Setting Sail for Inspiration: A Kiwi Couple's Epic Quest for Maritime Stories

Have you ever dreamed of sailing around the world and meeting inspiring people along the way? That’s exactly what Will and Olya, a couple of professional filmmakers from Wānaka, are doing right now. They have travelled to all seven continents twice, but their latest adventure is sailing across the Atlantic on their 12-metre boat, Bonita.

Will and Olya are not just sailing for fun, they are also documenting the stories of people and organisations they encounter on their journey. They have met a man who makes prosthetic limbs on his sailboat in Guatemala, a woman who runs a turtle conservation project in Panama, and a group of young activists who are fighting for ocean protection in the Bahamas.

Their sailing adventures have also taught them valuable lessons about living on a boat during the Covid pandemic. They have faced challenges such as border closures, visa issues, weather conditions, and boat maintenance. But they have also experienced the beauty and diversity of nature, culture, and humanity.

Will and Olya are part of Unesco’s Ocean Decade programme, which aims to raise awareness and action for ocean conservation. They hope that their stories will inspire others to care more about our shared oceans and the people who depend on them. You can follow their journey on their youtube, or on their social media channels.

Looking for the right cover on the water in New Zealand in 2023?

No matter what your plans are on the water in 2023, Mariner Insurance is here to support you. We have been offering Kiwis specialist marine insurance in New Zealand for over a decade with cover for all types of boats and watercraft. Just talk to us about what you’re doing on the water, and we can tailor one of our insurance policies to fit.