Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Rich
Hi Nicole, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My husband Paul, 38, from Georgia, and I, Nicole, 30, from Oklahoma, met in Colorado after we both moved there. Our first date was a hike to a waterfall at the sand dunes, which ignited our shared passion for adventure. We fell deeply in love as we explored together. We had two beautiful children and moved to Florida with a wild dream of sailing around the world. After buying our first boat, a 31 Columbia sloop, we took the leap, selling our home and everything we owned. We moved our kids and dog, Kookie, onto our new tiny home and set off for the Florida Keys, learning to sail as we went. We spent incredible times in Marathon Keys, snorkeling, scuba diving, catching fish, and enjoying the beach daily. While we faced challenges like major hurricanes, water spouts, and even a lightning strike, our family loves this lifestyle. We homeschool our children, and our daughter has spent more than half her life on a boat. Over time, we’ve upgraded to a fully electric 39-foot Pearson sailboat, which has further enhanced our sailing experience with its innovative technology and eco-friendly design. Choosing this life has been the best decision we’ve ever made. It has opened our eyes to the true meaning of living a long, happy life—spending quality time together as a family, embracing each new day with adventure and love. We are so grateful for this journey, which has brought us closer together and given us a deeper appreciation for life’s simple joys. We feel incredibly fortunate to have taken this path, and we look forward to many more years of exploring the world together.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Living aboard a 39-foot sailboat as a family of four, plus our dog, has been an adventure filled with challenges and triumphs. Neither of us came from sailing backgrounds, so learning to sail and homeschooling our kids in this unique environment was a steep learning curve. But despite the struggles, we’ve grown to love this lifestyle deeply.
We’ve weathered four major hurricanes and even been struck by lightning, which tested our resilience and teamwork. Each storm taught us the importance of trust and preparation. Homeschooling on the boat has been an adventure, turning the ocean into our classroom where science, geography, and history come alive.
Living in tight quarters with a dog adds complexity, but he brings immense joy. Privacy is scarce, and every inch must be organized, but we’ve learned to thrive in this space.
For all the challenges, we wouldn’t change this life. It’s brought us closer as a family, teaching us to rely on each other in ways we never thought possible. We’ve shared breathtaking sunsets, explored remote islands, and discovered the beauty of simplicity. This lifestyle isn’t easy, but it’s deeply fulfilling. Every challenge has made us stronger, and every day brings new opportunities for growth and connection. Sailing full-time may not be for everyone, but for us, it’s home.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My husband, affectionately known as “Do It All Paul,” is a versatile tradesman who excels in various odd end jobs. He works at local marinas, performs carpentry tasks, and is often called upon for his diverse skills. I occasionally supplement our income by waitressing. Together, we are building a YouTube channel with the goal of transitioning it into our primary source of income. This channel focuses on sharing our experiences and skills, aiming to monetize it in the near future. Our diverse income streams allow us to adapt to changing financial needs while pursuing our long-term goals.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
In a world where the 9-5 grind has become the norm, too many people find themselves trapped in a cycle that leaves little room for joy, creativity, or meaningful connections. Parents are working long hours while their children spend most of their day at school, and despite all the effort, many families still struggle to make ends meet. It’s a system that often feels like it’s designed to drain us of our time, energy, and passion. But life doesn’t have to be this way.
We believe in breaking free from the conventional mold and creating a lifestyle that is truly fulfilling—not just financially, but emotionally and spiritually. Our mission is to inspire others to follow their dreams and embrace a life that aligns with their values and aspirations. It’s not about chasing perfection or curating an idealized image; it’s about living authentically and finding joy in the journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.patreon.com/sailinghorus
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sailinghorus/fbclid=IwAR0imyY9yAH8GfNPqUOJJj2PxlwmMefD_8lug6x_HoEOeFxqwm9_x7-FLRk
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sailinghorus
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@sailinghorus?si=1f8hmLhZkAjqswGA
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@sailinghorus
