I grew up in an untraditional way. I began travelling the country with my parents at about 5 years old, while living in a 30 foot RV. By the time I was 14 we had seen nearly every state in the US but had never left its borders. Being 15 and living in such a tight space, you can imagine I was ready to get out on my own. Being homeschooled, this was actually a realistic goal. I saved up money working as a dishwasher at Chili’s and set off. My parents supported my decision but told me I was on my own financially. For five years I travelled the country trying to figure out who I was and what I wanted in life. Growing up the way I did, there was a need for constant change instilled in me, making it difficult to be content in one place for very long. After a while all of the tall buildings, bright lights, bars and restaurants just didn’t do it for me anymore. I moved all over and worked countless different jobs. No matter how much I liked a place at first, it was only a matter of time before I wanted something new. At 21, I moved to Portland and, you guessed it, eventually became bored again.  I decided it was time to change more than my location, so I sold my car, ended my apartment lease and moved aboard an old Columbia 26.

After some life altering health scares, I learned firsthand that life is a blessing, not a guarantee. To spend my years working with no end in sight until I could retire (if I was lucky enough to make it that long) seemed like a complete waste. I knew nothing about sailing and started to devote all of my time to learning everything I could with intentions of circumnavigating the world. Although the Columbia 26 wasn’t the right boat and I was far from ready, this shift started a new chapter.It brought me down the path that led to meeting Indigo, 3 more boats and a lifestyle that has proved to be anything but boring. To hear more about how we got to the present, the countless lessons learned along the way and the work and adventures to come, stay on the lookout for Fair Winds Ahead!