Gen X foodies learning to sail
Kent details the planning of our weeklong sailing trip to the British Virgin Islands, where we have chartered a Fountaine Pajot 40 Lucia catamaran named Vahevala. Arriving in Tortola, we will prioritize safety, comfort, and fun while deciding on our sailing route. We'd love to visit Anegada, but will have to take into consideration the wind conditions and our guests' comfort level. A flexible itinerary is necessary for optimal experiences.
The British Virgin Islands (BVI) have long been a dream destination for sailing enthusiasts, offering stunning landscapes and excellent conditions for island-hopping. This fall, we plan our first trip to the BVI, aiming to familiarize ourselves with catamaran sailing. Traveling in early October presents a balance between light crowds and hurricane season risks.
I am notoriously directionally challenged. I have a constant fear of getting lost or disoriented but I've learned to accept this as a part of who I am. Sailing brings me less anxiety as it requires adaptability and offers freedom from the confines of roads.
Being on Lake Michigan, witnessing the Chicago Air and Water Show with family, made this an unforgettable day! With waves reaching 7 feet and northwest winds of 25 knots, we didn’t do a lot of sailing, but nevertheless, the experience was exhilarating. The highlight was the Blue Angels, and the unique perspective from the water made it really extraordinary!
Kent and I attended the high-speed SailGP regatta in Chicago in 2023, featuring F50 catamarans racing at nearly 40 mph. The event showcased world-class sailors competing for 2 days in close-to-shore races. Looking ahead, the 37th America’s Cup in Barcelona, Spain promises intense competition among top teams for the prestigious trophy.
The journey across Lake Michigan, from Chicago to New Buffalo and back, was a beautiful and eventful adventure. But a whole lot happened! The trip involved sailing, motoring, a famous freighter ship, and unexpectedly running aground with family on board! However, through the kindness of strangers and maritime miracles, we overcame the challenges. The joy of reaching the finish line after the long passage was totally worth it!
Kent shares his meticulous planning for our first Lake Michigan crossing. Despite detailed map plotting and weather monitoring, unexpected calm winds disrupted our journey! Forced to adapt, we resorted to using the "iron sail" on the first leg of or trip. This experience serves as a humbling reminder of nature's unpredictability and the need to remain adaptable while sailing.
In this post, we share our philosophy on preparing to host a day of sailing with guests. We discuss the importance of weather considerations, the use of checklists for supplies and tasks, and our choice of food and hydration. We delve into setting clear expectations for our guests, prioritizing their safety and comfort, and addressing seasickness. We also touch on our sail plan and the anticipation of sharing this unique experience. Safety and comfort are our primary concerns.
In this delightful sailing adventure, we set sail on Lake Michigan, and our successful day’s sail affirmed our confidence. Fog, gentle winds, and a vision of our future selves unfolded. We stumbled on a gem in Michigan City, sipped cocktails (which I've tried to recreate: the “Gin Ginger Lime & Thyme.”) But the heart of it all? Sharing the water with our loved ones—a true “proof of concept” for our sailing dreams.
I'm going to drop this little gem right here: A YouTube channel we find particularly enjoyable is The Art of Boat Building with Bob Emser. This was a pandemic channel for us, and a sweet one it was. We watch it to this day because it’s beautiful, interesting, and engaging. The creator and star of …
SAIL & SAVOR BLOG 