What a great trip so far. About half way. Tomorrow we head to Ko Jum for some good seafood.

⛵️ 11 Days, 163 Nautical Miles – An Unforgettable Sailing Adventure! 🌊🌞 Just wrapped up an incredible 11-day sailing journey covering 163 nautical miles through some of Thailand’s most stunning islands! Aboard Happy Eva, our Fontaine Pajot Mahe 36, we explored breathtaking destinations, enjoyed fantastic company, and embraced the beauty of the Andaman Sea. With steady winds and sunshine throughout, we had near-perfect sailing conditions—only a touch of rain on the last night to remind us that nature always has the final say! 🌴 Our Route: 📍 James Bond Island (Ko Tapu) – Famous for its iconic limestone cliffs, this stunning island was featured in The Man with the Golden Gun (1974) as the hideout of Scaramanga. A must-see! 📍 Ko Phi Phi – Crystal-clear waters, dramatic cliffs, and lively island vibes. Snorkeling and sunsets here were unreal! 📍 Ko Roi & Ko Yao – Peaceful anchorages, hidden lagoons, and stunning rock formations. 📍 Ko Jum – A laid-back island with untouched beaches and a glimpse of authentic Thai island life. 📍 Ko Phanak – Mysterious sea caves and spectacular karst formations made this stop unforgettable. 📍 Railay Beach – Towering limestone cliffs, world-class rock climbing, and postcard-perfect beaches. ⛵️ Our Catamaran – Happy Eva Sailing aboard Happy Eva, a Fontaine Pajot Mahe 36, made this journey even more special. With a 3-cabin layout, a spacious cockpit, and a sleek 11m (36ft) hull, she was the perfect home on the water. Her twin 20HP engines and impressive sail performance ensured smooth sailing across all conditions. From sunrises over the horizon to nights under the stars, from thrilling sails to peaceful anchorages—this trip was pure magic. Grateful for an amazing crew who made every moment unforgettable! Thanks also to the great team at island spirit charted at the yacht haven Marina. They took great care of us. Until next time, Happy Eva! ⛵️💙 #SailingLife #HappyEva #FontainePajot #SailingThailand #JamesBondIsland #KoPhiPhi #RailayBeach #CatamaranLife #163NMAdventure #mahe36 #islandspirit #yachthavenmarina

We are setting off on another 10 day sail this coming Tuesday. So excited to get out on the water again

🌍 Land-Based Adventures: Why We Sail to New Destinations 🌅 Sailing takes us to incredible places, but it’s the adventures on land that often leave us in awe. Our visit to the Madikwe Game Reserve in South Africa was nothing short of magical. From breathtaking sunrises to golden sunsets, we experienced nature at its finest. Imagine elephants so close you could almost touch them, rhinos in their majestic glory, elusive painted wolves, striking oryx, and so much more. Each sighting was a moment to treasure. The only downside? It was far too short. These experiences remind us why we explore – to connect with the beauty and wonder of our world. 🌍✨ Where has your sailing journey taken you lately? Let’s share and inspire! ⛵🐘 #SeaPeople #MadikweGameReserve #SailingLife

🎉 Celebrating my birthday in beautiful Lombok! The island is breathtaking, and the people here are so friendly and welcoming—it’s truly a special place. 🌴 One of the highlights was seeing lots of turtles feeding on the seagrass—such an amazing experience! 🐢💚 If you’re planning a visit, I highly recommend coming in the off-season. The beaches are quieter, and you get to enjoy the island’s natural beauty at its most serene. Can’t wait to explore more of this paradise! 🐠🌅 #Lombok #IslandLife #TurtleWatching #BirthdayVibes

Some trips etch themselves into your memory, not because of the grand scale but because of their simplicity and magic. This was one of those trips. Just the two of us, a Fountaine Pajot Mahe 36 sailing catamaran named Happy Eva, and the open sea. For a few days, life was distilled down to its essence: wind in the sails, sun on our skin, and the allure of discovering new horizons. Before setting sail, we decided to create something unique to commemorate the journey—a bespoke cocktail. The recipe, much like the trip, was an impromptu blend of things we loved. It became our ritual to sip on this signature drink at sunset, as the horizon painted itself in hues of orange and pink. The Journey The weather couldn’t have been better. Each day greeted us with calm seas and warm breezes, perfect for exploring the coastal gems along the way. The beauty of sailing is the freedom it offers: stopping when you please, lingering in places that capture your heart, and moving on when curiosity calls. We stocked the boat generously, imagining cozy meals on board, but to our amusement, we found ourselves drawn to the local villages. Each stop brought a new culinary adventure—fresh seafood grilled to perfection, vibrant curries, and warm hospitality. Despite our best planning, our over-provisioned stores barely saw the light of day. A Missing Piece As perfect as the trip was, there was one thing missing: our three pups—Susie, Nandi, and Arak. They’re as much a part of our family as the two of us, and every serene moment on the deck felt like it was waiting for their playful presence. We often talked about how, one day, when we have our own boat, we’ll bring them along. It’s easy to imagine Susie curling up in the cockpit, Nandi watching the waves, and Arak bounding with excitement at every new port. Reflections Sailing Happy Eva was more than a getaway; it was a glimpse into a dream. The peaceful rhythm of life on the water, punctuated by laughter, good food, and shared discoveries, reminded us of the beauty of simplicity. The memories we made, from crafting our cocktail to exploring quiet village harbors, will stay with us forever. One day, we’ll sail with our three furry companions by our side. Until then, this trip remains a treasured chapter in our journey—a testament to the joy of adventure and the promise of many more to come. If you’ve ever dreamed of leaving it all behind and setting sail, let me assure you: it’s every bit as magical as it sounds.

Sometimes, a sailing trip becomes more than just an adventure—it transforms into a defining moment. Our five-day journey aboard Sade 2, a 36-foot monohull we affectionately dubbed “plastic fantastic,” was exactly that. This wasn’t just about covering miles from northern Phuket to Langkawi; it was about learning, growing, and savoring our first overnight sail together. Setting Sail The winds were perfect, filling Sade 2’s sails with just enough gusto to keep us on our toes while rewarding us with exhilarating speeds. This wasn’t your average pleasure cruise—it was an RYA sailing course, and every tack, jibe, and knot tied was a step toward mastering the art of seamanship. We had a fantastic crew aboard, sharing laughs, stories, and the occasional blunder, which only added to the camaraderie. Stops along the way included the pristine sands of Koh Roc Nok and the laid-back charm of Koh Lipe, each offering a respite from the rigors of sailing and a chance to marvel at the beauty of the Andaman Sea. Magic of the Full Moon The magic of this trip was amplified by a full moon that lit the night sky so brightly you could read a book on deck. As we sailed through the night, the silver light reflecting off the waves created an ethereal world—one that reminded us of why we fell in love with the sea in the first place. The sense of achievement was palpable as Julie passed her Competent Crew certification, and I earned my day Skipper. Our skipper was more than an instructor; he was a patient guide who made every lesson feel like a step closer to mastering the craft. A Race Against Time But as idyllic as the trip was, the shadow of a growing global crisis loomed over us. News of COVID-19 worsened by the day, and by the time we reached Langkawi, it was clear we were in a race against time to return home. We made it back to Singapore with only a few days to spare before borders closed and the world changed overnight. Two Years of What-Ifs Those two years of lockdown were challenging, filled with longing for the freedom of the open sea. Many times, we wished we’d owned a boat during that period, imagining how the monotony of isolation could have been broken by the gentle rhythm of waves and the thrill of a new horizon. Reflections Sailing Sade 2 was more than just a sailing course—it was an adventure marked by firsts and lasts, triumphs and challenges. It gave us new skills, unforgettable memories, and a yearning for more time on the water. And while we couldn’t change the two years of stillness that followed, this trip remains a beacon of hope and a reminder of the freedom that lies just beyond the shoreline. One day, we’ll have our own boat, ready to chase the horizon whenever the world feels too small. Until then, Sade 2 and the lessons she taught us will be a cherished part of our journey.