Daz Tait
Stories of adventure, resilience, and pushing the limits of what’s possible always stand out at Fortis Publishing. Daz Tait exemplifies all of these qualities and more. His sailing memoir, The World’s My Oyster, captures the highs and lows of his six-year journey circumnavigating the globe—an odyssey filled with challenges, losses, and unexpected twists.
In this exclusive interview with Ken Scott, Daz opens up about the highs and lows of life at sea, the devastating loss of his boat, and how he found the determination to keep going.
A Dream Years in the Making
Daz had always been drawn to adventure. Inspired by books from an early age, he envisioned a life of exploration, self-sufficiency, and freedom.
That dream led him to purchase a boat with a friend, undergo rigorous training, and finally set sail—starting in Greece before making his way across the Mediterranean.
The goal? A full circumnavigation of the globe. But just as he was about to take on one of the most challenging legs of the trip—a solo Atlantic crossing—disaster struck.
When Everything Fell Apart
Eighteen months into the journey, while anchored off the coast of Portugal, a snapped mooring line sent his boat crashing into the shore. Within two days, the dream he had worked on for over a decade was in ruins.
“One moment, I was exactly where I wanted to be—captain of my own boat, preparing for the next big challenge. The next, I was watching the tide destroy everything I had built.”
Not only was the boat lost, but his passport was confiscated by authorities until he could arrange for the wreckage to be cleared—an expense that could have ended his journey completely.
Bouncing Back and Finding a New Path
Despite the heartbreak, Daz refused to let the loss define him. After briefly stepping away from sailing—opting for a five-month solo road trip across New Zealand to clear his mind—he found a new way to complete his goal. Instead of buying another boat, he began crewing for others, ultimately completing his round-the-world journey on four different yachts.
This change in perspective not only saved him money but also introduced him to a fascinating world of characters—from eccentric artists and hedge fund managers to a narcoleptic solo sailor who lived on caffeine pills. Each new experience added another layer to his story.
What’s Next for Daz Tait?
With the success of The World’s My Oyster, Daz isn’t done telling stories.
He continues to share his experiences on social media, offering insights into life on the water, survival at sea, and the fascinating people he has met along the way.