MAKERS AND SHAKERS

WHY DO SAILING’S MOST SUCCESSFUL INFLUENCERS THINK THE BEST BOAT FOR NOVICE OCEAN CRUISERS IS A PERFORMANCE MULTIHULL? ASKS TOBY HODGES

- TOBY HODGES

Over the last seven years Riley Whitelum and Elayna Carausu have advanced from novice sailors to logging more ocean miles than most of us will sail in a lifetime. And they’ve managed to translate their journey in the most engaging way, reaching more people than any other sailors on the planet. This Australian couple are actively influencing a new generation of bluewater cruisers.

Millions of viewers watch their weekly episodes of the Sailing La Vagabonde channel on YouTube, which brings multihull cruising into your living room (or office). In them they share their liveaboard lifestyle by providing 20-minute hits of endearing weekly escapism.

But their reach is now ensuring they have the ear of the industry too, with the couple starting to leak plans of a new emission-free vessel, which will be sponsored by marine manufacturers.

One of Riley’s latest videos is more opinionated and advises people what to look for – and what to avoid – when buying a new catamaran. Just how much do these influencers want to influence?

NOVICES TO EXPERTS

For those unfamiliar with Sailing La Vagabonde, the channel has accrued over 1.5m followers thanks to the fresh, self-deprecating, and admittedly easy-on-the-eye nature of its bronzed protagonists. Riley and Elayna are supported by the crowdfunding model Patreon, through which they have accrued over 3,600 paying members, and make a healthy return from YouTube revenue.