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?”
Later, mid-journey, she checked in again: “Are we having fun yet?” The answer was yes—from all aboard, including her father and fellow Davison resident, Ron Stephens. But no one was enjoying it more than Gabby.
Now 27, Gabby fell in love with sailing during a middle school camp in Alpena. That early interest grew into a passion for racing, challenging the elements, and commanding the water.
This year marked her ninth Mackinac finish and fifth consecutive as skipper of Bella Luna, the 36-foot, 7-inch vessel Ron purchased in 2021. Of those nine races, she’s shared seven with her dad.
Bella Luna placed 50th out of 99 boats on the Cove Island course, finishing in 32 hours, 12 minutes, and 41 seconds. They were sixth of 14 in Class G.
“You never know what’s going to happen because the race is so weather-dependent,” Gabby said. “But this might have been the best weather I’ve experienced. We had a good southerly wind and were able to fly the spinnaker. We did well in a tough class, and everyone got home safely. That’s a win in my book.”
Gabby and Ron previously raced together in 2015, 2019, and 2020 as crew members on other boats. From 2021 onward, they’ve sailed together on Bella Luna. Ron missed the 2023 race due to injury, and Gabby also sailed in 2018 with an all-female crew.
“Gabby is a great skipper because she’s so organized—with certifications, inspections, and boat maintenance,” Ron said. “She’s really grown as a leader. It’s very moving to be on the water with her.”
Out of 191 boats that started this year’s race, only three were skippered by women—including Gabby.
“There weren’t many women in the sport when I started,” she said. “It’s still male-dominated, but more programs are helping women get involved. We’re proving we can lead, not just crew.”
