A 29-year-old sailor in Portsmouth spent a sleepless night monitoring Storm Darragh, remaining vigilant as winds intensified throughout the night. Ed Coll, who lives aboard a yacht in the city’s marina, reported being awake for most of the night and is currently “just riding out on coffee.”
Personal Journey Leads to Life at Sea
Coll began living on the yacht in January following a diagnosis of testicular cancer. He decided to pursue a long-held dream of living on a boat after receiving treatment and recovering from the illness. He has been documenting his experiences on TikTok, where his account @sailing.optimist has gained over 5,000 followers.
Storm Darragh’s Impact
Footage of Coll preparing for the storm garnered over 1.2 million views. He described the experience in the marina as particularly unsettling, noting the amplified sounds of the wind and surrounding vessels. He explained, “Your mind can’t really switch off.”
Coll also expressed concern for his parents, whose boat is located nearby. He spent part of the night checking on their vessel to ensure its safety. The storm, initially around 30mph winds at 11pm, progressively worsened, allowing for only about an hour and a half of sleep.
He was awakened again at 6am by a call from his grandfather checking on his well-being.
As conditions stabilize, Coll and other boat owners may begin assessing any potential damage. Further storms could present similar challenges in the coming months, requiring continued vigilance and preparedness.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long has Ed Coll been living on his yacht?
Ed Coll has been living on a yacht in Portsmouth since January.
How many followers does Ed Coll have on TikTok?
Ed Coll has more than 5,000 followers on his TikTok account, @sailing.optimist.
What did Ed Coll do during the storm?
Ed Coll remained awake for most of the night, monitoring the storm and checking on his parents’ boat.
What does it mean to choose a life less ordinary, and how do individuals balance pursuing their dreams with the realities of unpredictable circumstances?
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