SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - "You don't have to be in a hurry to sail around the world," Barry Lange, who returned last spring, along with wife Ann, from New Zealand after completing one third of their trip around the world.

Barry and Ann Lange in traditional Tongan dress in Nieafu, Tonga in November 2008. - photo courtesy of Barry and Ann Lange

"It was a tough decision," said Barry, recalling when they finally bit the bullet and embarked on their piecemeal plan to sail around the world.

"We sold our house, quit our jobs, said bye to the family and now our only home is our boat."

The couple, who left Yellowknife in 2005 after calling it home for 20 years, to sail across the world returned last June because of Barry's need for a hip replacement, Ann's curling and their two grandchildren.

The couple has sailed the Sea of Cortez, down the west coast of South America, visited the Galapagos Islands, French Polynesia and down to the Cook Islands.

Learning to sail on Great Slave Lake in 1992, the couple developed a love for the open water.

"If you look on the Commissioner's Cup her name is on it more than I am," said Barry, referring to the annual sailing race held on Great Slave Lake.

The Langes said they are a good balance for each other when sailing.

Barry said he is often more conservative and calculating while Ann is "hellbent for leather."

Other than encountering some bad weather the couple said their adventure has so far been pretty much smooth sailing.

"I've learned that when I get scared I yell," Ann said.

"You have to endure it, you have to be sensible and tell yourself that the boat is strong,"

While sailing during the night Barry and Ann would sleep in four hour shifts while the other was in complete control of vessel.

"A 40 foot boat can get small," said Barry. "But we've been married for 36 years."

His favourite time on the trip was the 22 days on the water when sailing conditions were ideal.

"It was like sailing for dummies," he said, comparing it to a road trip across Canada going at 10 km an hour.

The Langes said they enjoy travelling off the beaten path, experiencing culture and meeting other 'cruisers' travelling around the globe.

Once the Langes return to New Zealand they will head back north to Australia to the Indian Ocean then possibly off the coast of South Africa.

"We were fortunate to have a family when we were young and we wanted to do it while we're not too old," said Ann. "My advice is go do it and seize the moment."