Most of us dream about escaping the daily grind, but few actually take the leap. Brandon and Amber Morse, however, decided that waiting for retirement to live adventurously wasn’t an option. In 2020, amid the uncertainty of the pandemic, they made a decision that would forever change their family’s trajectory: they sold nearly everything they owned, pulled their four children out of traditional school, and embarked on a journey that began in an RV and evolved into living full-time aboard a catamaran sailing through the Caribbean.
Photos Courtesy of Everyday Saturday
Their story begins in Idaho – about as landlocked as you can get – where Brandon was feeling burnt out from work and Amber was juggling nursing shifts while managing their children’s busy schedules. They found themselves “kissing their kids goodnight only to do it again the next day without spending any meaningful time together in between.” This realization, coupled with COVID disruptions, led to a pivotal campfire conversation where they asked themselves: what if we could do something completely different?
Initially planning just a one-year RV adventure around America, the Morse family discovered that courage begets courage. Six months into their RV journey, they began watching YouTube videos of sailing families and wondered if they too could make that leap. Despite having zero sailing experience and never having owned a boat before, they sold their newly purchased dream home in Idaho and purchased a catamaran sight unseen (well, Amber hadn’t seen it – Brandon flew to Virginia to seal the deal).
The transition wasn’t easy. Their first month aboard the boat in Georgia featured freezing temperatures without working heat, toilets leaking, and their oldest daughter in tears. But everything changed once they reached the Bahamas and dropped anchor in crystal clear turquoise waters. Suddenly, the “why” behind their radical life change became crystal clear. Where many families might abandon ship after facing such challenges, the Morse family persevered, and they’re now approaching their fourth year of boat life.
Living aboard a catamaran with four kids (ages 19, 14, 14, and 8) has transformed their family dynamics. Their children have developed incredible resilience, confidence, and the ability to connect with people from all walks of life. They’ve witnessed dolphins swimming alongside them, encountered manta rays while diving, and learned critical survival skills like spearfishing. Their oldest daughter, who initially struggled with leaving her competitive dance career behind, became an accomplished free diver reaching depths of over 70 feet.
The lifestyle isn’t without challenges. Weather dictates everything, boat repairs are constant, medical emergencies in remote locations require improvisation (Amber once sutured shark bites on a friend when they were 24 hours from professional medical care), and family relationships are tested by close quarters. As Brandon puts it, “If your marriage sucks on land, it’s going to suck even worse on the water.”
What might surprise many is that this lifestyle isn’t necessarily more expensive than living conventionally. Without mortgage payments, car payments, insurance, and the countless expenses that come with suburban life, they’ve found a way to live more richly while spending less. They’ve traded material possessions for experiences, visiting 21 countries and territories throughout the Caribbean. 
As they approach four years of boat life, the Morse family is contemplating their next chapter, which may include helping other families transition to this lifestyle. They’ve learned countless lessons they wish they’d known before starting, and they’re passionate about sharing their knowledge to make the journey smoother for others.
Their story isn’t just about sailing – it’s about having the courage to redefine success and lifestyle on your own terms. As Amber reflects, “Adventure is whatever pushes you out of your comfort zone.” The Morse family’s journey reminds us all that it’s possible to create a life where every day feels like Saturday – filled with the people and activities you love most.
