As I woke up on this auspicious day of August 1st, my mind immediately drifted towards my daughters, and the significance of this month. August has always been a powerful month for us – a month when we have both lost it all and gained everything. It’s a time of reflection, rejoicing, and prayer.

But today was different. Today, we set sail around the world, as a family. I couldn’t help but think about the words of Jon Krakauer in his book, Into The Wild. He wrote that the joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences and an endlessly changing horizon, where each day brings a new and different sun. I couldn’t agree more with him.

My family means everything to me, and this journey is a gift to them. But it’s not going to be easy. We are traveling unvaccinated in a post-Covid world, with mandatory travel and boat insurance, the rising cost of fuel, and soaring inflation. And let’s not forget the constant PCR testing we will have to undergo while checking in and out of different countries.

But despite the challenges, I remain unafraid. There is a lot before us, and when everything seems to be falling apart, I know we will depend on our resourcefulness. “Family Is The World’s Greatest Team” will be our motto.

As we set off on our journey, I am reminded of a short story by Janet about our first passage to Kota Kinabalu. It was a challenging experience, but it taught us the importance of perseverance and teamwork.

So, let us keep exploring, and never forget the power of freedom.

Skip Freedom

The Passage – A Thrilling Night on the Open Seas

As we bid farewell to the Philippines and set sail for Sabah, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of excitement and unease. The sea had always been a fickle mistress, and as we left the comfort of land behind, I felt my stomach churn with anticipation. We were in for an all-nighter, with Skip at the helm and H hoisting the sails. The wind was set to pick up later in the evening, and we were eager to ride the waves.

The first few hours went by smoothly, but as we reached the tip of Balabac and headed for the straits, I could feel the water growing rougher and the wind stronger. I tried to focus on Amihan, who seemed oblivious to the sudden shift in the environment, but the unease continued to gnaw at me. Skip ordered H to hoist the staysail, headsail, main and mizzen sails, and we were full on, powered by wind alone.

As the night wore on, H and I started to feel the effects of seasickness. It had been a while since we’d encountered such big seas, and it was taking time to get our sea legs back. I retreated below deck with Amihan, hoping to rest and regain my composure. Skip and H, ever the experienced sailors, took turns with their shifts, navigating the treacherous waters with ease.

From time to time, I would wake up and feel the boat heeling on the starboard, hear the water splashing against the hull and the wind blowing and hollering onto the sails. The wind was our lifeline, powering us forward without the need for diesel, and as we sailed into the morning light, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe at the raw power of nature.

As we passed by squidders, fishermen who fished for squid, and oil and gas rigs that emitted bright orange light, I felt a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to sail again. It had been too long since I’d felt the wind in my hair and the sun on my face, and I savored every moment of the journey.

Morning broke, and with it came the silhouette of Mt. Kota Kinabalu, looming majestically in the distance. As we cruised along the coast of Sabah, the wind died down, and we were forced to rely on the engine once more. But even as we covered the final 50 nautical miles to Kota Kinabalu, the memory of the wind and the waves lingered, and I knew that I would never forget this journey.

As we dropped anchor in front of the city bay walk, greeted by rainbows and a magnificent sunset, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment. We had braved the open sea and arrived safely in Sabah, ready to explore all that this beautiful country had to offer. Welcome to KK, Sabah, Malaysia.

Janet Belarmino