Cruising Musings: Remembering to Breathe

Remembering to Breathe

March greetings, as we steam roll into 2026 – how is it already the beginning of March? It sure seems like there is a lot going on. Or is it just me? Over the holidays, Noonsite went offline and our small team found ourselves working hard behind the scenes to make sure the site would be working properly when it came back online. Now that we’re back, the team is still working hard to catch up on the bits and pieces while getting the remaining bugs addressed as soon as possible. (Thank you to everybody that’s been so supportive and has been hanging in there with us!) Adding to the scene, the winter weather in the northern hemisphere has been windy, damp, chilly and rainy.

For me personally, life continues to provide challenges. Boat work on Zephyros remains ongoing in the Netherlands, while we manage it from afar. There are lots of decisions to make, the exchange rate to monitor and bills to pay. Then there are next year’s sailing plans; teenage kids to keep on track for whatever they might like to transition to next in life; and family health issues back home to think about and plan around. It’s a lot and a reminder that no matter where anybody is in life or how perfect it might seem from somebody else’s perspective – there is always a lot more happening behind the scenes. Many of us are simply doing our best to keep our “Duck Syndrome” in check.

Signs of Spring

Just this week, in the UK where we have been doing some pet and house sitting, the rain has finally stopped and the sun has come out. The hints of spring are beginning to peek out. I’m trying to find a little time to reflect and reset. It’s a good opportunity to think about what has been accomplished in the past year and set our goals for what we would like to achieve in the year ahead.

This is your reminder – and mine! – that if you are feeling overwhelmed or life is a bit chaotic, remember to breathe and know that you aren’t alone. See if you can’t find a bit of space and time to take a moment for yourself and do whatever relaxes you. Read that book, call or text that friend, do those breathing exercises, take a walk, watch a movie – whatever it is that you need to do to get a little respite from the world and any personal challenges in your life. (And also remember The Power of Sleep and Resilience.)

Looking Forward

In order to achieve smooth sailing, we must continue to breathe and work through the turbulent waters of the chaotic world. Even when sailing and life are smooth, there is always something that gives us a bit of trouble and stress or something we’d like to improve upon or learn. Give a little “spring thinking” (northern hemisphere!) about where you would like to be this time next year and take whatever little step today you can to help you get there. Big goals are only accomplished in small, consistent steps forward.

It’s been a little while since my last musing, I’m glad to be back at it and thankful that you have joined me. I’m looking forward to being back aboard Zephyros and sailing again, but there are a lot of steps left to get back out there. (Boat work in the yard is a load of turmoil, but that’s a story for another musing.) Nobody should have to go it alone and it is good to remember there is a vast community of support available. Find those family members, friends or other sailors ready to support you, help build your resilience and don’t forget to breathe!

Thank you for this space and continuing to join me on my musings. May you enjoy your own safe and inspiring adventures this year and let me know any topics about life on board and long-distance cruising that you would like covered in my monthly column.

Megan Schwartz
SV Zephyros
Noonsite Sub-Editor

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About the Author

Noonsite editorial team member, Megan Schwartz, joined Noonsite in October 2024 concentrating on research and updating country formalities. She lives on board SV Zephyros with her husband and two teenage boys (18 and 16 years old) and they have been cruising full-time, since 2017. Zephyros is an aluminum, expedition monohull which suits the family’s style of cruising perfectly as they enjoy high-latitudes and places less travelled, but have also cruised popular Mediterranean and Caribbean destinations.

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Other Noonsite reports in the Cruising Musing Series:

• Cruising Musings: Holidays on a Boat
• Cruising Musings: An Ode to AIS
• Cruising Musings: The Power of Sleep and Resilience
• Cruising Musings: Creepy Crawlers and Nature’s Pest Control
• Cruising Musings: What Do You Do All Day?
• Cruising Musings: The Things We Keep, Yet Rarely Use
• Cruising Musings: Life is Easier, But the Easy Things are Harder
• Cruising Musings: Finding Balance

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The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the view of Noonsite.com or World Cruising Club.