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The lovely thing about cruising is that planning usually turns out to be of little use

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This is us!

We made a bold decision to change our lives, seeking a different rhythm and a new balance, starting with a year, but who knows, let’s see what is possible. On board our Oyster 49PH, Simon Hendrick, we’re embracing a life filled with quality moments as a family and the thrill of waking up to different horizons every day.

It’s not the easiest path, but we believe this journey will teach us invaluable lessons about ourselves and one another. Sailing is more than a skill for us; it’s our second nature, our passion, and a way to explore the world together. We are committed to making this dream work, hand in hand, as we chart our course through this adventure.

Now, as we sail the Mediterranean Sea, our journey unfolds amidst the region’s beauty, rich culture, and endless opportunities for discovery. We are excited about the adventures ahead, the new people we will meet, and the stories we’ll share.​

We want to thank you for your interest in our story and invite you to follow along as we sail into the unknown. Together, let’s embrace the beauty of life, adventure, and the open sea.

Warm regards,

Edwin, Mirjam & Philou

“The only way to get a good crew is to marry one & raise one together…”

Stories

Discover the stories behind our journey, not a chronological diary, but a collection of thoughtful columns offering depth, reflection, and unique insights.

Find the full overview of our blogs from the heart here (click to open):

Sail away with us

We love to share our stories, not only on social media but also here, in our blogs. This journey isn’t about chasing adventure or seeing as much of the world as possible. It’s about the journey we make as a family, one where we grow, learn and enjoy together. Our view changes every day, and we embrace the adventures that come our way as we live our life afloat.

Just like everyone else, our path has its ups and downs. That’s why we don’t just share the picture-perfect moments, but also the deeper stories behind them. We believe in the road we’re on – right now sailing across the Mediterranean as a family, yet also travelling towards something new, something still unknown.

Curious? You’re warmly invited to sail along with us, you can find our contact details on the bottom of this page.

There’s beauty in the unknown – if you dare to sail into it.

Finding Simon Hendrick: our perfect match

Our search for the perfect ship began years ago, driven by a dream and guided by countless lists of “needs” and “wants.” We started with a clear vision: a monohull, center cockpit design with plenty of natural light in the cabin. It needed to be sturdy enough for circumnavigation, yet comfortable and practical for daily life on the water. And, of course, the list of criteria seemed to grow endlessly as we refined our vision.

The next step was visiting ships. We quickly fell in love with the craftsmanship and quality of yachts like Contest, recognizing that with our budget, we’d need to focus on older vessels where durability and design were paramount.

By sheer coincidence, we discovered this “old lady” right in our backyard, a serendipitous find that turned out to be the perfect match. She ticked every box on our list and even surprised us with a stunning pilot house, an absolute bonus we hadn’t dared to hope for. The clincher was hearing from the examiner that the previous owner had cared for her “like a teddy bear.” That level of love and attention sealed the deal, and we became the proud owners of what is now the Simon Hendrick.

This classy English yacht is not just a vessel; she’s a home, a partner in adventure, and a symbol of our shared dreams.

For more details about her unique story and design, click here:
Oyster HP 49 Pilothouse Yacht | Pilothouse Sailboat | Oyster Yachts

Impressions

A view of daily life