Sacred Horizons

This blog is dedicated to my sailing adventures—but the truth is, it weaves together all aspects of my life: the art, the work, the growth, the learning, the joy, and the challenges along the way. I’m a writer, artist, schemer, dreamer, portrait photographer, aspiring filmmaker, and yes—an absolutely obsessed sailor.

Sailing soothes my soul like nothing else. It’s my deepest solace and the place where I feel most like myself. I’ve been sailing most of my life and I’m always pushing myself to grow, learn, and stretch my limits on the water. I hold a USCG 25 Ton Master License, I’m a certified ASA (American Sailing Association) instructor, a Staff Commodore of the Pacific Singlehanded Sailing Association, former Fleet Captain for the Women’s Sailing Association of Santa Monica Bay, and a proud veteran of the 2016 Singlehanded Transpac.

I was exposed to sailing by my father, a lifelong sailor whose pure love for the sea was contagious. The biggest love affair of my life began the moment I stepped on a sailboat as a little girl—and that love has only deepened with time. I am endlessly grateful for what sailing teaches me about the sea, the wind, and most of all, about myself.

I’ve been fortunate to sail with and learn from experienced sailors who inspire me, include me, challenge me, and help me chase my dreams. Their support has been invaluable. A special shoutout to my boyfriend, Brendan Huffman—an incredible teacher, mentor, and adventure partner. His steady support, unmatched experience, and shared love for the sea have shaped me in more ways than I can count.

Though I grew up sailing, I became captivated by solo sailing in my early thirties. I got to know the power of sailing alone through countless day sails aboard my dad’s J-80, Carronade. That experience changed me—and ultimately inspired me to buy my first boat, Moody Blue (a 1981 Wylie 34). Since then, I’ve been the devoted steward of three boats, including Haunani, who carried me valiantly across the Pacific in 2016. Sadly, she was destroyed in an accident at the hands of a shipping company on her return to California, and I had to let her go. My current vessel is Cassiopeia, a 2005 Hanse 371, and we’ve had many adventures together—with many more on the horizon.

I’m passionate about inspiring and supporting more women to sail and seek adventure on the water. I teach, volunteer, offer private instruction, and race in Marina del Rey—solo, doublehanded, and with an all-women crew.

When I’m not on the water or working on Cassiopeia, you’ll find me behind the camera photographing my amazing clients, writing from my bed (flanked by my beloved old dog Gracie Mae), or making art. To learn more about my work beyond sailing, please visit languageofthesoulart.com