About Us

Jade is the heart and soul behind our floating home, proudly donning the title of Captain. His lifelong passion for boats has roots dating back to his earliest memories, a love story confirmed by those who have known him since he was a wide-eyed youngster. One of the most amusing anecdotes about Jade is his parents’ infamous decision to furnish their home over a boat, a playful tease that continues to this day.

In his formative years, Jade chose to navigate rivers and indulge in the tranquility of fly fishing, opting for a more serene connection with the water rather than the high-speed allure of power boating. After completing his college education with a degree in Geography, he found himself trapped in the confines of an uninspiring inside sales job at Airborne Express. It was at this crossroads that Jade decided to chart a different course, enrolling at the Seattle Maritime Academy to pursue a full-time career that would align with his true passion.

Upon graduation from the academy, he embarked on a career journey with ConocoPhillips, where he spent two years working on a demanding schedule of 75 days on and 55 days off as a deckhand. His voyages took him as far as Singapore, providing invaluable experience in tackling long passages and the vast expanses of the open ocean. Additionally, he briefly lent his expertise to Global Diving and Salvage, contributing to oil spill response efforts.

For the past decade, Jade has served as both a deckhand and Captain for the King County Water Taxi, honing his skills and deepening his connection to the water. His original dream of sailing into retirement took a new turn thanks to an “Ah-Ha” moment and the promise of showing our children more of the world. Together, we decided to break free from convention, demonstrating to our children that life can be lived differently.

Debbie, our dedicated first mate, is a passionate soul who cherishes the colorful tapestry of life experiences and the deep connections forged while exploring the world. Her love for the boating community blossomed as she found a shared spirit among fellow adventurers. The water holds a special place in her heart, offering both exhilaration and serenity, and she thrives on the boundless freedom it provides.

Debbie’s zest for learning and her unwavering commitment to enhancing boat life radiate brightly. Her journey began in the travel industry, where she excelled at managing online corporate meeting registrations. Later, she embarked on a different path, becoming a massage therapist before venturing into the dynamic world of tech consulting with the renowned giant, Microsoft.

The turbulence of the global economy in 2008 prompted a significant shift in her life. Debbie transitioned into a full-time role at Microsoft, where she skillfully managed diverse projects within the realm of learning and development for eight years. However, the arrival of her precious children turned her world upside down. Balancing the demands of work and motherhood, she began to feel the strain and yearned for more quality time with her little ones. The dream of staying home with them or at least having more time together was born.

When Jade introduced the idea of sailing, she embraced it wholeheartedly, immersing herself in exhaustive research to make it a reality. From that moment, it feels as if the rest of their journey has become history. Debbie still maintains her professional role aboard Sunshine, but her sailing adventures have taught her the art of balance (an ongoing journey) and the profound importance of cherishing life’s precious moments.