One unforgettable week, one unforgettable crew. During my Level 3 Clipper Race training, a boat full of strangers became the most fun and cohesive team I’ve ever sailed with. Between kite hoists, MOB drills, karaoke in Cowes, and spontaneous knot lessons, we found rhythm, laughter, and the kind of connection I hope to find on every leg of the race.

Out on the water the other day, when the song started, the tears came hard. He would’ve loved sailing. It hit me - he actually kind of did, in his own way.”

In this deeply personal reflection, I share the complicated grief of losing my father, the final song that connected us, and how I’ve found pieces of him - and peace - out at sea.

Crew Allocation Day marks the moment the Clipper Race stops being theoretical and starts feeling real. In a single afternoon, strangers become crewmates, and the dream of sailing around the world gains names, faces, and stories. In this post, I share first impressions, early connections, and what it felt like to meet the crew I’ll cross oceans with.

The quiet between updates was hard. My teammates – all of whom I'd only just met that week – were unbelievably supportive. They asked for updates, cheered for Salty, and checked in on how I was doing. It was a great reminder that supporters need supporters too. I was learning what it feels like to be the one watching from the other side.

What started as a few easy questions turned into a deep dive: into who I am, how I show up for others, and how I want to tell my story. Applying for the Clipper Race wasn’t just logistics - it was the beginning of stepping fully into the life I want.

I’ve officially signed up to sail around the world as part of the 2025–26 Clipper Race - one of the only global sailing challenges open to amateur sailors. It’s equal parts surreal and exhilarating. This is more than just a bucket list item; it’s a deep dive into uncertainty, growth, and the kind of challenge I’ve been craving. Welcome to Clipper Chronicles - where I’ll share the highs, lows, prep, and whatever salty chaos unfolds along the way.

I used to think perfection was the key to success. But living on a boat - and prepping for an ocean race - has shown me that progress, not perfection, is what really matters. Sometimes, 'good enough' is more than enough, and I’m finally learning to embrace the chaos that comes with it.

We quickly learned a two-bedroom apartment doesn’t translate to a two-stateroom sailboat. Downsizing for life on the water wasn’t just about space - it was an emotional reset. Here's how we made it work and the tips we’d share with anyone facing a major downsize.

Boat shopping is a journey - sometimes exhilarating, sometimes exhausting, and occasionally downright stinky. After a long journey, we knew she was home when we stepped aboard.

Leaving one life for another doesn’t happen in a single moment—it happens in the miles between. From stargazing in the Sierras to kite surf crashes, each stop pulled us closer to what lay ahead. And then, finally, there she was—the Salty Saguaro, waiting in the water with promises of adventures.

At first, dreaming was an escape—fuel for the long hours spent fixing, adjusting, and learning. But soon, dreams turned from motivation to mockery. Every project delay, every unexpected repair, every uncooperative weather window felt like another step away from why we bought the boat in the first place. Our dreams felt like they were slipping away.

I had climbed the corporate ladder quickly and was praised for it. I was climbing multi pitches on Yosemite granite with overnight big walls in sight. I was the closest I had ever been with my mother and had overall solid relationships with friends and family. I stayed active and worked out with a trainer multiple times a week. I got my labs done and took supplements accordingly. AND at the end of the day, I was burned out, as so many unfortunate souls are.

We put all the pressure on ourselves to produce perfection. And quick(!) as to not slow the purchase process down. We desired a sense of connection to the name…desert, but make it nautical

…I want to set the stage with a different kind of introduction; by sharing my intentions for this blog…