It’s hard to miss the Soetekouw family when they are walking the streets of Eden.
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The 10 siblings ranging from 13 years to one-year-old have sparked the curiosity of locals since they and their parents came to Eden in December.
The family is living aboard Sumbawa, a 43-foot yacht anchored off Cocora Beach.
“People can spot us because of the clothes,” mum Beccie Soetekouw joked.
The family hails from Oatlands, Tasmania and started imagining life at sea about three years ago.
“I wanted to travel so badly, but how do you travel with what was then nine kids?” Beccie said.
Steve Soetekouw moved to Sydney for work last year while wife Beccie had her hands full at home.
Steve purchased the yacht in Sydney with the intention of sailing it back to Tasmania, but stumbled across Eden where Beccie and the kids met him for what was intended to be a summer holiday.
“(Eden) was love at first sight,” Steve said.
“The kids have taken to fishing and swimming,” Beccie added.
“They’ve picked up so much boating lingo that they’re starting to teach me.”
Eden’s charm meant a summer stay evolved into an autumn sojourn.
“It’s just so beautiful here,” Steve said.
“The people are amazing. There’s too many to name.
“It’s become a home away from home.”
The children are home schooled with an array of languages being learnt individually, including Portuguese, Spanish and Dutch.
Chores are carried out after breakfast on a rotational basis, from kitchen duties and cleaning to laundry and sanitary demands.
Rainy days can be a challenge, but the kids have prioritised activities like colouring in over watching the “idiot box”.
Do not be fooled. Life at sea with 10 children is a challenge. But would the Soetekouw clan have it any other way?
“The sea is your backyard,” Steve said.
“We can’t imagine not being on the water now.
“We wouldn’t change our decision at all.”
As winter sets in the family is due to sail north in June, before one day taking their journey across the world.
“We had enough of the normal,” Steve said.
“Limitations are (in the mind). We’re going for our dream.”