What Makes A True Sailor?

There was a bumper sticker floating around a few years ago that read “my girlfriend made me choose between her and surfing. Gee I miss her “. I guess the same applies to sailing. It is something ingrained deep within those of us I consider to be true sailors.

Let me explain further. 

Few of us are lucky or privileged enough to just drop everything and sail off into the sunset. Between work, family, kids and life, things just get in the way. But for everyone sat at a desk, in a truck, or behind a counter dreaming of sailing, you are the people I’m talking about. You are the people who I consider to be true sailors.

It doesn’t matter what boat you have, or even whether you have a boat. It is the desire to sail, to explore and to experience a life on water that counts. It’s lying awake at night and dreaming about casting off the lines and sailing. Whether that is exploring the creek you grew up on, or sailing the world, it’s a passion within. The thrill of feeling a boat lift as a summer breeze fills her sails, the heel of a well balanced boat and the sense of deep satisfaction that comes from being sat on deck at anchor as night falls is as addictive and inspiring as anything I’ve ever experienced.

Two of our good friends TJ and Lane are to me what make true sailors. Their path to setting off has been far from smooth. They delayed, had to work on their boat, and wobbled and stressed about whether to leave or not. But they persevered and worked through anxiety, boat problems and all the little obstacles that were in their way. Despite the delays, they are almost ready to leave and are to me as much of an inspiration as to what makes true sailors as those mad buggers who are doing the Golden Globe 2018.

So to all of those who are somewhere on the journey between your place in life and life on the water, I have but one message for you. DON’T GIVE UP. Some of you may be almost ready to leave, some of you may have years to go, and some of you may never get to realise your dream. 

Getting to live a life on a boat is a long and hard process, and the biggest obstacle you will face is you. I promise you this. It was my biggest obstacle. I had to actively work on not delaying, not putting off departure dates and not giving up no matter what we had thrown at us.

But despite some wobbles, hesitations and sleepless nights, it is the best and most sensible thing we ever did. Period. So should this opportunity present itself now, or in the future, grasp it with both hands my friends, and cast off your lines. 

Nick Nov. 2018