Sarah Zachares embodies the spirit of adventure and free-spirited living. Her journey from renter to sailboat owner is a testament to her determination and courage. It all began with a transformative backpacking trip through Ecuador and Peru that ignited her desire to redefine her life and embrace a lifestyle of adventure and spontaneity.
Sarah's dream began to take shape when she found Kialua, a classic William Garden-designed sailboat built in 1978. "Kialua was the first and only boat we ever looked
at. I had one of those 'when you know, you know' moments," she recalls. Alongside her partner, Jesse, and a friend who knew how to sail, they paid cash for the sailboat and embarked on their journey.
Though neither Sarah nor Jesse had sailed before, they embraced the unknown and faced challenges head-on. "It ended up taking three years to leave town and begin our sailing adventures. Every time we’d get close to leaving, something new would break, and we’d have to use all of our savings to fix the issue," Sarah shares. Despite the hurdles, they ventured through the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, and St. Thomas, gaining valuable experience and collecting memories along the way.
Sarah dreams of sailing back to her roots in Saipan, a small island in the South Pacific. Her grandfather George Fleming was the first indigenous ship captain of Saipan. "My dream is to go through the Panama Canal and sail across the Pacific Ocean. It’s my dream to one day sail into that port and honor my grandfather," Sarah says with pride.
Her story is one of resilience, curiosity, and embracing a life of adventure. She encourages others to live life on their terms and follow their dreams. "My advice to anyone would be: don’t waste too
much time in life. Practice intentional living. You are allowed to wake up one day and choose a life that’s totally different than the one you had before," Sarah advises.
Sarah Zachares's journey is a reminder to us all to take risks and live life to the fullest. By pursuing her passion and fearlessly navigating her way across the Caribbean, she serves as an inspiration for those who wish to chart their own course and embrace the unexpected.
Sarah is currently in St Thomas still living on her boat with her partner Jesse and boat cat, Scout.
We will continue to follow the 3 of them on their adventures and send updates along the way!
So set your sights on the horizon, embrace the unknown, and take that leap into the life you’ve always imagined. Let Sarah's story guide you as you chase your dreams and make your own waves.
Coconut Smuggler was born from a life of adventure and the desire to embrace every salty breeze and sun-drenched moment. Our blog will shine a spotlight on fearless women who live life to the fullest, chasing waves and dreams wherever they may roam. If you want to be featured or know someone who should, drop us a line at cocoman@coconutsmuggler.com and share your story. Let’s celebrate the wild, the free, and the ones who make their own rules!
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