Living Aboard a Boat The A to Z Challenge

B is for Boat Tour

Saturday, April 02, 2016TheCambrians


During the month of April, we're participating in the Blogging From A to Z Challenge where every day (excluding Sundays) we'll be posting to the blog . . . alphabetically. The overall theme we've chosen to tie all the entries together is living aboard a boat and cruising – things we've learned along the way: our thoughts, reflections, and tips for those just starting out or who are interested in this lifestyle.



We first stepped aboard Cambria in 2001 when we were out looking at boats with our broker. Mike was keeping an eye on her for the owner and brought us along for a look around while he checked to make sure everything was okay. She was (almost) everything we were looking for in a boat but was already spoken for, so we continued our search and found another one to love. Two and a half years later, we were in the market again and Mike called her owner to ask if he’d be interested in selling. He was. And the rest, as they say, is history.

So, what was it about Cambria that caught our eye and brought us back years later? That’s easy: She’s a beautifully built ocean-going boat with long-term living aboard factored into the design . . . and she sails like a complete dream. 




Here's what she looks like below decks (from stem to stern):


Cambria’s v-berth is large and has plenty of space to accommodate guests. It has direct access to the forward head and can be closed off at the salon bulkhead, giving our guests (and ourselves) more privacy.


We never wanted a boat with two heads, but it does come in handy when one of them breaks down. Our forward one is pretty basic with a manual toilet and a pull-out facet handle that doubles as a shower head.


Cambria’s beam is close to 14 feet and the salon takes advantage of the width. At first glance, it seems small for a boat her size but can seat as many as eight people. It’s also very comfortable when we’re under way.


The nav station was well thought out with plenty of storage for charts, owner’s manuals, cruising guides, electronics and whatever else we can think of. It also makes a nice “office” space and provides an extra seat for the salon.


Cambria’s galley is large with plenty of counter space and storage. It has double sinks, a saltwater pump, a three-burner stove, a lift-top fridge and a microwave (which we never use).


The aft cabin is one of Cambria’s biggest selling points. The European king size bed and walk-around access make living aboard comfortable and easy. There are plenty of cubbies, wardrobes, drawers and shelf space to store all of our clothes.


The aft head has a separate shower which makes extended cruising so much nicer. We do, however, prefer to shower on the aft deck or on shore whenever possible to keep moisture and steam out of the boat.


And last, but not least, the cockpit was designed with offshore sailing in mind: It’s comfortable, safe, secure . . . and a little small (for entertaining). Fully enclosed, it adds another room to the boat when we’re at anchor and it’s not uncommon to see David sitting up there playing the guitar on a rainy day.


For more information or to see the specs, please visit our About the Boat page.

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15 comments

  1. I love looking at other people's boats! A separate shower, two heads - I'm jealous! What do you have the settees in your salon covered with? Looks like it cleans up nicely.

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    1. I love looking at boats too! Our settees are leather which has proved really durable over the years (and easy to clean) but sticks to bare skin and can be really cold (hence the sheep skin).

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  2. Pretty and practical; love all the light wood!

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    Replies
    1. Yeah, Westerly also did a teak finish but it would have been way too dark in here with that.

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  3. I love the pics, I had a peek when I found your blog via the Theme Reveal Linky List, it looks both beautiful and very well thought out. It's nice to see the photos again with your commentary on them.

    Mars xx
    @TrollbeadBlog from
    Curling Stones for Lego People

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    1. There are definite compromises (like with all boats), but it really is well thought out. Thanks for taking a look!

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  4. I loved the pics. Really.
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  5. It's definite. I have boat envy. That aft cabin is amazing. Melissa from
    LittleCunningPlan

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    1. Our first boat, Sky Walker, had small quarter berths and I spent 2 years sleeping on a mix of trim work and a foam cushion. Cambria was a big step up from that and made living aboard sooooo much easier!

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  6. She is beautiful, and so comfortable looking. As a former Whiting 29 owner, I am in awe of how much space you have. And a king size bed, I barely fit in my singe, as the kids took the double in the V-berth (hubby and I were too tall and our feet would hit. I could imagine living aboard Cambria.

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    1. We looked a couple of Whitings but they were in the 40-foot range (a really good use of space if I remember right).

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  7. What a beautiful boat and it looks perfect for two people who love long term sailing. I'm enjoying reading your challenge :) Leanne @ cresting the hill

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    1. Thank you, Leanne! And you're right, Cambria has been the perfect boat for us!

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  8. Love your boat! I could live aboard her too. She's beautiful and looks very comfortable. Nice to have all that wood. She still looks new. :-)

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