What It's Really Like to Sail Around the World at 26

Hello! As a young woman who recently started sailing around the world with her partner, I thought I would share with you the highs and lows, and what it is really like to sail around the world. We swapped office jobs for the open ocean, sold most of our stuff, and now live on a boat, exploring new places, meeting interesting people, and dealing with the reality of life at sea.

I’m sure you’ve seen plenty of Instagram posts that make this life look perfect — sunsets, crystal-clear waters, and that “carefree” vibe. But let me be real: it’s not always as glamorous as it seems. So if you’re curious about what it’s really like, stick around. Here’s a peek behind the sail.

1. The Boat Becomes Your Entire World

Living in a tiny, cozy space with someone (and a bunch of stuff you thought you'd never need) is an adjustment. Our boat’s kitchen is so small, it’s hard to believe I can cook meals in there, but somehow I manage. And don’t even get me started on the shower situation (let’s just say it’s... intimate).

But there’s something about the simplicity of it all. Our boat is our home — no distractions, no excess. And when you wake up to a new view every single day, it’s hard to complain about the small space.

Tip: Embrace minimalism. It’s incredible how little you truly need when you're surrounded by the ocean.

2. Life with Your Partner (It’s Intense, But Worth It)

Sailing with my partner is the best and sometimes the hardest part of this whole experience. Living in close quarters means there’s nowhere to hide — which, for better or for worse, leads to some very honest, sometimes heated, conversations. But the upside? We’re a team. We face everything together, and that makes the victories even sweeter.

We’ve learned so much about each other in this space, and while it’s challenging at times, I wouldn’t want to be doing this with anyone else.

Tip: Communication is EVERYTHING. Be patient and take turns being the “calm one” when things get stressful.

3. Get Ready to Feel Seasick (It’s Part of the Deal)

I won’t sugarcoat it: your first time at sea might not be all smooth sailing. For me, it was a bit of a disaster. I definitely had my fair share of seasickness, and let me tell you — it’s not cute. But after a few days, your body adjusts, and you start to find your sea legs.

Now, I can tell when the weather’s about to shift, and I know which remedies work best for me. The key is just getting through the first rough patch — and knowing you won’t always feel this way.

Tip: Ginger tea, acupressure bands, and lots of water. Trust me on this.

Photos never do it justice, but this weather was not fun!

4. There’s Always Something to Fix, Adjust, or Maintain

Sailing isn’t just about pretty views and relaxing on deck. It’s a lot of work. There are constant little maintenance tasks — from checking the engine to fixing minor issues that pop up (and trust me, they will). Plus, we’re always navigating and ensuring the boat stays in top condition.

It’s a lot of work, but I’ve come to enjoy it. It’s a reminder that no adventure comes without effort.

Tip: Get familiar with basic boat maintenance before you set out. It’ll save you from a lot of stress later!

5. The Freedom Feels Like a Dream (Until You Realise You're the One in Charge)

The freedom of sailing around the world is incredible. There’s no boss telling you what to do, no 9-to-5 grind. We decide where we go, when we go, and how long we stay. Some days, it feels like we have the world at our feet.

But that freedom comes with responsibility. We’re in charge of our safety, the boat, and everything that comes with it. That means we have to make smart decisions, keep track of finances, plan our routes, and make sure our boat is always ready for whatever comes next.

Tip: Enjoy the freedom, but remember that with it comes the responsibility of staying on top of everything.

Sightings of dolphins - when the bad weather becomes worth it!

6. It’s Not Always Picture-Perfect, But It’s Always Worth It

There are days when the boat feels like it’s falling apart, when the weather’s awful, or when we’re just plain exhausted. But there are also days when everything falls into place — when the wind is perfect, the water is clear, and we drop anchor somewhere so beautiful, it almost feels like a dream.

That’s the magic of this life. It’s not perfect, but the experiences we’re having are worth every rough patch.

Tip: When things go wrong (and they will), take a deep breath. It’s all part of the ride.

And to sum it up…

Overall Sailing around the world as a young adult is not always easy, but it’s been one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done. There are challenges, moments of doubt, and more than a few days when I’ve wondered what I was thinking. But the good days — the ones spent exploring new places, meeting new people, and soaking in the beauty of the world — make it all worth it.

If you’re thinking about this lifestyle, I say go for it. It’s not a fairytale, but it’s an adventure that will change you in ways you never imagined.

Catch you on the water!