What this adventurer’s journey around the world can teach us about fulfilment

But Fernandez didn’t jump into his journey overnight. It took years of meticulous planning—financially, logistically, and emotionally. “I had to sort out my finances, mortgages, and my children’s education. I wouldn’t be working for years, so I had to make sure we had enough savings to sustain us,” he says. His journey also required upgrading his boat, an old but reliable vessel he had been racing for years. The challenge wasn’t just sailing around the world—it was proving to himself and to others that he could do it despite the many voices of doubt around him.

“When you decide to do something out of the ordinary, you’ll always have detractors,” he says. “People said it couldn’t be done, that I didn’t have enough experience, that it was a bad idea. But my sister-in-law’s passing was a reminder: life is short, and we have to live it fully.”

The hardest moment, he says, was the very first one: deciding to leave. “The biggest challenge I faced was the day I decided to leave. One must be strong in their resolve and belief. I will not give up; hence, I just pushed through,” Fernandez shares.

For Fernandez, this journey isn’t about glory or accolades but about personal fulfilment and breaking free from societal expectations. “Ninety-nine per cent of people thought I was crazy,” he said. “Visionary leaders will always have this problem, but they will push themselves through this difficult period and achieve it.”

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Fernandez embraced the challenge head-on, especially by choosing a route less travelled. “I decided to go down through the Cape of Good Hope,” he explains, “which is one of the most treacherous waters you can sail through.” While many sailors opted for the safer route through the Suez Canal, Fernandez wanted the challenge. Despite its reputation for fierce storms and powerful currents, his passage was smooth, a testament to his preparation and determination.

Now back in Malaysia for a short break, he is preparing for the next leg of his journey—a solo venture across the Pacific Ocean. “This is probably the longest distance I will sail alone. I want to be one with the universe,” he says. “When I was alone in my previous journey, I felt the presence of a superior being. That’s why I chose to go again, this time crossing the largest body of water on Earth.”

Sailing has tested and transformed him in ways he couldn’t have imagined. “When we embark on any journey that is difficult, we face so many hurdles along the way,” he says. “I have always been a person who never gives up, no matter what, and this has further enhanced along this journey.”

To stay focused and motivated during long stretches at sea, Fernandez relies on both faith and routine. “I focus on the end and trust in the Almighty,” he says. “I maintain my sanity by reading, listening to music, and drowning out the sounds around me to think and ponder.”

For anyone dreaming of a similar leap, Fernandez’s advice is clear: “No matter what or where you come from or the obstacles you face, push and drive yourself to succeed. We have this one life, and we must choose to do the difficult things that push us to greatness. Drown away the naysayers and the noise that surrounds you. Live your life fully, because we only get one.”

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Fernandez’s journey has also shifted his perspective on travel and beauty. “We often hear Western ideals about what’s beautiful—white sandy beaches, blue waters—but for us, that’s everywhere,” he explains. Growing up in Malaysia, Fernandez had easy access to pristine beaches like those in Perhentian and Sipadan. “But when I went to Patagonia and saw the multicoloured trees, the snow-capped mountains, that was beautiful to me,” he says. His experiences have taught him that beauty is subjective and that there’s value in seeing the world through different lenses.

Halfway through his journey, Fernandez is already thinking about the future. “I’m a goal-oriented person, and while I’m sailing, I’m also planning what’s next,” he says. When he sailed through the Indian Ocean, past remote islands like Seychelles and Mozambique, and reached the shores of South Africa, Fernandez found more than just adventure. He found clarity about his purpose. “When most people start something, they see a light at the end of the tunnel. For me, there was no light. I didn’t know what was next after sailing. But when I was in Africa, I realised—I needed to give back, to make the world a better place, even if it’s just by touching one life.” 

Now, he wants to inspire others to pursue their dreams, be it by an upcoming book or motivational talks. “I want people to see that life isn’t just about chasing careers or material things. We come into this world with nothing, and we leave with nothing. What’s truly ours are our experiences and memories. It’s not about encouraging everyone to sail. It’s about inspiring people to do what makes them come alive—whether it’s climbing a mountain, meditating, or embarking on their own journeys.” 

As Fernandez reflects on his journey so far, his message is clear: “At the end of the day, when you’re on your deathbed, what will you think about? The car in your driveway? Or the things you did, the places you saw, the moments you lived?” For him, the answer is simple: life is meant to be lived fully, with courage and purpose.

Science of Success is dedicated to exploring the principles and practices that lead to achievement in various fields. Through insightful interviews, expert tips and practical techniques, the series delves into the experiences and perspectives of successful individuals, providing readers with strategies to enhance their own paths to success and unlock their full potential. New stories are out every Thursday.

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