One sailing boat, two generations and endless stories about Greece
Some sailing trips are about the destination. Others are about the journey. This one? It was about both—and so much more. What started as a mission to get VAGO ready for winter turned into two unforgettable weeks filled with stories, laughter and the feeling of a more authentic Greece.
The journey south
Our adventure began long before we reached the marina. Packed into the car, we drove more than 9 hours down to the Italy where we got a ferry, crossed over to Igoumenitsa, and then made our way to Preveza (Greece). We decided to not take a cabin and wildly experience these 23 hours in the middle of the sea and a storm. Without a reservation, we found a room for the first nights thanks to some kind locals.
But what made this trip even more unique was meeting all together, the owner and his wife for the first time. Though we had already been in touch with “Piero”, she had been a mystery—until now. We would soon find ourselves not just finalizing a sale but stepping into their world, sharing a deep love for the boat they had cherished for 20 years.
Life in the marina
For two weeks, we lived side by side in the marina—us sleeping on the boat, them in their camper just below. We became an odd but perfect little marina family, sharing coffees, late-night chats, and moments that blurred the lines between buyers and sellers, strangers and friends.
The work itself moved faster than expected. 🏗️ Rigging? Done. All lines replaced? Check. Boat covered and ready for winter? Surprisingly smooth. That left us with something precious: time. Time to explore, time to talk, time to soak in the life that had been theirs for two decades.
A taste of their Greece
With our “to-do” list shrinking, we let ourselves be guided by their favorite places. We wandered through the bustling farmer’s market, golden honey, kalamata olives, juicy tomatoes. We bought bread from a hidden bakery, the kind you’d only find if someone let you in on the secret—wood-fired, still warm, and utterly perfect.
And the restaurants! Tiny, tucked-away gems where the seafood tasted like the ocean and the owners greeted you like family. We ate, we drank, we listened to their stories of sailing adventures and Greek summers gone by.
Between work and fun
We went for runs along the coastline, breathing in the salty air, letting our minds wander. And in between it all, I quietly started my coaching academy—laying the foundations for something I truly believe in, something exciting and transformative, all while surrounded by the rhythm of waves and the hum of marina life.
Of course, we didn’t just eat (although, honestly, we did a lot of that). Stefan took every chance to kitesurf and wing foil—whenever the wind allowed. And when it didn’t, we still found ourselves back at the same beaches, retrieving yet another forgotten piece of gear.
More than just a contract
In the end, this wasn’t just about winterizing VAGO. It was about stepping into someone else’s story, if only for a moment, and realizing that this boat wasn’t just a vessel—it was a home, a piece of their history, a symbol of their love for Greece.
As we packed up, the boat safely tucked away for the season, we felt something shift. We weren’t just new owners—we were now part of its story. And in return, Greece had left its imprint on us in a way we hadn’t expected.
Two weeks, VAGO ready for winter and a heart full of memories. Truly a wonderful way to say goodbye to the season.
