**Ronnie O’Sullivan’s Unconventional Life: Snooker Legend Swaps Canal Boat After Just a Year**
Ronnie O’Sullivan, revered as one of snooker’s most accomplished figures, is as known for his eccentricities as he is for his trophy-laden career. In a twist unexpected from a sportsman of his stature, O’Sullivan once opted for canal life, revealing a side of himself away from the limelight that many fans had not seen before.
Throughout his decades-long career, ‘The Rocket’ has accumulated more prize money than any other snooker player, totalling nearly £15 million. O’Sullivan’s playing record is formidable, boasting the highest tally of Triple Crown wins and maximum 147 breaks. Yet, unlike many athletes who splash out on penthouses or yachts, O’Sullivan’s spending habits have sometimes veered toward the unconventional.
Back in 2018, the Essex-born champion purchased a narrow boat, the Morfe Lady Three, for a reported £130,000. Rather than seeking a mansion or a cheque-book lifestyle, O’Sullivan’s acquisition illustrated his desire for tranquillity amidst a fast-paced schedule. The 60-foot vessel was moored along the historic Regent’s Canal, offering a secluded escape in the heart of London. Details of the boat reveal a retreat that was far from basic—there was a snug lounge with a wood burner, plush sofa and chair, and the staple of any modern home, a television.
Conversations captured by Eurosport at the time featured O’Sullivan shrugging off the idea that the boat matched the grandeur associated with other leading sports stars. With characteristic humour, he remarked that while it was “no big yacht”, it was perfectly satisfactory for his needs. For O’Sullivan, it represented a slice of simplicity and respite from the pressures that accompany championship-level snooker.
The boat itself was by no means short of comforts. Alongside the homely living area, the interiors boasted an up-to-date kitchen equipped with an oven and a solid wood dining table. The main bedroom contained a double bed, and the en-suite bathroom offered a touch of luxury with stylish tiling, custom vanity units topped in granite, and a generously sized wash basin. It was, as many have noted, an oasis in the city.
When reflecting on his unconventional living arrangement, O’Sullivan revealed to broadcaster Matt Smith that his fondness for canal boats was not newfound. He reminisced about a period years prior when he lived on a boat in London, stating that the experience had left a lasting impression. While his initial purchase had to be abandoned for work-related reasons, the idea lingered until he eventually acquired Morfe Lady Three.
O’Sullivan explained his reasoning candidly, suggesting that the boat provided a welcome antidote to the monotony of hotel rooms during tournaments. He found solace in being able to nap, watch snooker, and host friends, all while avoiding the feeling of confinement. The water itself, he noted, had a calming effect.
However, despite his affection for canal living, O’Sullivan’s commitment to his professional duties soon won out. His packed schedule left little time for life afloat, and within just a year, the boat was back on the market for virtually the price he had paid. There has been no indication that he has since returned to this unique lifestyle.
Since parting with his canal retreat, O’Sullivan’s career has remained as eventful as ever. He added further world titles to his name, but the 2025 World Championship offered fresh challenges. Despite showing flashes of his best form, the 49-year-old fell short in the semi-finals to eventual winner Zhao Xintong. The campaign saw him battling issues of confidence and adapting to a new cue, having snapped his previous one in frustration earlier in the season.
Moreover, O’Sullivan’s year has been punctuated by high-profile withdrawals and the cancellation of exhibition matches—a reminder that even sporting legends are not exempt from the rigours and unpredictabilities of life on the circuit.
O’Sullivan’s brief foray into canal living may have come to an end, but it remains a testament to his distinctive personality. In a realm where fame so often breeds excess, his choice underscores a longing for balance and authenticity, on his own, often unpredictable, terms.