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Building the New Wave Rover: Alan Mulholland’s Journey from Rogue Wave to Renewal



In the second part of our interview with Alan Mulholland, the man behind the Rovers Adventure YouTube channel, we explore a tale of resilience and innovation that will inspire sailors and adventurers alike. Alan’s journey took a dramatic turn when a rogue wave hit his Contessa 26 on his way back to the Caribbean, forcing him to rethink his plans and his vessel. This near-disaster could have been the end of his sailing adventures, but instead, it marked a new beginning.

Facing the Challenge of COVID at Sea

After surviving the rogue wave and making it safely back to Martinique during the height of the COVID-19 lockdowns, Alan had to navigate a whole new set of challenges. Being far from home and with restrictions in place, he had to plan his journey back to Canada. However, the time ashore gave Alan the space to reflect on his future, and it was then that the idea of a new boat began to take shape.

Community Support and a New Vision

Thanks to the encouragement from his YouTube community, Alan decided to move forward with building a new boat, one that was custom-designed for his next great adventure. Collaborating with a naval architect, Alan began the process of creating a boat that would address the unique challenges of ocean cruising, particularly with a focus on safety, seaworthiness, and self-sufficiency. 

Introducing the New Wave Rover

This new Wave Rover is not just a boat—it’s a culmination of Alan’s experience, his community’s support, and his vision for future voyages. In this episode, we discuss how Alan selected the design, the exciting features that set this boat apart from its predecessor, and the journey to the Azores as its first major test.

For those who love stories of overcoming adversity and the beauty of community-driven support, this episode offers plenty to dive into. It’s not just about sailing—it’s about never giving up on your dreams, even when faced with the biggest challenges at sea. 


Tune in to hear the full story on our latest episode of NanoCruising!


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Seas Your Own Adventure ⛵

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