Sailing Dreams: A Proof of Concept

After work on a Thursday in mid-May, we hurried to Burnham Harbor where sailing vessel Red Sky awaited us. It was late when we arrived; we spent the night aboard.

Early the next morning, we grabbed coffee and breakfast at Yolk, as we often do, then went back to the marina to prepare to set sail. 

Leg 1

It is our pattern for me (Becca) to take us out of the marina and for Kent to bring us back in. While my favorite part is working the sails out on the water, it’s important for me to have a good feel for the boat, to be able to maneuver it under power, to use the bow thrusters, just in case it is ever necessary. Our departure was smooth, uneventful.

Our float plan took us south of the harbor so that we could catch a glimpse of the future Barack Obama Presidential Center! We discovered the construction site on a previous trip as we drove south through Jackson Park. We didn’t realize what it was until we caught sight of the signage. The building is enormous, imposing, and crazy beautiful, and we will be very excited to visit it when it’s done (expected to open in 2026)!

After spotting the site from the water, we tacked to our port side (left and east) and headed out to (inland) sea for a few nautical miles, then tacked again to complete a triangle. Back in the marina by the early afternoon, Kent docked the boat with practiced ease, while I scurried about managing the lines.

There are days when we’re up for a challenge, to level up our skills, but this was not one. Instead, we took the opportunity to affirm our new abilities. We visualized our future selves as confident, competent sailors. We didn’t need grand challenges that day, we needed this—a beautiful, successful day’s sail under our belts.

Leg 2

That afternoon, we drove over to St. Joseph, Michigan to spend time with Kent’s mom. En route, we stumbled upon a gem—Bartlett’s Fish Camp in Michigan City! We celebrated the day with amazing cocktails (a Painkiller and a Gin, Ginger, Lime, & Thyme), the food delighted, and I even snagged a souvenir tee!

I tried my hand at recreating the Gin, Ginger, Lime, & Thyme. Here is my recipe:

Leg 3

After a fun-filled Saturday in St. Joe, we headed back to Burnham Harbor! But Sunday brought a special twist: Our son and daughter-in-law, and our grandbaby joined us at the marina! The five of us spent the day on Lake Michigan, enjoying the sunshine, a cool breeze, and the wonder of it all. We stayed safe, with only a hint of seasickness.

Our previous day sail had prepared us for this special outing. We envisioned it, we readied our ourselves, and now we’re manifesting this dream. As the sun hung low in the sky, we felt like this was more than a day sail, it was a promise fulfilled.

Days like these fuel our sailing dreams—the joy of sharing the water with our loved ones. This was a proof of concept, that we could safely and enjoyably host guests, and we are thrilled. 😊

Hosting guests on a sailboat? That’s a tale for another post.