How to Sail: A 20-Year Expert Shares How to Begin
For veteran sailor and Captain Jim, sailing isn’t just a skill—it’s a lifelong passion that began with a childhood experiment involving an inflatable raft, two oars, and a beach towel. Decades later, with over 20 years of experience navigating Lake Michigan, Jim has not only mastered the art of sailing but also found immense joy in teaching others. In this interview, he shares his most memorable journeys, the hidden gems of the Great Lakes, and the invaluable life lessons the water has taught him—proving that sailing is about far more than just the wind and waves.
Sailing
Adventure guides
Boat journeys
The Complete Guide to Sailing
The engine cuts. The sails fill. For a few seconds, there’s just wind and the sound of water moving past the hull. That’s when everything shifts. Voices quiet. Phones stay down. The only thing left to do is look out at the horizon and let the boat carry you forward. Sailing is having a moment, but not the technical, gear-heavy version most people picture. The kind where someone else handles the lines and you’re free to relax, learn at your own pace, or just be present. No pressure to perform. No rigid schedule. Just the water, the wind, and however you want to spend the next few hours.
What to Pack for a Sailing Trip
Packing the right gear and clothing for a sailing trip can make the difference between a great and miserable outing. Believe it or not, not all sailing is created equal. So before you start packing, ask yourself these three key questions: