We hooked up via the internet with Behan and Jamie of the sailing family Totem. They’ve been sailing round the world for years with three children in tow and we met them back in 2014 at PSS, Thailand, where we were refitting Esper.
Currently Totem is anchored off the coast of Mexico with plans to cross the Pacific scuppered by the pandemic. We swapped notes on our respective situations and how being a cruiser may be helping us cope with the isolation that lockdown brings with it.
As we talked, it became apparent that any advantage we might have is mostly superficial.
Gnarly old cruisers like Totem and us have developed a stoical mental attitude, but we know some who are having problems being stuck at anchor. There are boats trapped in places where they can’t leave, where they are not allowed to go ashore or even, in some cases, get in the water.
With borders to many countries closed, most of us have no option other than to remain where we are. But what happens when the country you’re anchored in wants you out and all neighbouring countries won’t let you in?
It seems that being on a boat during this strange time brings its own set of challenges.
As always, thanks for supporting us and allowing us to share our adventure with you.
Peace, fair winds and stay safe
Liz, Jamie and Millie xxx
More from Sailing Totem:
Sailing Totem blog
Behan’s book: Voyaging With Kids
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It’s a difficult time for everyone but it’s important that we stay safe.
Perhaps it’s difficult for some cruisers to endure this lockdown on a boat, especially those stuck at anchor and banned from coming ashore,even for food, or worse water. However, having also actually spent time on KK marina in 2013 on our way up to the Philippines with my partner Mel I think you are in a super place and very fortunate to have got there when you did. Best wishes. Dave and Mel.