Sailing Into Happiness: How Owning a Yacht Can Transform Your Life, Family Bonds, and Friendships

Ever wondered if buying a yacht could actually make you happier? It’s easy to dismiss yacht ownership as just flashy luxury, but let me tell you a little secret: life on the water has some surprisingly down-to-earth benefits. Picture this – it’s a late Friday afternoon, you’re a bit worn out from a hectic week, and instead of sitting in traffic or scrolling on your phone, you’re on your yacht watching the sun dip into the ocean. Your kids are laughing on deck, your friends are clinking glasses, and you feel truly present for the first time all week. Sounds idyllic, right? As a yacht broker, I’ve seen firsthand how moments like this aren’t just once-in-a-lifetime scenes – they can be a regular part of your life when you own a boat. In fact, boating’s popularity has exploded in recent years as more people discovered that spending time on the water with loved ones is priceless.

In this post, we’re diving into exactly how owning a yacht can transform your lifestyle, boost your happiness, bring your family closer together, and even expand your social circle. We’ll cover everything from the freedom of the open sea to the tighter family bonds and new friendships that form on deck. (And don’t worry – this isn’t going to be some boring lecture or hard sales pitch. Think of it like a chat with a friend who’s excited about sharing the good vibes of the yachting life.) Let’s set sail into the benefits!

Key Benefits of Owning a Yacht (TL;DR)

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick TL;DR of how owning a yacht can enrich your life:

• Unmatched Freedom & Adventure: Explore hidden coves and far-off islands on your own schedule – your yacht is a gateway to spontaneous getaways and unforgettable adventures .
• Quality Family Bonding: No distractions, just meaningful time together. Yachts provide a private space for heartfelt family moments – from teaching the kids to fish to stargazing as a family – creating memories you’ll all cherish .
• Stronger Friendships & Community: Become the hub of social gatherings with sunset cruises and deck parties. Owning a boat often means instant popularity among friends (everyone loves the friend with a yacht!) and entry into a welcoming boating community .
• Stress Relief & Wellness: Consider your yacht a floating sanctuary. Being on the water is scientifically proven to lower stress and boost happiness by triggering our “Blue Mind” – a calm, meditative state that does wonders for mental health .
• Personal Growth & Learning: From navigation skills to simple boat maintenance, owning a yacht encourages you (and your kids) to learn new things, build confidence, and gain a sense of accomplishment – all while having fun.
• Your Private Getaway Anytime: With a yacht, you have a luxury vacation home on demand. No need to book hotels – you’ve got a five-star suite that floats, always ready for a weekend escape or an extended holiday .

Now, let’s break these down in a more conversational way and explore why life on a yacht is more than just a status symbol – it’s a path to a happier, healthier, and more connected life.

Freedom to Explore: Your Ticket to Adventure

One of the first things new yacht owners gush about is the incredible sense of freedom they feel. Unlike a scheduled cruise or a resort vacation, having your own yacht means you call the shots. Want to spend the afternoon anchored off a quiet, hidden beach that’s inaccessible by road? Go for it. Feel like setting off to a new island on a whim? Cast off and sail into the horizon – no permission needed! Owning a yacht essentially turns the vast ocean into your personal playground, where you set the itinerary.

In practical terms, this means you can explore remote coves and untouched islands at your own pace . There’s something deeply empowering about waking up in the morning and deciding, “You know what, let’s cruise to that sleepy fishing village we heard about,” and then actually doing it. No tickets, no timetables – just pure spontaneity and adventure. In fact, there’s little more freeing than having the option to jump on your boat and head out whenever the mood strikes, even if just for a few hours . Because you own the yacht, you can seize a sunny afternoon or a free weekend for a quick getaway without weeks of planning. (How many times have we all looked at a perfect weather forecast and wished we could play hooky? With a yacht, you actually can!)

Another cool thing about yacht life is the variety of experiences it offers. It’s not just about sailing from point A to B. One week, you might be snorkeling vibrant coral reefs with your kids; the next, you’re having a waterfront picnic on a deserted island, and the week after that, you’re honing your sailing skills on a brisk morning sea breeze. There’s always a new cove to explore or a new skill to learn when you have a boat . This constant source of adventure keeps life exciting. Routine? What routine? Every outing is a chance to discover something or somewhere new, which adds a thrilling dimension to your life that many people find downright addictive (in the best way possible).

And let’s not forget the sheer privacy and control you have. On your yacht, you’re not stuck to a tour group’s schedule or surrounded by crowds of tourists. It’s your crew, whether that’s just you and your partner or a handful of close friends and family. You decide when to drop anchor and when to move on. Want to stay an extra day in that beautiful bay because the kids are having the time of their lives snorkeling? Do it. Feel like a lazy morning on deck with coffee and a book? No one’s there to tell you otherwise. This freedom to craft your own experiences is empowering and, frankly, life-changing. Many yacht owners describe it as a total lifestyle upgrade – an escape from the hustle where you regain control over your time and experiences.

Family Bonding: Quality Time Without Distractions

If you ask me the number one benefit of owning a yacht, I’d say the family bonding opportunities – hands down. In today’s world, getting quality time with family is harder than ever. Everyone’s glued to their screens, schedules are jam-packed, and even when we’re in the same house, we’re often in different mental worlds. A yacht changes that dynamic the moment you step aboard. When you’re out on the water, it’s just you and your loved ones in this private floating world, away from Wi-Fi, chores, and the usual distractions of home. It’s amazing how quickly kids (and adults!) forget about their devices when there are dolphins to spot or a cool new cove to explore.

Yachts are basically made for family togetherness. Don’t just take my word for it – even seasoned yacht owners say so. As one owner famously put it, “There is no place like a yacht for family togetherness.” When you’re on a boat, you naturally do things together: you work as a team to anchor or hoist sails (kids often love taking part in these “grown-up” tasks), you cook and dine together under the open sky, and you have long, unrushed conversations under the stars because, well, there’s nowhere else to be! The shared experiences on a yacht – whether it’s catching a first fish with your child, or teaching your teenager how to navigate by the stars – build heartfelt, memorable connections that are hard to replicate on land . These moments have a way of bringing everyone closer. I’ve seen stoic teens turn into chatty adventurers after a day of kayaking around the boat, and parents actually relax and play with their kids instead of worrying about the next item on the to-do list.

Let’s talk about those distraction-free moments. Ever struggled to get your teen to look up from their phone? (Who hasn’t?) Well, try taking them on a sunset cruise where the sky turns all shades of orange and pink – I guarantee you the last thing they’ll care about is TikTok. As one boating enthusiast quipped, nothing will get teenagers off their phones and into the great outdoors faster than a family boat trip . On a yacht, instead of everyone retreating to separate rooms or devices, you find yourselves playing cards on the deck, swapping stories, or just peacefully watching the shoreline together. It’s intimate in the best way. Even couples find that being on a boat rekindles a spark – without the usual distractions, you can actually focus on each other, whether it’s enjoying a quiet sunset or working together to sail. One older couple I know uses their weekend outings to finally catch up, laugh, and reminisce, saying those hours on the water did wonders for their marriage. It’s truly a relationship booster.

Another big plus: a yacht can become your family’s happy place. Think of it like a beloved vacation home, but one that moves with you. You might start little traditions, like yearly holiday trips onboard or celebrating birthdays with a special day at sea. Children, especially, will remember these adventures for a lifetime – and let’s be honest, so will you. Years later, you’ll laugh about the time you all got soaked in a sudden rain (and loved it), or the night the whole family slept up on the deck under a meteor shower. These are the kind of bonding experiences that money can’t buy – yet they come bundled free with the boat. (Ironically, money can buy a yacht, and a yacht delivers those happiness moments… so maybe money can buy a bit of happiness after all!)

Friendships Afloat: The Social Side of Yachting

Alright, so we’ve covered family – but what about your friends and social life? Let’s just say owning a yacht will make you very popular (just in case you needed an ego boost!). There’s a running joke among boat owners: friends suddenly appear when they learn you have a boat . I can vouch for this. The moment word gets out that you have a yacht, you’ll likely find old buddies, distant cousins, and even neighbors you barely know hinting, “Sooo… when are we going out on the boat?” And honestly, it’s great, because a yacht is a fantastic way to bring people together and strengthen your friendships.

Think about it – instead of the usual dinner or bar meetup, you can invite your friends to a sunset cruise or a weekend island-hopping trip. You become the catalyst for shared adventures. And shared adventures = stronger bonds. There’s something about being out on the water, away from the usual hangouts, that encourages people to relax and open up. Maybe it’s the fresh sea air, or the fact that everyone’s a bit removed from their everyday life, but conversations tend to go deeper and laughs tend to be louder on a boat. Whether you’re hosting a spontaneous weeknight happy hour on board or planning a big Fourth of July raft-up party, you’re creating unique experiences that your friends will remember for years . I’ve seen friend groups grow tighter after just a couple of weekends boating together – inside jokes are born (“remember when Jim nearly fell in trying to net that fish?”), new traditions start (“let’s make the first trip every summer an all-guys fishing trip”), and so on.

Owning a yacht can also expand your social circle beyond your existing friends. There’s a whole boating community out there ready to welcome you. From marina neighbors to yacht club members, boaters are some of the friendliest, most down-to-earth people you’ll meet. It’s like joining a club where everyone shares the same passion. You’ll find that boaters love to chat – whether it’s swapping tips on the best hidden coves or helping each other with docking lines. In fact, owning a boat comes with a built-in social life even if your current friends aren’t into boating . You might start off knowing no one at the marina, and by the end of the summer have a whole crew of “boat friends” you barbecue with on the docks or sail in tandem with on cruises. The camaraderie in the boating world is real – you’re never alone on a dock, and you’ll be making new memories with new friends before you know it .

Let me share a quick personal example: when I got my first boat, I was the only one in my immediate circle who knew port from starboard. I worried it might be a lonely hobby. Boy, was I wrong! The first day I pulled into my marina slip, the folks on the next boat waved, helped tie my lines (boaters always help each other out), and invited me over for a drink. By the end of that month, I had a whole “boating family” – we’d help each other with repairs, celebrate birthdays together on the water, and plan group outings. It was like discovering a new set of friends who feel like you’ve known them forever. There’s even a saying I heard: “Boaters are a different breed” – meaning they look out for each other in ways you don’t often see elsewhere. Got a mechanical issue or caught in bad weather? Total strangers in the boating community will lend a hand in a heartbeat, no questions asked. It’s pretty heartwarming, and it reminds you that friendship can be found in the unlikeliest of places – even in the slip next door.

And let’s not ignore the potential for a bit of glamour in your social life. With a yacht, you have a very cool venue for entertaining. You can host everything from casual BBQs on deck to elegant sunset dinners. It’s intimate (unlike a loud restaurant) and special – I mean, dinner on a yacht under the stars? That beats any rooftop bar in my book. Your friends will talk about “that amazing night on your boat” for a long time. And who knows, maybe you’ll even end up networking or impressing someone important by hosting them onboard. Some yacht owners use their vessels for business networking too, mixing pleasure and work seamlessly by hosting client outings or team retreats on the water. But whether it’s for business or pure fun, your yacht becomes a social hub that strengthens existing friendships and forges new ones. It’s hard not to bond when you’re all in the same boat (literally!).

Blue Mind: Stress Relief and Wellness on the Water

Let’s shift gears to something a lot of us struggle with: stress. We live in a hyper-connected, always-on world where it’s tough to truly unplug and relax. This is where your yacht transforms from just a “fun toy” into a lifesaver for your mental health. There’s even science behind this – a concept called “Blue Mind”, which describes that mildly meditative, happy state we enter when we’re near or on water . Simply being on a boat triggers a wave of calm and well-being that’s hard to find elsewhere.

How does it work? Well, according to marine biologist Wallace J. Nichols (who literally wrote the book on Blue Mind), the mere sight and sound of water can lower stress and induce relaxation by affecting our brain chemistry . We’re talking lowering cortisol (the stress hormone) and boosting feel-good hormones like serotonin and dopamine . Nichols even said that when it comes to reducing stress, being on a boat can be considered a form of medicine . Think about that – your yacht is not just a vessel, it’s essentially a therapy session on demand (minus the awkward couch and hourly rates!).

Even without the scientific jargon, any boater will tell you that the moment you step onto a yacht and push off from the dock, you feel a weight lift off your shoulders. The everyday worries start to fade. Your mind “resets” in a way – you become present in the moment, attuned to the sound of waves and wind, the sight of that endless horizon. There’s a reason people say they feel at peace by the water. One study even showed that people who live near the ocean are significantly less likely to report anxiety and depression than those inland . That’s the “blue health” effect, and with a yacht, you’re tapping into it whenever you want. Instead of a noisy, crowded vacation spot, you have a quiet refuge where the loudest thing might be seagulls squawking or your kids laughing (which are pretty great sounds, actually).

Let’s not forget the physical wellness aspect too. Owning a yacht naturally encourages you to be more active. You’re swimming, snorkeling, maybe paddleboarding or fishing – or just moving around the boat handling lines and gear. It sure beats sitting on the couch all weekend. Boating brings fresh air and physical activity into your life, which is a perfect antidote if you’ve been cooped up in an office or on Zoom calls all week . I like to say “saltwater therapy” is a real thing – a day on the ocean can leave you pleasantly tired, sun-kissed, and full of that good kind of exhaustion you get after doing something healthy for yourself. It’s a full mind-body benefit: less stress, more movement, better mood.

Another wellness perk is how a yacht lets you disconnect to reconnect. When you’re at sea, you often leave the internet and cellphone range behind. And guess what? The world doesn’t end when you’re offline for a bit! In fact, it feels darn liberating. We all need breaks from the constant ping of notifications. On a yacht, you’ll find yourself actually living in the moment – noticing the breeze, the smell of the ocean, the feel of the sun. This mindful presence is like meditation without trying. It recharges you mentally. Many people come back from a weekend on their boat feeling like they’ve had a two-week vacation. Your problems somehow seem smaller after you’ve watched a blazing sunset melt into the sea. Your mind is clearer – heck, you might even have some of your most creative ideas drift into your head while you’re lying on the deck. (There’s research suggesting water can boost creativity and problem-solving by giving our brains a break and engaging our involuntary attention – the gentle fascination we have with waves, for example . Ever notice how you can daydream and think deeply when gazing at water? That’s why.)

So in a nutshell, your yacht is your personal wellness retreat. It’s there whenever you need to de-stress, recharge, or just find some inner calm. No appointment needed, no packing the car – just hop on and sail away from your worries for a while. The mental health benefits aren’t some fluffy anecdote; they’re real. Boaters often talk about the “boat grin” – that stupid-happy smile you have after a great day on the water. It’s a thing! I see it on my clients’ faces all the time. Honestly, if everyone spent a bit of time boating, therapists might have a lot less work. (Okay, maybe that’s a stretch, but you get the point.) As one wellness article summed up, being on the water amplifies relaxation, decreases stress, and just makes you an all-around happier human . If that’s not a fantastic benefit of yacht ownership, I don’t know what is.

Lifelong Learning and Personal Growth

Owning a yacht isn’t just good for your heart; it’s good for your brain and personal development too. You might not expect it, but a boat can turn you and your family into lifelong learners and adventurers. How so? Well, the very act of operating and enjoying a yacht comes with a set of skills and experiences that you’ll be excited to pick up. You don’t have to become a crusty old sea captain (unless you want to!), but you’ll inevitably learn new things and grow in confidence as you embrace the boating lifestyle.

For starters, there are the technical skills: navigation, basic seamanship, understanding the weather, even a bit of engine maintenance or knot-tying. It’s like a whole new world of knowledge opens up, and many people find they love mastering these skills. I’ve seen people who never thought they were “handy” become adept at troubleshooting a marine engine, or folks who swore they had a bad sense of direction learn to chart courses using GPS and paper charts with pride. There’s a real joy in it – it’s empowering to become self-sufficient on the water. In fact, on a boat you’re always learning something, whether it’s as simple as discovering a new anchoring technique or as ambitious as studying for your captain’s license . Every trip might teach you a little trick or lesson. Far from being a chore, this learning keeps your mind sharp and gives you tangible accomplishments to feel good about. Not to mention, if you have kids, they’re seeing you model lifelong learning and adaptability, which is a fantastic lesson in itself.

Speaking of kids – the educational benefits for them are huge. Instead of just reading about marine life or foreign cultures, they get to experience it. One week they’re learning about the ocean’s ecosystem by snorkeling a reef, the next they’re absorbing history by visiting a coastal fort or interacting with locals in a port town. These are experiences that broaden their horizons way beyond the classroom. Onboard, kids often take on responsibilities that boost their confidence: maybe your daughter learns to steer the boat under supervision, or your son becomes the resident “navigator” plotting the course for the day. These moments make them feel capable and proud. When children get to have diverse adventures outside their normal routine, it truly builds their self-esteem and independence . I’ve had parents tell me their shy kid came out of their shell after a summer of boating – making new friends at the marina, learning to dive off the boat, etc. The transformation can be amazing. You’re basically raising confident, happy kids by giving them these unique opportunities on a yacht .

For adults, the personal growth might be more subtle but just as meaningful. Owning a yacht can teach patience, problem-solving, and even leadership. You’ll make decisions (where to go, how to handle an unexpected change in weather), possibly delegate tasks to crew or family, and handle challenges calmly (like, say, figuring out why the engine won’t start in a remote anchorage – trust me, taking care of that and then watching the sunset with a drink in hand makes you feel like MacGyver!). Overcoming little hurdles on the water can seriously boost your confidence back on land too. You start thinking, “Hey, if I could navigate through that surprise storm, I can definitely handle that project at work.” It’s a transferable confidence.

Let’s not forget the value of sharing knowledge as you grow. The longer you boat, the more you know – and many people find joy in mentoring others. Maybe you’ll teach a friend how to fish, or help a new boat owner dock without panicking. There’s a wonderful camaraderie in passing on seamanship tips or taking someone out for their first sail. It feels good to share what you’ve learned (and it kind of reinforces to yourself how far you’ve come, too). As one boating veteran told me, “After a while, the best part is helping the newbies and seeing their smiles – it reminds me of my own first days.” The intrinsic reward of mastery and guiding others adds another layer of fulfillment to owning a yacht .

Bottom line: a yacht isn’t just a toy, it’s an avenue for personal enrichment. You grow, your family grows, and you create a legacy of experiences and skills. It keeps you curious, young at heart, and always looking forward to the next thing to learn or explore. Many retirees who take up boating say it was the perfect “second act” because it gave them new challenges and joys well into their golden years. And younger folks often discover a lifelong passion that keeps them grounded (or should I say, afloat?). There’s a saying that the day you stop learning is the day you stop living. On a yacht, I promise, you’ll never stop learning – or living life to the fullest.

Your Private Floating Oasis: Luxury, Comfort, and Convenience

We’ve covered the emotional and psychological perks, but let’s talk about one of the more obvious (yet still awesome) benefits of owning a yacht: you basically have a private floating oasis whenever you want it. It’s like owning a vacation home that can change location at your whim. And trust me, this is huge when it comes to convenience and enjoyment.

Always have a getaway available: One major benefit of a yacht is that you always have luxury accommodation ready for you on the water . Planning a summer holiday or a spontaneous weekend retreat becomes so much easier. Instead of scrambling to book hotels, flights, and dealing with crowds, you can decide to spend a couple of weeks cruising the coast and sleep in your own comfy bed every night. For example, say you dream of exploring the South of France or the Greek islands; with your own yacht, you don’t need to jump from hotel to hotel – you just float from one beautiful spot to the next, with your kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom traveling with you . How cool is that? It’s the ultimate home-away-from-home, except your home can be off Monaco this week and anchored by Ibiza the next (or if that’s too fancy, substitute with any lovely locales of your choice).

The comfort on modern yachts is incredible. We’re talking plush cabins, often with hotel-quality beds and linens, air conditioning, entertainment systems, and en-suite bathrooms. Many yachts have gourmet kitchens (galleys) and spacious living areas, so you can cook your favorite meal or watch a movie just like you would at home, but with the ocean as your backdrop . You can customize a lot of things to your taste – from the décor to amenities – making it truly your space. Love a good espresso in the morning? Install that fancy coffee machine in the galley. Fond of stargazing? Set up a comfy lounging area on the flybridge. It’s your personal resort. As one article put it, you get the comforts of a five-star hotel and the serenity of the open sea, all tailored to your preferences . Few other experiences offer that level of personalization and privacy.

Privacy is a big factor here. On your yacht, it’s just you and your invited guests. No strangers at the pool, no noisy hotel neighbors, and no scheduled meal times. You want to sleep in until 10 and have brunch on the aft deck in your pajamas? Go for it. Feel like a midnight swim or an impromptu dance party under the stars? The “hotel staff” (i.e., you or your crew) won’t mind! This sense of owning your experience is liberating. Especially for folks who really value their privacy or have high standards for luxury, a yacht means you don’t have to compromise or deal with any unpleasant surprises. The view is always front-row and exclusive. In a world where truly getting away from it all is hard, a yacht literally lets you escape the crowds entirely. (I remember during peak pandemic times, some yacht owners told me they felt incredibly lucky – while others were stuck at home, they could isolate with their family on their boat in the middle of nowhere, safe and happy. It highlighted how self-sufficient and secure a yacht can be when needed.)

Another convenience: you set the pace of your travel. If you fall in love with a particular bay or island, you can stay longer without worrying about checkout times. Conversely, if a place isn’t what you expected, just lift anchor and move on. That flexibility makes travel so much more relaxed and enjoyable. No rigid itineraries – unless you make one for fun. And because you have everything you need on board, from a fully stocked kitchen to maybe even water toys like paddleboards or jet skis, you’re always ready for impromptu fun. Some yacht owners joke that they hardly feel the need to leave the boat when docked at fancy marinas, because the yacht is the five-star accommodation and all the action is right there.

Lastly, I’ll mention the pride and joy factor: Owning a yacht is an achievement and a pleasure in itself. It’s okay to acknowledge that! You’ve worked hard, and having a yacht to show for it – and to enjoy – is something to be proud of. It’s not about showing off; it’s about celebrating life in style. Invite the family, invite friends, or just enjoy solitude on the water – you’ve earned these moments. And there’s a certain satisfaction in saying, “Let’s take the yacht this weekend,” that feels luxurious yet deeply rewarding because you know why you got it: to enrich life, not just to have a fancy thing.

So yes, beyond the touchy-feely stuff, a yacht gives you luxury and convenience on demand. It’s a floating retreat, an adventure mobile, and a second home all in one. The result? You’re likely to travel more, relax more, and enjoy life more because the barriers to entry (planning, booking, etc.) are removed. When your mood calls for a getaway, you have the perfect answer waiting at the dock.

Conclusion: Charting a Course to a Happier Life

We’ve covered a lot of water (pun intended), and by now it’s clear that owning a yacht is far more than a symbol of luxury – it’s a gateway to happiness, stronger relationships, and a richer life experience. To recap, a yacht opens up unparalleled freedom to explore the world on your terms, from spontaneous adventures to the simple joy of a sunset cruise. It acts as a bonding magnet for your family, drawing everyone together for quality time that’s hard to get elsewhere. It expands your social horizons, turning you into the connector of friends and introducing you to a warm community of fellow boaters. It’s a stress antidote, offering peace and mental rejuvenation through the calming power of water. And it’s a catalyst for personal growth – teaching new skills, building confidence, and creating a sense of accomplishment for both kids and adults. All of this, wrapped in the package of your own floating oasis of comfort and luxury, available whenever you need an escape or a celebration.

Is yacht ownership a commitment? Certainly. But as we’ve explored, the returns are measured in laughter, memories, personal well-being, and the gleam in your child’s eye as they spot their first dolphin in the wild – things that are truly priceless. I like to say, a yacht is an investment in living life to the fullest. And having worked with many new owners, I’ve seen how that investment pays off in happier families and stories that get told for a lifetime.

The good news? This lifestyle might be more attainable than you think, and the journey to get there is part of the fun. If you’ve been on the fence, maybe it’s time to take the leap (or at least dip your toes in). Ever catch yourself daydreaming at work about sailing into the sunset? Ever feel like you need a place to really unwind and reconnect with those who matter most? That’s your inner adventurer and family-person talking, and a yacht could be the answer.

So, as you chart your course forward, remember that life is short and the world is 70% water – there’s a lot of magic out there waiting for you. Whether it’s for the thrill of adventure, the hugs and laughter of family and friends on deck, or the quiet, content moments under a sky full of stars, owning a yacht can truly transform your life in beautiful ways. And whenever you’re ready to set sail on this new chapter, we’ll be here to cheer you on. Here’s to smooth sailing and endless horizons – may you find your own happiness out on the water! Happy boating!

Key Takeaway: Owning a yacht isn’t just about boats and status; it’s about freedom, bonding, wellness, and joy. It’s a path to living more fully and forging deeper connections with the people you love. In other words, it’s about sailing into happiness – and that voyage might just be the best one you ever embark on.