A Place to Call Home(port)

In 2013, Emma and Jake embarked on a life-changing journey aboard their beloved sailboat, Blue Horizon. Over the next decade, their adventures took them across the diverse waters of the United States, through the sun-drenched Bahamas, and into the vibrant Caribbean islands. Anchored by a shared love for the sea, their lives shaped into a tapestry of sunrises and sunsets, each day a new adventure.

Ten years later, with a captain's log busting with epic stories of adventure, Emma and Jake decided it was time to find a place that they could call home for a while. After all their years living as vagabonds, they settled upon a quaint marina located in a small North Carolina town. The marina promised rest, relaxation, and camaraderie– exactly what they were searching for.

When they arrived at their new homeport, the protected bay hosted clear water glistening with the sun's rays. The town, though small, had a heart that beat with good people and welcoming smiles. Here, Emma and Jake found something unfamiliar—a sense of belonging.

After being officially welcomed as new members of the marina, they hoisted a fresh burgee up their flag halyard, proudly showcasing their affiliation. 

Right off the bat, the couple became a part of the community. Mornings were spent sipping coffee on the dock, exchanging stories with neighboring boaters. Evenings often consisted of marina dinners, where the smell of fresh seafood filled the air under a sky full of stars. Each person they met had their own story, and soon, Emma and Jake's tales were woven into the rich fabric of the marina's narrative.

Their first year at the marina, Emma and Jake found themselves volunteering for events, organizing regattas and heading ocean clean-ups. They discovered joy in simple acts of community, finding that each interaction deepened the connection to their new home. Emma spent the summer coaching youth sailing, passing on her love for the sea, while Jake found fulfillment in up-keeping the classic launch boats at the marina. 

Their day-to-day shifted from seeking endless horizon to embracing the circle of community. Happiness and peace was found in the rhythm of marina life, and their love for each other grew deeper as they built new memories in their new home.

As they walked along the docks at sunset, Emma and Jake acknowledged that they discovered more than just a homeport. They found a family– a group of people who understood their past and shared their present. This new chapter is anchored in the love and unity within the boating community.

In the end, Emma and Jake knew that their journey at sea led them to this moment, to this feeling of gratitude and contentment. This small town marina in North Carolina was not just a place to dock their boat; it was a homeport for them to rest, reflect, and find peace. Will they seek new horizons one day? Of course! But, for now, they are proud to be settled in a place so special.

As Emma and Jake’s story comes to a close, we're reminded of the significance a homeport holds in the life of a boater. It's not just a place to anchor; it's where stories are shared, friendships are forged, and a sense of belonging is nurtured. So, we invite you to reflect on your own journey: Where is your homeport? Claim it, cherish it, and fly your burgee with pride.