What’s It Like to Cross an Ocean on a Sailboat?
Reflections from a Floating Writer’s Retreat
I was in line at the Rey grocery store in Panama yesterday, my cart piled high with food. Not just your average shopping trip – this one was for a 30-day (or more) sail across the Pacific Ocean. It’s our longest crossing yet, and I was making sure we wouldn’t run out of meals and snacks while we drift between continents.
Behind us stood a sweet American family—something you don’t run into every day in Panama. They smiled and asked, “Are you stocking up for Easter?”
I laughed. “Actually, we’re provisioning for a month-long passage across the Pacific.”
Their eyes widened. “Wait… by boat?”
They were full of questions, and it made me think. Many people don’t realize what it actually means to cross an ocean by sailboat. What do we eat? How do we sleep? Are we bored? What happens when something breaks? It’s not your everyday kind of travel.
But for me, this journey isn’t just about the sailing—it’s also about the writing.
Creativity at Sea
There is something magical about being days—or weeks—away from the nearest shore. With no distractions, no social obligations, and the rhythm of the waves beneath me, I find myself in one of the most productive creative spaces imaginable.
I’ll be using this crossing to dive deep into the editing process of my sequel to Riding the Waves of Reality—the next book in our sailing saga, this time capturing our Mediterranean adventures, our time along the coast of Africa, and our crossing to the Canary Islands. It’s been an incredible journey, and I can’t wait to relive those moments and craft them into stories that transport readers to those beautiful and complex parts of the world.
Between shifts at the helm and long hours watching the horizon, I’ll also be blogging along the way—sharing the ups and downs, the beauty and challenges of life far from land. We will be posting videos on my Facebook page Sailmates.
Promoting The Seven from the Middle of the Ocean
While we’re sailing, I’ll continue to promote my newest novel, The Seven, which has already begun stirring interest in some very exciting places (I’ll share more on that soon!). This book has opened doors—and hearts. I’ve been thrilled by the response so far, and I’m eager to see where it leads next.
And yes—there’s already another book brewing. I can feel it taking shape in the quiet moments under the stars, in the long conversations Dan and I have while the boat gently rocks, and in the endless miles of open ocean that always seem to whisper inspiration.
A Few Sailing Questions, Answered
In case you’re wondering, here are a few of the top questions we get about life on a passage:
- How do we get fresh water? We have a watermaker that uses reverse osmosis to turn saltwater into fresh drinking water. Three tanks hold 90 gallons, plus 15 emergency gallons stashed away.
- What about food? I’ve stocked the pantry with pasta, rice, canned goods, and baking supplies. I’ve also frozen 20+ homemade meals for rough-weather days. We catch fresh fish and freeze what we can’t eat.
- Night watches? Yes. We take turns—three hours on, three off. When we’re deep in the Pacific with no nearby boats, we relax a bit, using radar alarms and short wake-up intervals.
- Internet? Thanks to Starlink, we now have reliable internet even out in the middle of the ocean—a true game-changer for an author afloat.
- Do we get bored? Never. Between naps, meals, reading, writing, sail-trimming, and soaking in the sunrises and sunsets, life is full. Each day brings its own rhythm and surprise.
We’ve spent longer in Panama than expected (that’s just how sailing goes), but tomorrow we set off—headed west into the wide blue expanse.
If all goes well, you’ll hear from me with updates from sea. I’ll be posting blogs, sharing photos, and maybe even a video or two—so you can ride the waves right alongside us.
This is more than a journey across an ocean. It’s a chance to create, to reflect, and to tell the stories that connect us all.
Fair winds and following seas,
Alison
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