From Zanzibar to the World: Nassor El-Mahruki overcoming storms and setbacks in a legendary sailing adventure across the world

Nassor El-Mahruki  a Zanzibari man of remarkable courage and seafaring skill, stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of exploration and adventure.

Having navigated the vast and unpredictable oceans, he has woven a tale of daring escapades and cultural encounters that span the globe.

His journey embodies the essence of perseverance and curiosity, showcasing a deep-rooted connection to the maritime traditions that have shaped both his identity and his extraordinary voyage around the world.

El-Mahruki’s voyage, which began in 2019, was an ambitious project involving eleven boats. The adventure started in the UK, with the crew’s first leg taking them to Portugal, followed by Cape Town, South Africa. From there, they sailed east towards Australia, then north towards China.

However, their journey took an unexpected turn in early 2020 when news of a bizarre virus—later identified as COVID-19—led them to divert their course to the Philippines, where they had to leave their boats and go back home.

“In the early 2020 we received news that China was under lockdown due to certain virus broke out. Everybody joked about it and nothing seemed serious, little did we know that this would change the world and its ways,” he says

As the race resumed in 2022, El-Mahruki faced another challenge: Tanzania was on the Phillippine’s travel red list, forcing him to miss one of the legs of the race.

He had to fly to Seattle, USA, to rejoin his team. Despite these setbacks, El-Mahruki’s voyage remained a testament to perseverance and adaptability.

One of the standout moments of El-Mahruki’s travels was his Camino walk from Lisbon, Portugal, to Santiago de Compostela, Spain, which he completed in 26 days.

This experience, alongside his global sailing adventure, reflects his deep passion for exploration.

El-Mahruki’s decision to embark on this journey was fueled by a lifelong love for the sea. “Going to the sea gives me unrivaled happiness and peace,” he explains.

After running a successful hotel business for over 20 years, he felt a void in his life. Despite his initial hesitation, believing that leaving his business might lead to problems, he confided in a friend who introduced him to the Clipper Round the World Race—a dream opportunity for El-Mahruk

To prepare for such a grand adventure, El-Mahruki had been saving for over a decade to buy a larger boat. When the Clipper Race opportunity arose, he faced a crucial decision: purchase a bigger boat or contribute to the race.

“As you know the ocean is like a desert the more you travel the more you see its pleasures. Initially I had thought of buying a bigger boat, one that would enable me go beyond Tanzania’s boundaries. I went to Durban to inspect some of the boats that were there on sale, it was around that very time that the sailing around the world opportunity presented itself. I had two options, either to buy a bigger boat and forget about my childhood dream, or contribute to the race,” he says with a tinge of nostalgia.

He chose the latter, finding that this decision enriched his life beyond measure. “The race has made me a better person with a diverse view of the world and the sea,” he reflects.

El-Mahruki’s travels have taken him to over 80 countries and across all the world’s oceans. Despite his extensive global travels, he is eager to explore even more, driven by the endless possibilities and beauty of travel.

 His experiences have deepened his understanding of the sea’s mysteries and the diverse cultures he has encountered.

Throughout his journey, El-Mahruki has faced numerous challenges, including the isolation and unpredictability of sea travel.

“The human body was not created to function without adequate rest,” he says, highlighting the physical and mental demands of long sea voyages.

 He recounts a harrowing experience during a storm between Uruguay and Cape Town, where one of his crew members suffered severe injuries.

Despite their best efforts, including a failed rescue attempt by helicopter, they had to endure the harsh conditions until they could reach safety.

“Wreckage at sea is not the same as on the road, there you are on your own and at the mercy of the waves which means you have to look for an emergency port. One of my worst experiences was when I was sailing from Uruguay to Cape Town, South Africa we were faced with three storms, unfortunately during the second storm two of our crew members got injured, one suffered several broken ribs and he was very critical. Our emergency call for a helicopter from Cape Town to airlift him was futile because there was no way how the helicopter could pick him without refueling mid-way. At some point we lost hope because he couldn’t eat or move, we had to tie him to one of the beds so that he may not get blown away by the strong winds,” he says

El-Mahruki’s experiences underscore the importance of planning and discipline in travel. He has navigated bureaucratic hurdles, such as visa rejections, and learned to appreciate the value of travel beyond material comforts.

“Travel is an art, like tasting a delicious meal—you always want more,” he says.

As he reflects on his journey, El-Mahruki emphasizes the importance of inspiring others to explore the world.

 “Travel is all about planning and possibilities. You don’t need to stay in a five-star hotel to have a meaningful experience,” he advises.

For ElMahruki, the essence of travel lies in its ability to broaden perspectives and deepen appreciation for the world’s diverse cultures and landscapes.