Family has always been at the center of my life. Growing up in Australia, cousins were at every birthday, every holiday, every celebration worth remembering. That big, boisterous extended family was just there, and moving to the USA meant suddenly being oceans away from all of it. That’s why I was so thrilled when Khali reached out at the end of last season, asking if she and Cam could join us this year. Having them onboard Kora has been nothing short of wonderful – family at sea, laughter in every anchorage.
And beyond the laughter, their presence brought back a piece of what I’ve missed most – the joy of having family close by. From gourmet meals to calm problem-solving when things on the water got tricky, they made every moment richer and every near-catastrophe lighter. More than crew, more than guests, they reminded me that the bonds of cousins are lasting, no matter the miles between us, and I couldn’t be more grateful to have shared this part of the journey with them.
And today in Split, the circle grew even wider. We said our goodbyes to Khali and Cam, and welcomed two very special guests all the way from Australia – my parents, Geraldine and Ray. Dad turned 80 this year, Mum is 78, and I know travel doesn’t get easier with time. Australia is far – really far. So, for them to make this journey means the world to me. To see them step aboard Kora, to give them the full fanfare welcome, and to share a meal together before sending Khali and Cam off – it was a moment that filled my heart. Even more special: Kaitlyn is here to share it with them. The only one missing is Emily. Maybe next year we’ll get both girls onboard at once. What a spectacular reunion that would be!
Of course, Split itself deserves its own applause. Docking at ACI Marina Split can be hair-raising – narrow fairways, charter boats everywhere – but with the help of a nice marinero, our seasoned crew, and a lot of teamwork, we made it in without a hitch. Kora had been spruced up in anticipation: decks scrubbed, stainless polished, linens washed, and beds remade. Geraldine and Ray were suitably impressed with her sparkle.
Once settled, Doug and Kaitlyn set off to explore Diocletian’s Palace, a Roman emperor’s palace turned living city. Built as the retirement home of Roman Emperor Diocletian in the 4th century, the palace still stands as one of the most complete remains of Roman architecture. Its grand arches and courtyards later took on a Venetian flair, giving the Old Town its unique blend of imperial Rome and Adriatic charm.
In the early evening the skies turned grey, the winds picked up, and we had our first bit of drama: a monohull nearby lost power to its bow thrusters in a sudden gust, drifting bow-first toward Kora. I happened to spot it from the galley (yes, mid-drink duty) and bolted outside yelling, “Grab some fenders!” A few quick moves later and – disaster averted. The other captain looked mortified, but we reassured him: “It’s okay. No harm, no foul.” Our turn to pay it forward …. But in general, a good motto for sailing … and really, for life too!
Later, Kaitlyn and I took on the grocery run, determined to stock Kora for nearly two weeks of anchorages as we meander north toward Bakar, Kora’s final resting spot for the season. The walk there was breezy; the walk back … not so much. Kaitlyn cheerfully announced the grocery bags weighed less than her school backpack, but by a third of the way in, I was regretting every decision. Still, we made it – wine, water, and all – though by the time we returned to Kora, any plans for a night out in Split’s Old Town had dissolved into a quiet night aboard.
The next morning, I wasn’t leaving without actually seeing Split. Doug walked me back through the Old Town – the marble-paved streets, the hum of cafés spilling into Roman courtyards, the way European cities glow in the morning light. We caught all the places Doug and Kaitlyn had visited the prior day, plus a few extras 🙂 The Venetian-style arches and facades were absolutely stunning, and I loved every minute as Doug pointed out details I might have otherwise missed. Spectacular! Then it was back to Kora, lines off, and out to explore again.
Geraldine and Ray were giddy for their first night at anchor. Kaitlyn was desperate to get back in the water. And me? I just sat back and soaked it all in. Family near and far, old memories mixing with new ones, and Split – the city where hellos and goodbyes became a celebration of the ties that hold us all together.
