“Victory 21’s you are now in sequence” Chris and I short-tacked back and forth along the start line, attempting to hold the best position. Nervous energy ran through me faster than the Nalgene of water I drank that morning- Why do I always have to pee before a race? My heart...
The 8-Day Transformation of our Victory 21’ Sailboat My heart pounded as adrenaline rushed through my veins, the wind kissing my cheeks as we thread through the oncoming vessels fighting for our position. It was the 68th annual High Sierra Regatta, marking half a decade of...
Sometimes you watch the show, and sometimes you are the show. I can’t tell you how many times Chris and I have been sitting comfortably in an anchorage watching newcomers attempt to set their hook only to reset again, and again….
Flecks of dust danced in the sunlight that cascaded through our stateroom's portlight as I swiped an old sock, damp with Murphy’s Wood Oil, across every surface. Cleo cat jumped onto our bed and stretched before curling into a small ball, basking in the golden rays undoubtedly...
Living on a sailboat has been a wonderful experience that I wouldn’t trade for anything, however, there are times Chris and I often discuss the “luxuries” we miss from land life. I sincerely miss having a bathtub, but no matter how many examples I show Chris of soaking tubs...
Since Chris and I moved aboard Avocet three years ago, we noticed that our fresh produce was going bad more quickly than it should and that the fridge compressor was running nearly 24/7, putting unnecessary strain on our batteries. Having finished a majority of our larger...
5 Underrated Sailing Channels (In Our Humble Opinion) The constant motion of the rat race can be exhausting; wake up, go to work, come home, sleep, and repeat. Obviously, there are commercial-like disruptions to this otherwise monotonous pattern but what if you could change it...
“Deep breaths and eyes on the horizon,” I said to my aunt Alana who was slowly sinking into the cockpit seat, mummifying herself in the Mexican blanket she buried herself in. My uncle John was at the helm beside Chris, both adorned in heavy jackets bracing the crisp wind and...
The rumble of our trusty Perkins 4.108 purred under the cabin sole as we finished our pre-sailing checklist. It had been months since Chris and I left the breakwater, growing anxious with every second we got closer to casting off. It was our birthweek and we were ready to...
S/V Avocet’s Lithium Conversion Battleborn, Victron, Relion… These are only some of the most common drop-in lithium battery brands available today. While many boats are converting to lithium batteries, they are not always financially feasible for the cost conscious sailors such...
