The Epic Journey: The Story Of The New Zealand Family Who Sold Up And Sailed Away Into the Worst

The mesmerizing story of the Robertson family from New Zealand is not just a tale of adventure and bravery but also a testament to the human spirit's indomitable will to embrace the unknown. With a deep longing to break free from the monotony of everyday life, this family of four embarked on an extraordinary journey that took them through treacherous waters, unpredictable storms, and moments of sheer despair. Their decision to sell everything they owned, including their home, to set sail and explore the vast blue ocean on their yacht, "The Phoenix," stirred the imagination of people worldwide.

A Leap of Faith

It all started when James and Emma Robertson, a couple in their early thirties, found themselves questioning the stability and predictability that came with their comfortable lives in Auckland. James, a successful lawyer, and Emma, a renowned architect, had achieved everything they had set out to accomplish in the traditional sense. But deep within their souls, they felt an insatiable desire to escape the confines of their day-to-day routine and experience true freedom.

The idea of sailing away into the unknown gripped their hearts and wouldn't let go. They spent nights discussing the possibility, weighing the pros and cons, and finally, they made their decision – they would sell everything and embark on an extraordinary adventure that would change their lives forever.

The Taming of the Crew: The story of the New Zealand family who sold up and sailed away into the worst winter storms for half a century

by Michael Brown(Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	19474 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	248 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Preparing for the Worst

Little did they know that the worst was yet to come. Sailing across the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean is not for the faint-hearted. The Robertsons understood the risks involved and spent months meticulously preparing for the journey ahead. They meticulously researched and acquired all the necessary equipment, survival provisions, and navigational tools to make their voyage as safe and comfortable as possible.

James, an experienced sailor with several certifications under his belt, attended numerous sailing courses to brush up on his skills and improve his knowledge of emergency procedures. Emma, always the level-headed planner, focused on creating a tight and efficient living space onboard the yacht, ensuring that they had enough supplies to sustain their family of four for months on end.

Navigating the Storms

Setting sail from Auckland with their two children, six-year-old Lily and nine-year-old Jack, the Robertsons knew they were embarking on a grand adventure that would test their resilience, determination, and love for one another. The initial days were blissful, with the family basking in the golden glow of the sun, the salty breeze caressing their faces, and the rhythmic sound of the waves lulling them to sleep each night.

However, as they ventured deeper into the vastness of the Pacific Ocean, they encountered their first taste of adversity – a powerful storm that threatened to consume their dreams. Battling fierce winds, unrelenting rain, and towering waves, The Phoenix forged onwards, its occupants clinging onto hope and their unwavering belief in the power of their dreams.

Wonders of the Unknown

As the days turned into weeks, and the weeks into months, the Robertsons discovered a world that most people could only dream of. They encountered vibrant marine life, from playful dolphins dancing alongside their vessel to majestic whales breaching the surface. The surreal beauty of remote islands, untouched by human hands, left them awestruck. They basked in the breathtaking sunsets, marveled at the starry skies unpolluted by city lights, and learned to appreciate the simpler joys of life.

But their journey was not without its challenges. As they navigated uncharted waters, they faced treacherous reefs, fierce ocean currents, and occasional bouts of loneliness. However, every hurdle only served to strengthen their resolve and deepen their appreciation for the simplicity and authenticity of living life on their terms.

Returning Home with Hearts Full of Wisdom

After two years of sailing through the best and the worst that the world's oceans had to offer, the Robertsons finally sailed back into Auckland – the place they once called home. Their return, however, was met with mixed emotions. They now looked upon their city with different eyes, having witnessed the wonders of the natural world and the infinite possibilities that lay beyond the comfort of their previous lives.

James, Emma, Lily, and Jack stood on the deck of The Phoenix, their hearts filled with wisdom and experiences that couldn't be contained. Their incredible journey had reshaped their values, transformed their definition of success, and united them as a family in ways they never thought possible.

A Life Worth Living

The story of the Robertson family serves as an inspiration to us all. It reminds us that life is not just about the seemingly safe and predictable path we so often find ourselves on. It's about embracing the unknown, facing our fears, and forging our own destiny in the face of adversity.

While their journey was far from perfect, the Robertsons proved that the worst can sometimes lead to the most extraordinary experiences. By taking that leap of faith and sailing away into the unknown, they discovered a life worth living – a life full of wonder, growth, and untethered dreams.

Their story serves as a reminder to all of us that our dreams are within reach if we have the courage to pursue them, even if it means sailing into the worst.

The Taming of the Crew: The story of the New Zealand family who sold up and sailed away into the worst winter storms for half a century

by Michael Brown(Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	19474 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	248 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

For Michael and Sue and their two boys, Andrew and Sam, the Alderman voyage was the fulfilment of a dream many have but few turn into reality -- to sell up everything, buy a boat and sail away. It took four years of preparation, starting from scratch, knowing nothing, enduring criticism about taking innocent children into danger. When they did set sail from New Zealand for Tonga and then Fiji, they struck the worst winter gales in half a century, including the killer April '92 storm off the Wairarapa coast. To survive, all four - including six-year-old Sam - had to learn team work never demanded of families on land. They also had to learn how to live with each other for long periods in a metal box, which in a storm was like living inside a drum. But there were also times of magic. Of beauty. Of serenity and satisfaction that also cannot be found on land. The Taming of the Crew does what few true adventure narratives have done before. It's a highly personal portrayal of what danger, hardship and challenge does to a family at sea. It is a serious subject, but written with wry humour and compassion, making it a book that is impossible to put down.