March 31st 2024.
Becka and Zach, two adventurous souls in their mid-twenties, made the bold decision to leave behind their mundane corporate jobs and embark on a journey at sea in 2022. This Gen Z couple from England, Zach from Hampshire and Becka from Surrey, were eager to explore the world and add some much-needed excitement to their lives. So far, they have sailed over 5,000 miles, visiting countries such as France, Spain, Portugal, and the Caribbean islands of Antigua and Grenada.
Before becoming full-time sailors, Zach worked as an environment and sustainability business partner while Becka was a social researcher. In March 2022, they finally took the plunge and purchased a 40-foot 1987 Colvic Victor Ketch for £38,000 in Plymouth after saving up for three years. It was a dream come true for them, especially after the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
"When the first lockdown hit in March 2020, Zach and I were stuck in my uni house, feeling the urge to break free and explore the world," Becka shared. The couple had questioned the traditional 9 to 5 work culture and whether it was worth sacrificing their passions and hobbies for. This debate has been a hot topic among Gen Z, the generation born between the mid-1990s and late 2000s. With technology making us constantly reachable, many feel that achieving a work-life balance has become increasingly difficult.
TikToker Brielle Asero has been a vocal advocate for overworked Gen Z individuals who struggle to find time for themselves outside of work. Her video sparked a conversation about the outdated 40-hour workweek and how it affects our mental and physical well-being. According to data from LinkedIn, 1 in 5 workers believe that achieving a work-life balance is more challenging now than it was 20 years ago. They attribute this to the increasing demands of jobs and constant connectivity.
For Becka and Zach, their desire for a life filled with adventure led them to the sea. They wanted to explore remote islands, which would have been difficult to reach on foot or by van. After choosing the 1987 Colvic Victor Ketch as their vessel, they spent almost £10,000 restoring and renovating it before setting sail.
"The moment we stepped on board, we knew that somehow, we would make this our home," Becka reminisced. Even though the boat was in great condition, they added some safety gear, redid the electrics, and made it fully off-grid with the addition of solar panels. They also added a new VHF radio and antenna, inspected the mizzen mast, and replaced sea cocks and skin fittings. It took them six months to complete the restoration, and they set sail in September 2022.
Despite having little boating experience, they relied on books and YouTube tutorials to guide them along the way. "We both sailed small boats in our youth, but we had minimal experience with bigger boats," Becka said. They did a week-long course for their Day Skippers qualification, but that was about it. "We have learned a lot from the incredibly kind boating community and by simply doing it, even if it resulted in a few electric shocks," she added.
Their journey has not been without its challenges, with moments of stress and isolation. "It's physically demanding and can be isolating at times," Becka admitted. They have had their fair share of difficult situations, like their engine failing in the English Channel and being hit by a storm. They also had a close encounter with a catamaran in Martinique and braved strong winds while crossing the Atlantic from Africa to Antigua.
But despite these challenges, they continue to sail and have no plans of stopping anytime soon. "We plan to do this as long as we enjoy it," Becka shared. "We would love to circumnavigate, but it's not our ultimate goal. We don't want to feel like we haven't completed our journey if we don't go all the way around." Their advice to anyone considering a similar lifestyle is simple yet powerful: "Life is short, and the world is wide. Go for it!"
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