Raised on the Water
What Sailing Taught Me About Resilience and Adventure
Most people spend their summers at the beach, the lake, or at camp. I spent mine living on a sailboat. From the ages of 5 to 14, I would spend anywhere from a couple of weeks to a full month sailing around New England with my grandfather, my mom, and my sister. What felt unusual at the time has become one of the most defining experiences of my life.
Living on a boat was far from glamorous. My mom used to call it “camping on water,” and she wasn’t wrong. Our fridge was an icebox, showers were rare unless we found one on land, and everything, from our clothes to our hair, felt constantly damp. My sister and I would complain about salty skin, stale chips, and the lack of comfort. At the time, it felt inconvenient. Looking back, it was where I learned some of my most valuable lessons.
What made those summers meaningful wasn’t comfort; it was the unpredictability. No two days were ever the same, even though we often returned to the same places across New England. One day it was my grandfather sneaking us ice cream for breakfast (which happened more often than it should have), and another day it was our boat breaking down on a small island. There were moments of chaos too, like when our dinghy floated away with me in it and my mom had to jump into the water to get me back.
There were also the small, consistent details that made those trips unforgettable. We listened to Simon & Garfunkel and Peter, Paul, and Mary on repeat, the only music my mom and grandfather could agree on. Being able to get the junk food we weren’t allowed at home. We spent hours at Ryan Family Amusement arcades, choosing some of our destinations based on whether there was one nearby. We explored museums and learned about everything from whaling history to the Salem witch trials and early American settlers. These moments built a childhood that was rooted in curiosity, exploration, and connection.
Looking back, those summers shaped how I approach life today. They taught me how to be adaptable and comfortable with discomfort. When there was no Wi-Fi or constant entertainment, I learned how to create my own. I became more independent, more curious, and more willing to embrace the unknown. Most importantly, those experiences taught me the value of spending intentional, uninterrupted time with family.
Revisiting these memories now feels bittersweet. My grandfather, whose boat made all of this possible, passed away a few months ago. While that loss is difficult, I realize that the experiences he gave me continue to shape who I am. The lessons I learned on that boat these being resilience, curiosity, and a sense of adventure, which I carry with me every day.
Not everyone grows up sailing, but everyone has moments that shape how they see the world. For me, it just happened to be on the water.
