Tom and Jeannine Schröder talks about a leg of the world tour they started 18 months ago: after Norway Maverick headed Lofoten, Svalbards, Arctic, Iceland, and Greenland.

Why this journey?

Tom: I’ve been dreaming of touring the world by boat for as long as I can remember. It has always been my ultimate dream.

During the first months of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, we were effectively ‘trapped’ in our holiday home in Mallorca. It turned into an unexpectedly harmonious and inspiring time. It was there that the idea was born to travel the world together on an explorer yacht. Having discovered Cantiere delle Marche in 2019, we went on to sign the purchase agreement for the Flexplorer 146 in 2020.

In early spring 2024, with the delivery of Maverick by Cantiere delle Marche, a long-held dream finally became reality. She proved to be the perfect platform for our journey: robust, reliable, and extremely comfortable.

After sailing through the Mediterranean, we headed south crossing the Suez Canal and spent a couple of months in the Red Sea, visiting Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Once back in the Med, we crossed Gibraltar and headed north, stopping in England, The Netherland, Germany to prepare the yacht and ourselves for a tour of the Great North. Once we left Scandinavia, we visited the wonderful Lofoten Islands, the Svalbard and then toward the North Pole, pushing deep into the pack ice. We reached 82°17’ north: just 463 nautical miles from the North Pole. After that we reached Iceland and Greenland. We have had the unique experience to navigate in total solitude through icy waters among majestic icebergs. Maverick proved to be up to the task.

And this is only the first chapter of our world tour.

What has it been like living onboard Maverick for 18 months with your family? In what ways has this experience affected your family dynamics?

Tom: Living continuously onboard with my wife, our four sons and their partners, Maverick's Captains and Crew has been the most rewarding part. We share every adventure, challenge, and quiet moment together, deepening our bonds in ways that are impossible to replicate on land. The shared responsibilities, teamwork, and immersion in nature bring us closer.

Jeannine: The closeness of family life onboard has been incredibly meaningful. We share every sunrise, every challenge, and every quiet evening. It's rare for a family to spend this much uninterrupted time together, and it has deepened our bonds in ways we never expected. We've learned to work as a team, support each other, and appreciate the simple moments. This journey has brought us closer in ways that wouldn't have been possible on land.

What makes traveling in northern, remote regions so special?

Exploring the far north, places many consider hostile environments, immerses us in constant discovery and pure wonder. From polar bears wandering icy shores to massive glaciers calving into crystalline fjords, every day presents something extraordinary. The northern lights, endless summer days, profound silences, and encounters with wildlife in their natural habitat create an adventure that feels almost otherworldly. These regions remind us how small we are in the face of nature's power and beauty.

How has life aboard Maverick changed your perspective on everyday living?

Jeannine: I thought that sailing so far north, among the ice would be daunting, overwhelming. It was nothing like that. The beauty of these places, their silence, the way light changes throughout the day, it's simply breathtaking. Living here has slowed down our pace. We live by the rhythm of nature, not by a clock. It's incredibly liberating.

Tom: Living aboard has simplified our world. We live with intention, let go of clutter, and focus on what truly matters. Every resource is precious: water, fuel, food. This awareness has made us more mindful and appreciative. We've also realized how little we need to be content. The experiences, connections, and moments we share onboard Maverick far outweigh any material possessions we left behind.

Is there a particular feeling or moment onboard that stands out to you?

Tom: The peace. Quiet mornings with only the sound of water, sunsets that feel like private performances just for us, and nights under star-filled skies with no light pollution. These are moments of pure serenity. But there's also the thrill of navigating challenging waters, the satisfaction of anchoring safely after a long passage, and the joy of discovering a hidden cove or encountering a pod of whales. Each moment feels meaningful.

How does Maverick perform in challenging sea conditions?

Tom: We feel safe even when nature challenges us, when the sky turns dark and the wind howls. Maverick handles rough seas with incredible stability. Her displacement steel hull and thoughtful design make her capable of handling whatever the ocean throws at us. Knowing Maverick is solid, reliable, and built for these conditions gives us confidence to push further into remote areas where few dare to venture.

Why did you choose to sail so far north?

Tom: We wanted to explore remote, unpolluted seas, to meet wild animals in their natural environment. The north offers solitude, raw beauty, and a sense of adventure that's hard to find elsewhere. It's one of the last true frontiers on Earth, and experiencing it firsthand, from the deck of our own yacht, is a privilege we don't take lightly.

What ultimately makes life on Maverick so enjoyable for you and your family?

Jeannine: I never imagined I'd enjoy living in a place this cold—but somehow, it's been magical. Our children, who were initially hesitant, now cherish this time together. We've created memories that will last a lifetime, and we've learned to appreciate the beauty in simplicity, in nature, and in each other's company.

Tom: It's the combination of freedom, family unity, adventure, and being fully present. We're not just traveling, we're living fully. Every day aboard Maverick is an opportunity to explore, learn, and connect. It's a life that challenges us, rewards us, and fills us with gratitude. This journey has exceeded every expectation, and we're eager to see where the next chapter takes us.