OUR COMMUNITY

It all begins with an idea. So true. Our love for sailing caused us to pause and ask - any others like us? What is the boating and sailing community all about? How will our families be involved? We are pleasantly surprised by the passion of boaters, both motor and sail, to their craft and their enjoyment on the waters.

OUR CREW

We have had the distinction of having thoughtful, caring, knowledgeable and likeable hired Captains guiding us along the journey. Kudos to Captain Karl Weber of At-the-Helm for giving us the opportunity to sail with them. These four were instrumental in the passage of Bubista II from St. Thomas, USVI to Sarasota, FL. We are forever indebted to your patience and persistence in getting our retirement dream to a safe harbor. Thank you ever so much for your participation and our safe passage.

In addition, our family and friends are slowly feeling comfortable with longer-than-a-day passages. While this involves training, it also allows us to bond and explore each other in a way that couldn’t be possible on land. We are indebted to those who supported us through this passion and look forward to continuing our adventures with you.

  • GRAHAM SAUSER

    CAPTAIN

    From Chicago, IL, USCG certified, Captain for Bubista II maiden voyage, Chief ops for Chicago Sailing, direct, intuitive, free spirit, ready to teach, ready to get it done, expects the best from himself and his team. www.sailingchicago.com Refurbished an entire antique boat himself; has travelled extensively in the Caribbean and delivered numerous yachts around the country and the world.

  • AMBER KELLY

    CAPTAIN

    Amber Kelly: from Chicago, IL by way of Detroit, Texas, NYC , and RI - on her way to USCG certification, First Mate for Bubista II maiden voyage. Multi-skilled, even-tempered, even when being ribbed. Superlative sailing instructor for kids and and adults. Focused on her current goal: living and working in the 51st state of Puerto Rico.

    ​UPDATE: Amber has her 6-pack from USCG. Congratulations!!

  • JERRY & JEAN COLEMAN

    CAPTAINS

    Jerry and Jean Coleman: the cutest sailing couple ever! Recently retired, they deliver vessels up and down the east coast. Jerry's credentials are USCG 50-ton Master Captain, gaining his experience from the Coast Guard. Jean has a USCG 6-pack license, gaining experience through her family's sailing endeavors. They navigated us through the last leg, the ICW on the eastern FL coast up into Sarasota to complete the maiden voyage of Bubista II. Check them out: East Coast Vessel Relocation.

Family Crew

  • DAVID FRANCIS

    First family member to assist us on a long passage. David’s engineering expertise was critical to solving the autopilot issue as we sailed from Sarasota to RI. Learned “much respect” for the open ocean. He continues to be involved with the boat and our travels - love you our brother!

  • MAYA HANDWERK

    Kim’s first cousin and partner in all things that are adventures. Maya is just a short run from NJ to RI and spends more time with us on Narragansett Bay than anyone else. We LOVE her joy of life and her ability to connect with people everywhere.

Highlighting Black and Indigenous Sailors and Boating Groups from around the world

Changing the narrative about Black and Indigenous People in Sailing begins with research, conversation and telling the stories. We know there are others like us, with a love and passion for sailing. Who are they, what is the indigenous boating and sailing community all about?

Come back soon as we use this section to highlight Black and Indigenous Sailors and Boating groups in the US and beyond.

Sailors and Mariners Making Waves in the Boating World.

A goal of Sailing Noir is to capture the essence of sailing and to find like minded people who share that passion. People of color have been mariners for centuries, yet their stories are not often known. Check back to this section often to see highlights of captains, day sailors, fishermen, women, (both historical and current) and many others who contribute to the legacy of skill, bravery, and ingenuity of Black and Indigenous mariners. We would be happy to hear your suggestions on BIPOC mariners that should be considered.

Paul Cuffee

  • The first of America’s Black sailing captains. Born free into a multiracial family on Cuttyhunk Island, Massachusetts, Cuffe became a successful merchant and sea captain.

  • The Ambitious Sailor Who Aims to Break 15 World Records in the Next 5 Years. Capt. Lawson was lost at sea in 2023.

  • Her name is Captain Roselun Tortor Kete, a female master mariner with over 30 years of sea experience, 10 years as certified & licensed master mariner in the field and still in active service.

  • After his escape, Attucks worked on whaling ships, and when he wasn’t at sea, he found work as a rope-maker.

  • Amos Haskins, a Wampanoag Indian, sailed on six whaling voyages from 1839 to 1861, rising through the ranks until he was appointed master of the bark Massasoit in 1851. Daguerreotype, 1850 – Courtesy of New Bedford Whaling Museum