courtesy of SummerSailstice.com

I come from a boatbuilding family. My grandfather, who died before I was born, was a great builder. His son, my uncle, continued the tradition. Throughout my childhood, Uncle Jay always had a partially built boat in the backyard, and sometimes a boat or catamaran in the front yard, too. Although I have not inherited this talent, I love the ocean and enjoy spending time on boats. And what says summer better than sailing on a lake, river or sea?

If you like boats, you might want to participate in Summer Sailstice. This global sailing holiday – founded in 2001 – is celebrated each year on the weekend closest to solstice. This year it falls on June 22. Approximately 19,000 sailors from all over the world take part in the Sailstice.

 Don’t have a boat of your own but know how to sail? Sailstice’s sponsor, Cruzin.com, bills itself as America’s first boater-to-boater charter marketplace, allowing you to rent boats from fellow sailors. Unfortunately for me, they don’t seem to recognize important non-sailing roles on boats. For example, if they took me aboard, I would make sure everybody had sunscreen and veggie snacks! 

Sailors can join the Sailstice celebration by heading out to your nearest body of open water on June 22. Or, if you register ahead of time at www.SummerSailstice.com, you can enter to win a Caribbean cruise, boating services and gear.