Yugen Yachting And What It Means To Me

Almost a year ago, I met someone on Instagram and felt an instant connection. From the beginning, she was warm, kind and compassionate. I found myself scrolling through her instagram and realised we had quite a few things in common. It didn't take long for us to become virtual friends. I followed her journey as she and her husband built their new home, in a form of a yacht- until they opened its doors to strangers like me.

After eight months of supporting each other's instagram accounts, Clara reached out to me in March 2025. I couldn't have been more delighted to receive her invitation to host me on their yacht for an Afternoon Tea. She proposed a collaboration because apparenlty, I "love discovering cosy spots with good food and enjoy slow travel moments". 

As it happened, my friend Madam Pearl was keen to go somewhere by the water to unwind. At first, we considered Brighton, but after Clara got in touch, I convinced her to visit Netherlands instead. And so we did- we met up with Clara and her husband, Iggy, on their yacht.

Clara kindly picked us up from Haarlem train station, as their boat was moored nearby. Her beautiful smile greeted us, and instantly, I felt so privileged to be there- invited by one of the kindest people I have met on social media.

The fifteen-minute walk to their boat felt like a tour in itself. Clara guided us to some of Haarlem's most scenic routes, pointing out charming corners along the way. When we arrived, Iggy was already on board, smiling and waiting for us. Their warm welcome made me feel at home immediately.

My first impression of the boat was how cosy it felt, yet it was much bigger that I had imagined. I was especially impressed,  having followed its construction on Clara's instagram page. The interior is beautifully designed, with elegant furnishings and minimalist decor. I felt an instant connection to the space- a sense of belonging. It felt like the kind of place where I could truly slow down and savour each moment, free from the worries of the outside world.

Almost everything I touched in the boat had a story. What made it truly special was that, although Clara and Iggy had help from professionals, they completed much, if not most, of the work temselves, with a little help from their family . From the dining table, to the bed, even the hidden bar, every detail carried a personal touch and its own story.

While Iggy did the honours of showing us around the boat, Clara prepared our Afternoon Tea. I felt priviledged to watch her in her kitchen, doing what she does best. From the way she carefully handled each ingredient to how delicately she sliced them, all I could see was passion. She wore a beautiful smile throughout.

This was not the Afternoon Tea I am used to. It went far beyond the fancy teaware, neatly arranged sandwiches, and the curated cakes. Instead, it was a savoury Afternoon Tea- thoughtfully prepared with love and creativity. For Clara to trust me with such an experience was truly an honour, and it was absolutely worth crossing the Channel to spend an afternoon with her and Iggy. 

The food she prepared was unique, personal and full of flavour. Some of those that were served were: pea, leek and mint mash with warm smoked salmon and nori granola, radicchio, Frisian blue cheese, grilled wild peach and roasted rosemary walnuts, Muhammara, honey roasted carrots, feta and pommegranate seeds and black eye peas spread, grilled  zucchini, chorize and pine nuts. These were served with Champagne Brigitte Beaufort and East Frisian black tea. 

To be honest, it was my first time experiencing this kind of food- and it made the afternoon even more special.

But more than the food, it was the company that made the experience unforgettable. I felt completely at ease with Clara and Iggy- it was as if I had known them all my life. They are warm and thoughtful people, full of wisdom. Once our conversation began, it flowed effortlessly. We moved from one topic to another without ever losing its natural rhythm. 

I was elated to find such like-minded people- those with whom I share a genuine and meaningful conversation. In that moment, I found my "Yugen". I felt truly blessed, deeply honoured and incredibly happy just being there. 

The gentle sound of the water, the cheerful greetings from people on passing boats, and the occasional birdsong rising above the quiet hum around us- all of it felt surreal. I could hardly believe I was in the Netherlands, sharing an Afternoon Tea with people I had only just met.

The whole experience was simply beautiful. What was meant to be a two-hour visit turned into five- and I honestly didn't want to leave. Even Madam Pearl felt the same. It wasn't just what I saw, heard or tasted that made this trip extraordinary; it was that indescribable feeling of contentment, peace and gratitude that has stayed with me ever since.

I suppose some feelings are difficult to put into words. Whenever I think back on this experience, I feel a profound sense of  "Yugen"- a quiet beauty in what is unseen, yet deeply felt.

I am forever grateful to Clara for choosing me, out of so many  wonderful people,  to experience their lovely home and unmatched hospitality.

www.yugenyachting.com

Tintin x