Message in a bottle #2

What we’ve been up to

Hello from Ibiza!

We’ve been having an amazing time sailing around the island and we wanted to share what we’ve been up to!

We started off in Ibiza Town, where we spent a day wandering around Dalt Vila. If you haven’t heard of it, it’s this incredible old fortress that sits up on a hill overlooking the town and harbour. It was built in the 16th century to keep pirates away and now it’s full of winding streets, little cafes and some breathtaking views. Walking through it felt like we were stepping back in time.

Then we sailed to this gorgeous little beach (Aigües Blanques). The last day there turned into one of those magical days. By the evening, we’d met some other sailors, built a campfire and somehow organised a spontaneous barbecue right there on the beach. Always cool to share food and stories with strangers under the stars.

Next, we sailed up to Benirràs, which is famous for its drumming circles. We anchored there for the night, and as the boat swayed, we could hear the rhythm of the drums from the shore. It was like the whole island was alive with music. Pretty unforgettable.

After that, we made our way to Sant Antoni de Portmany, where we met two couples who also live on their boats. We ended up spending the whole week together, exploring the island by land (we even rented a buggy!). It’s always nice to meet others living this crazy boat life.

One of the highlights was when we sailed into another bay and, by pure coincidence, ran into one of the couples we’d shared the campfire with earlier. It was like bumping into old friends. The sailing community is small, but it never stops surprising us how connected we all are.

We’ve now made it to the legendary Es Vedrà, this dramatic, rocky island that rises out of the sea. It’s one of those places people say is mystical and honestly, standing next to it, you kind of get why. It has this magical energy, like it’s watching over the island. We then went back to Sant Antoni de Portmany, waiting for a weather window to cross to Mallorca.

That’s where we are now. Soaking in the beauty, meeting amazing people and loving every moment. Can’t wait to see what’s next!

If you’d like to read the whole story of our adventures, you can find all the details on Polarsteps!

Es Vedrà: Ibiza’s mysterious rock

If you’ve ever been to Ibiza or seen photos, you’ve probably come across Es Vedrà, that massive rock sticking out of the sea off the island’s southwest coast. It’s hard to forget once you’ve seen it. Towering at 400 meters, it’s impressive on its own, but what really makes Es Vedrà special is the mystery and legends surrounding it.

People say it’s one of the most magnetic spots on Earth and while that’s probably an exaggeration, there’s no denying that something about the place feels different. Some even claim it has strange, almost magical energy. Over the years, there have been all kinds of wild stories about Es Vedrà: it’s been linked to everything from UFO sightings to being the home of sirens from Greek mythology. And there’s even a rumour that Atlantis is hidden beneath the waters around it! Whether or not you buy into the myths, Es Vedrà is a spiritual place for many. Some say it has healing properties and there’s definitely a peaceful, almost meditative feeling when you’re near it.

For us, sailing around Es Vedrà was one of those moments where you just stop and take it all in. It’s like a symbol of Ibiza’s more mysterious, untouched side. No matter how many times you see it, it leaves an impression.

How sailing changed my perspective on time

Since we started sailing, my whole sense of time has shifted. Before, everything was scheduled and structured (work, appointments, plans, …). My days were packed and I was always looking at the clock, trying to fit everything in. But on the boat, time feels completely different.

Out here, the rhythm of life is set by nature, not by a calendar or clock. The sun rises, the sun sets. The wind blows when it wants to and you can’t rush any of it. You quickly realise that you don’t get to decide how fast or slow things happen. If the wind isn’t right, you wait. If a storm’s coming, you adjust your plans. You stop thinking in terms of hours or deadlines and start thinking in terms of moments.

Days on the water aren’t divided up the way they used to be. There’s no 9 to 5, no meeting reminders, no weekends. Instead, time passes differently. Some days feel long and slow, especially when you’re just sailing quietly for hours. Other days seem to fly by, full of excitement and adventure. But either way, I’ve stopped trying to control or measure time so much. I just let it happen.

I also find that I’m more present now. When you’re sailing, you have to focus on what’s happening right in front of you. Whether it’s adjusting the sails or just sitting and watching the sunset, you can’t rush through it. You have to be there, fully in the moment. And honestly, it’s kind of a relief. I’m not constantly worried about “running out of time” or rushing to the next thing anymore.

Sailing has taught me to appreciate time in a different way. Instead of always trying to get the most out of every second, I’ve learned to just let time unfold naturally, to enjoy it without forcing anything. It’s been a pretty freeing shift in perspective.

Sailing has changed my life in many ways. Read more about it in my latest blog.

Checking out SeaPeople: the app for sailors

If you’re passionate about sailing, you should definitely check out the app SeaPeople. It’s created especially for sailors and anyone who feels a deep connection to the water. It’s pretty awesome!

With SeaPeople, you can connect with other sailors wherever you are. Whether you’re looking for tips, a buddy to sail with or just someone to share a drink and a sunset with, it’s all there. It’s a great way to meet fellow boaters and see what everyone is up to, whether they’re crossing oceans or just hanging out at a local marina.

One of the things I love about SeaPeople is how practical it is. You can check a map to see where other sailors are anchored nearby, which makes it easy to meet up in person. It’s also a good resource for sharing information about the best places to ancho or even warnings about tricky weather.

For those of us living on boats, SeaPeople makes it easy to feel connected, no matter where we are. It’s nice to know there’s a whole community of sailors out there, all sharing the same passion for the sea.

Follow us on SeaPeople: @sailingelburro

Meet the people we’ve met

During our travels, we’ve had the pleasure of meeting some amazing people and one standout couple we connected with is from the YouTube channel Bee Sailing. Oriane and Eliseo are an inspiring duo who document their adventures on the water, their videos truly reflect the heart and soul of the sailing lifestyle.

Their content is filled with genuine personal stories that make you feel like you’re right there with them on their journey. We loved meeting them! They are incredibly authentic and down-to-earth, sharing their experiences with such honesty and warmth.

If you haven’t checked out their channel yet, I highly recommend it! You can find them on YouTube at BeeSailing. We’re excited to keep in touch and see where their journey takes them next!

Gear we never knew we needed

The gear tip of the month is definitely our collapsible foldable shopping cart. It’s become a must-have for us on the boat! This little cart has made our life so much easier.

First off, it folds down nicely, which is a huge plus when you’re living on a boat with limited space. We can stash it away without it taking up much room at all.

We use this cart all the time when we go grocery shopping. It has a decent capacity, so we can load it up with everything from fresh veggies to canned goods and it holds up really well. The wheels are great, too. They roll smoothly over different surfaces, which is a lifesaver when we’re navigating through busy markets or uneven ground.

Laundry days have also gotten a lot simpler. Instead of juggling multiple bags, we can fill this cart with our laundry and make just one trip to the laundromat. It’s sturdy enough to handle the weight, so we don’t have to worry about it falling apart.

One of my favourite uses for it is when we need to transport jerrycans of fuel. Refueling can be a hassle, but with this cart, we can easily carry a couple of jerrycans at once without breaking a sweat.

Overall, the shopping cart has been a fantastic addition to our boat life. It’s durable, easy to use and super versatile. If you’re looking for a handy solution to make your boating errands easier, I definitely recommend giving this cart a try!

We got ours on Amazon, but you can also find it at Decathlon and it’s available in quite a few other stores as well.

New episode highlights

Last month, I launched two episodes: one about our sail from Ibiza to Formentera and another showcasing our scooter adventure on Formentera.

Moving forward, new episodes will be released on a monthly basis, so mark your calendars! Next one will be available on 10th of November!

In the latest podcast episode, we take you to the Aeolian Islands, a breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage site located off the northern coast of Sicily. Join us as we explore two stunning volcanic islands: Lipari and Vulcano. 

A love for reading

I think I’ve read Swell by Liz Clark three times already and I can’t recommend it enough. This book is not just a memoir; it’s a celebration of adventure, resilience and the unique experience of being a woman in the sailing world.

Liz’s storytelling is captivating. She has a way of painting vivid pictures with her words, making you feel like you’re right there with her on her boat, battling the elements or soaking in breathtaking sunsets. Her journey across the Pacific is not just about the places she visits; it’s also about the personal growth she experiences along the way.

What struck me the most was how Liz embodies the spirit of independence and strength as a female sailor. She faces challenges head-on and her passion for sailing shines through every page. Reading about her adventures inspired me to think about my own journey and the barriers we sometimes face as women in this space. Liz’s courage to pursue her dreams and embrace the unknown is incredibly motivating.

One of the things I loved about Swell is how authentic and relatable Liz is. She shares her struggles and doubts, making her journey feel real and attainable. It’s a reminder that even in the face of uncertainty, we can find our way and create our own paths.

After finishing this book, I always feel a renewed sense of excitement about sailing and adventure. Liz Clark’s story is a powerful reminder that we can break boundaries and embrace the freedom of the open water. If you’re into sailing or just love a good story about chasing dreams, I highly recommend checking out Swell. It’s truly inspiring, and I know it’ll resonate with anyone who reads it!

Ask us anything

Got questions about sailing, travel or life on the water? Don’t hesitate to leave a comment to this blog and we’ll happily answer all your questions.