[Diona]

Before I learned to sail, I had been on tons of bareboat charters—but I never really did much to help with the sailing itself. So when I finally signed up for lessons, I was surprised by how much work it actually was! I mentioned it to my stepdad, who teaches sailing, and he said, “You’ll never work harder on a sailboat than when you’re learning to sail!” He was right.

But I have to say, since completing my courses, I love being hands-on. I used to feel nervous about something as simple as tying a fender or helping to raise the sail. Now? I’m all in—and I wouldn’t have it any other way.