Sydney relaxes at sunset as we slide over the bay on our way to dinner.
Introduction
Have you ever wondered how it would feel to live on a sailboat, cruising the open seas with nothing but the wind in your sails? For many, this lifestyle represents freedom, adventure, and a deep connection with nature. But what happens when life aboard intersects with one of life’s most significant challenges—cancer?
For Sydney and me, our journey aboard EOTI has been a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the unyielding human spirit. When Sydney was diagnosed with cancer in 2019, we faced an uncertain future, but we refused to let it define us. Instead, we chose to embrace life, continue our cruising adventure, and navigate the complexities of managing health while living aboard a sailboat.
Unfortunately, we are now having to deal with Sydney having to go through a second cancer cycle of treatment 6 years later. Not how we expected to spend our cruising season.
In this article, I’ll share our experiences, insights, and strategies for managing health at sea, including preparing for healthcare on the water, navigating insurance and medical resources, Sydney’s experience with cancer treatments while living aboard, tips for staying mentally strong, managing stress and maintaining balance, practical advice for staying fit and healthy aboard a sailboat, and how to find support and community during difficult health moments.
Preparing for Healthcare on the Water
Before setting sail, few of us consider the possibility of facing serious health challenges while at sea. However, as cruisers, we quickly learn that preparation is key. When Sydney and I engaged in long-distance motorcycle riding, we had special insurance, carried extensive medical kits, and so with cruising we applied to same thinking. Whether it’s a minor injury or a life-threatening illness, being able to access healthcare on the water requires careful planning and foresight.
When Sydney and I first boarded EOTI in 2018, we were fresh-faced cruisers, and she had little experience of the realities of living aboard. Little did we know that just one year later, we would be facing one of life’s toughest battles—cancer. Looking back, preparing for healthcare on the water was one of the most important decisions we made.
One of our first steps was researching medical resources and emergency services in the regions where we planned to sail. Insurance often is based on geography, and that makes this incredibly important to understand with American insurance: what is in-network and what is out of network. This involved contacting local marinas, hospitals, and even yacht clubs to understand the local medical center’s capabilities and limitations. Sydney, during one of our transits up the east coast, was able to get in-network lab work done the entire way up the coast. It took planning, but we did it. We also invested in a comprehensive insurance policy that covered medical evacuations.
But preparation isn’t just about planning for emergencies—it’s also about equipping yourself with the knowledge and tools to manage health challenges at sea. For example, we quickly learned how to use marine weather forecasting tools to avoid even minor storms, which protected our physical well-being and reduced stress levels during tough times. We had to keep things as calm as possible when Sydney was sick. That meant changing up adventure for more leisure. Neither of us is the slow down kind of person, but it was enforced on us by the medical treatments she was getting.
Navigating Insurance and Medical Resources While Cruising
One of the most daunting aspects of cruising with a serious health condition is navigating insurance and medical resources. Unlike life on land, access to healthcare at sea can be limited, making planning essential.
Sydney’s cancer diagnosis in 2019 forced us to reevaluate our approach to healthcare while cruising. We discovered that many insurance policies don’t cover medical treatments abroad or at sea, leaving us in a difficult position. To address this, we had to research and secure specialized insurance coverage that met our unique needs. Ultimately, to be honest, we failed. We now have contacts on how to do this, but the cost is around $36,000 annually here in North America.
During Sydney’s chemotherapy treatment, we also learned the importance of building relationships with local medical professionals. To this day, there are people who helped us out of the goodness of their own hearts that radically and positively impacted Sydney. Whether it was finding a trusted oncologist in an anchorage or coordinating treatments with healthcare providers back home, these connections proved invaluable in ensuring she received the care she needed while still enjoying life aboard EOTI.
Sydney’s Experience with Cancer Treatments While Living Abroad
Few experiences can compare to living through cancer treatment while managing life aboard a sailboat. Sydney’s journey has been one of courage, determination, and adaptability, and it has taught us both invaluable lessons about resilience.
One of the most challenging aspects of Sydney’s treatments was balancing her health with our cruising lifestyle. For instance, during her chemotherapy sessions, we had to make adjustments to ensure she received the care she needed while still enjoying the freedom of life at sea. We stayed put in a marina the first time, and now, for the second time, we canceled our cruising schedule to accommodate her treatments. Being told we couldn’t go this time at the last moment was heart-wrenching, but it had to be that way. This was as much a matter of convenience as necessity since the chemotherapy is facility-specific. Challenges involved everything from modifying our sailing schedule to creating a comfortable environment on EOTI for her recovery.
Despite these challenges, Sydney’s experience has been marked by moments of triumph and hope. From sitting on the bow under the warm tropical sun after chemotherapy her first go-around to celebrating small victories like preparing a Thanksgiving meal in our tiny galley as she prepped for chemotherapy this time, her strength and positivity have inspired us all.
Tips for Staying Mentally Strong While Cruising
Life aboard a sailboat is inherently stressful, especially when one has serious health challenges. Maintaining mental strength is crucial to navigating these difficulties successfully.
Practicing mindfulness and gratitude is one of the most effective strategies for staying mentally strong while cruising. Sydney uses a meditation app every day and also uses Duolingo to learn a new language for when we get off the dock again and go somewhere far away. Whether we take time each day to reflect on what we’re thankful for or simply enjoy the beauty of the sunset from our cockpit, these moments of reflection have been vital in keeping us grounded.
We’ve also found that maintaining a routine helps manage stress and provides a sense of normalcy amidst the chaos. We wake up before sunrise daily, have coffee, take showers, and start our day. We try to keep everything aligned with an early-to-bed philosophy. This could involve anything from preparing meals together (edit.: It never happens; she cooks and won’t let me) to taking regular walks ashore when possible (walk the mom, our sons say). These small rituals remind us of the importance of self-care and community, even while living aboard.
Managing Stress and Maintaining Balance
Stress is an inevitable part of life, especially when facing health challenges like cancer. However, finding ways to manage stress and maintain balance becomes crucial for both physical and mental well-being.
For Sydney and me, one of the most effective ways to manage stress is to focus on the present moment. Whether it’s through meditation, deep breathing exercises, or simply enjoying the beauty of our surroundings, these practices have helped us stay centered and focused during difficult times.
We’ve also found that staying active is essential for maintaining balance aboard a sailboat. From daily walks ashore to participating in local community events, engaging in physical activities has been a great way to reduce stress and maintain a sense of normalcy. Sydney also has multiple sclerosis, and that limits a lot of physical activities, but we make do with the art of the possible.
Practical Tips for Staying Fit and Healthy Aboard
Living aboard a sailboat presents unique challenges when it comes to staying fit and healthy, especially when dealing with severe health conditions like cancer. However, with creativity and determination, it’s possible to maintain a healthy lifestyle while cruising.
One of the most important things we’ve learned is the significance of a balanced diet. While life at sea can be unpredictable, we make an effort to stock our galley with fresh, nutritious foods whenever possible. This not only supports Sydney’s health but also ensures that we have the energy to enjoy our adventures. We primarily follow a Mediterranean diet that includes plenty of healthy proteins, vegetables, and the occasional glass of wine.
Another key strategy has been to stay active through regular exercise. For me, this is key. I’m an older male, and I can’t give up physical exertion at this point in life. Unfortunately, I have a few gotchas from my prior career and have to be careful, too. So, it’s practicing yoga in the saloon (main cabin) or taking walks ashore when possible; finding ways to remain physically active has been essential for maintaining both physical and mental well-being.
Finding Support and Community During Difficult Health Moments
No one should face serious health challenges alone, especially while living aboard a sailboat. Finding support and community during these difficult times can make all the difference in navigating life’s toughest moments. We chose this lifestyle because we aren’t social butterflies. We really don’t handle social situations very well. We’re nice, we like people, and we’re not introverted at all. We just float through life. The winds bring us together, and the tides take us away. We are made for this lifestyle, but finding help and someone to talk to is important. For me, it’s really painful, but I keep my lips sealed because I’m not sick, and we need to put every ounce of effort into getting Sydney through this.
For Sydney and me, connecting with other cruisers who understand our unique lifestyle has been invaluable. Though they may be scattered across the globe, we have about 20 friends who have been aboard Eoti, and we’ve visited their boats. It’s not a large group, but it is a tight-knit one. Whether we share stories at local marinas or participate in online forums, these interactions have given us a sense of belonging and understanding that is crucial for our emotional well-being.
We’ve also found that seeking professional support services, such as counseling, has been an effective way to process our emotions and cope with the challenges we face. We’re not talking about mental health so much as how to navigate the bureaucracy and pain of tracking medical billing. These resources have helped us maintain perspective and stay grounded during difficult times.
Conclusion
Cruising with cancer is not for the faint-hearted, but it’s a journey that teaches us invaluable lessons about resilience, adaptability, and the power of community. In the cruising community, we know of about six other people who are forging this difficult path. For Sydney and me, living aboard EOTI has been a testament to the human spirit’s ability to overcome even the most daunting challenges.
As we continue our maritime adventure, we remain dedicated to sharing our experiences and insights with others who may be facing similar challenges. Last time, when Sydney was sick, one of her posts discussed PICC lines, which literally changed how an entire hospital system interacted with patients. Another conversation led to a more humane chemotherapy structure. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or just starting your journey, remember that with preparation, adaptability, and a bit of courage, anything is possible.
If our story inspires you, I encourage you to check out the book The Capable Cruiser by Lin and Larry Pardey. This fascinating book talks about how to get into this lifestyle in many ways, from a historical lens, is becoming even more relevant today.
