Have you ever wondered what it would be like to leave everyday life behind and simply go sailing?
That’s exactly what our family did in 2021. Fiona and I, along with our two kids, aged 8 and 10 at the time, spent eight months cruising Australia’s east coast, creating memories we’ll never forget.
We were fortunate to leave just before the 2021 lockdowns, and what started as a dream soon became an unforgettable journey. Even now, it’s something we regularly talk about as a family.
For anyone who has thought about taking time off to go cruising, my advice is simple… go and do it.
Adventure means different things to different people. For some it’s crossing oceans, for others it’s coastal cruising, spending weekends at anchor, or simply enjoying longer periods living aboard in your local bay. Whatever your version looks like, being on the water has a unique way of slowing life down, clearing your mind and bringing people closer together.
Our boat for the adventure was a Hanse 385 called Time Out. It was a boat I had originally sold new to her first owner while working for the Australian importer, so I knew her inside and out. She was the perfect size for our young family and a fantastic cruising boat.
Rather than throwing the family straight into overnight passages, I delivered the boat from Lakes Entrance to the Gold Coast with the previous owner, family and friends. The south-east coast has some long stretches that often require overnight sailing, and I thought it would be a much gentler introduction for Fiona and the kids to join me from the Gold Coast. It also meant they were far less likely to mutiny before the adventure had even begun!
One of the great things about cruising north from the Gold Coast is that you can comfortably make your way all the way to Cairns by sailing during daylight hours.
The kids adapted to life onboard incredibly quickly. They helped with the daily chores, learned to contribute to life aboard and embraced the slower pace. Our son became an avid reader and at one stage seemed to finish almost a book every day.
As we headed north, we explored countless reef islands. One of our absolute favourites was Lady Musgrave Island, where we spent seven nights peacefully anchored inside the lagoon. Those are memories that will stay with us forever.
Life onboard is wonderfully simple. Without constant phone reception and endless distractions, we found ourselves spending more quality time together than ever before. It’s amazing how connected a family can become when the screens no longer have service.
Our days were filled with exploring islands, hiking to spectacular lookouts throughout the Whitsundays, fishing while underway, and sharing the excitement whenever the reel screamed as another mackerel or tuna took the lure. Everyone had their role to play, and those moments quickly became part of our daily routine.
One of the unexpected highlights of cruising is the people you meet. You encounter sailors from every walk of life, yet they all seem to share the same outlook—a love of the sea, a willingness to slow down and an adventurous spirit.
Eventually our time aboard Time Out came to an end in Cairns, where we sold her to her current owners, Frank and Wendy. We still receive the occasional update, and it’s wonderful to see she’s looking as immaculate as ever, complete with fresh sails and always beautifully maintained.
Just recently, Time Out rewarded their dedication by winning both Port Douglas Race Week and the prestigious Clipper Cup—an achievement Frank and Wendy had long been aiming for. We couldn’t be happier to see the boat continuing to create great memories and success for her new owners.
Looking back, the trip wasn’t just about the places we visited—it was about the time we spent together. Those eight months gave our family memories that will last a lifetime, and they’re a reminder that sometimes the greatest adventures begin with simply casting off the lines.
We’re certainly not experts in long-term cruising, but we do know what worked for our family, and we’d be more than happy to share our experiences with anyone considering a similar adventure.
At Inspire Marine, helping people realise their boating dreams is what we’re passionate about. Whether your dream is an afternoon on the bay, a weekend away, or casting off for the adventure of a lifetime, we’d love to help you get there.