Author: clarkbecca

a girl trynna to make sense outta things....
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More Than Money: Why Our Liveaboard Dream Still Matters

Two sailboats on wavy water, under a cloudless sky

These days, it's hard to ignore the news about the economy. When we hear about the stock market being unpredictable and the future of Social Security feeling uncertain, it can make anyone think twice about their long-term plans, especially big ones like our dream of retiring onto a sailboat. Living here in Iowa, Kent and I have been paying attention, knowing that our goal of trading our landlocked life for the freedom of the ocean has financial implications.

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Maritime Literature: Practical Wisdom from ‘Sailing a Serious Ocean’

Kent and I have been exploring maritime literature focused on sea disasters, finding value in John Kretschmer's book, "Sailing a Serious Ocean." You'd think listening to tales of tempestuous seas and near-catastrophic events would send us running for the nearest landlocked cabin. Instead, we feel a strange sense of calm! The author combines engaging storytelling with practical seamanship lessons. And we're motivated to learn because adventure without a solid grounding in safety is a risk we're not willing to take.

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Embarking on Season Three with SailTime Chicago

The mainsail hoisted high on the mast of a sailboat

Kent and I are excited to return for our third sailing season with SailTime Chicago aboard Red Sky, our Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349. We've enjoyed memorable moments, from hosting family during events like the Chicago Air and Water Show to crossing Lake Michigan. We're eager for more adventures and updates in 2025!

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Locking Through on the Mighty Mississippi

the enormous gates of a lock on the Mississippi River beginning to open

We hauled our little 14-foot fishing boat out to Davenport, Iowa, where we put in on the Mississippi River at the Veterans Memorial Park: Boat Ramp. From there, we navigated to the Locks & Dam 15, Rock Island, Illinois. Seeing the Mississippi River from the water, in our little fishing boat, gives you a whole different perspective. The scale of the river, the currents, the tugboats pushing barges laden with goods… it's really something to behold. And the locks and dams! Such incredible feats of engineering!

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Our Grand Traverse Bay Adventure

This blog is about sailing.

Just six months after completing sailing school, we took the plunge and chartered our first sailboat in beautiful Grand Traverse Bay, Michigan. This maiden voyage - our first time without an instructor - was a true test of our skills and a fantastic adventure filled with challenges and triumphs. It solidified our love for sailing and taught us valuable lessons about teamwork, living in the moment, and the magic of the Great Lakes.

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Evans’ North Atlantic Crossing

In June 2023, Jade and Brett Evans, of Expedition Evans, along with their crew (2 pups and a guest), chronicle their 18-day voyage across the North Atlantic Ocean. This incredible series provides a peek into their life at sea, posting daily videos of their passage from Bermuda to the Azores off the coast of Portugal.

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