Nick and I met racing sailboats out of Chicago on Lake Michigan.  We were kindred spirits, both with a strong desire to complete a circumnavigation.  We stayed in Chicago for many years, Nick working in IT, me raising my kids and of course both of us sailing, sailing, sailing.  I got my captains license, became a sailing instructor and worked in Chicago running charters.  We both continued to race and charter in the Caribbean. 

Nick is a dive instructor, and we both love skiing (Nick) and snowboarding (Joy) when we aren't on the water.  When covid hit, we found ourselves locked down, bored and going crazy.  We decided it was we time to buy THE BOAT and lock down on it.  As this was the only boat either of us had ever owned (besides a canoe), it has been quite an undertaking.  In 2020, we packed up a rental car, TONS of gear, and headed to Lauderdale to prep the boat for the journey back to Chicago, where we'd spend the next 3 winters on her doing a major refit.  In 2023, we are planning 3 major adventures in our lives, we will marry in June!! race my 9th and his 8th Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac on S/V Scarlet Begonias, then set out on our boat S/V Elysium to begin the 1st leg of our circumnavigation.  We are both passionate about exploring the world, challenging ourselves and enjoying the journey.