Working Remotely from a Sailboat: Our Real UK Setup (2026)
- ericaoliviasilva24
- Jun 28
- 5 min read
⚡ Quick Answer
Yes—you absolutely can work remotely from a sailboat in the UK.We both live and work full-time on a 44ft sailboat. I run a freelance graphic design business entirely from onboard, and my husband works HGV driving jobs when we’re in marinas. It works because we have reliable internet, enough power, and a system that supports day-to-day life at sea.
What We Do for Work
I'm a freelance graphic designer, so everything I do is online. Whether I'm designing presentaions, creating branding, or speaking to clients, all I need is my computer and a reliable internet connection.
My husband Adrian left the Army after serving as a military medic. Since then he's collected more licences than I can keep track of and now works as an HGV driver through agencies whenever we're stopped in marinas.
This arrangement works really well for us. My work can be done from absolutely anywhere, while Adrian can pick up work when it suits our cruising plans.
Why Reliable Internet Matters
Internet is everything for us onboard.
It’s how we:
Work
Communicate with clients
Check weather and navigation
Stream entertainment
Do basic life admin
Honestly, without it, we’d be lost.
That’s why internet choice was one of the biggest decisions we made when moving aboard. (We go into more detail here: Starlink vs 5G for Boat Life in the UK)
Why We Chose Starlink
Before moving aboard, we looked at all the options—5G routers, mobile hotspots, external antennas—but I didn’t want to build a system I had to constantly think about.
I already run a business. I didn’t want “do we have signal?” as another daily problem.
So we chose Starlink Mini. It just works.
That decision is explained in more detail here: Is Starlink Worth It for Boat Life?
Our Solar Setup
Our boat runs on:
780W of solar panels
3 lithium batteries
Adrian installed the system himself, and it comfortably powers:
Starlink
Laptops
Daily onboard essentials
It’s what allows us to stay away from marinas for longer periods without worrying about plugging in. (Full breakdown here: DIY Boat Solar Installation (780W Setup))
My Workspace
When we first moved aboard, I was using a 2019 Mac Mini. It did the job, but it was heavy, fairly power hungry, took up valuable space in the saloon and, after years of loyal service, had started feeling painfully slow.
I recently upgraded to the latest Mac Mini and the difference has been incredible.
It's dramatically faster, uses far less power and fits our workspace much better.
I also upgraded my monitor. Adrian would probably have preferred something that used fewer watts, but colour accuracy is important for graphic design, so this was one compromise we were happy to make.
What Happens When the Weather Is Awful?
People ask this a lot. The answer is... we just ride it out. This is our home, sometimes it's calm and peaceful. Sometimes the boat rocks while you're trying to answer emails.
We keep a close eye on the weather so we're prepared, but windy days and swell are simply part of living aboard.
Very occasionally it can make concentrating a little difficult, and if you're on a mooring buoy while the tide turns you might feel a bit seasick. Thankfully those days are rare, they never last forever and, in my opinion, they're a very small price to pay for this lifestyle.
Do Video Calls Actually Work?
Yes, surprisingly well. I've done countless client calls from the boat. In over a year I've only had one call where the connection became slightly glitchy while we were swinging around on a mooring buoy as the tide changed. My colleagues were completely understanding, and the call carried on without any real issues. Honestly, I had more internet problems when I lived in a house.
A Typical Day Onboard
Our mornings are probably less glamorous than people imagine.
The first priority is always Princess Luna. She gets breakfast, plenty of fuss and a clean litter tray before anything else happens.
Then I boil the kettle. Some of the hot water becomes coffee for Adrian, while the rest gets used for a quick wash. We do have a pressurised hot water system, but heating water uses a surprising amount of electricity and showers go through our water tanks much faster than we'd like. Because we have around 500 litres of fresh water onboard, being careful means we can stay out at anchor for a long time before needing to return to a marina to refill.
Once everything is ready, I sit down at my desk and work just as I would if I were in an office—except my commute is about five steps.
Things We Underestimated
Boat life isn't perfect. One thing we didn't fully appreciate was just how noisy it can be.
Marinas are busy places. Halyards bang against masts. Lines creak. The wind whistles through the rigging. And don't even get me started on the seagulls, they're unbelievably loud.
The other surprise was the cost. Everything seems expensive. Big jobs cost a fortune.
Tiny jobs somehow also cost a fortune. It doesn't matter whether it's a hose clip or a major repair—it often feels like the answer is, "That'll be another thousand."
Now I completely understand why sailors joke that BOAT stands for Bring Out Another Thousand.
Would We Recommend Working Remotely from a Boat?
Absolutely. We genuinely love this lifestyle. That said, it definitely isn't for everyone.
One thing that has made a huge difference for us is Adrian's practical skills.
He's incredibly handy, and because he can tackle most maintenance himself we've saved thousands of pounds and avoided countless headaches.
It also means I can enjoy the sunsets knowing he's probably already got the latest boat problem under control. If I had to climb into the engine bay and diagnose every issue myself, I suspect I'd be a lot more stressed. For us, though, the freedom is worth every compromise. Being able to finish work, step outside with a cup of tea and watch the sunset over the water still feels pretty special.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you work remotely from a sailboat?
Yes. As long as you have reliable internet and enough electrical power, many remote jobs can be done perfectly well from a boat.
Is Starlink worth it for working from a boat?
For us, yes. It's been reliable enough that I run my entire freelance business from onboard without worrying about mobile signal.
How much solar do you need to work from a boat?
Our 780W solar setup and three lithium batteries comfortably power Starlink, laptops and our normal day-to-day electrical use.
Is boat life distracting when you're trying to work?
Sometimes. Wind, rain and the movement of the boat can occasionally make it harder to concentrate, but those days are rare and quickly become part of normal life.
What to Read Next
If you're planning to work remotely from a boat, these guides might help:
Planning your own move aboard?
Download our free Liveaboard Checklist.
Your turn: Could you see yourself working from a sailboat, or is there something that's putting you off? Let me know in the comments—I love hearing what people are curious about.
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