Sailing Zatara: Exploring The Unique Vessel And Its Story

Sailing Zatara is the name of a boat owned by a family of six who, after growing tired of their lives in corporate America, decided to sell their suburban Texas home and buy a sailboat. With no prior sailing experience, they have now sailed over 50,000 nautical miles, visiting 50+ countries. The boat itself is a Privilege 585 Catamaran from Alliaura Marine, an upgrade from their previous monohull, the Beneteau 55. The name Zatara is a Spanish word meaning raft or driftwood, and was the nickname given to Edmund Dantes in the 2002 movie The Count of Monte Cristo.

The Zatara is a Privilege 585 Catamaran

The Privilege 585 is a substantial catamaran, offering ample space for a family to live and adventure aboard. It was built by Alliaura Marine, a renowned manufacturer of sailing catamarans. The Zatara family chose this boat after looking at dozens of catamarans, recognising the need for more space and a smoother ride as they embarked on their sailing journey. The Privilege 585 has proven to be a reliable and comfortable choice for their extensive travels.

Catamarans are known for their stability and spacious layouts, making them ideal for long-distance cruising and living aboard. The Privilege 585 is likely to have a wide beam, providing ample living space and accommodation for a family. This design also contributes to the boat's stability, offering a smoother and more comfortable ride, especially when compared to a monohull sailboat. The choice of a catamaran has clearly paid off for the Zatara family, enabling them to sail confidently and comfortably around the world.

The Zatara family's journey is an inspiring one, demonstrating that it is possible to break free from the constraints of a conventional life and embrace the adventure of sailing. Their choice of boat, the Privilege 585 Catamaran, has been instrumental in their success, providing a safe and comfortable home as they navigate the world's oceans and experience new cultures together as a family. Their story, shared through their YouTube channel, has inspired others to embrace similar adventures and has showcased the unique benefits of sailing catamarans, such as the Privilege 585, for long-distance cruising and liveaboard lifestyles.

The Privilege 585 Catamaran is a well-respected model within the sailing community, known for its robust construction, seaworthiness, and comfortable accommodations. It has likely provided the Zatara family with a stable and safe platform to explore the world, fostering a sense of freedom and adventure while also offering the comforts and space of a well-appointed home. The boat has undoubtedly played a pivotal role in their journey, enabling them to create lasting memories and forge a unique family legacy.

The name 'Zatara' means raft or driftwood

The name Zatara means raft or driftwood, and it was the nickname given to Edmund Dantes in the 2002 movie The Count of Monte Cristo. The name was chosen by the eldest son of the owners of the boat, a family of six who decided to leave their ordinary lives behind and set sail in search of adventure. They traded their suburban Texas home for a life at sea, with no prior sailing experience, and have since sailed over 50,000 nautical miles, visiting 50+ countries.

The family initially set sail in a monohull (Beneteau 55') but later upgraded to a catamaran, the Privilege 585 from Alliaura Marine, to accommodate their growing family and need for more space. The name Zatara seems fitting for a family who took a chance on a new life, drifting away from the ordinary and into the unknown, much like a piece of driftwood adrift in the open ocean.

Zatara, the boat, has become a character in its own right in the story of this family's journey. It has been a source of adventure, a means of escape, and a refuge for the family as they navigate the challenges of life and the open seas. The name evokes a sense of freedom, exploration, and the unknown, capturing the essence of their journey and the transformation they underwent as a family.

The choice of the name Zatara also reflects the family's connection to the movie The Count of Monte Cristo, a story of adventure, transformation, and new beginnings, mirroring their own journey. It symbolizes their shared love for the movie and its themes of resilience, courage, and the power of new beginnings, serving as a constant reminder of why they embarked on this journey in the first place.

Much like a raft or driftwood, the boat Zatara has provided this family with a floating home, a means of transportation, and a unique perspective on the world. It has carried them to new places, brought them closer together, and taught them valuable lessons about sailing and life. The name Zatara perfectly encapsulates the essence of their journey and the spirit of exploration that has driven them to chart their own course.

The family bought the boat in 2016

In 2016, the Zatara family made a bold decision to sell their Texas home and buy a sailboat, despite having no prior sailing experience. The family of six, consisting of the parents and their four children, felt that their ordinary lives were taking a toll on their marriage and children. They wanted to leave a different legacy for their kids and sought a change of pace from the exhausting grind of corporate America.

The family's journey with sailing began in late 2016 when they purchased their first sailboat, a monohull named Beneteau 55'. With this boat, they embarked on their impromptu adventure, sailing over 12,500 nautical miles in the first year alone. However, as they desired more space and comfort, they transitioned to a catamaran, the Privilege 585 from Alliaura Marine.

The name "Zatara" holds a special meaning for the family. It comes from the Spanish word for "raft" or "driftwood" and was the nickname given to Edmund Dantes in the 2002 movie "The Count of Monte Cristo". This name, chosen by their eldest son, captures the family's spirit of adventure and their newfound freedom on the seas.

Since buying their boat in 2016, the Zatara family has come a long way. They have successfully circumnavigated the globe, covering over 50,000 nautical miles and visiting more than 50 countries. Their journey has not only strengthened their family bonds but also provided a unique upbringing for their children, who have essentially grown up at sea. The family documents their adventures through their YouTube channel, "Sailing Zatara," where they share their experiences, challenges, and evolution as a family.

The Zatara family's story is an inspiring testament to the power of taking risks and embracing new challenges. By stepping out of their comfort zone and choosing a life at sea, they have not only gained unforgettable experiences but have also discovered a deeper connection with each other and a sense of freedom that corporate life couldn't provide.

They have now sailed over 50,000 nautical miles

The Zatara family have sailed over 50,000 nautical miles since they began their sailing adventure in late 2016. They started their journey in a monohull, the Beneteau 55', before upgrading to a catamaran, the Privilege 585 from Alliaura Marine. The family chose the name Zatara for their boat, which is derived from the Spanish word for "raft" or "driftwood" and was the nickname given to Edmund Dantes in the 2002 movie The Count of Monte Cristo.

The Zatara family's sailing journey began in Texas, where they sold their home and bought their first sailboat. Despite having no prior sailing experience, the family successfully circumnavigated the globe and visited over 50 countries. Their journey has been documented through videos shared on their YouTube channel, offering a glimpse into their adventures at sea.

The decision to embark on this sailing journey was driven by a desire for a change from the corporate world grind. The Zatara family, consisting of the parents and their four children, felt that their ordinary lives were taking a toll on their marriage and family dynamics. By saving money and taking the plunge into the unknown, they found a new purpose and a way to strengthen their bonds.

The Privilege 585 catamaran has been their vessel for the majority of their journey, providing more space and comfort compared to their initial monohull setup. With this boat, they have continued their circumnavigation, sharing their experiences and evolution as a family through their YouTube channel. Their videos offer an honest and family-friendly account of their adventures, homeschooling experiences, and life at sea.

The Zatara family's sailing journey is a testament to their courage and determination to seek a different path. By sharing their story, they have inspired others to pursue their dreams and embrace unique experiences. Their journey continues, leaving a legacy of exploration and family bonding that will be cherished for years to come.

The family share their adventures on YouTube

The Sailing Zatara family share their adventures on their YouTube channel, 'Sailing Zatara'. The family, who were struggling with the demands of corporate life and its impact on their family, decided to make a change in 2016. They sold their home, bought a sailboat, and set off on an adventure, despite having no prior sailing experience.

The family of six initially sailed over 12,500 nautical miles in a monohull (Beneteau 55), before upgrading to a catamaran, the Privilege 585 from Alliaura Marine, to continue their circumnavigation of the globe. They have now successfully circumnavigated the globe, sailed over 50,000 nautical miles, visited 50+ countries, and their children have been raised at sea, an experience the family believes has made them better humans.

The Sailing Zatara YouTube channel shares this adventure with its viewers. The channel is family-friendly, with all videos rated PG, and new episodes are released every Thursday. The family's videos are filmed, edited, and published exclusively by them, and they invite viewers to follow along on their journey. The family also has a presence on other social media platforms, including Facebook, where they offer exclusive material for a small monthly donation.

The family's story has also been featured in various publications, including Sail Magazine and SisterShip Magazine, and one of the family members, Anna, has contributed articles to these magazines, sharing her experiences and perspectives on sailing and homeschooling. The family's journey and decision to live an unconventional life have inspired others to consider similar paths and have sparked interest in the sailing community.

Through their YouTube channel and other platforms, the Sailing Zatara family aims to share their honest experiences, adventures, and evolution as a family. They invite viewers to laugh, learn, and get inspired by their unique and courageous journey.

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