Gen X foodies learning to sail
Our first-ever sail in the British Virgin Islands exceeded our expectations. Sharing the stunning natural beauty with my sister and niece, the thrill of navigating the open waters, and the unexpected encounters with fellow travelers made for unforgettable memories.
Our journey began in Tortola with crippling high heat and humidity, but that didn't stop us from having the adventure of our lives, sailing in the British Virgin Islands for a week aboard a catamaran. Highlights included snorkeling, breathtaking sunsets, and exploring iconic spots like The Baths and the Soggy Dollar Bar in White Bay. Embracing the unpredictability that sailing brings, the experience was filled with growth and camaraderie!
Kent shares his whole 'nother level of preparation for our trip to the British Virgin Islands, focusing on routing and navigation. (He really enjoys complex navigation.) Reflecting on catamaran tacking angles compared to monohulls, Kent grapples with mathematical models to calculate distances traveled. Ultimately, with help from a colleague and a trigonometry guide, he finds a solution!
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.
SAIL & SAVOR BLOG 