After a two-month break due to work commitments, we’re finally back on track. With race day getting closer, the excitement is rising fast.

It’s been almost two years since I started building this boat (with plenty of pauses along the way), and now we’ve officially entered the final stage of construction. Right now, we’re focused on trimming and fitting the mast, and finishing the dozens of small jobs still left on the checklist.

Next up: electrical systems. According to the race rules, I’m only allowed a 50W solar setup, so I’ll be pairing that with AGM batteries, sorting out all the safety equipment, and planning rations for food and water. I’ve also started learning some essential medical skills — things like how to insert an IV or treat the most common injuries that might happen offshore. I’m even gradually adjusting my sleep schedule, and solving navigation problems at home just for fun while waiting “patiently” to get on the water.

The 400 nautical mile solo qualification sail is the immediate goal now. It’ll be the ultimate test — for the boat, the equipment, and myself. That passage will say a lot about whether we’re ready for the big one.

Throughout this journey, people from all over the world have shown incredible support. It’s been humbling — and honestly, it’s added a layer of motivation that doesn’t leave much room for messing this up 😅

One of the most attention-grabbing parts of the build has been the artwork. The painting on the hull was created by our friend Marjan Dimic, a talented designer and graffiti artist from Skopje whose work can be found all over the world. The process with him went super smooth — we dedicated the starboard side of the boat to the race theme, and the port side to personal elements that carry deep meaning for me.

Right now, the boat is parked inside my sailing club Snegar in Struga, where we’ll finish the last details. Being back here feels good — especially surrounded by kids who are wide-eyed and curious about the idea of building a tiny boat and racing solo across the Atlantic, non-stop. It reminds me exactly of how I felt when this all began.

More soon — water tests, final gear, and one big blue ocean waiting on the horizon.