In this month’s "Show Me Your Galley," we explore the captivating world of *Pianocean*—a one-of-a-kind musical voyage led by Marieke Huysmans-Berthou. Sailing the world with her family and a Piano aboard Lady Flow, her Freedom 40, Marieke performs breathtaking concerts with her piano, blending ocean rhythms with her music. From busking in Ireland to sailing around the world with her husband and son, Marieke’s journey is one of passion, connection, and creativity. Through her sailing adventures, she embodies a slower, more intentional way of life, while using music as a passport to new experiences.
A Life Set to Music and Waves
Marieke’s deep connection to both the sea and music began early, busking on the streets of Ireland as a teenager. Over the years, she grew weary of fast-paced, traditional touring life and craved something more soulful. Combining her two passions, she took up sailing lessons in France, transforming her music into an oceanic journey. After refitting Lady Flow and installing a piano elevator, the stage was set—literally. The sea became her muse, and each harbour her concert hall.
“Music is a passport to travel,” Marieke reflects, as the sea gives her the opportunity for deeper, slower connections with both people and places. Each concert becomes a personal experience, with her music drifting through the anchorage or port, as waves gently cradle the boat. Audiences are transported beyond the performance, feeling the energy of the ocean and the intimacy of her artistry. The sound carries them on their own journey, whether it's in a serene anchorage, local harbour or a bustling coastal town, creating an unforgettable connection.
Stories from the Sea
With ten years of sailing behind her, Pianocean has had its share of challenges and triumphs. In one memorable moment, Marieke arrived in the South of France from Corsica just 30 minutes before a scheduled concert after battling dreadful weather. Exhausted but determined, she played, moved by the sheer community spirit that sailing fosters. Local sailors, musicians, and strangers have often stepped in to help fix her boat, or even join her onboard studio, adding another layer of magic to her music.
Creativity on the Ocean’s Edge
The rhythm of the ocean deeply influences Marieke’s creative process, although it’s not the peaceful retreat one might imagine. “It’s a paradox,” she says. Life onboard can be intense, unpredictable, and sometimes chaotic. But it’s in these fleeting moments—before sleep, during repairs, or while sipping coffee in port—that her creativity flows. These snippets of life’s highs and lows filter into her music, grounding it in the reality of life at sea.
Life Aboard Lady Flow
Lady Flow is both home and stage, designed to accommodate Marieke’s family life and performances. While she admits cooking is often a rushed affair on tour, her favourite meals reflect her love for fresh, local produce. Whether it’s simple, raw veggies, or just-picked fruits and cheeses from the local markets near the port, she finds joy in the flavours of her journey, even when time is short.
As they prepare for future adventures, including a challenging Atlantic crossing, Marieke acknowledges the logistical hurdles—like provisioning and sustainability. But for her, it’s all part of the journey, one that continues to inspire her music, her lifestyle, and her vision for a more intentional, connected way of life.
“Everything is possible,” Marieke says. YouPianocean is a testament to that belief—a dream born from passion and sustained by the trust and support of those she meets along the way.
Meeting Marieke and her lovely family was such a joy! Seeing her concert in Lanzarote was an experience I won't forget; the music wrapped around us like a warm hug. *Lady Flow* is truly a magical vessel—stepping aboard felt like entering a floating home filled with love and creativity. At Small Vegan Kitchen, we admire how *Pianocean* beautifully captures the essence of connection through music and nature, reminding us that life's adventures are best enjoyed at a slower, more meaningful pace.
Explore more about Marieke’s incredible journey with *Pianocean* and feel inspired by her passion for music, sailing, and connection.
You can follow Marieke and the adventures of Pianocean aboard Lady Flow on social media see links below the video teaser.
Instagram: https://instagram.com/pianocean/
Website: https://pianocean.wordpress.com/
Credit for the photos to Anne-Lise Pellec
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