The financial side of a circumnavigation
We had a bit of money saved when we decided to start this tour. Some parts of our belongings had also to get sold for us to be able to cast off and a part of the money came from savings. Most of the dollars went to equip the boat and get all things we needed for a journey like this. Boat mechanics, vaccinations, diving equipment, expensive satellite broadband and other communication devices, medicines, comfortable and cozy accessories for the boat, new rigging, safety equipment, a good insurance for us and the boat, documentation equipment - cameras etc, new anchors and all kinds of other technical and mechanical stuff we might've be in need of. Our strategy was to try figuring out what exactly in material would make us comfortable and happy living on a boat and we made sure to get everything we could possibly need and have the space for on a small sailing vessel, throw out the rest and thereafter live moderately inexpensive in the paradise. We also calculated to have enough money saved for around two years of traveling on a medium sized budget which would be good for all of our needs plus an extra buffer in case something would happen to us or the boat. Unfortunately we've had quite a few emergency costs already and we must admit that we've spent a bit too much from the original plan so we do most definitely have to think about what is getting spent and we can't go crazy on the shopping part for example. Not that we're in need of it anyway, and we definitely do not have any space left for anything even if we would want to.
We do not worry about the financial part too much though as we know that there are always ways to make money in case we would be in need of it. Besides of the successful mastering engineering carrier he left behind, Alex is also an extremely experienced and skilled skipper and he has the RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore certificate. This license could get him a well paid job both here in the Caribbean or anywhere in the world for that matter. And myself will keep on with what I do best and continue my little struggling of a freelance photographer, writer and web designer and there will (hopefully) always be something creative to make some money on. Also we got the blog which is bringing in a few dollars every month. So, although it might seem like we're living a dolce vita, we - just like many other sailors/circumnavigators or other people for that matter, do live by a limited budget and it is all a life of compromises and prioritizations.
We are both pretty used to spend dineros and live a flashy life but we have lately figured that a life without too much things, is a very healthy and refreshing life. Real happiness doesn't come in silky packages and in diamond shapes like we all know, but in genuine and pure joy and love. Add freedom, sunshine, music and good food to that and we're more than satisfied. As long as we have the health and each other, as long as our boat and home is comfortable and cozy, as long as we're able to eat and drink well, able to enjoy music, sunshine, the ocean and inspiring cultures and people - then we're happy and do not need much else. And when the time arrives when we feel like we're done with the ocean to this particular extent, well then we’re always able go back to where we came from if we would want to. Or Europe doesn't tempt much at all for the moment, but I could do whatever I'm doing more or less anywhere in the world and the same goes for Alex, he could always open up a new mastering studio or start working with another well reputed studio somewhere in the world so there are always an endless amount of opportunities for us for that day we decide to say ciao and see you later to the ocean. Or best would probably be to try combining the best of two worlds later on.
For all of you people out there who're dreaming of doing something like sailing around the world or anything involving the meaning of casting off from the normality, we would like to give you some encouragement: Take the chance while you got it, the hard thing is to let it all go but if you don't do it now, when will you? And money is just money in the end, there will always be ways to make new ones. If you decide to take the step into a new era in life and you’re planning on getting beyond your normal security zone, try not to be scared. There will always appear a time and place where you can get back to where you started if you absolutely need to. Nothing is forever and a change in life isn’t that hard after all, just think about it, what is really the worst thing that could happen – and realize it isn’t so hard after all. Then think about all the wonderful, amazing, thrilling new things and experiences you would be able to gain and receive, if you just dared to take a chance.
For us is this part of our lives a very important one and we're willing to leave everything and every kind of security behind just to be able to take part of this wonderful adventure. Cost what it has to cost. The risks comes with the rewards. And would we never had tried this out we would never know what is the best way around. And who wants to die clueless? To dare is to live, like some wise man once said, remember that and get out there now and take some risks.
And hire us when we run out of money please. /T
