CLARITY CENTRAL®
Sailing Retreats
Life can be complex, and I don’t want to minimize the pressures we each face. Yet I do believe that each of us must find a way to balance our responsibilities while keeping that “by God I know I’m alive” flame burning bright in our lives. To that end, I’d like to invite you to come join us for an upcoming adventure.
New outlook - New perspective - New lease on life
With fifteen years of experience in hosting various wilderness adventures, I have had the pleasure of watching people stretch themselves and find a clarity and strength they didn’t know they processed. What inspires me more than the magnificence of Mother Nature is watching as my respective crews, of all ages and backgrounds, arrive with various burdens and leave a week later renewed, refreshed, and inspired.
All of our expeditions are full-participation opportunities. In other words, we work as a team and we each contribute as best we can by cooking, cleaning, navigating, etc. No experience is necessary, just a good attitude. So, I invite you to come make a memory with us – the rewards are many!
2012 Life/Career Sailing Retreats
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
March 16-23 OPEN
March 23-28 FULL
April 1-7 FULL
CUSTOM TRIPS ALSO AVAILABLE!
Pick a date that works for you.
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Phil Antonson, Hudson, WI: "I had the opportunity to embark on a sailing adventure with Captain Mike Foley and others. The experience was exceptional and words cannot quite express my appreciation for Mike's demeanor and earnestness. I completely trusted in his ability to provide an enjoyable trip. He did a great job setting me up in a an 'Apprenticeship' role while providing knowledge, experience and stories. I expect I will embark on another adventure with him soon!"
Marshall Coffy, Boston, MA: "Mike is an inspiring leader. His ability to recognize and harness the strengths of a team ensured a challenging, yet pleasurable and safe adventure for all. Shannon was a pleasure to be aboard. The ever pleasant demeanor, and 'can-do' attitude of her Cap't, Mike Foley, set the tone. Full-sail or at anchor, the boat's 'crew' was always moving forward at a steady pace. Mike's subtle, and occasionally scheduled, communication exercises allowed our team to open up, share, bond, and ultimately work better with one another each day aboard." Steve Hodges, Santa Barbara, CA: "SHANNON is a solid fun boat to sail on and Mike is a skipper that delivers. With all the highs and lows one would expect during weeks of passage (I did Golfito to Panama), we stayed on schedule and had fun. Mike's steady and warm attitude made the time spent on SHANNON pleasant and rewarding." Shane Burgess, Minneapolis, MN: “There isn't one negative thing I have to say about my leg on Shannon. I got to know the whole crew, most of whom I had known for many years prior, a lot better. We went from a group who couldn't tell you the difference between the head and the jib, to a crew who was excitedly experimenting in every way possible to get an extra half naut of speed; all in a matter of a few days. I also discovered my wanderlust while on Shannon and I don't think it will ever die. Since being back I have gone from drowning in the monotony of everyday life in the Midwest to planning a backpacking trip around Europe with my roommate. This is an experience I would recommend to anyone who has the freedom to partake in it.” Greg Mathews, Folsom, CA: "It’s not the experience, it’s what you become because of experience" - Captain Mike. I left 'corporate and family life' for 3 weeks, thanks to the generous invitation of Mike to join him on Shannon. I came back with a profound sense of calm and full awareness for the moments in life - my committment at the end of the trip was to maintain that state - so far so good. When I waver, I take a few minutes and bring back the visuals and feelings of the trip - and I find myself centered again. I recieved an acute sense of "awareness of the moments" of life - when Captain Mike and I were on late shift, 50 miles off Nicaragua, with a storm fast approaching. There was a strange sense of calm - having gone through this the night before - and now having a deep sense of knowing 'we were ready'. As the lightning around us started, one "CRACK" was so loud, you could feel it in your heart and you could smell it in the air. I remember looking at Mike and don’t remember the words said, but I do remember the bond I felt with my fellow man, boat and nature - I can still feel it today and it fuels me for the future. Connection and generousity were recurring themes on this trip. Having the opportunity to see into the souls of others by being ship bound is amazing. I thank Mike, Sarah and Ron for the parts of thier lives that they generously offered up - what a connection! The crew of the Shannon and the people we encountered in El Salvador and Costa Rica - gave new dimension to the word Generoisty. You learn so much from 'little acts of kindness' - an offer for a cold glass of water, breakfast being made by another person for the whole crew, help with 'electronic stuff' - I marvel at the recieving of these gifts - and find it cycles back out just as fast as you give to others with no expectation of return. You find on a trip like this 'how little you really need' and you get to see how little people live happily with. Thanks Mike - What I "became" as part of the trip was lifechanging. Jake Jerzewski, Madison, WI: "Thanks again for having me down to sail with you! It was a truly amazing experience! The week on Shannon really did give me a different perspective on life. Going down to Mexico without knowing what to expect was stepping out of my comfort zone a bit. Now that I've done it, I feel like I can go anywhere in the world and be just fine. Like you said, it's like walking through a door and going from just seeing a little bit to seeing that there is so much more out there. Thanks again and keep in touch!" Leela Bergerud - Minneapolis, MN: "If you have the chance to sail aboard the Shannon with Mike - don't hesitate...do it!! Not only will the ocean astound you with it's creatures, beauty and immensity - but the experience of being aboard and forming a crew that navigates through any and all challenges is truly worthwhile and needed learning. It's the ideal life university and Captain Mike is one righteous professor! Be prepared to evolve, laugh, cry and be dumbstruck by creation itself." |
Kathy Feste, Stillwater, MN: “Being aboard the Shannon and sailing with Captain Mike was a dream come true for me. The Shannon is a clean, sleek and beautiful sailboat while Mike's seamanship is trustworthy and professional…plus he's fun too! I CANNOT
wait until I sail with Mike again!” Sarah Miller, Boston, MA: "My time aboard Shannon was extraordinary. Capt Mike has a tremendous ability to inspire his crew, lead with intention, explore and enlighten all at the same time - what an indelible experience! I am forever changed and lighter on my feet having sailed with Capt. Mike aboard Shannon. Teamwork, great conversation and a relaxed atmosphere was just what I needed. What a perfect trip. I don't know if it was the breaching whale, the lightning storm, or the Panama Canal - SOMETHING made me stronger! I bet it was Mike." Al Watts, Minneapolis, MN: “Don’t miss the opportunity to sign on for a sailing adventure with Captain Mike! He combines a mastery of the sailing arts with a taste for adventure, spontaneity and coaching know-how to create a lifetime memory. I’ve had the opportunity to sail nearly 2,000 miles with Mike and always look forward to the next adventure.” Torrey Russel, Seattle, WA: “I have known Michael Foley for many years as a professional through his corporate consultancy: Clarity Central. When I went on a 10 day sail with Mike down the coast of Mexico last winter I met a different Mike, Captain Mike. I learned about the strength and wisdom of an old salt who really knew his stuff. We went through some rather challenging times and Mike, like the boat, was solid as a rock. The entire experience was life changing for me, as it has been for others who were on that journey. The ability to remove yourself from this fast paced world we live in and to suddenly be on a craft, a hundred miles offshore with just your fellow crewmates and the natural world is awe inspiring. Some of my favorite memories: singing songs with a guitar on deck, making steak and eggs at 3:00am, taking the night watch with a sky as big as life, watching a large sea tern bird float by riding on the back of a giant sea turtle 20 miles offshore. Days like that will remain with me forever. I can’t wait to be invited back on board for another journey into my soul, my heart and continue the path of learning to live life a little more authentically.” Casey, Santa Barbara, CA: “If attitude is everything, well, then Mike Foley and his beautiful Beneteau 41 began my adventure from Costa Rica to Panama on the perfect pitch. His positive personality had already attracted several interesting, creative crewmembers who loved to include everyone in the fun (which is how we ended up hosting the Survivor Turkey winners for an episode!). Even the paid canal advisor on our buddy boat radioed he wanted to jump ship over to Shannon since he could see how much fun we were all having as we glided through serene Gaton Lake, singing our way to the Caribbean!” JoAnee Sax, Minneapolis, MN: “Sailing with Mike Foley on Shannon is an open hearted adventure of love, laughter, work, wonder and beautiful sights. All of this in the hands of a most competent Captain.” Adam Hoffman, Minneapolis, MN: “Captivating, inspiring, and unforgettable. Shannon is an amazing boat with an outstanding captain. You will learn traditional navigation skills, basic and advanced sailing techniques, and most importantly you will learn that you are in good company with Mike.” Sue, Madison, WI: “Just wanted to drop you a quick thank you for taking my son on the trip of a lifetime! Thank you so much for giving him this wonderful opportunity. He came back enthused, energized and full of ideas and is even considering enlisting in the Air National Guard to further pursue his passion for flying. Who knows what his future holds, but I trust it'll be a bright one thanks to mentors like you.” Brad Skolnick, St. Louis Park, MN: “It was my first time sailing, I had no idea what I was getting into and was afraid to say the least. Mike took me on his boat and taught me everything there was to know about sailing as well as imparting many life lessons on how to follow my bliss and become truly happy. The experience of being off the grid with no sight of land for 7 days was spiritual and something that has improved my life and inspired me to set future goals. It was an experience that taught me about myself as a person and made me stronger. I am eager to join him on another leg!” Lea Ann Paradise, Victoria, MN: “If you want one of the most interesting, pleasurable, and exhilarating experiences of your life, please consider joining Capt. Mike aboard Shannon. A highly trained Captain, Mike also has a sense of humor, is spiritual and kind. I've done many workshops on Shannon and Mike helps to create a calm, nurturing, and safe environment.” |