Introduced to sailing when she was five years old, senior Drew Follett’s grandpa used to take her out on Grand Traverse Bay. Since then, Follett has developed a passion for sailing and is the best version of herself on the water.

“When I was 12,” Follett said, “I attended this sailing school called Traverse Area Community Sailing (TACS). Every summer right after school ends, I move up north with my grandparents and work there as a sailing instructor.”

Not only does she teach sailing five days a week, but Follett also takes part in sailing races after work and on the weekends at the Grand Traverse Yacht Club.

“Sailing is a very, very, very competitive sport,” Follett said, “but the sailing community is very close and everyone knows everyone. We always have a good time because they’re all so nice and friendly.”

Depending on what boat she is racing, Follet can either race alone, with one other person, or up to three other people. No matter what, she just enjoys being on the water.

“It’s so exhilarating when you’re slicing through the waves,” Follett said. “The adrenaline is crazy because you feel like you’re going to fall but you don’t. It’s the most free feeling ever. I feel like myself every time I’m on a boat and like I can literally do anything.”

In the summer of 2019, Follett plans to compete the Chicago to Mackinac race. This race is 289.4 nautical miles long and takes most crews 40 to 60 hours to complete.