The Sailing Pickle Family lives a life many dreams of: they sail around the world, exploring new countries regularly from the comfort of their 35-foot boat. This family of four, plus their Doberman, Buddy, turned a pivotal moment of hardship into an extraordinary journey. Nicky Piccalilli’s brush with meningitis in 2017 was a life-altering event that led her to embrace a bold new vision. After texting her husband Chris from intensive care with the declaration, “When I get out of here, I’m going to sail the world,” they embarked on an adventure that redefined their lives. By 2019, with their children Beau and Bear, they had purchased and refurbished a Prout Snowgoose catamaran named Pickle, setting sail from the South Coast of England towards France and beyond.
Their voyage has been filled with challenges and triumphs, from battling the tempestuous waves of the Bay of Biscay to savoring the serene waters of the Mediterranean. The family has navigated through some of Europe’s most beautiful coastlines, from Spain and Italy to Tunisia and Turkey, sharing their experiences via YouTube and Patreon while Chris works remotely to fund their travels. Nicky and Chris homeschool their children, though they plan a temporary return to England for Beau’s GCSE exams. Despite the occasional longing for a garden and the constant vigilance required by the sea’s capricious weather, the Piccalillis are dedicated to their nautical lifestyle. Looking ahead, they dream of crossing the Atlantic to explore North and South America, continually driven by the spirit of adventure that first set them on this remarkable path.
