Did you know sailing is one of the oldest nomadic lifestyles?

As soon as the first ocean crossing ships were built back before 1000 A.D. this nomad lifestyle took off. For the truly adventurous, explorers took to the high seas- facing incredible challenges to discover new land and opportunities. 

We all know about the infamous pirate lifestyles popularly depicted through the 1700s, however in recent centuries and with the invention of airplanes, living on a ship has become less popular… until now. 

How has life on the water evolved?

With jobs becoming more remote, and communication infrastructure strengthens worldwide, now it’s easier than ever to hop on a boat and cross the ocean- all without ever losing touch or taking a day off work.

Modern sailboats and yachts come equipped with all of the amenities of living on land including internet & satellite TV service. GPS has made charting a course easier than ever, and that connectivity also means sailing on the open ocean is much safer, as the ship is never out of contact. 

Most ships are powered by strong engines capable of pushing the vessel across the ocean in just a matter of days- even most sailboats come equipped with engines these days. This means anyone can travel to the costal destination of their choosing without the worry of the getting unlucky with the winds. 

Want to know more about specific international insurance plans to protect you on the water? Watch the video below to learn more!

Who lives these lifestyles?

There are many ways to live a modern water-bound nomadic lifestyle. 

Many people take to the waters to find work, living aboard cruise ships and yachts as cooks, stewards, or even entertainers. Transport vessels and large tanker ships also require a strong crew and offer opportunities to engineers and security personnel. 

More traditionally, many coastal towns welcome seasonal migrants working as fishermen and deckhands. This is most common in areas with cold climates, especially near the North Atlantic. 

Beyond those specifically looking for work on water, those who work remotely may choose this alternative lifestyle as a means of exploring and traveling the world. 

How to stay protected: 

Living on the water can make it tricky to find the right insurance. Many international insurance plans require a stable address as well as a limited location for coverage. Sailing in some cases can also be considered an adventure sport, which many plans don’t cover by default. 

Luckily, there are plans specifically designed for the nomad lifestyle, AND they include adventure sports coverage! This means, even while living out on the water and traveling from country to country with no address you can be completely protected.

To find out more about nomad insurance plan offerings click “Chat with us” at the bottom of the page to speak with one of our expert agents now!

Stay tuned for parts 2 & 3 of the Life of the Water series, as well as the other articles in our Nomad collection. Happy sailing!