Imagine this: you’re spending the majority of your waking hours working tirelessly in a corporate job, in this case, as a software engineer for companies like Microsoft. The highlight of your day? The bus rides to and from work. This was the reality for Brian Trautman before his life took a remarkable turn in 2008. Yearning for a radical change, Trautman decided to swap his corporate lifestyle for traveling around the world on a sailboat.
The Transition to a Life at Sea
Trautman’s extraordinary journey started with two years of meticulous saving, which culminated in him selling all his belongings, including his townhouse in Redmond, Washington. He used the proceeds to fund a two-year sabbatical at sea. His new home? A 53-foot sailboat named SV Delos, purchased for $398,000. This sea-bound abode, complete with three cabins and two bathrooms, was fully paid off by 2019.
Despite his initial savings of around $48,000, Trautman faced financial challenges that saw him resort to credit cards, retirement funds, and occasional odd jobs to keep his dream alive.
A New Chapter in New Zealand
While in New Zealand in 2011, Trautman’s journey took a romantic and entrepreneurial twist. He met Karin, who would later become his wife. Together, they started documenting their adventures and launched the YouTube channel Sailing SV Delos. This venture, initially intended as a side project, eventually became their primary source of income.
The SV Delos is described as a scaled-down version of a modern home. It boasts a rear cabin for the couple, a front cabin for their daughter, and a guest cabin. However, the challenges of marine life are reflected in their kitchen, equipped with essential appliances but often lacking fresh produce.
The Adventures of a Lifetime
Trautman’s unique lifestyle has taken him to over 45 countries, covering 70,000 ocean miles. The birth of their daughter Sierra led to a brief stint back on land in Sweden. However, the family soon returned to their life at sea, providing Sierra with a childhood rich in experiences with nature.
With Sierra now four years old, the family is contemplating spending a year in French Polynesia and potentially moving to Sweden for her upbringing. Reflecting on his journey, Trautman expressed how it profoundly changed him: “This trip changed my DNA at the core where I’m a different person than I was when I started. I have a different view on priorities and what’s important in my life. The time that I have to spend with friends and family and loved ones is what matters.”
For those considering a similar lifestyle change, it’s worth noting that while Trautman’s adventures are fascinating, they also come with their share of challenges. Whether it’s managing finances, coping with solitude, or dealing with the unpredictability of the sea, traveling around the world on a sailboat is no small feat. It requires careful planning, significant sacrifices, and a strong resolve. It may also be worth exploring apps like cryptoview.io to help manage your finances on the go.
