OUR STORY

When you’re sailing, the wind, the sky and the water are a beautiful canvas; with sails trimmed just right, you can’t help but feel that you’re right where you belong.

Creating

Daydream Sailing

Brenda Suhr

Daydream Sailing began with the idea for finding a business model that would increase options for great sailing experiences. After talking with fellow sailors in my earlier days, sailing at Pultneyville Yacht Club:  I found that more people really wanted to go out sailing, but didn’t have access to a sailboat or lacked the skills to feel comfortable to take a boat out on the water themselves.

I started out a little bit differently, I BOUGHT the BOAT FIRST, a great little Pearson 26, in fall of 2012, then flew to Key West to take sailing lessons at the recommendation of the former boat owner. Launched in April 2013 and made my way out onto Lake Ontario every opportunity that availed, learning and gaining experience, including crewing for a friend and skipper of another sailboat in Thursday night races for 3 years. I have had a boat in the water every year since I started this crazy fabulous ride! Sailing: It is peaceful, exhilarating and challenging all at the same time.

In 2018, my first year on Canandaigua Lake, I had my NYS Joint Pilot Engineer license completed and ready to make the dream come true. I joined Canandaigua Yacht Club and enjoyed boating and social gatherings with new friends. With plenty of help from my partner, Joe, we set out many weekend mornings with the goal of taking somebody sailing that day. Sometimes our goal was achieved with a lovely sunset cruise and sometimes we just enjoyed the day being out on the water savoring the beauty of the Finger Lakes.  In 2019, we really had FUN! Traveling to British Virgin Islands and enjoying catamaran cruising for a week in the islands, then a busy summer season on Canandaigua Lake, followed by a week training aboard a catamaran in Corfu, Greece.  Although, 2020 was NOT the best year for many people and businesses, we were still busy taking people out on the lake to get some relief from all the stresses of a pandemic. It was great to provide much needed enjoyment for so many families that joined us. We capped off the year, with both of us, Joe and I completing our Captain’s licensing. In 2021, we will welcome Mark, a former crew member, from the “big Lake” aboard to help us meet the increasing demand for fun and adventure in Sailing!

Our Sailboat

Our sailboat is a J-24, a great little racer and day-sailing vessel. The hull is beautifully wrapped with a watercolor graphic mural of scenes from my family and friends on sailing adventures. Essentials on board include a port-a-potty, cooler, various PFDs (lifejackets), safety equipment and an outboard 4 hp motor,  if breezes abate.  Interior cabin is available for stowage of personal effects, and if needed, shelter from a pop-up storm.  Occasionally, a great place to catch at nap while at anchor.

daydream sailing canandaigua boat sailing

Hear what our customers have to say about us…

Yes, do this, we had a wonderful sail!

We needed a little pick me up during the summer of “staycation” so we decided to try something new and take a family sailing lesson. The sailing experience offered us a chance to sail on the beautiful Daydream sailboat with the kindest and most knowledgeable captains. Brenda and Joe will make you feel right at home, whether you want to learn all about sailing, or sit back and relax. Either way, you are in for a treat and a wonderful memory. We can’t wait to do this again! My 14 year old was glowing and is still talking about the experience! We highly recommend Daydream sailing!
Lisa R.

Happy Place

It was so awesome that words can’t describe the experience. We would go with Daydream Sailing again in a heartbeat. Brenda and her crew mate were so informative and their instructing was great. Looking forward to next time.”

Connie S.

You will love your adventure with Daydream Sailing!!

“I highly recommend Daydream Sailing. Brenda and Joe are extremely nice and informative. We learned so much from our sailing adventure today! We were able to try sailing the boat ourselves. Not to mention we were able to relax and put our feet in the water while catching amazing scenic views! We saw other sailboats, hot air balloons coming over the hill and almost touching the lake! Also we were able to see the beautiful farmland in the distance of East Lake Rd and spots on West Lake Rd as well 🙂 If you really want to experience a water adventure in Canandaigua you have to try this! They can take up to six passengers, this also makes for a perfect date night as well!! You won’t be disappointed!

 Ashley