If you’ve never sailed before – not on a giant cruise ship, but on one of those smaller yachts you often spot in cozy Mediterranean harbors – it might seem like an experience reserved only for a chosen few. But Captain Giedrius’ story proves the opposite: this dream is much closer than it looks. All it takes is curiosity and the courage to try.
The First Step on Deck
“I’ve always loved nature and that feeling of freedom it gives,” recalls Giedrius. His first encounter with the sea happened in the simplest way. One day, a friend invited him to join a sailing trip in Croatia. At that time, life already felt a bit routine, and he was craving something new. So why not?
Zadar harbor, a summer morning. A small sailing yacht, ropes and sails tangled in a bit of chaos, a narrow cabin – everything looked new and unfamiliar. But the moment the boat rose on the waves, Giedrius felt something he had never experienced before: the pull of the wind filling the sail and a horizon that seemed endless.
The First Impression That Changed Everything
“I remember that moment so clearly,” he says. “When the boat leaned into the wind, I realized this was more than just a holiday. It was freedom – the kind you can’t find in the city.”
That feeling stayed with him long after the trip. One journey was no longer enough. Back home, Giedrius signed up for courses, took exams, and earned his skipper’s license. Suddenly he could sail on his own and plan voyages wherever he wished.
Friends, Adventures, and Memories
Since then, sailing has become a rhythm in his life – at least one trip a year with friends. Sometimes it’s a week in the Mediterranean, sometimes a further destination – the Caribbean or Polynesia. The group became steady over time: people who once tried it never wanted to go back to “ordinary holidays.”
Of course, not every voyage is calm. One of the most vivid memories for Giedrius was sailing from Livorno to Mallorca, when a sudden storm forced him to steer with absolute precision to keep the boat upright. “In those moments, you realize how powerful nature really is. You need to make decisions quickly, trust your crew, and stay calm. That’s when you discover what true friendship and trust mean.”
Lessons From the Sea
On a boat, everyone has a role. There is no space for ego – one person drops the anchor, another trims the sails, someone else prepares dinner. This creates a special kind of closeness that’s hard to find anywhere else. “People think it’s just a holiday. But sailing actually teaches you how to work together, trust others, and get to know yourself better,” says the captain.
He emphasizes that the role of a skipper goes far beyond technical skills. “You have to plan the route, watch the weather, take care of the crew. But most importantly – you have to be a leader. Everyone looks at the captain, so your calmness becomes their calmness.”
Advice for Beginners
For those considering sailing for the first time, Giedrius has simple advice: “All it takes is one trip. Most people get hooked for life after their first time on the water.” The Mediterranean is a great place to start – warm, welcoming, and full of beauty. Storms are rare, but even such experiences, like the one Giedrius had with his crew, often become life lessons that stay forever. Interestingly, out of the nine people on that stormy journey, only one decided it wasn’t for them. All the others still sail today.
Another detail that matters – having a Lithuanian skipper. According to Giedrius, sailing with someone from home feels warmer. “I can sense the group’s mood better, adjust the pace, and share hidden bays and local taverns. For me, it’s important that people experience as much as possible. Sailing is not about staying in port – it’s about feeling the true freedom of the sea.”
A Dream Within Reach
Giedrius’ story proves one simple thing: the sea is not reserved for a select few. It can become part of anyone’s life. All you need is the will to try. Because sailing is not just about beautiful views – it’s about adventure, friendship, the force of nature, and lessons that stay with you forever. It’s a lifestyle that sets you free. “Just try it once,” Giedrius encourages. “Most people come back saying: why didn’t I do this earlier?”
Do you want to feel what a real sea journey is like? With Captain Giedrius, it could be your first step into a world of freedom, adventure, and peace. Travel Boat will make this dream a reality. Write to us – we’ll let you know when the next group trip with Captain Giedrius is planned. And if you already have your own group of friends, we can organize a private trip with a yacht and skipper just for you.