Women on the Water: Eta Covo

Eta Covo: Sailing the Seas, Finding Freedom, Peace, and Personal Growth

Sailing has always been an iconic symbol of adventure and the ultimate ticket to freedom. No one knows this better than American Sailing Captain and Instructor Eta Covo of Vagabonde Adventures. The sea has an irresistible pull on her, woven deep within her soul. She spent her childhood sailing the Croatian islands aboard her family’s sailboat. As a result, the water has seeped into every fiber of her being.

What set Eta on this epic sailing journey? As a young adult, Eta had a group of friends who worked as charter captains during the summer months. They had it all—the thrill of an exhilarating job and a constant income stream that had Eta questioning her hospitality gig. You can imagine her curiosity and envy were piqued. The lure of a well-paid and enjoyable occupation was just too tempting to resist. Fueled by stories of her friends’ adventures, Eta took a leap of faith. She borrowed cash from a generous friend, got her captain’s license, and boom! Sailing became not only her passion but also her ticket to paying for college. Talk about turning the tides!

Eta looks back on one of her most unforgettable experiences. It was her first time leading a group of eager students in Croatia, and it was a week of perfection. The group’s synergy, hunger to learn, and how they clicked with the sea were memorable. Even today, Eta stays connected with each member, watching proudly as they continue their own sailing escapades. 

As an American Sailing instructor Eta has the privilege of sailing some of the world’s most beautiful destinations. Eta’s favorite sailing spot? Of course, her homeland of Croatia will always rank high on her list of places to sail. The familiar waters, where she knows every nook and cranny like the back of her hand, bring her a sense of calm and serenity. However,  her heart has a soft spot for the Tuamotus, a jaw-dropping archipelago snuggled up in French Polynesia,  picture paradise. The Tuamotus offered Eta a whole new world, strikingly contrasting her usual sailing grounds. She recounts heart-stopping moments, like a whale nearly giving their boat a “hello” and swimming with sharks that sent chills down her spine as well as the coral reefs bursting with vibrant life! Sailing in the Tuamotus demanded meticulous planning and unique skills, but the rewards were worth every ounce of effort.  Those rewards and the work it takes to get them are part of her message while teaching others to sail.

Eta explains that sailing is not just an escape from the daily chaos—it’s a retreat into solace and tranquility amidst the vast ocean expanse. Sailing slows time, sharpens your senses, and teaches priceless life lessons. Every voyage becomes an opportunity for growth, facing challenges head-on, and diving deep into your strengths and weaknesses. It’s a microcosm of life where discipline, patience, humility, and teamwork reign supreme. 

And why should you set sail, you ask? Eta’s got the answer. Sailing offers adventure, newfound independence, and a sense of freedom like no other. It’s a chance to explore uncharted territories within yourself and across the vast ocean. Whether you’re seeking thrills, personal growth, or just learning a fancy new skill, Eta firmly believes that sailing has a special something for everyone. 

As Eta Covo continues to sail and teach with Vagabonde Adventures, her passion for the open waters never wavers, just like those unyielding winds that steer her course. With every thrilling escapade, she leaves an indelible mark on the lives she encounters, expanding horizons and igniting inspiration wherever she goes. In a world brimming with constant demands and non-stop connectivity, Eta extends a hearty invitation for you to embark on a sailing adventure like no other. It’s time to rediscover the true essence of freedom, peace, and personal growth as you set sail on the magnificent open waters. 

You can sail — as a holiday, or to learn or certify — with Eta and Vagabonde Adventures from their home base in the crystal clear waters of the Abaco Islands in the Bahamas, or on one of their flotillas in the Greek Islands.

Anchors aweigh, fellow adventurers!