Captain's Intro

by Cameron

Ahoy, and welcome to our blog – the adventures of S/V Malia as we make our way back to the South seas. Part fact, part philosophy, some photos, and a few tall tales. As for me, a travelogue from a life well lived:  40 Years, 50 countries, 30,000 sea miles, countless islands, adventures of magic and wonder.

But, first things first, let’s get some perspective:

Contrary to what Disney tells you, we do in fact, live on a very BIG world. Take it from a sailor. (You shouldn’t be paying attention to fairy tales anyway Cinderella, there is plenty of magic out here in the real world). Stand back on the moon, or watch it on TV and the world seems small enough, sure - we are all definitely connected. But, in fact the world is fantastically big. For example, if you tried to sail all the way around it, you probably wouldn’t even get there. You would meet people along the way, get distracted, get drunk, fall in love, and generally lose the plot… Believe me I’ve tried. 

It’s the journey that counts, right? Besides, it's beautiful out there…

It didn’t take much time to figure out I didn’t fit in the “normal” 9-5  world -  I went into school wanting to be a lawyer,  I left wanting to be a lifeguard…  I had to find a different way.  It wasn’t easy - the road less traveled isn’t very well marked - and it took a while to get my bearings. But, not all those who wander are lost. Many years of soul searching have led to some answers too…  Crazy, wonderful answers.

Among other things, I now know that:

The world is big and beautiful. The vast majority of people are good and kind. Nobody has the answers. Everybody has the answers. Life is for living, and there is no time to waste. Creativity grows with exercise. Drinking lots of water is good for you. Politics are just a distraction. Attitude is everything. God is Love, and Love conquers all. Everything changes, even the changes. We are right where we are supposed to be. There is no right or wrong in nature, but there is justice. 

As an optimist, I have deep faith in humanity. However, I have even more faith in nature. Human connection is deep and meaningful, but nature is the real timeless soul of a place. It will still be standing long after we are gone. Thus, the reason I have many places I call home – many places I Love- is based on my connection with the nature there, as much as the people.

For example: I Love Kauai for how it feels to sleep on a hot boulder in the middle of a mountain stream, wind in the trees. I Love Australia for hiking in the grass and Eucalyptus leaves, hearing wallabys thump thump away into the bush. I Love Tahiti for the dignified blue of her ocean, her steamy jungle, the electric colors, and the powerful and orderly waves which crash on her reef.

There are so many wondrous places on this ball of water, each with its different vibe, its own personality… It’s fantastic. It’s the reason I’m a sailor.   

Not many people recognize that we are living in such a renaissance era:

In the midst of a technological revolution, of nano technology, broadband internet, and artificial hearts, still, thousands of islands lie un-inhabited. There are still indigenous people who know little or nothing of the modern world.  99% of the world’s coastline is still un-developed (tell that your real estate agent)…  

It’s still possible to be an explorer, but its changing fast.

In another generation or two, the secluded places of the world- the places where nature rules- will change. Through population explosion, and new technology, the world is getting smaller, right before our eyes.

There is a movement starting to take hold to shepherd and protect our world, which is long over-due and welcome. But to me, the mission is not an abstract idea to protect an ever changing planet, but to have a real relationship with it, that respects and validates it, right now. To make the most of it.

To enjoy it!

“It takes great courage to declare, with clarity and simplicity, that the purpose of life is to enjoy it”

Yes, joy is one of our most important acts. It is one of the best ways to give something back, for It is only once your cup is overflowing that you can give some to someone else. 

Happiness is more important than security or comfort. Likewise, time is more valuable than money. Clearly money only buys comfort, not happiness. If happiness is free, then saying yes to our dreams is of utmost importance, especially as it gets harder and harder to do…

It’s been 10 years since I sold my fist boat in Australia - having sailed 5 years through the South Pacific islands from Hawaii… Since the day I came back to “society”, every minute has been spent planning my return to the dream time - bigger and better and freer than ever…

Life has a way of passing too quickly - It’s a common story: a 2 year plan easily turns into ten - a house, a mortgage, a relationship, a career…

In all fairness, if I settled down now, I should count myself among the lucky ones, having lived enough for 4 full lifetimes already... I shouldn’t complain. Nobody would feel sorry for me.

But I would.

The world is grand and amazing. There are so many things left to do! Having spent enough time chasing money, I am now preparing my return to the mountain stream - into the wild, the tropics, the trade winds, the dreamtime…

But this time, part of that plan is you… Im taking you with me. Whether you actually come sailing, or simply check the blog from time to time - you are welcome. And if you too feel the call of the open road, to step into the wild, remember, you will have to make your own way, but you are not alone.

Let’s make the most of it.

“Create a masterpiece of Joy in your life” – Carlos Santana