French sailor stops in Wilmington on his travels around the world

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) - Travel the coast and you can't ignore boating is a way of life for many people in southeastern North Carolina.

Some make their living off the sea. Others catch a few hours of sun on the surf as a way to relax.

Each boat has its own backstory. In downtown Wilmington, I was told I should walk down the dock of the city marina and meet a man who's circling the globe again.

Again?

Didier Beauchine is originally from France. He's been on his boat, traveling the world for the last 14 years.

"You spend a lot of time discovering yourself," says Beauchine. "Life is good. That's the most important thing."

Beauchine docked in Wilmington for a few days for supplies on his way up the east coast. He'll spend a few weeks in New York City, then move up to Maine.

Beyond that? Who knows? The plan this week is to take the Northwest Passage through the Arctic and arrive eventually in Alaska.

"I've got more sea water in my blood than blood, I guess," says Beauchine. "I love sailing.

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