Go Small. Go Simple. Go Now.

In a world obsessed with bigger boats, expensive gear, and endless upgrades, the Pardeys charted a different course—one made of simplicity, seamanship, and soul. They became legendary not because they had the latest tech or the biggest yacht, but because they didn’t. Instead, they had courage, knowledge, and the unwavering belief that you don’t need to be rich to live a rich life at sea.

For anyone dreaming of sailing off into the sunset but feeling stuck by money, fear, or not knowing where to start—this one’s for you.

Who Were Lin and Larry Pardey?

Lin and Larry Pardey were a husband-and-wife sailing duo who logged over 200,000 nautical miles, circumnavigated the globe twice (once east-about and once west-about), and did it all without an engine. Yes, you read that right—without an engine.

They built their own boats, Seraffyn and later Taleisin, both traditional wooden cutters under 30 feet. They relied on wind, seamanship, and self-sufficiency—sailing long before GPS, Google, or YouTube how-tos.

They weren’t trying to prove anything. They just loved sailing. And they believed anyone who wanted it badly enough could do it, too.

Why Their Books Matter

Their legacy lives on through their writing. Lin’s voice—clear, humble, and quietly powerful—delivers hard-won truths and heartfelt encouragement.

Here are a few of their most influential books:

• Cruising in Seraffyn (1976): Their first book, a story-driven journey from California to Europe, packed with practical insights and charming encounters.

• Seraffyn’s Oriental Adventure (1980): Sailing from the Middle East through Asia, this book shares not just exotic ports but cultural connection and resilience.

• The Capable Cruiser and The Self-Sufficient Sailor: Must-reads for aspiring cruisers. These books explain not just how to sail, but how to live well aboard, even on a tight budget.

• Storm Tactics Handbook: Their offshore storm survival strategies—using a para-anchor and heaving-to—have saved lives. This one’s a bible for bluewater sailors.

Their writing is never arrogant. It’s grounded, experience-based, and deeply human.

The Beauty of Simplicity

Simplicity was their superpower.

They deliberately sailed small boats—ones they could afford to own outright, maintain by hand, and understand intimately. Without an engine, they honed their skills under sail. Without complex systems, they reduced their need for money and marina repairs. Without debt, they bought freedom.

To them, a small boat wasn’t a limitation. It was a liberation.

Their boats became floating homes, storytelling vessels, and passports to the world—not because they had all the gear, but because they had less to break, less to worry about, and more time to actually live.

Go Small, Go Simple. Go Now.

We often meet sailors who are “almost ready.” They’re saving for a bigger boat. They’re waiting until the kids are grown. They’re stuck comparing brands and waiting for the “perfect setup.”

But the Pardeys remind us that the perfect setup is the one that gets you out there.

So here’s our take:

• Go Small:
  You don’t need a 45-foot yacht. A seaworthy 27-footer might be all you need. Choose a boat you can afford and handle—one that doesn't require a crew or a mortgage.

• Go Simple:
  Learn the systems. Strip it back. A strong hull, good sails, a kerosene stove, and a hand pump can take you farther than you imagine. You’ll spend less time fixing and more time sailing.

• Go Now:
  Start with short coastal hops. Borrow a dinghy. Crew on someone else’s passage. Or buy a humble pocket cruiser and explore your local waters. The point is to begin.

Because “someday” might never come—but the sea is waiting.

Why the Pardeys Still Matter

In the age of electric winches, satellite internet, and boat show glamor, it’s easy to forget what this life is really about:

Freedom. Adventure. Simplicity. Connection. Story.

Lin and Larry lived all of those with grace and grit. They proved you don’t need to be rich—you just need to be resourceful. You don’t need to know everything—you just need to begin. And you don’t need a perfect boat—just one that floats and fits your dreams.

At Sails to Tales, we tell the stories of sailors who are doing it their way—like the Pardeys did. Whether you’re dreaming, doubting, or already sailing—we invite you to come aboard and remember:

Go small. Go simple. Go now.

And if you're lucky, you just might find your own Taleisin along the way.

Fair winds,
The Sails to Tales Crew

Inspired by Lin & Larry?
Share your favorite Pardey book or story in the comments below. Or tell us—what’s stopping you from going now?

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