Ever since the launch of our Friends of Ximula Sail Open Sunset Cruise in 2018, we’ve met with people from all walks of life, many of which we wouldn’t have had the fortune to meet, if not for this platform. These happy sailors came with many interesting stories and passions, and we thought how awesome it would be to share some of them with you!

So we’re starting a series featuring various Friends of Ximula Sail, and here’s introducing our very first #ximulasailor, Jen!

HI JEN! Please introduce yourself, and how did you get to know about our Friends of Ximula Sail sunset cruise?

Hello! My name is Jen Koh. I got to know about the sunset cruise via Ximula Sail’s Meetup group on meetup.com. My mum used to take us on boat rides from Oasis and go island hopping when we were young. I have always enjoyed cruising and watching the sunset - it is very therapeutic for me. I also love to mingle with different people, so this is a win-win.

What do you do for a living? How did you get into what you are doing?

I work as interior architect. I love designing spaces to serve the public better, especially universal designs that can better cater to the needs of the elderly, children, pregnant women and people with disabilities. 

What are you passionate about? How did you discover this passion?

I was, and still am very fond of painting. Since young, I find painting therapeutic to me as it was one of the best ways that I can express joy, hope, and love.

As I continued to paint throughout my life, I have donated many of my paintings to places like hospitals, community hospitals, orphanages, and nursing home as a method to raise funds for numerous causes. Overtime, many of my friends and clients have commissioned me to paint for them, and I am grateful to be in a position where people are engaging my services for the purpose of community bonding. 

What do you enjoy most about sailing / going out to sea?

The sunset cruise is a fun and relaxing activity for anyone looking for a quality short getaway from the bustling city. For me, I like it when I can be near the beach. One of the things I enjoy most about sailing is getting to meet more people with common interests. Also, I find that navigating my way in the open waters using the position of the sun and stars very interesting. 

Can you share with us your philosophy in life / a quote you live by?

“ Dream as if you’ll live forever. Live as if you’ll die today.” – James Dean

Was our sunset cruise your first experience out at sea? Have you gone sailing on other occasions? If yes, please share with us more about your other sailing experiences!

No, I have previously sailed with others yachts and sailboats. My best experiences out sailing is when I am the skipper of the vessel. The process of navigating through the ocean using wind power is something that is unique, and to a certain extent, addictive.

What is something you’d like to pursue in future, and why? (a hobby, a skill, etc)

I would like to be certified as a competent crew and join keelboats to sail across the equator out to the open sea (and towards unexplored places). Perhaps I should ride on jetskis… maybe I should paint this scene too… 🧐

If you’d like to connect with Jen, you can reach her via our Friends of Ximula Sail Facebook Group, which is a community of members who have joined us on our open sunset cruises. (Alternatively, just drop us a message!) Here’re our upcoming cruise dates if you’ve been inspired:

‘Til the next feature!