For Guyon and Ali Moseley, the idea of sailing the world with their three middle school–aged boys didn’t happen overnight. It was the result of years of intentional planning, communication, and commitment.
Their adventure aboard WIDAGO, a Leopard 48, began with a simple but powerful idea: if they wanted to fundamentally change their lifestyle, they needed a clear, actionable plan to make it real.
They called it the Moseley Family Action Plan (MoFAP). A written roadmap that transformed a distant dream into a shared family mission. Posted alongside everyday calendars and commitments, the plan became part of their daily reality long before they ever stepped aboard.
“We’d been working for years to build the flexibility to make this happen,” Guyon explains. “Once we put it on paper, it became something we had to follow through on.”
Their story is just one example among many found in Leopard owner stories, where families share how they turned long-term cruising dreams into reality.
Bringing Family Onboard Before Leaving the Dock
One of the biggest early challenges wasn’t logistical—it was emotional.
Convincing extended family members, particularly those less familiar with sailing, required time, transparency, and patience. The Moseleys began sharing their vision over three years before departure, regularly sending itinerary plans and updates.
This early communication was critical—not just for gaining support, but for solidifying their own commitment.
As Ali reflects:
“Once you put something like this out there, it changes everything. It gives you that extra push to actually do it.”
Why Middle School Was the Perfect Time
Timing a circumnavigation with three children is no small feat. For the Moseleys, the decision centered around one key factor: their kids’ ages.
“We wanted them out during middle school,” Guyon says. “It’s the perfect window for a shared family experience like this and one they’ll remember forever.”
This decision shaped everything, from their departure timeline to their education plan.
Preparing for Life Afloat: “Boat School”
Before setting off, the Moseleys made a critical move: they tested their homeschooling strategy before moving on board.
While still living in Florida, they transitioned their children out of traditional school to adjust to daily learning at home. This allowed them to:
- Build a sustainable schooling routine
- Reduce stress during the move aboard
- Develop the patience and rhythm required for liveaboard family life
By the time departure came, the boys had completed their school year, aligning perfectly with an Atlantic crossing during the summer.
Choosing the Right Boat for Long-Term Cruising
Selecting the right vessel was one of the most important decisions in the entire process.
After attending multiple boat shows and exploring catamarans in the 50–60 ft range, the Moseleys found what they were looking for in the Leopard 48.
“We were drawn to a more cruising-oriented boat that prioritized comfort,” says Guyon.
Key features that made the Leopard 48 the right fit included:
- A spacious layout ideal for family living
- Strong balance of performance and comfort
- The signature forward cockpit, offering additional living and lounging space
Outfitting, Training, and Real-World Preparation
Once they took delivery of WIDAGO in October 2014, preparation intensified.
Their pre-departure checklist went far beyond standard outfitting. It included:
- Customizing the boat for long-term liveaboard cruising
- Taking offshore sailing passages to build experience
- Completing diving certifications
- Enrolling in offshore emergency medicine training
- Practicing safety drills, including liferaft deployment
Even just days before departure, preparation continued—with their children practicing flare usage and emergency procedures.
This hands-on approach ensured that the entire family—not just the parents—was ready for bluewater sailing.
Living the Dream: Life Aboard WIDAGO
By the time they departed Tortola with the ARC Europe rally, the Moseleys weren’t just prepared—they were already living their new lifestyle.
Months spent in the Caribbean allowed them to ease into:
- Fishing and provisioning
- Navigating between islands
- Hosting visiting family onboard
- Adjusting to life together 24/7
Their route would take them from:
- Tortola → Bermuda
- Bermuda → Azores
- Azores → England
- Then onward to the Baltic, Mediterranean, and eventually back to the Caribbean
More Than a Sailing Journey
For the Moseley family, circumnavigation wasn’t just about sailing—it was about redefining how they wanted to live.
“It wasn’t just about planning a voyage,” Ali says. “It became long-term planning for the way we want to live our lives over the next 20 years.”
Their story is a powerful reminder that with careful planning, the right boat, and a shared vision, even the most ambitious dreams can become reality.
Looking for more real-life cruising experiences? Explore additional journeys from families and sailors in our collection of Leopard owner stories.
