Lake Michigan can be easy sailing or super intimidating and downright scary depending on what side of the breakers your boat sits.
Last weekend, one of our neighbors kindly took my wife Soni, and daughter, Olivia sailing on their beautiful 43-foot sailboat.
I’m used to being on boats, but usually, that’s when I go fishing and that’s seldom on a great lake and almost never in a sailboat. Captain Mike, my neighbor has grown up sailing and he knew everything you could know about how to sail. The sailboat was so big it had two different sails. I was expecting to be an idle passenger spending the day enjoying the sunshine, the amazing Chicago skyline, and the relaxing company of our friends.
We weren’t on the boat for more than 5 minutes when Captain Mike told me to grab the wheel. I was hesitant, but since we were in the “no-wake” zone (meaning going VERY slowly and the Lake Michigan waves were blocked by huge concrete walls) I jumped right up and into the Captain’s spot.
This was very cool. I thought it was easy to navigate and steer the boat. It was quite fun. At this point, the boat is still powered by the motor and the sail hasn’t been released yet. A piece of cake.
Cruising right along we soon went past the breakwater barrier and into the Lake Michigan waves. The 20+ mile an hour winds could be felt as we crept farther away from shore. I’m still pretty confident at this point because it’s a huge boat, and easy to steer with the motor behind me and we aren’t going all that fast.
After we get out sufficiently away from shore, it’s time to put up the sail. Captain Mike takes the wheel for a bit and I help him with the ropes as he skillfully guides me and others to get the sail up. it’s quite a process, thank goodness he was so experienced.
Now as we are sailing he cuts the motor, as the wind nails the sail, and the boat is cruising and leaning over a bit on its side as a sailboat will do in the wind.
Captain Mike, again asks me to take the wheel as he had to make an adjustment on the sail near the front of the boat. That’s when I realized how important the Captain was to this boat. I darn near panicked trying to steer with the sail fully engaged, the boat a little sideways, and me thinking if I screwed up we would capsize (probably overly dramatic).
IT’S SCARY with 20+ mile an hour winds and big waves on Lake Michigan when you’re not an expert!
I asked Mike to hurry back and take the steering wheel that probably was wet from my sweaty palms. I played it as cool as I could, but I’ve never been so happy to give up control. I just wanted to relax and enjoy the road while letting him take care of the sailboat and not have any fear over what could happen.
I hope and believe this is what happens when people hire me to Captain their finances.
Just like in the calm waters with a motor, the easy decisions can be confidently made by you, but when the crap (big wind and waves) hits the fan or you’re making the big investment, financial planning, tax or estate planning decisions, my years of experience and education should give you the peace of mind to relax and enjoy the ride of your life.
Let’s all have a great summer, feel free to reach out to your Captain if you have any navigation-related questions.
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