Meet Jasmine and Owen Richards—a couple who traded suburban life for a floating home, catamaran sailing around the world. Alongside their two young daughters, Indy and Luca, they’re living full-time aboard a Lagoon 450 catamaran, embracing a new rhythm of life, education, and adventure on the ocean.

From Dream to Reality: Why They Chose to Live on a Catamaran

For many, live-aboard catamaran sailing is a dream reserved for retirement. But for Jasmine and Owen, waiting simply wasn’t an option.

“We just thought, wait, we could show up and we could do it now. So why wouldn’t we?”

They saw friends and family experience unexpected health scares and realised there’s no guarantee of tomorrow. So they made a bold move—left behind the “forever home,” sold everything, and set sail.

Exploring Australia’s East Coast by Sea

Currently cruising around the breathtaking Whitsundays and Fraser Island, the family is slowly making their way south, exploring clear waters, encountering marine wildlife, and living a truly immersive nature-driven lifestyle.

Whether it’s spotting a dingo on the beach or discovering eagle rays in shallow waters, every day brings a new surprise.

Sailing with Kids: Challenges and Joys

Catamaran sailing with kids isn’t always smooth seas- but for the Richards family, the rewards are far greater than the struggles.

“They’ve come out of their shell a lot… learning things most kids don’t get to experience.”

From swimming off the boat to meeting people in marinas, Indy and Luca have adapted beautifully to the liveaboard lifestyle. Their days are filled with exploration, creativity, and connection—with the sea and with each other.

Homeschooling on the Water

Homeschooling on a boat has been one of the couple’s biggest learning curves.

“What works for one of our children doesn’t work for the other… but we’re figuring it out.”

Jasmine personalizes learning through location-specific books and experiences. A trip to the Australia Zoo, for example, turns into a biology lesson—complete with writing, drawing, and animal research. Their classroom is the world.

The Financial Side: No Fancy Online Business Here

Unlike the digital nomad stereotype, Jasmine and Owen made it work with savings and a clear vision.

“We don’t have a fancy online business. I’ve always worked FIFO offshore as an electrician,” explained Owen.

Their dream was built the old-school way – through hard work, property renovations, and long-term planning. For a time, Owen works away while Jasmine stays aboard solo with the girls, managing life and school on her own with help from the incredibly supportive sailing community.

A Community Like No Other

The kindness and connection within the cruising lifestyle have been unexpected blessings. Strangers quickly become friends, offering support, advice, and helping hands when needed.

“I could call anyone or knock on any boat, and they would come to help.”

While solo-parenting has its challenges, the care and connection from the cruising community make all the difference.

Looking Ahead: Across the Pacific and Beyond

The family has big dreams on the horizon. Next stop? New Caledonia, Fiji, and Vanuatu.

“There’s just so much to see… I feel like I’ve barely scratched the itch.”

For Owen, it’s a dream come true- catamaran sailing, surfing, fishing, palm trees, and bonding with family on the water.

Their advice to anyone considering the liveaboard lifestyle? Just go for it.

“It’s not always easy, but the experiences and memories are worth every single challenge.”

Take the leap. Trade routine for the unknown. Adventure is calling – and it’s more accessible than you think.

Want to follow their journey?

Catch more of Jasmine and Owen’s family sailing lifestyle on Instagram:
📸 @jazzyrichards
📸 @owenslifeofowen

And if you’re dreaming of life aboard a Lagoon Catamaran, reach out to TMG Yachts to make that dream a reality.