A Life-Changing Trip Sailing in Greece
Sometimes, life presents you with an opportunity so profound that it reshapes your entire vision of the future. For us, that moment happened during a aboard VAGO (formerly Zarpas) in Greece.
A twist of fate
Our adventure almost didn’t start—EasyJet had overbooked our flight, and fifteen passengers were left behind. Miraculously, we were among the three lucky ones who got on. It felt like fate, a sign that we were meant to embark on this journey.
Upon landing, Piero was waiting for us at the airport, holding a small piece of paper—a simple yet meaningful drawing from his niece.
He welcomed us with his usual warmth, drove us to do some groceries for the week and then, just like that, we stepped aboard the boat that would change our lives.
After warm reunions with some sailor friends anchored next to us, we set sail, exploring the charming villages and hidden coves Piero and his wife had cherished for years.
More than a bay
Piero was no longer just a skipper; he became a friend, a grown up one, with a lot of stories to share.
Sailing with him wasn’t just about navigating the waters; it was about immersing ourselves in a way of life, one that felt freer and more fulfilling than the conventional path we had been following. One were you depend only on yourself, your eagerness to learn new things, repair on your own and be as independent as possible.
One evening, on a secluded and breathtakingly beautiful beach, Stefan and I took a walk along the shore. We sat down, let the sound of the waves fill the silence, and started talking—really talking—about our future.
What did we want? What kind of life would make us truly happy? The answers came easily. We wanted to buy a boat, to travel, to live simply but fully.
Our salty dream slowly taking shape
And then Piero, almost as if reading our minds, mentioned that he had considered selling his boat, though he wasn’t quite ready to let go. But in that moment, we knew—it wasn’t just a dream; it was possible.
For Stefan, this was the universe aligning. He had always dreamed of owning an Alubat, and now, the very boat he admired was suddenly within reach.
Negotiations followed, but what mattered most was that this boat had been loved and meticulously maintained by someone we respected and trusted. It wasn’t just a purchase; it was a continuation of a legacy.
The Magic of Simple Moments
Beyond the big decisions, this trip was filled with small, beautiful moments.
We met generous and kind-hearted Greek locals, took long walks through remote villages, and experienced the kind of help and warmth that only exists in places where people give without expecting anything in return.
One of our favorite memories was spotting a Swiss flag on a boat and deciding to row over in our dinghy just to say hello. That simple interaction turned into a lasting friendship—proof of the unique community that exists among sailors.
Choosing a life of challenges and freedom
This journey reinforced what we had always felt deep down: happiness isn’t found in climbing the corporate ladder, accumulating possessions, or following a pre-written script. It is deeply personal, and for us, it meant freedom, adventure, and a life at sea.
So, we made our choice. Instead of settling down, getting married, and chasing promotions, we chose to chase the horizon. And since that moment, we have never felt more alive.