Once we made the decision to move forward with bringing our Endeavour 44’ TrawlerCat from Marco Island, Florida up to the Chesapeake Bay, the next big question was who would actually deliver her. This wasn’t just about moving a boat from point A to point B—it was about finding someone we trusted completely. We wanted a captain who could not only safely deliver our new home, but also take the time to train Sandi along the way so she could begin learning the boat firsthand.

At first, we did what most people would do—we started asking around. We worked through a few referrals from different sources, spoke with a couple of captains, and tried to line things up. But for one reason or another, nothing was quite clicking. Either the timing wasn’t right, the communication felt rushed, or it just didn’t feel like the right fit for something this important. And for us, this wasn’t something we wanted to compromise on.

Then everything changed in the best possible way.

Through the previous owner of our boat, we were introduced to Dee and Allie Long of Solmates Journey, who own and operate a 44’ Endeavour TrawlerCat themselves. From the very first conversation, something just felt different. They understood the boat, the lifestyle, and most importantly, what this journey meant to us.

What started as a simple introduction quickly turned into confidence. Dee and Allie weren’t just experienced captains—they were people living the exact kind of life we were working toward. That shared experience made all the difference. They knew the boat inside and out, they understood the systems, and they approached the delivery not just as a job, but as an opportunity to teach and support.

Looking back, this was one of the best decisions we made in the entire process.

Having them onboard for the delivery from Marco Island to the Chesapeake Bay gave us something we didn’t even fully realize we needed at the time: peace of mind. Sandi was able to learn hands-on in real conditions, ask questions in the moment, and start building confidence in a way no manual or video could ever provide.

More than just a delivery, it became the beginning of our education as liveaboards.

The miles north weren’t just about moving the boat—they were about stepping into a new life with guidance, patience, and the right people alongside us.

And for that, we’ll always be grateful we found Dee and Allie when we did.