French Flair and Swedish Skills Sailing Aboard SV Arabella

We don't often have guests, and when we do, they're not usually the drop-by-for-dinner types unless they're on a neighbouring boat. However, in this instance, a visiting family traveled from Northeast France to spend nine days with us.

Luc and I have been friends since our days at the GSB in Cape Town in 2004. I've also known his lovely wife Karin for just as long. Though we've crossed paths many times since then, our children had never had the chance to meet. This dynamic was particularly interesting. Luc and Karin have two beautiful daughters: Nathalie, 15, and Sophia, 11. While Nathalie speaks English fluently, Sophia hasn't had as many opportunities to learn or practice. So, there was potential for complications on our "very small island" (our boat's nickname).

They arrived at Malé International Airport, and we had anchored nearby in the neighboring atoll, making it just a short 15-minute speedboat ride to our yacht. As is often the case with guests arriving, there was some initial trepidation. The first request was to remove their shoes, which wasn't comfortable for them. Then, there was mention of potential seasickness, though we were still in the marina at this point. I admit I was quite worried. However, a quick trip to the local pool bar and a few frozen margaritas alleviated all concerns. There's nothing tequila can't fix.

My plan was to introduce them to some of my favourite activities in the Maldives: snorkeling, sailing, e-foiling, scuba diving, wakeboarding, encountering manta rays, whale sharks, sharks, enjoying braai’s, and indulging in lots of seafood. We did our best, and fortunately, they got to experience most of them. But there's more to the story than just that. The real story is how five young girls formed strong bonds. It all began months ago after the Rugby World Cup in France. Luc and I facilitated communication between Nathalie and Arabella via email, asking them to organise a rendezvous in the Maldives. It was all up to them, and frankly, none of it would have happened without their initiative. Two young ladies who had never met in person coordinated to bring two families together in the distant Indian Ocean. I'm incredibly proud of both of them. I love devising seemingly unlikely plans and then seeing them through. I'm thrilled to have another family member who embraces this tradition.

The mix of ages—five-year-old, two 11-year-olds, a 13-year-old, and a 15-year-old—may seem unusual, but it was perfect for some reason. They connected in every possible way, but none more so than the special bond between Alex and Sophia. They're so alike in many ways, which allowed them to effortlessly overcome the language barrier. Before the trip was over, they even managed to create a spy detective film with Azania as their lead actress. It was truly magical.

Each day, packed with activities, concluded with dinner, a beer or two, maybe a gin, and some wine. Every morning, I felt the effects of the great company, keeping me up later than usual. But I cherished every moment. The flybridge on Arabella is a truly special place, and watching Luc play his saxophone while Alex strummed her ukulele was pure magic.

Finally, I typically meditate alone in the mornings, occasionally joined by Delphine. However, while Luc was aboard, he joined us every day to listen to Tama Levitt and her reflections on life through meditation. What a luxury! You can't put a price on these special experiences. It's simply what life on Earth is all about. Thank you, Henry family, for bringing so much love to our boat. You're welcome back anytime.