This Jersey family of four is far from your average nuclear family. After setting sail from the island on their floating home, PINNACLE, two years ago, Rich, Stef, Jesse (4) and Roux (2) have lived a life of beauty and chaos. From tranquil, simple moments – morning coffees on deck, the kids jumping straight into the water, exploring remote islands and landing spots of natural beauty – to the more chaotic interruptions, like dodging orcas along the coasts of Spain and Portugal, we caught up with Stef to hear about everything they’ve experienced since setting sail for a life at sea.
What made you decide to leave Jersey to sail around the world?
We set sail from Jersey on PINNACLE (Nautitech 46′ open – Catamaran) about two years ago. Rich grew up sailing from day dot, it’s always been in his blood, and for me, the sea has always been a big part of my life. Through our business, we were lucky to have the flexibility to work the winters (off-season) from anywhere and we began chartering boats: Grenadines, BVI’s and Australia. It was incredible. We saw families out there doing it and the moment Rich voiced the idea for ourselves, we both knew we’d regret it if we didn’t go for it.
Our “why” runs deep. Rich lost both his parents at a young age and that loss taught us both that life is for living, for making the most of the days you’re given, not wondering “what if.” We’d also spent five long years struggling with infertility and both of our boys are IVF miracles. Once they were in our lives, we wanted to spend as much time with them as possible, cherish their childhoods, take them on adventures and share as much of the world with them.
The moment Jesse was born, I realised I couldn’t put as much of myself into our business anymore, my priorities had shifted. Rich agreed: there’s never a perfect time to make a big change like this, but sometimes you just have to take the leap. We officially set sail from Jersey in July 2023, with Jesse, then two years old, and Roux, just four months (both in nappies!), and began this incredible new chapter together aboard Pinnacle.
What kind of planning or preparation did it take to make that dream a reality?
It went from a five-year plan to a two-year plan very quickly! We actually found Pinnacle in Southampton. Rich went to the boat show in September 2021 just to get the ball rolling and see what was out there, but before he even went, he spotted a private listing for this boat. Pinnacle was the first catamaran he stepped foot on and he instantly had a feeling she could be the one. At the time, Jesse was only three months old. Rich called me and said we needed to go back together to see her. Two weeks later, we were on a flight with my mum and Jesse, took her out for a test sail and two hours later found ourselves in a pub deciding we had to put an offer in before someone else did! It became very real very quick!
We officially sailed Pinnacle across the Channel to Jersey in April 2022, which was a huge milestone. From there, it was all systems go, preparing to sell our business, renting out our home, going through IVF to see if we could have another crew mate to join us and pouring our time, money and energy into getting the boat ready for full-time life aboard.Rich spent months working through the systems, electrics, and repairs, while I focused on the family side of things: safety, provisioning and figuring out how to create a sense of home and routine for the boys (all while having baby Roux in March 2023!)
We completed training courses, including offshore survival, we practiced sailing in rougher conditions to build our confidence as a team. But honestly, there’s only so much you can prepare for, the rest you learn along the way. We’ve become experts in problem-solving, improvising and leaning on the incredible support network that exists within the cruising community. By the time we set sail in July 2023, we were still figuring out how to parent two little ones. The boat was shipshape, we were exhausted, but we were ready (except the weather wasn’t on our side!)
What’s everyday life like on board, and how is bringing up a family at sea?
It’s a mix of magic and mayhem! Life on board is beautifully simple in many ways: mornings with coffee on deck, the boys jumping straight into the water and days that revolve around the wind, weather and wherever we drop anchor. But it’s also intense. Boat jobs and kids never stop, something always needs fixing, maintaining, or cleaning, and you have to constantly think about safety, power, water and weather. For us, the biggest shift has been learning to balance it all: being parents, partners and crew. There are moments where the pressure is high, like when we’re sailing through squalls or trying to fix something crucial (in boat yoga positions) while keeping the kids safe and happy. But then there are moments that take your breath away: dolphins at the bow, the kids stroking stingrays in the water, surfing perfect empty waves, stargazing from the trampoline, 360 degree amazing views, the world on your doorstep. Those are the moments that remind us exactly why we chose this life.
The boys have adapted so naturally. They’re curious, confident and so in tune with the sea and nature. Every day is a mix of adventure and learning. We love seeing the world through their eyes and hearing Jesse ask so many questions as he comprehends the places we’ve been and things he’s seen. Roux has learnt to eat, crawl, walk across oceans, whilst Jesse has potty trained, learnt to talk, swim & surf around the world. Pretty epic to share these moments together 24/7.
Have you had any particularly rough or scary moments along the way?
Definitely. You can prepare all you want, but real-life experience at sea will always test you. We’ve had our share of squalls, equipment failures and sleepless nights. There’s a certain type of fear that comes with being responsible for your family’s safety miles from land, but it’s also what sharpens your instincts and brings you closer as a team.
We dodged Orcas along the coast of Spain and Portugal, had our sail ripped in two on a fast night sail to Madeira, and were boarded in Venezuelan waters by an armed military. One night during a heavy squall in the Marquesas Islands we had a dragging anchor, with rocks close by and our steering cable snapped at the same time. Jesse once had a high fever for days whilst we were crossing the Pacific ocean.
We’ve learned to stay calm, think logically and support each other in those moments. We’ve come to realise that fear doesn’t go away, you just get better at managing it. Each challenge teaches you something new, and it’s made us stronger and more capable.
Do you have a favourite place you’ve visited so far, or somewhere that really surprised you?
It’s so hard to pick one! We have seen so many incredible places and experienced so much culture in each of them. To name a few: Madeira, Bonaire, Los Rocques, Guna Yala region Panama, Galapagos, Tuamotus… we’re currently in Moorea and wow, it’s incredible.
A particularly special moment was watching Roux take his first steps on Barbuda’s white sand beaches. Others include the sight of Fatu Hiva after crossing the Pacific, and the locals giving us more fruit than we could carry each time we went ashore. Swimming with humpback whales was up there, as was watching the empty, perfect waves in the Tuamotus (and the coconut life!)
Who are some of the people you’ve met that have made the journey extra special?
The people we’ve met have honestly been one of the best parts of this life. There’s such a strong sense of community among sailors, everyone looks out for each other, shares advice, helps fix things, or just shows up with a coffee (or a beer!) when you need it. Watching Jesse & Roux interact with other children of all different ages, nationalities, cultures and walks of life has been so special and something I think will shape them in life. They may not be able to talk to each other, but there is always the communication of play.
We’ve met families like ours who’ve become lifelong friends, locals who’ve welcomed us into their communities and other cruisers who’ve inspired us with their stories. There’s a shared understanding among people living this way, that we’re all chasing time, connection, and simplicity. The world definitely has fewer strangers in it now, and we have ‘homes’ to visit in so many places!
How has this experience changed you, as individuals, and as a family?
We’ve learned to live with less and appreciate more, to fix what we have instead of replacing it, to make do and to find solutions together. It has grounded us. Life aboard and seeing the world constantly reminds us what really matters. We’re more adaptable. The kids have taught us to slow down and find joy in small things, and the sea has taught us patience, humility and respect. It’s exhausting, but each day we feel like we are learning and truly living.
If you could give a piece of advice to yourselves two years ago, before you set off, what would it be?
Slow down! Sailing with young kids is tough and it’s important to take time and rest and enjoy the places. We made the decision to slow down after crossing the Atlantic; it has definitely been the right decision for us. Life at sea isn’t always easy, don’t have expectations or put pressure for everyday to be incredible. Embrace the good days and celebrate the tougher times: it’s all part of the journey.
@sailingpinnacle
