Johannes Erdmann has just graduated from high school, has little money, but a great longing: the ocean. When the start of his studies is delayed by a few months, his chance arrives. He quickly prepares the small, 36-year-old yacht Maverick, which he bought on eBay, for the journey. Then he sets off alone to cross the Atlantic from Lisbon to the Caribbean. It becomes a grand adventure, a journey through all the highs and lows of solo sailing, with storms and calms, toothaches, euphoria, and seasickness, with torn sails and various damages. Erdmann reaches his dream destination, Barbados. Then he continues up the Intracoastal Waterway for 2000 km to Charleston, South Carolina, where he sells the Maverick and flies home. What remains is a memorable journey that inspires courage, as it shows: Those who want to live their dream do not need riches. A few good ideas and a strong will are enough. This book is a plea to pursue seemingly impossible goals and portrays a young, carefree person who, shaped and molded by the sea, has taken on great responsibility.