Terje & Ann Karin, Norway

“We were entirely new to sailing with no experience, but Yacht Match made the impossible feel achievable. We’ve now covered over 8,000 nautical miles just in our first season! They helped us navigate everything – from choosing the right yacht to building our confidence on the water. It’s been life-changing.” — Terje & Ann Karin

Finding the perfect catamaran

For Terje and Ann Karin, life above the Arctic Circle in Norway offered beauty, peace, and the magic of the Northern lights. But they dreamed of something more – warmer horizons, other beautiful views, and the freedom to explore the world at sea.

Despite their lack of sailing experience, the couple set out on an ambitious journey to buy their first catamaran, transforming their lives in ways they never imagined.

With Yacht Match’s expert guidance, Terje and Ann Karin both found the perfect yacht and gained the knowledge and confidence to sail over 8,000 nautical miles in just one season.

No previous sailing experience

Terje & Ann Karin’s dream wasn’t born from extensive boating experience. Terje, a hydro-energy engineer, and Ann Karin, the owner of a clothing business, had only a small motorboat back home in Norway. Occasional sails on their son’s 45ft monohull gave them a taste of what was possible, but they were still beginners.

For the couple, the goal was clear:

Escape Norway’s long, dark and harsh winters.
Explore the world from afloat in warmer climates.
Find a yacht that’s both a comfortable home and can handle adventure.

“The pandemic gave us clarity and it felt like the right time to take action and turn our dream into reality,” Terje explained.

Despite having clear goals, several hurdles still remained:

No prior sailing experience: Both Terje and Ann Karin started from scratch. While they had some technical knowledge, they lacked the practical skills and confidence needed for extended cruising.
Choosing the right yacht: Comfort was a priority, particularly for Ann Karin, who insisted on the stability of a catamaran. But with so many options and a budget to consider, narrowing down their choices felt overwhelming.
Navigating the customisation process: The couple discovered that buying a yacht involves countless decisions – sails, electronics, interior design, and more. Without expert guidance, it would have been difficult to prioritise and stay within budget.
Building confidence: They needed support to make the transition from viewers to capable sailors, both technically and mentally.

Meeting at the Cannes Yachting Festival

They were introduced to the Yacht-Match team and through them to their Nautitech 40 Open at the Cannes Boat Show.

“The team wasn’t pushy,” Terje recalled. “They encouraged us to explore all our options, but it quickly became clear that the Nautitech was the right fit for us. It was light, fast, and had that Scandinavian feel we loved – bright interiors and a practical layout.”

From there, Yacht Match guided them through every step:

Expert advisory services: The Yacht Match team helped the couple evaluate competing catamarans, which ultimately led to them choosing the Nautitech 40 Open. They appreciated the team’s honest, consultative approach, which allowed them to make better-informed decisions.
Eco-friendly yacht customisation support: With a limited budget, the couple relied on Yacht Match to prioritise the most important upgrades. Their key focus was a high-spec electrical system, which included 10 solar panels, a lithium battery bank, and an inverter. This setup gave them the independence and comfort they needed for long journeys.
Practical training: Yacht Match arranged for a professional skipper and first mate to join the Terje & Ann Karin for their first two weeks onboard. This hands-on training proved invaluable, helping them learn the basics of sailing, understand the yacht’s systems, and build their confidence.

“One of the highlights was sailing off Finisterre at 13 knots. We were new to sailing, but in that moment, we realised just how capable we could be with the right support.” Terje said.

Over 8.000 nautical miles sailed

The first season aboard their Nautitech 40 Open has been nothing short of extraordinary, with milestones reached one by one, such as:

Over 8,000 nautical miles sailed: New horizons have been explored, such as Greece, Gibraltar, Madeira, and the Canary Islands, with countless unforgettable moments along the way.
Memorable experiences: From stargazing under a full moon to encountering dolphins at sea, the couple has experienced the beauty of nature in a way they never imagined.
A steep but rewarding learning curve: They’ve embraced the challenges of sailing with caution and curiosity, adapting to life on the water while maintaining their safety and comfort.
A true home afloat: “The boat is such a contrast to our home in Norway. It’s become an integral part of our lives now.” Ann Karin explains.

Terje and Ann Karin’s story shows the power of dreaming big and taking action. With Yacht-Match’s support, they’ve transformed from complete beginners to seasoned sailors, proving that with the right guidance, anything is possible.

Terje emphasises, “Yacht Match made this journey possible. From choosing the right yacht to being there when we needed them, they’ve been the trusted partner we hoped for.”