9 may 2025
On May 9, 2016 we left the Netherlands with our boat Pegasus for an indefinite period and an indefinite destination. It’s been 9 years now, how time flies. Looking back on the past years, we can say with certainty that we have not regretted our decision to leave the Netherlands for a moment.
Of course we miss our family and dear friends who live in the Netherlands. You can’t just quickly go back to the Netherlands to have a nice cup of coffee or to comfort someone when needed. That can be quite difficult sometimes, but on the other hand, new friendships are formed along the way. Friends with whom we sometimes have very intensive contact. Sailors often understand each other without having to explain much. Stories are exchanged and situations are so recognizable, that quickly creates a special bond. Sailors seek each other out during ‘Happy Hour’ and there have been many of them in the past 9 years! Yes, yes, sailors do like a drink! You would almost think that alcoholism is linked to the sailor’s life.
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Of course there is also a negative side, we have to say goodbye to friends very often during our journey. We never say goodbye, but always see you. You never know if you will meet each other again somewhere. The experience of the past 9 years has taught us that this is also the case, certainly with the sailors who, like us, have left for an indefinite period. We meet sailors of all nationalities and get to know the inhabitants of all the different countries and islands that we visit. Respect for the values and standards of each country. You automatically learn to be flexible, otherwise you cannot sustain this life.
We like the way of life very much and we hope to be able to continue doing this for many years to come. This is also the reason that we bought another boat two years ago, `Mustang Sally`. We have adapted the boat to our lifestyle and age. Well, we are getting older and a few extra aids are never a bad thing. Although this life also keeps you young in another way because you learn something every day. Always busy figuring out where we are going, which route, when we have a good `weather moment`, which papers are needed, where you can buy water, diesel, petrol, groceries or where you can do the laundry. You have to figure everything out again every time and that keeps your mind active. The boat is becoming more and more our own and we are very happy with her. So as long as our health allows it, we want to continue this life, what we do after that, we will see then.
What a huge amount of experience we have gained in these years, in sailing of course, but also in other areas. We are a good team together because we both have our own view on things. Fred is the epitome of down-to-earth and I react more from my feelings. Life on board sometimes presents challenging situations, but together we always find a solution. We have our own qualities and complement each other well. We have learned not to be led by stress, are not easily scared and have learned to put things into perspective. How privileged we are to live this life that we do. Seeing poverty in other countries and that people are happy with small things. That money does not make you happy, but is only useful when you have a bit more to spend. We are rich, because of all the experiences we gain and it has certainly changed our view of the world.
Let’s not forget our boat cat ~Kit~. He was not yet one year old when we left and now 9 years later he has really become a real `live aboard cat`. Nowadays he sleeps a bit more, after all he is getting older just like us, but now and then he can still be tempted with a game. It is and remains fun to have him on board. We are still happy to have him on board. He has adapted and is sometimes just as stubborn as his owners. We hope to travel around with him for many years to come.
Let’s get some things straight.
Days on the road:
3287
Number of nautical miles sailed:
18,445 (since 2011)
Countries and islands visited:
23 countries/more than 20 islands
Languages spoken:
Dutch, English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Papiamento
Forms of transport etc.:
Rental car, local buses, local boats, quad, bicycle, paddleboard, cable car, zip-line, golf cart