Sitting in Komodo National Park during The Spectacular Naked Sail, Group Leaders Lenny and Dave had the pleasure of chatting with Richard about his experience so far.

What do you like to do to relax?
Richard: Read. Lay out by the pool naked. Go hiking. The simple stuff.

How did you feel about your body before this trip?
Richard: I’m fine with it. Our bodies are what they are. You can’t recreate them—you just live with what you’ve got.

That’s a healthy attitude! Did you always feel that way?
Richard: (laughs) Oh no. That came later. Probably in my 50s. At some point, you realize your body’s not going to change, and that’s okay. It’s served you well!

How do you feel about being naked around others?
Richard: I’m pretty comfortable with it. If it’s a bunch of guys, like here, it’s easy. The vibe is so relaxed. The culture on the ship is open, friendly, and non-judgmental.

Did you feel there was any bonding taking place?
Richard: Oh, for sure. And it wasn’t slow—it was instant. 

You know, everyone does their own thing, and it’s all good. You can sit alone and read, or join in when you’re ready. Like last night—one guy was chilling at the front of the ship by himself. When he was ready, he joined us. We’re still ourselves, but there’s a group cohesiveness here. People are comfortable doing their own thing and then coming together.

Has anything surprised you so far?
Richard: Honestly, how nice the ship is! I thought the rooms would be much more basic. And I didn’t expect hiking—I love that.

Even the short little hike?
Richard: (laughs) Yeah, but I’m looking forward to the longer ones!

Have you felt a sense of freedom here?
Richard: Absolutely. I’ve been nude all over the world, but this trip stands out. Dining nude—cocktails, dinner—it’s liberating.

What would you say to someone unsure about joining a trip like this?
Richard: Do it. What’s holding you back? If you’re worried about being naked, you don’t have to be. One day, I wore trunks because I didn’t want to get sunburned, and no one said a thing. Life is short—don’t miss opportunities like this.

That’s a great point. None of us know how much time we have left.
Richard: Exactly. Tomorrow isn’t guaranteed. When you’re lying in a hospital bed, you don’t want to think, “I should’ve gone on that naked sail.”

What’s been a funny moment so far?
Richard: Oh, the massage mix-up! You guys had told us who gets massages on certain days, but there was some confusion. It was funny to me, watching five guys switch around, trying to figure out who was supposed to get massaged that morning… I was dying laughing.

If you could relive a moment from the past 24 hours, what would it be?
Richard: Floating in the cave with the light streaming in. That was incredible.

How does this trip compare to your other travels?
Richard: I’ve been to 130 countries, stayed in luxury hotels, done nudist resorts—but this is unique. It’s unpretentious. Nobody cares what you’re wearing—because you’re not wearing anything!

What’s the culture like on the ship?
Richard: Open, honest, and easygoing. Even the conversations, like last night upstairs, talking about politics or music, were friendly and thoughtful. It’s refreshing.

Anything else you’d like to share?
Richard: This trip is something I’ve never experienced before, and I’m so glad I took the leap. If you’re thinking about it, just go for it. You’ll have nothing to lose—and a lot to gain.

Thanks for sharing, Richard!
Richard: Anytime. Now, where’s my next hike? (laughs)

If you’re a hesitant traveler…  what are your concerns about being on a trip like this? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Let us know in the Comment section below.