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Scupper didn’t need much—and neither did I. However, on a small boat, everything needs it’s place! “The more you own, the more it owns you.” — Chuck Palahniuk As a child, living aboard a wooden boat in the islands, everything I owned had to fit into a single drawer. I mean everything—and if it didn’t, it didn’t come. No extras, no “just in case,” no second bag. As a child, it was always enough. I didn’t have the language for it back then, and I certainly wasn’t deciding wha

Summers aboard Pure Joy “Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes… including you.”       — Anne Lamott Ever wake up feeling like your brain started the day before you did?  That’s cortisol doing its morning thing. It’s the body’s natural “rise and shine” hormone. A little spike helps you get moving.     I know a lot about cortisol. It was either the job or my high-functioning brain that kept sleep away many nights over the years. Since leaving my j

Strength Is What Keeps Us Free Even the strongest among us face times that require a different kind of strength.       Right now, after having a hip replacement, I’m reminded that strength isn’t only about pushing forward. Sometimes it’s about stepping back, respecting timing, and allowing recovery instead of forcing momentum. I’m not someone who naturally gives up control. As most of you know, I’m used to organizing, steering, solving. It’s how I’ve built my l

Sailing the Saronic Gulf offers a relaxed, authentic way to experience Greece—working islands, generous food, and a rhythm shaped by daily life.

At the risk of sounding like the friend who won’t let a subject go, I’m going to talk about travel points one more time. Not because I’m trying to sell anyone on a system or turn travel into a competitive sport, but because I want you to have the same travel opportunities.  I know there’s curiosity.  Who wouldn’t want to travel for less or free? Even if you love economy, chances are you could be flying on points, with very little cash out of pocket, if you understood how the

A historic all-women sailing crew, captained by Joy Sherman, crossed from Key West to Cuba through gale-force winds and high seas.

“We rise by lifting others.”  — Robert Ingersoll As someone often planning trips, tackling boat projects, or simply juggling a full day, I’ll admit—I don’t always have time to reach out to every friend who crosses my mind. It doesn’t mean I’m not thinking of them. Like many of you, I get caught up in the day to day.      Recently, I was listening to a podcast where the host offered a simple reminder: reach out to someone.      Just one person.    The idea struck me—if ea

Fall reminds us to let go and make room for what’s next. In this reflection, Captain Joy explores the beauty of seasonal change, life transitions, sailing wisdom, and the power of moving with the flow — on land and at sea.

1963 Pearson Alberg on cover of Good Old Boat, July 2019