As a little girl, I dutifully tagged along with my parents most weekends aboard their Chrysler 26 on Lake Macatawa and Lake Michigan, managing to learn nothing at all about sailing except that it expanded both parents’ vocabularies in surprising directions – especially during docking. In 2019, I accepted an invitation to sail with friends on their Morgan 384 on Lake Michigan, and my interest was piqued. In late 2021, I took ASA 101 through SailTime Chicago, followed the next year by ASA 103 and 104. I sailed a Beneteau Oceanis 35.1 through SailTime’s fractional ownership program for three seasons, and in 2024 became the proud owner of a little project boat: a Lockley Newport 17 named “Jibe Turkey”. Later that year, me and my partner, Bill, bought a Beneteau Oceanis 45, which we sail on Lake Michigan at every opportunity.
I don’t know of another race where I can use my physical strength and bicycling endurance, while sailing. I like competing and learning new things. I have confidence in my teammates’ abilities to make it to the finish line. The R2AK is a chance for me to contribute to the team and show why we are named Team Fly Girls.
“Hell yes, I’m in!” Why? Because, adventure is my guiding core value, and this is obviously a great one! This race is an opportunity to grow my skills, as it requires a kind of sailing I’ll never encounter on the Great Lakes. Lastly, I want to inspire girls and women of all types to pursue their big dreams, take risks, and not wait for the perfect time. The right time is NOW.
In 2024, after meeting race participants, exploring their boats and propulsion systems,
and understanding more about the R2AK, I instantly knew I had to do this race. I thrive
on adventure and challenges. My 40 years of sailing (12 years sailing the Pacific
Northwest), coupled with my competitive history means I know what it takes physically
and mentally for an event like this. I’m excited to push myself and deepen my sailing
expertise with these four incredible women.
I’ve always been drawn to competing and setting goals that test my physical and mental strengths. Most of my accomplishments have been in skydiving and flying. The R2AK excites me. It opens a door for me to use some of my skills and experiences to help my team cross the finish line and ring that bell!
I jumped on board (not literally, because I was buckled up in the back seat of a car) when invited to join Team Fly Girls for the 2026 R2AK. Unless I join the Navy Seals, where else can I help propel a boat 750 miles while being wet, cold, and tired? It’s a challenge and adventure right up my alley and I’m going for it!