Saturday, May 9, 2020
On Saturday 7 May 2016 we gave a farewell party for our family and friends at restaurant "Rootz" in Scheveningen. With a healthy tension, we left the port of Scheveningen on Monday 9 May 2019 and we were waved goodbye by Ingrid and Freek (sister and brother-in-law of Fred). The great adventure could begin.

That's what we did…

 
A global plan was made about which countries we would visit and where we wanted to get out to spend our 'old' days when we would no longer be able to sail. Having no idea what the coming years would bring us. Every world sailor knows that you can plan what you want, but it often goes differently because so many different factors are involved: wind, current, condition of the boat and crew. Or, as now, the situation with the Corona virus.

The first six months after our departure (for me Caroline) mainly consisted of learning to let go of all the negative things that I had experienced in the previous years. How to deal with what you leave behind in the Netherlands, your family and friends. That is sometimes difficult, but you get used to having contact mainly via WhatsApp, Facebook and Skype. The times we went to the Netherlands were therefore very special. This way of life has given us mental peace.

Some people will be jealous of the "ultimate" freedom we have. Yes, we make our own choices of going somewhere or staying longer. We enjoy our beautiful surroundings every day. It's the little things we've learned to appreciate. Our journey is one big learning process, partly because we meet so many different people. From local people, Dutch people living abroad or sailors we met on the way. We have seen the world through different eyes and appreciate what we have much more. Very aware that we are in a luxurious position. We have learned to be patient in the past four years. In Africa it soon became clear that the pace we were used to in the Netherlands is totally not feasible. Tomorrow may just suddenly become three days later. You have to adapt to your environment. We are not real tourists, we are "sea nomads" who spend a long time somewhere and want to get to know the country and the people. Fortunately, we are not in a hurry, so we also stayed somewhere for several times longer. We now see much more in practice what real poverty is and the large differences between the rich and poor population groups. That people are helpful without always wanting something in return and that a kind word can work wonders. Although we are not always fluent in the language, we try as much as possible with single words to make ourselves understood and that is often rewarded by a beautiful smile on the face of the locals. In the Netherlands everyone walks by in a hurry with only attention for their mobile. Here people still greet each other on the street, even if you don't know the person.

But sometimes it is just hard work to get everything done. Everyday things, which are very common for someone in the Netherlands, are sometimes quite challenging for us. You have to invent things every time. Where do we have to clear up, where is the nearest supermarket, where can we do laundry, where can we get diesel and petrol, where can we find parts for the boat? Just spending a day doing laundry or shopping is now quite normal for us. Of course we have also had setbacks and suffered from the associated emotional moods on board. The everlasting job list that never ends. The engine suffered, so we had to stay longer in Trinidad. Things get broken on board because it is used intensively. Of course I (Caroline) also had some physical setbacks, but whether this would have been different if we had not left? Who can tell. It is the way it is and we deal with it as best we can. So yes, sometimes you are limited by your freedom, but also by external circumstances, such as the past months in connection with the Corona virus. I write a separate blog about this.
 
What are we missing?
Of course the contact our family and friends, despite using social media, such as WhatsApp, Skype and Facebook. Occasionally real Dutch things, but that is getting less and less. Here on Bonaire you can buy a lot of Dutch products, even a croquette sandwich. As soon as we are in the Netherlands, we are spoiled by family and friends with tasty Dutch things. In recent years, many tasty (not always), but special things have been eaten in the countries where we came. We get so many new things in return.

Has our life changed?
Yes of course, but would we have done it differently? No definitely not. We have a good time together on the Pegasus and Kit is also still satisfied on board. We have found our peace!

This is our life, on a sailing boat that is constantly in motion. The howling of the wind around the mast, sloshing of the water on the back, screaming of the seagulls, flapping lines and tapping the stays. It is never completely silent. The beautiful sunsets, the beautiful fish swimming around the boat, dolphins in the distance, pelicans flying overhead, the beautiful nature and the special people we meet along the way. The sailors who assist each other in need and also the fun that arises. That's what it's all about, we enjoy it intensely!

Just a brief overview
1462 days on the road
11 countries
3 continents
24 islands
1 Ocean
8,970 nautical miles (completed 17,000 km)
398 hours with the old engine (since our departure)
429 hours with the new engine
The 21-day crossing of the Atlantic Ocean from Africa to Central America
Been to the Netherlands 4x
We have tried to speak English, Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, French, Creole and Papiamento and Dutch
Met over 20 different nationalities among the sailors