April Newsletter

What we’ve been up to

Hi there,

It’s crazy how fast time has flown by! March started with gloomy weather—gray skies, a biting north wind and rain. Not quite the spring start we imagined, so we mainly stayed aboard, keeping cozy and productive. Greg organised a splicing workshop, we took care of some boat chores and enjoyed fun evenings with friends. When the sun peeked out, we either went on a hike to enjoy the fresh air or took time to explore. One day, we even joined Isabelle and Benjamin for a road trip to Sant Elm. Bougainvillea-covered houses, the Mediterranean’s azure waters and a view of Dragonera, it felt like a postcard!

Strong winds delayed our departure, but on March 13th, just before sunrise, we set out for Menorca, celebrating Greg’s birthday underway. The crossing was tough with rough seas, but we made it to Ciutadella safely. There, we explored the quiet, rain-soaked town, caught a flamenco show and took Finn to the vet for a new rabies vaccination. A couple of days later, we decided to sail back to our familiar bay in Port d’Alcudia.

The weather has been pretty bad lately and we’re really longing for spring to finally arrive. Hopefully, warmer and sunnier days are just around the corner! Our plan is to sail to the south of France, but we’ll have to wait for the weather to cooperate before setting off. We’ll see when the time comes!

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!

April Mood Inspiration

April is all about change. The world starts to bloom, the days get longer and everything just feels a little brighter. It’s that time when we can finally shake off the winter chill and embrace the fresh, vibrant energy that spring brings. April is a great reminder to plant new seeds, both literally and figuratively. Whether that means starting something new, setting fresh goals or just soaking in the beauty of nature around you. We’ve put together some ideas to help you make the most of April and all the potential it holds.

🌱 Start Fresh:
Kick off a new project, hobby or goal! Try a new recipe, learn an instrument or pick up a language.

🌷 Get Outside:
Visit a botanical garden, have a picnic in the park or take a walk to see blooming flowers. Breathe in that fresh spring air!

🌍 Explore:
Go hiking, take a road trip or explore a new neighbourhood. Create memories!

🎨 Get Creative:
Grab some paints, doodle in a sketchbook or start a journal. Let your imagination run wild!

☀️ Chase the Light:
Wake up for sunrise, enjoy a golden-hour walk or open your windows to let the sun shine in. Brighten your days!

🤗 Reconnect:
Plan a brunch with friends, FaceTime a loved one or write a letter to someone special. Share a laugh and make memories!

😊 Spread Joy:
Dance like no one’s watching, share a random compliment or enjoy a treat just because. Choose joy every chance you get!

“It is well said that April showers bring May flowers, but if you do not plant the seeds, there will be no flowers to admire.” – Anatole France

Songs on repeat

Music has a special power to shape our mood and this month we’re excited to share the tracks that have been motivating us. From uplifting anthems to soothing tunes that help us relax, these songs have been on repeat lately. We hope they inspire you too!

“Je te laisserai des mots” by Patrick Watson carries a gentle, emotional vibe that resonates deeply. The soft piano and his genuine-sounding voice create a calming atmosphere, while the simple yet heartfelt lyrics add to its charm. It’s a song that sparks a sense of nostalgia and reflection, offering a comforting experience every time it plays.

“Taro“ by Alt-J is such a unique track. The way the song builds and shifts between different sounds keeps me hooked the whole time. The mix of the vocals, the rhythm and all the little details in the music feels fresh and different from anything else I’ve heard. The lyrics are also interesting. They have this mysterious, almost storytelling vibe that makes you want to listen closely. It’s one of those songs that always feels exciting and takes me on a bit of a ride every time I play it.

The live version of “Lost on You” by LP brings an extra dose of raw emotion. Her voice carries a level of intensity and vulnerability that makes the performance feel incredibly personal, as if she’s singing directly to the listener. The rawness and authenticity of the live rendition amplify the song’s power, making it a truly impactful experience each time.

“La Petite Mer” by Titi Robin creates a calming, almost meditative atmosphere. The combination of acoustic guitar and world music influences produces a sound that evokes a sense of being near the sea, letting go of worries and embracing the moment. Its smooth, flowing melody offers a peaceful escape, making it perfect for unwinding.

I absolutely love “Summer Sun” by Cari Cari because it has this laid-back, dreamy vibe that instantly puts me in a good mood. The song blends smooth guitar with catchy rhythms and the vocals have a cool, almost nostalgic feel to them. It reminds me of warm summer days, with its easy-going, carefree energy. Every time I listen to it, I can practically feel the sunshine and the breeze. It’s the perfect soundtrack for a relaxing day and the mix of chill beats and upbeat energy just makes it so enjoyable to play on repeat.

The Weird and Wonderful of Boat Life

Life on a boat is never boring. Here’s a collection of six of the weirdest and most wonderful moments we’ve had during our three years living aboard.

The Floating Giraffe: There we were, cruising off the coast of Morocco, when a random floating giraffe drifted by. No idea how or why it was out there, but it made for one of the weirdest sights we’ve ever seen. Of course, we had to bring it aboard for a bit of a laugh. Now, it’s our unofficial mascot.

Shower Boat-Style: Taking a shower on a boat is always an adventure. You jump into the salty water, give yourself a quick shampoo and then pop back in to rinse it off. Of course, to finish off the whole experience, we use the outboard shower to rinse away the salt, which means getting hit by cold water while trying to stay steady on a moving boat. It’s a glamorous experience.

The Floating Ark: On one particularly long passage, we had an army of birds join us for the ride. We’re talking seagulls, swallows and even birds we’ve never saw before. At one point, we all looked around and thought, “Wait, are we a floating ark now?” I even woke up after a nap to find a bird perched right on my head and a swallow slept in the sweater I was wearing! It felt like an oddball wildlife sanctuary out there.

Sperm Whale Moment: This one was huge, literally. We were on a passage from Greece to Sicily, cruising along when, out of nowhere, a giant sperm whale surfaced right next to us! I couldn’t believe my eyes. I was so excited that I started screaming, “WHAAAAALEEEE!” at the top of my lungs the whole time and it stuck with me for days. The sheer size of it was mind-blowing and it was such a rare, unforgettable moment. I couldn’t believe we were that close to such a magnificent creature.

Flying Fish Flight School: One of the things that still blows our minds is how long a flying fish can actually fly. We’d be cruising along, when out of nowhere, a flying fish would launch itself from the water, soaring effortlessly through the air for hundreds of meters. It’s like watching a little fish try to prove it’s got the same aerial skills as a bird, and honestly, we were amazed by how far it could go. Definitely one of those boat life moments that makes you stop and stare in awe.

Dolphins by Moonlight: And then there was that magical night when a pod of dolphins started swimming alongside us under the moonlight. Their sleek bodies glided through the water, almost glowing in the moon’s reflection. The dolphins seemed to be putting on a show, their fins breaking the water like little silver streaks in the night. It’s moments like that that make boat life feel truly magical.

El Burro’s Fun Find

You know that feeling when you stumble upon something totally random, and suddenly, you can’t get enough of it? That’s exactly what happened to me this month. I didn’t see it coming, but here I am, fully invested, telling you all about it. Consider this my official confession.

This month’s unexpected obsession? Let’s dive in. ⬇️

Too Good To Go-App

We really enjoy using the Too Good To Go app, especially when we’re traveling through different countries. It’s such a fun way to help reduce food waste and discover new places at the same time. The best part is the surprise factor. You never know exactly what’s in your “Magic Bag” until you pick it up. It’s always exciting to find out what kind of food we’ve saved from going to waste, and honestly, it’s like a little adventure every time! On top of that, it’s a great way to try local foods without spending a ton of money. We’ve been able to try so many different things we might not have thought to buy otherwise.

Just to be clear, this isn’t an ad or sponsored in any way. We just really love using the app and wanted to share why it’s such a cool and easy way to make the most of food while traveling!

Little joys / favourite moments

I wanted to share a few of the small moments that made last month feel special, so here are some of my favourite bits and pieces from the month. I hope they bring a smile to your face, too!

𖤓 That unexpected road trip to Sant Elm with Isabelle and Benjamin from Malou. Fantastic company and stunning scenery all around.

𖤓 The relief of finally making it to Ciutadella after a rough passage. That moment of realizing we were safe was such a wave of gratitude. It also reminded me how strong we are together as a couple; we’ve handled so much and it shows how resilient we can be.

𖤓 Seeing that incredible flamenco performance in Ciutadella. Eighty minutes of pure intensity. The passion, rhythm and energy of it all were just mesmerizing.

𖤓 Indian food with friends. There’s something about sharing a flavorful meal and laughing over curries and naan.

𖤓 Video calls with my godchild Maya. No matter the distance, she always manages to make me smile. Her excitement and energy are so infectious.

𖤓 Those quiet, early mornings watching the sunrise. I’m not usually a morning person, so it doesn’t happen often, but there’s something really grounding about starting the day with a beautiful sunrise.

𖤓 My new habit of jumping into the cold water for a quick shower. It’s such a shock at first, but it’s oddly refreshing and makes me feel so awake and alive.

𖤓 Hearing my sister’s and mom’s voices when I wasn’t feeling well. Even from afar, their love and support always lift me up.

𖤓 Our hike to Cala Boquer, my magical place. Every visit leaves me with this sense of peace and wonder. The views, the quiet, the connection to nature… it really does feel like a little slice of paradise.

Taking The Plunge

Cold dips have gained a lot of attention lately, especially thanks to figures like Wim Hof, who has shown how powerful controlled exposure to cold can be for the mind and body. His methods emphasise the mental strength and physical resilience that come from embracing the cold rather than avoiding it.

I’ve started doing cold dips from our boat while the water is still a brisk 16°C. In the moments right before I jump, there’s hesitation. My mind tries to convince me that it’s too much, too cold. But afterward, I feel alive in a way that’s hard to describe, like every cell in my body is awake and buzzing. The initial shock fades quickly, replaced by a sense of clarity and energy that lingers long after I’ve dried off.

It’s a bit of a ritual now. Every two days, I stand there on the edge of the boat, toes gripping the edge, looking down at the water that seems to dare me to jump. My mind races with excuses: ‘Maybe today’s not the day,’ or ‘I could just skip it this time.’ But there’s a stubborn part of me that knows the hardest part is just the moment before the leap. Once I’m in, the cold seizes me, but only for a second.

I get why so many people swear by this. It’s not just the physical rush; it’s the mental clarity that comes afterward. It’s like all the noise in my head quiets down and I’m left with this steady, grounded feeling. Plus, there’s a certain satisfaction in knowing you willingly put yourself through something uncomfortable and came out on the other side. It makes the rest of the day feel a bit more manageable.

Science backs up a lot of these feelings. Research has shown that regular exposure to cold water can boost circulation, reduce inflammation and strengthen the immune system. Cold exposure triggers the release of endorphins (those ‘feel-good’ chemicals) that help elevate mood and decrease stress. There’s also evidence suggesting that it can improve metabolism and increase brown fat, which helps regulate body temperature and burn calories. Mentally, the resilience built by facing the cold can translate into greater stress tolerance in daily life.

If you’ve never tried it, I highly recommend taking the plunge, literally. You might hate it at first, but that feeling afterward is something else. It makes me feel more awake, more alive, more here.

New episode highlights

January in Mallorca was an unforgettable blend of paradise and chaos! With unexpected challenges, our month living on our boat at anchor was full of intense contrasts and anything but ordinary.

Next episode will become available on 06th of April.

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. If anyone wants to mention anything or share a story, feel free!
We’d be more than happy to hear about other people’s adventures.”