59° North Sailingvideo
On The Wind #404 - How to be a Sailing Parent w/ Andy, August and Mia
12 July 2023 · 1h 21m · 439 views · Annapolis, Maryland
What this video covers
Professional sailors Andy Schell, Mia Karlsson, and August Sandberg discuss the challenges of balancing parenthood with a career that requires extended time at sea.7:05 The group distinguishes between being a "sailing family"—taking children on recreational trips aboard their boat, *Spica*, in Sweden—and the professional reality of leaving children behind for long-distance voyages.11:10 The participants address the social stigma surrounding parents who choose to work away from home, noting that professional sailing requires a different set of logistical and emotional boundaries than typical business ownership. Mia Karlsson and Andy Schell share their experience of navigating a medical crisis involving their son, Axel, who suffered from bacterial meningitis and seizures shortly after birth.20:46 They explain that this experience established a high threshold for what they consider manageable, allowing them to maintain their professional sailing commitments despite the emotional difficulty of being away. August Sandberg, whose partner works full-time as an architect, highlights the added pressure on a non-sailing partner to manage household responsibilities during long absences.24:54 The discussion emphasizes that maintaining a professional identity is a deliberate choice that requires clear communication and mutual support between partners.39:47
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