Alice Wagner - The Goddess of freedom

There are those who don't want to work a 9-5 job, go home to cook, fold laundry, and repeat it all over again. Alice Wagner is one of them. I'm meeting her at Kaffebaren on Södermalm, Stockholm. Alice runs the communication- and design agency, Alice Wagner Design Studio, while living an adventurous life, either on her sailing boat or in her California camper van. 

Hi Alice! What are you having?

Yoghurt with fruit, granola and a carrot juice. 

 

You live a rather free life with your California Camper and sailing boat. What do you find most wonderful about it?

It’s the freedom. I can just take off without needing to plan. For longer trips, I don't need to book anything; I can simply stop wherever I like along the way.

The reason I got the California camper was a mix of skiing and work. I have clients everywhere, and I can even meet new ones in new places. In-person meetings are more effective and happen more often when I’m traveling in the California. I primarily use the camper during winter for skiing trips and switch to the sailing boat in the summer.

What’s wonderful about the sailing boat is the same sense of freedom I get from the camper, but with more amenities - like a toilet and access to running water for washing dishes and myself. Especially considering I use the van during the winter. When I go on randonée skiing trips in Norway, I can go a week without showering. 

 

How did you learn to sail?

I’ve been sailing since I was a kid, starting around 4 or 5 years old, though it was only for about a week each year. We also had a motorboat, so I’ve always felt comfortable around water. We used to take it to islands, camp out, or go water skiing.

I took a nearly 20-year break from sailing. When I bought my current boat, I didn’t remember anything. On the first trip, I brought a friend, but she didn’t know anything about sailing either. She didn't have a clue what to do and I could barely remember anything myself. Since then, I’ve sailed a lot and learned along the way.

Can you sail on your own?

Buying the sailing boat was a conscious decision. With help from my dad and brother, I chose a boat of the right size, where the headsail is self-tending. It was important to me that I’d be able to handle it on my own. Now, I can adjust the ropes while steering the boat at the same time.

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"On the first trip, I brought a friend, but she didn’t know anything about sailing either. She didn't have a clue what to do and I could barely remember anything myself".

 

What is the most difficult thing about sailing on your own?

It’s not always easy. When I’m by myself, I have to plan every detail of the trip much more carefully than when I have someone with me—like where to set the sail.

Docking is also challenging. I usually enter natural harbors, which are generally more difficult. I have to haul in the anchor while managing everything else and watching out for rocks. This isn’t a problem when I have someone on board to help. My daughter is the best helper, she’s priceless.

Are there any risks?

The biggest risk is when it’s windy. You need to maintain some speed to avoid drifting, but at the same time, you can’t always see what’s happening below the surface. This summer, I hit a rock during one of these moments. It’s not a great feeling when you’re on the boat. Luckily, it didn’t cause major damage, but there are definitely some scratches on the keel now.

Sailing longer distances alone also has its risks. Sometimes I’ll sail for 7 hours straight, and it can get frustrating when you're steering and suddenly get hungry.

Your best sailing memory?

 The times I've sailed on the edge of danger, when I’m completely worn out afterward and think, 'I actually did it.' Some of my favorite moments come from calm sailing trips as well. It takes a lot for me to turn on the engine. I prefer long, peaceful sails, sometimes lasting up to 9 hours. Around midsummer, it’s wonderful when it stays light late into the night, and I find myself thinking, 'Should I dock?' but I just keep going because it’s so bright outside.

One special memory was this sumer when I sailed from Saltsjöbaden to Huvudskär. It was a magical night with great wind, and the sky was completely red. It was incredible to travel with nature and feel the power of the water. And it was completely quiet.

Best tips for compact living?

My best tip is to cook all the food in advance and store it in vacuum-sealed bags. Each bag equaling one portion. Whenit’s time to eat, you simply place one bag in boiling water and eat it from a container, which allows you to put a lid on it if the boat starts to lean. This method takes up no space and creates no packaging, dishes, or trash. One time, when we were going away for a week, we had over 40 meals packed for three people, and the fridge was still only half full.

With compact living, organisation is essential. A bag system and soft boxes work well to organise clothes and various items. It can’t be messy on a boat. You need to find things quickly, and they can’t be flying around while sailing. I always bring too many clothes, no matter how little I pack, and I end up wearing the same clothes every day anyway—the same shorts, T-shirt, and, of course, the vest.

Absolute must-haves to keep in the pantry/fridge on the sailing boat?

In addition to the pre-packaged meals I mentioned, nuts are a must. A handful of nuts is great energy when you get hungry but can’t step away from sailing—preferably the sugar-coated ones!

The most rebellious thing about your boat-life?

I bought a sailing boat even though I could barely sail.

 

What does a work day look like on the boat?

I have people visiting every now and then, which is when I get the most work done. I anchor in a sheltered bay and work for several days in a row to be free when my visitor arrives. When the teenagers are with me, they tend to sleep in longer, allowing me to work all morning until they wake up.

I’ve set up the electricity so I can charge my laptop on the boat, which lets me be away for as long as I like. I’ve also installed my own router on the boat.

What is the best city harbour?

I prefer natural harbours, but after spending a long time on the water, it’s nice to arrive at a city harbor. I enjoy floating into Wasahamn and docking by Gröna Lund when I have the kids with me. It’s so beautiful to see all of Gamla Stan lit up at night. It’s a unique experience to enter the heart of Stockholm, which is such a large city. Strängnäs is also very pretty, with a lovely approach, and the harbor is right in the center of the city.

Hidden talent?

I can do the worm. It’s always a hit. 

(The worm is a dance move where you move like a worm, or rather a caterpillar, on the floor. The body ripples  as you move forwards or backwards against the floor :). Those who want a better explanation will have to party with Alice). 

 

When do you wear your Wool rebel vest?

I use it primarily when it’s windy and cold. It’s super comfortable to wear under my sailing gear. It tends to get quite warm underneath, so I don’t want to wear too many layers. I usually wear sailing pants, the vest, and eventually the sailing jacket on top. That is unless my son has taken the vest!