We had the good fortune of connecting with Emma Garschagen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Emma, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
Sailing has more range than it seems from the outside. The image of a stereotypical sailor is slowly changing and I feel proud to be around for it. The sailing community I know is creative, hardworking, and kind, and is ready to push sailing out of it’s stuffy yacht club past.

What should our readers know about your business?
Sail Seabird was started with a mission to share the magic of sailing. We guide people on coastal sail education voyages in Maine and Cape Cod. On our voyages, I focus on empowering people to grow as sailors, while we soak up the beauty of living on the water. Starting this business has been a two year process and I am proud of how I found the brand’s voice over that time. I was surprised how long it took to get a feel for my own business, but once it started to click, I felt right at home. After buying Seabird in 2022, I focused on restoring the boat with the invaluable help of my dad. Together we brought new life to a retired offshore racing boat. As we fixed her up, I started to envision the business that could thrive on this vessel. I lived onboard for the summer of 2023, learning how the boat sailed and traveling from New York to Maine. Now, I am preparing for our first official summer in business! It has been a really hard process as I learn to work for and by myself, juggling all the pieces that go into starting something like this. I couldn’t do it without supportive family and friends. My network of fellow sailors and small business owners have been incredible, just a phone call or coffee date away to help me work through a roadblock. I’m constantly trying to take the checklist one item at a time, to trust the process, and have fun with it.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
When a friend visits me in Portland, Maine, the first thing we do is go to the ocean. Walking to Scratch Bakery and taking a coffee to Willard Beach is my favorite activity near home. If they want to go into town, Smalls Cafe in the West End has a killer grilled cheese and a great vibe. There are so many local artists here who are easily found at a maker’s market, either at Thompson Point or a smaller place like the Post Supply. If it’s winter and the ponds are frozen, there are so many good ones to choose from for a skate. Cape Elizabeth offers even more beaches and woods to walk around.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My friend Nikki Henderson is a fantastic sailor who has taught me to be a better leader, teacher, and overall human. She’s accomplished a huge amount already in her career and I love watching her cook up new projects. Nikki has a unique ability to really deeply connect with people and is an incredible friend. She knows when to be silly and when to be serious, and is fantastic at both. And she makes a mean mushroom risotto, while sailing upwind.

Website: sailseabird.com

Instagram: @sailseabird

Facebook: facebook.com/sailseabird

Image Credits
Aidan Gray

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