From the earliest days of my life, the sea has been my constant companion. Summers spent water skiing and wakeboarding with my family weren’t just about fun—they were moments that planted the seeds of a relationship with the ocean that would shape my path, my challenges, my triumphs and ultimately, my healing.
The sea taught me about presence early on. Over time, sailing and living aboard Luna became my way of embodying that lesson. When you’re out there on the water, everything around you demands your attention, drawing you fully into the now. The wind, the waves, the shifting of the sails—every detail requires your focus. You can’t afford to think about anything else. It’s a kind of immersion that leaves no space for distractions. As Eckhart Tolle writes in The Power of Now:
“Realize deeply that the present moment is all you ever have.”
The peace that comes with that presence is something words can’t fully capture. I’ve seen it firsthand in the people who’ve joined me on the boat. Some experience emotional breakthroughs, others come face-to-face with parts of themselves they never expected to encounter. The sea has a way of stripping away the excess, leaving only what’s essential. This is not just a personal experience—science supports it. Blue Mind theory explains how water has this transformative power, helping to clear mental clutter. And in those moments, the sea forces you to confront yourself, to face challenges that aren’t always easy—but in doing so, it pushes you toward growth.
My most profound lessons came from the toughest moments—like when I fractured my nose just before an offshore regatta or when I crossed the Atlantic with minimal supplies. In these trials, the sea didn’t give me a choice but to adapt. These moments reinforced resilience, adaptability and the importance of staying grounded. These lessons resonate with what Esther Perel often says: “The quality of your relationships is the quality of your life.” It’s not just about the winds or the waves—it’s about the relationship you have with yourself in those moments.
Sailing sharpens you—it sharpens your senses, your ability to wait, to be patient and it teaches you humility. It’s a workout for both your mind and your body. And the benefits extend beyond just physical skills—research shows that sailing promotes neuroplasticity, helping your brain grow and adapt. It forces you to be present, which creates a state of flow. When you’re fully in that flow, challenges become something you meet with confidence, not fear.
But in today’s world, where distractions and societal pressures lead us to chase fleeting things, it’s easy to lose track of what truly matters. The world today is filled with noise and too often, we’re pulled in every direction by expectations, comparisons and distractions. We forget to look inward, to focus on what really nourishes our well-being. Luna, for me, became a refuge from that noise. On the water, I found clarity and I’ve seen others find it too. Guests who step aboard often leave with newfound purpose, having faced their own fears, adapted to new circumstances and gained insight into what really matters to them.
Luna is more than just a vessel. She’s a living being in her own right—many boat owners will understand this feeling. She’s not just a means of transportation; she’s a reflection of everything I’ve poured into her—care, growth, love. Every creak of wood, every ripple against the hull tells a story. She’s become a sanctuary—a place where transformation happens. The ocean has given me clarity and I’ve witnessed how sailing can spark change in others too. Some return home with renewed purpose. Others find the courage to make significant changes in their lives—ones they never imagined.
I left behind a career that seemed perfect on paper to find freedom on the sea. It was a leap, one I didn’t fully understand at the time, but it was necessary. It was about finding my truth and in doing so, discovering joy, authenticity and healing.
Sailing isn’t just about the ocean—it’s about discovering yourself. The sea strips away distractions, leaving only what’s essential. It teaches you to live in the present, to trust yourself and to embrace the journey. As Jenny DiNovis wisely said:
“Clarity comes when you stop seeking answers outside of yourself and start trusting the wisdom within.”
And so, I wonder: when was the last time you truly stepped out of your comfort zone? Maybe it’s time to let the sea reveal what lies beneath the surface.