Sail Trade Story: Heidi Gadbois

But there is another side to sailing we often forget: Brutal, gale force winds, sea spray coming over the bow and soaking the Dacron, or even hurricane conditions that vessels left to float must sustain. These events shape the story of a sail too, and we were amazed by the story Heidi Gadbois recently shared.

Heidi and her husband were in their waterside home in Punta Gorda when Hurricane Ian made landfall in September 2022. The eye of the storm passed right over the Gadbois' dock, ravaging the sails on their Beneteau 32. When the storm had settled and the sails were deemed irreparable, Heidi reached out to our Sail Trade Team to donate her sails at our Punta Gorda retail store in exchange for a very special Sea Bag.

We chatted with Heidi to learn more about her sailing life, Sail Trade experience, and connection to her Sea Bag.

When did you first start sailing?

My husband Shannon and I learned to sail not too long ago. In 2018 we took our ASA101 class here in Cape Coral, and followed up with classes ASA103, ASA 104, and ASA 114. We are relative newbies! Now that we are empty nesters we have the time and freedom to learn our new hobby!

Who do you like to sail with?

My husband and I have only sailed with each other, and we make a great captain and first mate. Our crew consists of our 10-year-old Golden Retriever Baxter and one-year-old mini-Golden Doodle, Norman.

10-year-old Baxter enjoying the seaside air.

What is your favorite sailing memory?

Our favorite memory is sailing the Exumas in March 2020 for my 50th birthday. We bare boated a charter for 10 days, sailing from Palm Cay, New Providence down to Staniel Cay, with lots of stops in between. We were supposed to sail our 32' Beneteau over to the Abacos in November 2022, but Hurricane Ian changed that plan. We are still awaiting an opening on Fort Myers Beach for a haul out to check the rudders and keel for safety, but now that Diversified Marine is finally open for business once again, there is quite a waitlist.

How did you learn about the Sea Bags Sail Trade program?

I heard about your sail trade program in mid-September 2022 when we were vacationing in Maine. I visited your flagship store and the salesperson explained the process of trading a sail for a tote. Little did I know as we were flying home early because of the upcoming Hurricane, I would have one for trade the next week!

Where did your sail take you before it was recycled?

Our Beneteau was purchased in the Outer Banks of North Carolina from the previous owner and so far, we have only sailed the west coast of Florida with her. Our playground is Boca Grande, Cayo Costa, North Captiva, Sanibel, and Fort Myers Beach. She was supposed to sail us to the Abacos this winter, but there is always next year. Safety first!

Heidi and Shannon traded in their irreparable sails and ended up with a beautiful one-of-a-kind custom sailcloth bag. They still sail their Beneteau around western Florida and have a matching accessory with them always as they glide from boat to beach.

We love preserving your sailing memories; if you'd like to learn more about participating in our Sail Trade Program, click here or email us at sailtrade@seabags.com.