From a dream to a life at sea

December 2020

Choosing our dream

We make the final decision to leave our familiar lives behind and explore the world as the Three Musketeers.

Early 2021

Which boat suits us?

The search begins with one big question: which yacht can carry a small crew safely, independently and comfortably across oceans?

2021

Searching for an Amel Super Maramu

After many comparisons, we keep returning to Amel’s thoughtful design, protected centre cockpit and ocean-going reputation.

2021

We find My Motu

A 1990 Amel Super Maramu immediately captures our hearts. We see more than a yacht. We see our future home.

Summer 2021

Our first sailing experience

We sail My Motu for the first time. The dream no longer feels distant. It suddenly becomes real and tangible.

1 July 2022

Casting off

After an extensive refit in the British Virgin Islands, our voyage begins. My Motu becomes our home, transport and safe harbour.

July 2022 to January 2023

Learning in the Caribbean

The first months are about living together aboard, learning every system and gradually building confidence.

February 2023

The Bahamas

Turquoise water, white sandbanks and our first larger leaps beyond familiar island routes.

May to November 2023

Exploring the Caribbean together

Family and friends join us. The voyage becomes a rhythm of visitors, passages, anchorages and time as a family of three.

November to December 2023

USVI to Providencia

At 1,051 nautical miles, this becomes our longest nonstop passage so far. My Motu proves herself once again.

January to February 2024

San Blas and the Panama Canal

After the San Blas Islands, we transit the Panama Canal on 20 February. The Pacific opens ahead of us.

12 April to 12 May 2024

31 days across the Pacific

More than 4,200 nautical miles between Panama and the Marquesas. Our longest crossing tests, inspires and changes us forever.

June to August 2024

Tuamotus and Society Islands

We discover atolls, reefs and islands with family and friends aboard, from Tahiti and Moorea to Bora Bora.

Late 2024

Deeper into French Polynesia

After our visitors leave, the three of us continue towards remote anchorages and settle into the rhythm of island life.

November 2024 to April 2025

Cyclone season in the Tuamotus

A long pause creates space to work, write, learn and experience the Pacific in a different way.

April and May 2025

Setting course for Fiji

We continue west via Aitutaki. After a 1,220-nautical-mile ocean passage, Fiji appears on the horizon.

May 2025

Arrival in Fiji

A new cruising ground filled with reefs, villages, hospitality and islands where we want to stay longer than planned.

November 2025 to March 2026

Back to the Netherlands

A broken C-Drive keeps My Motu in Fiji. While a complete replacement system is on its way, we work in the Netherlands and reconnect with family and friends.

April 2026

My Motu sails again

After the repair, a new season begins. We return to the Lau Group and seek out Fiji’s quiet, remote places.

April 2026 – September 2026

Fiji

We sail through Fiji, from the Lau Islands and Fulaga to Kadavu. Months of special encounters, snorkelling and life among the islands.

1 October 2026

My Motu in Vuda Marina

My Motu is berthed in Vuda Marina in Fiji. We continue travelling over the coming months while our floating home stays here.

Photo: Vuda Marina

3 October – 18 November 2026

To New Zealand aboard Lille Venn

We join Ralph as crew aboard Lille Venn, sailing from Fiji via Minerva Reef to New Zealand. Barbara is in Switzerland and will fly to New Zealand to rejoin the boat there. We stay until our flight to India on 18 November.

20 November 2026

To India

We fly to India to visit Rajesh and spend time together.

4 January 2027

Back to Fiji, towards Wallis & Futuna

We return to My Motu in Fiji. We then plan to sail towards Wallis & Futuna when the weather and conditions allow.

15 March 2027

To the Netherlands for work

We fly to the Netherlands for a period of work and to see family and friends again.