Sailing life is a mix of magic, challenge, and a fair bit of improvisation. At the moment, we’re anchored near Elba, but in this post we’re looking back on our adventures in Italy last year—because honestly, too much happened not to share.
One of the most fascinating pieces of equipment on our catamaran is the watermaker. Imagine this: seawater is pulled in from below the waterline, forced through ultra-fine membranes at enormous pressure, and comes out as pure, crystal-clear drinking water. It feels like magic—260 liters an hour, enough for showers, cooking, and endless cups of coffee. Once you have it, you never want to sail without it.
But sailing life wouldn’t be sailing life without a plot twist. The through-hull, the fitting where seawater enters the boat, had corroded over time and finally broke apart. The result? A leak, and the urgent need to haul the boat out. That’s why we ended up back in Croatia, where all the old metal through-hulls were replaced with plastic composite ones. They’re lighter, stronger, and—most importantly—won’t corrode. Problem solved, lesson learned.
In Naples, with the boat safely back in the water, Kay discovered a new obsession: splicing lines. With a little muscle and a lot of patience, he learned how to weave rope into permanent loops that are stronger than knots. With his “lovely assistant” at his side, he dove into the craft. It’s equal parts practical and meditative—plus it keeps him busy.
Life onboard isn’t all boat repairs, of course. We welcomed Cerys, our newest crewmember from Wales, who immediately passed the ultimate test: handling the kids while I went shopping. She even took them to the playground while I nervously tried my very first foreign haircut. Picture me trying to explain my dream hairstyle in Italian without a single word of English flying around. Stressful, but in the end? Totally worth it.
Italy charmed us in countless little ways—especially the street musicians that make even an ordinary walk feel cinematic. And the cherry on top was our crossing to Sardinia: calm seas, steady wind, and that gentle rhythm only sailors know.
Looking back, it’s all these contrasts that make this journey unforgettable: the stress of a broken fitting, the laughter of kids in a foreign playground, the sound of violins echoing through Italian streets, and the peace of a perfect sailing day.
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