We Can Sail Anywhere in the World from Here | Sailing Soulianis - Ep. 20

This is it! After years of preparation, we’re finally untying the dock lines, leaving our homeport, and pointing our bow south.
Our first stop is Chicago, Illinois. It’s 50 nautical miles from Racine, Wisconsin, to Belmont Harbor, where our friends Katharine and Jon have offered us the use of their mooring ball - and their apartment which overlooks Belmont Harbor! - for the weekend we’ll be in Chicago.
During our sail south, we pass our old neighborhood, Rogers Park, and reminisce about the time we spent years ago walking that same beach, looking out over the water, dreaming about living aboard our own boat one day. Now, looking back at that beach (also where Kirk proposed to me) from the water, our dream has become reality.
In Chicago, we meet up with Will and Kat from the YT sailing channel, Monday Never. They invite us for dinner, and we discuss fishing, the Caribbean and get tips for our own adventure when we reach warmer waters.
The weekend is full of festivities. Our friends and family travel to Chicago to participate in our boat renaming ceremony, to wish us bon voyage, and even celebrate my birthday.
We can’t thank all of you enough - friends, family, and all of you watching these videos - who have helped make this sailing adventure possible.
Much love!
Lauren & Kirk
P.S. If you’d like more Sailing Soulianis content or would like to support our video production, consider becoming a patron here: / sailingsoulianis
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[@sethile]

Very special to have your family and friends there for Lauren's birthday, departing on your new lives, and your renaming ceremony and celebration.That was moving, and beautiful!

[@jacksprat3009]

Great Name Changing ceremony with good friends and family under sunny skies. Thanks for sharing the experience. Fair winds and following seas...

[@slimpickins3425]

The emotion at the end, thanking your family and friends, and expressing your love and gradatude was the best part for me. You two are the real deal, thank you for showing us that!

[@davidtaylor2777]

I can so relate to the happiness feeling you are having about remembering your dream from years ago as it comes to fruition. Someday ! Someday !

[@daneulekowski929]

20 episodes down in 1 day. Looking forward to watching your adventure.

[@nncoco]

One thing I like about boat life is the quality of people you meet. Self-reliant, helpful and accomplished.

[@KALamar-fp7nm]

@sailingsoulianis It’s rare to come across a KZbin channel with so much authenticity. I’m a bit late but safe travel wherever you are in the world right now.

[@sailingshadowfax7518]

That fish jumping was such a wonderful sign!

[@loniallorenz2009]

Wow, what a great and grateful video !!!! Thanks for sharing 💖📷👀👍👍💖❗️ We just became subscribers !! Long ago (60's) in another time we used to take the bike paths down from NorthWestern to the harbor & back when we lived in Skokie.

[@meestahwah]

Kirk, I could really feel the emotion in your voice and see it in your face. I was moved by your honest display of emotion and wanted to thank you for sharing it with us. Fair winds and safe travels to you both.

[@rrdner5700sbcglob]

What a joyful thrill that must have been to push off from the slip for the very last time to begin this awesome adventure! You are on your way! Congratulations!

[@SailingSoulianis]

Most definitely. There's nothing like blazing your own new path. Thanks, Randy!

[@LesPaulDreamers]

Really loved that first person sequence in the beginning, it kinda felt like we were on Soulianis with you! Thank you so much for sharing, I love following you guys and your adventures! :)

[@spinnaker5514]

Congratulations guys! I'm looking forward to following you where ever your travels take you! I was especially touched that you cared so much about giving everyone the proper amount of attention and worring that you may not have. It shows me to be true what I first saw in you on the very first video I watched.....that you are genuinely nice people who deserve all the adventures that lie ahead of you! I wish you the very best, safety and prosperity! God Bless Soulianis and all who sail upon her!!!!

[@garyryan8082]

At the age of 55, my wife an I are looking at sailboats now. We even took sailing lessons. A lot of this was influenced by you guys. We always had power boats, but maybe this is our next chapter. Watching you channel has been inspirational. Just on your 20th episode and so stoked for you guys! How cool. I'm even reading An Embarrassment of Mangoes, per your recommendation. A great read for anyone thinking of sailing. Thanks guys!

[@SailingSoulianis]

That’s awesome to hear thanks for sharing Gary!

[@willjam465]

OK...so one of your videos came up in my recommendations, and I have spent the afternoon (in-between working) binge-watching. Enjoying the content. Seeing Chicago, reminds me how much I love that city. It is one of 3 things I miss about Illinois now that we have moved...family, friends, and spending time in Chicago.

[@jeremybentley820]

Super vicarious enjoyment watching all your preperations for the big 'take off'... Brilliant! Such fun and cant waite for the adventure to continue.

[@rickczainski9856]

Well im binge watching on my days off in wintery Alberta. Loving your story so far. It was nice to see the Monday Never crew. I watched their whole story and haven't heard anything from them in a long while. I'm sure they are planning their next adventure. Can't wait to see what lies ahead for the both of you...exciting times!

[@christiancormier7847]

Way to go Soulianis Crew. The boat looks amazing. So happy for you two. The adventure begins. Fair winds and following seas!

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks so much, Christian. 💙

[@clifflong1203]

My Dad kept this saying on his bathroom mirror " I will not attempt to live someone elses life nor will I allow them to live mine! I am entirely responsible for my own words, thoughts, and actions..and the consequences of all three!!" I would add that TODAY is all you have...live it!! cheers S/V Harmonica. " a wind instrument" :)

[@Mondaynever]

yay!!! awesome video guys :) and so fun seeing our old apartment. can't wait to hang out again soon!

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thank you!! Back atcha... After we left, I was cursing myself that we didn't stay for bacon, lol. (We're always hyper-concerned about overstaying welcomes!) We had a lovely time, thanks again so much for your wonderful hospitality :)

[@bayareablues2255]

Another great episode. And it was great to see Will and Kat - I miss their channel. Looking forward to seeing your sail down the river!

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks! We loved watching Monday Never's videos because Will & Kat seemed like people we'd want to be friends with. Turned out to be true!

[@kittmiller2212]

Such a poignant, and wonderful time, God Speed, and may you have a pleasant passage.

[@garysenecal7683]

A very nice story with lots of learning curves . Very good ! Very Good! THank you for sharing

[@anthonyaddeo7874]

Love your videos. I just purchased my very own Tartan 37. Hull number 264, a 1980 model. This coming spring I will have a changing of the name ceremony and name her “Princess of Artimino “ for my lovely daughter. Fair winds and following seas. When on the east coast, let’s get together!

[@SailingSoulianis]

Congrats on the T37!

[@mattchapman5941]

By far your best episode yet! You guys are such a genuine couple and it is very refreshing to see that here. Your videos keep getting better and better and I feel like Im right there with you. It was great to see Monday Never again too. Miss those two. We need more people like you on here! Cant wait for the next one. Cheers!

[@SailingSoulianis]

So glad you enjoyed it, Matt. Really appreciate the kind words. Thank you!

[@jenwilko1692]

The loving warmth you have for one another and for your family and friends is very much apparent. I always feel so calm watching your videos as you soothingly flow together. Happy Birthday Lauren! Looking forward to viewing the journey to the Gulf. Cheers Jen 🐨

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks so much, Jen! Such a sweet comment ☺️

[@UnyieldingSeraph]

The ending touched my heart. I had the same dream, to spend my days on a boat with the person I love. That love faded and I lost my dream(however I do have my boat). I hope your all of your future voyages are blessed with happiness and safe passage, and I wish you both a lifetime of Love and happiness.

[@HopeOfJoe]

GReat ceremony, guys !!!✨⛵️⚓️✨🥂✨

[@victweezy]

You really touched my heart strings with the talk about family. Been away for 12 years now for Military and work after I got out. I know the feeling, but I also know how much it means to them to just be together again. Just spending time together is more valuable than whatever is done together. Glad they experienced the renaming, I'm sure everyone just enjoyed being with you two and a significant event like this was just icing on the cake. Planning on buying a bigger boat in a little under 2 years, and going to make our home port just outside of where my Mom and Dad live for the winter and a short sail away from the in-laws. I'm looking forward to watching your adventure down the river.

[@SailingSoulianis]

You're absolutely right. We always say choosing to give your time to someone is the best gift you can give. Time is so precious, you can't get it back... Just being present with someone can be really meaningful.

[@jackbego6571]

Wishing you both the best for your new and exciting adventures. Have fun, learn a lot and be safe.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thank you, Jack!

[@dickross7044]

As I watch these videos I am discovering things that I don't get out of the other sailing channels I watch. I laugh and cry several times with each episode. I'm afraid you've got me hooked. Since I am a late comer binge watching is going to be a necessity. Can't wait!

[@SailingSoulianis]

Aw thanks so much! We try really hard to make our videos worth your time to watch. Very glad to hear you’re enjoying them so! -L

[@cliffcoombe9644]

Good to see you being ‘real’ blessings on your adventure and hope we see you in Southern Africa one day !

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks, Cliff! Maybe one day...

[@joshua3113]

Last time I was in Chicago I stayed in Logan Square at my sisters but the time before that I stayed in the Marriott downtown but was at a dinner party just slightly north of there right off lake shore dr. My motorcycle that trip stayed in Rogers Park though. The place for the dinner party was the nicest apt I have ever seen. Views of the lake and the roof top patio. MMMMMM.

[@dhmalcolm]

That was such a Special video. The best I've seen in ages. From a newbie sailor. Thank you Bon Youage

[@sevgilim1308]

well done to you both. i'm really enjoy watching you two. you are both very special people.

[@redgifier]

Very cool channel and very nice couple. Happy for you. ))

[@svdoinitright7519]

Congratulations! Fair winds and following seas.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks!

[@BrettsGarage]

Crazy... i used to live in Rogers Park a little over 10 years ago. Lived right off the beach just north of Loyola. I used to sit on the rocks off campus and study. Sometimes I'd run on that beach up towards evanston, but would go down that little pier. Used to love longboarding to belmont harbour and would just watch sailboats come and go... good memories. Good luck on you're guys trip.

[@stijnbraunius854]

Happy to see you two out on the water again. Safe travels!

[@stijnbraunius854]

Oh and happy birthday Lauren!

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks Stijn!

[@saints51]

Just got through the re-naming ceremony. Damn, you guys are fun!

[@ernestdougherty3162]

What a great video and yes so many emotions but there should be great job on the new boat Solutions as happy as I am watching the two of you together and how you are together reminds me of my marriage to my wife true love but now I believe you have a third love a boat it's finally going to get to do what it was designed to do get out on the open ocean

[@billroberts3864]

This is an exciting time as you begin your sailing on your big adventure. I look forward to every video to watch your progress. You two are and inspiration because of your enthusiasm and excitement level.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks Bill, always happy to hear such kind words. :)

[@garye4145]

I have to say I watch a lot of sailing channels and your channel ranks up with with my favorites. Sailing RAN, UMA, Delos and many others. I hope to sail one day but I love watching from the beginning because as you both learn I learn along with you. Many things I have watched and learned. But I also enjoy you both as fun wonderful people who are now on your way to your sailing adventure. All the best and safe travels and fair winds.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks very much!

[@BillConnely]

Awesome! Great to see you getting out there. Live your dream! life is too short. Just go do it! You only live once! Don't worry about the money. You will figure out how to make it you are both smart people. I look forward to your future sailing trips, and hope to someday see you on the waters.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks very much Bill!

[@scottsmith8546]

God bless you, and may you have a great journey on this sailing adventure.

[@MohdNazliOthman]

Love to see both of you sailing. The right couple for the adventures. Good Luck

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thank you!

[@oldmanflyer1]

Best wishes on your new adventures, Soulianis looks great, good winds moderate seas.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Hi Robert, thanks very much.

[@jeremybentley820]

Found myself binge watching.

[@user-vv2bb7vc5v]

Guys all the good luck that one can wish. Thanks for sharing the vid enjoy sailing.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Many thanks, Eran (:

[@CharlesGokey]

Looking forward to your adventures!!

[@unclemuir]

Great to see Will and Kat, followed their channel. I hope they get back at it. Good luck on your Gran Tour.

[@ToddKesler]

Dreams are awesome!

[@drwindsurf]

Thank you so much for sharing this another fantastic video. I loved seeing Chicago from the water. I wish you all the best in your journey to a warmer climate :)

[@SailingSoulianis]

Hey Jeffrey, our pleasure! We've got some more Chicago footage coming up, too, in the next ep. :D

[@AlbertMarkovskiNinja]

Bon Voyage you two! Here is to hoping you have an amazing sail ahead! Cheers from Denmark.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks so much, Mikael!

[@curniss5241]

Yeay!!! 🍾 Congratulations and thanks for sharing your journey to get to this point! 💓

[@SailingSoulianis]

Absolutely, thanks for following along!

[@RJ-rn3uv]

Hey just realizing you two were from San Diego. KI use to live in Orange County, surfed Swanees and all of OC. mainly Old mans, San O. Safe sailing, always calm waters and clear skies. Enjoy and love much.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Hi Robin, we grew up in the Midwest but spent the past 6 years in Carlsbad and Oceanside. We surfed at the pier and I surfed Swamis most days on my way home from work. -Kirk

[@danielhoyle3546]

Congratulations on your new adventure. Your sailboat looks very seaworthy. Enjoy the ride. Thank you for sharing.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Cheers, Daniel, thanks for watching!

[@dalewilliams4312]

Been watching from the beginning of ur journey to sail the high seas and here u guys go I’m looking forward to watching ur journey ❤️🎩❤️

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks Dale! Happy to have you along for the ride (:

[@owenmcghee8837]

Well done, good to see a new adventure begin. Safe sailing to all.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thank you Owen!

[@edrussell7960]

Awesome. Happy birthday. Great vlog.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks, Ed (:

[@wesleyburghardt7189]

Roger's Park, Belmont Harbor, Chicago, the 'El'-- awesome! Nice to see you in my stomping grounds, although I know you were just passing through.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Love Chicago :)

[@stephenk.9344]

I abbsolutely need to mention that I just watched "Results of Our Sailing Shakedown EP. 15, I'm sorry, I'm still catching up. I'm writing to tell Kirk I LOVE his very good "Cherman " accent. Not German but "Cherman". I saw that you had Lauren cracking up but I was LMAO. Worthy of a stand-up act. I have more to say but Lucky the cat just jumped on my lap. Later.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Hi Stephen, thanks for the ego boost ;) -Kirk

[@johnjanetcourant7517]

If you are using shackles on board you should use a small piece of line to tie the eyelet of the bolt to the shackle so that don’t lose the bolt.

[@skybr6]

Wow! Truly heartfelt. Awesome video and look forward to watching your adventure. Much love!

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thank you Marcus

[@wiilillad]

This is so exciting.

[@SailingSoulianis]

😁

[@jhs6056]

Great video, Bon Voyage and safe passage ahead... J & D

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thank you!

[@alinthekeys]

Nice way to start your new life! Hope you enjoy all that the new life style has too offer. Good and Bad, their will be plenty of both! Watching from the fl. Keys.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Hi Al, thanks for watching! We'll be there soon!

[@dustanbalkcom]

So pumped to follow your adventures!! You’re really doing it!

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks for following, Dustan!

[@mangopog9814]

Encourages me to see young people planing and making their dreams come true, many of us live our lives in the moment and at the end have accomplished nothing.

[@texwires]

Congratulations on the milestone! There are MANY more to come. Looking forward to watching you make your way south and to new adventures!

[@SailingSoulianis]

Cheers, thanks Gary!

[@stevesheliflying]

Very nice video. Great spoken words from the heart at the end too. Love watching you guys and looking forward for more to come. Safe travels southwards.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Hey Steve, thanks so much. 💛

[@rchopp]

All the best to you two on your up and coming adventures..

[@1werewolf]

Bon voyage....channel has grown leaps and bounds....now start heading south where it is warm!

[@aaronhanes7114]

Congratulations Guys! I'm so proud of you i can't wait for the day i push off!

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thank you, good luck to you!

[@Jimjettrain333]

What a great episode I felt the love the antisipation the reflection and so much more.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks for watching, Mick! Really appreciate your comment.

[@rictus7222]

Yay down the big ditch we go I'm excited to follow along

[@MarkMesserli]

Awesome guys! Bon Voyage, hope your trip south goes well. Look forward to following you all the way. You are so smart doing this when you are young. Some people wait too long and never do it. I just retired at 58 and hope to be joining you guys out there soon.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks, Mark! Congrats to you on retirement!

[@waltguzman]

Love this video! Can't wait for more.

[@HopeOfJoe]

What a fabulous Chicago apartment !!!!! 😊✨🎉⛵️⚓️✨😊

[@ubermenschx]

Good luck and good fortune. We are all looking forward to enjoying this journey with you.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks for watching, Michael!

[@dougford5691]

Very nice video. Now let the next adventure begin. Sail on Soulianis!!!

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thank you, Doug!!

[@CorwynGC]

Bon Voyage! Actually find myself looking forward to 'the ditch'.

[@hansjensen7823]

Glad you two are back, excited for you!

[@billfournier6114]

Congratulations guys! Great video. You're in for an incredible adventure! Thanks for sharing. Fair winds.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks very much, Bill!

[@UweBehrendt]

thanks Im looking forward to your adventure, its one that this old man has wanted to do for a long time

[@ronaldwarren5220]

Bon voyage and fair seas!

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks Ronald!

[@tommygunz8692]

Good luck on your new adventure...I think your story would make a great movie....Can’t wait to take this journey with you guys....⛵️.......T.Gunz..........

[@larrykramer6057]

Of course they have told you about the tows on the Illinois River. A better name for them would be pushes, and they will run you down if you get in their way because they cannot stop or turn, which doesn't make much difference because they won't see you. That keel of yours means you have to stay in the channel, which is where they are. You should have an emergency plan, including an outboard mount on your stern with a 4-5 h.p. motor. The river was not made for sailboats, but you will never be closer to so much land with a lot to look at.

[@christorrance2876]

Very sweet video. Good luck getting down the river. Looking forward to seeing your travels.

[@iangarforth]

Love your videos. Just wish there was more of them..!

[@SailingSoulianis]

Hey Ian, better that than too many? ;)

[@iangarforth]

@@SailingSoulianis yep, fair point!

[@AlistairAVogan]

Very sweet video guys! Thanks for this and 'How Much Does a Blue Water Sailboat Coast?' I'm looking forward to watching the video on your costs after you beginning the liveaboard life. I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me at 16:20... i.e. NavPod!

[@ontheruntonowhere]

Yeah, what the heck was that?

[@rogerkolenda8726]

Congratulations Soulianis! I am eagerly awaiting future volgs of your expedition! Good luck and may the force be with you:)

[@SailingSoulianis]

Cheers Roger!

[@cornenothome4191]

O, and one other thing: don't worry too much. I know because I did too and it is not helping. Live in the moment, be yourself, do what you can and if that is not enough next time better. And for some you can never do enough. Keep that in mind. Honoring your parents is a good thing though.

[@chris3m98]

GOOD SAILING=BE SAFE=THANK YOU FOR YOUR FEELINGS ABOUT YOUR FRIENDS & FAMILY. I COULD FEEL YOUR LOVE!

[@SailingSoulianis]

☺️

[@jastark22181]

Another awesome video... I really can't wait till the next one! 😁

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks for watching, Jeffrey!

[@pizzabw]

GREAT VIDEO 👏👏👍👍

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks Allen!

[@michaelsuckling3158]

living the dream !!Good on you guys..One more year to go on my 36 foot endevour restoration...see you in the islands..:)..or Tahiti :)

[@SailingSoulianis]

Good on ya! Cheers :)

[@stefanobeppeb]

You guys are so sweet! All the best from Italy and looking forward to the next EP!

[@rossipop]

Sweet Ep... Safe Sail guys Much hugs .....

[@davidmilitz2275]

Best wishes for a safe journey....keep the videos coming!!!

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks, David!