One of my earliest sailing adventures in the Caribbean was supposed to be the kind of rum-infused, paradisiacal island escape you typically read about in Cruising World. But in the aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017, a press junket turned into a humanitarian mission. Our crew, largely composed of marine journalists, pitched in to help bridge an immense gap in need and resources.
We weren’t the only ones. The outpouring of kindness from the broader sailing community was astounding. Folks packed supplies and loaded cargo planes bound for Anguilla. Self-organized flotillas helped deliver aid and good spirits. I remember feeling a glimmer of hope, as if our big little community of die-hard cruisers was making a real difference.
Our own journey left me with a deeper connection to the islands than any typical booze cruise ever could, giving me a glimpse into why yacht owners around the world have increasingly turned their vessels into vehicles for change. Countless sailors are undertaking humanitarian missions that extend far beyond typical cruising.
In the magazine over the years, we’ve heard from sailors who, as they made their way around the globe, developed a keen understanding of remote-community needs. Some people become involved in humanitarian missions, rallying fellow sailors to join. With boats that can reach underserved coastal communities, sailors show that cruising can go hand in hand with making a difference.
A standout example of this trend is the mission of the historic sailing vessel Vega, run by Shane Granger and Meggi Macoun. Built in 1893, Vega once served as a trading vessel. It now brings crucial aid to isolated communities across Southeast Asia.
With Granger and Macoun at the helm, Vega delivers medical supplies, educational tools, and other essentials to areas in Indonesia and East Timor, where access to basic resources is limited. Unlike larger humanitarian ships, Vega can maneuver through shallow waters and reach remote island villages. The couple’s dedication, rooted in long-term relationships with local communities, showcases how even a century-old vessel can serve a modern, lifesaving purpose. Their efforts have provided healthcare support, boosted education, and created opportunities for development.
Another example of how yacht owners can make a difference through consistent, long-term humanitarian efforts is Cruising World contributors Tom and Harriet Linskey’s work with Hands Across the Sea. The organization they founded in 2007 focuses on improving literacy and education for children in the Caribbean. Their approach is a reminder that humanitarianism isn’t always about emergency response; sometimes, it’s about nurturing sustainable change.
Hands Across the Sea creates lending libraries and enhances teacher resources, benefiting children in places such as Dominica, St. Vincent and Antigua. The Linskeys’ efforts aim to break cycles of poverty and provide opportunities for children to succeed academically. Their yeomen’s work shows that yacht owners don’t have to wait for a disaster to make a meaningful contribution; they can create an enduring impact by improving access to education, something that will continue to serve future generations well beyond the immediate aftermath of any crisis.
With an enthusiast sport such as sailing often being associated with luxury and leisure, it’s refreshing that some yacht owners are combining their passion for sailing with purpose-driven missions to help others. Whether it’s a historic vessel like Vega delivering aid in Southeast Asia or compassionate yacht owners like the Linskeys helping to build educational futures in the Caribbean, these stories show that the true essence of cruising is not only in where you go, but also in how you make a positive impact along the way. As we set sail in a new year, let’s remember that the course we chart can include adventure and meaningful contribution—a journey that proves the power of sailing to change not just landscapes, but also lives.
