Greg Berryman

Hi. Most of you reading this knew me when I was just a bloke from Box Hill and then Middle Park with a computer and a vague plan. Well, the plan got a bit less vague.

I spent years working as a computer consultant and moving around - London, Berlin, Singapore, Bangkok, and a few places in between. Which sounds more interesting than it was. Mostly it was work, and the nagging feeling I was supposed to be somewhere on a boat.

Taking the Leap

At 54, I stopped postponing. I sold what I needed to, did a two-month sailing course in Gibraltar, and picked up a brand new Beneteau Oceanis 45 in Antibes. I named her Alegria - Spanish for joy and happiness. It felt right.

Since then I've been sailing the Mediterranean. Some highlights:

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

In 2023, I crossed the Atlantic solo - Monaco to the British Virgin Islands. That one I'll be dining out on for years.

How It Actually Happened

I got into Bitcoin around 2012, back when most people thought it was either a scam or a joke. I held on longer than most. That turned out to matter - it's a big part of why I'm doing this instead of still consulting.

Giving Something Back

I've helped fund the construction of orphanages in Cambodia and Laos, and hope to do the same in Vietnam when the time is right. It's one of the things I'm most glad I've done.

When I'm Not Sailing

European winters I spend in Southeast Asia - mostly Thailand and Bali. A few things keeping me busy:

  • Muay Thai - training since 2017 at Tiger Muay Thai in Phuket and Ubud Warrior in Bali. At my age this is either admirable or foolish, probably both.
  • Running - four marathons done, including the Angkor Empire Marathon in Cambodia last year.
  • Trekking - Everest Base Camp in Nepal. Still one of the best things I've ever done.

When the season comes around, I also dip into Vietnam, Laos, Sri Lanka, and further into Indonesia - Java, Sumatra (Lake Toba in particular).

What's Next

Still on the list: the Kokoda Trail. A group of us old blokes are working up the courage to attempt it next year. Watch this space.

I'll be back in Monaco once the F1 circus leaves town. If you're passing through, come find me on SY Alegria at Port Fontvieille.

Find Me

Greg Berryman

C/- SY Alegria, Port Fontvieille, Monaco

gb@gregberryman.com