Exploring the world's most remote islands with Niccolò Banfi and Sebago

Niccolò Banfi, from Milan, embarked on an extraordinary journey after a career in marketing. At the age of 35 in 2022, he decided to pursue his dream of visiting the most remote islands in the world. Thus was born his project Remoteness – Journeys to the Edge of the Oceans. His goal: to push boundaries and document life on the most isolated islands on the planet, giving voice to local communities. «After working for a luxury company in Milan, I felt an emptiness, a sense that there was more to life», Niccolò reflects. «Then Covid came, and I decided to leave my job and chase my dreams. I left everything and boarded a vintage sailboat for my first expedition: from Argentina to South Africa. 5600 miles, 52 days at sea». The current venture Niccolò has undertaken has taken him across the Pacific Ocean, from Easter Island to Fiji, exploring mostly uninhabited islands or those populated by small communities with ancient cultures. His goal is to tell their stories, document life in unique environmental settings, the health of the oceans, and the effects of climate change. Accompanying him on this extraordinary journey is Sebago, a brand that has always celebrated the deep connection between humans and the ocean. Niccolò will wear pieces from Sebago's Docksides collection and collaborate with the brand to create a logbook, sharing images in the coming weeks.

Niccolò Banfi in Fiji

«The urge to explore the unknown, to push boundaries, is part of human nature», Niccolò explains. «My goal is, first and foremost, to document and bear witness to life in those places. Some are uninhabited, while others are home to populations that preserve ancient traditions and live in close connection with nature. All of them have been impacted by climate change. My community grew naturally and very quickly, and I think, in part, it's because we all have the desire to step outside our comfort zone and go beyond. I want to show people that it’s possible», he continued. «Compared to the Atlantic expedition, the weather conditions this time will certainly be less hostile», Niccolò predicts regarding the challenges he will face during the Pacific expedition. «Nothing tests human nature like crossing the Drake Passage: the roughest waters in the world. In the Pacific expedition, I started from Easter Island, then headed to Pitcairn, French Polynesia, Tonga, and Fiji. I will be at sea for about 90 days, covering a total of 6,500 miles. Onboard, nothing is taken for granted. Walking, eating, even going to the bathroom, when the boat is at a 45-degree angle, at the mercy of the waves, is a challenge. I will be an integral part of the crew, which means taking shifts on lookout, at the helm, and on the sails. It will be a 360-degree experience».

Niccolò Banfi in Rapa Nui

Niccolò Banfi in Gambier Island

During this long journey, Sebago will be a kind of silent protagonist: the pieces from its Docksides collection may not steer the ship, but they will be essential tools to withstand weather conditions and the sometimes challenging life at sea. «I couldn’t have found a partner that better aligns with my goals and philosophy», Niccolò told us about the collaboration with Sebago. «Sebago is a dynamic brand with a long tradition and an undeniable connection to the maritime world. Their desire to innovate matches my desire to push boundaries». Specifically, for this journey, Niccolò chose three key Docksides items: the main one being the Tiller cotton t-shirt, featuring a multi-purpose front pocket and a high ribbed crewneck inspired by the U.S. Navy; the Northfield bermuda shorts in ripstop cotton with oversized rear and side pockets, reinforced with double stitching and a special gusset construction for durability and freedom of movement. Finally, the Docksides Portland Boat Shoes, perfect nautical footwear, made from a single piece of unlined full-grain leather and hand-stitched. Featuring a leather insole, a 360° rawhide lacing system, and a non-slip, grooved rubber sole, these shoes provide a stable grip in all weather conditions and are deeply tied to Portland’s maritime tradition.

Niccolò Banfi in Pitcairn Island

Niccolò Banfi in Society Island

Naturally, even though Niccolò's expedition (which could almost be called a vocation) is very personal, and the sailor himself professes to believe in the importance of disconnecting, the mission has been documented via Instagram and YouTube, and the sailor has also conducted research on behalf of the mission’s sustainability partner. After his return, we can expect a book or a photo exhibition. «The world is much bigger than what we see», Niccolò emphasizes regarding the impact on local communities and environmental awareness. «There’s so much that no one tells, simply because it's outside the mainstream narrative. That’s why Remoteness was born. The communities most impacted by climate change are the ones no one sees. With this expedition, I want to give those people a voice, document their everyday lives, and show how the climate crisis is affecting them first».

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Exploring the world's most remote islands with Niccolò Banfi and Sebago