Off the coast of Sardinia, the Salty Brothers sailed through their own wake: they had completed their round-the-world voyage, and their joint project was over. The three friends are now back on dry land. In an interview with host Timm Kruse, Steph and Robi share insights into their round-the-world voyage, as well as what came before and after.
Well prepared for the adventure
Steph and Robi first discovered their passion for ocean sailing as teenagers on board a traditional sailing ship. By the time the idea of sailing round the world was taking shape, their friend Nico was already on board. Together, they spent a long time searching for a suitable yacht. After their first choice of boat proved to be unsuitable, they finally found an Elan, which they fitted out for the long-distance voyage.
The crew prepared for the voyage with sailing courses, offshore survival training and the appropriate safety equipment. Nico didn’t have much sailing experience to begin with, but Steph and Robi taught him the ropes during their joint sailing trips. Even so, the round-the-world voyage remained an adventure, as even the most meticulous preparation cannot protect you from every problem. The Salty Brothers talk about this in the podcast.
When plans turn into ideas
A 31-day Pacific crossing, rough weather at anchor and technical problems far from the nearest port: the Salty Brothers had to endure a great deal on their journey and were constantly forced to improvise. It was less the individual incidents than the constant strain of long crossings, repairs and the unexpected that sometimes pushed the crew to their limits. The three learnt to adjust their expectations: fixed plans became ‘ideas’, as the weather, technical issues and conditions at sea often dictated their course.
Tight spaces and long passages
For three years, Robi, Nico and Steph lived together in a confined space, each with their own personalities, moods and ideas. Their guiding principle on board was: “Communication is key.” Even before they set sail, they had agreed in writing how they intended to deal with potential conflicts and difficult situations. In conversation with Timm Kurse, they explain where living together nevertheless became a real test and what the three of them learnt about themselves in the process.
Encounters that leave a lasting impression
When asked about the most beautiful places, Robi and Steph think less of beaches and anchorages than of special encounters with people. In particular, the openness and helpfulness of strangers never ceased to surprise them and shaped their view of the world.
The journey has shown them how important it can be to live in the moment, to treat others with trust and not to map out their path too far in advance. Now they must work out how to apply these experiences to their everyday lives on land.
Listen now
What remains after three years at sea, and would the crew set off again in exactly the same way today? Steph and Robi talk about false expectations, formative experiences and the advice they would give to other long-distance sailors. The question of whether a new adventure is already on the cards is also discussed in episode 89 of YACHT – the sailing podcast with Timm Kruse.
You can listen to YACHT’s sailing podcast featuring the Salty Brothers here
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Antonia von Lamezan
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