Exam week. We can skipper, we can sail, we can navigate, we can dream the theory, we master the required drills. Ok, most of the times we do… We should be fine. And still. We feel nerves. Healthy nerves, though. But why? We already achieved our goal. We can sail. There is plenty to learn. For sure! There is always something to learn, but fact is: we can sail. Skipper a boat. Safely. The outcome of the exam does not matter. And still. It matters.

Besides all the joy, we’ve worked hard for this. 70 days on a boat, 3.000 nautical miles, 2 weeks in a class room. Broken nights, early wake ups. Over 100-night hours. Countless times tuna wraps, pies and 100Plus. Be the skipper, be responsible. Be crew, do what needs to be done. Also, if you’d rather not. Memorize all the theory. No privacy. Yes, we do want this final tick in the box. 🤞🏻

>>> Quick Story: the week before <<<

The exam takes multiple days. The examiner does not know us. The pressure is on. Engine failure and a blocked rudder. How unlucky… Fog and faulty electronics. Unlucky again… Man over board and a broken engine. It’s definitely not our lucky day. “You can’t use the hook to pick up ‘Bob’ (a vendor)!” Yes, he’s got a point… a real person can’t be pulled out of the water with solely a hook either…🤔

All in all, the exam was a combination of do what we’ve been doing every day lately and ‘how-am-I-going-to-work-this-through’ moments. The skills are in us. Somewhere… 🧐 And indeed we found a way. It was not easy, kind of tough, but all the more reason to be proud we’ve passed with flying colors. We are Yachtmasters Offshore. 👩‍✈️👨‍✈️🥳

And with that, another chapter of our world trip is finished. An intense chapter. In more than one respect. A fast-track course is more than learning to sail. It’s an experience. For some a life changing experience. We’re one of them… We think.

It’s hard to explain, cause we don’t know yet how. Either way, it made us stronger and it is opening new perspectives. New thoughts are arising every day. A sailing business, skipper charters, sail around, … We shall see. Plenty to think about. 🙂

Right now, it’s time for a new chapter. New impressions. After a week of recovery we are fully energized and ready to hit the road again to continue our trip around the world. Ashore for a while. 🌴 Indo here we come!!