SV Canis Major

03/24/2025

Leaving Canis Major:

I very recently sold Canis Major. They say the two best day of a boat owner's life is the day they buy their boat, and the day they sell it. That's not the case for me. I'm still processing this major change, one that I did not expect so soon. I have learned such an incredible amount refurbishing and maintaining a boat. You have to be a jack of all trades: a mechanic, plumber, electrician, wood worker, rigger, sailor, home owner, and so much more. I have a much deeper knowledge of boat systems, having reworked basically every system on Canis.

I also became amazingly comfortable being a solo sailor cruising the Channel Islands. Solo sailing forced me to be confident in my own decisions in passage making and sailing. From tracking weather windows to navigation, solo anchoring and the act of sailing, learning how to provision without refrigeration, and more. I have become much more competent as a sailor and person. The confidence and self-sufficiency is an incredible feeling. Sailing alone (with Littlefoot), is a magical experience, one that challenges me and pushes my limitations, forcing me to grow beyond my comfort zones, while simultaneously being connected to the boat and the ocean in a symbiotic way.

Canis Major not only made me a better sailor, but gave me solace and a home from the very first day nearly 3 years ago. While I only lived aboard full time for 8 months, I fell in love with this lifestyle - the self sufficiency, regulated minimalism, simplicity, and connection with nature and myself.

Don’t worry, boat life and sailing are still exactly how I’m choosing to live, only now I’m moving to another boat, a blue water cruiser. I am incredibly grateful to have this opportunity, one I cannot pass up. While I won't be a solo sailor anymore, and the new-to-me sailboat needs no major overhauls in its systems, I will forever be greatful for the (nearly) 3 years of owning Canis. It has been my honor to take this boat from a sinking vessel to the capable coastal cruiser and liveaboard she is now.��

While I will no longer be posting on this page, you can follow along my adventures on instagram .

09/18/2024

🌊 Breaking Barriers & Dreaming Big 🌊

Sailing has always been a male-dominated world, but more and more women are charting new courses, breaking down barriers, and showing that the sea belongs to ALL of us. 🌍⛵️

As someone who started sailing just 7 years ago, I’ve learned that the biggest obstacles aren’t always the technical skills—but the confidence to believe you can do it. Every repair, every solo sail, every time I push beyond my comfort zone, I remind myself that no dream is too big. 💪✨

From restoring my own boat, Canis Major, to becoming an ASA-certified instructor and serving as first mate on charter boats, I’ve built my career on my terms. And I'm here to say—there’s space for all of us on the water. 🚢🌅

I’m constantly inspired by the women sailors who’ve come before me—Tania Aebi, Isabelle Autissier, Pip Hare, and many others. They’ve proven that with resilience, determination, and passion, the ocean is ours to explore. 🌊💙

So here’s to breaking down barriers, dreaming big, and chasing those horizon lines. Whether you're just starting out or deep into your sailing journey, remember: YOU BELONG HERE. 🏝️⚓️

Read more at my new blog post. Link in Bio.

08/19/2024

Check out our website often for our blog with updates, and new projects! corahtheexplora.com

01/23/2024

A huge misconceptions that I get often is that I come from money and that I was a yacht club sailing kid. Both things couldn’t be further from the truth! With both my PhD and sailing, I am the first in my family to enter into these worlds and move 3,000 miles away! I’ve had to learn and find opportunities for myself and fight to stay in these spaces. I wouldn’t change my journey for anything! I’ve worked very hard to live this life. More sailing and adventures are on the horizon. The lesson is to chase after your dreams, because if you hold fast, things do work out!

11/06/2023

07/17/2023

Some things people may not know about me, do we have anything in common?:
1. I was in foster care and was adopted by my younger sister’s grandparents. 2. I am the first person to go to college in my family 3. I love olives 🫒 4. I make my own kombucha 🫙5. My favorite color is deep purple 6. I was a tomboy growing up 7. My favorite food is pasta 🍝 8. I’ve had 4 knee surgeries (all on the same knee) 9. My favorite knot is a becket bend 🪢 10. I started sailing 5 years ago⛵️

06/13/2023

Littlefoot and I will be starting full-time life aboard!
I've had this dream since I was 7 years old. It's wild that the start of this adventure is on the horizon. There's still so much to do, like downsizing, finding a marina, and more work to prep CMa.

05/23/2023

We got a bimini frame! Perfect for adding some shade and a place for solar panels. So excited to be another step closer to liveaboard and cruising 🤙⛵️

03/04/2023

Couple of updates. I started working on the floor! The white is a little bit bright but nothing a runner rug can’t tone down. I’ve also started building the floor for the v-berth and head as they are straight fiber glass and curved (it’s the hull). So I am building floors and substrate to create a level surface.

We have to replace our standing rigging this month too, and then we are off to the islands! 🤙⛵️