a conversation with sailing take it easy
This is the inspiring story of Yann and Cecile from YouTube channel Sailing Take it Easy, a couple who left their landlocked lives in the picturesque south of France to embrace the vast and unpredictable waters of the Pacific Ocean. Their journey began with a passion for scuba diving and evolved into an open-ended adventure aboard their sailboat. Over the past five years, they have navigated through remote dive sites, connected with diverse cultures, and discovered a deeper appreciation for life’s simple pleasures. Join us as Yann and Cecile share their experiences, challenges, and the profound changes that life at sea has brought to their relationship and outlook on life.
Asirika: We are excited to share the story of a couple who took the plunge and traded their landlocked lives in the south of France for the open seas. Here they dive into their journey and experiences. Could you start by telling us where you’re from and what inspired you to embark on this remarkable sailing adventure across the Pacific?
Yann: We’re both from the south of France, specifically Toulouse and Montpellier. Our journey into the sailing life began with a shared love for scuba diving, which we discovered during a holiday. When it came time to plan our honeymoon, we naturally chose a diving destination. After researching the best diving spots in the world, Raja Ampat emerged at the top of our list.
Cecile: We opted for a diving cruise to explore Raja Ampat, and during that trip, an idea struck us: “What if we had our own boat, allowing us to seamlessly navigate from one dive site to another?” Initially, we planned a four-month adventure, but as we researched, our timeline expanded to six months, then nine, until we finally realized—why not buy a boat and embark on an open-ended journey? This decision, made nearly five years ago, marked the start of our ongoing adventure across the Pacific.
Asirika: That’s fascinating! Having lived life at sea for several years, have you found aspects of your previous life that you now find less important or fulfilling? How has this journey changed your lives?
Yann: Absolutely, there have been significant changes and shifts in our perspective. With limited space on the boat, we’ve learned to focus on what truly adds value to our lives. Sailing has taught us that you don’t need much to be happy.
Cecile: We’ve also embraced slowing down. Coming from the hustle and bustle of London, where the pace of life is relentless, we now appreciate the freedom to set our own pace. This shift has allowed us to recalibrate our priorities and move away from the burnout culture of trying to juggle career, social life, family time, and gym.
Yann: Living on the boat has made us more present and mindful. Every day, we watch the tide, the weather, and other elements, fostering a deeper appreciation for each passing day. We’ve also found a real sense of community among fellow sailors, something we never experienced before. Within hours of meeting, genuine relationships are formed, creating a sense of community that was previously elusive.
Cecile: Our connection with nature has also deepened. While we were always conscious of the environment, sailing has heightened our awareness of our impact on the planet, fostering a deeper commitment to sustainable living.
Asirika: It sounds like a truly transformative experience. Speaking of transformations, Australia and the Pacific is a diverse tapestry of cultures. Can you share an encounter or cultural insight that has left a lasting impression on your journey?
Yann: One of our expeditions took us to the Louisiades, a remote region of Papua New Guinea. The contrast in living conditions was striking—no electricity or running water, with locals relying on rainwater for drinking and coconut water during dry spells. Despite these differences, our interactions with the residents were magical. We witnessed their sheer joy when they saw their reflections in a small mirror for the first time.
Cecile: During this journey, our fellow travelers distributed prescription glasses to the elderly in a village. The impact was profound. Seeing the joy on their faces as they regained clear vision was genuinely life-changing. This experience underscored the potent effect of simple gestures in bringing immense happiness to those in need.
Asirika: What a heart warming story. Living on a boat requires cooperation and companionship. How has sailing life changed your relationship?
Yann: Even before this adventure, we had a strong relationship. We’ve always been willing to step out of our comfort zones, which naturally fostered a reliance on each other. Sailing has deepened our bond as we’ve learned to be more present and cherish life’s small pleasures.
Cecile: This lifestyle has heightened our appreciation for experiences over material possessions. Sharing these experiences has woven another layer into the fabric of our relationship, bringing us immense joy.
Asirika: That’s wonderful to hear. Finally, every journey faces challenges. Can you provide insights into moments of doubt you’ve encountered at sea? How do you find the strength to navigate through uncertainties?
Yann: Heading from Australia to the Solomon Islands, we encountered some seriously rough seas. With only three months of sailing experience, we doubted our decision to sail in such conditions. Every time something breaks on the boat, it’s a reality check on our skills, making us question this lifestyle.
Cecile: But then, we think about the next incredible destination, the amazing encounters with turtles, manta rays, and dolphins, and the freedom that comes with sailing. These thoughts remind us why we chose this life, and suddenly, it all feels worth it.
If you want to learn more about Sailing Take it Easy check out their Asirika profile page or check them out on YouTube.
