Sailing with six

In a world where many families wait for the 'perfect time' to travel, the Fothergill family decided that the perfect time was exactly when their youngest was still in diapers. Sailing with Six is a raw, high-energy chronicle of an Australian family that traded a traditional mortgage for the unpredictable horizons of the global ocean. Led by Captain Kris and First Mate Shona, the crew—which includes their four children Bella, Finn, Archie, and Pippi—has redefined what it means to grow up at sea, transforming a 46-foot catamaran into a floating classroom and a platform for extreme sports.

As of May 2026, the Fothergills have achieved what many blue-water cruisers only dream of: a successful transit of the Indian Ocean. After a rigorous refit in Langkawi, Malaysia, they navigated the remote atolls of the Chagos Archipelago and the granite peaks of the Seychelles before making landfall on the coast of Tanzania. Currently based near Dar es Salaam, the crew is balancing technical maintenance with explorations of the East African coastline, preparing for their next major chapter: the rugged waters of Madagascar.

Key Takeaways

• Channel Vibe: Adventurous, family-centric, and high-energy. A mix of blue-water sailing and extreme board sports (surfing, kitesurfing).
• The Boat: Happy Days, a 2012 Leopard 46 catamaran designed for robust performance and massive interior volume.
• The Journey: A multi-year circumnavigation currently transiting East Africa (2026) after crossing from South East Asia.

⚓ Quick Specs & Channel Vitals

Meet the Crew and the Vessel

The Fothergill Family

Kris and Shona Fothergill bring a resilient, DIY spirit to the helm. Kris, a capable captain who handles the boat’s complex mechanical systems, is matched by Shona’s organizational prowess in managing the logistics of a six-person household at sea. The children—Bella (the resident musician), Finn (the master fisherman), Archie, and Pippi—have spent the majority of their lives on the water. Their content highlights the reality of world-schooling, showing that high-latitude history and marine biology are best learned first-hand in the ports and reefs they visit. Source: sailingwithsix.com

The Boat: Happy Days (Leopard 46)

After starting their journey on a smaller monohull, the family realized they needed more 'real estate' for four growing children. They eventually purchased Happy Days, a 2012 Leopard 46, sight-unseen in Mexico. Designed by Morelli & Melvin and built by Robertson & Caine in South Africa, the Leopard 46 is legendary for its build quality and ventilated cockpit design. The boat has undergone extensive modifications to handle the weight of six people and their gear, including a massive solar array and custom storage for surfboards and kitesurfing kits. Source: leopardcatamarans.com

Voyages, Destinations, and the Indian Ocean

A Global Circumference

The Fothergill’s track line is an impressive map of resilience. From their origins in Australia, they crossed the Pacific to Mexico, transited the Panama Canal, and even pushed as far north as Nova Scotia before returning south. Their 2025-2026 season focused on the transition from South East Asia to Africa. This route across the Indian Ocean is considered one of the most technical in a circumnavigation, requiring careful timing to avoid monsoon seasons and precise navigation through the remote Chagos Archipelago. Source: YouTube - 'We Took a Break from Boat Life'

Navigating Tanzania (2026)

As of May 2026, the crew is based in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. This region offers a unique blend of technical challenge and cultural immersion. While the anchorages are beautiful, the logistical hurdles of sourcing spare parts and managing bureaucracy in East Africa are significant. The Fothergills have used this time to perform critical repairs on their anchor windlass and chain—essential gear for the rugged conditions of the African coast—while exploring the local surf breaks and vibrant markets of the city. Source: Sailing with Six - Dar es Salaam Update (April 2026)

Life Aboard: Techniques, Gear, and Challenges

Essential Gear and Tech Stack

Life with six people requires a high level of self-sufficiency. Key systems aboard Happy Days include a reliable Starlink connection for work and schooling, B&G navigation electronics, and a heavy-duty Mantus anchoring system. For their active lifestyle, the family maintains a fleet of surfboards and Cabrinha kitesurfing gear. Technical maintenance is a constant; their late 2025 haul-out in Malaysia involved replacing sail drive seals and structural reinforcement of the rudder bearings—a common maintenance item for hard-working Leopards. Source: YouTube - 'Changing the rudder bearings'

Skills & Tutorials: Learning from Sailing with Six

What can a viewer learn from the Fothergills? It is a masterclass in large-scale family logistics and maritime homeschooling. Kris provides actionable advice on troubleshooting catamaran systems (such as sail drive maintenance), while the family as a whole demonstrates how to maintain a high level of physical fitness and board sport proficiency while living in the confines of a boat. They prove that "adventure" and "family life" are not mutually exclusive, provided you have a robust decision-making framework and the patience for constant technical troubleshooting. Source: sailingwithsix.store

The YouTube Journey and Financing the Dream

Building a life at sea with four children is a major financial undertaking. Sailing with Six has built a diversified business model centered on a loyal Patreon community (the "Happy Days Crew"), merchandise sales through their dedicated store, and YouTube ad revenue. They also previously sold their land-based assets in Australia to provide the initial capital for their voyage. Their transparency about the costs of boat parts and the reality of their budget makes them a grounded resource for other families looking to follow in their wake. Source: patreon.com/sailingwithsix

Top Episodes: Where to Start Watching

• We Took a Break from Boat Life: A unique look at land-based exploration and surfing competition in South Africa.
• Leaving the Boat on Anchor for 3 Weeks: A critical lesson in anchoring trust and remote boat management in Tanzania.
• Changing the Rudder Bearings: A technical deep dive into heavy catamaran maintenance performed by Kris.

Channels Similar to Sailing with Six

• Sailing Zatara: For fans of unscripted family adventures on a large scale and high-energy storytelling.
• Sailing Nahoa: For those who appreciate cinematic production and a focus on surfing, diving, and family travel.
• Onboard Lifestyle: For viewers interested in high-tech catamaran living and custom multihull modifications.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sailing with Six