Gen X foodies learning to sail
Retirement is still a long way off but it’s been creeping into more of our conversations lately. We both want our Captain's license in hand by the time we cast off for longer voyages, and I’ve started to realize that navigation—specifically, the chart-and-compass kind—has me spooked. The math, the precision, the possibility of being “off …
It’s true that docking is just one skill among many in sailing, but it’s practically its own discipline. Sail trim, points of sail, tacking — those are glamorous parts of sailing. But docking is different. It’s gritty and humbling. Docking is where nerves meet nuance. And after my gawd-awful dock-job a couple of weeks ago, …
The forecast for Chicago on Thursday: There would be a small craft advisory in the morning, west winds up to 30 knots - easing later to 20–25 - with 5–7 ft waves. On paper, not ideal conditions for a day-sail. Still, forecasts promised improvement, and we weren’t in a rush. We pushed our departure to …
Some sailing days are packed with purpose and progress, and a lot of play. That was the vibe for us on Lake Michigan this weekend. Smooth Start, Sunny Skies The day started strong. We’d slept well, had a good breakfast, and arrived at Burnham Harbor by 11:30 AM. Despite a tiny case of stage fright …
We Plan to Float, and Float the Plan. I have to admit, for me, "floating" implies the least active of all water activities. It’s kind of the bare minimum, especially if you’re on a boat. Floating is job one for a boat, and it is a pass/fail exercise. But for purposes of this discussion, a …
Continue reading "Setting Sail Safely: A Float Plan is Non-Negotiable"
Winds up to 22 knots, a reef that wasn’t there, and the quiet thrill of doing something you once thought was too much — our second crossing of Lake Michigan was equal parts challenge and growth. This is the story of how our comfort zone expanded, one gust at a time.
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?"
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.
Sailing is a wonderful activity, offering peace and tranquility, a serene escape from the day-to-day. But don't be fooled by the peaceful exterior. Beneath the surface lies a world of adrenaline-fueled activity. The high stress and high stakes of docking can make you numb to the rigors of sailing, until it wears off.
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.
SAIL & SAVOR BLOG 