Of Foreign Build

After a devastating bereavement, Jackie did the unthinkable-she ran away.

In Of Foreign Build - From Corporate Girl to Sea-Gypsy Woman, Jackie dives headfirst into the unknown, leaving behind her old life for a new adventure. With no experience in sailing and against her counselor's advice, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, navigating not only the treacherous seas but also her own grief.

Thrown into a new culture with a new husband and no friends, Jackie faced an unfamiliar world-cruising life. Within 24 hours of stepping aboard, she crashes, realizing her life would never be the same again. Living on a boat with no fridge, no hot water, and a dinghy instead of a car, Jackie struggles with fear, self-doubt, and the challenges of her floating home. Her first offshore voyage plunges her into a violent storm, testing her both physically and emotionally.

Amidst raging seas, Jackie sheds the fear she'd been carrying and begins to embrace her new reality. Soon, she is blissfully circumnavigating the world, all while grappling with the mixed emotions of losing one man and falling in love with another. Along the way, Jackie battles the testosterone-fueled world of sailing to become a professional captain and a qualified maritime teacher, but most importantly, she finds herself.

This inspiring memoir of adventure, grief, and resilience will resonate with anyone seeking a story of courage, transformation, and triumph over adversity.