I grew up in the midwest; the area of the bible belt and tornado alley. My dad always told me to do what I loved; this led me to always wondering what it was that I loved to do and I always wondered as I was doing something if I could see myself doing that my whole life. In my hometown, Joplin, MO, I never felt a particular calling. It was always during the summer when my family visited the Bahamas, by boat, where I felt my soul and heart on fire with passion.
It took me a few years to realize that was where my heart was, but it lit my path towards a life that would lead me to be on the ocean. I immersed myself in studies during high school, including doing coral reef research, to expand my options for university. Once in college, at Nova Southeastern University for my marine biology degree, I found myself diving into the healthiest lifestyle I could at the same time while immersing myself in the ocean. I began to cook for myself more, becoming vegan for a few years, practiced more yoga and adapted a steady fitness routine, started growing a stronger faith, and started to figure out what I really loved. In my freshman year, I found my freediving community and started working on boats. By the end of my second year, I was a captain working on boats every weekend and freediving when I had time.
I had planned to take a break from studies and travel Europe for a year after graduating, but those dreams were put on hold. With my captain’s license and degree, I was working a part-time job that I enjoyed but still longed to be on the water more and exploring. After running from a hurricane on one engine after Covid-19, I was working on the dock maintaining boats and doing sea trials. I enjoyed every second; my boss was great, the location was perfect, my lifestyle was great. Three weeks later I met Steph and 5 days after that, I left for the Bahamas with her as co-captain, starting a life-changing chapter.
Every day was a dream; from the people we had onboard, the diving, living with someone who felt like a sister, and even boat maintenance. I couldn’t have imagined myself anywhere else and knew this was one of the “everything happens for a reason” moments. November came around and I was going to visit my family for Thanksgiving and at the same time, I was leaving Sail La Vie. It was heartbreaking for both Stephanie and I, but we both knew it was time. Her life was coming together onboard and I joined my friend, David, to help with charters until April. From April to June I worked on the dock preparing boats for the Bahamas, did a month-long charter in the Bahamas, a delivery to the NE coast, and again, wondering what my life was going to look like in the upcoming months.
Confirming My Dream
In high school, I realized that I wanted to sail the world. My goal was to buy my own boat by the time I was 30. August 2020-July 2021 confirmed that this was still my dream; it was the life I wanted to live as long as possible. When I ended charters in April one of the things I wondered about was when I would get to live this dream life again.
Towards the end of June I missed the Bahamas more than ever and reached out to Steph; we hadn’t seen each other in months, despite both living in the Bahamas. From the second I landed in Nassau, Bahamas I felt at home, and even more so when I landed in Long Island and the whole Sail La Vie crew picked me up in a pickup truck to head back to the boat. Every second of this trip confirmed this was the life I wanted to live, I wasn’t sure how I could give it up again. The best part of this trip was the community, every single person around lifted each other up moments were always filled with laughter and support. The days were simple; workouts, spearfishing, watching Vertical Blue freediving competition, big dinners, and the occasional maintenance job. I left this trip knowing I would be back soon, hopefully on my own boat. I found my dream boat online during this trip, and the work started to make my dream come true.
Evening Lauren, I have been watching your video of your fixing your boat, and some sailing of the seas. How is your cat doing these days. Hope to see more of your video of your sailing of the seas.
Hi Lauren,
My wife and I have seen your you tube videos and are interested in chartering with you. Do you have a website with dates and prices? We are interested in a snorkel and spearfishing adventure on your boat for 4 to 7 days.
Thanks, Roy and Cindy
Evening Captain Lauren, How are you and Milko are doing okay these days. Miss your video shows on my home computer, prior to working on my on-line college course with Liberty University of my Associates in Arts, Religion.
Hello Laura
I see you had injector problems. I have a Cummins diesel and put 1/2 quart Auto transmission fluid every other tank full to help lubricate my injectors to prevent damages. Works very well for lubrication for injector pump and injectors. Just a heads up.
Thank you
Mark
HI LAUREN! I’M WATCHING YOUR 10-20-22 EPISODE. I’M IN ADMIRATION OF YOUR TALENT. I HAVE TO SAY IT, THANK GOD, FOR YOU! WITH ALL OF YOUR SACRIFICES THAT YOU’VE PUT UP WITH, YOU ARE WINNING HEARTS AND MINDS ALL OVER THE WORLD! I’M EXCITED, FOR YOU; YOU ARE THE CHAMPION!
You are an inspiration. Be your dream!
We love your show We live in northwest colorado if you ever want to come up here and see a lot of elk text us and beautiful country
Were do we find more info on charter possibility in the Bahamas ?
We enjoy following you. I just spent a week in Freeport and want to go back. Is there a way for you to get us from Ft. Lauderdale to Freeport sometime in the future? For just the trip or for a day or two on your boat. I am a 79 yr old sailor, licensed captain with coast guard, and past owner of more than 40 boats, half sailboats, but all under 27′. You are great.
Lauren-
Please give your parents and grandfather a huge hug and tell them they’ve done an incredible job raising an incredible women.
And I noticed on what might be your favorite old grey wool sweater it has a hole on the left sleeve. There are dressmakers, dry cleaners, knitting shops that can “invisibly reweave” that for you, it is an old skill.
I’m envious of what you’ve accomplished and how you manage that much boat. Don’t think my YT handle is macabre, it was meant to reflect an old saying “Golf is not a matter of life and death, it is way more important than that.” We stole it and substituted sailing. Thank the gods for golf, can you image how crowded the water would be if golf didn’t keep them away?!!