Better to drift than make plans
Our Retrospective
Auf die ISLY - fertig - los
While we were looking at boats all over Europe as potential buyers, we also obtained our sailing certificate, radio operator's license, pyrotechnics certificate, etc. and deepened our still lacking knowledge in areas like meteorology, navigation, and boat technology. We wanted to be well prepared for this new chapter in our lives. But what we still didn't know was only to be revealed to us in the future.
In late summer 2018, the time had come.
We signed the purchase contract and the ISLY was ours.
This sealing of a new start into the unknown was an incredible and indescribable feeling.
Before we set off, we had the ISLY undergo a refit. For example, the underwater hull was sandblasted, solar panels and a bow thruster were installed, and a comprehensive engine overhaul was carried out.
In the summer of 2019, we were then ready for the command "cast off" and we set out with our floating home into a new chapter of our lives.
From now on, we had to make every decision ourselves and were on our own. There was no skipper on board giving orders and bearing the responsibility. This was all quite exciting, as at that point we were unfamiliar with the sailing characteristics of the boat and could not boast of great sailing experience.
Over time, we have learned so much, more than we wanted to know. Familiarizing ourselves with the boat's technology (engines, water and diesel systems, etc.) and on-board electronics was a necessary safety aspect and accompanied by various aha moments as newcomers back then. Today we know our ISLY quite well and can react quickly. An Austrian sailing friend once said a fitting phrase: "Wer noch nie ein Boot besaß, waas an Schaaß" (translated into standard German: "...knows nothing"). The extent to which a boat life entails only became clear to us over time. We only realized the extent of a boat's life over time. A boat needs to be looked after, maintained, repaired and also stroked, äh... painted.
School of life
...this is how we can positively describe sailing.
And above all, the realization of when enough is enough. Namely, never.
Growing together
Let's also devote a small point to the interpersonal aspect. Our new life on the ISLY has welded us together through the shared moments of success (there were certainly also frustrating ones) and the beautiful moments. In our case, we started the ship life project coming from a long-distance relationship. In the first year, it sometimes felt to us as if we had changed partners.
We got to know each other from completely new sides, and not just our best sides. However, we never lost sight of our common life goal and learned that the best recipe is humor. Evasive maneuvers are difficult, because to get out of each other's way, the largest ship is too small.
Our motto is "Take It ISLY and enjoy life".
Sailing and time pressure do not harmonize
First, we turned our backs on the hectic pace, and then we also reduced the speed. In the meantime, we have become quite decelerated with everything and accept that certain circumstances such as waiting for spare parts, broken bones, bad weather fronts, no wind or from the wrong direction, repairs and other surprises of all kinds can delay our route wishes. "Life is what happens while you are busy making other plans" is a well-known saying. For us, the greatest freedom in sailing begins with having time. To linger in beautiful places for an indefinite period of time and to arrange ourselves with it, to adapt our plans to the circumstances more often.
The more the merrier
Our equipment has gradually multiplied step by step. Since we have a lot of storage space on our boat, we don't have to consider whether we should replace "this" instead of "that". We are in the happy situation of having a lot of space. In some other sailboats with beautiful three cabins, the third cabin is often used as storage space. From three to two, because where to put all the miscellany? The question "where to put it/where to place it" does not arise for us.
Grit your teeth and carry on
Nevertheless, there were also some very unpleasant and exciting situations. We lost our anchor and chain in a bay and another time we were faced with the choice between the Medicane and the Meltemi. In this case, we had no choice but to fight against strong winds. In this situation in particular, we were happy with our ISLY, which was only slightly affected by the turbulence, unlike the crew.
Doubts
Yes, we had doubts whether we really wanted the boat life. Up to the first 1,000 nautical miles, we were not sure whether we had made the right decision with our own boat. We felt overwhelmed at times with all the technology and sailing, and we were also afraid of situations that had not even occurred yet. We even gave the boat to a broker, our doubts were so great. Today we thank the sailing friends who encouraged us to keep going. Because most of them had a similar experience in the beginning.
It just took time until we became a well-coordinated team and our trust in the boat, above all in ourselves, grew accordingly.
Traveling and living on a boat with its conglomerate of diverse situations, experiences, events and its diverse encounters between human, technology and nature, we would describe as the school of life. For we can't think of any other way of life that is similarly diverse.
Greece
2020 and 2021 were a great time. We intensively explored the Ionian Islands, every finger of the Peloponnese, the Sporades, and then ventured into the Aegean during the Meltemi season. The Cyclades and Crete are a demanding sailing region, especially in summer. But for the ISLY and her crew, that's no longer a problem. What we enjoy the most are the sailing communities and the prevailing helpfulness. We have really met wonderful people and made new friends. We were able to exchange many experiences and received brilliant tips.
Sicily
To this day, no routine sets in during maneuvers. Every day brings different circumstances and conditions, and we learn something new. That's why sailing never gets boring. After two wonderful years, we leave Greece with a heavy heart, but the journey shall continue. And so in 2022 we set sail for Sicily. This will be our first longer passage of 320 nautical miles.
Spain
With another stroke, we navigate over the picturesque Balearic Islands and reach the Spanish mainland. Our journey takes us along the touristy Costa Brava in a southerly direction. By October 2023, we decide to take a winter break, as several tasks on board demand our attention. Fortunately, we have found an outstanding shipyard that meets our needs. Therefore, we extend our stay and dedicate ourselves not only to the necessary work but also to our wish list and additional tasks with great care and diligence.
Gibraltar nach Lagos
Until Gibraltar, we never had to deal with tidal waters, which made it all the more challenging for us to work out the best current conditions in order to sail through the Strait of Gibraltar without making mistakes. Orcas were also a big issue. Daily reports of orca attacks accompanied us towards the Algarve. The Algarve was one of the most beautiful but also one of the most exciting stretches of coastline in a long time due to the orcas. Halfway towards Portugal, we took a northern turn upriver to Seville. This was our first river trip under sail, including our first lock experience and a swing bridge that only opens by appointment. All new, all exciting, all beautiful! Being in the middle of Seville, almost the most beautiful city in Europe, with our little boat was an absolute highlight for us.
Morocco
Morocco is Morocco - and not just “Africa”, as the locals emphasize with a wink. Many sailors give the Moroccan coast a wide berth and head straight from Tangier to the Canary Islands. Why? No idea! Our curiosity tickles us far too much to miss out on this adventure. New countries, foreign cultures, we say: bring it on! From Tangier to Agadir, we were welcomed everywhere with open arms. Knowledge of French? That would be nice, but we managed without it - charm and a big grin get you a long way! The eternal clearing in and out that annoys many sailors? We find it rather exciting. After all, we brought time with us! Marinas as we know them from glossy brochures can only be found in Tangier and Agadir. Otherwise, you can moor in so-called “sports clubs”, such as in Mohammedia, or directly in the fishing port of El Jadida - provided you navigate the river entrances with the right tide timing. Our videos shows the highlights of our stops and gives a colorful insight into our impressions. Unfortunately, we had to skip Essaouira due to the weather window at the time, but it is also highly recommended.
We arrived at the Canary Islands. And if time and leisure permit, this page will be supplemented step by step with short videos about our travel routes.
Last update: August 2025