This month, we are taking our Customer Spotlight over to the sea as we interview Hannah Goldberg, a young sailor who's become a huge TikTok sensation sharing her journey with one million followers! Growing up with a passion for the outdoors, Hannah was always drawn to stories of people sailing around the world. After years at a 9-5 desk job, she realized she needed to pursue a life of adventure and set out on a remarkable journey. Selling everything, she taught herself to sail, working as a volunteer crew member to gain experience and discover the freedom that only life on the water could bring.
Inspired by her love for the ocean and an unwavering dream to sail around the world, Hannah shares her incredible journey, the lessons she's learned, and her hopes to keep following the wind wherever it may take her.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got into sailing?
I’m a sailor, surfer, skier, and climber from California with a lifelong passion for the outdoors, especially the ocean. Working a 9-5 desk job eventually pushed me to sell everything and pursue my passion for adventure and traveling the world on a sailboat. I’ve always been fascinated by life at sea, drawn to stories of people sailing around the world. I didn’t know where to start, so I taught myself to sail and volunteered as crew on different sailboats, gaining experience until I was offered more positions.
What was your first sailing experience like?
My first sailing experience was in the Netherlands when I was 8 years old. I remember having fun, though I struggled with the lessons because my Dutch wasn’t great yet. Growing up traveling to Holland is where my love for life on the water began.
What do you love most about being out on the water?
What I love most is the peacefulness and connection to nature. There’s a feeling of freedom—seeing the waves, hearing them, and enjoying incredible views. I love that you can sit in the same cockpit and experience hundreds of unique, breathtaking anchorages. I’ll never get tired of that feeling.
How has sailing influenced your life outside of the sport?
Sailing has impacted my life in so many ways. Being a captain has taught me patience and made me a better problem-solver. It’s also made me less afraid; I don’t let fear control my life.
Can you share a memorable sailing adventure or experience?
Recently, I sailed to Catalina Island with three of my closest girlfriends. It was my first all-female crew and such a beautiful trip I’ll never forget. On our way back, we saw a shark, thousands of dolphins, a whale surfacing about 200 yards from the boat, and hundreds of seals. The ocean was so full of life that day.
What are some challenges you’ve faced while sailing, and how did you overcome them?
Too many to list! But I always overcome them with patience and perseverance, and I get by with a little help from my friends.
Do you have any sailing mentors or role models who have inspired you?
One of my best friends, Max Campbell (@Un.Tide), taught me so much of what I know about boat ownership and sailing. His achievements and the way he captains his ship have inspired me in many ways.
What advice would you give to young girls interested in taking up sailing?
Connect with other women and sailors; the sailing community is incredibly supportive. Don’t give up, and keep learning as much as you can about the craft.
What are your future goals or dreams in sailing?
I dream of sailing around the world! But I want to see where the wind takes me and don’t feel pressure to follow a set path. I’m open to change and growth.
How do you stay motivated and keep improving your sailing skills?
My motivation comes from a deep love for sailing and life at sea. My connection to this lifestyle feels unbreakable.
'Rain or shine someone's gotta be at the helm 🌧 Luckily I love steering the boat in the rain.'
What role has your family or community played in supporting your sailing journey?
Their support has been essential to my journey. I wouldn’t be able to do any of this without my family, the sailing community, and my close friends.
Can you share any tips or tricks that have been particularly helpful in your sailing experience?
Don’t be afraid to step back when things get overwhelming. Establish strong boundaries and stick to them.
What inspired you to make the leap from a 9-5 desk job to pursuing your dream of sailing around the world?
The 9-5 was my worst nightmare. I figured, no matter what happened, I’d be glad I tried. Besides, nothing could be worse for me than where I was.
'I’m officially a boat owner!
This little Catalina 25 was a bargain. As you can probably tell, she’s a project boat, and won’t take me around the world. But it’s one massive step in the direction toward my dream of crossing oceans on a boat of my own.'
How did you prepare for such a significant lifestyle change and the challenges that come with it?
I approached each new adventure with a smile and a positive outlook.
Can you describe your experience sailing through the Panama Canal and how it felt to accomplish that milestone?
It was intimidating at first, so many unknowns. But completing it boosted my confidence even more. Every milestone feels like growth, making me stronger.
What have you learned from sailing as crew on different boats in various countries?
I’ve learned how to live in close quarters with others and found that I love sharing life-changing experiences with people I care about.
How has your perspective on life changed after sailing over 10,000 nautical miles and visiting 11 countries?
I now have much more joy and appreciation for life.
Thank you Hannah for taking the time to share with us! Make sure to follow along her journey over on TikTok where she shares her sailing escapades and adventures with over one million followers.
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