First Sail on our Tartan 37 | Sailing Soulianis - Ep. 8

Until now, family and friends have always sailed with us on our Tartan 37, but this time we sail her by ourselves, up to Milwaukee and back.
Leaving the dock at our marina in Racine is tricky. The dock is on the Root River (which frequently floods and drains), and is situated only a couple hundred feet from a drawbridge, which is just before another drawbridge. Making sure to consider all the potential curve balls - a bridge not opening, the current and/or wind pushing the boat, other boats, kayakers - while maneuvering a 37-foot boat in a 60-foot wide river is rather nerve-wracking. Kirk, thankfully, has driven boats since he was twelve, and steers out of the river and into Lake Michigan without incident.
In Milwaukee we meet up with our parents, check out the Third Ward, and spend an evening at Summerfest.
The sail back to Racine is a roller coaster ride, as wind from the night before has whipped up the waves on Lake Michigan. Besides the seasickness, (oh and the massive swarm of lake flies!), our mini shakedown cruise to Milwaukee is a success.
Hope you enjoy!
Lauren & Kirk
P.S. We’ve launched a Patreon page! If you’d like more Sailing Soulianis content or would like to support our video production, consider becoming a patron! / sailingsoulianis
-
Instagram: / sailingsoulianis
Facebook: / sailingsoulianis
Patreon: / sailingsoulianis
Website: sailingsoulianis.com
-
We’re looking for music! If you or someone you know makes good tunes, give us a shout at [e-mail].
-
Music:
Cannes Cut It-JP - JJ Baebrams
End of 9 Session 26-JP - Wolf Dick
A Thing 4 U-JP - The Home Invasion
Adventures - A Himitsu • A Himitsu - Adventures...
-
Our camera gear:
Canon 80D - amzn.to/2D6T6kO
Canon M6 - amzn.to/2Dyzya0
DJI Mavic Pro - amzn.to/2FEiQGT
RODE VideoMic GO - amzn.to/2FEfOSZ
-

[@allankirch723]

You performed a flawless textbook exit from that dock! No need to apologize to anyone. You are my inspiration to get my own boat!!

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks Allan! Go get it!

[@billroberts3864]

You two were meant for each other and this boat. Thanks for making the video feel like I am right there with you folks. You will have many years of enjoyment as you sail in blue waters.

[@grimreaper3526]

BOTH of you rock! Not afraid of anything....except kids

[@SailingSoulianis]

LOL

[@wildaltarose]

It’s so much fun to watch you learn about your new home. Enjoy.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@UkeOrPuke]

I have been a sailing channel nerd (71 subs) while waiting to leave for the Keys in a few weeks...finally, and you guys are the most honest, likeable couple there is. Good luck...and who cares if you're a few months behind. It's still new to me!

[@SailingSoulianis]

Hi Tom, thanks for the kind words! We're actually not too far behind you :) In Panama City beach and headed that way. Hoping to still be able to jump to the Bahamas this year. Where are you headed from on your way to the Keys?

[@UkeOrPuke]

Sailing Soulianis I’m now in Longboat Key FL /Anna Maria Island....powerboat with Golden Retriever (with lymphatic cancer) then sail when she leaves us. She loves boating in general, but can’t handle the heeling (and I can’t swing a catamaran right now $). Good luck...hopefully will catch up with you soon

[@wkw4095]

Perfectly done @7:18 and then the slow mo for the glance back, the song and then the flowers....just perfect. :)

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thank you! 😊

[@CaptainPetrolburner]

Agreed!

[@StevenSheeran]

Really enjoying your journey. Thank you for sharing it.

[@freds3987]

Great video! Thanks for sharing. I especially liked the format.

[@luxmoore]

I love you guys...very humble about your sailing knowledge, but very brave too, and obviously so willing to learn. Cheers and keep em coming.... Ant

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thank you ☺️

[@saschaeuler7883]

wow...great to hear you doing good.

[@roncooke3964]

Happy Chappies!! Great to see you both enjoy your new boat!! Happy and safe adventure!! From Tasmania Australia!!😊👍👍

[@mg062263]

I loved watching this episode and hearing your cautious excitement on the first sail of your boat. I remembered the same feelings back in 2008 when we took out our boat the first time on Lake Winnipeg. (11th largest freshwater lake in the world) it was a great feeling and also nerve wracking. You’re going to have many more great moments and experiences and for sure some that you will look back on and learn from as well. That’s what sailing is all about. Our boat is currently shutdown in winter storage but we’ll enjoy watching your adventures in the meantime as you go forward. Fair winds!

[@waynedoeblin6801]

Great video ,I’m excited for you,so I can only imagine how happy you are😀 Happy as a clam,is that the saying you were looking for😊

[@geoffthefarmer]

What a great couple. Fair winds.

[@billroberts3864]

You two are an inspiration with your enthusiasm and zest for life. Your happiness about owning your boat is wonderful. May you make many enjoyable memories in your adventures. Thanks for sharing your experiences.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thank you Bill :)

[@jimh5408]

Great young kids, really enjoyed your adventure, how humble, fun and honest you both are! Enjoy your life, only comes around once!

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks for watching Jim!

[@dbfmentertainment9528]

I wish I discovered your channel while you were still in Wisconsin! I live just over the border in Illinois and I want to move up to Racine and live on a boat and follow a similar journey. Your videos are awesome and inspiring! Glad to see you going for it and living your dream. I will be staying tuned for every step of your journey!

[@michaeldenicola6725]

you both did a great job, I don't know if I would stayed or headed home. Good for you both.

[@Westcoasterrt]

Absolutely awesome job you two!!

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks so much, Ron!

[@stevecrombie5357]

First timer here. Very nice job. I'll go back and watch the rest.

[@cyclomaniac9086]

You guys are awesome... thanks for sharing

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks for watching!

[@johnandronaco1045]

Your smiles are infectious, can't wait to see more

[@SailingSoulianis]

Aww thanks, John!

[@fxpthl]

Looks like you kids did just fine! Many more adventures lie ahead and we all hope you take the time and effort to film them for us!

[@SailingSoulianis]

Absolutely! Thanks for watching, Edward!

[@rossipop]

Great vid, You both had me smiling just as much as you, Happy Happy sailing guys...much hugs

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks for watching!

[@fishheds]

You guys are just oooozing the love around the 7 minute mark! Good for you. Live the dream.

[@SailingSoulianis]

😁

[@RicardoWeitzel]

Amazing guys...

[@BruceGeffen]

Great times and smiling faces!

[@SailingSoulianis]

Cheers, Bruce :D

[@oldmanriverrimington3442]

It's so refreshing to watch a boating channel with a couple from the Midwest. I grew up in northern Illinois about two hours west of the lake. I wish you guys the best and hope you start cruising soon.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Cheers Gary! Thanks for watching.

[@arthur4818]

Great video guys can’t wait for more

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks so much!

[@danielhoyle3546]

Enjoyed your video. A very beautiful sailboat. Thank you.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Cheers, thanks for watching, Daniel!

[@dano.819]

Nice to see fellow Midwestern sailors!

[@Gramofoniploce]

Hey great to see new faces comin' up on our small screens :) You are living what me and my wife and kid are dreaming for. I can feel your happiness and it brings joy. Keep up! Fair wind and steady seas!

[@SailingSoulianis]

Cheers! Thanks for watching!

[@trumpetmano]

Great videos guys...

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks Paul!

[@SailingMoneypenny]

Great story about a lovely part of the lake.

[@thomasbrynwood8592]

Awesome job guys! You were truly able to translate the newness and very honest realization of the responsibility of sailing. I have yet to see any other sailing channel do that as well. I appreciate it. Congratulations and thanks for all your hard work in making this for us.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Hi Thomas, thank you for the compliments. It's good to hear all our behind-the-scenes deliberations about what exactly we want to convey are hitting the mark.

[@mr.morgan5643]

Hi Lauren & Kirk, Great video as always!! Y'all impress me more with every video!

[@Madislandsailing]

Great Job! Milwaukee is my home town! Been following you two from the start. Fair Winds and happy Sailing to both of you!

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thank you!

[@caius077]

You are a very nice couple and very personable. It is a pleasure to see you.

[@onthebeaches]

CONGRATS! I bet it's a great feeling to do your first journey to an actual destination! Great job getting off the dock. PEACE OUT!

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks!

[@mishuk7192]

I'm a merchant marine sailor and I sailed often in that area... It's nice to see how's the shore like and the people. I hope one day I could sail like you guys do, here in the Black Sea and Mediterana. Cheers!

[@aldognovvvaaa4558]

jumped in the water one 4th of July on lake huron and lost my breath , then i was saved by an angel on a jet ski....................she wisked me to shore.... thank god for Angels

[@mitchcopeland8693]

Great video guys!

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks, Mitch!

[@jimwattson1720]

Great vlog, keep doing what you are doing........Thanks!!

[@SailingSoulianis]

Cheers, William, thank you!

[@karitane]

Congrats on your first sail to a destination. Love the content -- keeping it real

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks, Derek, appreciate your comment!

[@everettpadgett4432]

love you guys instantly

[@TonyAnschutz]

Hoot! Great to see you out there doing it!

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks, Tony!

[@Papanewbs]

Awesome job! Can’t wait to take the journey with you south!

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks Kendall! We're going to take you north for an episode or two first but then we'll start melting the butter ;)

[@jamesc7432]

Great sail, enjoyed you sharing it with us

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks for watching, James!

[@davecote21]

Grrreat Video. Excellent job! Really looking forward to the next one for sure :)

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks very much, David!

[@jimnormand5756]

I like your channel,just came aboard,my wife is from Wisconsine,south of Milwaukee.anyway We are in the South,Louisana,about 6miles east of the 'old man River"I am Cajun french,retaired now and love the tales you guys go though,much luck to you and hope your life is good,do good and be good,and agai best of Luck to you.....................just an old cajun........

[@johnnyhag675]

Very nice. Looking forward to your next video. Thanks for sharing.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks Johnny!

[@kellilambiase7276]

Your videos are sooo cute and well done! You guys are great! Keep it up guys!

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thank you, Kelli!

[@craigperthau9542]

Thanks for sharing , Take Care, Cheers

[@garyc5483]

Great 1st "proper" sail guys. Glad you have the go for it attitude. Looking forward to the next one. Fair winds & regards from the UK

[@SailingSoulianis]

Cheers Gary!

[@urgetodrive]

2:45 Great shots of Windpoint Lighthouse. So nice.

[@outdoortherapy6596]

Just started watching your channel, started at cost of the boat on. I really like how you two work well together as a couple with same dreams. Looking forward to watching more to get up to date. Thx from Brisbane Australia

[@SailingSoulianis]

Cheers mate!

[@gintarejovaisyte8825]

Great videos and wonderful couple! :)

[@SailingSoulianis]

Cheers, thank you!

[@bill4nier]

Nice! Great way to get some experience. 😍⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵😊👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@feanor3876]

I think Captain Ron be proud of the two of you!

[@mtotof85]

We sail out of Milwaukee. Love the video. If you carry good sail with plenty of power in them you can drive your boat through the short swells which decreases the likelihood that the swell dumps the wind from your sails. We eat a good hearty meal before long passages, helps a lot with sea sickness. Also folks swear by hard candy too.

[@MrPhilgascoine]

Your a very lucky man !!

[@kevinhornbuckle]

Very enjoyable. Thank you.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thank you for watching, Kevin!

[@ronhecklinger1845]

Good to hear the words hawaiian in description of swell height. Only surfers know the difference. Great couple to watch. From Oceanside, Ron and Rissa

[@SailingSoulianis]

And oh do we miss surfing! It’s the only sport I (Lauren) love despite the fact I’m absolutely terrible at it 😆. Kirk tells me almost every day how he wishes he could surf. Maybe we can find some ankle biters in Florida to scratch the itch...

[@Ultrawong100]

You both cannot stop smiling. You are so happy. I assume you both have some sailing experience as you seem to know the essentials and basics? Great to see you following your dreams. Keep smiling. Im enjoying following you both.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thank you! We do have a bit of experience. I (Kirk) grew up sailing inland lakes, with day trips on the Great Lakes. We've both taken a few ASA courses. We've sailed together quite a bit over the last 10 years, chartering boats in San Diego, taking Hobie Cats from LA to Catalina Island, and a weeklong bareboat charter in Australia.

[@xiav2008]

congrats, very nice video, thanks

[@sonofneptunesailing917]

WOW!! its wonderful to see my home port of Milwaukee in a KZbin video! Milwaukee is really a great port and sailing destination. You showed a small part of it very well. FYI it is technically illegal to swim in the break wall including in the state park. But good for you for not getting a ticket !! It almost makes me not want to leave... almost!

[@robertgarbe6348]

Dick, your strawberry neighbor and I bought an Islander 29 in about 1976 in Milwaukee in autumn and sailed it right across to Muskegon for the winter. Everyone got sick, barfff. You videos are really well done and takes me right back.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Hi Robert, yes he was telling me about your joint venture the other week. Very cool! -Kirk

[@henrymorgan3982]

The boat is quite pristine. Good deal!

[@TheJohn5710]

I'm a fan great job

[@SailingSoulianis]

Cheers!

[@SV-DEDICATED]

This is a great start !! ⚓⚓⚓⚓⚓⚓⚓⚓

[@sevenr34]

the guy taking a toke at 8:37 in the background.....lol. i recently found your channel guys,im liking it sofar.keep up the great work and live the dream.i normally like watching vids of people doing diy stuff,restoring things,buying old fixer uppers......but you took a different hassel free approach thats paying off.this will allow more time to enjoy things. great job.

[@OverlandSea]

It's awsome to see you both loving the boat.

[@lucasspaniard8430]

Kirk and Lauren, awesome episode. Felt like I was with you guys, you do an incredible job of telling the story, with such quality filming and editing. Just a quick flip through the comments and you can tell everyone is loving It! You guys are winning!

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks for the kind words! ☺️ We're really enjoying the whole process as well.

[@kirkf10_official]

Just found you guys channel. Loving it so far and Kirk is an awesome name 😂 keep it going!

[@waltkoelln1033]

Well done. Fun to watch you learn. I cut my sailing teeth on Lake Michigan as well. Gladstone & Escanaba plus a Port Washington - Muskegon crossing (before GPS back in LORAN days). SummerFest! Always a good time. Safe travels & sail on!

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks Walt! Lake Michigan sure is a great place to sail!

[@fissh29]

Very nice...Slightly Stoopid is awesome, great to see guys accomplish your first overnighter....congrats...favorable winds!

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thank you!

[@rhett4027]

well, I have followed you all the way to the big water. Now I will keep up with you every week

[@rundown48]

Well done,, Would love to see Soulianis sailing around the warm Caribbean waters some day ... ;).... Cheers

[@SailingSoulianis]

Us too! We’re on the path to get there... :)

[@robertgoldbornatyout]

What a great video ! ! You people are fantastic and are a beautiful couple ! I love your videos, your living my dream, all the best From Robert UK London. smashed the like and subscribed.

[@williamdykes2750]

Sweet. Nice job analyzing how to get off the dock, developing and communicating a plan and then executing it pretty calmly. Bow lines, stern lines, spring lines, etc will definitely help keep a difficult situation around docks or other boats from turning into a complete cluster fufu. . Exciting times ahead for you guys. Enjoy the ride. You are fun to watch.

[@SailingSoulianis]

William, appreciate the kudos, thank you!

[@roadboat9216]

1. Great, entertaining documentary on your adventures. 2. Great choice on boat! I have hull # 413, a 1983. My wife and I have sailed our KP44 and later our Cal 46 over much of the Atlantic, Caribbean, Panama Canal, Pacific etc. for over 20 Yrs. Now have settled down in eastern NC. Bought the Tartan a coupe of years ago. This S&S design is a sweet sailing boat! The Morgan 38 is also a nice boat (sorry about the accident ). I hope he recovered. but the draft of the T37 is a real plus!! Would love to talk more to you on another format , or phone. Fair winds! “Merry Dolphin”

[@SailingSoulianis]

Fred, that’s quite the sailing resume! We’d like to do much of the same... in due time :) Feel free to email us if you like at [e-mail]

[@Woodementary]

Good story telling. You have a good balance of narrative. Also helps that you both seem comfortable in front of the camera. Looking forward to your progression.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Hi Oscar, thanks for the compliments, if you only knew... we have a lot of outtakes! :)

[@christophercook7926]

Nice video

[@susannnate]

You both ooze love and respect for each other that’s a great no 1 for any crew ha ha love you’re t@le it’s great I’m twice you’re age and find it very interesting and fun c@nt normally be taught by kids young adult s sorry but I’d listen and learn from you two for hours ,stay in love and enjoy you’re great life don’t change xx😍

[@dannoinidaho8255]

Your video brings back many memories for me since I owned hull number 144 and sailed my Tartan 37 in the straights of Juan de Fuca, San Juan Islands, and all the way up to the straights of Queen Charlotte. Even in 40 knotts the boat sailed magnificently and felt like a rock under my feet. Take her to the Caribbean or any other salt water and she will bring you back safe and sound. God speed you on your adventure.

[@SailingSoulianis]

How awesome Dan! What a fantastic sounding trip. Soulianis feels a bit tender to us. We still have the big 150% genoa and need to sort out a better sail plan for stronger winds. But have no doubt, once we resolve that problem, she'll stand right up.

[@dannoinidaho8255]

Sailing Soulianis I had roller furling on my Hood jib so I could easily adjust the sail area for different wind conditions. I had jiffy reefing on the main. All sheets and lines came back to the cockpit so I could manage the boat single handedly.

[@dannoinidaho8255]

With this single handed setup and wearing a shoulder harness, you can safely beat to weather at 6 knots or 6.9 knots on a close reach. With the 35% ballast to displacement ratio of the boat you can't knock her down. Enjoy! !

[@gkarjala]

Slighly Stoopid is my jam Gang!!! Last time i was that way, had awesome brunch with my Ma and son who was returning to Great Mistakes from OIF, at a place in Gurney. Blood Mary's !!!

[@hallman321]

You guys arent putting out enough videos! lol Love your adventures! Thanks for taking us along.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Hi Jeff! We'd love to put out more content, we have a ton of footage in the queue. We're still juggling the demands of our freelance work, with sailing and creating videos. We're hopeful that as our channel grows we can slow down the freelance work and spend more time producing video. Thanks for watching!

[@hallman321]

Sailing Soulianis, you two are great together. Looking forward to more adventures. Stay safe!

[@mysurlytrucker7510]

You can do it guys , just practice everything, and especially putting a reef in your sails for that weather when it comes , the more you practice it the the more confident you will get .

[@SailingSoulianis]

It is so much more nerve-racking when it's also your home!

[@nandix75]

Sweet Boat!

[@SailingSoulianis]

😬

[@glassman51]

You twp are terrific and inspiring, and Lauren is quite a lovely woman :-)

[@drwindsurf]

Thanks for another great video. I guess this means Lauren is the skipper anytime it gets choppy :)

[@SailingSoulianis]

Haha, seems like it!

[@xploringak3522]

So awesome to see this as I was in Racine in July for the Ironman triathlon. I think I was staying right down from you.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Yes, probably! We had just purchased the boat. A friend of ours was also competing in that Triathlon and dropped in to say hello.

[@superdrs1960]

Great video ! Can you guys be any happier ? Thanks for sharing ....

[@SailingSoulianis]

😊

[@Q-ey2jk]

Love it

[@edsondantas7179]

Família linda maravilhosa

[@tpp2001]

Best way to get over the anxiety and fear is to face the fear and then do it again.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Agreed. I just heard a quote I rather liked along those lines. Good decisions come from experience and experience comes from making bad decisions. -Kirk

[@tWoforgamenot1]

very cool.

[@heatherhodge1590]

Great video, guys! You couldn't pay me to be on that river. Kudos to you for handling it well.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks, Heather! Ha yeah, its definitely not ideal.

[@stevecrombie5357]

Okay, I'm all caught up. I'm already fired up to see what we do next. Hope the " we " doesn't freak you out. It just means I'm all in on this, let's go! Good luck and be safe.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Right on, thanks for watching Steve! It's cool to hear from so many people saying they feel like they're right along with us :)

[@Atlanticmoonsnail]

I'm guessing that you're Glad you have a surfer's understanding of the swell. Nice.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Yes! It was very helpful to be able to read the waves and be able to be proactive in navigation rather than totally reactive. It made a huge difference to the motion of the boat.