Distant Shores : How a Canadian Couple Turned a Passion for Sailing into a Media Business
From self-built sailboat to global TV series, Paul and Sheryl Shard charted a course from hobbyists to inspirational leaders in modern cruising culture.
At-a-Glance Panel
- Web Name: Distant Shores TV
- Names: Paul & Sheryl Shard
- Nationality: Canadian
- Travel Type: Full-time sailors, documentary filmmakers
- FI Status*: Financially Independent through media production and education
- Travel Regions: Caribbean, Mediterranean, North/Baltic Seas, Transatlantic
Backstory
Paul and Sheryl Shard’s journey into the cruising world began with a shared passion nurtured from their early years in Ontario, Canada. Their paths merged through school activities and university studies, culminating in the decision to embark on a life less ordinary. In the late 1980s, they constructed their own sailboat, a Classic 37 named “Two-Step,” laying the groundwork for a life of maritime exploration. Leaving behind traditional careers: Paul in IT and Sheryl in theatre and arts education. They set sail in 1989, capturing their maiden voyage on film.
The Shift
The real turning point came when their first voyage documentary, Call of the Ocean, aired on Discovery Channel in 1994. Its success validated their vision and launched their careers as sailing media producers. Instead of returning to shore-based professions, they leveraged their skills and passion into creating Exploring Under Sail, a 17-part series that led directly to the launch of Distant Shores. With this series, they built a niche & globally respected brand that married practical sailing instruction with cultural storytelling, inspiring thousands to take the leap into cruising life.
How They Made It Work
Achieving financial independence wasn’t accidental. Paul and Sheryl monetized their adventures through multiple channels: syndicated television, instructional DVDs, books, public speaking, and brand partnerships. Their self-published manual, Sail Away!, became a staple for aspiring cruisers. Licensing agreements with over 200 international broadcasters and streaming platforms enabled sustained revenue. Their business model emphasized educational value, audience trust, and direct engagement through seminars and social media, allowing them to continue sailing without relying on savings alone. see Disclaimer*
Where They Travel & Why
From the icy fjords of Scandinavia to the sun-soaked isles of the Caribbean, the Shards have meticulously documented over 60 countries and nine ocean crossings. Their route is guided by a balance of exploration and education: choosing destinations that offer scenic beauty, cultural intrigue, and navigational challenges. They aim to demystify the sailing lifestyle by showcasing not only the highlights but also the logistical nuances of long-term cruising. This mix of adventure and instruction remains central to their storytelling.
Challenges & Real Talk
Their travels are not without hardship. Weather unpredictability, mechanical failures, and the emotional demands of constant mobility test their resilience. Episodes have featured their brushes with storms, navigational errors, and port bureaucracy. They’re candid about the less glamorous aspects of boat life: the endless maintenance, limited personal space, and the occasional loneliness. Yet their openness has only deepened their audience’s respect. They often reflect on the personal growth these challenges fostered, offering an honest portrayal rarely seen in polished travel media.
What Keeps Them Going
At the core of their journey is a belief in storytelling as legacy. For Paul and Sheryl, sailing is a vessel for personal discovery, cultural exchange, and environmental mindfulness. Their motivation is twofold: a personal drive for adventure and a communal urge to share that experience in a meaningful way. Every new episode is not just content, it’s a chapter in a larger mission to educate, inspire, and connect with a global community of dreamers and doers.
Advice to Readers
Their counsel to aspiring cruisers is grounded in pragmatism: prioritise safety and be willing to learn continuously. They advocate for building sailing competence gradually, leveraging communities and resources available online and through local clubs. They also emphasize the value of documenting one’s journey; not just as a memory, but as a potential platform for storytelling and income.
Links to More
- Website: distantshores.ca
- YouTube: Distant Shores TV
- Instagram: @distantshorestv
- Facebook: Distant Shores TV
(*) Disclaimer: Income & financial independence (FI) details are drawn exclusively from publicly available sources. No inference, harm or misrepresentation is intended toward any individual or entity.
