Gen X foodies learning to sail
Once onboard the Spindrift, a massive 50-foot catamaran that felt like driving a luxury SUV, rituals emerged to soften the inevitable friction of life in tight quarters. These weren’t enforced chores or rigid schedules. Instead, our crew naturally synchronized into a rhythm of coordination, achieving what Kent described as perfect geometric stability.
This trip was born from a sudden change in plans three weeks before departure: our original 41-foot monohull was replaced by a massive Moorings 5000 catamaran. A whirlwind scramble to find crew commenced, and within a week, against the odds, we assembled a five-person team ready to embrace the unknown. What follows is Part 2 …
Continue reading "A Grenada Sailing Adventure – Part 2: Island Rhythms & Safety Drills"
This trip was born from a sudden change in plans three weeks before departure: our original 41-foot monohull was replaced by a massive Moorings 5000 catamaran. A whirlwind scramble to find crew commenced. Within a week, against the odds, we assembled a five-person team ready to embrace the unknown. My sister Maria and her friends, …
Continue reading "A Grenada Sailing Adventure – Part 1: Finding Our Sea Legs"
Our journey toward becoming sailors started five years ago, fueled by a dream to retire onto a sailboat. But nothing could have prepared me for the sheer wonder of our Grenada expedition. The trip was born from a whirlwind two-week scramble after a sudden change in plans: our original 41-foot monohull was replaced by a …
Continue reading "Spindrifters: A Grenada Sailing Adventure"
Reflections from a Michigan transplant and a novice sailor. As a kid, the story of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald was lore, a tragic marker of November 10, 1975, and a solemn reminder of Lake Superior’s unforgiving power. But now, as a sailing-obsessed adult, that legend carries a different weight. When my family moved to Michigan …
Continue reading "50 Years Later, the Edmund Fitzgerald Still Haunts"
Casting Off I feel so good about this sailing season, really proud. We’ve learned so much, grown more confident, and weathered the things that Lake Michigan threw at us, from choppy waves to the occasional small craft advisory. After a season so rewarding, I really wanted calm water and good weather for our final outing, …
We learned the hard way that sailing without snacks is a mistake. After one too many hangry hours on the water, we’ve figured out a few easy, no-fuss meals that travel well and keep us feeling good. These three lunch ideas have become our go-to’s for calm, delicious, floating picnics — no fridge (or galley) required.
Our summers used to mean road trips, trout streams, and backyard weekends. Now, every other weekend, we grab our go-basket, hop in the car, and head for Lake Michigan. Sailing has brought a new rhythm to our lives — one that’s part adventure, part ritual, and totally worth the laundry piling up.
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 …
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.
SAIL & SAVOR BLOG 