Learnings and resources

Welcome to our learnings and resources page, where we share the key takeaways and resources we've gathered from our family's sailing adventures. We hope our experiences can inspire and assist you in your own journey, whether it's on the water or in life. We believe that anyone can chase their dreams, and we're here to share what we've learned along the way.

You just have to begin

If there’s one big thing people can take from our family’s adventures, it’s this: You don’t have to be “ready” to begin—you just have to begin. Most people wait for the perfect moment, the perfect boat, the perfect skill set. We did too, at first. But what we’ve learned is that confidence doesn’t come from planning alone—it comes from showing up, making small moves, and learning together.

Time on the water

If someone’s keen to follow in our wake, the most important resource we’d point them to isn’t a book, a course, or even a particular person. It’s time on the water—early and often. Not the perfect setup. Not the dream boat. Just real, regular time afloat where learning actually sticks. So, get out there and start learning by doing!

Common challenges

Embarking on a family adventure like ours comes with its own set of challenges. Here are some common hurdles we've encountered and what we've learned from them:

  1. Feeling underqualified: No one starts "qualified." Confidence grows from short trips, familiar waters, and learning as you go.
  2. Keeping kids safe and happy: Kids thrive on involvement. Clear roles, consistent routines, and letting them feel useful onboard makes a huge difference.
  3. Decision paralysis: Most decisions don’t need to be perfect — they need to be reversible. We focus on options that let us adjust as we learn.

"This journey isn’t just about sailing. It’s about showing other families that it’s never too late to chase a dream, even if you’re starting from zero."

The Ratcliffe Family - Family on the Water