The idea of living aboard a sailboat stems from a collection of dreams, passions, and values that have shaped who we are and how we want to live. It’s about so much more than simply sailing, it’s about redefining life, embracing change, and chasing a vision that’s been growing inside us for years.

First and foremost, we’re drawn by our love of sailing. There’s something magical about the wind in the sails, the rhythmic movement of the waves, and the endless horizon ahead. It’s not just a mode of travel; it’s a way of being, an experience that connects us to the vastness of nature and to each other in ways few things can.

This journey is also about quality time with our family. In the busy lives we’ve led, time has often felt like a fleeting commodity. By choosing to live aboard, we hope to slow down and create meaningful memories with our little girl, Philou. It’s a chance to be present, to learn and grow together, and to give her the invaluable gift of adventure and discovery.

Living aboard is an opportunity to step outside the conventional mold and embrace a different way of life. It’s about breaking free from the familiar patterns and routines and daring to live differently. We want to challenge ourselves, live more intentionally, and reconnect with the natural rhythms of the world. Sailing demands you to trust in the elements, adapt to the unexpected, and flow with life in ways that are both humbling and empowering.

This is also, undoubtedly, an adventure. We’re setting sail not just to see new places but to embrace the unknown and discover what this journey will bring us. We don’t have all the answers or a rigid plan, we simply trust that this is our path and that we need to follow it. It’s a leap of faith, taken with love in our hearts and the hope of living life to its fullest, surrounded by the people we cherish most.

Will we return to Rotterdam? That’s the plan, but we’re not making any promises. 😉

What this journey is not

It’s important to say what this journey isn’t. We’re not leaving to escape or run away from anything. We’re not burning bridges or turning our backs on the people and places we love. On the contrary, this decision was a difficult one, made with careful thought and plenty of bittersweet emotions. Leaving behind family, friends, and the comfort of familiar routines isn’t easy. But we’re setting out because this has been our dream, a dream we’ve nurtured and planned for years.

Bringing Philou, our nearly 5-year-old daughter, on this journey adds another layer of responsibility. This isn’t a spontaneous whim but a deliberate choice we’ve made together. The preparations alone have been immense, but they’ve only strengthened our conviction that this is what we want. Without that conviction, the challenges along the way would quickly overshadow the joy.

How we’re doing it

In September 2023, we bought a boat specifically for this purpose: an Oyster 49PH. For those familiar with the sailing world, you’ll know it’s a sturdy, well-equipped vessel designed for comfort and long-term living. It’s more than just a boat, it’s our new home.

To ensure we’re self-sufficient, we’ve outfitted her with everything we need for life on the water: a generator, solar panels, a washing machine, and even Starlink for internet access. There’s enough room not just for the three of us but also for friends, family, or a helping hand to join us for parts of the journey.

Our plan is to start heading south along the Atlantic coast, taking advantage of the mild fall weather in Portugal and spending the winter in Spain. From there, we’ll explore the Mediterranean, venturing to Italy, Croatia, Greece, and Turkey. That’s the itinerary for now, but we know how life aboard can be, flexibility is key, and we’re prepared to adjust our plans as we go.

For now, we’re committing to a year. If this lifestyle feels right, who knows? We may just extend the journey.

Follow our adventure

Curious about how the preparations are unfolding and what life aboard Simon Hendrick looks like? We’d love to share our story with you. Follow us on Instagram at @SailingSimonHendrick to join us on this adventure as it develops, one wave at a time.