A Vintage Vessel with a Modern Mission

A decade-long voyage towards freedom and sustainability

When Dan and Kika of Sailing UMA first set sail over a decade ago, it wasn’t for luxury or leisure. It was a bold leap into sustainable living, independence, and the pursuit of freedom.

Their journey began with a savvy purchase: a 50-year-old sailboat listed for $21,000, which they bought for just $3,000 after discovering the inboard diesel engine was beyond repair. With determination, they managed to get the boat operational, departing Florida with only $20 in their bank account.

From Uma 1.0 to Uma 3.0:

Since then, Uma has undergone several iterations — first focusing on seaworthiness, then upgrades for an Atlantic crossing.

Now, with over a decade of sailing experience, a stronger budget, and trusted partnerships with marine suppliers, they are undertaking their most extensive rebuild yet: Uma 3.0.

Trusted coatings for a stronger, safer sailboat

As part of Uma 3.0’s evolution, International® has played a critical role in reinforcing both the integrity and aesthetics of the vessel.

Below the Waterline

To protect areas most exposed to moisture, like the hull and inside lockers, they’ve used Interprime® 820, a tough base primer that delivers confidence in damp, challenging conditions.

Interior Protection

Inside the boat, Interior Primer 860 creates a durable, moisture-resistant layer for smooth, long-lasting finishes, ideal for life at sea in all weather.

Hull and Deck Finish

For a professional look without a spray booth, they turned to the Perfection Pro® paint system, valued for its high-gloss finish and versatility. Training, technical support, and proper PPE were all part of the process. They’ll apply the final topcoat when the weather is right, ensuring long-lasting protection against sun and sea.

Antifouling Below the Waterline

To keep the hull clean on long passages, they’ve chosen Micron® 99, a trusted antifouling solution designed for ultimate ocean durability.

Building confidence with expert guidance

Over the years, Dan and Kika’s relationship with International® has deepened.

“Having access to expert guidance on product selection has been a game changer for us,” Dan said. “We’re no longer guessing; we’re building with confidence.”

Pioneering the future of electric sailing

At the heart of their mission is a bold ambition: to prove that fully electric sailing is achievable today.

Their boat is now being outfitted with advanced electric systems powered exclusively by solar and wind, eliminating fossil fuels entirely.

“Our goal is to demonstrate that an all-electric boat, built by two people with no formal marine background, can travel to some of the most remote places on Earth.” – Dan

The upcoming voyage will be a world first: a classic boat, fully refurbished and powered only by renewables, sailing off-grid to distant shores.