Barbara

Crew Level of Experience (out of 5): 1, but rising.

Bonjour! I’m Barbara, a 32-year-old French adventurer who left her life in France two and a half years ago to travel the world by hitchhiking.

In September 2025, I started hitchhiking on boats without realizing where that decision would lead me.
After crossing the Atlantic in order to reach Cuba while working for three months as an Interior Manager and Assistant Cook aboard a Dutch sailing vessel that trains teenagers to sail, my plans at sea shifted.

I met members of the Swedish crew from Kialoa III, exchanged messages with Captain Lelle for several weeks, and eventually joined the team in Trinidad & Tobago. What began as a conversation turned into an opportunity: sailing together, contributing to the yacht project and learn.

I officially stepped on board Kialoa III on February 13th. With very limited offshore racing experience, I began where every sailor does, with maintenance in Trinidad. Cleaning, painting, preparing, learning knots, understanding onboard systems, absorbing vocabulary, and finding my place within the crew.

My experience level may be 1 out of 5, but my commitment is 5 out of 5.

Kialoa III is not just a boat; she is a legendary racing yacht with history. Being part of this project, even as a beginner, is both humbling and motivating. I am here to learn from experienced sailors, to grow under pressure and to contribute wherever I can.

“If your dream doesn’t scare you, it’s not big enough”, my mantra for years now seems still up to date.

I don’t yet know how long I will remain part of the Kialoa III crew but for now, I am fully here, fully committed, and incredibly grateful for the opportunity to race on such a historic vessel.

To be continued.