"I Refuse to Tie a Bowline” (Confessions from the Spinsheet Century Club 2024 Co-Leader)

"I Refuse to Tie a Bowline” (Confessions from the Spinsheet Century Club 2024 Co-Leader)

I have a secret: I spend my life on a boat, and I refuse to tie a bowline. Yes, I know it’s sacrilege to admit this in the sailing world, but after my ex-husband made me tie one as part of our wedding vows (seriously), only to leave me via email years later (and then never talk to me again), I decided I was done with that knot forever. Many other knots work. Frank Sinatra’s My Way might as well be my anthem, because I’ve been racing, cruising, and now living aboard on my own terms.

Living on the water wasn’t a spontaneous leap, but it wasn’t meticulously planned either. For years, I raced and cruised out of Annapolis and elsewhere in the world (Europe, Canada and other parts of the US), blending the thrill of competition with laid-back cruising with friends using the Chesapeake Boat Club boats. In 2015, I joined the Spinsheet Century Club, pushing myself to spend 100 days on the water. Fast forward to 2024, and here I am—a full-time liveaboard with my boyfriend (an electrical engineer and software developer) and our golden retriever, Hope, who provides as much emotional ballast as she does adorable antics.

Cole Brauer: Breaking the “Rules”

My inspiration to fully embrace this lifestyle comes in part from sailors like Cole Brauer, who proved that you don’t need to follow the so-called “rules” of sailing to live your dream. Her unapologetic approach—whether it's how she handles her boat or her life—resonates deeply with me. Sailing is about freedom, not rigid expectations, and too many people wait for the “perfect time” to start. Spoiler: there’s never a perfect time. Leap before you’re ready. My watermaker’s broken as I write this, but guess what? I’m still out here, living my best life.

From the USVI to Trinidad: A Year of Adventure

This year began in the U.S. Virgin Islands, toasting New Year’s in St. John’s Coral Bay. Between St. John, St. Thomas, and St. Croix, the Caribbean became a playground of discovery. Dinghy rides to visit my doctor—who lives on his boat—became a quirky yet practical way to handle appointments. Culebrita off Culebra was a slice of untouched paradise, and I couldn’t believe how empty it was.

The summer saw us island-hopping to St. Martin, St. Barths (beautiful but pricey), Dominica, and the stunning Pitons of St. Lucia. Tobago Cays in St. Vincent and the Grenadines stole my heart, with its crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life. Not every stop was magical—Grenada was a low point thanks to a bout of dysentery—but Trinidad redeemed itself with its vibrant culture and hidden gem islands.

Joy, Hope, and Starlink

Through it all, I’ve been working remotely, using Starlink to stay connected with companies and clients around the world. It’s a juggling act but so very worth it and frankly I am doing better than ever professionally (I help companies all over the world raise equity and grow), but it’s worth it. Sailing has taught me that life’s joy isn’t in perfection (although my boat is named Purrfection); it’s in the moments you seize—messy, unpredictable, and beautiful.

Hope, my golden retriever, embodies that spirit. Whether she’s lounging in the cockpit or chasing fish off the dinghy, she reminds me daily to find joy in the little things.

Sailing Is Hope

My journey this year is about hope—hope for new horizons, second chances, and the courage to do things your way. If I’ve learned anything, it’s that life is too short to wait for perfect conditions. Get out there, make your own rules, and tie whatever knot you want—or none at all.

So here’s to another year of breaking rules, finding joy, and leaping before you’re ready. See you on the water.