Aboard the Adventure: Life on the All-Girl Boat Fatuhiva

What if, instead of diving straight into a job or university after finishing school, you set sail around the world with your best friends? For Lisa, Thelma, Eva, Amalie, and Elise—aged 19 to 21—that dream is a thrilling reality. After trading in their textbooks for topsides, these young women are currently living onboard a 37ft, 40-year-old boat aptly named Fatuhiva, affectionately referred to as Fatudiva among the crew.

Embracing Femininity at Sea

‘We’ve really embraced the femininity of it,’ Thelma shares. This spirit extends beyond the boat; it reflects in their community, social media presence, and their mission as sailors. From the moment they set sail, they’ve sought to redefine what it means to sail as young women in a traditionally male-dominated arena. Their journey is immortalized on platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and their dedicated website—where they connect with like-minded adventurers.

The Journey Begins: A Rocky Start

Leaving their home port in Oslo, Fatuhiva encountered trouble almost immediately. The crew ran aground on a sandbank off Germany, leading to a dramatic rescue by the German Coast Guard. ‘There was a TV crew onboard the rescue boat,’ recalls Eva, the captain. ‘We’re now part of a documentary series, so that was… interesting.’

As the boat underwent repairs for six weeks, the seasoned sailors took to the seas on other vessels to keep their skills sharp. Their eagerness to sail was palpable; advice from fellow sailors encouraged them to push on, rather than wait until the next season. Ignoring warnings of a late-year crossing, they bravely decided to continue.

Crossing Borders and Oceans

Their journey saw them traverse a myriad of countries—from France and Spain to Morocco, Gran Canaria, and beyond. Each port brought unique experiences: in Brazil, they explored the Amazon River, swam with pink dolphins, and danced at Carnival. The adventure continued through French Guiana, Suriname, Tobago, Grenada, Aruba, and Panama, where they navigated the notoriously complex Panama Canal—a daunting task for even seasoned sailors.

Finding Community in Sailing

The bond that the Fatudivas share is not merely friendship; it’s a communal living experience where they tackle challenges collectively. As Thelma explains, ‘One of the biggest resources we have is that we always help each other out. You never feel alone aboard.’ This ethos of cooperation is what has made their journey smoother, allowing them to handle crises and repair issues with shared problem-solving skills.

‘So much of sailing depends on building community and communicating well together,’ they emphasize. In fostering this camaraderie, the all-female crew has often found it easier to navigate challenges. They separate tasks, maintain detailed schedules, and ensure that any repair requires a minimum of two crew members to foster teamwork.

Learning as They Sail

While many would advise meticulous planning before setting sail, the Fatudivas have adopted a ‘learn-on-the-go’ philosophy. ‘You can’t leave knowing everything about the world. You just have to start. That’s the only way you actually leave the harbour,’ Eva asserts. Every malfunction or mishap—like when they had to clean the submerged carburetor of their outboard engine after a rough beach landing—becomes a teaching moment.

The girls leverage modern resources, using platforms like YouTube and even ChatGPT for everything from technical repairs to local advice. They’ve learned that asking for help not only leads to practical assistance but often opens doors for new friendships and connections.

Navigating Cultural Perspectives

The experience of being an all-female crew has also provided cultural insights. In countries like Morocco and Senegal, locals often express surprise at seeing young women navigating a boat. ‘That was a really interesting experience,’ Thelma reflects. As they travel further from home, they discover more about the innate cultural differences tied to gender roles, but they continue to blend seamlessly into the global sailing community.

Sharing the Journey

Beyond sailing, the Fatudivas are dedicated to giving back. Their social media presence serves not just as a diary but as a resource for those aspiring to embark on similar journeys. They communicate openly regarding their experiences, choices, and challenges, inspired to encourage younger sailors to break into a world that can often seem inaccessible. ‘We want to show that there are pathways into sailing, even for those who weren’t raised in it,’ Lisa emphasizes.

An Eye on the Future

As the journey continues, the Fatudivas eagerly envision their long-term ambitions, including plans to circumnavigate the globe over three years—a feat that would make them the youngest Norwegian and first all-female crew from Norway to do so. Their unwavering spirit and determination exhibit a promising future for sailing, paving the way for more young adventurers.

For those who may wonder about the potential of a new generation of sailors, the stories of the Fatudivas create a compelling narrative. Their escapades not only illuminate the challenges they face but also the sense of freedom that comes with adventure, unity in community, and continual learning. They may be young, but they’re proving that with courage, camaraderie, and a spirit of adventure, the world really is theirs to explore.