Gen X foodies learning to sail
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?"
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 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.
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