles to overcome.

Links to More:

Web: Harbors Unknown
YouTube: YouTube
Instagram: Instagram
Facebook: Facebook

Disclaimer: Income, income streams and financial independence details & status are drawn exclusively from publicly available sources. No inference, harm, or misrepresentation is intended toward any individual or entity.