I have dreamed of sailing anywhere, for a long time.
I don’t know why. I grew up in a suburb far from the sea, and neither of my parents, nor anyone else in my family – close or extended – had any interest in things seafaring.
My mother loved the water but was terrified of the sea and could not swim until she was well in her 50s. My father dreamed of living on a farm, and suffered from mal de mer (as do I, but I think I found better drugs than he had access to).
Nevertheless, we have sailed in the Whitsundays (Australia) a couple of times, the BVIs (Caribbean) also a couple of times, and our home sailing ground is in Port Phillip (Australia again).
We own a Carter 33, a very robust and confidence inspiring vessel. We have sailed Anastasia regularly over the past 18 months and have gained much experience and confidence in weather fair and foul. Our goal has been to build confidence in our competence.
My dream has never let me go. I don’t know why it chose me. This adventure is – maybe – the start of something much bigger. Or maybe, after 5 weeks, we will decide we never want to see a boat again 🙂