Gen X foodies learning to sail
After a rough first landing on our season opener, I was more than ready for a second shot. This time, everything clicked — calm winds, smooth sailing, and determination at the helm. I learned that docking isn’t about power; it’s about patience, timing, and a few well-placed nudges. And just like that, I found my redemption… and a rhythm I can’t wait to keep building on.
Every once in a while, I come across a sailing story that stops me in my scroll. This is one of those. I’ve been following Oliver Widger (@sailing_with_phoenix) on Instagram and YouTube — and wow, his journey is something else. Earlier this year, Oliver left his job, cashed out his 401(k), and set sail solo …
We kicked off our 2025 sailing season with crisp weather, new sails, and a few rusty edges. From the thrill of unzipping a surprise sail upgrade to the humbling moment of botching our return to the slip, this outing had a little bit of everything. First sails are never perfect, but they’re always unforgettable.
Having viewed endless hours of YouTube videos on sailing monohulls and catamarans, we have often wondered how monohulls compare to catamarans. Now that we have spent time on both, we can answer that question for ourselves! Through our experiences, and a fair bit of research, we've come to appreciate the unique characteristics of each. There's …
Continue reading "Monohulls vs Catamarans: Which is Right for You?"
It happens occasionally that we turn to the “Savor” aspect of this blog. Today is one of those days. We took a trip to the Big Easy and it was a feast for the senses! And well, we did a lot of "savoring." New Orleans offered unforgettable experiences: The bold flavors of Cajun cuisine, getting …
Continue reading "An Anniversary Odyssey: Our Trip to New Orleans"
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.
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.
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!
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!
I recently visited Savannah, Georgia, and as part of the trip, we took a boat tour of the Port of Savannah. Wow, was I surprised! Industrial ports aren't usually at the top of my must-see list. And while I've certainly seen ports – driving through Gary, Indiana (even glimpsing their workings from offshore), and the …
Continue reading "Port of Savannah Tour: An Unexpected Adventure"
SAIL & SAVOR BLOG 