Gen X foodies learning to sail
Our plan looked tidy on paper. We picked a boat. We selected a destination. We sketched an itinerary. And, we imagined a Grenada trip like this would answer some big questions about how we are able to handle the cruising lifestyle. Well. The universe had other ideas. A week ago, the charter company called to …
Continue reading "An Unbelievable Course Correction: New Boat, New Crew"
It’s time for the next step in our journey, and we’re glad to have you along! After a successful BVI trip, and an amazing Lake Michigan season, we’re ready for our next challenge. We’re cruising the Grenadines in January! While we’ve loved having company on our trips, this one will be just for us: we’re …
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, …
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 …
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.
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.
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.
SAIL & SAVOR BLOG 