An Epic Homecoming and New Horizons: Sailing, Family, and Writing
The holidays always hold a special kind of magic, but this year, our journey added an epic twist to the season. After safely tucking our boat into Vista Mar Marina following our unforgettable Panama Canal transit, we traded life afloat for the skies, flying back to the United States for a much-anticipated visit with family. What followed was a whirlwind of love, laughter, and inspiration that recharged us for the next chapter of our sailing adventure.
A Return to Our Roots
Our first stop was Charleston, South Carolina, where we spent a week with my 94-year-old mother. A sailor in her own right, she’s always been our greatest supporter, living vicariously through our adventures. Her sharp mind and competitive spirit shone as she trounced me in Rummikub and cornhole — no small feat! Her resilience and zest for life constantly remind us why we’re pursuing our dreams. In many ways, we’re living hers, too.
From there, we traveled to Pittsburgh to visit Dan’s father, another nonagenarian and avid sailor who passed his passion for the water onto Dan. Spending time with both of our parents, reflecting on how their love for sailing shaped our lives, was deeply meaningful. It’s a joy to see them follow our global journey, cheering us on from afar.
Christmas With the Crew
Christmas brought the highlight of our visit: meeting our newest grandbaby, Emmitt, for the very first time. At just four months old, he’s already stolen our hearts. We cherished a week surrounded by all five of our grandchildren and our children, soaking up every precious moment. From celebrating our eldest grandchild Orion’s 10th birthday to marveling at the energy and curiosity of the little ones, it was a time to treasure.
A few years ago, we started a tradition with Orion. This year, we gifted the other two families with a large world map. Now, all our children’s homes feature these maps, adorned with pins marking every country we visit. We send accordion postcards from each location, filling one panel with a personal note about our adventures and the rest with photos. It’s our way of connecting across the miles, sparking their curiosity about geography, and sharing the wonders of the world.
Back to the Boat
After a month of heartwarming visits, we returned to Panama and to our patient floating home. Awaiting us was a hefty to-do list. From mast repairs to bottom paint and a myriad of other tasks, the boat needs some major TLC before we venture into the vast Pacific. Dan is tackling the monumental challenge of sourcing parts, navigating shipping logistics, and finding skilled professionals in a place where such expertise is scarce.
Meanwhile, I have my own set of projects. Sewing a new cover for our dinghy, repairing our bimini, and provisioning for the Pacific leg of our journey are just a few of my tasks. Stocking up is especially crucial as we prepare to explore remote islands where supplies will be limited.
Sailing and Storytelling
This busy period isn’t just about the boat. It’s also a pivotal time for me as an author. I’m thrilled to share that I have three books on the horizon.
The first is Seanna, a children’s book about a mermaid, inspired by my love for the sea. The second is a novel, The Seven, I’ve been crafting for over a year. While fictional, it’s woven with real-life encounters and places we’ve visited, offering readers a rich tapestry of stories set in seven countries. This book has been a labor of love, and I can’t wait to share the cultures, histories, and human connections it explores. In addition, I have spent the last two years writing the stories of sailing the Mediterranean, Africa, and our journey through the Canaries and to Cape Verde to cross the Atlantic. The sequel to Riding the Waves of Reality, this book is filled with captivating stories and descriptions of the incredibly beautiful places we sailed on our European voyage.
To celebrate these releases, I’m launching a newsletter! Subscribers will get exclusive insights into my books, including sneak peeks at chapters, behind-the-scenes stories, and special content about our sailing adventures. From writing tips to travel anecdotes, this newsletter will be a treasure trove for readers and sailors alike.
New Adventures Await
As we prepare for the Pacific, we’re reminded of how far we’ve come. Halfway through our circumnavigation, this next leg represents a landmark in our journey. It’s both thrilling and daunting, but the support of our family, friends, and followers makes it all worthwhile.
Sharing our stories, pictures, and books with you feels like welcoming you aboard. Your encouragement guides us through challenges and keeps us connected to the world beyond the horizon. Thank you for being part of this incredible adventure.
Here’s to new challenges, exciting discoveries, and the shared joy of dreams realized.
Fair winds and following seas!
Captain Dan and First Mate Alison
S/V Equus