“Adventure with the wind: Evaluation of our first year of sailing.”

Are dreams just illusions? To many, life at sea seems like an idyllic succession of sun-drenched days, sipping cocktails on the deck, parties, rainbows and the company of dolphins. An existence with minimal stress, where you can roam freely and manage your finances effortlessly through your ability to catch your own food. But what is the real nature of this reality?

Reality has taught us that maintaining our sailboat requires constant effort. Repairs and maintenance are the order of the day to ensure that the sailboat remains seaworthy. We have thoroughly underestimated the financial burden associated with this. Most of our budget is spent on this. We are aware that the cost of living in the Caribbean is higher than in Europe. That is why it is important to make a conscious purchase. Fruit, vegetables and eggs are all precious and scarce. A cauliflower often costs 11 euros, peppers are around 4 to 5 euros and eggs sometimes cost almost 2 euros each. The French islands are cheaper and have the largest supermarkets, so we regularly do our shopping here for non-perishable food for a few months.

Tourism is the main source of income on most islands, which is reflected in activities and prices. Cruisers do not consider themselves tourists and try to make the most of their experiences in a budget-friendly way. They can sail to all corners of the world using the wind, but visas and sailing permits for your boat are required in many countries, as well as bureaucracy among the officials. As Dutch you are often lucky enough to enter without any problems, but with an Indian passport we have sometimes faced challenges.

Nevertheless, much is true. As you sail towards the horizon, you are treated to a breathtaking spectacle of nature. The sun slowly sinks behind the ocean and the sky colors with warm shades of orange and pink, while the sea stretches out in front of you. Inaccessible beaches are hidden behind rugged cliffs, ready to be discovered. Underwater caves and coral reefs reveal a hidden world full of colorful fish and mysterious creatures.

Each sailing adventure also offers the chance to explore not only untouched nature, but also new cultures and tastes. You sail to remote islands where traditional communities share their hospitality. Sailing takes you to places you never thought you’d reach and opens doors to the world that would otherwise remain closed. The true magic of sailing is in the feeling of freedom. You leave the coast behind and surrender yourself to the whims of the wind and the waves. There are no set routes or tight schedules. You sail where the wind takes you, and that feeling of freedom is priceless. Read along how each of us experienced the first year.

The most memorable moment of the past year on the sailboat was for

Jeroen:

Our visit to the Bahamas. Sailing to and from the Bahamas was an experience in itself due to the longer distances and the potentially challenging/troublesome return journey. The Bahamas itself and especially the Exuma’s have made a deep impression on me. The shallow water, the colours and the presence of sharks near the boat we also swam with.

Aagje:

The moment we weighed anchor at Cooper Island, British Virgin Islands and embarked on our very first crossing to St Maarten is forever etched in my memory. Within ten minutes of departure our brand new anemometer failed, but we determined to sail on. The sounds on board during such a rough ocean were frightening at first, but at the same time it also creates a sense of confidence in the fact that this boat is made for these challenges and will get us safely to the Sint Maarten. That first night sailing experience was intense. The moon was nowhere to be seen, so darkness enveloped everything. The sound of the wind rushing past us and the waves occasionally lifting us up a few feet and then crashing down again was overwhelming. In the dark it was impossible to anticipate these movements. This sharply stimulated my other senses, allowing me to experience my surroundings in a completely new way. It slowly dawned on me that these kinds of adventures would become a significant part of our lives. The mix of excitement and fear that came with this is something we will learn to deal with.

Rajesh:

Since we started our life aboard the boat, we have been lucky enough to experience many unforgettable moments. Each day we explore the islands brings us new and lasting memories. Our journey along the Caribbean islands and the Bahamas, for example, stands out. I love to snorkel and am constantly amazed at the diversity of fish species I encounter on my underwater adventures and am always on the lookout for species I haven’t seen before. Some of my fondest memories are swimming next to turtles, when I finally saw an octopus, which changed body color as I approached it, and witnessed a pod of dolphins welcoming us to the Bahamas. They were all special moments that left an indelible impression in my heart. However, if I had to choose one destination that really touched my soul, it would undoubtedly be Dominica. Our five-day guided excursion, shared with our friends from Sailing Mabul, is one of the most memorable experiences of my life.

Moments of homesickness or doubts about our decision to sail around the world by sailboat occurred:

Jeroen:

Not. Certainly no doubts or homesickness! I sometimes think about the future and don’t know what that will look like for us in terms of finances and where/how we will live in a few years. I try to let go of this, those solutions will present themselves in the coming years. Now first enjoy this particularly beautiful, instructive and adventurous time close to nature.

Aagje:

We had a comfortable home, both enjoyed our jobs, and had strong ties to family and friends. The idea of leaving all this behind, not being able to drink spontaneous cups of coffee with loved ones, was indeed a bitter pill to swallow. However, I strongly believe in chasing your own dreams because we only live once. Once we took the plunge and purchased our boat, the doubts and fears disappeared. It gave way to unprecedented enthusiasm.

Rajesh:

I’m from India and I often miss my culture, especially celebrating festivals with my friends and family. I lived in the Netherlands for seven years and whether I was in the Netherlands or on our sailboat, I still have the same feeling. To cope with the loss of home, I regularly video call my loved ones in India which makes me feel closer to them. For a moment I hesitated about going back to India and not going on the sailing boat. This mainly had to do with my fear of water. Still, my love for traveling made me come along. Choosing to live on a sailboat is one of the best decisions I have ever made.

New skills we have learned while sailing and living on board are:

Jeroen:

Too many to list but I will try anyway and divide it into two categories: A. Technically the boat has many challenges as there are many systems on board that are essential for safety and comfort on board. Every week something breaks or needs maintenance. In the past year we have learned a lot about all possible problems and solutions. Now we are familiar with technology and can solve almost all problems quickly. Mechanical, Electronic, Repair sails, Antifouling (algae resistant underwater paint), etc. B. Sailing skills. We could already sail, but an Amel has a quirky design that you have to get to know. After sailing more than 6000Nm we have mastered sailing and we have also learned to anchor properly, boom out the Genoa, sail with a spinnaker and ballooner and sail in different weather conditions. We do route planning and navigation with the apps from Predictwind and Navionics.

Aagje:

During the first year I learned even more about navigation and reading nautical charts, using compasses and GPS systems. In addition, I have learned to take tides and currents into account when planning our trips. My understanding of wind directions, their patterns and when is the right time to hoist or reef the sails has increased considerably. Life on board is all about understanding how the weather works. Even a cloud appearing on the horizon tells a story of what to expect in the days to come. Weather forecasts act as valuable guides and are reviewed several times a day to plan our sailing trips in a safe and targeted manner. At night sailing is more challenging and during those moments I learned to have even more confidence in myself and to make crucial decisions myself and in Jeroen and Rajesh when they are alone at the helm. Life on board requires ingenuity. I learned a lot from coming up with solutions for unexpected problems to the smart use of limited space and stuff. A sailboat is in constant motion and constant adjustment is required. It is important to consciously deal with matters such as energy, water, minimizing waste and the weather. Above all, this adventure represents an inner journey, where I am shaped by courage and self-reflection.

Rajesh:

Besides all the skills of sailing and technical aspects that come with a boat, I enjoy developing my underwater photography skills. I hope to improve my skills in this discipline and eventually reach a professional level. I learned to dive and I am proud to say that I have completed my second level of French diving certification (FFESSM). I am determined to further develop my passion for underwater photography.

A funny or unexpected challenge we have overcome is:

Jeroen:

When I jumped off the boat to retrieve the SUP board that had come loose from the boat. However, there turned out to be too strong a current that made it impossible for me to get back to the boat 😬. Our son Rajesh came after me to help and then we were both in trouble. Aagje called for help via the VHF radio and someone came to rescue us with his dinghy, since our own dinghy with outboard motor was still tied up and Aagje could not lift the outboard motor on the dinghy on her own.

Aagje:

We are in the Bahamas, sailing through the rough seas as the boat heels about 30 degrees. Suddenly the inescapable urge for a bathroom stop, which we’ll call ‘number 2’ for the sake of convenience, I had to be quick! Now, descending to the lower deck requires a firm grip, as the boat leans firmly to starboard, while both of our toilets are on the port side. Once on the toilet, a strategic approach is necessary. I had to put my feet firmly against the door frame, like an anchor, to prevent me from accidentally sliding off the toilet and then the precise aim follows to keep everything “neat”. I can assure you, it is a real challenge that requires agility and determination. The acrobatic positions I had to assume and the sense of pride that came over me when everything turned out successfully are truly indescribable.

Rajesh:

We had the opportunity to visit Dominica with our friends, Karin and Alex. Karin is originally from Switzerland and Karin had been in contact with a Swiss couple who lived on the island and managed a hotel and restaurant. After a strenuous day of walking Karin suggested we have dinner in their restaurant. We coordinated our dinner plans via WhatsApp and opted for fish as the main course, with special arrangements for Alex, who was a vegetarian. On our arrival, we were utterly exhausted and famished. After another hour of waiting, our starter, their signature homemade soup, was served. Unfortunately, the taste left much to be desired and we exchanged disappointed looks. Nevertheless, we put it aside in anticipation of the main course: fish accompanied by salad and potatoes. To our surprise, Alex’s plate only contained salad and potatoes, without any dressing or additional side dishes. His dissatisfaction was obvious and he expressed his dissatisfaction by not eating anything in the end. Disappointingly, the main course on taste failed to impress us either. We all agreed that we have never had such bad food served anywhere. On the way back we couldn’t resist teasing Karin with her restaurant recommendation. Despite the terrible food and our lingering hunger, it became a comical memory that will stay with us for a long time.

Lessons we’ve learned about cooperation and communication while living on a sailboat include:

Jeroen:

Sailing is not very difficult but can also be dangerous, it is important that all three of us are skilled in all tasks on the boat so that we can help / alternate but also think along and warn each other before potentially dangerous situations arise. We have learned over the past year that we can trust each other to operate the boat alone and that help is always sought when times are difficult or potentially dangerous.

Aagje:

A striking discovery was that communication often becomes more intense and emotional during moments of intense pressure and tension. Sometimes it even escalates, let me put it nicely, to the point where we raise our voices and reinforce words by saying them loudly. It’s a dynamic I would never normally accept on land, but sailing experience has made me realize that in critical situations clear and direct communication is sometimes the only way to convey the seriousness of the moment. It seems to be a mechanism to emphasize the urgency and necessity of the current situation. It is important to emphasize that this heated communication is not personal. When we analyze the situations afterwards, it becomes clear that it is not about individual blame, but about understanding the situation and the necessary measures to be taken in such a situation. This post-crisis reflection serves as a learning opportunity. Which I am sure we will get many more.

Another important lesson I learned is the importance of trust, both in myself and in each other. After more than a year of sailing together, we have proven that we can rely on each other, even under challenging conditions. It requires understanding each other’s skills, reactions and decision-making processes. There is little room for doubt on a sailboat, making confidence in each other’s abilities invaluable.

Rajesh:

It is important to realize that we are all adults with our own perspectives, which can complicate things at times. We can’t all be captains at the same time and we’ve learned that it’s better if we take turns being captains. I have gained an understanding of the importance of patience and attentive listening when communicating with the captain.

Specific places we visited that left a lasting impression on us include:

Jeroen:

Dominica and the Bahamas. Dominica because of the beautiful hiking trips that we made together with Alex and Karin from sailing boat Mabul through the interior. The Bahamas because of the clear light blue water, the swimming between the sharks and the vastness.

Aagje:

One destination that has undoubtedly left an indelible impression is Dominica. Dominica is distinguished by its pristine beauty and abundance of natural wonders. With its 365 rivers, volcanic peaks shrouded in different shades of green, valleys, waterfalls and famous bubbling lakes, Dominica is a veritable treasure trove of landscapes. The diversity of flora and fauna, both on land and below sea level, contribute to the island’s unique appeal. While we’ve explored much of Dominica on land, there’s one fascinating world still undiscovered: the underwater environment. With the presence of sperm whales all year round, Dominica’s underwater world promises to be an experience in itself that is still waiting for us.

Another destination that has left a deep impression is the Bahamas, mainly because of their enchanting underwater world. Because of the clear water you can see very far underwater. Not only sharks, rays and barracudas swim here, but also an abundance of tropical fish and beautiful colored corals. This diversity and vibrant colors of the underwater world make the Bahamas leave an indelible impression on me.

Rajesh:

There are a few places that have left a lasting impression on my heart, including Dominica, Bahamas, Grenadines, and the British Virgin Islands. First and foremost, Dominica holds a special place in my heart for its vast natural beauty, towering hills perfect for hiking, and waterfalls. Close behind is the Bahamas, known for its mesmerizing turquoise waters and vibrant marine life. The Bahamas offers the unique experience of witnessing different colors of the sea. The Exumas are particularly notable, with its shallow waters and breathtaking marine life. On the way to the Grenadines, Tobago Cays is a gem where you can get up close and personal with so many sea turtles, all amidst the captivating turquoise waters. Last, but certainly not least, the British Virgin Islands (BVI) are my all-time favorite. The BVI will always be special, as this is where we bought our boat and started our travel adventures.

Things we miss about life on land during our sailing adventure are:

Jeroen:

Not much, mainly the fun with family and friends. Fortunately, we regularly speak to them via video calls.

Aagje:

What I miss most during our sailing adventure are the precious and shared moments that I usually shared on the mainland. Being together with family and friends. The opportunity to get together, laugh, share stories and celebrate special occasions is something I really miss during our time at sea. Moreover, I also missed my work, especially the contact with my clients in my practice. It is so fulfilling to be able to help others treat their gum problems, leaving them glowing with a bright smile and renewed confidence. Listening to their stories, challenges and triumphs contributes to this satisfaction. Then there is the painting. Creating works of art, playing with colors and shapes, gives me a unique outlet for expression. Although the sea and adventure have given me many new perspectives, there was a desire to take up a big canvas again and express my inner world through art.

Rajesh:

I wouldn’t say anything, but that wouldn’t be entirely true. On land, I liked that you can go for a walk or a run just by opening the front door. Granted, life on a boat is a bit different, because the spontaneity of stepping onto the street is not quite the same. However, what I miss most is spending time with friends. Nevertheless, I have to say that I enjoy my life on the boat immensely, and as a result I don’t feel like I’m missing out on too much of life on land.

Has this first year of sailing influenced and strengthened our relationship as a family?

Jeroen:

We live together on the boat 24 hours a day and do (almost) everything together, which is not an ideal scenario for everyone. I think it’s really special how well this is going for us, that proves again how great it is that we have found each other and are going on this adventure together.

Aagje:

As a family we also spent a lot of quality time together on land in the form of making many trips. In that sense, being on the water, away from daily distractions, has not given even deeper conversations and/or a greater involvement in each other’s lives, I feel that countries have too. However, we have learned new skills and overcome challenges together, which has given us a sense of achievement and mutual trust on a different level. Sailing has also brought us closer to nature and given us a deeper appreciation for its beauty. Despite the stressful moments, we learned to manage stress and solve problems together. The adventures and memories we made will stay with us forever and are part of who we are.

Rajesh:

I think our family bond has become even closer. We really understand each other and respect each other’s need for personal space. Life on a boat isn’t always easy as sometimes I just want to be alone for a few hours but we all understand and appreciate each other’s privacy.

Are there any new hobbies or interests you discovered during our trip?

Jeroen;

At the moment I mainly enjoy the free life, the beautiful nature and the underwater world.

Aagje:

To write. At the moment I mainly write about all our experiences and adventures during the trip. But secretly I also dream of one day writing a whole book.

Rajesh:

I love snorkeling, filming underwater scenes and filming the environment and the boat with a drone. Every time I go snorkeling it brings me joy.

With limited space, scarce kitchen utensils and only two gas burners, cooking on board remains a challenge in itself, but what is your favorite meal or culinary experience on board?

Jeroen:

Haha… we look forward to our Sundowner (beer with snacks at the end of the afternoon) every day. The “Chili Chicken” with Chapati from Aagje remains my favourite.

Aagje:

I enjoy preparing our meals. I enjoy preparing the fish and lobster that we catch ourselves, but Chili Chicken with homemade fresh chapati, a kind of tortillas, remains one of my favorite meals.

Rajesh:

My favorite meal of all time has to be Chili Chicken with Chapati. My mother makes delicious dishes. I am glad that she continues to prepare Indian meals even on the boat. Thank you, mom!

Have there been times when you have questioned your safety or comfort?

Jeroen:

We once sailed an unusual route at night in the Bahamas that was extra exciting due to the bad weather and we were not sure if it was deep enough for our boat everywhere. We then decided to anchor in the middle of the sea in the dark in 3-4 meters deep water with short high waves and strong wind. When it was light again we could sail on sight and navigate between the shallows. We didn’t sleep well that night, but it turned out to be the right choice at that time.

Aagje:

No this has not happened to me. My confidence in our boat and in each other is very high. In addition, we have not yet encountered violent storms with more than 40 knots of wind while sailing and we try to avoid this.

Rajesh:

I don’t remember a moment when I was scared or felt unsafe on the water. But I do get seasick, and that worries me the most. So right before a bumpy ride, I take medicine or put seasickness patches behind my ear. These methods have been very helpful so far.

When have you felt most connected to each other and to the ocean? What made that moment so special?

Jeroen:

That is during the multi-day sailing trips that all three of us enjoy so much. Together in the cockpit during the day and alternately keeping watch at night. Usually we see a group of dolphins at the boat or we catch a big fish that we prepare for dinner.

Aagje:

During our long sailing trips from the Bahamas back to Saint Martin. 1100 NM over the Atlantic Ocean. The tranquility, the connection to the ocean, the big fish we caught like; mahi-mahi and tuna and the 8 days we were on our own without internet and with a waiting schedule that went on day and night. I enjoyed it.

Rajesh:

I used to be afraid of water because of ear infections. Even after learning to swim, I was still scared. But a ten-day trip to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in India with my two best friends and parents changed the situation. Tried snorkeling for the first time and loved it. Then, during a five week vacation in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), my feelings about the sea completely changed. I loved the idea of living on a sailboat and felt a strong connection to the sea. Now I don’t even want to go back to life on the land.

How have you experienced personal growth personally and as a family during this year of adventure and discovery?

Jeroen:

Making the decision to give up all your certainties to be together and live an adventurous life is not easy, also because you don’t know exactly what to expect and how sailing life is going to suit us. The fact that all three of us chose this and that now, more than a year later, we can look back on a great time with a steep learning curve for all three of us and a range of beautiful memories and experiences, proves again how evenly matched we are and we can achieve a lot together. I am very proud of this!

Aagje:

I admire the courage of our family to embark on this adventure together. There were times when we wondered if maybe we were being too optimistic in chasing our dreams. But now, a year later, we can wholeheartedly confirm that this lifestyle suits us well. Yet our choice has also taught us a hard lesson: not everyone understands our decisions and some loved ones have chosen to distance themselves from us and even cut off all contact. Letting go of these relationships is something I’m still working on. I don’t understand it and the real reasons will probably remain a mystery.

Rajesh:

As a family, we have become better at making crucial decisions faster and our mutual trust in each other has increased in a different way. Personally, I have a more positive outlook on life, I really enjoy boat life, I talk more easily with strangers and I can be focused and alert for a lot longer.

Are there also things that you dislike?

Jeroen:

I don’t hate doing boat jobs, but sometimes the confined spaces, dark corners where you can hardly see, my glasses that are constantly sitting crooked on my head because my head doesn’t actually fit in them and the heat can really test my patience. . It can be quite frustrating when that last screw suddenly slips out of my hands, forcing me to unpack everything for the umpteenth time to find that one screw. As a result, the job often takes much longer than you initially hoped.

Aagje:

The salt water causes objects to wear out much faster. It is becoming increasingly difficult and expensive to replace them, which used to be more obvious.

Rajesh:

The equipment I use for filming and photography is both expensive and sensitive to salt water, which sometimes creates extra stress. This is especially true when recording with the drone while sailing. Retrieving the drone safely from a moving boat is particularly challenging as even the slightest mistake can result in damage to the drone, such as hitting a rigging or falling into the water.

Our future plans are:

Our adventure started in the Caribbean, where we learned the technical ins-and-outs of our boat and discovered its sailing capabilities. We have worked hard to develop our skills and now feel completely confident to continue our journey. Our plan is to sail towards the US Virgin Islands by November so we can activate our recently obtained US B2 visas before sailing to Panama.

Our further travel destinations will largely depend on the weather conditions and we are considering possibly meeting Alex and Karin from Sailing Mabul somewhere. Maybe it will be Belize? We aim to be in Panama around January – February. We are currently in the process of finding out if Rajesh can extend his 30 day stay in Panama. Our original plan included a 2.5 month stay in Panama, where we would cross the Panama Canal and reach the Pacific Ocean.

New adventures await us there, with longer sailing trips and exploring remote island groups while being completely self-sufficient. We are really looking forward to this. Moreover, we look forward to the visit of Gert-Jan and Nathalie, who will board in Tahiti.