Setting Sail on My Journey to Becoming a Yachtmaster

It’s no secret that I’ve always had a passion for manufacturing, however, over the last couple of years, sailing has too piqued my interest. These two worlds may seem unrelated, but to me, they represent ingenuity, exploration, and the pursuit of something bigger than oneself. With that spirit in mind, I’m excited to share the first steps of my journey towards becoming a Yachtmaster—a goal that fuels my ultimate dream of circumnavigating the globe on a sailing catamaran alongside my husband.

Taking the First Steps

Currently, I’m working towards my International Competent Crew certification through the International Yacht Training Worldwide programme. With the coursework nearly complete, I’m preparing to take the final exam before moving on to the Marine Communications Master VHF course. While much of this training has been online, I’ll soon be partnering with a sailing school in Cape Town, South Africa, to complete the practical components. This hands-on experience will bring me one step closer to realising my dream.

Finding Inspiration in Nahoa and Parlay Revival

Part of this journey has been learning from others who’ve already accomplished what I aspire to achieve. A significant source of inspiration has been the family behind Sailing Nahoa, a family who has chronicled their first circumnavigation of the world and is currently on their second upon their Lagoon 410 catamaran. Their adventures are nothing short of extraordinary, and I encourage you to check them out on their YouTube channel here: Sailing Nahoa.

What I do love about Sailing Nahoa's channel - Ben and Ashley always go out of their way to share more technical information about sailing offshore and what you need to ensure a comfortable safe sail:

Another channel that has inspired me is Sailing Parlay Revival. Sailing Vessel Parlay is a 2012 hurricane-damaged Lagoon 450 Catamaran bought in Tortola, BVI, at the beginning of 2018 after Hurricane Irma. Colin and his team of friends have spent countless hours fixing up this yacht, showcasing incredible dedication and determination to live out their dream of circumnavigating the earth.

Despite starting with a badly damaged boat, they managed to make her seaworthy after just four months of hard work, setting sail across the Caribbean. Later, they undertook an extensive rebuild during a yard period in Rio Dulce, Guatemala. Their story is one of perseverance and passion, and it has deeply resonated with me. If you have some free time check out their Intro video:

Watching these voyages led me to purchase two essential books by Jimmy Cornell: World Cruising Destinations and World Voyage Planner. These books are invaluable resources, offering insights into what it truly takes to plan a global sailing adventure. They delve into crucial topics like wind patterns, typhoon seasons, and optimal sailing windows for safe and enjoyable ocean crossings. Understanding these complexities is an essential part of preparing for such a life-changing experience.

A Personal Connection to Sailing

While I’m still wrapping my head around sailing theory and terminology, my journey has already included some memorable moments. My previous experience includes minimal time aboard an ex-racing yacht turned cruiser around Australia’s fringe reefs and some dinghy sailing off the shores of the Maldives and Mauritius. These experiences, while brief, ignited a deep love for the water.

In 2024, my husband and I purchased a Laser 2 dinghy, affectionately named Jack’s Lady. Our first sail together on Rietvlei Dam was a mix of excitement and learning. My husband, who had never sailed before, took the helm while I handled the jib. Despite our inexperience, he picked up the basics quickly, and we managed to avoid capsizing—a small but proud victory. (Look out for a photo of Jack’s Lady in this post!)

Exploring Catamaran Possibilities

In 2024, I also became friends with a woman who has been in the maritime transportation manufacturing space for over 20 years. Together, we volunteer our time at the 1st Blaauwberg Sea Scouts Group with SCOUTS South Africa . In May of 2024, I had the incredible opportunity to visit the VOYAGE YACHTS factory. As someone who loves manufacturing, I was in absolute awe when I got to not only tour the factory but also climb aboard the VOYAGE 590, a luxury sailing catamaran. Though it was still very raw inside and out, with exposed wires and unfinished interiors, I could clearly envisage the beauty it would become beyond the bare shell.

While Voyage catamarans are undeniably beautiful, their large scale makes them less practical for my future adventure. For a crew of just my husband and me, such a vessel would be unrealistic.

This has led me to explore options like the Lagoon 410 manufactured by Lagoon Catamarans , the vessel behind Nahoa’s incredible journeys. Its proven track record of completing a global voyage speaks volumes about its reliability and design. The Lagoon 410 offers a more manageable size for a crew of two while still providing the comfort and durability needed for extended voyages.

Closer to home, South African manufacturers like Balance Catamarans have also piqued my interest. Designed by Du Toit Yacht Design , these vessels combine sleek, modern aesthetics with cutting-edge materials like a recently added carbon core. Just one look at their promotional videos, and you’ll understand why they’re so captivating.

What’s Next?

This journey is just beginning, and there’s so much to learn and experience along the way. My hope is to document every step, sharing insights and stories with you here on LinkedIn. Beyond achieving my personal goals, I aim to inspire others—especially women—to embrace sailing, explore the world, and pursue their passions fearlessly.

I also plan to get more involved at the Royal Cape Yacht Club , where I hope to join captains as crew aboard their yachts to rack up my sailing miles. Connecting with the sailing community is an essential step in making this dream a reality, so please feel free to send me a connection request—I would love to hear from you!

If you’ve ever dreamed of sailing, I’d love to hear your story. Let’s connect, share knowledge, and celebrate the incredible world of sailing together. Here’s to many adventures ahead!