The Perfect Sailing Partner

One of the things I enjoy most about sailing is the social aspect. I like getting to hang out with folks while on the hook, chatting with them while underway, and the teamwork involved as part of a crew. I have been blessed with an assortment of people who are an absolute pleasure to sail with, but one in particular stands out in my mind.

I met Sara in 2012, shortly after I first started sailing with my friend Ryan. One of our first "weekend away" trips was sailing with Ryan and a few others on a Sabre 28 across the Chesapeake Bay from Deale, MD to St. Michaels, MD. It was  thoroughly enjoyable three-day weekend; both voyages had good wind and lots of sun, our suite at St. Michaels Marina was wonderful, the food we had around the harbor was delicious, and walking around the town to shop and explore was relaxing. We all had a fabulous time, and after this trip I knew that, despite our short time together, Sara & I were really going places.

We're coming up on three years as a couple, are now happily married, and have had several additional sailing adventures together: seeing the sights on the Potomac near DC, additional trips cruising on the Chesapeake, and a week with Ryan & Co. on a charter cat in the BVI. She's been a real trooper through it all, serving alternatively (and sometimes simultaneously) as ship's doctor (she's a registered nurse), ship's cook (she's amazing in the kitchen), and deckhand (she's slowly learning line handling and sail trim) in addition to being just a passenger. Most importantly though, she's been my motivation. Not only does she like the fact that I spend a lot of time sailing, often times without her, she actively encourages it. Without that encouragement, I likely wouldn't have taken the steps to complete my RYA Day Skipper, nor would I have gotten so much experience racing. I also certainly wouldn't have started this 'blog.

Heading home after our weekend in St Michaels

In a very real way, everything that you read here is a result of her loving encouragement of my dream to sail.

I've always felt that the perfect partner is the one who helps you figure out what you want, offers help and encouragement when necessary, and stays out of your way when you don't. Sara is all of those things and more to me, both in life and in sailing, which is why I feel I have found the perfect sailing partner.

Love you baby.


(Yes, I am a sappy sap, and this post is more about my lovely wife than actual sailing. It will happen, but hopefully not too often..)