Scott Erwin is feeling grateful on his 60th Birthday 🎶🎶🎶

Today, on my 60th birthday, I find myself in a church on the island of Fulqana, surrounded by Kathy and some of our closest friends, listening to a minister speak in Bauan Fijian. The “word of God” feels as foreign to me now as it did 50 years ago as a boy in South Carolina. Back then, my Sundays were split: church with Mom when Dad was at sea on his submarine, or sailing South Carolina’s coast with him (Dad) when he was home. Even at 10, I knew where I’d rather be—to Mom’s chagrin. (laughs)

It’s no surprise which path I chose. Sailing wasn’t just a hobby; it became my life’s rhythm. Today, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for the people who’ve shaped my incredible journey. My father who taught me that sailing could be a way of life, not just a weekend escape. My mother who sparked my curiosity and instilled a toughness that carried me through. My brother (my best friend) who taught me that our lives can be so short. Business partners like James Cooley and Jeff Paul taught me about money—sometimes the hard way. Employers who turned a blind eye when I slipped out early on Fridays, already halfway to the water.

Then there are my friends—too many to name, but each a thread in my tapestry. Folks like Thomas Sinnickson who kept my quirky, “I can be different” edge sharp. My cruising partners, some with me since our early Mexico days. My kids, who brought so much joy but also knew Dad was off to “do his thing.”

And Kathy! The one that gives me the courage to be brave. The one that shares the necessary fortitude “we need” to greet the wide open sea when we leave the safety of the harbor and head out to our next destination.

My journey is a mosaic of moments: running the fishing boat Mello Boy in college, sailing my first Hobie with Ollie in Fresno. Logging thousands of miles on inland lakes with Kathy and all our Hobie friends. And, captaining whale and harbor tours in Morro Bay before we set sail on Sea Bella. Every experience, every person, has built this life.

To all of you—thank you. Your support means the world, and we’re thrilled some of you follow our adventures. At 60, I’ve learned it’s just a number. This ride has had its ups and downs, but it’s only getting better. As Jimmy Buffett sings in Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes:

“Oh, yesterday’s are over my shoulder, so I can’t look back for too long. There’s just too much to see waiting in front of me, and I know that I just can’t go wrong.”

-P.S. We’re stoked for Vanuatu in October! I’m diving into a book “Getting Stoned with Savages” a hilarious book about the islands. It’s opening chapter nails it: A life trapped in a soul-sucking career, which may leave you with money, but trapped in a career with a dead end life that leaves you with few experiences and memories. Somehow I relate.

-Scott