What does it really take to sail around the world with kids for eight years?
In the first episode of the Mothership Adrift podcast, Woody and Irenka sit down in their half-built home studio to talk honestly about life after circumnavigation. After eight years living aboard a sailboat, homeschooling at sea, crossing oceans, and raising three children afloat, they’re back on land, writing a book, fielding media attention, and reading thousands of public comments about their choices.
This episode explores the questions people always ask — and the fears they project. Education. Money. Socialisation. Risk. Are children “missing out” when you sail the world? Is family sailing only for the wealthy? And what actually happens when you come home after a life of long passages, night watches, and life aboard?
They discuss the Telegraph article that sparked hundreds of comments, what surprised them most about public reaction, and why those criticisms became the backbone of their book. There’s also a look behind the scenes at the Adventure in Wonder documentary, the reality of reintegrating into life on land, and why this podcast exists alongside their YouTube sailing channel.
Mothership Adrift is a behind-the-scenes podcast about family sailing, homeschooling at sea, worldschooling, long-term cruising, and what it really costs — emotionally and financially — to step away from the conventional path. It’s about freedom, doubt, optimism, and figuring things out as you go, whether you’re at sea or back ashore.
