January Newsletter

Happy New Year! Here’s to a 2025 filled with adventures that take you to places you’ve always dreamed of and moments that make you pause, breathe and truly appreciate the beauty of a slower pace. May this year bring you closer to your dreams, whether they’re big and bold or quiet and meaningful. Take the time to savour every step of the journey and may each day hold something special. Cheers to a year that feels just right for you!

What we’ve been up to

Hi there,

Our adventure took us to Cabrera, an incredible island that’s part of a protected archipelago near Mallorca. We spent our days exploring unspoilt landscapes, hiking trails with stunning views of the Mediterranean and watching fish swimming in the clear, turquoise waters. A highlight was a visit to Cabrera Castle, perched on a hill with breathtaking views of the sea. Every evening we were treated to sunsets that turned the sky into a canvas of orange and pink. Absolutely unforgettable.

After soaking up all that Cabrera had to offer, we headed north-east along the coast. The journey wasn’t without its challenges. We battled uncomfortable seas and even had to hide in a marina for a few days to escape a storm. While sheltering in the marina, we got out our bikes and set off on the Via Verde, a 28-kilometre green route between Manacor and Artà. The hilly terrain was a challenge for our folding bikes at times, but the breathtaking beauty of the green Mallorcan countryside made it all worthwhile. After four hours of cycling and 25 kilometres covered, we returned to our boat tired but happy. As soon as the storm had calmed down, we headed further north-east.

Eventually, we reached the calm bay of Alcudia and it felt like a reward after the tough conditions.
Alcudia has everything we are looking for: a large beach that is almost completely deserted, lovely walks nearby, large supermarkets for all our needs, a launderette, a sheltered anchorage, a marina in case we need shelter from very strong winds and excellent cafes to relax in. To top it all off, a friendly dolphin visits the bay, adding an extra touch of magic to our stay.
We spent Christmas and New Year’s Eve here and it felt nothing short of magical. It was the perfect place to relax.

Until next time,
Greg, Julie, Nelly & Finn 🐾

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

Our 2024 highlights

As we celebrate a new year, we’ve been looking back at everything 2024 brought us. It was a year full of adventure, connection and moments that reminded us why we chose this life.

One of the most special times this year was our month in Belgium. It felt so good to be back with friends and family, catching up and spending real quality time together. Nelly, our cat, took her first flight with us, and she did amazingly well. What a little trooper!

When we returned to Greece, something beautiful happened: we adopted Finn. He was a stray with a broken leg being cared for at a shelter and now he’s a part of our family. Finn has been the biggest highlight of the year. He’s brought so much love and chaos into our little world and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Birthdays were another high point. Julie’s, especially, was one to remember. Celebrating with fellow sailors at the marina in Agios Nikolaos made it the best birthday in years. The laughter, the stories, it was such a good day.

In April, Miki joined us aboard for a month and his visit turned into one of the most memorable parts of 2024. One day, while sailing, we spotted a whale, so close to the boat that it left us speechless. Sharing that moment with Miki made it even more special.

Travel-wise, the Balearics left us in awe. The nature, the hiking trails, it was stunning. And then there was Valencia. Friends from Belgium came to visit and we had the best time exploring the city together. Valencia’s energy is contagious and that week was packed with fun and unforgettable moments.

But more than the places, it’s the people who made this year incredible. We met so many amazing souls, too many to count, all with a shared love for adventure and the open road (or sea, in our case). These connections made our journey feel even more special.

One of the biggest shifts for us this year was embracing slow travel. No strict plans, no rushing, just going where the wind takes us. It’s been such a relief to let go of expectations and just enjoy the ride.

Here’s to 2024, a year that filled our hearts and reminded us of what really matters. And here’s to 2025, whatever it may bring!

Looking ahead to 2025

As we step into 2025, we don’t have big plans or expectations. We’ve learned that the best moments often come when you let go of the pressure to have everything figured out. Our focus for the year ahead is simple: more slow travel, deeper connections and creative projects that inspire us.

We’re excited to continue our journey at our own pace, taking things as they come. We’re not rushing to tick off destinations or meet deadlines. Just enjoying the places we visit, the people we meet and the experiences that unfold along the way.

Meaningful connections will remain at the heart of everything. We want to meet more amazing souls who share our love for adventure, but also those who remind us of the importance of slowing down and truly being present.

And of course, I, Julie, hope to dive into more creative projects, whether it’s through writing, photography or anything else that sparks my interest. I want to continue to create, explore new ways of expressing myself and let my creativity flow naturally.

Ultimately, we’re not trying to control what 2025 will bring. We just want to enjoy the ride, appreciate the little things and embrace whatever life throws our way.

Meet the people we’ve met

We first met Isa and Ben from the sailing yacht Malou in Almerimar, and right from the start, there was this great vibe. Their warmth and openness made it easy to connect. Our paths crossed again in Torrevieja, and Isa went above and beyond, offering us wingsurfing lessons. It was such a fun experience and we all had a blast together on the water.

Isa and Ben sail on their beautiful Hallberg Rassy yacht, which is a true testament to their passion for adventure and sailing. But beyond their love for the sea, they are genuinely kind, down-to-earth people, always ready to share a laugh and a good time.

In December, we found ourselves in the stunning anchorage in Alcudia, where we shared a peaceful bay and went on a memorable hike together. Isa and Ben are the perfect example of a laid-back couple who are easy to hang out with. With their shared love for nature, adventure and life on the water, we felt an immediate connection. Spending time with them was a reminder of how special it is to meet like-minded people who make life at sea even more enjoyable.

Gear we never knew we needed

Living on a sailboat has taught us a lot of things and one of the most surprising discoveries has been how much we really needed waterproof backpacks. At first, we didn’t think much of them, but now we can’t imagine life without them.

These backpacks have turned out to be absolute lifesavers. Whether it’s a sudden downpour or the constant splash of seawater as we hop in and out of the dinghy, having a waterproof bag means we don’t have to worry about everything getting soaked. Our electronics, clothes, snacks, anything we need to keep dry stays safe inside, no matter what the weather decides to do.

The benefits of waterproof backpacks have quickly become obvious:

1. Keeping things dry: It’s as simple as that. Whether it’s rain, waves, our stuff stays dry and protected. It’s a huge relief when you’re constantly around water.
2. Super versatile: These bags aren’t just for sailing. We use them when we go hiking on land, taking the dinghy ashore or running errands. It’s the one bag that works everywhere and we never have to worry about our stuff getting wet.
3. Convenience: The comfort and ease of carrying our things hands-free has made life so much simpler. With adjustable straps and lightweight designs, these backpacks are perfect for quick trips or days when we don’t want to juggle multiple bags.
4. Built to last: We’ve tossed them around on deck, taken them through rough weather and they’ve held up without a hitch. Waterproof backpacks are made tough, which is exactly what we need when living the sailing life.

Now, they’re a must-have on board and we definitely don’t take them for granted. They’ve made life easier, drier and more organized and we’re so glad we have them!

We have two backpacks, one from Overboard and one from Gill.

New episode highlights

The first part of our Mallorca sailing adventure!

This winter, we’re exploring the Balearics. In the latest episode, we journey from Ibiza to Mallorca, discovering some of the island’s most breathtaking destinations.

📍 This episode’s stops:

Port d’Andratx
Santa Ponça
Portals Vells
Palma

Next episode will become available on 05th of January.

A love for reading

Boatlife by Katharina Charpain (Gestalten) is a beautifully crafted book that dives into the world of living on the water. It’s not just about sailing; it’s about the people who choose this lifestyle and the incredible boats they call home. The book is full of stunning photos and personal stories from those who have decided to make boats their full-time residences, offering a unique glimpse into their everyday lives.

What makes Boatlife special is the way it blends practical aspects of living on a boat with the creativity and design that goes into making these small, often minimalist spaces feel like home. You’ll see a variety of boats, from sleek, modern yachts to charmingly rustic live-aboards, and learn about the innovative ways people adapt their living spaces to the challenges of life on the water.

But it’s not all about the boats themselves, it’s also about the people behind them. The book features stories of couples and individuals who’ve embraced this lifestyle and it explores the freedom, adventure and sense of community that comes with living at sea. Whether you’re an aspiring sailor, someone who dreams of a simpler life or just intrigued by alternative ways of living, Boatlife offers plenty of inspiration and insight. It’s a beautiful mix of adventure, design and the spirit of living with less.

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.