American Sailing ran a sweepstakes with a grand prize of a dream vacation this summer aboard the Sailing Yacht Arabella. Our winners have been announced! Denise Dyer, Bruce Garrow, and Jim Sullivan’s journeys into the world of sailing have been as diverse as the winds that guide their sails. These three individuals, each with their unique story, are the winners of the American Sailing Sweepstakes.
Denise Dyer: Sweepstakes Winner
One week aboard Arabella on a luxury cruise of New England
“Sailing has been a dream of mine since High School. It seemed it was never going to become a reality for me. But I never gave up hope and always chose the “Rocking of the sailboat on the water” as my white noise to help me relax and fall asleep and keep my dream alive.”
Despite the passage of time, Denise never relinquished her dream. It wasn’t until the tumultuous year of 2021, amid the global pandemic, that fate intervened, setting her course toward the open water.
A chance encounter with fellow artists at an art show led Denise to Judy Lightle, a sailor who would be the impetus to learn the art of sailing. “I was exhibiting my work at an art show. I took a quick restroom break and washed my hands at the outside washing station. As I finished, I said to the man standing next to me – that I prayed I sold all my art pieces so I could pack up and head somewhere by the ocean to finally learn to sail. He instantly grabbed my hand and said, “Come with me now – you need to meet my wife; she will help you make it happen!”
With Judy’s encouragement and the expertise of Captain Chris Rousseau from Island Bound Adventures, Denise embarked on her sailing journey. From the classroom to the Grapevine Lake, TX shores, Denise and her husband, Rick, honed their skills under Captain Rousseau, earning their ASA 101/103 certifications.
Life took an unexpected turn as Denise found herself tethered to home, caring for her ailing mother. Denise clung to her dreams, finding solace in the promise of one day getting to the coast and resuming her sailing journey. It was serendipitous when she entered the American Sailing Sweepstakes; Denise pleaded to the universe for a glimmer of hope. And when the call came, informing her of her victory aboard the Arabella, Denise knew that dreams were always within reach, no matter how distant.
Denise grew up in New England and has wanted to sail to Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket for as long as she can remember. Her dream of sailing on the open ocean is about to come true.
“My husband and I recently started watching sailing videos again and studying the Coastal Cruising Made Easy book and the Coastal Navigation & Piloting Course companion DVD that I ordered from the ASA website while working towards our goal again. We explored what types of trips might be available through ASA for our June anniversary in New England. We were both born in Maine, and we love the New England area. We were married in Maine. We go to BoothBay every summer we can for the BoothBay Wind Jammer Days. So, you can imagine how excited I was when I saw “Enter to Win the New England Sailing Adventure” on the Arabella!!!!”
Here’s to NEVER giving up on your dreams!
Bruce Garrow – winner of 2nd prize in the American Sailing Arabella Sweepstakes
3-months of unlimited access to our on-demand online class library
Bruce Garrow began sailing on a sailfish his wife owned when they met. They still own that boat and continue to sail regularly. “I joined the ASA in 2011 and completed the advanced coastal cruising standard with Rob Swain of Rob Swain Sailing School in Newport, Rhode Island.”
Bruce has bareboat chartered in the British Virgin Islands and, this past winter, participated in the “Beer Can” races at the Waikiki Yacht Club. “Those Friday evening races from Ala Wai Harbor to the Diamond Head Bouy were competitive and a lot of fun.”
Back on the East Coast, and Bruce is looking forward to sailing this summer at Sail Newport.
Jim Sullivan winner of 3rd prize in the American Sailing Arabella Sweepstakes
$150 Online store credit at ASA.com
Jim Sullivan has called San Diego home for the last 30 years. Being part of the San Diego sailing community has allowed him to sail and race year-round over the past decade leading to regular success on the water. “Sailing in San Diego has led to regular podium finishes and Championship wins in PHRF sailing inshore, offshore, and internationally.”
Racing and recreational sailing have Jim out on the water multiple times each week. Between the local yacht clubs and the Cortez Racing Association, many opportunities exist each month to get on the water. Jim prefers racing locally in midsize monohulls such as a Tripp 40’, Olson 40’, Beneteau 36.7′, and Beneteau F47.7.
“My affiliation with American Sailing allows me to sign up for recreational-type events on smaller boats like the J27 and C22.”
Interested in sailing aboard Arabella for yourself?
Arabella Sweepstakes Win a luxury cruise of New England for two aboard Arabella. The tour explores Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, and Cuttyhunk. It takes you to charming seaside towns and allows you to indulge in island life, New England style.
Wet & Salty Adventure Sailing SchoolSt Michael, Barbados Wet & Salty Adventure Sailing School is your warm weather destination sailing school based in beautiful Barbados, where the water is warm and the winds are favorable all year round. Whether you're a beginner or diligently working towards your next ASA certification or captain license, we can help you build…
American Sailing Welcomes Zhik as Official Apparel Partner American Sailing (ASA), a global authority on sailing education, is excited to announce Zhik, a global leader in sailing and watersports apparel, as their official apparel partner. This partnership brings together ASA’s commitment to sailing excellence with Zhik’s innovative performance gear, providing American Sailing members with exclusive access to top-tier…
