The dream boat became the actual boat
Riley saved for a sailboat, bought one in Italy and set off around the Mediterranean. On a Greek island, he met musician Elayna. A day sail became an invitation to island-hop for a month.
Riley Whitelum spent eight years working offshore in Western Australia, saving for a sailboat. The plan had a shape long before it had a horizon: put the money aside, find a boat, then go. He bought one in Italy and set off around the Mediterranean.
In Ios, he met Elayna Carausu, a musician. They went for a day sail together. When a weather window opened, Riley asked if she wanted to come island-hopping for a month. She agreed.
There was no promise that either of them knew exactly how the next month would unfold. They learned as they went, began filming their travels and made life aboard La Vagabonde their shared adventure.
Eight years of saving made the boat possible. A departure date put it on the water. Then an invitation changed who was aboard.
The dream became a boat, a departure date and an invitation, not a guarantee of smooth sailing.
Where this story comes from
This FIBI editorial retelling is based on Riley and Elayna’s public account. It is not a FIBI interview, a contribution from the subjects or an endorsement by them. The accompanying image is illustrative, not a photograph of the people or events described.
Read Riley and Elayna’s public account