"There was no way my children were ever going to have a normal life!"
Home Schooling at Sea
In the captivating “Raised at Sea” video by Sailing Zatara, viewers are given an intimate glimpse into the world of home schooling aboard a catamaran or travelling full-time. This episode delves into the unique educational journey of the four Zatara children, who have embraced home schooling in an environment far removed from conventional classrooms. Without the typical high school milestones like proms and driver’s licenses, their experience is anything but traditional, highlighting the distinct challenges and rewards of their unconventional path.
In the early months of 2023, when this video was filmed, two of the Zatara siblings, Finn and Kate, were in the final stages of their high school education, with Finn expected to graduate in mid-2024. Renee highlights the close-knit nature of the family, shedding light on their unique educational environment aboard their boat. In this setting, older siblings take on the role of tutors for the younger ones, fostering a deep connection within the family. This arrangement not only enriches their educational journey with layers of mentorship but also strengthens their family bonds, creating an inspiring and fascinating dynamic that adds a profound dimension to their learning experience.
Do They Regret Missing Out?
Renee and Keith often field inquiries about raising children on the water, with a common question being, “Do the kids regret not having a traditional upbringing?” Renee and her four children, Anna , Jack, Finn, and Kate, who have been home schooled and lived on the water, offer their insights on their educational journey and maritime lifestyle.
Jack, initially skeptical about their unique lifestyle, now cherishes the exceptional experiences it has afforded him, outweighing what he’s missed, such as learning to drive. He believes the trade-off for their extraordinary life journey has been well worth it.
Kate shares Jack’s sentiments, finding the allure of typical teenage experiences less compelling compared to their adventure-rich life, which includes sleeping on beaches and meeting other kids from around the world. Although she sometimes feels a lack of a traditional social life, she prefers the opportunities to explore new horizons.
Finn admits to sometimes feeling left out of normal teenage activities and missing having a stable group of friends. However, he doesn’t regret missing school itself, as he finds the experiences they have while sailing far surpass anything he might experience in a more suburban setting.
Anna, who spent three years sailing with her family before leaving the boat at 18 to attend college, acknowledges that she felt some disadvantages from not having a “normal” childhood, especially when trying to connect with her peers in college. Despite this, she appreciates the incredible benefits of having traveled the world.
Parents with a Vision
This unconventional journey isn’t just a children’s adventure; it’s a family mission, led by their parents, Keith and Renee. Their decision to raise their children out on the water was an extension of the alternative educational choices they wanted for their children’s life and learning. Keith, in particular, articulates a vision of nurturing leaders rather than followers. He passionately advocates for the value of crafting one’s unique path over conforming to societal expectations. This philosophy is at the heart of their family’s journey, underscoring their commitment to an educational experience that transcends traditional boundaries.
Charting Unconventional Waters: Discover More on the Sailing Zatara
For those inspired by their story or curious to see more of their extraordinary lifestyle, visit Sailing Zatara on YouTube channel. There, you can dive deeper into their adventures, gain insights into their daily life at sea, and perhaps find a bit of inspiration to chart your own unique course in life. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor, a travel enthusiast seeking home schooling options, or simply someone who loves a good adventure story, the Zatara family’s channel and website promises a wealth of engaging content and information that is sure to captivate and inspire.
