Hard Departure: The Couple Who Chose the Open Sea

A leap from land to life afloat, proving that anyone can sail into a new chapter

Mark and Jaclyn turned their five-year plan into a two-year sprint. With no prior sailing experience, they sold almost everything, bought a Fast Passage 39 sailing yacht called Raicilla, and left Vancouver behind. Together with their dog Sprocket, they document their liveaboard journey and the realities of life at sea on their blog, Hard Departure.

At-a-Glance

Web Name: Hard Departure
Name: Mark & Jaclyn
Generation: Millennials / Gen Y
FI Status: Sustained through savings, freelance writing, IT consulting, and ad revenue
Travel Type: Liveaboard sailing
Travel Regions: Pacific Northwest, British Columbia, Baja California, and Mexico
Media Platforms: Website, Blog, YouTube, Instagram

Backstory

Before sailing, Mark was an IT consultant, while Jaclyn worked in strata management and writing. Their lives were stable and predictable. A growing desire for autonomy and authentic experiences led them to reconsider how they wanted to spend their time. Instead of waiting for the “right moment”, they began learning the fundamentals of sailing while still working city jobs. Within two years, they liquidated most of their possessions and purchased a used sailboat, Raicilla, to start their journey.

The decision was partly inspired by a longing for a slower, more intentional life. They wanted mornings filled with sea air instead of traffic, and evenings spent under starry skies rather than in front of screens. While friends and family questioned the leap, Mark and Jaclyn were determined to make the change while they were still young and healthy enough to embrace the physical demands of boat life.

The Shift

The shift to a liveaboard lifestyle wasn’t immediate. Their first sailboat required extensive refits and plenty of trial and error. They learned on the water, making mistakes that became some of their most instructive moments. From mastering anchoring techniques to managing unpredictable weather systems, every challenge reinforced their decision to leave conventional life behind.

One pivotal moment was their first long-distance passage along the British Columbia coast. The experience tested their resilience and teamwork, forcing them to adapt quickly to changing conditions. It marked a turning point where fear gave way to confidence, proving that they could handle the unknown.

How They Made It Work

Mark and Jaclyn financed their new lifestyle through savings and flexible remote work. Jaclyn transitioned into freelance writing, focusing on real estate and lifestyle content for clients across Canada. She now manages a steady stream of projects from the boat. Mark, with his background in IT consulting, picks up remote contracts and oversees all technical maintenance aboard.

A timely cryptocurrency investment helped boost their initial cruising budget, but they remain cautious with spending. They track every expense and follow a “hard-stop” policy: if funds dip too low, they pause their travels to rebuild financial stability.

They have also embraced minimalist living. By downsizing their possessions and focusing on experiences over material goods, they have cut unnecessary costs. This shift in mindset has allowed them to stretch their budget without feeling deprived.

Where They Travel & Why

Their journey began among the islands and fjords of British Columbia, where they honed their sailing skills. The Pacific Northwest offered a mix of protected waters and challenging weather, providing the perfect training ground.

Mexico has since become a major destination for the couple. Drawn by its warm climate, friendly cruising community, and affordable living costs, they have explored anchorages from Ensenada to Barra de Navidad. Each location brings new encounters with locals and fellow sailors, enriching their understanding of coastal cultures.

Their travel philosophy is simple: go where the seasons and winds allow, prioritising safe anchorages and vibrant local experiences over strict itineraries.

Challenges & Real Talk

Cruising life is not without its difficulties. The couple often writes candidly about the less glamorous side of boat life. Anchors drag in the middle of the night, toilets clog at inconvenient times, and tropical storms can disrupt even the best-laid plans.

Working remotely adds another layer of complexity. With limited space on board, finding a quiet spot for client calls can be a challenge. Starlink satellite internet helps, but managing time zones while balancing work with boat maintenance can be stressful.

Despite these obstacles, they approach each challenge with humour and problem-solving. Their honesty about the realities of liveaboard life sets them apart from the polished image often portrayed on social media.

What Keeps Them Going

Their motivation stems from a love of exploration and a desire for meaningful experiences. Sailing allows them to live in the moment, focusing on simple pleasures like swimming in clear waters or watching the sun set from the cockpit.

The sense of self-sufficiency that comes from maintaining their own floating home is another key driver. Every repair completed and every storm navigated builds their confidence and deepens their connection to the lifestyle.

Advice to Readers

Mark and Jaclyn’s advice is straightforward: start where you are. You don’t need a lifetime of sailing experience or a brand-new yacht to begin. Crew for others, take small steps, and learn as you go. They encourage aspiring cruisers to embrace a minimalist mindset and focus on building sustainable income streams rather than draining savings.

Their blog is filled with practical tips on everything from provisioning and budgeting to choosing the right anchor. By sharing their experiences, they hope to demystify the world of liveaboard cruising and inspire others to take the leap.

Links to More

Website: Hard Departure
Blog: Hard Departure Blog
Instagram: @harddeparture
YouTube: Hard Departure Sailing

Disclaimer: Income, income streams and financial independence details & status are drawn exclusively from publicly available sources. No inference, harm, or misrepresentation is intended toward any individual or entity.