Skipper Debbie writes from her experience
Are we all trying to find somewhere to curl up in a blanket and hide right now? There’s a sense that the world has become too noisy and too disturbing, wishing to hide from it is a natural instinct. We have to give ourselves a break.
The wellness, luxury retreat option seems out of reach for most of us….and perhaps a little bit self-indulgent when the world is burning. There is also the realistic fear, whatever we do to escape, it will be just as messy when we get back home.
Yet the birds, bunnies and bees are all getting excited about Spring. Tucked up out the wind on a Cornish beach looking at the sparkling sea and feeling the sun on my shoulders – half of me can’t wait to go sailing and focus on simpler choices. The other half of me is wondering how I can help my sailing customers hang onto hope and feel able to ride the storm of life (yes, I really wrote that – bit cringey but not AI).
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But does a ‘hands on’ sailing voyage work as a Retreat? (Wellness-escapes-short break-retreat-safe haven call it what you will.)
I would say the evidence from customer comments on all types of Classic Sailing voyage is yes. Even a short 3 day break seems to reboot many guests and give them energy to enjoy what they have, restore faith in fellow humans and be thankful for the natural world.
Self help and self healing – is this too focussed on yourself?
Ok men – this is aimed at you. Adding yoga to a voyage is not just an excuse to lay around with blankets, vegan food and lots of girl chat. I’m a female skipper that uses power tools, lifts heavy things for work, rows gig boats competitively at 60. I need my joints to work and my body to still be able to move through a full range of movement – to do exciting sports and a challenging physical job. I also regularly burn out mentally and need company to keep me sane. I get all that from running sailing holidays with great guests. We like a mix of gender, nationality, age and interests. If we call it a blue gym – is that less scary for men? We eat meat and fish and drink wine and beer at sunset on all voyages, unless you tell us you are vegetarian. On Tallulah last year we had a husband come and go spear fishing whilst the group did an early morning beach yoga session.
Is it a retreat from responsibility?
Temporarily, but it can also give you a new perspective on how you view your responsibilities and priorities when you return home. For example Adam and I went on a week-long mountain retreat with skiing and yoga last winter. We still had to pack rucksacks for the days activities and show up – but the mental space we gained from having other experts plan the logistics and meals was a treat. A change is as good as a rest, if you are in the flow doing something new.
Can it be a Digital detox
A sailing boat where the guests are needed to sail the boat is an ideal place for a digital detox. You are busy learning new things, adapting to a different home on board and working alongside new people. If you stray offshore or chose a long ocean voyage then you really are away from the internet. If you bring a manual camera then you could just switch off your phone or leave it behind. There are temptations though, like sharing photos amongst your fellow sailors.
Wellness retreats – do they need to be luxury? Facilitated?
Facilitated – yes, if the leader is lovely, kind, energetic and full of enthusiasm for Their specialist activity and also loves the sailing, being at sea and exploring beautiful surroundings ashore. On a sailing boat we can’t control the elements, only harness them. Its not really for perfectionists that need a sun lounger between them and the sand.
Return home feeling stronger, re-energised and ready to maintain a healthier lifestyle.
Well, it works for most people, but if you discover living on a boat is a bit too close to the elements and other people, then at least your home and sofa will feel the ultimate luxury when you get home!
Safe haven
This is taking things to the next level. On sailing vessels, we often talk about safe havens. These are our last-ditch place of safety when we must run away from danger. They are not always perfect. For example, this winter Adam and I found ourselves on our wooden boat during the hurricane force winds of Storm Goretti. We were tied up to a pontoon in the most sheltered haven we could find, but it was still terrifying. The actual thing that comforted us, was that (i) we were together (ii) Rob was on a next door boat (iii) a very nice lady from a narrowboat stove supplier actually talked us through how to fix our heater in the middle of the storm! (iv) a voluntary weather charity – Kernow Weather – gave us updates of the changing winds in real time.
So when you are weathering anytime of storm, it is people and community that give you strength, and the boating community is well practiced at helping each other. If you would like more of that in your life, traditional sailing adds another layer, a chance to work alongside others and form connections that often last well beyond the voyage.
Short Breaks.
Wildlife Life Voyages.
Remote Expedition Voyages.
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