Page 11 - BUZZ Magazine - Issue #5 Summer 2023 | University of Rochester

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1. THE WILDLIFE: 4. SAFETY FIRST:
In Turks and Caicos, Zack jumped into the water for a Zack and Jill follow strict safety protocols. For instance,
swim and was soon joined by two dolphins. Jill took while on passage, one person is always assigned to keep
notice, and the couple ended up taking turns in the water, watch and helm the ship. The designated person cannot
each spending one-on-one time with the smaller dolphin leave the cockpit unless the other partner is awake and
while the other looked on. “It was an incredible personal present nearby. Zack says they have heard too many
interaction—kind of like a playdate—with these dolphins,” tragic stories of people getting tangled up in lines and what life’s like
Zack says. dragged into the water, even if they’re wearing a life jacket.
For the Hummels and other sailing couples, the term
2. THE BOAT: “partner” carries a profound significance when it comes to
Home is on the Hummel’s semi-custom Hylas sailboat. ensuring each other’s safety.
“We love everything about it—from its solid build and hull
shape to the headroom and beautiful woodwork,” says 5. KEEPING THE PEACE:
Zack. The primary cabin is located aft, featuring a king- Effective communication is essential to successfully living
size bed, an ensuite head, and a stall shower. The forward, with your spouse 24/7 in a small space, Jill says. “Cruising
or “VIP,” cabin has a private entrance and a second couples discuss this topic frequently. It’s crucial to talk
head, while the third cabin is used to store tools, scuba about what brings you happiness and what bothers
equipment, and other gear. you—on a boat, there’s no space for significant unresolved
issues.” Jill and Zack encountered another cruising couple
3. ALWAYS A YELLOWJACKET: in Antigua who named their dinghy “Time Out.” Whenever
Jill and Zack have made a custom sail as well as hats, one of them needs a break, they use it.
inspired by their last name, Hummel, which means
“bumblebee” in German. 6. IDYLLIC MOMENTS:
The couple agrees—the most restful and peaceful
times come when they are way out on the deep ocean,
especially at night, when there’s no land in sight, no light,
and no noise pollution. “There also aren’t any sharp, pointy
things in the water that could harm the boat,” adds Zack.
Another plus: The sky is vast, and the stars are incredible. 11
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