SEARCH THE BOAT GALLEY 
Wondering if living aboard and cruising is worth all the hassle? Suky’s wondered that, too, a number of times . . .
“Cruising Stories” are little glimpses of the cruising life. They’re not how-to’s or travelogues. They’re emotional and raw, hitting both the beauty of this life and the tough times. Above all, they’re real.
Suky Cannon | Shambala
Suky’s a good friend of mine, currently in the Bahamas with her Morgan Classic 41, Shambala. After a “first career” in advertising, she became a US Coast Guard 100 Ton Captain. After several years of working aboard other people’s boats and also coaching, Suky purchased Shambala in 2016.
Summers, she’s a Captain at the Boy Scouts High Adventure Sea Base in Islamorada, FL, where she teaches Scouts to sail. The rest of the year, Suky offers Taste of Cruising Adventures aboard Shambala in the Bahamas — participatory learning charters that let you experience what the cruising life is all about. She will also advise and coach you on your vessel. Friend her on Facebook and send her a message there or email her at captainsuky@gmail.com if you’re interested in chartering or coaching with her.
Suky originally posted this short note in the Facebook Women Who Sail group. She graciously gave me permission to post it here, along with her photos.
Some days I wonder what was I thinking with this big boat & all the work and attention she requires along with systems’ steep learning curves continually throwing me a curve. I think about simple daysailors. And then I have a day like today when all goes smoothly, she carries me with the wind easily to my next stop, early enough for a swim, and I am able to drink in peace and quiet & turquoise. For this moment, this day, living aboard feels right. Grateful & blessed.
As I was getting ready to publish this, Suky posted another bit of fantastic advice — and a reason why she’s such a great coach. I had to add it:
Some links above (including all Amazon links) are affiliate links, meaning that I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more.
Sandi Lisko says
Suky is an incredible person and an inspiration. We were dockmates in Deale, MD and her outlook on life was infectious. She is a captain well worth listening to and learning from!
Patricia Price says
I love Suky. She continues to inspire me. I met Suky in Deale when we were refurbishing a boat and getting ready to sail. Suky willing shared her experience and her love. I haven’t been sailing for 5 years but I continue to follow Suky as she adventures. Thank you Suky for blessing my life. I will never forget. Love Trish xo
Larry Wilson says
What a fantastic sailor and amazing woman !
Nancy Tackis says
Thanks, Carolyn, for this great article! Our dog Libby and I met Suki here in Georgetown just before Christmas! She brings her guests to the morning water aerobics classes at Monument Beach! I didn’t know she teaches sailing to the Scouts in the Summer! What an inspiring and fun lady she is!
Brandon Ford says
Thanks, Carolyn, for your “Cruising Stories.’ We are kinda past the “how-tos” but always enjoy exploring the whys.
Brandon and Virginia
SV Oceanus, 1971 Columbia 43
lying Olympia, Wash.
Val nicholls says
In recent years I’ve become the skipper and solo sailer on my 32 ft Bristol Channel cutter . It’s affirming to hear someone as experienced as Suki echo my experience of steep learning curves and the power of learning to calm the mind and body. Getting better at this has impacted my confidence massively and of course thereby allowed my competence to grow. Thanks so much for all these sailing reflections and tips, so valuable.