Welcome to sailing joa

When we embarked on our journey aboard our Mariner 35, we were fortunate enough to inherit a boat that was fully loaded, what many would call a “turn key” sailboat. She was equipped with everything – from an abundance of spare parts to a reliable engine, a trusty outboard motor paired with a dinghy, a functional watermaker, and perfectly working instruments. The radar was in pristine condition, and we even had the luxury of extra sails. It felt like we had hit the jackpot in the sailing world.

But as with all good things, change is the only constant. Our journey brought us to our new vessel, an Edel 33. Unlike our previous sailboat, this one presented a different kind of challenges. Instead of a boat full with equipments , this Edel 33 is, to say in a nice way, an empty shell.

Transitioning from a boat that was ready-to-sail to one that needed a lot of love and attention was a big contrast. It is like moving from a furnished apartment to an empty house. But this change isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It’s offering us a blank canvas, a fresh start. It’s giving us the opportunity to truly make the boat our own, to customise it according to our needs and preferences.

The cost of living aboard isn’t just financial; it’s also emotional and physical. With our new old boat, we have to start from scratch, investing not just money but also time and effort, turning our Edel 33 into a cozy, sea-worthy home.

For those considering the sailing lifestyle, it’s essential to understand that every boat comes with its own set of challenges and rewards. A “turn key” sailboat might offer immediate convenience, but it might not provide the same personal connection and sense of achievement as fixing up a boat from scratch.

In the end, whether you’re sailing in a fully equipped boat or starting with an empty shell, the joy of living aboard lies in the sunsets you’ll witness, the storms you’ll suffer, and the memories you’ll create. 🌊⛵