A year ago today…

I left Nanaimo on July 24, 2024!

I untied the docking lines and motored out in Newcastle Channel without solid plans. It was time to leave this part of the world. I wanted more, yet simple, wanted to see the world from a different angle and truly learn about myself, to see what I was capable of.

The following month, I got to know Sarantium, not only how she sailed but also, what systems worked well and which didn’t. I re-did some electrical wiring, continued to replace old equipment and learned how to use the systems. I sailed from Nanaimo to Victoria as well, toured the San Juan Islands. My son, David, hopped on and sailed around Victoria for a couple of days. That was special.

I said good bye to Canada, on September 5th and sailed south with two women as crew, who I had met briefly. We were all excited. As the captain I was nervous as I had never sailed out into the Northwest Pacific Ocean with the intention of NOT coming back.

I was the captain! I was responsible to get us “there” in one piece. Not knowing where “there” was, made me excited but also a bit uneasy. Was it the next port? Was it San Fransisco? L.A? Or, Ensenada, Mexico? Turns out it was Crescent City, an armpit of the USA.

I had a lot to learn, not about sailing necessarily, but being the captain. My preference in leading, is typically a flat style, meaning I ask a lot of questions, share decision making, and am open to suggestions. I tried to make everyone onboard, feel that their opinions and knowledge were valued. What I learned was that people mistake this for being not experienced and not knowing what to do. Today, I am a different captain. I am way more assertive. I call all the shots around safety and in regards to sail change. I plan ahead; reef early and always avoid being overpowered. I do not let others change my mind in this regards. I have also learnt that no one takes better care of the boat than the owner of the boat. And I am the captain of my boat!

As I sit here in one of the most beautiful atoll in French Polynesia, I reflect on the year that went by. The experiences I have had. The places I have seen. The people I have met. Everything is truly amazing.

Today, I snorkeled the most beautiful reef. Tomorrow, I pull anchor to start the sail to Apataki Atoll. Next week I haul up.

What a year! I dreamt, I sold, I retired and I sailed away on Sarantium.

Thank you for reading!

Goodnight…from another piece of paradise.