Gen X foodies learning to sail
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!
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.
Welcome to 2025, my friends! This quote has been bouncing around in my head lately: "Naiveté is the mother of adventure." (Attributed to Rinker Buck, an American writer and adventurer. In his book Flight of Passage, he recounts his journey across America in a mule-drawn covered wagon. I have no idea where I heard it …
Continue reading "Curiosity is Fuel: A New Year’s Challenge"
I'm so excited to share some really fun news: Kent and I recently received our TWIC cards! A TWIC card, or Transportation Worker Identification Credential, is a required credential to work in the maritime industry. It's a significant milestone in our journey to becoming licensed captains and it's the first step in a long process …
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.
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.
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!
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!
This is part two in a three-part series where I describe our sailing school adventure in St. Petersburg, FL. See Sailing School Part I here. Tuesday: February 7 Morning Coffee Tuesday morning brought a pleasant surprise: The boat had a coffee percolator! It had been a long time since any of us had percolated coffee, …
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