Moonly Review 🌑 Boat Life Begins

In this episode Michał is becoming a sailor again.

Happy New Moon, this time from Amsterdam.

My sailing life has officially begun. I left from Pico (for a while), wrapped up a few things at TDF, and embarked on Atyla - a one-of-a-kind topsail schooner to reignite the sailing spark. Being on the water, and for the first time on a bigger ship, was absolutely fantastic. I felt like fish in the water, and to my joyful surprise I remembered quite a lot from my previous sailing experiences. Even if the boats I sailed on before were much smaller, the principles remain the same.

It was definitely the right move to start my tall ship education with “doing the thing”, and get the (kind-of expected) confirmation that sailing life is the life for me. I am definitely on the right path.

First off, I absolutely love the vibe of my school:

Here’s my happy face with Kaatje on the school‘s courtyard. She is a land-based training vessel that was saved from demolition and transported to Enkhuizen from Amsterdam.

There’s a lot to study, but hey, it’s all about boats and sailing:

In the meantime, I live aboard Chateauroux, a traditional flatbottom sailboat, giving me an extra opportunity to practice.

I picked her up in Trintelhaven (probably the most random marina in the country), and dived right into the reality of boat life - which apart from the freedom also includes fixing things, various maintenance and dealing with authorities. Yet again - ”doing the real thing” on top of the theory feels fantastic. She’s now moored in Amsterdam where she’ll remain for the winter season, with me aboard.

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Apart from all things sailing, I’m absolutely in love with Amsterdam. I don’t think I could live in a city long-term, but being here for a few months feels fantastic. It’s quiet (for a city that is), stunning and vibrant. Plus the water and boats everywhere definitely contribute to my sense of excitement. I am also cycling everywhere, while singing, or just enjoying the wind and rain in my face.

And my first card game, The Wild Cards, is almost ready for printing!

Sending you a big hug and wishing you a beautiful Moon Cycle!
Michał