Sailing Through Life: My Journey on the Water
Welcome to my personal page, where I invite you to explore the nautical adventures that have shaped my life. From childhood memories in Lemmer, Friesland, to leading women’s teams in Regattas around the world, sailing has always been at the heart of my journey.
Childhood Beginnings: Lemmer, Friesland
My love affair with sailing began at the age of 10, growing up in the picturesque town of Lemmer, Friesland, in The Netherlands. With my parents’ mooring conveniently located at our house, I spent countless hours on the water with friends, soaking in the beauty of the Frisian lakes and honing my sailing skills. It was during these formative years that my passion for sailing truly took root.
Learning the Ropes: Sailing Camps and Competitions
During my school years, at the age of 10 and 11, I eagerly attended sailing camps at De Kikkert, relishing the opportunity to learn from seasoned sailors and test my skills on the water. Even as a youth, sailing was my refuge, with my favorite book being a youth sailing novel, Onder Zeil, that ignited my imagination and fueled my desire for adventure.
Setting Sail: Early Adventures
At 18, I set off sailing with my friend in our Grinde aptly named Eclips, embarking on sailing expeditions and immersing myself in the thrill of navigating the bigger lake, The IJsselmeer, and sometimes even the sea. Most of our weekends were spent sailing to Enkhuizen, as I ventured further into the world of competitive sailing. Competing alongside sailors at De Zevenwolden water sports club, I discovered the camaraderie and thrill of regattas, laying the groundwork for my future adventures on the water.
Professional Pursuits: From Sailmaker to Skipper
In 2007, I had the opportunity to participate in the Gant Cup in Bodrum, Turkey, aboard a ship crewed by nine remarkable women. This experience solidified my passion for sailing and opened doors to new opportunities on the water. Fast forward to 2021, where I embarked on a four-week journey as a flotilla leader and skipper in Lefkas for Amorgos, Greece, further honing my leadership and seamanship skills.
Leading the Way: Women’s Teams and Regattas
One of the highlights of my sailing career was serving as the skipper of a new women’s team during the Ibiza Regatta in 2021. Leading a team of talented sailors, we navigated the challenges of competitive racing while forging lifelong friendships and memories along the way.
Going further: Navigating Life’s Seas
As I reflect on my journey through the world of sailing, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences and opportunities that have shaped me into the sailor I am today. From childhood adventures in Lemmer to leading women’s teams on the global stage, sailing has been more than just a hobby – it’s been a way of life, guiding me through life’s highs and lows with the wind in my sails and the horizon as my guide.
Setting sail for the Oceans: A Journey of Passion and Purpose
My husband Mark and I share a deep bond, rooted in love and mutual respect. While he and our son may have chosen a different path, their unwavering support fuels my solo pursuit of this lifelong dream. For three remarkable years, I am navigating the vast oceans with nothing but sheer determination and a heart full of passion.
Embracing Nostalgia: The Allure of the Grinde
My decision to purchase a Grinde was not solely based on practical considerations; it was a deeply sentimental choice rooted in cherished memories and a profound connection to the sea. At the age of 18, my friend and I had the privilege of owning a Grinde, and those formative years spent sailing its sturdy hull left an indelible mark on my soul.
Fast forward to the tumultuous days of the Covid pandemic, where uncertainty loomed large, and the call of the sea beckoned with renewed urgency. It was during this time that I found myself aboard a hired vessel, and as fate would have it, we docked next to a magnificent Grinde. In that moment, surrounded by the familiar curves and lines of the boat, a flood of memories came rushing back, reigniting a passion that had never truly faded. It was then and there that I knew: my journey back to the sea would be aboard a Grinde, a vessel steeped in history and brimming with untold adventures.
Breaking Free: Embracing the Call of the Sea
Not confined by age or the constraints of conventional life, in my 50s, I bravely departed from the rat race, trading it for the serenity of the open sea. Embracing the freedom of the unknown, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery and adventure, guided by the rhythm of the waves and the whisper of the wind.
Sharing My Story: Unscripted Adventures
Through my unscripted videos, I offer a glimpse into the authentic tapestry of my sailing. From the quiet solitude of sunrise over the horizon to the exhilarating rush of navigating through a storm, each episode captures the raw beauty and unfiltered emotions of life at sea.
Join the Adventure: Set Sail with Me
Is this journey calling out to you? Set sail with me on my YouTube channel, where every episode is a testament to the boundless spirit of adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a landlubber dreaming of the sea, there’s a place for you aboard my virtual vessel. So hoist the sails and join me as we navigate the endless expanse of the ocean together.
Jacqueline Evers