"Getting There" vs. "Being There": The Journey and Destination in Sailboat Cruising
Which type of cruising sailor are you?
Are You a "Getting There" or a "Being There" Person?
In my nearly two decades of cruising on sailboats, I’ve noticed a distinct divide among cruisers. Some relish the "Getting There" part of the journey, while others fall firmly into the "Being There" camp. When I talk about the "Getting There" part, I don’t mean a leisurely day sail between anchorages. I’m referring to true offshore passages, those long stretches that last anywhere from a few days to many weeks or even months. For some, these passages are the essence of cruising. For others, it’s about what comes after—settling into picturesque anchorages and immersing oneself in the destinations.
For Jane and me, voyaging is where the magic lies. We’ve spent countless days offshore, and we never tire of it. The idea of being “bored” or “tired” of offshore life simply doesn’t resonate with us. The rhythm of the boat, the wind in the sails, and the vastness of the ocean—it’s a way of life we cherish deeply. There’s something bittersweet about a passage coming to an end, knowing that while a destination is exciting, the open sea, with its challenges and rewards, will be left behind.
The "Getting There" Cruisers: Finding Joy in the Journey
For the "Getting There" cruiser, the journey itself is the real reward. Offshore passages, ranging from a few days to weeks or months, are not just about covering distance. They are about testing one’s skills, adapting to the elements, and embracing the rhythm of the boat as it moves through the water. There’s an undeniable satisfaction in sailing, rather than motoring, where the wind is the sole driving force. The feel of the boat responding to each gust, the motion of the boat as it interacts with the sea, and the sound of the water passing by the hull all become second nature.
Jane and I thrive on these passages. There’s a certain joy in the isolation, the challenge, and the quiet beauty of life at sea. The sky above, the stars, and the ocean beneath us become a constant source of wonder. We’ve found that it’s not just the journey to a destination that excites us, but the act of voyaging itself with the freedom it offers and the deep connection we feel with the natural world.
The "Getting There" cruiser thrives on this sense of self-reliance. When the seas grow rough or the wind shifts unpredictably, it’s the sailor's skill and the boat’s design that make all the difference. Jane and I relish this, knowing that we are fully capable of navigating through any challenge the ocean throws our way. There is a certain peace in that—being far from land, knowing that we have everything we need to face the unknown and turn it into an adventure.
The "Being There" Cruisers: Embracing the Destination
For "Being There" cruisers, the joy of cruising isn’t defined by the distance traveled, but by the moments spent anchored in picturesque coves, remote islands, and vibrant coastal towns. These cruisers thrive on the richness of each place they visit, savoring the time spent immersed in the beauty and culture around them. For them, the destination is everything. It’s the experience of arriving and settling in, whether it’s a pristine anchorage or a bustling port town.
As much as Jane and I love bluewater passages, we also like arriving at a new destination. There’s an excitement in discovering a new place, interacting with new cultures, and exploring what each location has to offer. But even then, we often prefer to anchor off the beaten path, avoiding the crowded marinas. We enjoy the peace and solitude of being on the hook, the simplicity off-grid living, and spending our days doing boatwork, reading, or simply soaking in the environment.
The satisfaction comes not just from the journey itself, but from fully embracing the destinations. For us, it’s not about rushing to the next place. It’s about savoring each new location, getting to know the land, the people, and the rhythms of life in a way that feels authentic. We’ve found a balance between discovering the world and letting ourselves just “be”—anchored, off the grid, and in tune with the moment.
Balancing Both Perspectives: The Hybrid Cruiser
While some sailors are firmly in the "Getting There" camp and others in the "Being There" camp, most cruisers find themselves somewhere in between, embracing both aspects of the cruising experience. After all, the beauty of cruising lies not in adhering strictly to one path, but in the ability to blend both the journey and the destination.
For Jane and me, it’s about striking that balance. A long passage across the Pacific might be followed by weeks or months spent in a quiet anchorage, fully immersing ourselves in the place. We take joy in the open water, but we also enjoy the slower pace of life once we’ve dropped the anchor. Whether it’s exploring a remote island, meeting fellow cruisers, or simply enjoying time on the boat, it’s the ebb and flow of these experiences that makes the cruising lifestyle so fulfilling.
This hybrid approach allows cruisers to experience the best of both worlds: the thrill of open-water sailing combined with the joy of discovering new places. For us, it’s a lifestyle that’s rich with adventure and relaxation. Each passage, no matter how long or challenging, leads to a new experience, whether that’s anchoring in a secluded lagoon or taking a walk through a lively village.
Passages Over the Horizon: The Journey that Leads to the Destination
In the end, whether you’re a "Getting There" cruiser or a "Being There" cruiser, the heart of the adventure is found in the balance between both. The journey is never just about reaching a destination, nor is it only about the arrival. It’s about how each moment, whether spent battling the elements or enjoying a sunset in a secluded bay, contributes to the larger experience of life at sea.
For Jane and me, the joy of cruising lies in both the journey and the destination. We find satisfaction in the freedom of the open water, in mastering the challenges of the sea, and in arriving at new places where we can slow down, explore, and simply be. The cruising lifestyle is about living on your own terms—embracing both the challenges of the journey and the pleasures of the destination in equal measure.
Learn more about the Voyage of Wanderlust here.