25 Questions to myself (Julie)

1. What inspired you to embark on this sailing journey in the first place?

I’ve always enjoyed pushing my limits. Sailing gave me the perfect mix of adventure and freedom while staying close to nature. The many stories I’ve read, especially about women living on boats, only inspired me more. It was exactly what I needed to challenge myself, confront my fears and uncertainties and grow.

2. How do your sailing adventures challenge you and what do you learn about yourself in the process?

I learn a lot from sailing, mainly that I’m more capable than I once believed. I tend to plan ahead and worry about the future, but sailing teaches me to let go of that and live in the moment. It shows me how important it is to be present and to trust myself.

3. What skills have you improved or acquired during your travels?

I definitely improved a lot at sailing and got to know the boat way better. My decision-making skills got sharper too, since things rarely go exactly as planned out on the water. I’ve also become more social. I used to be pretty introverted and talking to strangers wasn’t really my thing. Over the past few years, I have met many amazing people. This experience really helped me open up. It improved my social skills. On top of all that, I discovered a new passion for photography and videography. I love capturing travel moments and making little videos of our adventures.

4. Do you face any fears or doubts during your journey? How do you overcome them?

Yes, I definitely face fears and doubts along the way. Sometimes, I doubt my own abilities. Other times, I worry about what could go wrong out at sea. Overcoming those fears isn’t easy. Leaning on Greg’s confidence, staying calm and breaking problems down into smaller, manageable steps really helps. Each challenge makes me more confident. They teach me that it’s okay to be afraid, as long as I don’t let fear hold me back.

5. Who were the most memorable people you met during your travels and how did they impact your experience?

The most memorable people I met were fellow travelers who shared their stories and cultures with me. Their kindness and openness made the journey feel richer and more meaningful. It’s hard to pick just one because each person was unique and brought their own special experience. Every traveler I meet gives me new perspectives and reminds me how connected we all are, no matter where we come from. Meeting them truly makes the whole adventure unforgettable.

6. How do you connect with local cultures or communities along the way?

We notice that even on the smallest Greek islands, most people speak English nowadays. This makes it a bit challenging to really learn the local language. So I make an effort to connect with the culture by learning at least a few words, trying traditional food and joining local events whenever I can.

7. Were there any unexpected acts of kindness or moments of camaraderie during your travels?

I’ll never forget Marco’s warm welcome. We accidentally landed with our dinghy on his private land in Porto Pozzo, Sardinia. He and his wife were working to transform the island into an eco-sustainable wildlife reserve. We were treated to an incredible guided tour, experiencing the island’s natural beauty and learning all about their inspiring project. That unexpected kindness has stayed with me ever since.

8. What were the most breathtaking landscapes or seascapes you encountered?

The Mediterranean Sea is absolutely stunning. One of my favourite moments is watching the world slowly wake up with me after a night passage. The sky turns this beautiful mix of pink, blue and orange, and the sea starts to sparkle in the early morning light. It honestly feels like something out of a dream.

Country-wise (or let’s say island-wise), Mallorca really surprised me. I always thought of it as a very touristy island. In summer, it definitely is. However, in winter and early spring, it’s a completely different place. So calm, peaceful and naturally beautiful. I wasn’t expecting that and it totally changed how I see the island.

But honestly, we’ve seen so many incredible places. Greece, Menorca, Sardinia, France… each one had something special. The Mediterranean is bigger and more diverse than I ever expected. That’s the best part, there’s still so much more out there to discover!

9. Did you come across any unique wildlife and what emotions did those moments bring?

Absolutely! We had a pretty amazing wildlife moment on our passage from Greece to Sardinia. We saw a sperm whale! It popped up not too far from the boat, and honestly, we were all just stunned. It was huge and moved so calmly.. Watching it surface and then slowly dive back down, tail slipping beneath the waves…it gave us chills. Definitely one of those moments we’ll never forget.

And as always, the dolphins never get old. No matter how many times they come by, it’s always exciting. They’d race alongside the boat, jumping and playing like they were just as stoked as we were.

10. Were there any weather conditions or natural phenomena that left a lasting impression?

The storm we encountered between Sardinia and Sicily left a lasting impression. We were around 100 miles offshore. It was right in the middle of our passage. A curtain of lightning strikes began lighting up the horizon. At first it was strangely beautiful, but as the thunder grew louder and the lightning moved closer, the vibe changed. It quickly became clear that a serious storm was heading our way.
Our adrenaline spiked as we rushed to secure anything that could move or fly off in strong wind. The sense of urgency was intense. We were trying to buy ourselves enough time to prepare and, hopefully, steer clear of the worst of it.

At that moment, Greg had to make a critical decision. Rather than sail straight into the center of the storm, he changed our course and headed north. It was a calculated risk and fortunately, it turned out to be the right one. Even so, the storm still managed to catch up with us for a short but unforgettable stretch.
The sky darkened completely. Lightning bolts started firing across the sky directly above our mast, one after another. The thunder was constant and overwhelming. We felt the static in the air. Quickly, we stashed away all electronics like mobile phones, the PLB, the satellite phone and the VHF radio. We secured them in an insulated place (our little oven). Nelly, our cat, sat wide-eyed in her carrier, clearly terrified. I was scared too. I focused on staying calm and controlling my breathing, trying to stay present in the chaos.

As we continued on our new course, we gradually began to leave the worst of the storm behind. The lightning faded into the distance and the sky began to clear. Soon after, the clouds gave way to a breathtaking scene. Above us stretched a sky full of stars, more vivid and peaceful than anything we had seen in days.

11. What are the biggest challenges you face while sailing and how do you handle them?

Managing fatigue is a big challenge, especially during overnight passages. Each passage has its own rhythm. It’s always a bit of a struggle to find a routine that works. And even harder to stick to it. Sleep is broken into short, uneven chunks, and staying alert while tired takes real effort. We rotate shifts, try to eat regularly and rest whenever we have the chance to keep our energy and focus up.

Technical issues are another constant challenge. Equipment has a knack for failing at the worst possible times, almost always something engine-related in our case. When that happens mid-passage, we have to stay calm and think quickly. Often, we come up with creative fixes using whatever tools and spare parts we have on board.

Sailing pushes your limits in all kinds of ways. But every challenge teaches you something. About the boat, the sea and yourself. With each experience, you become a bit more prepared and confident for whatever comes next.

12. Was there a moment when something didn’t go as planned? How did you adapt?

One memorable moment when things didn’t go as planned happened on our journey from Porquerolles to Corsica. We set off expecting a straightforward 120-mile sail to Ajaccio. Shortly after leaving, the wind dropped. This forced us to rely on the engine. Not long after, the engine started vibrating unusually and then it completely changed its sound, indicating a serious problem.

We shut down the engine and tried to continue under sail. However, the wind was very light and the waves grew quite large (around three meters), making sailing difficult and unsafe. The sails flapped heavily and we worried about damaging the mast. We made a quick assessment. We decided to turn back to the French coast, about 35 miles away. We avoided risking the much longer passage with an unreliable engine and rough conditions.

During the night, the wind died completely and we drifted while keeping watch. At dawn, the wind returned. It allowed us to sail steadily into the marina. We had arranged a mechanic to inspect the engine there.

Throughout this challenge, we adapted by staying calm, making careful decisions about safety and adjusting our plans as conditions changed. Flexibility and preparedness are key when sailing, especially on longer passages.

13. How do you manage the balance between freedom and the responsibilities of maintaining your vessel?

Finding the right balance between enjoying the freedom of sailing is definitely challenging. Handling the responsibilities of maintaining the vessel is a constant juggling act. On one hand, being out on the water means you get to experience incredible moments of adventure. These moments provide an escape. This experience is the whole point of sailing for us. However, boats are complex systems. They demand regular attention and care. This is necessary to keep everything safe and running smoothly.

We manage this balance by building maintenance into our daily routine rather than treating it as a separate chore. Even during relaxed days, we monitor key systems. We perform small checks and address minor repairs before they become bigger problems. Planning ahead also helps, by making sure we have the right tools and spare parts onboard.

At the same time, we make it a point to slow down and really take in the experience. Being out on the water is about more than just getting from point A to B. It’s about living in the moment, enjoying the views and embracing the simple, peaceful rhythm of life at sea. Taking care of the boat is what allows us to keep that freedom going.

14. What was the most unforgettable moment of your adventure and why?

One of the most unforgettable moments of our adventure was definitely our crossing from Sardinia to Menorca. It took us three nights, but honestly, it was probably the most relaxing passage we’ve ever had. The conditions were nearly perfect! Calm seas, steady sailing, no busy shipping lanes and stunning starry nights illuminated by bioluminescent jellyfish. We even managed to barbecue on deck without anything sliding off the table! We missed seeing dolphins or whales on that leg. However, we did spot some sea turtles. That was a lovely surprise. The passage was so relaxed that my mind felt completely peaceful.

15. Which destination stood out as your favourite and what made it special?

I recall a day when strong winds and high waves caught us off guard. They forced us to detour to a different destination. At first, frustration bubbled up. This wasn’t part of the plan. But soon, I noticed the beauty of this unexpected stop. We’d landed in Monemvasia, still one of the most enchanting places I’ve ever seen. I laced up my running shoes, wandered through the ancient city walls and felt a profound happiness wash over me. Just being there, with no obligations, gave me a freedom I’d never felt in my tightly scheduled past. That moment taught me that detours aren’t disruptions, they’re gifts.

16. Were there any moments of complete peace or joy that stand out?

Absolutely, night passages always stand out as moments of complete peace and joy for me. It feels so special. You are out on the water in the middle of the night and surrounded by total darkness with nothing but your thoughts for company. It is a rare chance to disconnect from everything and just be present in the moment.

Those quiet moments under the stars are something else. The sound of the waves just adds to the calm. It’s a kind of peace that’s hard to find anywhere else. It’s super relaxing and just feels really good. Your mind can wander and you feel totally connected to the sea and nature. Those moments remind me why I love sailing so much.

17. How does your journey deepen your understanding of the ocean and its ecosystems?

Sailing for so long really opens my eyes to just how incredible and complex the sea is. It is not just a big stretch of water but a whole world full of life and constant change. Every day brings something different. The sea moves with the wind. The light shifts. Animals appear when I least expect them.

We saw dolphins, sea turtles and even a sperm whale. Those moments made it clear how important it is to protect these creatures and their homes. I realised that everything in the ocean is connected. There is a delicate balance that we don’t always notice from the shore.

Being out here also shows me how much humans affect the ocean, often without meaning to. It makes me want to be more careful with how we treat the sea and to do what I can to help keep it healthy. The whole experience gives me a new respect for the ocean and a stronger feeling of responsibility toward it.

18. Are there opportunities to contribute to sustainability or marine conservation?

Whenever we spot trash floating in the water, we always make a point to pick it up. It doesn’t matter if it’s plastic bottles, toys, balls or other debris. It might seem like a small thing, but every little bit helps. It feels important to do our part while out here. Being surrounded by so much natural beauty makes it clear how fragile the ocean is. It also shows how much it needs our care. Doing these small cleanups is our way of giving back. It keeps us connected to the responsibility that comes with enjoying the sea.

We’re careful about what we put into the water. This includes dishwasher soap, shampoo, sunscreen or anything else. We make sure to use only products made from natural, biodegradable ingredients so they won’t harm the marine environment.

19. How does being on the water influence your perspective on climate change or environmental issues?

While I write this, the Mediterranean endures a heat wave and the sea temperature is higher than normal. Being out on the water for extended periods really brings climate change and environmental issues into sharp focus for me. When I’m surrounded by nature every day, I can’t ignore the signs—whether it’s changes in weather patterns, fewer marine animals or plastic debris drifting by. It makes me realise just how urgent it is to take better care of our planet.

Seeing the sea’s beauty up close also shows me what’s at stake if we don’t act. It’s not just about losing pretty views. It concerns the health of entire ecosystems. It also affects the communities that depend on the sea. The experience strengthens my commitment to living more sustainably and advocating for stronger environmental protections. Being on the water turned climate change from a rather abstract idea into something very real and personal.

20. How does this adventure influence your future travel or sailing goals?

I’m certain that I’ll never stop traveling, even if in the far future it’s just going on smaller, local adventures. I love exploring new places, experiencing different cultures and discovering what the world has to offer. Over time, our sailing goals have shifted a lot. When we first started, we had huge dreams: crossing the Atlantic, sailing around the world, trying to see everything possible. But we soon realized that sticking to strict plans felt more like a limitation than freedom. Those schedules took away the spontaneity and magic of the journey.

What truly brought us joy was letting go of those plans and traveling without a fixed route, chasing the wind, the moment and the unexpected experiences that came our way. This adventure taught us that the real pleasure of sailing comes from embracing uncertainty. It also taught us to be open to wherever the sea leads. From now on, our travel goals focus less on checking off destinations. They focus more on enjoying the freedom and wonder that come with staying flexible and curious.

21. What advice would you give to someone considering a similar journey?

My advice would be to prepare yourself well. I often hear about people setting off on big sailing adventures without much experience. While that spirit is admirable, it is really important to educate yourself on how to sail. Additionally, learn how to maintain your boat and understand safety procedures. That knowledge can make all the difference.

At the same time, do not over-prepare. Avoid trying to control every little detail. You can never be 100% ready for everything. Do not over-plan either. Sometimes the best experiences come from going with the flow and following what feels right in the moment. Trust yourself, stay flexible and enjoy the adventure as it unfolds.

22. Is there a lesson or principle you’ll carry forward into other areas of your life?

Absolutely. One of the biggest lessons this journey has taught me is the value of staying flexible and embracing uncertainty. Whether sailing or in everyday life, things rarely go exactly as planned. Learning to adapt without losing your calm makes all the difference. I’ll carry this mindset with me into everything I do, knowing that sometimes the best moments come from letting go.

23. If your journey were a story, what would be its central theme?

I’d say my two cats would steal the show in this story! 🙂 But seriously, while they are definitely a big part of our adventure and make it feel complete, the real heart of the story is about the growth I experienced. I started out quite anxious and unsure, but over time, I became more confident and at ease with uncertainty. It’s a journey of personal transformation. Learning to trust myself, face challenges head-on and find calm in the unknown.

24. How would you describe your adventure in one sentence to someone who’s never sailed?

It’s an adventure where every wave brings a new challenge, every sunrise promises discovery and the sea becomes both our playground and our teacher.

25. If you could relive one day of your journey, which one would it be and why?

If I could relive one day, it would probably be the very beginning. It would be the day we left Antwerp behind. That moment was full of excitement, hope and a sense of stepping into the unknown. It marked the start of our adventure. There were so many possibilities. I’d love to feel that mix of emotions again.