Why I quit full-time life on a yacht after a year

• I used to live on a yacht full time, but after a year my partner and I decided to get an apartment instead.
• Simple activities like showering or grocery shopping became much more difficult.
• I learned a lot about life on board, including how to appreciate the simple things in life.

In March 2021 my greyhound boyfriend and I started living on a 42ft yacht. By August 2022 we were back on land and moved into an apartment.

In the years leading up to the move, I fantasized about a nomadic lifestyle, but after a year at the expense of hygiene, stability, and family time, my wanderlust faded.

Simple daily activities like taking a shower or grocery shopping have become complex tasks. We spent a lot of time and energy just maintaining our basic needs.

So our decision to return to land was ultimately the result of these challenges, which haunted me physically and emotionally.

Limited water led to limited shower

I consider myself low maintenance, but life on a boat has pushed my hygiene needs to the limit.

There was a limit to the amount of water that could be carried, especially on voyages to remote areas. So we minimized our showers to conserve water and instead took a ‘salt bath’ in the ocean.

In the sea, soap doesn’t lather well, and salt sticks to your skin and hair, so you can’t really feel clean.

I went a month without a fresh water shower, and my hair had a thick layer of salt and grease that made me feel uncomfortable and self-conscious.

I wanted to establish a daily routine

At first, finding the most convenient grocery store and a nice running path was part of the adventure, but I was tired because I always felt unfamiliar with my place. I was relieved when I was able to stay in the place for over a week and establish a routine.

And instead of being excited about our next destination, we were sad every time we left.

Traveling every few days helped me become more adaptable, but I continued to feel insecure about accessing the resources I needed.

Homesickness was harder than expected

I always thought it would be hard to be away from my friends and family, but I was surprised when suddenly a wave of homesickness overwhelmed me.

While grabbing an ice cream, I wanted to share it with my niece who loves dessert. And when I tried the local hot sauce, I longed to be with my best friend.

After missing birthdays and vacations for a year, I am now embracing every opportunity to create memories with the people I love.

I still learned a lot and the experience was worth the challenge

Living on a yacht has made me appreciate the simple things in life.

Since moving into my apartment, showers have been readily available and groceries are easy to obtain and store.

While I am grateful to be able to carry my memories of beautiful beaches and diverse cultures, I am also looking forward to the next chapter on land.