Why We Sail
We live in a time of deep change. Many of us feel disconnected from each other and from nature.
Founded in 2018 in Brazil by Raissa Teles and Christof Brockhoff, Piratas do Amor began on a 33-foot sailboat and a desire to follow a different compass. The ocean became our teacher, and sailing ships became our training grounds for courage, resilience, humility, and playfulness.
"The ocean is the only place on Earth where Humans cannot build walls."
Today, Piratas do Amor is a collective of sailors, artists, facilitators, and entrepreneurs. We host sailing expeditions and art residencies, and collaborate with tall ships around the world. We support their crews in shaping their missions, curating voyages, and building strong crew cultures.
"Piratas do Amor are liberated souls, strong in spirit, and captains of their own destinies. For me, a 'pirate' is epitomized by the two beautiful humans, Raissa and Christof, as they navigate the seas. 'Do Amor' signifies their life philosophy grounded in the abundant love that surrounds us. An abundance often overlooked, unheard, and unfelt. Sailing amidst authentic souls, adrift with an endless horizon, submitting to nature's command is, to me, the journey back to our genuine human essence."
Ellyn, The Netherlands, 2023
The Founders
Raissa Teles
São Paulo-born Raíssa, a business graduate, found her home, temple, and teacher in the ocean. With over a decade of experience as a facilitator and mentor, she guides individuals and groups towards self-mastery, conscious relationships, and rediscovering innate gifts. As a qualified first mate for tall ships, Raíssa seamlessly integrates sailing expertise and love for the ocean into the profound journey of personal development.
Christof Brockhoff
Christof was born in the Principality of Liechtenstein, one of the world’s smallest countries. He left university to co-found the Ideenkanal Foundation, a leading incubator for social enterprises in the Alps. Beyond the mountains, he’s a certified tallship mate, group facilitator, and concept artist who loves rowing and fishing and is inspired by regenerative living, indigenous wisdom, conscious sexuality, and plant medicine.