About the Author
Nicola Rodriguez
Yachting journalist, bluewater sailor, and the woman who actually sailed away.
Nicola Rodriguez dared to dream the impossible. She wanted adventure, a taste of paradise, and most importantly, freedom from the demands of everyday life.
With careful planning and no small amount of courage, her dream came true. Nicola and John and their children spent 8 years sailing — including Europe and the Mediterranean, crossing the Atlantic Ocean, then exploring the Caribbean and beyond.
Eight Years at Sea
The Voyage
Eight years. Two children. One boat. Countless horizons.
Casting Off
Sold up, bought a boat, refitted her and sailed south along the coast of Europe, across the Atlantic to the Caribbean.
The Caribbean
Island-hopping through the Caribbean, British Virgin Islands, Bahamas and north to the US Eastern Sea board. Hurricanes Isobel and Ivan ....
Life Aboard with a baby
Life aboard with children. The French Canals, Balearics and back to the Caribbean and USA.
The adventures continue with children
To the USA to explore the fascinating eastern seaboard, Chesapeake Bay and onwards as far as New York.
Journalism
As a Writer
Nicola is a professional yachting journalist whose work appears in the world's leading sailing publications. She brings the same research and honesty to her writing that she brought to her voyaging.
Looking for Your Blue-Water Boat?
JR Yachts — Blue-Water Yacht Brokerage
John Rodriguez — Nicola's husband and skipper on their 8-year voyage — runs John Rodriguez Yachts, a specialist bluewater yacht brokerage. With decades of sailing experience, John knows exactly what makes a great passage-maker.
Browse Yachts at JR YachtsThe Book
The Book
Sail Away draws on Nicola and John's 8-year voyage, combined with the stories and hard-won wisdom of 100 other blue-water cruisers. It is part memoir, part practical guide — honest about the challenges, passionate about the rewards.