A couple quit the rat race to live off-grid and travel full-time in their boat - and say they have “taken control” of their lives as a result. Amy Cross, 28, and her partner, Wes Arthur, 30, a designer, were sick of their 40 hour hour working weeks in their hometown of Sheffield.
Set on choosing their own hours and avoiding overtime, they decided to overhaul their lifestyle - ditching their rented £675-a-month three-bedroom home and changing their jobs to have less responsibility and stress. The couple say they “weren’t passionate” about getting a mortgage so instead spent £48,000 on a 50ft narrowboat - named Gregory’s Girl - in June 2021.
The pair now work remotely from their boat and sail around the UK - having travelled through Wales, the Midlands, and down the entire length of the River Thames. Since moving onto the water, Amy and Wes say they feel “free” - having sailed the length of the UK alongside their Labrador cross, Rufus, and rabbit, Rupert.