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What got each of you into sailing?
Maya: I first started reading about sailing as a teenager. It sounded like such an incredible way to travel and see the world, which is what initially drew me to boats.
Aladino: I got into sailing accidentally. I was actually on a long bicycle trip and ended up meeting several sailors who got me into it. I was instantly hooked.
Which was your favorite part of the major refits you’ve embarked upon?
Maya: When they’re over! I’m not much of a boatbuilder, so for me, refits are definitely a “necessary evil.”
Aladino: I enjoy finding creative solutions to problems, which is basically what boatbuilding is. I also really like the chance to personalize my boat, because there is no perfect boat but it’s all about how the boat will be used. I enjoy creating the boat I want to sail. I also enjoy putting love and care into things that I know will bring me joy later on. But essentially, I mostly do it for the love of sailing. While I do find enjoyment in the refit process, it’s sailing that I really love. And sailing a boat that I know I customized myself is a really special feeling.
Which was the most arduous?
Maya: Definitely this one, Magic Carpet II. I’ve never done a refit of this scale before, and as someone who isn’t a boatbuilder, it feels very overwhelming.
Aladino: I think the refit on Magic Carpet I was challenging because I was very, very low on funds and was pretty much dumpster diving for the parts I needed. Fortunately, I worked at a boatyard so the dumpsters had some good stuff in them. Haha! I was also much greener during that refit, so there were a lot more unknowns involved. I’ve also evolved as a sailor since that refit, so there are some things I did on Magic Carpet I that probably weren’t necessary or that I would’ve done differently now. I was also working full-time during that project, so I had to sacrifice my evenings and weekends to get it done, which meant no social life for several years.
What advice do you have for cruising sailors with regard to ongoing maintenance?
Maya: Be realistic about who you are and how much you actually want to take on. You will need some rudimentary skills, tools, and parts on board in order to safely sail your boat. And of course, doing your own work cuts costs down a lot. But sailboat work can also feel never-ending, so make sure you know when to ask for help and don’t burn yourself out in the process.
Aladino: Sailing is something we do for enjoyment so take that into account when you’re deciding on a boat and a potential refit project. Start small. If you’re really unsure about something or you don’t have the time to learn, then leave it to the pros. Although I find a lot of purpose and fulfillment in doing refits myself, not everyone feels the same. At the end of the day, always ask yourself why you’re doing something. And remember: it’s easy to tear things apart, but it’s harder to put them back together! Oh, and my biggest piece of advice: don’t waste time on forums. Read some books written by pros, ask questions to people who have done this before, and use your own common sense.
Follow Maya and Aladino on their Magic Carpet ride.
Search: @SailingMagicCarpet on YouTube.
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