We Caught Up With Three Liveaboard Cruisers Starting Their Families Afloat

Introduction to Motherhood Afloat

“I’m just baby wrangling,” Sara Kulins laughs over the phone as her daughter coos in the background. “She’s trying to chime in on the conversation.” For Kulins, the nursery isn’t a painted room in a suburban cul-de-sac; it’s a 40ft yacht where she and her partner are focused on building both a vessel and a family.

This unique lifestyle marks a new generation of adventurers who prioritize freedom over conventional living. With the rise of high-speed remote internet and the burgeoning YouTube ‘sailvlog’ culture, many young families are trading their mortgages for marine adventures. Yet, while social media often depicts idyllic views of sunsets and calm seas, the reality of pregnancy and motherhood on the ocean presents a host of challenges, from morning sickness in choppy waters to the absence of nearby medical care.

The Rise of Liveaboards

Younger liveaboards are increasingly common as societal shifts make marine life more accessible and appealing. Vivian Vuong, who operates an offshore cruising business with her husband, recognizes the pandemic as a turning point. “We’re seeing a lot more young people becoming part of the cruising communities,” she notes, reflecting on how the pandemic, coupled with platforms like YouTube and Starlink, encourages families to embrace a nomadic lifestyle.

Kirsten Burk, a lifelong sailor, echoes this sentiment. “There was a noticeable shift; sailing became cool again.” After selling everything and purchasing a boat, Burk envisioned honoring her late mother, who had always dreamt of living aboard.

Choosing Life Afloat

Kulins lived on her boat for two years before becoming pregnant. “I love this lifestyle,” she shares, expressing her desire for her children to grow up as “ocean lovers” connected to their environment. Burk and her husband, having moved from suburban Long Island, sought an alternative to conventional living. “We wanted to expose our kids to different ways of life,” Vuong adds, acknowledging the loneliness at times but emphasizing the opportunities for freedom.

Sailing for a Living

Unlike many liveaboard families, Vuong and her partner make a living sailing. “Being pregnant changes everything,” she realizes as her work and wellbeing become intertwined. Even during challenging moments, such as dealing with a miscarriage at sea, responsibilities don’t pause. “We had five people flying in that day, so we couldn’t cancel the trip,” Vuong recalls, highlighting the unique pressures when a business revolves around cruising.

The Challenges of Mobile Motherhood

The nomadic lifestyle comes with emotional complexities. Vuong wonders, “What if I have postpartum depression?” and contemplates the dynamics of being alone without her partner while adjusting to life as a mother. “Having remote communication options like Starlink helps, but it doesn’t replace a support system.”

Conversely, Kulins has opted for marina life, allowing her to access communities and medical care. “Pregnancy onboard is not that different than on land,” she reassures, although she acknowledges that moving and being mobile might strain relationships later on.

Accessing Healthcare

Navigating healthcare can be particularly daunting for pregnant liveaboards. Burk recalls the stress of finding doctors once she returned onshore, contending with insurance hurdles and the limited availability of willing practitioners. “America’s health insurance is ridiculous,” she laments. For Vuong, considering the geographical landscape in New Zealand, where healthcare is more structured, feels less daunting.

Physical Challenges Onboard

Physical hurdles during pregnancy shape the onboard experience. Burk remembers feeling seasick while also dealing with morning sickness and Kulins battled simple tasks like reaching for supplies. Yet, onboard life has advantages, with Kulins noting her child is moving and climbing earlier due to the unique environment of a boat.

Shared Wisdom and Resources

All three women have connected through networks like the Facebook group, Women Who Sail. They emphasize the communal nature of motherhood at sea, highlighting the need for accessible resources tailored to their lifestyle. “It would have been helpful to have someone who understands the nuances of boat life,” Burk reflects.

Going With the Flow

Burk and her husband are now expecting their second child, having sold their boat temporarily while aiming to return to cruising as the children grow older. “Parenthood and sailing are very similar; both require an ability to go with the flow.” Similarly, Vuong anticipates new challenges but stays committed to exploring the world with her family.

As these women navigate the intersection of motherhood and maritime adventure, they each reveal a tapestry rich with stories of resilience, community, and the joy of living life afloat.