Hi, I’m Ilse! Together with my husband Piet, we will be sailing Adriana, our 2008 Oyster 56. In 2025, we began the exciting adventure of buying and refitting Adriana—preparing her for many years of safe, comfortable cruising across the world’s oceans. Like many sailors, we balance home, family, and work, so we spend a few months each year aboard sailing while still making time to return to Belgium and reconnect with loved ones.

Meet Piet – Skipper & Ocean Sailor

Piet is the skipper of Adriana with over 20 years of sailing experience and more than 20 000 nautical miles under his belt. He has crossed the Atlantic Ocean three times and brings a wealth of knowledge, calm leadership, and passion for long‑distance cruising.

Meet Ilse – Deckhand, Explorer & Chief Provisioner

As deckhand, I follow the skipper’s guidance while discovering every destination we visit with curiosity and enthusiasm. To keep the crew fueled and happy, I plan our meals and make sure healthy snacks are always on hand—because smooth sailing starts with good energy and good food!

Where It All Began

Our sailing story started in Boston on the Charles River while we were living in the Back Bay as expats. With the British Virgin Islands closer to Boston than to Belgium, we seized the opportunity to explore the Caribbean by sail. We were completely swept away by the beauty of the BVI and by the joy of life on board—an experience that sparked our dream of one day exploring the world on our own yacht with friends and family.

That dream became Adriana.

And now, we’re slowly turning it into reality—one refit project, one passage, and one unforgettable journey at a time.

More to follow in the following days …

Piet Houwen, Skipper

Ilse Wauters, Deckhand

info@sailingadriana.com