A Cruiser Truly Living the Sailing Dream
When I met solo sailor Julie Roberts in a boater’s lounge in 2022, little did I know I would soon join her on two epic sailing adventures aboard her catamaran. Across the years, I have watched Julie’s evolution as a singlehanded cruiser who generously invites family and friends to join her. Her guests run the gamut of sailing capabilities, and she has gained a lifetime of lessons. I recently connected with Julie to ask about her experiences “living the dream.” Here are Julie’s responses in her own words:
What was your inspiration for cruising?
In my 20s, I dreamed about setting sail, being self-reliant, and venturing into the unknown to explore the world. But life got busy with other priorities—a career, family, and caregiving—so I had to wait. When I retired at 58, the timing was perfect. I was young and fit and could make my dream come alive. I told myself, “Just do it! The time is now!” It was a big leap, but I trusted my judgement.
I did not grow up sailing, but I’m very comfortable on the water. I was one of the early women who graduated from the US Naval Academy (1984), so I understood seamanship, navigation, safety, and working through challenging environments. I knew I did not want to race or do day sails. I wanted to venture offshore.
What were your original boat criteria?
At first, I debated monohull vs. catamaran. I had chartered catamarans twice and had a blast. I did ASA qualifications on a catamaran and loved it. I sailed in Hawaii on a friend’s 47-foot monohull for a week and did not love it. I decided a catamaran was right for living aboard and exploring. I wanted an “adventure machine” to share with others.
In the fall of 2021, during the height of the pandemic, I toured numerous brands and price points in San Diego. After seeing or sailing 39- to 45-foot catamarans, I decided on the Leopard 44. I loved the forward cockpit and felt I could manage this size on my own. I also wanted a brand of boat that could be fixed anywhere in the world.
Where did you find your boat?
While attending the Annapolis Sailboat Show in October 2021, I met a broker from Florida where most US catamarans are located. After pounding the pavement in November, I found my boat! It was a 2013 “owner’s version” Leopard 44, going on the market soon. Given Covid, it was a crazy time, so finding it pre-market was key.
We negotiated, surveyed in December, closed in January, and I was a boat owner! I was in a bit of shock, thinking it would take longer. The biggest challenge was finding insurance, since this was my first boat. Most companies turned me down, saying, “Normal people buy a 25-foot boat, then a 35-foot, and finally a 45-foot catamaran!” My broker was helpful, and I got coverage the day before closing.
How did you become comfortable with singlehanding?
During the early months of 2022, I focused on learning my boat, which I named At Ease. The survey and insurance company dictated areas of focus, including training hours with a licensed captain. The boat was fully furnished with spare parts, tools, a full galley, maintenance records, and more. That meant I could focus on systems, sailing, and really learning my boat.
My broker, her husband, and another captain couple helped me practice and prepare for singlehanding. Other catamaran sailors and the prior owners were also very helpful. The spring flew by with lots of checklists, vendors, practicing, and provisioning. It was a massive learning curve!
When did you begin cruising?
May 2022 was go-time! I planned to spend the summer in the northeast, fall in the Chesapeake, and winter in the Bahamas. I was not ready to singlehand my first big voyage, so I hired two of my trainers as crew to the Dry Tortugas and Key West. We had a beautiful overnight sail, anchored in gorgeous Dry Tortugas, snorkeled, and grilled dinner while seaplanes took off next to us. It was an incredible high! I recall thinking, “This is why I bought the boat.”
The next day turned into successive struggles as we met an early tropical storm approaching Key West. I got seasick. A hatch blew open causing a waterfall below. We had a winch override, ripped jib, and an injury at the helm; lost both engines; and had to get towed into Key West Bight at 3 a.m. Thank goodness I had experienced crew with me (and had just bought tow insurance). Amazingly, I was not deterred. After a few days in Key West, the jib was repaired, the minor engine issues resolved, and I was on my way, this time with my youngest brother (an F-15 pilot and sailor), his sailing wife, and teenage daughter.
You don’t always singlehand, so when and why include crew?
For most of my first year, I planned to have crew with me. Many friends and family were excited to join. I was so appreciative, but it took tons of planning, coordinating, and logistics. My first true singlehanding was in August for 10 days between Martha’s Vineyard and Sag Harbor. I sailed to Block Island and Montauk in between, tried out various sail combinations, anchored on my own, tested all systems, and made new friends. It was a great learning experience in moderate weather, and I loved it!
Since then, I’ve done a lot of solo sailing. Long days between islands are great, often with a buddy boat going the same direction. Even a few consecutive days are manageable, anchoring each night in a new spot. I’ve done 24-hour solos, but I have crew for longer passages.
It’s been four-plus years… Still “living the dream?”
Yes, I’m living the dream! However, I do have to remind myself of that when I’m hauled out in a hot, dirty boatyard or dragging in a storm at 2 a.m. But it is truly incredible. Sharing the adventure with friends and family has been meaningful too. As we say out here, the highs are very high, and the lows are very humbling. I feel tested physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Honestly, it’s great for retirement and keeps me on my toes.
Plus, the cruising community is incredible! It’s one of the last true old-fashioned neighborhoods. Sailors look out for each other and willingly offer to help. I’ve made many good friends, with a lot of serendipity in whom I’ve met and how to pay it forward.
Where are you planning to go next?
After sailing the East Coast (2022), Bahamas (2023), almost every island in the Eastern Caribbean (2023-2024), west to the ABC Islands and Colombia (2025), At Ease is now on the hard in Panama (Spring 2026). A few months ago, I transited the Panama Canal on a 37-foot monohull with three French grad students, so I’ll be ready for taking my boat through the canal at some point. More recently, I helped a family cross the Pacific aboard their Leopard 46, sailing to the Galapagos and French Polynesia. These experiences will help me decide where At Ease will venture next.
About the author: Captain Cheryl Duvall is president of the Chesapeake Area Professional Captains Association (CAPCA). You may see her at the helm of her Gozzard 44 Belle Bateau, or on Watermark’s Miss Anne in Annapolis Harbor. Email her at [email protected].
