PETER JOHN HOPKINS

25 August 2026

ODD HARRY ELIASSEN

6 August 2026

Losing a loved one, whether a family member or friend, is incredibly daunting. Where do I start? What do I do?

If your loved one has chosen cremation, you might come across the challenge of who gets to keep the ashes and what to do with them? A solution might be to split it up where one takes it to the sea and another keeps it on the mantelpiece.

Here are some helpful tips to guide you through this difficult time and how to go forward with a sea ceremony.

URNS
After the cremation, request a biodegradable urn for salt water from the crematorium. These can be made out of the following;

Paper and Plant Fibers : Made from seaweed, recycled paper, cardboard, or mulberry tree bark, these lightweight urns break down quickly in water.
Cornstarch and Gelatin : Molded using bioplastics or animal/plant gelatins that dissolve cleanly during a water ceremony.
Rock Salt and Sand : Crafted from compressed Himalayan salt or sand blended with natural binders. These urns are heavy and dissolve rapidly when placed in water, but unfortunately are not suitable on the sailboat.

Once you’ve chosen the urn they’ll arrange for the ashes to be placed inside. Ensure they don’t use any plastic materials as it’s not permitted in the water. Directly scattering ashes into the Mediterranean is illegal in Spain so a urn is obligatory.

OUR EXPERIENCE
We have experience with a salt urn. It was very heavy and the ashes were placed in a plastic bag which was difficult to remove as the urn was round. Please make sure to tell the crematorium that there should be no plastic. For this urn, due to it´s weight, we tied a rope around it to keep it floating until it dissolved and the ashes spread. It took about four minutes. This urn was not practical on a sailboat.

Our other experience was with a paper urn. This floated nicely on the surface and it took about ten minutes for the bottom to dissolve and the ashes slowely spread.

FLOWERS
You are welcome to set out a wreath, but it must not contain any plastic, metal or stems. Only flower petals and leaves are allowed in the water.

For the sea ceremonies we´ve done so far, we´ve used flowers from our farm, and also borrowed some along the way.

START
We are flexible, so you get to choose your own departure, it being sunrise, midday or sunset. If the weather is not in our favour and we need to postpone, we will agree upon a day that is more suitable.

DURATION
Three hours (Serenity Farewell) or as long as you wish (Memoriaeco Tribute).

DISTANCE
Three nautical miles from shore. We will provide you with the exact coordinates where the urn was released.

GUESTS
Max. 8 persons. If you would like to bring a loved pet along, please do.

WHAT TO BRING
• The urn and flower petals (Serenity Farewell)
• Poems and/or songs
• A photo of your family member or friend.
• Warm clothes

In maritime culture, scattering ashes at sea is often accompanied by a few specific traditions, which we will follow, if you wish;

• The "Eight Bells" Ceremony: A significant nautical tradition where the ship's bell is rung eight times, signifying that a sailor has "finished his or her final watch".
• Circling the Spot: The vessel circles the site of the urn, ashes or wreath to the left, representing "turning back the hands of time" and after the ceremony, circles to the right, signifying that time and life go on.
• "Fair Winds and Following Seas": A common, heartfelt blessing used in toasts or as a final send-off.
• Final Resting Spot: Coordinates of the ceremony are often recorded by the captain and provided to the family, allowing them to return to that exact spot for reflection.

THE VOYAGE
by Christie Moore

I am a sailor, you're my first mate,
We signed on together, we coupled our fate,
Hauled up our anchor, determined not to fail,
For the hearts treasure, together we set sail.

With no maps to guide us we steered our own course,
Rode out the storms when the winds were gale force,
Sat out the doldrums in patience and hope:
Working together we learned how to cope.

Life is an ocean and love is a boat,
In troubled water that keeps us afloat,
When we started the voyage, there was just me and you -
Now gathered round us, we have our own crew.

Together we're in this relationship,
We built it with care to last the whole trip,
Our true destination's not marked on any charts;
We're navigating to the shores of the heart.

Life is an ocean and love is a boat,
In troubled water that keeps us afloat,
When we started the voyage, there was just me and you -
Now gathered round us, we have our own crew.

The song on YouTube

BILBO´S LAST SONG
by J.R.R. Tolkien

Day is ended, dim my eyes,
but journey long before me lies.
Farewell, friends! I hear the call.
The ship's beside the stony wall.
Foam is white and waves are grey;
beyond the sunset leads my way.
Foam is salt, the wind is free;
I hear the rising of the Sea.

Farewell, friends! The sails are set,
the wind is east, the moorings fret.
Shadows long before me lie,
beneath the ever-bending sky,
but islands lie behind the Sun
that I shall raise ere all is done;
lands there are to west of West,
where night is quiet and sleep is rest.

Guided by the Lonely Star,
beyond the utmost harbour-bar,
I'll find the heavens fair and free,
and beaches of the Starlit Sea.
Ship, my ship! I seek the West,
and fields and mountains ever blest.

Farewell to Middle-earth at last.
I see the Star above my mast!

SOME TIME AT EVE
by Elizabeth Clark Hardy

Sometime at eve when the tide is low,
I shall slip my mooring and sail away,
With no response to the friendly hail
Of kindred craft in the busy bay.
In the silent hush of the twilight pale,
When the night stoops down to embrace the day,
And the voices call in the waters' flow-
Some time at eve when the tide is low,
I shall slip my mooring and sail away.
Through the purpling shadows that darkly trail
O'er the ebbing tide of the Unknown Sea,
I shall fare me away, with a dip of sail
And a ripple of waters to tell the tale
Of a lonely voyager, sailing away
To the Mystic Isles where at anchor lay
The crafts of those who have sailed before
O'er the Unknown Sea to the Unseen Shore.
A few who have watched me sail away
Will miss my craft from the busy bay;
Some friendly barks that were anchored near,
Some loving souls that my heart held dear,
In silent sorrow will drop a tear
But I shall have peacefully furled my sail
In mooring sheltered from storm and gale
And greet the friends who have sailed before
O'er the Unknown Sea to the Unknown Shore.

GONE FROM MY SIGHT
by Rev. Luther F. Beecher

I am standing upon the seashore.
A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean.
She is an object of beauty and strength.
I stand and watch her until at length she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other.
Then someone at my side says, "There, she is gone."
"Gone where?"
Gone from my sight. That is all.
She is just as large in mast and hull and spar as she was when she left my side, and she is just as able to bear her load of living freight to her destined port.
Her diminished size is in me, not in her.
And just at the moment when someone at my side says, "There, she is gone!" there are other eyes watching her coming, and there are other voices ready to take up the glad shout, "Here she comes!"
And that is dying.

SEA FEVER
by John Masefield

I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky,
And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by,
And the wheel's kick and the wind's song and the white sail's shaking,
And a grey mist on the sea's face and a grey dawn breaking.

I must go down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide
Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied;
And all I ask is a windy day with the white clouds flying,
And the flung spray and the blown spume and the seagulls crying.
I must go down to the seas again to the vagrant gypsy life.
To the gull's way and the whale's way where the wind's like whetted knife:
And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow-rover,
And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick's over.

WHEN THE LAST HAND COMES ABOARD
by Richard John Scarr

No more a watch to stand, Old Sailor.
For you are drifting on an ebbing tide.
Eight Bells has rung. Last dogwatch done.
Now a new berth awaits you on the other side.

Your ship is anchored in God's Harbour.
And your ship mates, now of equal rank.
Are mustered on the deck to greet.
And Pipe as you ascend the Plank.

Her Boilers with full head of steam.
Cargo stowed and alley stored.
Just waiting to get underway.
When the last Hand comes aboard.

Look sharp! That Hand is you, Old Sailor.
And you'll be sailing out on Heavenly Seas.
May the wind be ever at your back.
Fair weather, and God Speed!

CROSSING THE BAR
by Alfred Lord Tennyson

Sunset and evening star,
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
When I put out to sea.
But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep
Turns again home!

Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
When I embark.

For though from out our bourn of Time and Place
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have crossed the bar.

SAILOR´S REST
by D.R. Block

When my sailing days are over,
And I sail the seas no more,
I shall build myself a refuge
by the ocean's murmuring shore.
As I watch the foaming breakers
When the tide comes rushing in,
I will contemplate my lifetime
With its virtues and its sins.
Where the azure of the heavens
Meets the undulating blue,
Where the sweeping, soaring seagull
Flies its endless quest for food.
It is there that I would rest,
When my work on earth is done,
At the endless blue horizon
'Neath the crimson, setting sun.

PSALM 23
Sailor's Edition Author Unknown

The Lord is my pilot, I shall not drift.
He guides me across the dark waters.
He steers me through deep channels.
He keeps my log.
Yea, though I sail 'mid the thunders and tempest of life,
I shall dread no anger, for He is with me;
His love and His care, shelter me.
He prepares a quiet harbour before me.
He anoints the waves with oil
My ship rides calmly.
Surely sunlight and starlight
shall guide me on the voyage I take,
And I will rest in the heaven's port forever.

SOURCES : markyouroccasion.com

Although hot on land, the sea air can get humid and chilly, especially around sunset. For your own comfort, we recommend bringing a warm jumper or jacket.

Please bring proper shoes with white, rubber soles. The deck is slippery when wet and we wish to avoid any accidents. If the weather is warm enough, barefoot is a good option.

We have life vests for those not feeling too comfortable aboard, also for small kids and medium sized pets.

If you wish to let your family and friends know where you are sailing, they can follow you by searching for TEALIE on VesselFinder or by clicking on MarineTraffic.

Motion sickness is the worst, especially wobbling on a sailboat with no immediate escape. However, if you tend to get motion sick, don't worry, there are some precautions to take before and during the trip.

BEFORE THE TRIP

Check with your doctor or pharmasist which medicines or patches to be recommended. The adhesive patch is put behind your ear a few hours before boarding. We have pills and wrist bracelets if needed.

Buy a pack of lozenges, preferably something with ginger.

Do not eat a big meal before boarding.

Lay of alcohol, caffeine and drink lots of water.

Bring a distraction - like music with headphones.

DURING THE TRIP

If you brought music, listen to it as it might add some distraction.

Find a better spot. Many find relief by taking the helm.

Lie down if you can, keep your head still, shut your eyes or follow the horizon. Whatever is best for you.

We will provide something salty, like chips or crackers, green apples, i.e. Granny Smith, anything with ginger, i.e. lozenges.

Drink ginger ale or ginger tea, Coca-Cola, the real stuff.

If nothing of the above helps, we will give you a bucket and head back to Sotogrande.

We’re permitted to take you out to a minimum of three nautical miles (about 5.6 km) from the coast to bid your final farewells.

While ashes themselves don’t affect water quality, please avoid scattering non-biodegradable items.

You can use the temporary container provided by the crematorium and simply pour the ashes into the water. If you prefer to scatter the ashes by hand, we’ll ensure we’re upwind so they blow away from you and the boat. If the wind is too strong, we recommend spreading the ashes as close to the water’s surface as possible.

However, if you plan to release the entire urn into the sea, it must be a certified biodegradable urn. In such cases, an ecological urn that floats briefly and then gently sinks into the water will allow you time to reflect and say your goodbyes as the remains disperse.

There are various biodegradable and ocean-safe urns available. These are made from materials like sand seaweed natural salt paper or cardboard and other plant-based substances.

If you’d like to throw natural flowers into the water, please follow the law and protect the environment by using only petals, not stems or branches. Avoid using non-natural flowers and ensure wreaths and personal items don’t contain plastic or metal parts that could harm wildlife or cause litter. If you’d like to throw written notes, they should be on biodegradable paper.

Declaration of responsibility for the economic activity of placing funeral urns or funeral ashes at sea

That the action is compatible with the general and specific environmental objectives of the Marine Strategy of the Marine Demarcation, approved by Royal Decree 1365/2018, of November 2, and in particular, with the environmental objectives set out in Annex II of Royal Decree 79/2019, of February 22, for the actions under section R of Annex I of the same Royal Decree.

That the declarant is aware of the natural values of the area where the placement will take place, and therefore its development will be carried out in such a way that neither the seabed, nor the habitats, nor the species that inhabit the marine environment will suffer any impact.

That the placement of urns or funerary ashes in the sea will be located in areas where there is no presence of protected habitats or species, such as sandy areas or seabeds devoid of vegetation or sensitive sessile organism communities. This will not apply to species included in Royal Decree 139/2011, of February 4, for the development of the List of Wild Species under Special Protection and the Spanish Catalogue of Threatened Species. The declarant is aware that the species included in Royal Decree 139/2011, of February 4, are subject to the protection measures established in Law 42/2007, of December 13, on Natural Heritage and Biodiversity, and in particular to the prohibitions of its Article 57.

That they guarantee, by means of a certificate, that the urns placed in the sea are biodegradable.

That no other ornamental or personal items will be thrown into the sea along with the urn, nor will any object other than the urn or ashes be thrown from the vessel, with the sole exception of floral offerings consisting of natural flower petals (never bouquets), flowers with stems, or floral wreaths. This must be controlled by the vessel's crew, for whom the declarant is responsible. The entity is responsible for ensuring that all items thrown into the sea are free of pollutants.

That motorboats will respect the maximum permitted speed during the activity, minimizing noise and the risk of collisions with marine life.

That the entity will maintain a record of the services carried out, indicating the date and geographical coordinates of each placement, and will also keep a copy of the certificates confirming that the urns used are biodegradable.

That it undertakes to provide, where applicable, any data or information required by the competent authority in order to verify compliance with this declaration of responsibility.

That it will comply with all applicable environmental regulations.

That it meets the requirements established in the preceding sections, and that it has the documents that prove this, as of the date on which this declaration is made.

Fair winds
and following seas,
my friend

FAREWELL AT SEA

SEA CEREMONIES

ESSENTIAL FAREWELL

SERENITY FAREWELL

MEMORIAECO TRIBUTE

PETER JOHN HOPKINS