When I first started training for my ocean rowing journey in Weymouth, I knew the physical challenge would be intense, but what I didn’t fully anticipate was how transformative the experience of living — and sleeping — in such a small space would be. For the first few days, I slept in my boat, True Blue, while it was still on the trailer, before launching it into the water. Little did I know that these tight quarters would teach me some valuable lessons about simplicity, adaptability, and the things that really matter.
How Little Space You Really Need
At first glance, True Blue is compact, to say the least. The sleeping quarters are essentially just a snug cabin — no luxuries, just the essentials. I quickly realised how little space I actually needed to
be comfortable. The tiny cabin, once unfamiliar and cramped, became my cozy refuge. With just enough room to lie down, the boat reminded me that comfort isn’t about having space to spread out, but about being able to rest and recharge.
There’s something freeing about being confined to such a small area. In our daily lives, we’re surrounded by excess — whether it’s space or possessions — and we rarely stop to think about how much we really need. On True Blue, my world shrank to a few square feet, and surprisingly, it was enough.
Letting Go of Material Things
Living on the boat for those first few days, with only the basics at hand, was eye-opening. I didn’t have room for unnecessary items, so everything on board served a purpose. It made me think about how cluttered life can become with things we don’t actually need. On the boat, I learned that life becomes simpler and, in many ways, more fulfilling when you let go of the extras.
Having fewer material distractions also shifted my focus. Instead of worrying about what I didn’t have, I found myself appreciating the basics — a good night’s sleep, a peaceful environment, and the knowledge that I was preparing for something bigger. Simplicity allowed me to mentally and physically focus on the rowing ahead.
Adapting to Life on Water
After the first few days on the trailer, I finally launched True Blue into the water. Sleeping in a boat that’s gently swaying with the tide was a completely new experience. The sound of the water lapping against the hull became a kind of lullaby, and I found myself adapting to the rhythm of life on water. It felt different, but it also felt right.
There’s something special about the connection between your body and the environment when you’re out on the ocean. You become attuned to the elements — the wind, the current, the temperature. At night, the boat felt even smaller, but also more connected to the world outside. I slept with the knowledge that the ocean would be my companion for the months of rowing ahead.
Final Thoughts
Training for an ocean rowing expedition has taught me that we truly don’t need much to live comfortably — just enough space to rest, recharge, and keep moving forward. The experience has reminded me of the power of simplicity, and the value of being adaptable.
Whether I’m on land or water, I now know how little I really need. A small space, a few essentials, and the determination to keep going — that’s all it takes to feel at home, even in the middle of the ocean.
