We were in Chicago for a conference that Cindy was attending. We decide to take the opportunity to go sailing on Lake Michigan. We rented a J/22 sailboat from Chicago Sailing. It was exciting because it was our first time out sailing without an instructor. We had 10-15 knot winds and enjoyed our first sailing adventure.

Today Cindy and I completed American Sailing Association ASA103 Basic Coastal Cruising and ASA104 Bareboat Cruising courses! We completed the course through Northern Breezes Sailing School. The location was at Pike’s Bay Marina near Bayfield, Wisconsin and the sailing was in the beautiful Apostle Islands on Lake Superior. The four-day liveaboard course was taught by Captain Vicki Staudte on Jolly Swagman a 34′ Hunter. One night we anchored at Oak Island and another night in Raspberry Bay. Captain Vicki did a great job teaching the course. She is a very knowledgeable instructor and it was fun sailing with her.

Capt Vicki, Cindy and Michael

Captain Vicki