McCall, ID
It’s official. On January 31st we turned over the helm of Kailani to a new owner. The tears were bittersweet as we stepped off of Kailani for the last time in Opua, New Zealand, our time aboard as a family officially over, and a major chapter in our lives complete.
This journey with Kailani began in Marmaris, Turkey back in 2010, and in the ensuing 14 years we sailed over 40,000 miles, one-and half times around the globe. Sophia was only four years old when we shuck our lives in Sausalito, CA to live the dream of raising her with a unique world view, one uncluttered by the many pressures of mainstream USA, and filled instead with wonder, adventure and challenge. Along the way new cultures and friends grew our hearts, creating the community we loved, built on laughter and a shared passion for calling the world’s oceans home.
We want to thank all of you readers who over the years have endured our frequent missives of wonder and mishap. We would like to say that we wrote it all for you. That’s mostly true, but when on watch on a quiet and calm night, writing makes the time go by a little faster. There is a lot we’ll miss, particularly the many friends we made across the globe. There is a fair amount we won’t miss, but the passage of time will likely dim most of those memories. So don’t be surprised if one day the lure of the life aboard is too much to ignore, and an update appears in your In Box letting you know we are back on the water.
While our days aboard Kailani are over, our “next act” is just beginning and has yet to be defined.
So stay tuned, and, until next time: fair winds, and following seas…
Boatless for the first time in 23 years
Anchor Ranch
McCall, Idaho
Extra-ordinary and exceptional! Thank you for sharing. 🥰
End of an era, indeed! I’m grateful for every one of the 7,000 or so nautical miles I was privileged to sail on Kailani. My condolences and congratulations. Can’t wait to hear about the next chapter!! All love!!
I had to sit down to read after the headline, heart sinking and trying to put a positive spin on your story as you related it.
So many good times a few hard knocks, so much joy, compatibility, being present always. I think of my 25 day trip on Kailani as THE peak experience of my life. You had 14 years of living your dream.
I am sad but I get it . I will remind myself it’s “only” the end of a chapter, more journeys ahead so long as we stay connected.
Somewhere let me throw in a congrats on the successful farewell to Kailani. What an adventure.
❤️ Congratulations and also bittersweet and exciting changes coming. The end of one era makes way for a newly imagined one, but also brings celebration and nostalgia for the last. What an incredible journey you have taken as a family, and it’s been so great to have connected with you at various stopping over points over the years. Here’s to more connection and space for the next door (boat/hatch/sunrise?) to show itself.
News reached me at 4:00 am this morning on the way to the Gym. Indeed, the feel of an end of an era. Have been thinking of what to say, but in the meantime, the comments above say so much so well. Thanks for all the photos in this post, and best of luck as life unfolds for each of you. You have not only accomplished something that so many people wish they could have done, but you have provided a running account that will serve as an inspiration in the decades ahead.
Congratulations guys on living an amazing life on Kailani. What an adventure! Di and I feel very grateful to have shared part of that and have magical memories with all of you in amazing places around the world. Thank you Harley, Jen and Sophia for becoming very special friends through this time. Harley, thanks buddy for the many sailing and passage-making lessons you so happily shared over the many ‘cups of tea’ and the occasional glass of rum, not to mention a few well accepted life lessons. You gave me the ideas and the confidence for Di and I to have our own cruising adventures on Avalon, and you will always be my inspiration to continue to seek distant shores and the next cruising challenge. Like others, I wait to see your next adventures and wish you all the best.
WOW What an amazing adventure you have shared with us over the years. Can’t wait to hear about your next chapter !!
Jen, Sophia and HJ-
Quite the bittersweet news. It certainly must have been tough to part with Kailani as she has safely transported and inspired you three and many others over 14 years! As this chapter closes, we are sure there are many more inspiring Earl adventures ahead!
Love
Bets and Chas