Many of you are friends and family, so this blog is mainly a way to keep you updated on where we are and what we've been up to. We’re aiming to keep each post short and sweet.
Our goal is to publish a weekly blog—quick five-minute reads—along with a three-minute video to give you a snapshot of our adventures. We’ll also include a weekly photo gallery so you can see what we've been seeing.
For those who don’t know us, we’re a family of four from Vancouver Island, BC, Canada—Tim, Michelle, Aliya, and Owen. We've taken a leap of faith, committing to a year away from our jobs, community, and routines to live aboard a 45-foot sailboat and explore the Caribbean.
Our journey begins in Virgin Gorda, in the British Virgin Islands. From there, we have a loose plan to head south to Grenada, where we’ll stay until hurricane season passes.
Michelle is the skipper, with extensive sea time under her belt. She teaches marine safety and has years of experience guiding people in and around the ocean. In 2005, she spent six months aboard an 85-foot Topsail Schooner, sailing from New Zealand to Canada and the U.S. as part of a tall ship festival. She’s thrilled to be setting sail and exploring again.
Tim is the first mate. While his background is more rooted in the mountains, he’s been spending more time at sea with the family in recent years. Though his sailing experience is limited, he’s eager to learn and excited for the adventure ahead—despite knowing it’ll be a steep learning curve.
Owen is a true nature enthusiast—curious, observant, and always eager to learn about the natural world. We think he’ll thrive on this journey of discovery.
Aliya loves the water and is passionate about stories, language, and imagination. This adventure will no doubt spark plenty of inspiration for her, both for real and imagined tales.
GET IN TOUCH
If you want to reach out and send a message you can get hold of us here. Or send an email to sv-yola1@gmail.com
So why the name SV Yola I?
SV Yola I is the name of our vessel. Sailing Vessel Yola I. Yola 1 because Yola was already taken. Yola means 'wind' in Kwak'wala. Kwak'wala is the language spoken by the Kwak'wala people, the First people in the Queen Charlotte strait (Northern part of Vancouver Island and mainland, Western Canada. Close to what we now call home in the Comox Valley, Vancouver Island BC.