BOAT LIFE REALITY CHECK: The Ocean Doesn't Care About You OR Your Plans

BOAT LIFE REALITY CHECK: The Ocean Doesn’t Care About You OR Your Plans

In March 2021, Slim and Soph – sailing the Nakama – set off from Kojonup in Western Australia on an ambitious quest. First and foremost was escaping the claustrophobia of covid-19 lockdowns, which had been creeping ever closer and commanding us to stay home. The second reason for this venture was something of a pipe dream: attempting a circumnavigation of Australia’s massive continent while simultaneously pursuing online university degrees.

A number of factors led them to choose landlocked Kojonup as their starting point, instead of immediately pushing offshore into the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean. The covid-19 situation was a major factor; so too were a desire to experience every unique Australian coastline, from remote offshore islands to remote croc territories where they might very well be eaten.

Their third reason? An ambition that had been simmering since departure in March: experiencing what it’s like to surf down the longest wave on the planet, something neither of them had done. From there, the adventure continued with their vessel Nakama cruising around and up the Western Australia coastline – between the Indian Ocean – calling magical locations like Monkey Mia home.

With the most out of the Monty Bellow Islands, they then headed for Exmouth. It was the last stop before finally getting to see the beautiful Ningaloo Reef – where their dream would be fulfilled by swimming with whale sharks that frequent this area.

Reality Bites

However, it quickly became evident that just sailing to the desired location was not as straightforward or simple. The pair had traveled all the way there, only to arrive potentially too late in the whale shark season.

In an emotional confession on YouTube, Soph admitted to being ‘really, really hoping’ they’d spot a whale shark. Nate from Expedition Drenched, whom they met during their travels and known for his time spent sailing and flying drones around Australia’s coastlines said that sometimes even with the use of a drone it could take days out on the open ocean to sight one.

Nate added that, with winds averaging 15-20 knots, searching for whale sharks was difficult as hovering in such conditions made sighting these elusive creatures almost impossible. Additionally, attempting to jump off the boat and swim with them was not worth the risk of creating a man-overboard situation due to unfavourable sea conditions.

In hindsight, Soph revealed that their timing was