Sailing the world full time: what does it take?

In the new episode of the Deo Juvante YouTube series, Thierry Verstraete sits down for a heartfelt conversation with Elizabeth and Max Shaw, the minds and hearts behind the Fluenta family’s remarkable seven-year sailing journey. Together, they explore what it truly means to leave life on land behind and embrace the uncertainty and freedom of full-time cruising.

The discussion goes far beyond the dreamlike images often associated with life at sea. Elizabeth, Max and Thierry share their experience of leaving stable careers to sail the world with their children, homeschooling along the way and building a new rhythm of life aboard their yacht. Their stories highlight the realities of raising a family on the ocean — balancing adventure with responsibility, education and the emotional dynamics that come with such a life-changing decision.

Thierry and the Shaws also reflect on the challenges that many aspiring cruisers underestimate. Long voyages test not only sailing skills but also relationships, resilience and adaptability. These human factors often determine whether a cruising dream flourishes or fades. After more than seven years at sea, the Fluenta family eventually returned to land — carrying with them lessons that now help others navigate the complex personal choices behind buying a boat and setting off to explore.

For Deo Juvante, conversations like this highlight the deeper meaning of exploration. Sailing the world is not simply about destinations or beautiful anchorages — it is about people, growth and the experiences that shape how we live. Those insights continue to inspire the philosophy behind Deo Juvante’s explorer yachts: vessels designed not just to travel further, but to support a meaningful life beyond the horizon.

Dive into this new video and discover the human side of sailing the world!