FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHEN ARE YOU LEAVING?

Tentatively we set sail in November 2025. While we are doing everything we can to hit this launch date, please keep in mind that our expedition involves countless logistics. We will do everything we can to make our departure happen on time and if anything changes we'll keep you updated.

What made you decide to do this?

The belief we can change the lives of not only people with special needs but also their families. Our goal as parents is to provide our family with the resources to succeed and live a full life. When Ren was diagnosed with Down Syndrome the future was uncertain but as Ren grew we saw an insatiable desire to adventure and explore. We have never treated him differently than Roake and Freyja and his drive and physical abilities often push the limits of even neurotypical children. Ren inspires everyone around him and we see this adventure as an opportunity to inspire others around the globe by challenging Down Syndrome stereotypes.

ARE WE EXPERIENCED SAILORS?

Yes. We all know how to sail and sail regularly. Is there always more to learn? Without question.

Part of the reason we have a November 2025 departure date is to accommodate our rigorous sailing training. I (Paul) have sailed and have owned several boats over the years. I am not an accomplished sailor but I do truly love it. Val and Anna are relatively new to sailing but they both sail a couple of times a week and are working hard to complete additional training through the American Sailing Association. We have planned out a rigorous class and training schedule to prepare us for what lies ahead.

COMPLETED CERTIFICATIONS

American Sailing Association Basic Sailing (ASA 101)

American Sailing Association Basic Coastal Cruising (ASA 103)

American Sailing Association Bareboat Cruising (ASA 104)

American Sailing Association Coastal Navigation (ASA 105)

American Sailing Association Advanced Coastal Cruising (ASA 106)

UPCOMING CERTIFICATIONS

American Sailing Association Celestial Navigation (ASA 107)

American Sailing Association Offshore Passage making (ASA 108)

Do the kids want to go?

Absolutely! Roake, Ren, and Freyja love to sail. We are involving everyone in the process and even the decision-making. We would never force them to do something against their will. It was actually the kids who convinced Val this really is possible.

What about school?

Roake, Ren, and Freyja will homeschool. Due to the pandemic, we learned more about homeschooling than we ever wanted to. Val and I were not initially homeschool advocates but after years of doing it, we both can see both the pros and cons. We are huge proponents of education and will invest heavily in our kids during the voyage by combining standard education with exploration. In addition to standard schooling, our kids will participate in our partnerships with science institutions to collect scientific data along our route. Our kids will have the rare opportunity to have first-hand experience along with their regular education which is something we are all excited about.

How will you live in such a small space on long crossings?

Oh man… this is a tough one. I think we can all agree crossings will be hard. We (the Osbornes and Anna) spend a lot of time together. Long passages will be difficult for everyone but we believe they are not insurmountable. We have raised our family that while things may be difficult they are not impossible and have raised them to tackle adversity. With a healthy respect for each other (as much as siblings can have) and preparation we believe our time on crossings might be some of the most memorable and enjoyable moments of our voyage.

What about Ren's elopement?

Elopement is the behavior of wandering and/or running from safe people or places. Ren has severe elopement and has to be within arm’s reach at all times. Our hope is as Ren matures his elopement will improve. Even if it doesn't we are still prepared to find the solutions to continue on the adventure. We have adjusted our life for the last 7 years to be able to take Ren to very remote locations in very intense terrain. We have resources to help assure Ren is always safe and sailing will be no different.

Is it safe?

This is a very hard question to answer. What one defines as “safe” is largely a matter of perception. Is driving your car safe? What about skiing or visiting a foreign country? Ask these questions of 100 people and you will likely get many different answers. We believe life is a risk. If we live in fear we will never do anything. The best we can do is evaluate situations as they arise and make calculated decisions in the moment. The best answer I have is, we would NEVER intentionally put our kids or ourselves in situations we didn’t believe we were capable of overcoming.

Why sail the high latitudes?

There are so many answers to this question. The adventure. The challenge. The experience. We see sailing the high-latitudes as an opportunity to inspire families and people with disabilities that nothing is truly impossible. Also, there are few truly, remote destinations left on Earth but the Arctic and Antarctica are still some of the best. With climate change, these places have an expiration date and we want our kids to experience them firsthand while that is still an option. We want our kids to know untouched, wild places.