Literally.
8 months ago I started my adventure. I left my home town to sail across the Atlantic Ocean and spend the winter sailing. How? What? With whom? I did not have a clue. I entered the ‘big boat’ scene and had no idea what I was getting myself into.
Now I am back in Holland and I am looking back at a great season. I made so many new friends. I sailed every single regatta available. From running the bow on an 82 Oyster, to navigator/tactician on a Bateaux 60 and X-treme 32, mainsheet trimmer on a Farr 65 and skipper on various other boats. Almost every time I delivered boats to and from the regatta saving a great deal on flights and building experience in the meantime.
The best decision I made was at the very beginning of the season. People told me to get my STCW and then I kept on going to my Yachtmasters, VHF and commercial endorsement. In just under 6 weeks I acquired all necessary abbreviations behind my name, not knowing that I would put that training into practice very soon.
In June I was supposed to sail with a family from Bermuda back to Europe but due to a medical emergency the family needed to go back by plane. They left their boat (Phi) behind in my care (with 2 UK crew) to bring to The Netherlands. I felt honored by the trust and ready for the responsibility. The fact that the family is now back on board continuing their holiday says it all.
It was an awesome crossing with winds literally between 0 and 45 knots. With sunshine and hail and more dolphins and whales than we could count.
But the best part was coming home. To my parents (who were on the docks at 1am welcoming us back), my 2 sisters and my 7 nieces and nephews. Especially one (Ilse, 5) was heartbroken when I told her that it would take another 2-3 weeks before I would be back. She wasn’t aware of my arrival day and tought she would speak to me on Facetime. Somehow the connection didn’t work so I walked into their living room saying “if Facetime doesn’t work than I’d better come back..” The look on her face…the hugs, kisses and cries that followed.. it was priceless 😍
I live on my boat now and currently I am moored on a small island on a lake close to my hometown. 3 nephews (10, 8, 6) and Ilse are staying with me. The weather is great. The kids move from swimming to soccer and back. Real Caribbean like.
The icing on the cake is the fact that the kids make George* part of it. They talk about him, named the toy boat George and remind me all the time that I am a mama (and good at it). His name is mentioned as if it is the most normal thing in the world.
Life is almost perfect.
And my plans? Next 2 months I am focused on my own racing season and after that I am looking to join a (big boat) raceteam. I am also planning to do more (atlantic?) deliveries.
So if you hear of anything please contact me for my availability, CV and references.
Angelasails.com 