For most people, home is a fixed point on a map. But for one Indian family, home is wherever the sea carries them. Living a nomadic life aboard their solar-powered sailboat, Reeva, former naval officer Gaurav Gautam, former media professional Vaidehi Chitnavis, and their daughter, Kaeya, have embraced a life of adventure on the open waters.

Powered by the Sun, Driven by Freedom

Now living full-time aboard their 42-foot Tayana Vancouver sailboat, the family has left behind a traditional lifestyle. Through Instagram, they document their journey, sharing both the beauty and challenges of life at sea.

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Gaurav and Vaidehi reflected on their decision in a pinned post: “In 2022, we quit our well-paying jobs, decided to homeschool our 12-year-old, and moved to an alternative life at sea. We sold nearly everything we owned and reduced our belongings from 6,000 kg to just 120 kg. Holding onto things we couldn’t keep on the boat served no purpose.”

A Delayed Dream That Became Reality

Although the COVID-19 pandemic initially delayed their plans, the family finally set sail in 2022. Since then, they have been homeschooling Kaeya, teaching her valuable lessons about nature, marine life, and self-sufficiency.

Navigating Challenges, Charting a New Course

Adjusting to a floating lifestyle came with its own difficulties. “Things have never been easy—we had to pave our own path since there was no precedent of a liveaboard family from our part of the world. But nevertheless, it has been an amazing 20 months. We have been documenting our sailing adventures on YouTube with the hope of inspiring more Indians to take a leap of faith and live a life at sea.”

Facing the Unknown with Courage

In another post, the couple shared their initial fears about making such a life-changing decision:

“Leaving our land-based life behind and embracing a completely new lifestyle meant stepping into the unknown. The idea of living on a sailboat was thrilling, but we had no idea where this journey would take us.”

Now, as they sail further into 2025, they reflect on their experiences:

“These past two years have been about learning, growing, and adapting. We have watched breathtaking sunsets, navigated stormy seas, and cherished moments of calm under the stars.”

Redefining Home

The family acknowledges that their journey has not always been smooth sailing. “It hasn’t always been easy—there have been challenges, doubts, and tough days. But with every wave we’ve conquered, every skill we’ve learned, and every bond we’ve strengthened, we’ve become more resilient, more connected, and more alive than ever before.”

For them, this adventure is about more than just travel—it’s about discovering themselves and redefining what home truly means.