We are the crew on Abeona, we are also a family of five. We love, we fight and some days we don’t talk to each other…. well not the kids, they’re ALWAYS talking. We’ve been living on a sailboat for all up 3.5 years and loving (nearly) everyday.
Carl is 42 years old. American. A somewhat retired Mega Yacht captain with 1600 ton captains license. Been on boats all his life and needs to be at sea. He never thought he’d love sailing so much but still needs to learn how to slow down and kick back at times. He never thought he’d be such a proud stay at home dad.
Carly (me) is 35 years old. Australian. Don’t really have a “profession”. I’ve always loved boats but never been much of a beach bum, as you can tell from the non existent tan. I’m still trying to learn this “mothering” business. It’s bloody hard work.
Our background……
No, as the names suggest we are not brother and sister and no we didn’t change our names to match, it’s just a horrible coincidence. Back in 2003 I was broke living at a hostel in Ft. Lauderdale borrowing money from friends. Carl on the other hand was quite a successful captain on a mega yacht. Our paths collided the day that I got some inside information that a yacht was looking for a stewardess, I had no experience but I was broke so I had nothing to lose. Luckily for my friends credit card bill I got the job and the rest is history. We worked together for almost 2 years, quit together then moved to Mississippi where we started a business, got married and had two lovely girls.
But alas the Mississippi life wasn’t for us. We sold our business, house, cars and worldly possessions and bought a boat. The wrong boat, but now we have Salty and it’s all ok.
Our young-ins are now 7, 5 and 2 years old. We have a hell of a time keeping up with them on board but they make everything worthwhile. They keep us on our toes and help us sleep heavy at night. They eat us out of house (boat) and home and keep me skinny by not eating junk food. Like any family they fight like cats and dogs but sulk when one is missing.
This is our family, we’re not perfect but who is.
