Ep 178: Captain David Kilmer, Sailor and Storyteller

Meet Captain David Kilmer, a man whose life has been transformed by the sea. An accomplished sailor and storyteller, David Kilmer's journey began when his father launched a little wooden boat for him, named Skipper-N-Dad. This early experience sparked a lifelong love for the sea, leading to his first bluewater passage at the age of 25, a transformative 2,300-mile journey across the Pacific Ocean.

By his early 30s, David Kilmer had already embarked on a life less ordinary. He ran off to the Caribbean, driven by a desire to become a boat captain, and spent five seasons working in the Grenadines. His book A Peril To Myself and Others is a vivid portrayal of those colorful and tumultuous times, a testament to the adventurous spirit that has always defined him.

His latest book, The Way of the Sailor, is a captivating set of seagoing essays, meditations, and small adventures that explores what it truly means to be a sailor, the challenges and joys of life at sea, and ultimately, how to better navigate life itself. His books often delve into themes of adventure, self-discovery, and the beauty of the open ocean.

From 2009 to 2019, David and his co-captain, Rebecca, cruised their 36-foot sailing sloop from Bellingham, Washington, to the Bahamas with stops in 12 countries, including Cuba and a transit of the Panama Canal along the route. Their journey was not just a personal adventure, but a testament to David's expertise and passion for sailing. David is the captain of the private sailing yacht Sizzler.

You can purchase David’s book on Amazon or Goodreads, or locally at the Well Read Moose or Mix it Up Home. Follow David on Instagam@captainkilmer or wayofthesailor.com