Tag: #SailingAdventures

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A Sister, a Regatta, and the Sea 

Kent and Becca sitting behind the wheels of a double-helm sailboat.

We planned for a quiet overnight on the boat — just us, the marina, and an early start the next morning. What we got instead was a noisy festival, a last-minute hotel room, a flamenco dancer, and one of the best sails of the season. My sister joined us for her first-ever monohull sail , and I was at the helm to bring us back in — this time with spectators watching from our neighboring slip! (No pressure, right?) Spoiler: I nailed it. But not without a few nerves.

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Second Time’s the Charm: A Smooth Sail and My Redemption at the Helm

the sunlight glimmering on the water in Lake Michigan, buildings on the horizon.

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.

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Maritime Literature: Practical Wisdom from ‘Sailing a Serious Ocean’

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.

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Embarking on Season Three with SailTime Chicago

The mainsail hoisted high on the mast of a sailboat

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!

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Our Grand Traverse Bay Adventure

This blog is about sailing.

Just six months after completing sailing school, we took the plunge and chartered our first sailboat in beautiful Grand Traverse Bay, Michigan. This maiden voyage - our first time without an instructor - was a true test of our skills and a fantastic adventure filled with challenges and triumphs. It solidified our love for sailing and taught us valuable lessons about teamwork, living in the moment, and the magic of the Great Lakes.

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Sailing the BVI: The Calm and the Chaos

A rocky shoreline and blue skies

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.

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A Debrief on Our BVI Adventure

A dramatic sunset as seen from the deck of a catamaran

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.

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Sailing, Snorkeling & Sunsets: Our Unforgettable BVI Adventure

A beautiful golden sunset with a catamaran in the foreground

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!

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Navigating the BVI: A Mathematical Approach to Sailing

an AI rendering of a sailing catamaran, on aqua blue waters, and islands in the background

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!

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