Hello, sailors! Meet Faye and Rob, along with their adventurous dog Yewy, who embarked on a life-changing journey that started right here in North Shields. After getting married, the pair decided to do something a little different for their honeymoon; they spent five months sailing 1,600 nautical miles around the UK.
Faye and Rob bought ‘Reach Out’, a Catalina 400 sailing yacht and immediately set off, sailing the South Coast, Wales, the Isle of Man and Northern Ireland before taking the Caledonian Canal back to the East Coast, ready to head for their home port.
Faye says, “we were fortunate to see some breathtakingly beautiful places on our travels, especially around Cornwall. We anchored or took moorings in places like Salcombe, Fowey and Fishguard, but it was actually the smaller fishing ports, like Buckie, that made us feel truly at home. Docking in the commercial port reminded us of North Shields’ Fish Quay and the local seafood and fish and chips – dare I say – may have even rivalled it.”
Sailing back into North Shields after five months away, was an emotional experience for Faye and Rob. The Northumbrian coast, with its iconic landmarks like Bamburgh Castle and Holy Island, looked even more magnificent from the sea and they appreciated seeing them from this new perspective. As they entered the piers of the Tyne, they used the High Lights and Low Lights’ lighthouses as transits to keep them a safe distance from the Black Middens’ rocks. Once back in Royal Quays, they were greeted by friends and family keen to welcome them home and hear their sailing stories over a drink.
But when one adventure ended, another had just begun. Faye and Rob had their sights set on sunnier shores which meant spending a brutal winter in the Royal Quays’ boatyard preparing ‘Reach Out’ to head for the Med.
Currently, Faye and Rob are in northern Spain, hopping from port to port and dodging the occasional orca.
“The Cantabrian coastline is spectacular,” says Rob, “we just don’t get sick of looking at the lush green mountains and amazing cliffs.”
Throughout their journey, Faye and Rob vlogged their experiences on their YouTube channel, ‘Sailing Hjem’. The name, meaning “Sailing Home,” originally reflected their mission to return to North Shields. Now, it has taken on a new meaning as they live full-time on their boat, making wherever they drop their anchor their home.
You can join Faye, Rob, and Yewy onboard ‘Reach Out’ at www.youtube.com/@sailinghjem
Their latest adventures have taken them to the picturesque coastal towns of Portugal, where they’ve been soaking up the sun and feasting on local delicacies like pastéis de nata and fresh seafood. Faye and Rob have been particularly enchanted by the vibrant culture and friendly locals, often sharing stories and tips with fellow sailors they meet along the way.
In a recent vlog, Faye shared her excitement about learning to sail in more challenging conditions, emphasising how each new experience has strengthened their seamanship and brought them closer as a couple. Rob, on the other hand, has been keen on exploring historical sites, documenting their visits to ancient castles and charming villages for their audience.
Their loyal companion Yewy, has also become a star of the channel, with viewers eagerly tuning in to see his latest antics and adventures. Whether he’s chasing seagulls on a sandy beach or ensuring the boat is free of pesky seagulls, Yewy’s boundless energy and curiosity add a delightful touch to their videos.
Looking ahead, Faye and Rob have ambitious plans to cross the Atlantic, aiming to explore the Caribbean and perhaps even venture down to South America. They’ve started meticulous preparations for this monumental journey, including upgrading their navigation equipment and undergoing additional training to ensure they are well-prepared for the open ocean.
Their story is testament to the power of daring to dream, and the joy that comes fromembracing the unknown.
Through theirYouTube channel, Faye and Rob continue to inspire countless others to pursue their own adventures, proving that home is not just a place, but a state of mind shaped by the people and experiences we cherish.
So, if you’re yearning for a dose of adventure and a look into the life of a couple who traded the conventional for the extraordinary, be sure to follow ‘Sailing Hjem’. With every new port they visit and every new friend they make, Faye, Rob and Yewy remind us that the world is vast and full of wonders waiting to be explored.
