Sailing, Freedom and Banking in the Modern Economy

Aavesome
Aavesome
Jul 23, 2017 · 3 min read

It’s a crazy 51 degrees Celsius, I am surrounded by my work colleagues from all over the world in one of the largest oil fields on the planet — Over 500 kilometres from Baghdad, Iraq surrounded by pipes, camels and sand. The thought crossed my mind, how lucky I am to be working with the most advanced technology, IT and ground support and how many people working alongside me do not have access to basic things that local western expats are used to — credit cards, modern housing, great conditions to attain a mortgage, possibility to travel the world. Exactly the same happens in Africa, an extremely rich continent with developing markets, existing inequality and limited financial access to many people. This is happening in places where people have no easy access to finances or decentralized lending.
I studied Quality engineering and proceeded to work in Project Management roles for some of the world’s largest Oil and Gas projects both on and offshore in Asia, Middle East, Europe and Africa. Due to the nature of this work and the constant mobilization internationally I have entered the sailing world where for the past 13 years i live and sail on my yacht, Hippokampos.

Hippokampos

Hippokampos started construction in 1968 for The Admirals cup racing circuit, designed by the late naval architect, Angus Primrose. The boat itself has spent the first 20 years racing across the globe in major publicised racing circuits then onto classic regattas in her later life. I purchased the yacht and spent 5 years of hard passionate labour to restore her to the condition she is in today. The boat itself is on par in yachting circles to that of a classic Ferrari. A one off classic design, purpose built for fast ocean crossings and rough weather sailing. She is in restored condition resembling that of a new yacht having been modernized to suit today’s sailing standards. My passion about both long distance sailing and the ocean enables the freedom to move around the globe when required. ETHLend enables unrestricted lending with added mobility and that suits my lifestyle.

I have taken on the title of Head of Communications for ETHLend, involving myself in cryptocurrency investment, borrowing and lending. I got fascinated by the idea, values and effort that ETHLend presents, achieves and puts into developing a competitive and free lending market. During my career and travels I have encountered countless failed projects, broken hearts and immense struggle to develop business or ideas — mainly down to insufficient funding caused by extortionate interest rates required from the local banks and a lack of competition or safe loan options. It happens all around the world — Europe, South America, Asia and also in my homeland Australia.

Modern technology and internet access allows me to work globally from anywhere and with everyone, It brings amazing possibilities for me to meet new people who have just crossed Oceans, young couples heading to The Caribbean, Old sea dogs and great adventurers who are sailing alone. Inspiring and a truly mind opening experience. Because of this I am a great fan of cryptocurrencies, the freedom that comes with them and decentralization in general — I firmly believe that partnership, clear communication and conditions, the ability to organise people from all over the world are the core values both in sailing and the world of cryptocurrencies.

From very young age I knew that I want to meet people from different cultures, I realised very early that even the vast continent of Australia is too small for me. What an incredible feeling when you have colleagues and friends from 4 different continents and you are working together being on the fifth!

Nautical nomad, enthusiast of decentralization and strong supporter of equality, Scott Malsbury — ETHLend Head of Communications

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