This year was my first Yacht Week as a skipper — and what an upgrade it was. I grew up in Zimbabwe, sailing Optimists from the age of 5 and eventually representing my country. Then life took me on a detour: rugby boots instead of sails, a degree in agriculture, and three years on farms driving tractors and shoveling chicken shit to keep me afloat. 3 years worth of savings got me my Yachtmaster which opened up new doors.
Safe to say, skippering through Croatia felt like a serious step up.
I’d just finished a season in the Caribbean, which was great… but honestly, it didn’t even come close to the madness, energy, and pure fun of YW. From Skipper Academy to the last sail of the summer, it was a blur of sun, music, adventures, and the most incredible crews from all over the world.
I keep telling people, ‘One season is enough.’ But let’s be real — once you’ve lived it, it’s impossible to walk away. I’ll probably be back at the helm sooner than I think making new friends and more mad memories!