Meet Ronnie, the adventurous cat that’s capturing hearts worldwide! Known as the “Sailor-Cat,” Ronnie has taken Instagram by storm with his nautical adventures alongside his brother, Sledge. This dynamic duo lives on a boat and showcases how pets can thrive in a seafaring lifestyle.
The Colledge family lives on their 42-foot Bavaria yacht, sailing the stunning Ionian Islands of Greece. Check out the video that has racked up over 1.5 million likes, where owners Ross and Laura share snapshots of Ronnie’s quirky routines, including his favorite paddleboard bathroom trips.
“Ronnie loves swimming and exploring the rocky shores,” Laura explains. After his seaside adventures, he gets a well-deserved meal of tuna and fresh water, leaving fans in awe of his quirky lifestyle.
The Colledges’ family setup, which includes two children, is a hit on social media as they dive into a life less ordinary. Transitioning from their routine jobs, they are now full-time content creators under the handle @sailinghollyblue.
Chasing Dreams at Sea
Life on the boat signifies a massive shift for Ross and Laura, who left behind a conventional existence in England. “It wasn’t fulfilling,” Laura stated, recalling how their son’s early health challenges sparked their desire for a different life.
After their son Josh was born prematurely, the family reevaluated their priorities, deciding they wanted more meaningful experiences. “We wanted to escape the treadmill of life for something more rewarding,” said Laura, reminiscing about their love for travel and the ocean.
After a series of events that included Laura caring for her ailing mother, Ross surprised her by remortgaging their house to buy a sailboat. “It was amazing; I loved that boat,” she recalled with surprise and delight.
Setting Sail
In 2019, the Colledges began their sailing journey, initially intending to reach Cyprus but falling in love with Greece instead. The calm blue waters and countless islands felt like home, especially as they adapted their educational approach for Josh, who found success in homeschooling.
Now, aboard the Holly Blue, the family has embraced a mixture of sailing, schoolwork, and content creation, amassing a following of over 40,000 avid viewers on their YouTube channel. Ross handles the technical side while Laura manages homeschooling and the family ship.
Cats Aboard
The two feline companions have gained followers of their own. While Ronnie explores the sea, Sledge prefers the shelter of the boat. They were both adopted during tough times, with Ronnie appearing during a challenging recovery period for Laura and Sledge being found sick and alone in Greece.
“Ronnie is fearless, and Sledge is our little homebody, but they both bring so much joy to us,” Laura said.
Everyday Life at Sea
Though idyllic, living on a sailboat presents challenges. “You have to learn to adjust to a smaller space, but it has strengthened our family bond,” Laura reflects. They often anchor in safe spots to weather storms and delight in exploring the beauty of over 2,000 Greek islands.
After their first year of sailing, the couple sold their property in England and committed to their new lifestyle wholeheartedly. “The only option now is a bigger boat,” Laura said. “This life has given us the freedom we always wanted.”
The Colledge family’s journey continues as they savor every moment at sea, with the wind guiding them from one adventure to the next.