Sailing at 5 o'clock somewhere in the world, enjoying a moment of relaxation on the water
The romantic idea of sailing often comes hand-in-hand with a certain carefree spirit, a notion that every day is a holiday. It’s easy to fall into the trap of “it’s 5 o’clock somewhere” when you’re living the sailing life. Our cultural icons of the sea, from Ernest Hemingway to fictional characters like Captain Jack Sparrow and Captain Ron, often reinforce this image of a life less concerned with the clock and perhaps more inclined to indulge. The sea air itself can feel like it’s encouraging a thirst that needs quenching! As the famous saying goes, “Yo-ho-ho, and a bottle of rum!”
While enjoying a drink or two might enhance a short sailing vacation, like a 10-day cruise with beers at anchor and cocktails in port, the perspective needs to shift when you transition to full-time voyaging. Living on a boat long-term requires a reevaluation of certain lifestyle habits, especially those related to indulgence.
My wife, Alex, and I embarked on our full-time sailing adventure from Boston Harbor over two years ago. Our journey has taken us from the coasts of Newfoundland to the warm waters of the Bahamas. Currently, we are preparing to cross the Atlantic to England, with stops planned in Bermuda and the Azores.
Through our experiences, we’ve learned valuable lessons, and one particularly important one is about navigating the lifestyle that comes with endless horizons. We’ve come to recognize the importance of avoiding what we’ve started calling the three “D’s” of full-time sailing: Drunk, Dropped-out, and Dissolute.
Many sailors are initially drawn to extended voyages by the joy of weekend sails and week-long coastal trips. Extended voyaging, in many ways, resembles an ongoing series of these shorter vacations. It sounds idyllic, and often it is. However, it’s crucial to transition mentally from a “Weekend Warrior” to a “Full-Time Voyager.” The goal is to avoid becoming the stereotypical image of the perpetually tipsy sailor – the one struggling to get out of the dinghy, the one who loses their phone in the harbor after a few too many, or the one others steer clear of on the beach.
Our friend Joyce, a fellow sailor, put it bluntly: “It’s not the 1800s. You’re not a pirate. You don’t need a rum bottle in your hand constantly, or even at all.” Her words were a stark reminder, and she has a valid point. The more time we spend sailing, the more we appreciate the value of moderation in various aspects of life.
Beyond just managing alcohol consumption, there’s also the risk of drifting into a state of apathy or disillusionment. Even without excessive drinking, a feeling of being “dropped-out” or succumbing to a sun-drenched aimlessness can creep into a sailor’s mindset when faced with a seemingly endless journey. While some are content island-hopping, swimming in beautiful waters, and relaxing on pristine beaches, others, like us, need more purpose to structure their days and maintain a sense of fulfillment.
The ways sailors find purpose are diverse. Some seek temporary employment in ports to fund their travels. Others work remotely, maintaining their careers from afar, sometimes finding themselves wishing for less work and more relaxation. For families sailing with children, the mission of raising and educating their kids onboard naturally provides structure and purpose.
Many sailors actively seek out missions. We’ve encountered those who volunteer in local communities, contributing in various ways. Others are involved in citizen science, contributing to environmental research. Some dedicate themselves to strengthening the cruising community itself. Others pursue missionary work. Some aspire to become content creators, like YouTube vloggers. Many engage in creative pursuits such as painting, writing, crafting, or music. And then there are those who find purpose in meticulous boat maintenance, endlessly polishing stainless steel and varnishing teak.
It’s clear that people fill their time in countless ways, some more beneficial than others. For me, writing projects, including this very article, provide a rewarding focus for my days (and contribute to our finances). Alex channels her energy into cooking, a passion that not only fills her time but also tangibly benefits us both, for which I am incredibly grateful.
On a deeper level, the very need to constantly “fill the void” prompts reflection. Has modern society instilled in us an unhealthy obsession with productivity? I often wonder if true contentment lies in embracing moments of stillness and “emptiness,” rather than constantly striving for activity. I admire those who can find peace in simply being.
Considering these potential emotional and lifestyle challenges is often overlooked when preparing for a long voyage. Intentionally contemplating these aspects is a crucial part of voyage preparation, perhaps even the most important element.
Next time, I’ll share “Lesson #3: You Need Less Than You Think.”
Christopher Birch is the founder of Birch Marine Inc. on Long Wharf, Boston. He and his wife, Alex, are now cruising full-time aboard their 36’ Morris Justine. Follow their voyage at www.EagleSevenSailing.com.
