Cruising comes naturally to this young couple.
The nomadic cruising lifestyle came naturally to Bret and Marisa, who met while living in their vans. Their road took a turn when the young couple became intrigued by sailing while working on the brightwork of a large sailboat in the Pacific Northwest. Eventually the two made their way to Colorado and learned to sail aboard an Erickson 27 on Lake Dillon. In 2023 they traded van life for full-time cruising life and in the fall of 2024, while in Annapolis, the couple shared some of their adventures with SpinSheet.
The leap to boat ownership
Bret: After boat shopping for six months, in November of 2023 we found Shelly, a 1978 Valiant 32. We knew that we didn’t want a fixer-upper, even if it meant getting a slightly smaller boat, and Shelly had a newer engine. The only big project that I did was to put in new electric.
Marisa: When I purchased my van, I spent a lot of time fixing it up. With sailing, we just wanted to get our journey started. At first, we took day sails to get comfortable with the boat and gain confidence, but by mid-June, we had started up the ICW. The goal was New England. I had dreams of going to Maine and maybe even Newfoundland.
Hello, Chesapeake!
Bret: As we approached Norfolk, we debated whether to come up the Bay or go outside in the Atlantic. We needed to refill our cruising kitty, so we asked more experienced cruisers about finding local work. It seemed everyone that we met knew about the Annapolis Boat Shows, and many were headed there. We applied for temporary jobs and have been working for the shows since mid-August.
Marisa: After the shows, we will head south with the other cruisers. We are planning to try the Bahamas because we hear it’s wonderful, and that’s where many cruisers are headed. Next spring, as the cruising community moves north, we will try again to make it to New England.
Bret: The sailors we’ve met have been extremely generous. In Annapolis we’ve been lent a slip and a car. While anchored on Back Creek we met SpinSheet staffer Eric Richardson, who took us aboard his boat Blinding Fury as crew for the Hospice Cup.
What are the similarities and differences between van life and cruising life?
Marisa: Both are communities of nomads. As cruisers move south in the winter and north in the summer, so does van life move with the weather, and you see the same people in different locations. With both, you live in a small place, your home travels with you, and solar power is a great option.
Bret: A big difference I see is that boats and boaters seem more accepted by the rest of society. If you show up on a sailboat, you’re probably rich. If you show up in a van, you might be homeless. Another big difference is that in a van you have to worry about where you’ll park and sleep at night; there are laws about where you can leave a vehicle. With a boat you can just drop the anchor. That’s really freeing.
Advice to someone who wants to learn to sail.
Bret: Go simple and just start learning. Be flexible and open to opportunities no matter where you go. Be willing to change your plans. Immerse yourself in the sailing community. We have learned so much watching YouTube and reading sailing forums on websites, especially ones specific to Valiant sailboats.
Marisa: Show up to a yacht club or marina for weeknight racing. There are usually boats looking for crew. That might seem intimidating, but after one race, you’ll see that sailors are passionate about sharing sailing, especially with young people, and experienced sailors are excited to teach new sailors.
There have been times when I’ve been scared, but there have also been beautiful sunsets, rainbows, dolphins, and amazing new friends. We love cruising and the friends we have made.
Find more of Bret and Marisa's adventures on their YouTube channel @Bretandmarisa.
