Guest: Captain Genevieve Evans

Host: Dr. Allen Lycka

Dr. Allen Lycka introduces Captain Genevieve Evans, a seasoned sailing instructor and the owner of Go Sail Flathead Lake and Go Sail Virgin Islands. Despite growing up in Montana, a landlocked state, Genevieve developed a passion for sailing and turned it into a successful career.

Falling in Love with Sailing

Genevieve shares her early experiences sailing on Flathead Lake in Montana, a stunning freshwater lake fed from Glacier National Park. Her love for sailing grew from these childhood experiences and later led her to start sailing businesses in both Montana and the Virgin Islands.

Expanding to the Virgin Islands

Genevieve began exploring the Caribbean after 2009. She initially spent time in the Bahamas and then moved to the US Virgin Islands, where she found the perfect environment to expand her sailing business. The Virgin Islands offered a safe and welcoming community, making it an ideal location for sailing lessons and charters.

Safety Concerns in the Caribbean

Dr. Lycka raises concerns about safety in the Caribbean, specifically the threat of pirates. Genevieve assures listeners that the US and British Virgin Islands are very safe, with a strong presence of tourism and excellent communication services. The region is considered secure, and she has never encountered safety issues during her time there.

Navigating Storms and Weather

Hurricane season in the Caribbean runs from June through September. Genevieve explains that her sailing operations are suspended during the peak hurricane months of August, September, and October to ensure safety. She emphasizes the importance of monitoring weather patterns and having contingency plans in place.

Learning to Sail: The Curriculum

Genevieve outlines the curriculum she follows, based on American Sailing Association standards. The program covers everything from basic sailing terminology to advanced boat systems and navigation. Students learn practical skills like route planning and weather prediction, essential for safe sailing.

The Joy of Sailing

For Genevieve, sailing is a continuous learning journey. She highlights the importance of a growth mindset, as every sailing experience presents new conditions and challenges. Her favorite part of sailing is the constant learning and the opportunity to share this passion with others.

Life Aboard: The Sailing Experience

Genevieve describes the typical sailing experience offered by her company. Using 42 to 50-foot catamarans, she accommodates groups of up to six people for week-long, immersive sailing courses. These trips provide hands-on sailing practice and a chance to explore the beauty of the Caribbean.

The Cost of Sailing Adventures

A catamaran like the ones used in her courses costs between $800,000 and $1 million. These vessels are built to handle long voyages, making them safe for world travel.

Embracing a Fantastic Life

Genevieve shares her philosophy on living a fantastic life. She emphasizes the importance of simplifying life, valuing experiences over material possessions, and maintaining a positive outlook. Her lifestyle allows her to enjoy the best of both worlds: the beautiful summers of Montana and the warm winters of the Caribbean.

How to Connect with Captain Genevieve Evans

For those interested in learning to sail or booking a sailing adventure, Genevieve provides contact information for her sailing schools:

• Go Sail Virgin Islands: www.gosailvi.com
• Go Sail Montana: www.gosailmontana.com

Social Media:

https://www.facebook.com/gosailvirginislands

https://www.instagram.com/gosailvirginislands/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/genevieve-evans17/