“You’re so lucky. Do you think I could get off cruising like you did?”  I’m sure Teresa is asked this question. After more than four decades of voyaging then writing several books about our experiences I know it’s been put to us literally thousands of times. So as a guest blogger on this site, I decided to write out the answer we give to potential voyagers. Our experience has shown us that almost anyone can go cruising—that is, anyone who really wants to do it and does four things: 1. Decide that you are going, that nothing will stop you, and that, from this moment on, all your time and effort will be directed toward...

Last week I was in Florida visiting a friend on her boat. The waterway was full of boats and beautiful houses. A lot to see and notice. But I was focused on the company I was with and wasn’t paying attention until she said, “My friend Anne lives on the boat next door. She sails it all by herself.” My ears perked up. Another solo sailor? And to top that, another female solo sailor! I always pay attention to the sailors around me while I’m cruising. Most often they are couples. Occasionally there is a family or a solo male sailor. Now I can say I’ve met another solo female sailor. Ben and I met...

“Reward lives in the house of risk,” he said from the makeshift stage that was erected near the city dock, the town center. It was the first time he stepped on land in almost a year. His hair was long, his feet bare, and his smile big. Matt Rutherford was there to talk about his journey around North and South America in a small sailboat, non-stop, and alone. I watched his expression and wondered if he was experiencing the culture shock that I sometimes experienced after having sailed solo for a while. His would be ten-fold. Three-hundred-and-some days is a long time to be at sea. I call it re-entry-itis. Its the unnatural colors, loud...

Last week Ben and I welcomed two friends aboard Elizabeth for an afternoon sail. It was the first sail of this season, and we were excited to dust off the cobwebs. We headed out into the bay, hoisted the sails, and set a course for the opposite shore. The chilly air was reminiscent of a summer day in Newfoundland, and the sea spray that struck our faces tasted of salt and smelled of new beginnings. We toured around the bay, tacking and gybing, sailing full and by, and then bearing away, we made a run back toward home. Upon entering the channel, Benji on the bow shouted back to our guest at the helm. “Have...

Last month I wrote an article that was published in Cruising World. Even if the newsstand copies were sold out, you can still read my article. Just click here to read The Gifts of Sailing Solo.       It’s the moments when I worked hard to take care of Daphne, when all the elements of the ocean were testing me, and when all the strength of my body was gone that I found resources in myself that would’ve remained undiscovered and still buried today had I not sailed solo.            

I’ve always been focused on living a healthy lifestyle. After-all, a healthy body directly enhances the quality of life and level of happiness. But with all those warnings and labels, its hard to know what products are safe for my body and home. Merry O’Brien is an expert in non-toxic lifestyle products. She and I went to Whole Foods where she taught me all about the beauty and household products that are safe, and what ingredients to avoid. Merry and I wandered the store looking at everything from toilet cleaners to lightbulbs and bath salts to makeup. In this video we focus on shopping for shampoo. If you like this blog, please join the community...

A few weeks ago I spoke with Lars from viaDe Travel. ViaDe Travel is a new social community for people who love to travel. People can share their story there, and learn from other travelers. The site also connects people with tourism boards and travel industry professionals to help people plan their next adventure. Lars and I spoke for a while about why I like to travel, what I was seeking when I first purchased my sailboat, and what adventures I have planned for the future. He made an excellent video and posted it on their site. Click here to watch the vid!  

Last spring Ben and I were in the WUSB (SUNY Stony Brook) radio station to discuss our upcoming summer sailing and filmmaking plans. Then, in October Habanero invited us back for a follow up interview on her show “Whatever Floats Your Boat” radio show. We talked about our film project, One Simple Question, and the trials, hardships, successes,  and triumphs of our northward journey to see an iceberg this past the summer. It was a great follow up, and a pleasure to be on Habanero’s show again. Click below to listen to the October 21, 2011 radio broadcast. Click here to hear the broadcast from last May.