Greg Berryman

I'm Greg Berryman, a lifelong dreamer and wannabe sailor, with a background in computer sciences and a fondness for travel. Originally from Melbourne, I spent many years working as a computer consultant while harbouring a desire to sail the world.

A Global Journey: From Melbourne to Monaco

Long before I took up life at sea, I lived and worked in some of the world's most vibrant and exciting cities including Buenos Aires, London, Berlin, Singapore, Hong Kong and Bangkok. These experiences gave me a better understanding of some diverse cultures. But nowhere has ever felt quite as much like home as the South of France, especially Saint Tropez, Cap Ferrat, Beaulieu-ser-Mer and, of course, Monaco which has become my second home.

At age 56, I made the decision to actually live my dream. So I sold 2 of my Melbourne properties and purchased a Beneteau Oceanis 45 to begin full-time cruising. After some formal training in Gibraltar, I took delivery of my newly constructed yacht in Antibes and began sailing the Mediterranean. Since then, I have explored its coastlines extensively, visiting places like the Amalfi Coast, Sicily, Malta, Greek Islands, Balearic Islands, Corsica & Sardinia, and Turkey.

In 2023, I completed a solo Atlantic crossing from Monaco to the British Virgin Islands aboard my yacht SY Alegria II.

Bitcoin and Beyond

Alongside my nomadic lifestyle, I’ve always been drawn to high-risk, high-reward opportunities. I was one of the early investors in Bitcoin and a few other cryptocurrencies, starting around 2012 when most still saw them as speculative at best or a scam.

While many cashed out early, I stayed the course and often reinvested. That conviction paid off, granting me the freedom to fully refocus my life - from always flying up front, to chartering helicopters from Monaco to the Alps when invited to stay with friends.

I have also sponsored the construction of orphanages in both Cambodia and Laos, and hope to do the same in Vietnam when the time is right.

When not sailing, I spend winters in Southeast Asia, mostly in Thailand (where I continue to train in Muay Thai) and Ubud, Bali. I recently completed my fourth marathon, this time in Cambodia, and I’ve also trekked to Everest Base Camp in Nepal - one of my most treasured adventures.

Always Looking Beyond the Horizon

I value freedom and independence (I was never meant to be married and or tied down), self-sufficiency and continuous health and well-being.

Still high on the bucket list is the Kokoda Trail. Something a group of us old blokes are working up the courage to attempt next year. Stay tuned.

Greg Berryman and SY Alegria

Greg Berryman coming aboard his boat SY Alegria (2021)

How It All Started...

As featured in Yachting Monthly, November 2022

By Robyn Marriot, Contributing Writer

Early Interest in Sailing (1980s)

In the early 1980s, while hitchhiking through Europe, Greg Berryman first encountered the sailing lifestyle. He observed people living aboard their yachts in Mediterranean marinas and anchorages. The idea of long-term cruising appealed to him, but he did not pursue it at the time.

Career and Life in Melbourne (1980s-2010s)

Greg returned to Melbourne and worked in various industries as a computer consultant. Over the years, he maintained an interest in sailing but didn’t take formal steps toward it. He lived in Middle Park and owned some apartments in Melbourne.

Entry into Sailing (2013)

At age 56, he attended the Melbourne Boat Show. There, he decided to purchase a new Beneteau Oceanis 45 yacht. He sold two of his Melbourne apartments to fund the purchase and the journey. The boat was ordered from the factory in France and delivered to Antibes 6 months later.

Training and Preparation (2013)

Before taking delivery of the yacht, Greg completed a two-month sailing course in Gibraltar through an accredited sailing school. This provided foundational knowledge for handling the yacht and preparing for extended cruising.

Initial Cruising and Mediterranean Base (2013-Present)

After taking possession of the yacht, Greg began cruising full-time. His sailing areas include:

  • French Riviera
  • Balearic Islands
  • Corsica
  • Sardinia
  • Sicily
  • Malta
  • Amalfi Coast
  • Greek Islands
  • Croatia
  • Turkey

The yacht, named SY Alegria (from the Spanish word meaning joy) is primarily based in Port Fontvieille, Monaco, where Greg returns seasonally. He chose the name to reflect the sense of happiness and freedom sailing brings.

Atlantic Crossing (2023)

Greg completed a solo Atlantic crossing from Monaco to the British Virgin Islands aboard SY Alegria II. The passage was done singlehanded, involving long-distance ocean navigation and independent vessel management.

Read about the Atlantic voyage →

Off-Season Travel (Ongoing)

During the European winter months, Greg typically travels to Southeast Asia. Destinations include:

  • Thailand (notably Koh Tao, Krabi and Phuket)
  • Vietnam
  • Laos
  • Cambodia
  • Sri Lanka
  • Bali, Java and Sumatra (Lake Toba)

Since 2017, he has trained (and continues to train) in Muay Thai when staying in Phuket (at Tiger Muay Thai) and Bali (at Ubud Warrior).

Am I dreaming? No...I am living in my dream.