When I first set out to find an adventure, I knew I wanted more than just a vacation. I was craving something new—an experience in a different country, the thrill of sailing but with an experienced captain and crew who could keep me safe while I learned, and, most of all, the chance to connect with like-minded people. I found all of that and more on my first Ocean Nomads trip.
I still remember my first night aboard the boat, anchored below the cliffs of Madeira. It felt surreal. The smell of the sea, the creaking sounds a sailboat makes while it rocks back and forth and the anticipation of setting sail to the Canary Islands—a place I had only recently discovered—was pure magic. I wasn’t just looking for an escape; I was hoping for a spark, something that could shift the course of my life.
And it did.
That trip—and joining the Ocean Nomads community opened the door to even more opportunities. Shortly after, I found another sailing experience in the Canary Islands with some members which turned into my first boat-sitting gig. I got to spend quiet days looking after a boat in paradise, which then led to even more sailing adventures and connections both in and outside the community. One opportunity led to the next, like a beautiful chain reaction I never could’ve planned.
Fast forward four years, and that journey became the catalyst for everything I’d hoped for. The people I met, the conversations we shared, and the courage I witnessed all around me helped me realize I could ask for—and receive—what I truly needed. That trip gave me the confidence to start fresh, to live life on my own terms, even if that doesn’t always fit neatly into society’s mold. And honestly? I’m more than okay with that.
Now, I live a life closer to the ocean and nature surrounded by meaningful connections and rich experiences. That first Ocean Nomads trip wasn’t just a trip—it was the beginning of a whole new chapter, one that i’m still writing.
I wanted to write this in hope it reaches even one person looking for that change or to experience something new and out of the box. You can easily find sailing trips and crew spots online but with Ocean Nomads the people that it attracts are the best part. You could meet your new best friend, flatmate, First mate or partner just by taking one small step in a different direction.
