I learned to sail at seven years old in San Diego, California on a little red sailing dinghy. At ten, I completed a 5,000-mile, 6-month cruise in Mexico with my family on our sailboat, The Endless Summer, experiencing a different culture, the freedom and beauty of sea travel, and opening my mind to horizons beyond my hometown reality. I credit the origin of my environmental concern to my exposure to the contrasting landscapes of grave pollution and radical natural beauty in Mexico.
Albeit very young, this trip profoundly impacted me. Two things were clear when we returned to San Diego in 1990: I wanted to protect the natural world from human destruction and, one day, I wanted to be the captain of my own sailboat.
At fifteen, my love of the ocean and natural athletic inclination led me to try surfing. Soon after, it was all I wanted to do. Determined to excel in the sport, I spent all my free time in the water and eventually started competing. I surfed in private contests and for the UCSB surf team while studying at UC Santa Barbara. My competitive career culminated in a win at the NSSA Nationals, making me the 2002 College Women’s National Champion. Although I enjoyed pushing my level of surfing through competition, I was more inclined to chasing nature saturated,
exploratory surf experiences. I enjoyed surfing most for the adventures leading to remote breaks, the connection with the elements, and the opportunities for self-discovery. I was full of bigger questions that needed answers.
I began taking surf trips during summers and school breaks to Barbados, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Hawaii, Mexico, Nicaragua, and a ‘study abroad’ trip Australia. As I finished up my degree in Environmental Studies, I remember feeling frustrated by the direction the world seemed headed. Our distance and apathy for the natural world and failure as a country to seek and promote environmentally sustainable living left me disappointed and frustrated. I clung to my dream as a ‘way out’.
My surfing obsession further fueled this fire. The pressures of increasing crowds and urban pollution made the idea of a free-ranging life on the sea seem even more appealing. After graduation, I crewed on different boats to gain experience for about a year, and then spontaneously came upon the chance to become the captain of my own sailboat. Thanks to the generosity of my friend and mentor, Barry Schuyler, along with support from my family, Swell and I were united.
Through this stroke of serendipity, my intense determination, and the generosity and advice of innumerable people in Santa Barbara and beyond, Swell was converted into an ocean-worthy vessel. For almost three years, I worked with local professionals–mechanical, rigging, sail repair, radio, fiberglassing, and others, learning and overhauling each of Swell’s vital systems in order to prepare myself and my ship for sea. Only having sailed the boat a handful of times during this busy preparation period, I honestly didn’t know whether I would be capable of a captain’s tasks and responsibility. Although the uncertainties ahead petrified me, the alternative of not going seemed even more unthinkable. And so in October of 2005, I pointed Swell’s bow south from the Santa Barbara harbor.
Over the 20,000 nautical miles of ocean I’ve sailed since, I’ve discovered that the most important sort of exploration happens within. The enormous sense of fulfillment I’ve gained from following my dream, delving into self-awareness, and living a simple life close to nature motivates me to continue sharing my experiences in hopes of the same for others.
A few powerful lessons I’ve learned along the way:
- We really do have immense inner power to create the life we desire and manifest our dreams.
- By using the challenges and adversities in life as opportunities to grow and learn, something positive can come out of almost any difficult situation.
- We’re all just doing our best, so instead of pointing fingers or placing blame, it’s always more useful to look within for solutions.
- Practicing relentless positivity and loving-kindness has the power to completely change one’s reality.
- WE ARE ONE! Nature, humanity, and all life on Earth are inextricably and fantastically connected. Seeking to understand and participate in this Greatness is not only a path to immense personal fulfillment, but also to healthy, peaceful planet and a populace that could exist in harmony with nature!
39 Comments
Simone
May 3, 2016Hi Liz,
I am the associate travel editor at weather.com. We would love to do a profile about you and your travels. If you are interested, please email me and we can discuss this further.
Best,
Simone
Weather.com
Tansen
May 5, 2016Great advise to us – “There’s always more to learn!”
any plan to come world’s most long beach (125 KM) in Cox’s Bazar?
We are following you from Bangladesh.
Tess Watkins
May 6, 2016Hi Liz,
I work on the content team for a company called Flight Centre in the UK, and I have just come across your incredible story. I would really love to chat to you for an interview on our blog. We could conduct everything via email, and we’d just need a few photographs from your Instagram page, if that would be OK.
I’d really love to hear your thoughts either way, and I look forward to your reply.
All the very best,
Tess
Yigit Berk Egridere
May 12, 2016Hi liz, My name is Yigit. I saw on the Internet a while ago and your story was very excited. I think really exciting story. This is my dream, i love sea and freedom. One day if u come to turkey I’d love to meet u. Take care of yourself , I will continue to follow you good night,
Loves from Turkey.
Bill
May 14, 2016Liz,
As a fellow Cal 40 owner, I am intrigued about you and your voyage and equally inspired about your vessel, Swell. I would love to see and eyeball her for myself. Meanwhile, would you mind answering a few questions and perhaps sending me an email?
My Cal 40 is hull #23, Artemis (and her only one name, ever); and her keel was laid in 1964. We are both based out of Annapolis, MD, and I have embarked on a major refurbishment project to bring her up to modern standards in every way possible. After gutting her insides, everything has been modified, upgraded, replaced, or re-fabricated: all bulkheads have been either reinforced or replaced; ceiling/deck core has been removed and replaced (with balsa core w/installation of a cross deck beam support); new engine (Yanmar) and customer engine box installed; installation of a new prop shaft; new portals/windows; new cabinetry/sink/shower/head in the head area; re-done locker area; new galley (still being designed); new Nav station (halfway complete); and new cold box/cold-plate area (still under design); new standing and running rigging; new primary winches; new main traveler; new headsail tracks/blocks; new boom; re-furbished mast and electrical wiring; enlarged lower cockpit drains; removed/filled-in numerous thru-hulls and consolidated drainage system into fewer number (I must have eliminated 7 of these); new teak toe rails (after glassing the hull-deck joint); fabrication of entire deck sections (to replace delaminated sections); new propane box aft of traveler (yet unfinished); new roller furler; completely new electrical system is still in design phase (thoughts and recommendations or just observations welcome!); and completely new paint job with AWLGrip (deck and topside of hull). I have even fabricated my own cockpit hatches to allow for access to aft quarter berth areas, which I use for storage of lines and sails, equipment, and refreshments. As you can tell, this has been a MAJOR commitment.
And yet, I’m extraordinarily interested in Swell and would like to learn more. I note that you created a new hatch in the ceiling of the salon, aft of the mast. Why did you opt to do this? What have been the pros and cons of this? Would you do it again? If not, then why not? What about storage capacity for both fresh water and fuel? Do you have enough? What challenges have you had with either system? What about battery/power storage? Do you have any tips/thoughts on this topic? How about your water maker? Cold-plate cooling system? Are you pleased with them? What about the cross-beam support in the main salon? Has it proven to be sturdy enough? I’m also interested in your insights about sail rigging that have been gleaned from your many years/many miles at sea. What thoughts/recommendations might you have (if any) in this area?
As I mentioned before, it would be great to see Swell for myself in order to improve Artemis. In lieu of that, I hope you can share some of your thoughts. The vessels have much in common, although my internal layout is different. Because of a refurbishment effort during the early 70s (before my involvement), Artemis was given a settee on the port side of the salon with a drop-down table (that doubles as a bed for two) and a double-wide berth on starboard, with a drop down bunk that doubles as a backrest for crew sitting upright and facing the table/settee to port. Other than that, the vessels are fairly similar (oh, my NAV station is aft of the starboard side berth, immediately to starboard of the main companionway ladder and facing outward to the hull.
I found an online interview of you and James Lambden talking about marine electric motors off the coast of Santa Barbara. Does this mean that you return to the States every once in a while? If so, perhaps we could facilitate a meeting. While I’m a member of Annapolis Yacht Club and based on the east coast, it might be best to meet on the West Coast. I have close personal friends in San Diego that remain members of the San Diego Yacht Club (married, he hails from Hawaii, she from Santa Barbara); I’m sure they — and other SDYC members — would enjoy meeting you. Please let me know.
Meanwhile, safe travels and — as always — fair winds and following seas,
Bill
Artemis, #23
nattershiloh@yahoo.com
Bill
May 14, 2016P.S. Liz, I forgot to mention that I’m also interested in your cockpit seat extensions. How have these worked out for you? Can you send me photos of these? Bill
sam
May 21, 2016You’re awesome :) Thanks for inspiring!!
Kärt
May 31, 2016Hi Liz!
Funny to call you by your name but after reading your blog for two hours, following you on instagram for 2 months already i feel like i am connected to your energy.
Past two hours have made me so sensitive and i feel like i wanna cry. It is so heartwarming to see that there are people like you, embracing womanhood, humanity, consciousness and sustainable life!
Past few years i have been feeling like i don’t belong in the society i’m living in. I have struggled with my beliefs and haven’t had the courage to be who i really am.. Since i started following you on instagram i have been so touched by jour journey and life. My heart is on fire and i am thirsty for some learning and adventure. Day by day i’m learning more and more to bring out the best of me. I couldn’t start a journey like a journey like yours at the moment but i’m taking baby steps and through my journey i hope to meet people like you are.
Greetings from Finland, where my journey has brought me at the moment from my homeland Estonia… but the winds are telling me that it is not for a long time anymore :)
Lots of love to you and your cool tropicat! (and greetings from my lazy little fur ball Lillifee the cat!)
Captain Liz
July 23, 2016Lots of love and best wishes to you, sister! Keep tuning into your heart. I hope to cross paths one day. All the best on your adventures!! Love, Liz
Ken Curtis
June 10, 2016I so envy your grasp of life and what makes it rich and vibrant at such a young age. It took me seemingly forever to finally settle into a life of wonder, pleasure and gratitude – like more than 60 years. I now live by the sea on the south coast of Turkey and just wish I would have been here decades ago. Enjoy the rest of your lifes journey – it goes ever so quickly. Cheers
Legacy of Stoke
June 16, 2016We are looking for submissions for Volume 2 of ‘Legacy of Stoke’.
You can check out our website at http://www.legacyofstoke.com and you can see Volume 1 here; https://www.amazon.com/Legacy-Stoke-Collection-Stories-Surfers/dp/1507870566
We would love to include one of your stories…
The Legacy of Stoke Team
Sandra
June 30, 2016Dear Liz,
my name is Sandra, I am writing to you as Content Manager of the digital only Magazine “sisterMAG”, based in Berlin/Germany. Our digital magazine is aimed at intelligent and widely interested women. It covers topics from fashion, technology and digital trends to traveling, food and DIY.
sisterMAG is published bi-monthly in English and German. Per issue we have over 180.000 readers and our app is regularly promoted by Apple in numerous country app stores. You can also read our issues in your browser: http://www.sister-mag.com.
We had been following your digital endeavours for quite a while and we really love what you do at swellvoyage.com.
Why we write to you: We are working on a sisterMAG issue (N°25) with the theme “Water Colours”, where we also want to talk about living on a boat and traveling around the world. That’s why we thought we HAVE to write to you, especially considering the beautiful images you’re taking along your travels.
Would you be open for writing for us about you and your journey with a selection of your photos in the next issue? We would be really honoured to have you on board! We would be happy to link to you and your website.
As we are on a tight schedule, it would be wonderful to hear from you soon!
Thanks so much for reading this!
Yours, Sandra and the sisterMAG team
Captain Liz
July 23, 2016Hi Sandra, please send your request to swellvoyagepr@gmail.com. Thank you so much!! all the best to SisterMAG!
Emma
July 8, 2016Hi Liz!
I just stumbled upon your beautiful story and I am so inspired. I too am a lover of nature and I am on a quest to continue exploring the world, leaving a light footprint. Thank you for being such a courageous adventurer and sharing your story. It is inspiring to see people living the lives of their dreams. I hope to create a life filled with lots of adventure, nature and love. Keep rocking!
Emma
tunaphis
July 8, 2016Morning to you both,We (Chuck,a 10yo female Maine coon and myself) also sail on a Beneteau 40 together which see loves.
Jonathan Tran
August 16, 2016Hi Liz,
I was browsing the web for sailing around the world few days ago. I came across an article about your journey around the world for ten years. I thing that’s amazing. The article also mentioned that you would like to find a travel partner. I am interested to sail around the world if I have the chance. I am an old man and broke. I don’t have much money. I like to sail around the world once before I go to heaven. Well, I don’t want to bore you with my personal bio. Plus I don’t want people to read about my personal bio. I like to keep my privacy. Anyway, if you would consider, please reply. If you are not interested, it’s understandable. There is no hard feeling. All the best!
Jonathan
Drew
November 16, 2016hey liz I would really enjoy talking to you about real things. how to improve our world. ive recently been in the wilderness where I was forced to look within for answers. its unbelievable the wisdom that can be obtained by being one with nature. I think we could definitely learn from each other
David Malmquist
January 31, 2017Hi Liz, I like your story, I also started sailing at a young age, I would love to have a woman sailing with me that was a true Sailor I think sometimes you need to start young to have a real love of sailing, the feel of the wind power the ship, ect you know what I am talking about. I now sail on a 1986 Restored Hans Christian 41T , 40,000 lbs of boat, not as fast as a cal 40 but what a ride. I understand your Love story , I was in a 3year relationship with a married woman! Big mistake , I still Love her, haven’t seen here in 65 days , Looks like I will sail single handed. In need of a real Sailing Woman , not married. Dave
Experts digital
April 5, 2017Beautiful story.
Amanda
April 16, 2017You rock girlie!! Such an epic journey and so inspiring. Stay stoked and never loose that wanderlust!
Lazaro Silva
May 25, 2017I loved reading your life story and knowing a little more about you Miss. Liz.
John Mottl and Melanie Whelan
May 28, 2017Hello, If you have the time, just a question….. We are preparing to depart this September from Orcas Island on an open ended sailing trip, could be years and years. Trying to decide if we can venture out with two seven month old sister kitty’s . How was the whole customs/immigration/quarantine…. as you travel between countries.
Hope to see you, we are in a homebuilt 40′ Farrier Trimaran
Love from both of us
Captain Liz
May 30, 2017Hi! Awesome! I have mostly been traveling in French Polynesia since I picked up Amelia, so I’m not an expert on how it works in other places. I would assume that in most places you are not allowed to bring them ashore. If the cats are really used to land like Amelia was, I’m not sure it’s the best choice for them. But if they don’t have a better option, I imagine they would adapt. I would get proper paperwork from the vet to show their vaccinations and health records! Best to you!! Liz
Lise Richard
May 31, 2017Fun! I’m your neighbour on Vancouver Island. Nice to read of your upcoming adventure.
I’m currently learning what I can in order to set sail on a similar one.
All of the enjoyment to you on your trip!
Thierry Laval
June 3, 2017Coucou, c’est un peu bizarre les commentaires ;-) Le blog semble un peu abandonné? Ou est tu ? donnes des nouvelles de toi, du chat, du bateau :-) Ou est tu actuellement et comment vont les finances. J’espère vraiment que tout ce passe pour le mieux. Surement a bientôt sur l’eau :-) Best best best …
Tom Stair
August 6, 2017If you will be in the Boston area Thursday evening 6/21, 9/20, 10/18, or 11/15/2018, we have fifty sailors who would like to hear you and pay a $200 honorarium.
Tom Stair
Pelagic Sailing Club
This Captain Has Dedicated Her Entire Life To Sailing Around The World – VtrendNow
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This Sea Captain Sails Solo Around The World Searching For Surf | Mo4ch News
November 16, 2017[…] Society frenzy, and you wanted to direct it at a literal captain, you couldn’t do better than Captain Liz Clark. First of all, she decided at ten that she would sail the world, and she is. How many people are […]
sea-captain-grid-uproxx.jpg – carlosbastarache216
November 16, 2017[…] Society frenzy, and you wanted to direct it at a literal captain, you couldn’t do better than Liz Clark (@CaptainLizClark). First of all, she decided at ten that she would sail the world, and she is. How […]
This Sea Captain Sails Solo Around The World Searching For Surf – Found It Elsewhere
November 17, 2017[…] Society frenzy, and you wanted to direct it at a literal captain, you couldn’t do better than Liz Clark (@CaptainLizClark). First of all, she decided at ten that she would sail the world, and she is. How […]
Michael and Barbara Lawler ("Traveler")
April 24, 2018Liz,
We met at Marina Taina (Papeete) in early November of 2007, and had you aboard our boat “Traveler” for a Captain’s Dinner. Barbara and I completed our three-year circumnavigation in July of 2010. I am active in the Adventurers’ Club of Los Angeles and want to invite you to come to our club and give a dinner program and book signing. We meet every Thursday night. Please check out our website: Adventurer’s Club of Los Angeles.
I just saw the trailer for your book, and read the article in this month’s Sail magazine.
Please send my your email address.
Or call me at 949-287-9774.
Barbara and I live in Newport Beach, still have our boat (a North Wind 47′) and would love to see you again.
Cuppuccino
May 16, 2018Dear Liz I been learning about Are revolutionaries and we love you can come, If you can bring as much people as you can or let them know please I mean that would be no honor if they can come we need all the support because all the little changes in the world. my school is in Point Loma and it is called high-tech Elementary, at 5:15 – 5:30, we wanted our Revolution To come but if you are around San Diego that’s okay because I’m going to make a website about our project so then you can see everything that we have done, but please it would be honored to meet you because you inspired me when I was younger I will see the world polluted and litter and that just broke my heart. Because of you, you made my dreams come true. thank you Liz
May 16, 2018 <- this is today
Cuppuccino
May 16, 2018sorry I mean it would be an oner if they can come,
Catherine Randell
November 12, 2018Hi Liz,
Greetings from our Team!
We are a Florida based Company in the process of launching a Health and Wellness/ Personal Finance Blog.
Our focus is on Family and community. We want to encourage people to eat healthy foods, be physically active and improve their overall quality of life. We will also incorporate Financial Tips; since this is closely related to one’s physical well-being.
We want to encourage people to be happy, stay positive and live their best life. with this, in mind, we would like to include some Travel Tips ( posts) from the experts.
We would like to have you as a guest blogger and would like to know your Rates.
We hope you would be interested in working with us and look forward to your response.
Happy Travels!
Catherine
Charly
February 19, 2019Please contact me at cdad1966@yahoo.com or 7085952134 . Travel well , charly
richard hacker
June 17, 2019Liz, we met September 2015 at the anchorage. You were motoring by with Tropicat and I was in the cockpit of my 41 ft. ketch, Searose, having a cocktail with my Kiwi friend Bruce. You came aboard, I fed Tropicat some fresh ahi, and the 3 of us had a lovely afternoon. The next day you left a box of mountain apples in the cockpit of Searose. Anyway, I’m very happy to see that you have published the book you told us about. I keep Searose at the Carenages and spend 2 months every year sailing F.P. Best to you, Richard
marcy balavage
September 15, 2019Hi Captain Liz,
I live in rural Pennsylvania USA and live as much off the grid on 2 acres. After reading your book and your website and your love and concern for our environment I wanted to let one sister to another know that recently my neighbor sold off a piece of his property and the newbies are just knocking tree after tree down. Beautiful healthy trees. I have decided to plant a seedling on my property for every tree that they knocked down. I have my friends becoming members of the Arbor Foundation who will give you ten free trees for every membership. So even though this has nothing to do with sailing , it does have a lot to do with love for our planet and environment. Happy future sailing, Marcy
Captain Liz
October 24, 2019Oh Marcy, Thank you so much for planting new trees to replace the ones being cut down next door. What a lovely action and hopefully it helps ease the pain of seeing those beautiful tree friends disappearing. Best to you in all that you pursue. Much Love, Capt Liz
David A. Pangburn
November 11, 2021Liz,
I was perusing the Internet back in 2013 and came across something mentioning your visit to The Marquesas in French Polynesia, specifically Fatu Hiva. To make a long story short, I once envisioned traveling from Norway to Fatu Hiva and then retracing Thor Heyerdahl’s footsteps on the island. I had spent a lot of time and energy researching this project, but when I read that you had already retraced his footsteps on Fatu Hiva, I was somewhat disappointed for myself and scrapped the project. However, I envied you for being able to live out my dream.
I just recently returned from a 10-day trip to French Polynesia, visiting the islands of Tahiti, Moorea, Huahine, and Bora Bora. Thus, I was able to fulfill that dream of visiting the South Pacific, a dream that started in 1953 when I read about Thor Heyerdahl’s epic 4,000 mile journey across the Pacific to French Polynesia on a balsa wood raft.
Going to Tahiti was high on my bucket list. At 82-years of age, I’m glad I fulfilled at least that part of the dream…
Dave Pangburn
Lake Oswego, Oregon