Around the World in 14 Years: The Inspirational Story of Chris and Fiona Jones

Around the World in 14 Years: The Inspirational Story of Chris and Fiona Jones

Initially, Chris and Fiona planned to travel from their native Wales across the Atlantic and back, spend the winter in Almerimar on the Costa del Sol in Spain, and return home. There was no thought of how fate would turn, but the couple continued their journey by visiting more than 40 countries in 14 years.

“When we settled in the international community of yachtsmen-cruisers, we found many friends, some of whom had lived on their boats for many years.” “We decided we had found the perfect way to realize our dream of a free life, independence and adventure.”

Chris Jones is 69 and his wife Fiona is 55. They retired and had a lot of experience in yachting. Chris was a certified instructor of the Royal Yachting Association and has also raced in Britain and Ireland, and Fiona has extensive cruising experience. They both have worked as instructors for the Royal Yachting Association courses and have also launched two local outdoor sailing training centers.

Their yacht was also reliable, built in South Africa in 1988, she had a long range sea cruiser specification. But, despite their experience and training, problems naturally arose along the way.

Around the World in 14 Years: The Inspirational Story of Chris and Fiona Jones

“We always did our best to make sure we checked everything on the boat, had adequate supplies of food, water, and spare parts, we even thought out a contingency plan before we hit the road.”

“This does not mean that we did not have problems - we had a lot of them.but over the years we have developed a problem-solving strategy based on what was the easiest solution, and fear and imagination are the greatest obstacles to success, ”explained Fiona.

The couple's journey began westward and continued in the same direction further across the world, with stops in the Caribbean, then on remote islands in the Pacific Ocean and the Far East, and in many other extraordinary places. And the month in the Galapagos and the trip around the South Island in New Zealand were the most memorable for the couple.

They shared many special moments along the way, although they admit that the most enjoyable moments were when, after a long ocean crossing, they saw a tiny island on the horizon, right in the place to which they were heading and at the time that they calculated. - Chris admitted.

Around the World in 14 Years: The Inspirational Story of Chris and Fiona Jones

Around the World in 14 Years: The Inspirational Story of Chris and Fiona Jones

“It was different too. Doing extensive internal renovations in a traditional fishing shipyard in Thailand, living and working side by side with local carpenters in the heat and mud, became a useful understanding of a very different way of life, and what we still truly value, regardless of the discomfort"Chris continued.

“Oh, and this unforgettable stop in the middle of the Atlantic, when we were almost out of fuel, it was a special moment that reminded us that the tradition of mutual support between all sailors in the ocean is not dead at all,” he added.

"This further strengthened our belief in the fundamental kindness and generosity of ordinary people around the world., and showed us once again that what we have in common far exceeds our differences in culture, religion and politics, which are often used and negatively promoted by the media and authorities, ”added Fiona.

Around the World in 14 Years: The Inspirational Story of Chris and Fiona Jones

Despite the good moments, there are other, less fond memories. For example, when Fiona contracted tropical fever, or when the rigging fittings broke in the middle of the Indian Ocean. And also thunderstorms off the southern coast of Madagascar. But overall, their experience gave them a sense of independence and a different view of the world, far beyond their comfort zone.

They believe that there is no better way of life than the one they have chosen, and many more people all over the world, but they urge those who are thinking about a long-term journey to carefully study and think about everything, since reality can be both a dream come true and a real nightmare.

“Join the ocean cruiser community, where you can gain invaluable experience from like-minded people and get support along the way, as well as make your own contribution to the community. "

“Don't rely too much on technology, use traditional astronavigation skills. The steering system and balanced sail plan give you more freedom. Energy-intensive technologies are very dependent on the engine, which can lead to high loads and stress you if something goes wrong, ”advises Chris.

Fiona also encourages long-term travel planners to think about family and friends. "Just keep in mind that you will be spending many months away from home and that this will affect those you leave who are worried about your well-being."

The couple says it's not difficult for them to cope with life on earth after such a long journey. “It was like putting on an old, comfortable pair of shoes,” Fiona said. But what about the next trip ?!

"Our boat is so closely connected to who we are that it would be unthinkable at the moment that it would no longer be a part of our life." "We can look at her, moored in the Menai Strait, from our living room window, and one of us is always looking in that direction to keep her in order."

The couple are planning to cruise the UK and Ireland. "Things may change in the future, but for now we are still traveling, although not so far."

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22.10.2017