Becoming a Sailor

Becoming a Sailor

More Than a Decade Afloat • Raising Sailors • Stories from SV Aphrodite

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Category: Why sail?

Why Sail explores what led us to leave our house behind, sell most of our belongings, and set out to cross oceans with our four children. These posts are reflective and philosophical, offering insight — and perhaps encouragement — to those drawn to this way of life.

Our move from house to sailboat began with a roadtrip. Here is a photo of our kids running along the beach of Lake Superior with a banner of our tent and van with the text The Road Trip that Changed Everything, referring to the 60 day camping trip we took the summer before we bought our St. Francis 50 catamaran, SV Aphrodite.
January 1, 2024July 22, 2026Lorraine Escher

From House to Sailboat: How a Family Road Trip Changed Us

September 3, 2016August 13, 2026Lorraine Escher

Sailing Life Culture Shock: Questioning the Dream

July 22, 2015July 3, 2026Lorraine Escher

Liveaboard cruisers: those damn hippies

Paul at the top of the mast in Auckland, New Zealand, with the Auckland Harbour Bridge behind.
April 5, 2015July 3, 2026Lorraine Escher

A Boy Who Travels – Severe Food Allergies Limit Options But Not Opportunities

Boating in the 1970s
March 10, 2015August 15, 2026Lorraine Escher

Boating in the 1970s: Navigation Was Simpler

Front cover of Canadian Circumnavigator Diane Steumer's Book, The Voyage of Northern Magic.
February 16, 2015August 1, 2026Lorraine Escher

Diane Stuemer: Sailed 6 Times, Then Went Around the World

Sailing self-doubt
January 10, 2015August 15, 2026Lorraine Escher

Sailing Self-Doubt: When Doubt Becomes an Irresistible Hook

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On This Day

  • 11 years ago todayCracking open our life raft (with video)

Worth Reading

Managing Food Allergies at Sea
Checklist for the Big Move

From the Archives

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  • Early Years of Cruising
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