“When we sailed into Malta the first person we met was the harbourmaster and he had been watching the show. That also happened in Rhodes, Greece. I think sailors are happy to see a sailing show on regular TV. In Malta people often recognized us in the street and quite a few came up and gave Sheryl a hug!”  – Paul and Sheryl Shard, Distant Shores

KissMyCountry wrote about Paul and Sheryl Shard and their television show, Distant Shores, a few weeks ago.  We were thrilled to find out that Charles Herring, President of WealthTV, loves the show as much as we do!  We’d written the Shards with some questions; see their responses below.  Paul and Sheryl, thank you for getting back in touch.  It’s great to hear from you and we know our readers will enjoy your words!

Thanks for the post on your website. Very nice!  So sorry we didn’t get back with these. Things have been crazy busy… here are some answers.  Paul & Sheryl

Lexy: Paul and Sheryl, Wealth TV just ran the episode of your final sail on your first boat, the Two-Step.  I  didn’t realize you’ve been sailing the world for over 20 years.  Centering your life on sailing the world is quite a life changing decision, and then actually doing for over 20 years is awesome.  How did you and Sheryl come to your decision originally, and what has helped you stay committed to this life for over twenty years?

Paul and Sheryl: We are filmmakers and saw sailing as an adventurous way to travel and document our great world. As long as people continue to enjoy our programs we will keep on making them. We keep meeting interesting people and finding more great places to explore. It is a big beautiful world out there and we realize we are lucky to be able to spend so much time exploring it!

Lexy  Have there been any unanticipated benefits to choosing your way of life – any pleasant surprises that you didn’t expect? 

Paul and Sheryl: We have been able to meet so many great people from all the places we have visited. Other sailors in the cruising community, but especially warm people in so many countries. I guess that showing up on the shores of a distant country in a sailboat makes it obvious we have really put in some effort to visit. It is a door-opener, and nice also that we can invite people back to the boat for a drink.

Lexy:  Technology has changed a great deal since you started sailing the world.  For instance, there was no GPS and the Internet was in its infancy.  You like to show the technology you use as you travel, which is great.  How have advances in technology affected either your journey or the way you keep in touch with fans of Distant Shores? 

Paul and Sheryl: GPS has been a great advance and made sailing accessible to many people. We find the chart plotter, radar and AIS (ship identification transponder system) has made it safer and less stressful, especially sailing at night. Wifi and the internet have made it much easier to stay in touch with family at home when we are away for a long time. 

Lexy:  Distant Shores is broadcast in the US, Canada, and in 50 countries in the UK, Europe, the Middle East and Africa.  Are you ever recognized by viewers when you’re either in port or on the water?

Paul and Sheryl: Distant Shores is now translated into 24 languages. It has been great making the show since we often meet people who have watched it – and quite a few who have been inspired to go out and travel or sail to the places we visited in the show. Some have actually gone out and bought a boat!!  When we sailed into Malta the first person we met was the harbourmaster and he had been watching the show. That also happened in Rhodes Greece. I think sailors are happy to see a sailing show on regular TV. In Malta people often recognized us in the street and quite a few came up and gave Sheryl a hug!

Lexy:  You often visit people whose values and way of life has remained unchanged for hundreds of years.  We enjoy learning about them, and getting a sense of their values and everyday life.   What do the people you visit ask you?  What are they curious to learn about from you?

Paul and Sheryl: The people we meet often ask us about what it is like to live on a boat. If they are not sailors, they are surprised to learn that we have an oven and fridge/freezer, beds, heads (bathrooms) and showers on board. I think people imagine that we eat freeze-dried food and spend most of our time at sea. It is usually enlightening to them that a boat is like an RV that floats and that our accommodations are quite comfortable. Whenever we can, we invite people we meet on our travels back to the boat for a drink or a meal in thanks for the help they give us. They learn about our lifestyle and we learn more about their lives and attitudes as a result. It has led to many long-term friendships over the years as well.

Lexy:  At KissMyCountry we like to ask people about their favorite places.  Of the many places you’ve traveled, are there any that hold a special place in your hearts?  Where do you love?

Paul and Sheryl: Thats a tough one since we love so many places for different reasons. The amazing waters and remote islands of the Bahamas, warm winters in the Caribbean (British Virgin Islands, Saba). Beautiful Madeira for hiking in the mountains, All the Greek Islands, magical Venice. All of us are so lucky to get to travel so easily these days. There are so many great places and for us I know there are many more places we have yet to find!!

Paul and Sheryl, thank you for staying in touch and happy sailing!  We can’t wait to see your newest adventures and we’ll be watching for them on WealthTV.  Take care and we’ll be in touch!