kateandjohnsail.boats

On the quay in Zadar, Croatia, there is a work of public art known as the Sea Organ. From the seaside walkway there are steps down to the Adriatic Sea, and in the steps there are special holes and chambers that allow the water to flow in and out through tubes that have openings like…

We have established the definition of sailboat cruising as “boat repairs in exotic places.” Even the well-equipped Quintessa is no exception, so invariably when we return to the boat from the US, our two “free” pieces of checked luggage each contain 50 pounds of boat tools, parts, and accessories. We’ve even learned that the airlines…

As you may recall, the European Union invites visitors to step away from its shores after they have visited for 90 days. Luckily for us, June, July, and August are arguably the most pleasant months in the Pacific Northwest, and weather-wise, this summer was perfection. We are also realizing just how much it means to…

Okay, Quintessa-watchers, we’re back in the game. Travel and that first week of boat projects are always too hectic for updates, but we’ll try to keep you (intermittently) posted from here on in. If you are one to track us, you will see that our track begins not in Venice, but near Pula, Croatia.  That’s…

On John’s birthday (in May) we visited Dubrovnik, and we were just culturally ignorant enough to not know that a monster part of that city’s tourist draw is its connection with the filming of Game of Thrones. But strolling the ancient streets, we immediately noticed that every souvenir shop outdid itself touting Game of Thrones…

We have attended major boat shows, including the big daddy one in Annapolis, and it tends to be a big stinkin’ deal.  When you learn the event dates, you figure out if your schedule even allows it. Then you come to terms with the location of the show, how you are going to travel there,…

We are stateside again! More specifically, enjoying the beautiful Pacific Northwest summer and time with our kids, grandkids, and PNW friends. Why, you might ask, would we give up the summer months of sailing in the Mediterranean? It’s all about European Union rules. At this time, the EU welcomes visitors from other countries to stay…

We’ve had another visitor! Our daughter Meg survived 10 days with her parents aboard Quintessa. We are quite aware that part of her mission is to report back to her siblings stateside, answering questions like are our parents insane? and is this adventure going to end well? Cruising with Meg took us from Split, Croatia…

Something about the sea always makes you hungry, and some of our mornings start a little too quickly to include a good breakfast. This particular morning we decided to rise early and walk to the farmer’s market in Trogir, Croatia. The market was the best we’ve been to, due to the quality and nature what…

Our friends Frank and Rosemary have ridden their tandem bicycle together many miles. Once I asked if this activity ever puts a strain on their relationship, and the answer was, Well, let’s just say that whatever direction your relationship was headed before you started this sport, it’s going to move farther in that direction. Surely…