"Many people, at some time in their lives, dream of sloughing the day-to-day and traveling the world; Erik and Emily Orton actually went for it, not letting the fact of five children or a lack of wealth stop them. Pulling up stakes required years of planning, so Erik honed his sailing while Emily learned how to home school their children, the youngest of whom has Down syndrome. Scrimping, saving, and creative financing finally allowed them to purchase a boat. When they finally shove off on their new catamaran, Erik establishes a timetable. Fate, however, has other plans, and they spend the next three-plus months sidelined with a broken motor while they wait for workers to diagnose and fix the problem. They meet two other families, picking up valuable tips and enjoying friendship while they wait for their adventure to begin. The book is distilled from journals Erik and Emily kept during their trip, which give honest accounts of their difficulties and triumphs. Readers looking for a vicarious sailing experience should try this."—Booklist

"Fascinating real-life story. They skillfully show that is it is possible to live big on a shoestring budget while giving their family astonishing education in adventure, creativity, purpose and grit. With great intention they embraced risk and some pretty breathtaking adversity which changed and refined them all in ways that will leave the reader full of admiration and wonder.” -NYT Best Selling Authors of Teaching Your Children Values / Linda and Richard Eyre

“We don’t need more stuff to be happy... we need less. The lessons of love, determination, and dreaming big wait for you in this adventure on the sea. You will find yourself sailing through each page, lost in the beauty of this family’s voyage. It gives you the courage to do the same in your own life’s travels.” -NYT Best Selling Author of The Carrot Principle and All In / Chester Elton

"The Ortons storytelling of their particular path guides all readers – not just those who dream of seafaring – through lessons on living, loving, and life. They share their hurdles with candor and warmth, and just enough discomfort to remind you they’re real: stretching beyond their comfort zone in the joyful and daunting extremes of life on an adventure. The way that Erik and Emily consider, evaluate, and take on challenges they face is instructive for all, and required reading for those who dream of on adventuring as a family." -Author of Voyaging With Kids - A Guide to Family Life / Behan Gifford

"They will persuade you that ‘unconventional’ is a synonym for ‘individual’ and have you contemplating why you would accept an off-the-rack version of your life, when you can tailor-make your one. You’ll finish Seven at Sea daring to seek a discovery-driven voyage to your dream life, or the dream-of-a-lifetime. A fun, inspiring read." -Bestselling Author of Disrupt Yourself / Whitney Johnson