One family's slow life adventures. Floating Stories Lab coming soon.
We are campaigning to welcome 10 new Founding Members to our Substack newsletter in August! You'll receive FULL access to our newsletters, AND an annual hand-written postcard from Bretagne, France, where we've relocated to build our wooden catamaran.
We look forward to welcoming you to our community! Subscribe here: https://voyagevirage.substack.com/
New post up on our Substack page 🙏🏼
A report summary from our makeshift camp whilst the salty baby sleeps
The hard plans in our hands, we are ready to embark on this wild boat building journey, but where will we lay the plywood and begin cutting?
Goodbye Southwest France, hello Bretagne, but where?
New Substack newsletter just went out 😎⛵️🌊
https://voyagevirage.substack.com/p/sailing-the-wharram-hitia-17
Our latest newsletter just went out 'Fiberglass as Hazardous?'
This newsletter explores the recent GRP Symposium 'Bridging the Gap Between Science and Policy - End of Life Boats' at University of Brighton, unpacks the OSPAR Convention to protect the North-East Atlantic marine environment, and calls out to researchers and loving citizens around the world to get involved.
Subscribe to receive our Floating Stories Lab newsletter directly to your inbox.
GRP Symposium, OSPAR Convention to protect our North-East Atlantic marine environment, and a call out to scientists and water folk the world around.
What a pleasure to sail on Benoit’s Hitia 17 during our relocation recce to Bretagne. Hand-built of course. Hanneke of Wharram Designs was with us to support and was impressed with Benoit’s build.
Don’t worry, Wharram catamarans are certainly known to be sturdy, safe, seaworthy and sail well to windward. But it’s not JUST about what the boat can do, it’s about the kind of life and way of thinking it can enable. Especially for our kids 🙌🏼
The hidden threat of GRP is starting to become known to us through important scientific research. Authorities and insurance companies, however, still fail to act when boats are wrecked. Here is one example below, where failing to respond urgently caused an acceleration of environmental damage and poses threats to human welfare, despite the alarm being raised and push to mitigate the fallout.
We will be at the University of Brighton this week for the GRP/End-of-Life Boats Symposium, presenting our Floating Stories Lab project and working together with scientists and the boating community to further solutions.
Locals unite for a beach clean-up after yacht owner says insurance company failed to organise salvage following Channel Queen yacht disaster
Remy and Hanneke reviewing Spirit of Gaia’s original plans during our recent stay on board. If you missed our video from this trip, it’s up on YT https://youtu.be/cE8DtlID3c4?si=fktmMvrQuq3oMcVz
In just a few weeks we’ll have our Narai Mk IV boat plans in our hands 🙌🏼
Today we were buried in plywood research. It’s remarkable how little most of us know about wood production, and how unsustainable and unethical the marine plywood industry can be.
In fact, do most of us have a clue where and how any of the wood in our lives comes from and is produced? I will be the first to admit I’ve been more ignorant than I should have.
Building our own boat is connecting us to material supply chains in ways I’m very grateful for. It’s eye-opening to say the least. We’re committed to sharing our R&D journey with you and will have updates in the coming weeks following the GRP (fiberglass) Symposium at University of Brighton next week where I’m presenting our project and talking about my current post-grad journey in creative practice research. GRP boats are now known to negatively impact aquatic environments and biota, and with over 6 million GRP boats in the EU alone, we need transformative policy and culture shifts to enable regenerative futures in the marine leisure space (yep, surfboards, paddle boards, canoes…if it’s made from GRP it’s part of the problem).
What a fantastic example of custodianship and regenerative marine conservation. Oyster really are the superheroes of our seas. Enjoy this fantastic short documentary about the oyster reef restoration project taking place in the Solent, UK.
https://www.voyagevirage.com/all-posts/video-solent-oyster-restoration-project-a-model-for-marine-habitat-regeneration
Discover the Solent Oyster Restoration Project by the Blue Marine Foundation, which aims to restore 105,000 native oysters to enhance marine biodiversity and improve water quality in the Solent. Learn how this initiative is creating sustainable habitats and inspiring global regenerative marine conse
On the blog today we discuss how we can bring together science, creativity and policy.
A dive into the environmental impact of GRP boats, groundbreaking research from the University of Brighton, and our innovative Floating Stories Lab project. Learn how our upcoming wooden boat build, circumnavigation and creative practice research aim to inspire sustainable solutions and policy chang
New video is up on YouTube from our time down in Southern Portugal aboard Spirit of Gaia, the Wharram Designs Pahi 63 Polynesian wooden double canoe catamaran ⛵️🙌🏼
When Hanneke Boon, Polynesian Wooden Double Canoe Designer and Head of James Wharram Designs, invited us to meet her in Southern Portugal to experience livin...
We loaded up the car and drove our family from our home in SW France across four climate regions to southern Portugal, to live on board the remarkable Spirit of Gaia, a James Wharram Designs Pahi 63 Polynesian wooden double canoe catamaran, with designer Hanneke Boon.
This was a fantastic chance to research our upcoming classic Wharram wooden boat build that will become our family home, research and creative studio: The Floating Stories Lab.
We have a long way to go before we'll be living on our own minimalist vessel on the sea, but this short time aboard Gaia will no doubt serve as motivation over the next few years (yes, it's going to take that long to build our own boat by hand!).
Enjoy this playful write up from our voyage south on Substack, along with early access to the video we put together
https://open.substack.com/pub/voyagevirage/p/life-at-anchor-on-spirit-of-gaia?r=1s865l&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
*The video is also now available on our Patreon page.
Learn more about our project as well as the latest scientific findings regarding the impact of fiberglass (GRP) end-of-life boats on oyster populations and other marine species at https://www.voyagevirage.com/floating-stories-lab
Thanks for your support!
onboard a James Wharram Designs’ Pahi 63 Polynesian Wooden Double Canoe
How dependent have we become on materials like fiberglass for boat building, without fully understanding the harms to the marine ecosystems we depend upon for survival?
Corina Ciocan's team at the University of Brighton are doing cutting edge research, and the results are shocking.
Discover the shocking impact of fiberglass on marine ecosystems. Learn how glass reinforced plastic (GRP) boats release harmful particles into the ocean, affecting oysters and mussels. Understand the risks posed by fiberglass contamination and explore solutions for better boat maintenance and dispos
Big decisions made! We couldn’t be more thrilled 🙌🏼🍾🔨🪚⛵️
We have decided to BUILD our own sailboat, a Wharram Designs Narai Mk IV Double Canoe / Catamaran. Yes, we are joining many folks around the world who, over thousands of years, adapted themselves to the Ocean: People of the Sea. And we'll be documenting the entire journey.
A trip down memory lane from Angie's parents' 1970s travel diaries: https://unhippytrail.substack.com/p/traditional-fishing-in-pantai-java
This is a game changing study. We break it down and look at what it means for regeneration.
Explore how regenerative agriculture and biomaterials are merging to create a sustainable future. Learn from the Materiom study how agricultural byproducts are being transformed into eco-friendly materials, fostering a circular economy and revitalizing the Great Lakes Region.
Yesterday's family hike through the lush Ahaxe-Bilgotza Pass near Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port was a breath of fresh Basque Country air.
We navigated rolling hills, encountered friendly wildlife, and shared precious family moments.
Check out our latest blog post for tips on making the most of this picturesque trail, perfect for family adventurers including new offspring still learning the ropes of all this outdoor stuff ;)
https://www.voyagevirage.com/all-posts/wandering-through-the-basque-hills-our-familys-hike-of-the-ahaxe-bilgotza-pass
Join our family adventure through the picturesque Ahaxe-Bilgotza Pass, near Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. Discover scenic trails, family-friendly tips, and the natural beauty of the Basque Country in our latest blog post.
Redefining Business as Usual: Lessons from Ancient and Indigenous Family Business Practices
We're excited to share our latest blog post, exploring the interesting history of family businesses, drawing inspiration from ancient civilizations and indigenous communities.
👉 Read how we believe family business can contribute to redefining entrepreneurship for a regenerative future: https://www.voyagevirage.com/all-posts/redefining-business-as-usual-lessons-from-ancient-and-indigenous-family-business-practices
Dive into the history of family businesses from ancient Rome, Greece, and Egypt to indigenous communities. Discover how these models inspire Voyage Virage's regenerative Floating Stories Lab, blending tradition with modern sustainability for a brighter future.
New Year, New Horizons!
Hey everyone,
As we embrace the fresh beginnings of 2024, our family at Voyage Virage is thrilled to share the latest edition of our adventure-packed Substack newsletter – "Embracing Change, Redefining Business As Usual, and Crafting Regenerative Futures: Our Voyage Begins."
This week, we're diving deeper into our plans for the Floating Stories Lab. Imagine a life of sustainable and regenerative family living, all while navigating the vast world and giving more than we take ⛵️. From preparing for life at sea to rethinking the essence of business, we're on a mission to live, learn, and share our journey towards better futures.
Whether you've been following our journey for a while or just stumbled upon our story, we welcome you to be a part of this exciting new chapter.
👉 Check out our latest newsletter below.
Our Voyage Begins
Just explored the stunning Faro de Higuer – Artzu Portua trail in Hondarribia, Spain with Sage and the kids. This 7.2km loop was a perfect blend of scenic coastline, fascinating geology, and family fun. Check out our latest blog for all the details and tips if you plan to walk this route - highly recommended.
https://www.voyagevirage.com/all-posts/exploring-the-rugged-beauty-of-faro-de-higuer-artzu-portua-hondarribia-spain
🐘🌿 Heartwarming News from Kenya!
Hey Voyage Virage community. We've just published an inspiring story about the remarkable journey of creating the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary in the stunning Samburu, Kenya.
Here, we delve into the importance of community-driven conservation, spearheaded by our friend, the awe-inspiring Naomi Lechongoro - who was the sanctuary's (and East Africa's ) first female elephant keeper. 🐘
Discover how Reteti, nestled in the Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy, is not just a haven for orphaned elephants but a place of hope and transformation for the entire community, human and wildlife. 🌱 From employing over 600 women in goat milk production for the baby elephants, to redefining women's roles in the Samburu community, this sanctuary is redefining wildlife conservation and community empowerment in Kenya.
👉 Read the full story here and be inspired by the power of community, love, and conservation: https://www.voyagevirage.com/all-posts/holistic-elephant-conservation-my-journey-at-reteti-elephant-sanctuary
📷 Don’t forget to share this uplifting story and help spread the word about this extraordinary journey of hope and change.
Letters From Naomi is a regular section on our website where we invite Naomi to share stories from her community in Samburu.
Discover the inspiring story of the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary in Samburu, Kenya, where community-driven efforts, led by Naomi Lechongoro, the first female elephant keeper, are reshaping wildlife conservation and empowering local women.
Ahoy, fellow sailors! ⛵️✨ Setting sail into the New Year with a breeze of knowledge exchange. We've created a helpful guide for all of us to navigate the seas of secondhand sailboat buying in our latest blog post. Explore budgeting tips, inspection insights, and more. We made this list for ourselves but decided it may be helpful for others. If you think we've missed something please let us know in the blog post comments so others can benefit from the shared knowledge.
Bon voyage to a year of exciting adventures and smooth sailing
Embark on your journey to buy a secondhand sailboat with confidence. Our comprehensive guide covers budgeting, inspections, negotiation tips, and more. Navigate the boat-buying seas smoothly!
Just before Christmas we hiked Mount Ursuia in the Basque Country and it was spectacular! 🏞️🥾 Wrapped in mist and draped in lush greenery, the landscape was just what we needed, despite the persistent drizzle. Check out our full story and tips for this decent climb on our blog.
https://www.voyagevirage.com/all-posts/rediscovering-natures-majesty-hiking-mount-ursuia-ursuya-in-the-basque-country
Join our family's hike up Mount Ursuia and experience the Basque Country's natural beauty. Discover lush landscapes, local wildlife, and embrace the tranquility of the green hills in our latest adventure.
New for our Substack subscribers: a big update!
A tale of negotiation, reflection, and renewed resolve
Finally, a little glimpse into the journey of bringing Sahara to the world
https://youtu.be/PNGRSgXKsxQ?si=hR8V5miNbRZ2d8sJ
This intimate vlog shares the backstory of our recurring miscarriages and the ultimate joy when we finally welcomed Sahara into our family. Join us for saili...
🌏 Gau Island's Sustainable Custodianship Journey 🌱
Delve into the heart of the Pacific with the Gauans, guardians of Gau Island, who have responded to climate impacts by forging the path for their custodial Lomani Gau Project for over a decade. This exemplary, community-driven initiative focuses on conservation, sustainable development, and regenerative management.
Gauans are exploring the vital role of topography in safeguarding their Island, as they utilize Geographic Information Systems to gain insights into the island's mountainous terrain. Such visual representations emphasize the need to preserve forested mountain areas to combat landslides and soil erosion.
As custodians, the Gauans extend their impact beyond Gau Island, showcasing the power of community-led regenerative living initiatives. The Lomani Gau project, featured in the UNDPPA VR documentary "Sea of Islands," co-produced by Angie and Melbourne immersive studio PHORIA, resonates globally.
Remy and I are thrilled to be facilitating Gau Island's stories, working with Joeli Veitayaki and the community to share and exchange knowledge whilst amplifying Gau's story to the world.
Explore our dedicated Lomani Gau page, designed to educate and inspire those passionate about sustainable initiatives, regenerative living and community-led conservation.
https://www.voyagevirage.com/all-posts/custodians-of-gau-nurturing-our-island-home-for-generations-to-come
Explore Gau Island's decade-long journey with the Lomani Gau Project. Witness the Gauans' commitment to sustainable custodianship, utilizing innovative tools for terrain preservation. Join Voyage Virage in sharing these inspiring tales on our dedicated page, contributing to a brighter, sustainable f
I found mum's photos of the Taj Mahal from the 70s. Spot the difference with our visit to the Taj Mahal in 2017!
https://www.voyagevirage.com/blog/the-taj-mahal-in-the-70s-vs-2017i-found-mums-old-photos-from-india
In Crossing Asia Episode 6 , we avoid further scolding by my mum and get our butts to the Taj Mahal. It truly is as spectacular as mum insisted. After posting the episode on YouTube this week, I recalled mum emailing me some of her pics from her time in India in the 70s so I thought I’d share them
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Sharing our learn-to-sail journey, tips and resources on our SAILING page at voyagevirage.com ⛵️🌍 #sailing #learntosail #boatlife
He’s waited a long time to serenade his daughter ❤️🙏🏼🎶 #babymusic #daddysgirl #postpartum #babydaddy
Weekend antics waiting for our baby to arrive 👌🏼🐳 #ondres #southwestfrance #familytime
Ever wondered what it’s like to dive in Raja Ampat in cinematic virtual reality? Enjoy this little teaser of ecosphere VR that we screen recorded during a playthrough in-headset. Angie co-wrote and co-produced this VR natural history series and has more recently penned a behind the scenes travel blog from her time filming with the team in Misool, Raja Ampat, which is now live on our Voyage Virage blog 🐠 (website link in bio).Ecosphere is available to download free on Oculus Quest/Meta Quest VR headsets. Narrated by Anna Friel. #virtualreality #rajaampat #misool #metaquest #oculusquest #communityconservation #marineconservation #travelblog #diving #vrdocumentary #regeneration #marineprotectedarea
Minimize the material. Maximize the memories. Make more moments. #familyadventures #familytravel #voyagevirage
Are we born to wander? Meeting a Berber in the Sahara who taught us about the animals that live here. #sandtalk #saharadesert #morocco
Evening views from the production boat that Angie lived on whilst shooting the VR documentary ‘Sea of Islands’ in the Pacific with PHORIA and the United Nations. Would you like to see more of this kind of BTS in reels? #PacificOcean #bts #ocean #boatlife #fiji
