• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • My Account
  • Cart

Sailing Britican

Helping You to Become a Confident Sailing Cruiser - Sailing Experiences & Resources

TwitterYoutubeFacebookLinkedinPinterestInstagram
  • Home
  • Sailing Experience
    • Case Studies
    • Britican Experience Videos
    • Book an Experience on Britican
  • Shop
    • All Our Guides
    • Boat Safety COURSE & Manual
    • Checklists For Sailors Guide
    • Make Money Being A Cruiser
    • Sailboat Buying Guide For Cruisers
    • VHF Radio Checklists & Templates
    • Our Sailing T-shirts Store
  • Britican Videos
    • Sailing Channel Videos 2022
    • Sailing Channel Videos 2021
  • Blog
    • Most Recent Articles & Videos
    • Life Aboard
      • Life With COVID-19
      • Hurricane Season
      • Galley
        • Recipes
      • Kids On A Boat
      • Getting Started
      • Making An Income
      • Marina Life
      • Racing Your Home
      • The Boating Lifestyle
    • How To
      • Buying A Boat
      • CopperCoat
      • Electrical Systems
      • Kit
      • Maintenance
      • Major Upgrades
      • Passage Planning
      • Sailing, Maneuvering & Mooring
      • Organization & Cleaning
      • Safety
    • Our Journey
    • Destinations
      • Atlantic Crossing
      • Bahamas
      • Bermuda
      • Mediterranean
      • Caribbean Sailing
      • Charleston
      • Florida
  • Free Resources
  • More…
    • Our Story – From The Beginning
    • Best Sailing Quotes
    • The Crew
    • Sailing Q & A
    • The Yacht
    • Disclaimer
    • Contacting Us
    • Terms & conditions
    • Our Disclaimer
    • Imprint
    • Privacy Statement (CA)
    • Cookie Policy (CA)

Life After Being A Sailing Cruiser?

October 18, 2022 10 Comments

Share
Pin16
Tweet
Share
Reddit
Email
16 Shares

For the first few years of our cruising life, I periodically wrote journal updates. The updates offered an insight into how our boating lifestyle was progressing. I offered what I felt, the epiphanies I had, and included any challenges.

I shared my highs and lows in the hopes that I’d be able to make the journey easier or perhaps reduce unknowns, for those that wanted to follow a similar path. So many people dream and don’t do. I think that’s a terrible shame.

Perhaps my contributions helped others, in some small way, to pursue their dream.

(Check out my book, Changing Lifestyles – Trading in the Rat Race for a Sail Around the World to read about the first three years of our adventures).

For the most part, my updates espoused the attributes of cruising life. I reflected on the lack of distractions (media, news, politics, broken systems, doom/gloom, and polarization). And I noted all the benefits of boat life including spaciousness, freedom, healthy living, authenticity, fulfillment, sociability, and connection to nature.

Regarding my challenges, I was initially surprised at what caused stress.

life after being a sailing cruiser

In contrast to traffic jams or troubles with my co-workers, it was a choice. Too many choices, in fact! Did we visit Turkey or hang out in France? Was it best to go to Grenada for hurricane season or head to Bonaire?

Should we carry on traveling with one set of buddy boats or break off and head out on our own? Going from feeling stuck on land with no choice to having all the options in the world was more difficult than one would expect.

Each choice brought us even more options and perhaps the fear of missing out (FOMO) played a part in my angst.

Over time, however, I became more accustomed to the multitude of choices. Through experience, I realized that no matter what path I took, it worked out incredibly well – as long as I made a choice! In reflection (this very moment!), I see that it was a great lesson to experience.

No longer do I suffer from FOMO. Through the core of my body, I know that whatever I choose to do it’s the right choice.

Fast-forward nine years, and many journey entries of highs and lows, later.

Now I’m back on land having left the boat and the lifestyle I adored so much. No longer am I a sailing cruiser living a dream life of sun, sand, and sea. When I wake up, I’m not looking out my port window reminding myself of what bay or country I’m in. I don’t open my eyes to the glistening sunrise reflection dancing above my bed, nor do I celebrate an entire day watching the golden light slip behind the deep blue horizon.

My view no longer consists of white sandy beaches, diving pelicans, tropical blue waters, and constant rainbows. I don’t smell the fresh sea air, the enticing waft of BBQ, or the delightful tropical aromas of sunscreen. The conversations with my community don’t cover diesel engine fixes, how to cook the resident veggies, the best (or quirky) restaurants, where the laundromat is, or the most inspiring hiking view.

There are too many differences to mention them all. It seems as if almost everything has changed. There is one aspect, however, that hasn’t.

While cruising, for all these years, I developed what I’d like to call an essence. It’s a part of me that is more about who I am being rather than what I am doing. During my latter years on the boat, I looked at the beauty around me, shared my gratitude with whoever would listen (usually a turtle), and felt a deep love for life.

I assumed my deep-seated love and appreciation for life came because of my sailing lifestyle.

During the months leading to my departure from our boat, I became increasingly stressed. I feared what my life was going to become. I worried that my return to land would invite back all the things I left it for in the first place! All the distraction, polarity, mediocrity, boredom, and stuck-ness.

What a shock it’s been to realize that although I now live on land, the essence of love and gratitude remains.

Now, I see beauty in the trees I admire as I take my daily morning walk. Instead of breathing in a variety of blues, I now get high from all the greens that surround me. I’ve traded the flight of an eagle ray with bluebirds, cardinals, hawks, and bountiful robins.

There is media, news, polarization, doom/gloom, and boredom around, but I don’t see it. My conversations, on land, are about new recipes to try, parks to visit, meaningful explorations of growth and well-being, how to get rid of red ants, and the beauty of the sun rays twinkling through the tall, wise, oak trees.

Becoming a sailing cruiser didn’t instantly change my life and provide more fulfillment.

This essence that I write about wasn’t present when we started out. It developed and grew in me over the years. It was the journey of living a life I felt was worth living that changed me. Instead of settling for mediocrity, I took a risk. I bought a boat and sailed off to destinations unknown.

Through the process of many highs and lows, I discovered an equilibrium that is ever-present. This essence was always there. I just didn’t know it.

The world is still the same but the eyes that choose what they see have changed.

I thought I was living the dream and the dream was going to end. What I discovered is that I was living the dream and I’m still living the dream regardless of where I am or what my lifestyle is.

So, much to my delight, there is life after being a sailing cruiser!

Read Some Of My Earlier Journal Posts

  • Living the dream of sailing around the world – what do I make of month one?
  • Journey Update: Three months into our around-the-world adventure. Will we carry on?
  • Six months living on the sea – has it become a nightmare or a dream come true?
  • After 15 months of living on our boat…

Any Questions or Comments?

I’d love to hear from you! Please leave them in the comments section below.

Get the Inside Scoop!

Discover what it was like making the decision to sell up and sail away. Find out what we did to make our dream happen. Check out all our highs and lows. Get the book here: Changing Lifestyles – Trading in the Rat Race for a Sail Around the World

Changing Lifestyles Cover Woo

Share
Pin16
Tweet
Share
Reddit
Email
16 Shares

Categories: The Journey

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. David Johnson says

    October 18, 2022 at 5:23 pm

    “No matter where you go, there you are.” We are who we are; where we are isn’t who we are. I’m glad that you are experiencing that much more consciously than we often do.

    Reply
    • Kim Brown says

      October 25, 2022 at 11:42 am

      Wise words David. Thank you for commenting 😉 Kim

      Reply
  2. John Dixon says

    October 18, 2022 at 5:58 pm

    A Very Good Article. Very telling of how life has changed your view of the world. Keep up the faith.

    Reply
    • Kim Brown says

      October 25, 2022 at 11:42 am

      Thank you John! Kim

      Reply
  3. John C Farmer says

    October 19, 2022 at 11:34 am

    Kim, Glad to hear land life is also good. We didn’t get a chance to visit BRITICAN when we were in Virginia with our daughter and family but hope all is well. We went to the Annapolis show last year but missed this last one. We have helped friends leave in a 51-foot power boat on their great loop trip. At 82 years old our cruising days may be limited to extended inland river trips and bearboat charters. My son still plans to move aboard a 50-foot multihull after retirement and we will help with that as our health permits. I guess I am primarily a “kitchen table sailor” developing navigation texts to help others. People helped us on our wat up and now it’s time to give back.

    Reply
    • Kim Brown says

      October 25, 2022 at 11:43 am

      Thank you for the update John! One of these days I do hope to meet you 🙂 Thank you for giving back. Smiles, Kim

      Reply
  4. Tricia Frary says

    October 22, 2022 at 1:35 pm

    Oh Kim, that was lovely! What an amazing way to view life. Appreciating what we have all around makes life special. As a cruising family, we all had our ups and downs. The community we shared makes all those things we dream about, the sandy beaches, blue sparkling water and the amazing vistas, even more incredible. It was so great getting to know you and your family! Sending hugs!!!!

    Reply
    • Kim Brown says

      October 25, 2022 at 11:45 am

      Tricia – so wonderful to hear from you! We miss you all and I look forward to the days when we’re all out sailing together again. Big love! Kim

      Reply
  5. Alan Strojin says

    October 25, 2022 at 1:28 am

    You don’t sail around the world. The world is round and you go sailing, where you stop is up to you. Great stories.

    Reply
    • Kim Brown says

      October 25, 2022 at 11:45 am

      Thank you fro commenting Alan 🙂 Kim

      Reply

Leave a Comment Cancel

Recipe Rating




sidebar

Blog Sidebar

Get Sailing Experience

https://youtu.be/RAo1eDHBsDY

Book Your Sailing Experience

Click here for: Full details, pricing, and application form here.

Must-Have Guides

Checklists For Sailors

VHF Radio Checklists For Sailors

Sailboat Buying Guide For Cruisers

A Sailing Cruiser's Guide To Making Money

Britican Experience

Sailboat Liveaboard Sailing Experiences

Free Guides

50 Suggested Checklists

Becoming a sailing cruiser

10 Steps To Buying A Sailboat

Electrical System Audit

Boat Safety Checklist

Support Us On Patreon

Become a Patron!

Recent Comments

  • Leggett Family on Checklists for Sailors – Digital
  • Kim Brown on Britican is For Sale
  • John on Britican is For Sale
  • Kim Brown on Don’t miss Anguilla when sailing the Leeward Islands
  • Kim Brown on Why Choose a Heavy Displacement Sailboat?

This Might Be Of Interest…

Recent Posts

  • Tips and Tricks for Learning to Sail Blue Water May 23, 2023
  • Top 10 Things to Consider in Cruising Sailboats for Sale May 17, 2023
  • Britican is For Sale May 17, 2023
  • Sailing Pre-Passage Checks May 3, 2023
  • A Boat Checklist: The Key to Successful Cruising May 1, 2023

Top Rated Products

  • A Sailing Cruiser's Guide To Making Money A Sailing Cruisers Guide To Making Money - Digital
    Rated 5.00 out of 5
    $27.00
  • VHF Radio Checklists For Sailors - Digital
    Rated 4.80 out of 5
    $20.00
  • Sailboat Buying Guide For Cruisers - Digital
    Rated 4.80 out of 5
    $27.00
  • Cruiser's Guide To Making Money & Sailboat Buying Guide Bundle Offer - Digital $54.00 $45.00
  • Surviving Hurricanes Sailboat Checklist - Digital $20.00

Have You Read My Book?

Changing Lifestyles Book Thumb "Changing Lifestyles - Trading in the Rat Race for a Sail Around The World" (Click the picture for more information)

Nautical Gift Store

Instagram

sailingbritican

⛵️We offer sailing lifestyle experiences, guides, and courses🪸
⚓️Discover fun & adventure now-learn how to become a sailing cruiser🏝
👇Visit Our Links👇

Sailing Lifestyle Experiences
Grenada, located at the bottom of the Caribbean Is Grenada, located at the bottom of the Caribbean Island chain, is the best place to spend hurricane season. The chances of a hurricane are low and you can sail the full season to a variety of beautiful locations. #sailingexperience #sailinglife #grenada
Sunday lunch is a British tradition. It consists o Sunday lunch is a British tradition. It consists of a roast of beef, lamb, pork, or chicken, loads of vegetables, a Yorkshire pudding, and delicious gravy. 

If you're in Grenada this hurricane season and want to try it out, visit Taffy's Bar in Woburn Bay. 

It's at the end of the dinghy dock across from Clark's Court marina/boatyard. Find details for Taffy's on Facebook. 

#sailinglife #bestsundaylunch #grenada
Before we purchased our boat we had so many questi Before we purchased our boat we had so many questions. Many of our questions impacted what type of boat we'd get, how much money we'd spend, and what we should expect. This FREE guide is what we wished we had when we started. Get your copy now!

FREE GUIDE: https://smpl.is/72je4

#sailingexperience #sailinglife #sailing
Sometimes we have sundowners on our boat, and othe Sometimes we have sundowners on our boat, and other times we take the dinghy to the beach and look at our boat. Either way, nothing beats celebrating another day living the boating lifestyle!

This picture is taken from the beach bar on Green Island in Antigua. If you visit Antigua, Green Island is a must-visit anchorage.

#sailingexperience #boatlife #boatlifestyle
Our new Reckmann Furler has broke! Thank goodness Our new Reckmann Furler has broke! Thank goodness I’m in paradise. Otherwise, I might just lose my mind! #sailingexperience #sailinglife #reallifestories
By gaining knowledge of safety procedures, navigat By gaining knowledge of safety procedures, navigation techniques, weather patterns, and emergency protocols, you can mitigate risks and make informed decisions on the water. 

Understanding the specific equipment requirements and best practices for blue water sailing ensures that you are adequately equipped to handle the unique challenges that arise during long-distance voyages.

Read this article to get tips and tricks on learning to sail blue water: https://smpl.is/70z5i

#bluewatersailing #sailingtips #sailing #sailingexperience
One theory proposes that "bottoms up" may have eme One theory proposes that "bottoms up" may have emerged from nautical or seafaring origins. In sailing, the term "bottom" refers to the lowest part of a ship or boat, usually submerged in the water. 

"Bottoms up" could have been a way for sailors to indicate that they had reached a safe depth where the bottom of the ship was not in danger of hitting the seabed. This usage could have been adopted into everyday language and transformed into a drinking toast.

The phrase has become a common part of drinking culture and is widely used today to signify finishing a drink in a single gulp.

#sailinglife #etymology #sailingexperience
Petite St Vincent is part of St Vincent & the Gren Petite St Vincent is part of St Vincent & the Grenadines; HOWEVER, if you're in Grenada, you're allowed to visit the island without booking out of Grenada. During hurricane season, it's a great place to visit. 

The anchorage has spectacular blue water, and the beach is white-littered with beautiful palm trees. It's a definite cruiser must-see destination. 

The island is private, so you can't walk on land, but you can enjoy the beach and visit the bar (when open). Warning - the prices are high! You can, however, see an incredible sunset looking out past your anchored boat. It is well worth the crazy cost of a G&T! 

To visit the bar, take your dinghy over to the dingy dock, and the bar is on the left. 

#sailingexperience #destinations #sailinglifestyle
Today we left the south coast of Grenada and saile Today we left the south coast of Grenada and sailed north to a deserted island called Ronde Island. Aside from some goats and one other sailboat, we're the only people here. 

I like the variety that sailing offers. The last few nights have been busy, social, and engaging at Le Phare Bleu, a lovely boutique marina on the south. It will be quiet, peaceful, and relaxing tonight at Ronde Island. 

It's our new guests' first full day out on Britican! We'll have to celebrate that 😉

#sailingexperience #sailinglifestyle #learntosail
Where is our number 1 favorite spot in the Caribbe Where is our number 1 favorite spot in the Caribbean? We love getting a mooring ball off Sandy Island, Carriacou, or anchoring and enjoying dinner at the Paradise Beach Club. 

#ParadiseBeachClub #sandyisland #Carriacou #anchorage #mooringball
Check out our latest video on YouTube: https://smp Check out our latest video on YouTube: https://smpl.is/72j58

Find out what a retired pilot thinks of trading in wings for sails.

#sailingexperience #sailinglifestyle #boatlife
The knot commonly used to tie a fender onto the si The knot commonly used to tie a fender onto the side of a boat to protect it from other boats and docks is called a "round turn and two half hitches." It is a simple and effective knot that provides a secure attachment for the fender. 

👉Follow us for more tips about being a confident sailing cruiser!

Here's how you tie a fender knot:

1. Start by passing the line's working end (rope) around a secure point on the boat, such as a cleat or railing.

2. Take the line's working end and make a loop around the standing part (the part of the line connected to the fender).

3. Pass the line's working end through the loop you just created.

4. Bring the line's working end around and make another loop around the standing part, similar to the first loop.

5. Pass the working end of the line through the second loop.

6. Tighten the knot by simultaneously pulling on the working end and the standing part.

This knot will create a secure attachment for the fender, allowing it to protect the boat's side from impacts with other boats or docks. 

You can adjust the fender's height and position for optimal protection according to your specific docking situation.
Follow us for more tips about being a confident sailing cruiser. 
#sailingexperience #boatknots #sailinglifestyle
May we always remember and honor our fallen heroes May we always remember and honor our fallen heroes. 🇺🇸 #MemorialDay #HonorAndRemember
As you gain insights into the intricacies of offsh As you gain insights into the intricacies of offshore sailing, you develop a deeper understanding of boat handling, sail trim, and maneuvering techniques in varying conditions. 

This knowledge enables you to navigate challenging situations confidently and efficiently, enhancing your overall sailing experience and allowing you to undertake longer and more adventurous voyages on the open ocean.

Get some of our tips and tricks for learning about sailing in blue water. Read this article: https://smpl.is/70z5b

#sailingtips #sailing #boating #oceansailing #sailboat #learningsailing #navigation #sailingexperience
Five reasons to buy my guide, Checklists for Sailo Five reasons to buy my guide, Checklists for Sailors:

1. Comprehensive Resource:  The book covers various aspects of sailing, including pre-departure checks, safety procedures, equipment maintenance, navigation, emergency protocols, and more. By following these checklists, sailors can ensure they have covered all necessary steps and improve their overall preparedness and efficiency on the water.

2. Safety Enhancement: Sailing involves inherent risks, and safety should always be a top priority. "Checklists for Sailors" offers a valuable tool to enhance safety measures. The book includes detailed checklists for conducting safety inspections, preparing for adverse weather conditions, handling emergencies, and performing routine maintenance tasks. By diligently following these checklists, sailors can minimize risks and navigate the waters with greater confidence and peace of mind.

3. Time-Saving and Organizational Benefits: The guide provides sailors with ready-made checklists that streamline their sailing routines and save time. By having a structured set of tasks, sailors can efficiently manage their time and ensure they don't overlook critical steps. The checklists also help organize and systematize various aspects of sailing, making it easier to keep track of important tasks and ensure nothing is missed.

4. Suitable for All Experience Levels: Whether someone is a novice sailor or an experienced seafarer, "Checklists for Sailors" caters to a wide range of experience levels. For beginners, the book offers a comprehensive guide and reference tool to navigate the complexities of sailing. At the same time, experienced sailors can benefit from the checklists as a valuable reminder and reference for essential procedures and protocols.

5. Confidence Building: This guide empowers sailors and builds their confidence by providing a structured and comprehensive set of checklists. The checklists provide a guide that instills a sense of preparedness and assurance. Following well-organized checklists and having a systematic approach to sailing tasks can boost sailors' confidence levels, allowing them to enjoy their time on the water with greater peace of mind.
Here's one of my favorite things about living on a Here's one of my favorite things about living on a boat (It's Kim here). I adore having my 5 pm glass of wine and watching the world go by in our cockpit. 

I see turtles popping up for air, new boaters arriving at the bay, birds feeding, and kids still swimming and laughing in the water. 

On land, I don't stop and appreciate my surroundings like I do on the water. There are trees, birds, and people on land, but it's not the same. 

Looking at the sea causes bliss! It's as simple as that.

Happy Friday!

#sailingexperience #sailinglife #boatlife
True freedom is not simply a claim or a right but True freedom is not simply a claim or a right but something that must be actively practiced and embraced through our experiences on the open sea, self-reliance, and commitment to environmental stewardship.

How often do you practice true freedom?

#sailingexperience #quotes #boatlife
The saying "Plans are written in sand at low tide" The saying "Plans are written in sand at low tide" is a metaphorical expression that conveys the idea that plans and intentions are often transient and subject to change. It suggests that plans, like words written in sand, can easily be washed away or altered by unforeseen circumstances or changing conditions.

Just as the tides can rise and erase what is written in the sand, life can bring unexpected events, obstacles, or opportunities that can disrupt or redirect our plans. It highlights the notion that despite our best intentions and meticulous planning, external factors can arise that require us to adapt or abandon our initial course of action.

This saying serves as a reminder to remain flexible, open-minded, and resilient in the face of uncertainty. It emphasizes the importance of being prepared to adjust our plans and embrace change when necessary, recognizing that life is dynamic and unpredictable.

Nothing teaches you more about flexibility, open-mindedness, and resilience than being a sailor!

#sailingexperience #sailinglife #sailingquote
"Sometimes there is no next time, no time-outs, no "Sometimes there is no next time, no time-outs, no second chances. Sometimes it’s now or never." Alan Bennett

#nowornever #quoteoftheday #lifelessons
Britican is FOR SALE! Would you like to take a tou Britican is FOR SALE! Would you like to take a tour and see if she's for you?

Oyster 56' Sailboat: https://smpl.is/7165r

#boatforsale #sailboatforsale #bluewatercruiser
Load More Follow on Instagram

Pinterest

Footer

Contact Sailing Britican

We help people find adventure and freedom by becoming sailing cruisers. If you would like to get in touch or having any questions, call or email us!
WhatsApp: +1 910 403 3067 Email: info@SailingBritican.com

Sailing Guides Payment Info

We accept PayPal and all major credit cards including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, JCB Diners Club, credit and debit cards. Transactions are performed via a SSL server to ensure your privacy.

Credit-Cards

Britican Menu

  • Home
  • My Account
  • Cart

Sailing On Social Media

TwitterYoutubeFacebookLinkedinPinterestInstagram

Site Developed by Gary Fox

Sailing Britican, All Rights Reserved

Manage Cookie Consent
We use cookies to optimize our website and our service.
Functional Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
Manage options Manage services Manage vendors Read more about these purposes
Preferences
{title} {title} {title}
Manage Cookie Consent
We use cookies to optimize our website and our service.
Functional Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
Manage options Manage services Manage vendors Read more about these purposes
Preferences
{title} {title} {title}