At sea, man is confronted with the natural elements in all their power and beauty. Living to the rhythm of the waves, the wind and the sun provides a unique connection with nature and a sense of harmony with the surrounding world.
A deep connection with nature
The first motivation is, of course, to be at one with nature!
Jean-Pierre, an experienced fishing boat owner, explains: ‘Every day brings its share of challenges, but also of discoveries and great moments. For me, being a fishing boat owner means living in harmony with nature, feeling the power of the ocean and the beauty of the seascapes.
The sea offers a dynamic and changing environment where ship owners can witness spectacular natural phenomena such as sunrises and sunsets over the water, impressive storms and encounters with marine wildlife. Marine, a marine biologist living on a catamaran, experiences the power of nature every day! Feeling so small in the face of the immensity of the ocean is both frightening and fascinating. It puts my problems into perspective and makes me feel humble in the face of nature’s grandeur.
A feeling of freedom
Being in control of your boat, sailing wherever you want and discovering new horizons every day is a unique experience. This is what motivated Jean-Yves, a former senior executive, to quit his job and live on a catamaran: I needed freedom, to get away from the daily grind. The sea gives me a sense of escape and adventure that I can’t find anywhere else.
A simple, minimalist lifestyle: back to basics
Living aboard a boat gives value to simplicity and minimalism, inviting boat owners to get rid of the superfluous and appreciate the little things in life. Sophie, owner of a sailing yacht, says: ‘Living aboard my yacht has taught me to be grateful for every moment and every resource. Limited space forces us to be creative and ingenious in order to maximise our comfort and well-being. This voluntary simplicity leads to a purer, more fulfilling existence, focused on the essentials.
Continual adventure and discovery
‘Living at sea is much more than just a day-to-day existence. An infinite playground for curious minds and explorers, the sea is a constant invitation to adventure and discovery. No two days are the same, bringing with them a whole host of surprises and possibilities! Whether it’s exploring new ports, sailing through rough seas or observing marine life in its natural habitat, there’s no room for monotony. Marc, a merchant ship captain, is enthusiastic: Sailing the oceans is a breathtaking experience. Every day I discover new landscapes, new cultures and new perspectives. It’s a never-ending adventure that nourishes and stimulates me.
A rich and unusual professional life
Life at sea offers a multitude of career opportunities in the maritime industry. Whether as a ship’s captain, deck officer, engineer or fisherman, there is a wide variety of jobs and specialisations available to those who are passionate about life at sea. Hervé, a merchant ship captain, explains: ‘Working on board a ship requires iron discipline, a sense of teamwork and an uncommon ability to adapt. Every day is a challenge, but every challenge we overcome strengthens our character and hones our skills.
Autonomy and independence
Being at sea provides a unique opportunity for autonomy and independence, where everyone is responsible for their own destiny. Maxime, a ship’s captain, says: Sailing solo has taught me to make quick, informed decisions, with complete confidence in my skills and intuition. It’s a feeling of freedom and power over myself that I can’t find anywhere else.
From the deep connection with nature to the freedom of travel, personal development and camaraderie within the maritime community, every aspect of life at sea contributes to a rich and rewarding experience. Life at sea is not just a lifestyle option, but an opportunity for personal fulfilment, adventure and continued growth. Whether it’s a short sailboat escapade or an entire career as a professional sailor, life at sea promises unforgettable experiences and valuable lessons for those who dare to sail the blue waters.
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