Larissa and Duncan, along with their two kids, are currently sailing around the world on their 50ft sailboat ‘Freeranger’ to explore wildlife and collect important ocean data. Their dream of embarking on this adventure began in 2024 during the COVID-19 lockdown when they spent quiet nights planning and dreaming about sailing further into the world. Duncan, who grew up as a ‘boat kid’ on a world voyage, and Larissa, who developed a love for travel from her grandfather, decided to wait until their children were old enough for the journey.
The family embarked on their voyage in July 2024, leaving behind their life in Canada, where Duncan worked as an executive director of an NGO focused on combating illegal fishing in Africa. Their journey has been filled with both highs and lows, from encountering humpback whales to untangling fishing nets in great white shark breeding zones. Despite the challenges, Larissa describes their adventure as “life-affirming” and full of incredible experiences, such as witnessing a crocodile slip off a mangrove estuary in Mexico.
The Copelands have made their sailing adventure a journey with purpose by actively participating in citizen science and ocean conservation projects. They founded a nonprofit organization called Free Range Ocean and launched the Ocean Citizen Science Project directory, endorsed by UN Ocean Decade. The family has contributed to various research projects, such as helping researchers in British Columbia understand local whale populations and supporting UK scientists in studying climate change impacts on phytoplankton.
In preparation for their voyage, the family surrounded themselves with experienced sailors and underwent training in various aspects of offshore sailing. They also equipped their sailboat with solar panels to generate electricity and created a platform for others to participate in citizen science projects remotely. Despite the challenges of offshore sailing, the family has found their rhythm on board and embraced the daily routine of exploring wildlife, meeting friends, and working on boat projects.
The family’s journey has been marked by incredible wildlife sightings, from gray whales and humpback whales along the coast of Baja California to swimming with whale sharks. Their future plans include heading across the South Pacific through Polynesia, Fiji, Australia, and Asia. The Copelands will embark on their biggest offshore passage to date to the remote Pitcairn Islands in the southern Pacific Ocean, where they hope to continue their conservation efforts and explore more wildlife hotspots. To follow their journey and support their citizen science projects, visit Free Range Ocean.
In conclusion, Larissa, Duncan, and their two children are on a life-changing journey around the world aboard their sailboat ‘Freeranger’. Their dream of sailing to explore wildlife and collect ocean data has become a reality, filled with challenges and incredible experiences. By participating in citizen science projects and focusing on ocean conservation, the family is making their adventure a journey with a purpose. With plans to continue sailing across the South Pacific and exploring remote islands, the Copelands are embracing the unpredictability of life at sea and the opportunities it brings for learning and growth. Follow their journey and support their efforts at Free Range Ocean.
