Alice Elgie reports…
WHEN Marcelo Duarte moved to the UK from Brazil’s biggest city, Sao Paulo, where he had been born and raised alongside more than 22 million people, he had no idea he was heading towards an entirely new – and somewhat quieter – life, living on the canals of England.
He explained: “My first contact with narrowboats was in Birmingham, which was the first city I lived in. Walking through the centre, there were several canals and always lots of narrowboats around. It was love at first sight!” He went on to do some research on the internet and when he discovered that people lived on these narrowboats, his dream was set in motion.
Inspired in particular by the sense of freedom and the ability to move around in his own floating home, Marcelo set about buying his own boat and, despite being nervous, was excited to finally move aboard a 1993 45ft cruiser stern, built by Liverpool Boats, in November 2023. “Its name is Emma Ridgeon, but my plan for next summer is to repaint and rename it Martin, which is my son’s name.”
Martin currently spends weekends aboard and absolutely loves the experience. “When the day comes, he always asks me: ‘Are we going to the boat?’” Like most kids, when given the chance to be out in nature he can spend hours enjoying the simple things, like feeding ducks and swans, and this was precisely Marcelo’s intention. “I want him to get to know nature, be close to it, get to know the animals and, when he’s old enough, go out with me on the canals to see new places from a different perspective and learn about England’s history and culture, since he was born here.”
With these future travels in mind, Marcelo knew he had to build his confidence in boat handling so decided to go on a boat handling course. “In July 2024 I went cruising for two days with Julie, a very kind and patient instructor. She taught me everything she could, and we went through several locks, which was my biggest fear.” Today he is confident enough to operate locks on his own and has been out and about on the canals a few times with friends.
It’s quite the change, though, as there is nothing similar in Brazil and Marcelo admits his new way of life was quite a shock for family and friends in his home country. “I have never heard of someone living on a boat in Brazil so some people still don’t believe me!” However, with the advent of modern technology and the ability to send pictures or have video calls, his friends and family are gaining a little more understanding about this way of life.
Leaving behind his country was a relatively easy decision for Marcelo: “Brazil has been in an economic and political crisis for years, and as I’m not going to change Brazil, I decided to start a new life elsewhere. I was tired of all the violence, car thefts and other injustices and having always worked in the aviation sector, I knew I had skills that would be welcomed in the UK.”
Living on his narrowboat now for a year and a half, he has relaxed into his new way of life. “At first I had what I call a ‘technical adjustment’ because I’d never had to deal with a diesel heater, huge engine, more than normal condensation, and the boat rocking on windy days, but I can say that it was all very easy to adapt to. I did a lot of research, watched a lot of videos and got help from neighbours, so I learned a lot and I’m still learning!
Marcelo has a deep gratitude for this country and the opportunities it has presented and now works happily for a company that provides maintenance, repair and overhaul for Boeings and Airbus aircraft. He currently stays in a marina on the Kennet & Avon but enjoys best the freedom this life affords him: “I can cruise along the canals on a weekend or on holidays and explore new places, which is very relaxing for me… seeing nature, animals, locks, and people walking.” Now when on holiday in Brazil, which is known by many as ‘The Stone Jungle’, he recognises how hard it would be to give up what he has on the doorstep: green space, tranquillity, and silence at night. “It’s a totally different experience from the chaos of living in Sao Paulo!”
Facebook: Marcelo Duarte Instagram: @marcelodsduarte
