How a Novice Sailor Turned a €126 Boat into a Life of Adventure
In 2020, an inexperienced sailor took a bold step by buying a boat and setting off to live a life on it. Despite having no prior sailing knowledge, they taught themselves the basics and embarked on a journeys across Europe. Their adventure began with a modest vessel, a 1987 Birchwood TS37, and a determination to explore life on the water.
The journey started with the purchase of this sturdy motorboat that became their new home. With no formal training, the author relied on self-teaching and trial and error to navigate the waters. Their first major route took them through France, where they discovered an affordable way of life—paying just €126 a month for access to the country’s canals and rivers.
The adventure proved that a life at sea was possible even without prior experience. By avoiding marinas and living frugally, the author managed to stretch their savings while travelling through France, Italy, and beyond. Now based in Malta, they continue to embrace the freedom and simplicity of life on the water.
