For Dave and Beth, sailing around the world wasn’t a spontaneous decision. It was a dream more than 20 years in the making.
What they couldn’t have imagined was how much they would endure before that dream became reality.
After years of planning, saving, and preparing, they finally set sail. Just 13 days into their new life, disaster struck. A fire destroyed their boat, claimed the lives of their two dogs, and left the family with little more than the clothes they were wearing.
Most people would have walked away.
Dave and Beth rebuilt the dream.
Today, they’re cruising the South Pacific aboard a Leopard 45, having sailed more than 7,500 nautical miles through the Caribbean, Panama, the Galápagos Islands, French Polynesia, and beyond.
In this edition of Ask a Leopard Owner, they share what they’ve learned about resilience, cruising, family life aboard, and why they never gave up.
A Dream Built on Experiences
Dave and Beth’s sailing journey began the same way it does for many cruisers: charter vacations.
Over the years, they sailed the British Virgin Islands, explored new destinations, and discovered something interesting about life on a boat.
“Time kind of stood still on a boat.”
Unlike everyday life, there were fewer distractions and more meaningful experiences shared as a family.
“The 10 days we spent chartering felt like a month because we did so much together.”
That realization eventually shaped the way they approached life.
“We stopped buying things and started buying experiences.”
Concerts, vacations, adventures, and eventually a plan to sail around the world became more important than accumulating possessions.
The Fire That Changed Everything
In 2022, after years of preparation, the family finally departed Florida aboard their first cruising catamaran.
Thirteen days later, while anchored in Georgetown, Bahamas, their boat caught fire.
The vessel was lost.
Their two dogs perished.
Everything they owned disappeared with it.
“Life looks a little different when all you have left is a T-shirt, shorts, and flip-flops.”
The sailing community immediately rallied around them.
Other cruisers offered clothing, supplies, shelter, and support.
“We saw the absolute best side of humanity.”
Even today, Dave and Beth credit the kindness of fellow sailors and the local community with helping them navigate one of the darkest moments of their lives.
Why They Started Again
In the aftermath, many people questioned why they would ever return to cruising.
Honestly, Dave wondered the same thing.
“I remember watching our boat burn and thinking, I don’t know if I can do this again.”
But after the initial shock faded, something became clear.
“It may have killed our dogs, but it didn’t kill our dream.”
The goal had always been bigger than the boat itself.
They still wanted to explore the world.
They still wanted the experiences.
They still wanted the adventure.
So they started over.
From the Caribbean to French Polynesia
Their second attempt has taken them farther than they ever imagined.
After cruising throughout the Caribbean, they sailed to Panama, crossed to the Galápagos Islands, completed a 20-day Pacific crossing to the Marquesas, explored the Tuamotus, and continued through the Society Islands of French Polynesia.
At the time of the interview, they were preparing to sail onward toward Tonga, Fiji, Australia, and eventually New Zealand as part of their circumnavigation plans.
“If we didn’t do it now, we probably weren’t going to do it.”
For Dave and Beth, the journey has always been about saying yes to experiences before it’s too late.
Why They Chose the Leopard 45
Like many buyers, they visited countless boat shows before making their final decision.
One boat kept drawing them back.
“Year after year, we found ourselves returning to the Leopard 45.”
The reasons were practical.
They appreciated the construction quality, layout, storage capacity, and comfort underway.
But several features stood out.
The Forward Cockpit
“The forward cockpit is a game changer.”
Not only does it provide airflow throughout the boat, it creates an entirely separate living area.
With a sunshade installed, it becomes one of the most comfortable places aboard.
Storage
Long-term cruising requires carrying spare parts, tools, provisions, and gear.
“The amount of storage on the Leopard is incredible.”
According to Dave, some supplies they loaded in Florida more than a year earlier were still aboard thanks to the extensive storage built into the boat.
The Lounge Deck
Their family spends significant time on the upper lounge area, which they affectionately call the “Leopard Deck.”
Morning coffee, sunset drinks, movie nights with friends, and hosting other cruisers all happen there regularly.
Build Quality
“The boat just feels solid.”
Having owned another catamaran previously, Dave believes Leopard’s fit, finish, and construction quality helped set it apart.
While the Leopard 45 is no longer in production, sailors exploring today’s Leopard sailing catamaran lineup may also be interested in the Leopard 46.
Cruising with a Teenager
One of the more unique aspects of Dave and Beth’s story is traveling with their 16-year-old daughter, Landon.
Life aboard has created incredible opportunities, but also unique challenges.
While she enjoys exploring new countries and cultures, she also misses milestones happening back home.
Friends are getting driver’s licenses, attending dances, and experiencing traditional teenage rites of passage.
“There are moments she feels like she’s missing out.”
At the same time, she’s gaining experiences few teenagers ever have.
Landon researches destinations before they arrive, participates in marine conservation projects, dives with her parents, and experiences cultures across the world firsthand.
“The further we travel, the more we realize how valuable these experiences are.”
Lessons Learned After 7,500 Nautical Miles
When asked what advice they would share with future cruisers, Dave didn’t hesitate.
“Prepare as much as you can, but don’t overprepare.”
It’s advice born from experience.
Over the years, they’ve learned the importance of:
- Carrying enough anchor chain
- Investing in quality ground tackle
- Installing sufficient solar power
- Keeping systems simple
- Carrying spare parts and tools
- Learning how to repair critical equipment
They’ve also learned that complexity often becomes the enemy of reliability.
“Simple, strong, and durable always wins.”
The Community Makes It Possible
If there’s one theme that runs throughout Dave and Beth’s story, it’s the power of community.
When tragedy struck, fellow cruisers helped them rebuild.
As they crossed oceans, sailors shared weather information, spare parts, anchoring tips, and local knowledge.
Friends became family.
“The sailing community is one of the best parts of this lifestyle.”
Whether through WhatsApp groups, anchorages, rallies, or chance encounters along the way, they’ve discovered that no one truly sails around the world alone.
Advice for Future Cruisers
After more than 20 years of dreaming, thousands of miles of sailing, and one unimaginable setback, Dave and Beth’s advice remains surprisingly simple:
“Don’t wait until you’re perfectly ready.”
Prepare.
Learn.
Save.
Plan.
But eventually, cast off the lines.
“The best learning happens when you get out there and do it.”
For Dave and Beth, rebuilding the dream wasn’t easy.
But somewhere between the Caribbean and French Polynesia, they discovered something important:
The dream was never about the boat.
It was always about the journey.
More Ask a Leopard Owner Stories
For more firsthand cruising stories, owner experiences, and practical advice from Leopard owners around the world, explore the Ask a Leopard Owner hub.
