On August 20, a former Linden family of five—and their two dogs—set off on a once-in-a-lifetime journey: a 14-month, 6,000-mile boating adventure known as America’s Great Loop.

During this year’s Port Huron to Mackinac Yacht Race, Bella Luna skipper Gabby Stephens of Davison turned to her crew and asked, “Is this some of the best weather we’ve ever had for this race?”