When the Editor-in-Chief at SAIL Magazine—the talented and creative, Wendy Clarke—reached out to me about writing one of their Boats and Their People articles, I immediately knew what boat I wanted to feature: the capable, comfortable, proven cruising vessel that is a Kelly Peterson 44. I also secretly (although it’s out now ; ) wanted to collaborate with this adventurous writer and fellow cruiser I had met a few years back who boasts the perfect name for a sailor/world-traveler: Jessie Wilde! Jessie and her husband, Josh, live aboard their 1979 KP 44 most of the year while cruising and working remotely (for NASA!). Their boat is named Ling Ling, which means “very beautiful” in Mandarin. And, she is just that. You’ll see.
Josh and Jessie also undertook a daunting but exceptionally rewarding five-year refit of Ling Ling when they first purchased her back in 2015. Want to know more about their extensive refit list? I know you do! Be sure to pick up a copy SAIL Magazine’s October issue and check it out. I’ve included some more fun photos of Jessie and Josh and the impressive refit for their boat below that didn’t make it in the article, as well as a fun shot of the four of us together on Ubiquitous taken in the Bahamas this past spring. Us salty crew gotta stick together. Jessie, it was a real treat, and I’m thrilled with the way the piece turned out, much thanks to Wendy and her keen editor’s eye and unique touch. Thank you again to SAIL Magazine for sharing this incredible boat and her amazing “people.” Writing this piece was pure joy. : )
We last rendezvoused with Josh and Jessie at Black Point in the Exumas this past year when we were there for the OCC Rally in March of this year. Blog on our 2024 season in the Bahamas to come. Before that I believe we connected with Josh and Jessie in St. Augustine and West Palm Beach, Florida, and I know we will see these adventurous two again on the water next year. It’s a small cruising world out here. They are always wildly fun to be around, with tons of almost unbelievable stories, helpful insights, and inspiration. Jessie, Josh, thank your for collaborating with me on this piece. We can’t wait to see you two—and Ling Ling!—again soon!
Some more fun photos of Josh, Jessie, and Ling Ling both pre- and post-refit. Enjoy!
