Some of my history, and initial inspirations.

Less than a year from now Henry and I will be setting sail! There is still much to be done, but everything is starting to come together. Henry and I have been on many exploits in our lives, but nothing to this extent. However, we have learned from past experiences that no matter the endeavor, with enough preparation and drive, it can be done.

I First met Henry at Breck school in Minnesota, and we have been good friends ever since. We have a lot in common from our types of humor to our drive for adventure. It is hard to imagine what it will be like living on a sailboat for a four month period, but getting along with the people you are with is a key component. As Henry and I have previously said, our lives have been filled with adventure and we don’t plan on slowing down anytime soon.

I have had a love for the outdoors as long as I can remember: hiking through the woods behind my house, watching Steve Irwin, and climbing trees. Honestly, not much has changed. When I was old enough my parents brought me to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, in northern Minnesota, for the first time. Since then I have been back countless times, from relaxing canoe trips, to -20* winter backpacking expeditions. As I got older, my drive to explore and experience more has only grown, and with college applications around the corner, choices had to be made. I finally made my decision, Eckerd College in St. Petersburg FL, and it is the water that really caught my attention.

Growing up in Minnesota I had always been landlocked, yes there was plenty of time spent on the Minnesota lakes fishing and swimming, but the ocean is another world entirely with too many unknown experiences to pass up on. This decision, plus the following years attending Eckerd, really solidified this new love. The idea of living on a boat was becoming more and more appealing.

After a late summer’s afternoon of talking with Henry about what we are wanting to do with our lives after we graduate, the idea of a sailing adventure started to take place. As time has passed this idea has been coming ever closer to a reality. Both Henry and I are Environmental Studies majors, and the idea of dedicating our time sailing to environmental protection soon became a priority.

This sailing trip is not just a boat ride, it is an opportunity for both Henry and I to shape our lives and futures into something we love and believe in. This is why I am confident that what started out as a simple conversation, will turn into a life changing experience.