For many military families, retirement is the carrot dangling at the end of a long stick. It’s the promise of finally settling down, committing to that dream house, and enjoying the stability that often felt just out of reach during years of moves and deployments. But for the Bond family, retirement is not about staying put; it’s about setting sail.
Alicia and her husband, Adam, a recently retired Senior Chief Quartermaster, decided to trade steady ground for open water, moving from life on land to full-time ocean living aboard their 44-foot Fountaine-Pajot sailing catamaran, Wander. Though extraordinary, the choice is rooted in the same drive that other military families have to settle down: using retirement as a time to reconnect as a family, rediscover joy and chart their own course.
A new course
The Bonds’ story of deployments, relocations and career sacrifices is familiar to many military families. Both native Floridians, Alicia met Adam while she was in her last semester of law school. Over the next 17 years, while Alicia balanced her legal career with Adam’s demanding Navy schedule, they navigated moves from Great Lakes, Illinois, to Pascagoula, Mississippi, eventually landing in California.
As Adam approached retirement, the couple asked themselves what kind of life they wanted to create for themselves and their son Marlin. The answer came one evening when Alicia noticed Adam watching sailing videos.
“The closer we got to retirement, the more we noticed the different choices people made—some were doing the RV thing, some moved abroad, some sold everything,” Alicia said. “That’s when it hit us: we had a choice to make, too.” That conversation was the first step toward turning late-night ‘what-ifs’ into a real plan.
Letting go of the shore
Their journey to full-time sailing wasn’t an overnight decision. It involved strategic financial planning and a willingness to step away from societal expectations, and then making the move to implement their plan. “I don’t want people’s planning to get in the way of their dreaming,” Alicia says. “If you don’t even believe in your dream and you don’t take one step, then it’s never going to happen.”
The Bonds sold their home in Escondido, California, downsized their belongings and moved onto their first boat, Bare Necessities. “She was the boat that got us from letting go of the shore,” Alicia says fondly. The transition wasn’t without challenges, but it rekindled a spark in their family life. “I saw the part of my husband that I loved —and still love— come back. That part had been missing.”
Living the dream
Now the family of three, along with their golden retriever Kona, sails through the Bahamas, embracing the simplicity of life on the water. “We eat every meal together. We have morning walks, we do boat schooling, and we enjoy … the little moments a lot more,” Alicia shares.
Their lifestyle shift isn’t just about scenic views and sunsets. It means slowing down, making time for each other and building a life that feels like their own. “When you’re actually living and enjoying your family time, it’s not about the creature comforts. It’s about being present,” Alicia reflects.
Words of wisdom
For military families approaching retirement and considering a nontraditional path, Alicia offers this: “Believe in yourself and in your dream. Write it down. Whether that’s vision boards or budgeting spreadsheets, take one step. Don’t be afraid to live the life you desire.”
She emphasizes financial planning, from leveraging VA loans to ensuring life insurance coverage fits your family’s needs. “Being intentional with the way you live, save and make decisions can make all the difference,” she advises.
No fixed destination
While the Bonds have no set timeline for their sailing adventure, they cherish the freedom to explore without rushing.
“We’re just being where we are. We’ve had discussions about our next steps, but right now, we’re living our dream. We are very grateful to be here.” As Alicia puts it, echoing poet Mary Oliver, “You only have this one precious life to live. The more you concern yourself with other people’s opinions, the less you’re going to actually live the life you desire.”
Curious to see where the wind takes them next? You can follow the Bond family’s journey on Instagram: @bond_sailing.
