Elements Needed to Start
Over the course of writing this blog, I have been reminded of the people who have supported me and those who have not. Instead of looking at the negatives and the naysayers, I will remind myself that when we surround ourselves with positive people, our lives improve, and we can instil these positive vibes into our daily lives.
Throughout the preparation for this journey, I have received support from many friends and my family.
One of the key individuals involved in this journey is Annie. Over the years, she has played a crucial role in supporting my efforts to acquire the boat. Whenever I am away for work or unable to reach her, she consistently takes the initiative to prepare and clean Destiny. Maintaining Destiny in pristine condition requires a significant amount of hard work, and she has been the person who has contributed the most and supported me the most throughout this process!
Annie has sailed with me along both the west and east coasts of Peninsular Malaysia. However, she is not particularly fond of sailing because she tends to get seasick. This can be challenging when crewing Destiny, as it's always best to sail with someone you know well. Spending extended periods of time in close proximity can be a deal breaker for many people.
As I reflect on my journey, it's evident that almost all successful sailors are accompanied by a friend or partner. Bringing on non-friends or new crew members can create challenges, which I will discuss later in my blog when referencing specific stretches of my journey.
We also have a concern about who will take care of my other son, our beloved dog Loki. He has been a part of our lives since 2013 and has become a very cherished member of our household. With my two kids already graduated from university and working at the time of my trip, Loki has truly become the main companion in the house. He is the definition of a baby in our home and needs someone around him all the time!
To avoid offending anyone, I will not mention my friends and behind-the-scenes supporters here but thank them for all their support over the years. And this is not a large number. I will very much mention them on my return to Malaysia in 2025.
I often reflect on my journey, especially when I remember how many doubted my dreams. With those negative voices in mind, I'm thrilled to share that I’m now in Panama and on track to complete my circumnavigation! Pursuing my passion while others watch from the sidelines is truly rewarding. I couldn’t have done it without the unwavering support of Leslie from the blog Oddgodfrey and the vessel Sonrisa. Her advice to tune out negativity and concentrate on my adventure has been invaluable. Over the years, she has been a wonderful ally, always there when I needed help on my sailing journey. I'm excited about what lies ahead!
Before I delve deeper into the blog, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the individuals who have been with me since day one in 2016, when I purchased Destiny and began to develop my plan to travel around the world in 2018.
To God be his Glory, and I give thanks to him for all the Blessings and Support He has always shown me.
I remember this reading from the bible - which I feel is apt to show how God encouraged and supported me.
Romans 15: 5
‘May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind towards each other that Christ Jesus has’’
The whole gang!
