Growing Up With a Love for Travel
Bel always had a love for travel, but it wasn’t until later that she connected it with sailing. Growing up, her family took her on many trips, with her first big adventure being a trip to Suriname, where her grandfather was from. After that, they traveled to places like Vietnam, Cuba, and Thailand. Bel loved exploring the world but often felt conflicted. She’d visit these beautiful places as a tourist, but she was always aware of the people who lived there, feeling a deep empathy for them.
A Classic Bart and Bel Moment
One of Bel’s first sailing lessons with Bart wasn’t exactly smooth sailing. On a lake in Amsterdam, Bart was teaching her how to sail in a Laser. Confident that she was ready, Bart suggested she sail across the lake solo. But as she made her way across, a windsurfer came towards her, and Bel froze—she had no idea what to do. She made it to the other side, but it wasn’t without tears. Bart had faith in her abilities, but it took Bel a little longer to believe in herself. This is a typical “Bart and Bel” moment—Bart’s confidence in Bel often outweighs her own belief in herself, but somehow she gets there in the end.
A Passion for Field Hockey and Communication
Before her sailing journey, Bel was heavily involved in field hockey, playing from the age of 6 until 22. She even earned a scholarship to study Communication Studies at Northwestern University in the United States. Balancing 20+ hours of field hockey with studies and social life wasn’t easy, but Bel thrived on the challenge. Her competitive side and work ethic, developed on the hockey field, would later translate into her life on the boat.
The Explorer at Heart
Bel is the one who loves to explore. She’s always on the lookout for new places to visit, dive into, and most importantly, eat! Researching the best spots to anchor and finding hidden gems is her specialty. Bel’s goal is to find those secluded, untouched anchorages where it feels like she’s completely lost in nature. Along the way, she’s also become the mastermind behind their blog updates and online presence, using her skills in web design and SEO to optimize their site and share their sailing adventure with the world.
A Culinary Journey on the Open Sea
While Bart might lose himself in a good book during long passages, Bel’s experience on the open water is a bit different. She’s more prone to seasickness, so instead of relaxing with a novel, she’s become the boat’s official fisherwoman. But fishing isn’t just about catching anything—it’s a whole culinary adventure. Bel is passionate about cooking, and she brings her love of food to the sea by catching fresh fish, which she turns into delicious dishes like sushi, sashimi, ceviche, and fish tacos. It’s her way of making sure every moment on the boat is both an adventure and a treat for the taste buds.
The Magic of Sailing: Teamwork and Adventure
While Bel may not have expected to be living life on a sailing yacht, it’s clear that her adventurous spirit and passion for exploration have made her a natural fit for the journey. Whether it’s navigating new destinations, cooking up local dishes on a budget, or making sure their online presence stays sharp, Bel is always ready to take on the next challenge with enthusiasm, determination, and curiosity.
