No house, no bills: Meet the Indian family who sold everything to live on a floating home

An Indian family has embraced an unconventional lifestyle, leaving behind corporate jobs and a traditional home to live full-time on a sailboat. Capt. Gaurav Gautam (Retd.), a former Indian Navy officer, along with his wife, Vaidehi Chitnavis, a former media professional, and their teenage daughter, Kaeya, set sail in 2022 on their 42-foot vessel, Reeva, which is now their floating home.

Through their Instagram account, The Reeva Project, the family shares snippets of their daily life, highlighting both the joys and challenges of living at sea. A post on their account stated, “We quit our jobs to live full-time on a sailboat. We sold off nearly everything we owned to make this dream come true. This is our home sailing vessel Reeva.”

The transition to a life on water was not an easy one. The couple sold nearly all their possessions, reducing their belongings from 6,000 kg to just 120 kg. “There was no point in holding on to things we couldn't keep on the boat,” they wrote in another post. Vaidehi, in particular, struggled with parting from a cherished heirloom—a Czechoslovakian crockery set passed down through generations. However, she knew it wouldn’t last in their new home and gifted it to a close friend instead.

A Dream Delayed, But Not Forgotten

Though Gaurav had long envisioned a life at sea, the idea had to be put on hold due to logistical and financial constraints. The COVID-19 pandemic, however, reignited his dream, as falling boat prices globally made owning a sailboat a more feasible option.


After acquiring Reeva, a 1988-built Tayana Vancouver 42 sailboat, the family faced initial apprehensions about their decision. “When we made the decision to leave our landlubber life behind and embrace an entirely different lifestyle, we were stepping into the unknown,” they reflected in a post. “Now, as we sail into 2025, we carry with us two incredible years of living this unconventional life.”

Homeschooling on the Waves

One of the biggest adjustments was Kaeya’s education. Instead of attending a conventional school, she is homeschooled on the boat. Her curriculum is enriched with lessons beyond textbooks—she learns about marine life firsthand, navigates using wind patterns, and experiences different cultures during their travels. For her, vacations mean endless days of snorkeling, honing her sailing skills, and watching the sunset from the deck.

Facing Challenges, Embracing Freedom

Living on a sailboat has its challenges. From navigating stormy seas to adapting to a minimalist lifestyle, the family had to pave their own path. “Things have never been easy, we had to pave our own path, as there was no precedence of a liveaboard family from our part of the world. But nevertheless, it has been an amazing 20 months,” they shared.

Additionally, their access to everyday conveniences has changed drastically. Gaurav humorously admitted, “Do you ever crave having a hamburger and then remember you can’t order it on Zomato?”

Inspiring Others to Take the Leap

Despite the hardships, the family finds immense fulfillment in their journey. Their story has resonated with thousands, as evidenced by their growing social media following. With over 8,000 followers on Instagram and a presence on YouTube, they aim to inspire others who dream of an offbeat life.

Reflecting on their experiences, they wrote, “It hasn’t always been smooth sailing; there have been challenges, doubts, and tough days. But with every wave we’ve conquered, every skill we’ve learned, and every bond we’ve strengthened, we’ve become more resilient, more connected, and more alive than ever before.”