SAILS TO TALES

Welcome aboard Sails to Tales, a space where we go beyond hulls and hardware to uncover the real stories behind the sails. We meet the sailors who’ve traded convention for current, security for sea spray — and we bring their journeys to you.

Every boat has a tale. Every sailor, a reason why.

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Not because you're just curious about boats.
You're drawn to a life that’s different — slower, deeper, maybe a little saltier.
You want to hear how others did it, how they afford it, and what they’d do differently.
You're seeking truth, not gloss. Connection, not clickbait.

Here, we celebrate the story beneath the surface — and maybe help you start your own.

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"A great way to learn is by listening to those who’ve lived it—then charting your own course."

— Sam & Rene Sv Ujud

RENE

SV UJUD

SAM

GET TO KNOW US

Back in 2017, we made a life-altering decision — we quit the rat race, bought an old Toyota van, and set out on a bold mission: to drive from Malaysia to the UK. That journey sparked the birth of our YouTube channel 24 Hour Travellers, where we documented the highs, lows, and lessons of life on the road.

Our story resonated. We grew a loyal following and were featured on news platforms across Malaysia and Singapore, eventually landing a feature on CNBC International. What started as a personal escape became a shared journey for thousands of viewers seeking freedom, simplicity, and something more meaningful.

Then the pandemic hit — and like many others, our plans changed. We pivoted from van life to boat life, drawn to the sea by the same calling: to live slowly, deliberately, and outside the system. We didn't grow up around boats or come from money. The learning curve was steep, navigation, repairs and learning to sail were all new to us. But with curiosity and a willingness to fail forward, we embraced the unknown and found freedom in figuring it out together.

My name is Samantha, I’ve been a filmmaker and photographer for most of my life. My partner (for over 25 years) is Rene was a music producer, got dragged into this whole sailing thing with me.

We had no sailing background but we got involved locally, learned from the ground up, planned carefully, three years later, we bought our own sailboat and became full-time liveaboards. It took time, research, and a lot of heart — including convincing Rene not only to support the dream, but to come along for the ride (despite always being seasick at the start!).

Sails to Tales is my passion, the resource and community I wish we had when we first started — filled with real stories, lessons, and guidance for anyone ready to explore life at sea. I’ve never experienced the kind of deep healing and freedom that this lifestyle offers — and like anything truly worth doing, letting go of land life was scary, but worth the sacrifice. We're still cruising, still learning every day.

Our Camper van MamaBear

SV UJUD

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PRACTICAL TIPS & GUIDANCE FROM THE INSIDE