September 9th 2024.
Daniel Monk and his wife Bow had always dreamt of traveling the world on a boat. And when they finally got the chance, they didn't hesitate to take their two daughters, Amelia and Olivia, on an unforgettable sailing trip. The family left their home in Thailand and sailed from Falmouth, Cornwall to Barbados in the Caribbean, making a stop at Cape Verde in Africa along the way. They embarked on this journey on a 45-foot yacht, with no prior sailing experience, but with determination and a thirst for adventure.
For Daniel and Bow, this trip was not just about fulfilling their own dreams, but also about giving their daughters a unique and alternative education. They wanted their children to have the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the world around them, without the distractions of modern technology. After searching for the perfect yacht, Daniel finally found a Rustler Yacht in 2021 and named it Pancakes. Then, the family spent some time in Mylor, Cornwall, learning the ropes of sailing from experienced sailor Dan Stroud. They even had the chance to meet Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first man to sail around the world solo and non-stop.
In December of last year, Daniel set off from Plymouth to Lisbon in Portugal, where his family later joined him. From there, they sailed to Madeira, Tenerife, Cape Verde, and finally, across the Atlantic to reach Barbados. This 10,000 mile journey was a dream come true for the family, filled with unforgettable memories. They saw dolphins and whales, went snorkeling, met other travelers, and even participated in a regatta in Antigua.
Of course, such a long and challenging voyage had its share of difficulties. Bow experienced severe sea sickness at the beginning, while Daniel struggled with exhaustion at times. But they were pleasantly surprised when their daughters stepped up to take care of them. According to Daniel, "something magical happened - the girls took care of us." Amelia, the oldest daughter, admitted that living in such a small space for several months with her family could be stressful and annoying, but they had to work together because anything could go wrong on the boat.
Bow reflected on the trip as a great learning experience and confidence booster for her daughters. She said, "I think they learned a lot from this." Daniel and Bow were initially worried about the impact on their girls' education, but they are glad to see that the girls have "bounced back" at school. As their journey comes to an end, the family is now selling their beloved yacht. However, they hope to inspire others to follow their dreams and take on their own adventures.
For Daniel, this trip was a reminder to never settle for a safe and ordinary life. He said, "I'd rather have my last day trying to do something like that than be safe at home. Aim for the stars and hit the moon. Go big." You can join the family on their journey by following them on Instagram @sailingpancakes.
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