On Sunday, when this publishes, we will have been at sea for 24 days. Honestly, it doesn’t feel like it has been that long but yet it also feels like we crossed the equator forever ago.  Considering that the Pacific is the largest ocean on earth and covers over 63 million square miles, this shouldn’t be surprising I guess. Because we had very little wind in and around the Galapagos, our trip will be taking longer than we originally thought. This extra time on passage is leaving lots of time and space for reflection.

As I write this it is 9:40 pm and I am currently on night watch. My shift goes until 2am.  It is a full moon (actually the night of the lunar eclipse) so the sea is lit up with the moon’s reflection.  There is a moderate breeze that is filling our sails, enabling us to cruise smoothly through the sea at 6.5-7 knots. It is quiet except for the waves breaking against the stern of the boat, pushing us along. I am alone on deck, with Bob sleeping down below, and it is one of those moments that it all feels surreal. I can’t believe that I am sitting in the middle of an ocean, in the dark, at the helm of a 32,000 pound vessel, with nothing but water in every direction. If you had told me in 2021 (before that fateful trip aboard my sister’s sailboat that started this all!) that in 4 years I would be living on a sailboat full time and circling the globe, I would have told you you were crazy.  Yet here we are.

As I reflect on our sailing journey so far, there are a few things I can offer about embarking on a life changing adventure like this that I have learned so far.

1. If you want to deepen your relationship with your spouse or partner, try navigating a new experience together, especially if it has some risk involved. Being at sea does have some risk and Bob and I have to have total trust in each other to make good decisions and act wisely to keep us and Meraviglia safe. We have to trust each other to be at the helm, so we can get some sleep when we are off watch. We have to trust each other to wear our life jackets and use tethers when the situation warrants it for safety as that protects both of us. We have to communicate clearly with each other for both our physical health and our mental health. When you are together in a small space 24/7, communication is pretty vital. Learning new skills together has also been a bonding experience.  Seeing your partner learn and excel at new things brings a whole new perspective to them that you might not have seen before.
2. Embarking on an adventure to the unknown that is influenced by variables beyond your control, in our case weather, winds, sea state, can be an opportunity to strengthen your relationship with God. Being on an offshore passage, is a front row seat to God’s awesome creation and the beauty of this world.  For me, it has also allowed time and space without distraction to purposely reconnect by engaging in bible reading, reflection, and the rite of Evening Prayer at the beginning of every night watch.  This ritual has become something I look forward to and helps center me for the long night ahead. Seeing the changing beauty and strength of the ocean each day is an awesome reminder of God’s great glory.
3. You are never too old to learn new things. I would argue, in fact, that learning new things can help to keep you agile and strong.  It can also be a great reminder of some of your existing skills or knowledge that you might have taken for granted. I turned 57 in December. I had never been on a sailboat before 2021 and did not take my first sailing class until spring of 2022.  Yet, I am currently on passage to my 20th country and on my longest passage yet. I feel stronger both mentally and physically than I did in my 20’s. And I don’t think it has to be something as big as sailing around the world,  taking up a new hobby, learning a new skill at work, trying a new sport – all can help with this feeling of staying young. 
4. Connection with family and friends is vitally important to the success of all things.  Without being able to connect with Nick and Katharine, siblings, nieces and nephews, and our friends – this journey would be much more difficult. Being able to share both the big and little things helps us to feel connected and loved.  One of the highlights of my day on passage has been sharing our daily update on our social media channels.  I love being able to share this experience with others and take them along for the ride with us.  The beauty of this adventure is that the circle of community has also grown to include our fellow cruisers as well.  Time at sea definitely has given me the opportunity to reflect and be grateful for our family and our friends, both old and new.

I am so grateful for all the learning that this adventure has brought and the opportunity to sail the seas.  My hope for all of you is that you have your own adventures, both big and small, that bring you joy as well.  Below is a favorite new poem to share until next time….

Sea

ever changing, constant
rhythmic and random
silence, full of sound
like cold water
soothes my soul

gull cry awakens
saline cleanses
and vastness dwarfs
as I sit and breathe
the hearty air

sometimes I talk
and the waves listen
but mostly the waves talk
while I sit still
and listen

Bronagh M. Dunne. “Sea.” Family Friend Poems, July 9, 2018. https://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/s-e-a-2

The changing moods of the sea: