Embarking on bluewater sailing: "The desire to explore the globe... and I simply didn't stop"

New Zealanders and Other Adventurers Embrace Bluewater Cruising

Bluewater cruising, the exciting pursuit of sailing across oceans, has captured the hearts of many, even those with no prior sailing experience. This article showcases the inspiring stories of several individuals who embarked on this journey, leaving their land-bound lives behind for the open seas.

Vernon Deck, the Self-Taught Sailor

New Zealander Vernon Deck bought a boat without any sailing experience and taught himself the ropes by watching expert sailors and participating in club sessions. His partner, Marie, too, had no experience of living aboard or sailing before they started their cruising life together. The couple shares their journey on a YouTube channel called "Sailing Learning By Doing".

Kim and Dave Lewis: A Family Voyage

Kim and Dave Lewis, a couple from New Zealand, decided to circumnavigate the globe without any offshore sailing experience. They sailed from New Zealand to Tanzania with their four children on a Lagoon 450 named Brave. The family views their Lagoon as a family car, with the children more interested in where they are going than how they get there. Before setting sail, the Lewises had to prove their seaworthiness and obtain RYA certifications.

Sandy and Scott Trevethan: A Dream Voyage Realized

Divorced mother Sandy Trevethan learned to sail on her boyfriend Scott's 34ft Lock Crowther Pocket Cruiser named Tenacity. The couple found their dream vessel, a new Seawind 1160 called Sea Moon, which they recently sailed from Australia's Thursday Island to Eastern Indonesia.

Baha Pelin and Kym Kierman: Exploring the Mediterranean

Baha Pelin, who had a childhood peppered with boating adventures, spent US$4,000 on a 25-year-old yacht and started sailing around the North Atlantic. He and his crew, including Kym Kierman, have sailed Tutkum around the world and spent two years cruising from Australia to Eastern Indonesia and Thailand. Kym, who had no prior sailing experience, thrived on the challenges of sailing and living off Eastern Indonesia's remote, idyllic islands.

The Gradual Journey of Bluewater Cruising

People with no prior sailing experience generally start bluewater cruising by undergoing comprehensive training, gaining hands-on experience as crew, and gradually building their knowledge before attempting offshore passages. This process typically involves formal sailing courses, mentorship from experienced sailors, and practical time on the water to learn navigation, boat handling, safety, and maintenance.

Key steps include taking sailing lessons or seminars, sailing as crew on other boats to gain practical offshore experience under experienced skippers, learning boat systems and maintenance extensively before setting off, planning thoroughly, growing familiarity with the marine environment, and following structured roadmaps or mentorship from established cruisers.

Sandy Trevethan's Challenging Beginnings

Sandy Trevethan had a rapid baptism of fire into sailing and faced numerous challenges during her early sailing experiences. However, she admits that it's been a crazy three years since they started their planned five-year-long cruise through south-east Asia. Baha Pelin and Kym Kierman, too, found it hard to adjust to the constant fixing and maintaining of the boat during their cruising lifestyle.

Conclusion

The stories of these adventurers serve as a testament to the spirit of exploration and the human capacity to learn and adapt. Whether you're a seasoned sailor or a complete novice, the allure of bluewater cruising is undeniable. With the right preparation, dedication, and a bit of courage, anyone can embark on this exciting journey across the oceans.

The home-and-garden enthusiast might appreciate learning about the sailing innovations adopted by the Lewises on their Lagoon 450, "Brave", during their bluewater cruising voyage, offering insights into new ways to live compactly and efficiently on board.
For those intrigued by travel and lifestyle choices, the story of Vernon Deck, who fearlessly ventured into bluewater cruising with no prior experience, could inspire the pursuit of nontraditional education-and-self-development ventures, demonstrating that learning by doing can lead to remarkable experiences.
Sports fans might be captivated by the sports-analysis-worthy determination and teamwork displayed by the crew of Tutkum, as they overcame numerous challenges while cruising through the Mediterranean, showcasing that a sense of camaraderie and resilience is valuable both on and off the field.

Embarking on bluewater sailing: "The desire to explore the globe... and I simply didn't stop"