Member Stories
Real crew stories. From first sails to Atlantic crossings on SV Twister, our members share what they learned and who they met along the way.
Featured Story
Brianna: A 180 degree lifestyle change that started with one trip
Brianna came looking for a sailing adventure. What she found shifted the course of her life. One Ocean Nomads trip on SV Twister became the catalyst for a complete lifestyle change. She now lives closer to the ocean and nature, surrounded by meaningful connections and rich experiences.
Voices from the Community
Short stories straight from our crew, told in their own words.
Making impact as a community
Blair
My zero to hero ocean journey
Paula
Passion for offshore sailing
Thomas
Community living on board
Nour
Making ocean impact
Anna
The magic of the sea
Laura
Discovering a new lifestyle
Julie, Twister crew turned trip host
The unexpected magic of a trip
Said
Trip Experiences on SV Twister and beyond
What crew say about life on board Ocean Nomads expeditions.
Atlantic Crossing on SV Twister
“One of the most epic experiences of my life”
Weeks without connection to the outside world was absolutely glorious. I feel reset. After a very fragmented life the past few years, being around a crew of 17 people every day was amazing. To interact naturally with each other, feel part of a family of diverse ages, nationalities and backgrounds. I learned so much from these amazing humans. My heart feels so full.
Sael
Madeira to Canary Islands on SV Twister
“The mix that makes it real”
The things I like the most about trips with Ocean Nomads is the mix of different nationalities, ages and levels of experience. There’s always a general plan but also plenty of opportunity for spontaneity to have a real adventure.
Louise
Amsterdam to Canaries via Madeira on SV Twister | Oct 2022
“A once in a lifetime experience”
5 weeks onboard Twister with like-minded people who share the same values and passion for the ocean. Travelling by sailboat from Amsterdam to the Canaries via Madeira. I didn’t think this could be possible but Ocean Nomads made it happen!
Julie G. (now Twister trip host)
Expedition on SV Twister
“Still smiling at the memories”
Met, and still talking to, some lovely people. Refreshed my nautical skills, helming, navigation, astro identification. Shared great experiences through conversation, music, stories, cooking together, seeing ocean wildlife, and so much more.
Richard
Caribbean Martinique to Guadeloupe on SV Twister | Feb 2023
“Doesn’t get better!”
Hiking up the volcano, visiting a chocolate factory, swimming in waterfalls, discovering lush landscapes. All with fabulous vegetarian food, great company and a fabulous tall ship to do it from!
Cay C.
Explore The WILD Canaries | March 2026
“5 stars for everyone on board”
Super happy I joined! 5 stars for our epic sailing adventures, and more than 5 stars for the energy, presence and invaluable experience of having Thomas at the helm!
Phoebe H.
Explore The WILD Canaries | March 2026
“From one to five, they get six stars!”
The best sailing trip organizers ever. No-alcohol, vegetarian trips completely change the vibe. It’s all about fun, sailing, friendly atmosphere, and being together with pristine nature.
Maciej Z.
Canaries to Cape Verde | Jan 2025
“Very impactful on several aspects”
I gained a lot more confidence in sailing a 51ft monohull. The super cool, friendly and easy going vibe of the professional crew made the learning process effortless. On top of that I met 9 really beautiful people that will be a part of my life forever.
Simon N.
Greece Flotilla | Oct 2024
“11 days full of inspiration”
We found a great community live on board exploring the Greek islands. Workshops held by members for members, hikes, workouts, vegan/vegetarian cooking sessions and lots of laughter. Nomads from all over the world, Australia to Austria and everything in between.
Maxx and Sigrid
“What I hoped to gain was the option of finding crew. Instead what I found is a collection of people who get what I do, who understand why we make certain choices and who are willing to support each other. That is something I needed way more than just someone to sail with.”
Michiel, Ocean Nomads member
Member Journeys
Longer stories from crew and community, in their own words.
Crew Spotlight
Nadiem: From first sailing experience to buying his own boat in 3 months
Nadiem always had the dream to go sailing but thought it was something for the wealthy. After his first Ocean Nomads trip in Spain, he stayed 1.5 months, sailed to the Canaries, got so inspired he bought his own sailboat and sailed it from Ireland to Spain.
Mission Spotlight
Atlantic Crossing Ocean Impact Expedition by Kite of Koen Darras
While most of us Ocean Nomads are dreaming or preparing to cross the Atlantic Ocean by sail, Belgian kitesurfer Koen Darras is preparing for something that has never been done: 3000 Nautical Miles by kite. At the end of 2026, the Atlantic Kite Crossing will depart from the Canary Islands, through Cape Verde, towards the Caribbean.
Founder Spotlight
How Ocean Nomads came about. Suzanne’s background story.
My name is Suzanne. My nomadic life has one constant: the calling of the ocean. In, at or near the sea I’m the best version of myself. The ocean gives me play, energy, and life. As a user, I feel responsible to bring life back into the ocean. I didn’t grow up sailing. This is how I got here.
Impact Projects
Ocean Nomads members building, creating, and making impact on and off the water.
KOEN DARRAS
Atlantic Crossing by Kite, 3000 NM
An ocean impact expedition crossing the Atlantic by kite to raise awareness for ocean conservation.
OCEAN NOMADS X OCEANS AND FLOW
Portugal Coast Sail for Ocean Regeneration
400+ nautical miles sailing Portugal’s coast to experience, celebrate, and activate ocean love.
FILM, SAILING IN GREECE
It’s all about the ripple effect
We are proud to present to you: Sailing in Greece. An adventure to connect people to the sea, to each other, with a shared mission of protecting our ocean playground.
Community Love
What members say about being part of the Ocean Nomads network.
★★★★★
The Ocean Nomad community gave me the self-confidence to go out there, to join, to meet-up and actually be outdoors participating. The social connections made me grow. Things I was afraid of turned out to be skill builders. Everybody is so sweet and helpful.
Menno
★★★★★
I’ve been a member for over 5 years. I’ve gone from working on an environmental awareness yacht, to sailing school instructor, running trips with Ocean Nomads members, and now having my own yacht in the fleet. The community has been incredible.
Andrew van Zyl, 5 year member
★★★★★
A tribe of cool people who LOVE the sea! It’s helped me open doors into the sailing world in such a safe, conscious, supportive and fun way, beyond what I imagined when I joined almost 4 years ago. Without ON I would never have gotten into sailing and bought my own sailboat!
Nadiem
Your story starts here
Join a community of ocean people. Seasoned sailor or complete newcomer, welcome aboard.