US

Jeff, Abby and John.

The story of US began in the summer of 1999 in Harbor Springs, Michigan. We have been sailing together ever since.

Jeff began sailing with his parents when he was just knee high, even had plans to be the youngest male to sail around the world alone. This was before he discovered girls and the fun that could be had sailing with a partner. His hero is Robin Lee Graham.

Abby began sailing with her Dad at a young age, also. Mostly as 'crew' who spent time reading or lounging. Her Dad bought her the book 'Maiden Voyage' by Tania Aebi when she was in High School and she was immediately bitten by the cruising bug.

Jeff and Abby were married in March, 2004 in Key West, Florida. In July 2004 they moved aboard their 35' Wauquiez Pretorien in Fort Lauderdale, FL. In November 2004 the voyage began.

For the next 2 years they were full time cruisers, sailing thousands of miles through the Western Caribbean and the Pacific Ocean. In July of 2006 they had a verbal contract on a new boat, in Florida. They were at anchor in Tonga. Over the next few months Jeff and Abby sailed to Brisbane, Australia and sold their 'home' in a record 5 weeks!

This is where the story got complicated, it seems they brought a little stowaway back with them, John Joseph was born in June 2007 and has lived aboard various boats for about 1/2 of his life.

The family applied for, and were granted Residency in New Zealand where they plan to live for at least some of John's school years.

The story continues....