A New Chapter | Sailing Family

A New Chapter | Sailing Family

Any sailor will tell you they feel a profound sense of achievement completing an ocean crossing, especially after battling some gnarly conditions during their voyage. Arriving in a new country is a deeply rewarding experience, fulfilling the human desire for travel and adventure aching the experience of historical explorers.
Our joy at arriving in Seychelles by boat is short lived however, because our arrival represents the beginning of the end of our son Declan's time living in our floating home. After more than five years living full-time on the water Declan is embarking on a new chapter in his life, in Australia, for study, work and to be with his girlfriend Chanelle.

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Much love to you all,
Rob, Rachel, Finn, Declan, Ivan

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[LaurieShannon-grts]

Declan you are such a great kid. We will miss you. Take care

[RebelRobin]

Gotta love the nuances of family life - Declan is working on a chore and Rachel starts stroking his hair and he never looks up - a small but tender moment.

[Hydrographic-mapping]

Oh man I’ve been putting off watching this episode all day so I could watch it on my own and sob without judgement. Rach/rob - your seamanship skills are only second to your incredible patenting abilities. You’ve raised such respectful, smart, well-rounded kids ready to explore the world. Dec will succeed in anything he wants to put his heart to. Ivan is hilarious and I’m sure he will treasure some special time with you guys. The journey of life goes on :) Love from 🇦🇺

[paultabone]

I have been putting this episode off for a while because I have 2 boys 19 and 24 .
I am like you 100% it’s sad but the only thing I can say is you have brought up a wonderful young man, 🧍🏼‍♂️ ❤ and he will be missed but you will always have his support no matter what and where he is in the world 🌍. 🐬🦋💖🌸

[sedatedape]

I waited to watch this episode. I knew the "ending" was coming. The part that was special for me was the flying fish clip! Oh damn! Why do they have to grow up!!!???

The lady that gave you all a lift into town is just another sparkling light of all the people you've met along your journeys. ❤ And such a sweet young son.

Congratulations on FINALLY arriving in the Seychelles! I watched the Kiwi Boys episode earlier today. And Declan didn't hold back about the conditions and equipment issues you've had since leaving the Maldives. Safe ashore is the best way to complete such epic sail.

[pumpkinsoup]

Really enjoyed seeing The Seychelles giant tortoise and giant seeds. Good luck Declan. We look forward to hearing how things are working out for you in Australia.

[SeekerKC]

It seemed the most natural thing in the world when I left home just 3 weeks after my 18th birthday back in the late-80s. I was scared, but _so_ excited!
My daughter is 21 yrs old, & still living at home. We all get along amazingly, but of course she wants to strike out on her own! I totally understand that, but I simply cannot imagine what it will be like not being able to see her lovely face, or have her plop down next to me to have a silly chat, every day.
Go hard, Declan! Make good choices! 🤣

[thomasmiller]

I almost teared up at the end of the video watching the goodbyes. I know it was very emotional for everyone at the airport. Such is life. I remember when my oldest brother left for college. I was lost for a few weeks without him. When you spend all your life with someone and then suddenly they’re gone it’s not an easy adjustment. One good thing about emotional goodbyes is that they prove there’s love within the family. It’s obvious that you guys have a very loving family. Thanks for sharing!

[dennismatthews]

Thank you Declan for your contributions and good luck! Thank you for sharing the experiences.

[sailingwiththejameses]

Good Luck Declan! Biggest hug to you Rachel, I can feel your mum heart. You both have made a loving family.

[mezanian]

Ivan, I see you.😊 A brothers bond is precious, glad you kept him safe on the downhill 😅

[PhilipCau]

Bloody hell, that almost made me cry 😥 Bon voyage, Declan. Sending a virtual group hug to Rachel, Rob and Ivan.

[VicuSan]

❤❤ great summary the first 2.30 min!! You all do deserve fireworks upon reaching each new destination. Haha, nice try, Rachwl, for trying to make EMC change his mind😂

Sounds complicated arriving and staying in the Seychelles!!

Haha loved Declan's old videos!! The flying fish joke, 😂😂😂 I'm sorry for him, but you should have mention when he sleot during his watch and made you "loose the race"😂, as well as other great jobs underwatwer, or rescuing the turtles...

😢😢sad for the genoa broken sail. Nice one last job of the EMC, repairing the other sail? Or was it the genoa? Didn't get that....

Thanks for the impressive tour round that island of the Seychelles!! The views, and the old turtles... reqlly outstanding!! Very intersting all the details, specially the coconuts.

😂😂😂 The kiwi boys rooted on the beach, never thought rying it on a beach!! Ivan being Ivan...there and on the loooong descending steps. Lovely!!😂😂😂😂😂😂 And wise, also. Sideways, as in the snow, is the best way to avoid sliding.

Declan sure is going to miss those unexpected trips on buses, motorcycles and so on, and duscovering he almost wild paradises... Though Australia is not bad either for an adventurers life!

That laydy Chitaah, and his son had the time of her life with the four of you... BTW, where was Mocha?

😢😢 I also almost cried on Declan's goodby, but, as Ivan well said, it's a see you later!! Hope the flight went ok, Decs! Now, Ivan, good luck assuming the EMC routine tasks haha

Safe journeys, Team Hamill, fair winds for all!!

[SailingZatara]

This “saying goodbye” crap to our kids is the absolute worst, especially when you’re intentional in your parenting; when every choice of every day of every year revolves around the well being of those dang rugrats. You raised them to seek adventures of their own, to be different, independent and brave! (Why the heck did we do that?! 😢🥹)
❤

[memamu]

It was sooo nice that you put in some footage of Declan's life on board.

[vernholmes]

What an incredible adventure you have shared with your children--now grown men. Many will never know what it is like to experience all of you have enjoyed--maybe in books, but not on the open water.. And still there is more ahead. Finn and Declan are on their own heading and that is fine. It is just the way things are. Oh how I wish I could have been part of a week or two. The salt water adventure has well prepared them for their future. Ivan will do fine no doubt. Fair winds and following seas to all of you!

[Gobucky]

Hardest thing in life is to let go! Gods speed Declan. Hang in there crew!

[lets_go_see_]

Rachel; ruffling your son's hair.... that is a mother thing and the memories and emotions that go with it are realized by many!! Declan, best hopes and prayers for you on this new adventure. Ivan, now the work begins LOL. Ttfn Rob, in spite of your shoeless behaviour, (lol) you're okay 🦶👍👍

[DieSakkies]

Oh damn, with every airport goodbye I am always in tears. Hope you find your new rythem as the 3 mukateers and a cat and good luck Declan on your new adventures.

[sausage]

Hope you're having a nice time Declan.