Two 23-year-old Montrealers set sail for the Bahamas on their sailboat, a trip that will take two years. Those who learned to sail and repair their sailboat in less than three years, accompanied by their dog, are documenting their project on TikTok.
“I needed to find a purpose in my life, and then it was to go on a sailboat. After nine years, I would leave,” explains Raphael Beaudoin, who has dreamed of this project since she was 14 years old.
On June 12, the young woman left Lake Champlain on what was supposed to be a two-year trip with her partner, Emile Bergeron, and their dog, Maggie. In the coming weeks, the duo will travel along the territory of Quebec towards the Gaspé and make the first major crossing towards the Magdalen Islands.
“This is the first time we will sleep in the boat and not see the banks anymore. I realized that we will really be surrounded by water.
The couple will then sail along the American East Coast to the Bahamas. Upon arriving at their destination, amateur sailors will allow themselves direct meetings to determine the rest of their itinerary, perhaps towards South America.
“To think that we are going on a sailboat to the Bahamas is very stressful and scary, but we should not see it that way. We should see it as if today we were in Sorel, and tomorrow we were going to Trois-Rivières. “It is very easy.” , explains Emile Bergeron.
Financial sacrifices
To implement the project, the couple has worked hard financially since purchasing the boat in November 2021.
“It cost $23,000. It's not that expensive for a boat of this size, but it's still an old boat,” Rafael explains.
Emil and Rafael had to pay the marina fees where the boat was stored before departure, as well as repairs that turned out to be more than expected. Expenses are estimated at approximately ten thousand dollars.
Over the next six months, the couple plans to spend between $10,000 and $15,000 traveling to the Bahamas, most of which includes food and anchorage fees when they dock. However, this budget does not include unforeseen events.
Maud Larin Kiran / QMI Agency
To save a lot of money, the two young men, who had just finished college, made many sacrifices.
They cut expenses as much as possible, never go out to restaurants, and have avoided traveling in recent years.
“You're not going to spend [pour] “Something that will last a few minutes” to avoid sacrificing your dream, says the graduate.
An attention-grabbing story
Raphael Beaudoin initially decided to document her journey on TikTok just to share the adventure with her friends. In just a few days, the first video she posted achieved 500,000 views, and the account gained 20,000 subscribers.
“I've received so many lovely comments from everyone. Everyone is really curious, especially with Maggie on the boat,” says the young woman.
The couple will try to socialize every day until their 1.5-year-old golden retriever can run.
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