In the meantime, we’ve built quite a community around us – of course, fellow Dutch sailors who have spread out across the Med, but also the Scabby Kids Boats, who are particularly active in the area we’re in now. And the question everyone is asking is: where will they – and we – spend the winter?

Somehow, we don’t feel ready to commit. Last year it was much the same story: you hear everyone else’s plans and suddenly feel you ought to have one of your own. Back then the route was clear – we would stay around Portugal and Spain. In the end, we spent the longest stretch on the Guadiana River, but before long we were moving again.

This time, the decision is more complicated. Many family boats are heading into marinas, often in Sicily or Malta. There are long waiting lists to get in, and for us returning in that direction isn’t really on the cards. Still, the idea of wintering in a marina is relevant – these are boats that previously kept moving freely but are now looking for harbour life, mainly for the children.

For now, we’ve chosen to let things unfold rather than pin down a plan. We’ve heard good things about the Lefkas area, and Poros is said to offer good shelter too. We’d like to have some facilities nearby, and the option of flying back to the Netherlands. The boat also needs to come out of the water somewhere for a keel repair, so that’s another factor to consider.

Having experienced how valuable it is to be surrounded by community, we know now that staying close to familiar boats matters most. Especially when the weather turns, good company makes all the difference. As we say in the Netherlands: a good neighbour is better than a distant friend.

Over the coming weeks we’ll be heading towards Athens, Poros and the Cyclades. It will be good to explore the area first, so we can make a better decision afterwards. How long it will feel right to keep moving, we’ll just have to see. Once again, it’s a big lesson in letting go – since the weather and the wind will ultimately decide. So we’re keeping all options open, guided by a healthy dose of common sense…

Written by: Mirjam