Life aboard SV Francesca
By Larry Hall
I’ve met a lot of sailors over the years—some in distant anchorages, some over shared meals and card games aboard Francesca, and others just passing by with a wave and a story. They come from every walk of life, but many fall into a few familiar patterns.
I didn’t always know which type I was. I came to sailing for freedom, adventure, maybe even a bit of escape. I live aboard a 46’ sloop I’ve poured my heart into—Francesca—and I’m getting her ready to sail around the world. I’ve found community, solitude, laughter, and a deeper sense of self than I ever found on land.
So here’s a lighthearted take on the seven kinds of people who end up living this salty, beautiful life—and a few thoughts on where I fit in.
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1. The Adventurer
This sailor’s eyes are always on the horizon. They thrive on uncertainty and exploration.
They’re the first to pull out a chart and ask, “What if we just kept going?”
I can’t deny this one’s in me. My happiest days are spent offshore or dropping anchor in a quiet new harbor I’ve never seen before. I’m always curious what’s around the next headland.
Signs you’re an Adventurer: Your favorite sail is the next one. You think “weather window” sounds romantic. Your boat has more miles than your car.
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2. The Loner
Some people just need the ocean and a bit of quiet.
They don’t mind being alone—not out of sadness, but because the sea is enough.
I’ve had weeks like that, tucked into a cove with only seals for company, cooking simple meals, reading by headlamp, and falling asleep to the sound of the wind in the rigging. Peace.
Signs you’re a Loner: You’ve gone a week without talking to another human—and didn’t notice. You talk to your autopilot. You think silence is underrated.
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3. The Curmudgeon
Crusty but kind (maybe), this sailor has strong opinions, a salty vocabulary, and a love for things that work because they always have.
I know a few of these—and okay, maybe I’ve got a bit of this in me too. I still believe in diesel engines, good ground tackle, and fixing things myself. I’ve definitely rolled my eyes at a few overly automated systems.
Signs you’re a Curmudgeon: You say “boat” when you mean “home.” You think GPS is cheating. Your tools are older than most cruisers.
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4. The Escapist
Sometimes the sea is a way out.
Out of a routine that no longer fits. Out of a world that moves too fast. Out of grief or burnout or just the quiet ache of feeling like something’s missing.
There was a little of this in my own story, too. A need to shake things up and start fresh. The sea gave me space to do that.
Signs you’re an Escapist: You sold your house and didn’t look back. You refer to your “former life” on land. You believe sailing is therapy.
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5. The Minimalist
These sailors believe less really is more. They’ve downsized, simplified, and figured out how to make a meal from lentils and solar power.
Living aboard Francesca, I’ve embraced a lot of that philosophy. I don’t need much to be content—just a solid boat, a well-stocked galley, and good company now and then.
Signs you’re a Minimalist: You’d rather sail than motor. Your galley’s tiny—but perfect. Your favorite things aren’t things.
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6. The Dreamer
Some sailors fall in love with the idea of sailing long before they ever touch a tiller. They read the books, watched the videos, maybe even drew little boat doodles on their meeting notes.
I was never just dreaming—I was planning. Still, the dreamer in me keeps this journey alive. Because a big blue horizon still feels like magic.
Signs you’re a Dreamer: Your passwords involve the word “sail.” You still get emotional when the sails fill. You say “someday” a lot—but you’re making it happen.
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7. The Reluctant Crew (Turned Addict)
Not everyone chooses the sea—sometimes they get talked into it. But every now and then, they fall hard.
I’ve sailed with a few of these: came aboard for a weekend, stayed for a season. There’s nothing more fun than watching someone fall in love with sailing in real time.
Signs you’re the Reluctant Crew: You started by asking “Is it supposed to lean like this?” Now you’re the one reefing the main.
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So… Which One Am I?
Truth is, I’m a little bit of all of them. And maybe that’s the point. Sailing has a way of showing you who you really are—and inviting you to become something more.
Whether you’re setting out on your first coastal hop or preparing to cross oceans, the sea makes room for every type of sailor.
I hope to see you out there—adventuring, escaping, dreaming, or just sailing quietly past.
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Fair winds,
Larry
Aboard SV Francesca
Love this. Keep writing!