{"id":67352,"date":"2023-07-05T15:18:16","date_gmt":"2023-07-05T15:18:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rochester.edu\/adv\/alumni-news-media\/?p=67352"},"modified":"2023-07-24T19:42:08","modified_gmt":"2023-07-24T19:42:08","slug":"the-adventures-of-zack-and-jill","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rochester.edu\/adv\/alumni-news-media\/2023\/07\/05\/the-adventures-of-zack-and-jill\/","title":{"rendered":"The adventures of Zack and Jill"},"content":{"rendered":"

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The adventures of Zack and Jill<\/h1>\n

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An alumna and her husband retired, sold everything, and now live full-time on their 56-foot sailboat<\/h3>\n

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\"zack

Zack Hummel and Jill Hummel ’81<\/p><\/div>\n

On their 38th wedding anniversary, Jill Hummel \u201981 and her husband, Zack\u2014otherwise known by their self-appointed titles of Captain Zack and Admiral Jill\u2014moved out of their three-story home in Connecticut and onto their 500-square-foot sailboat. It was August 1, 2020, and the couple decided to brand their new home Che Figata, which means \u201ctotally awesome\u201d in Italian slang\u2014an apt description for this exciting new phase of their lives.<\/p>\n

Today, the couple\u2019s address is wherever the wind takes them. So far, that\u2019s included the entire east coast of the United States, the Caribbean Islands, and even the Galapagos. Their ultimate plan is to circumnavigate the world over the next few years. \u201cWe love adventure, learning, and taking on a challenge,\u201d says Jill. \u201cSailing brings it all together for us.”<\/p>\n

This spring and early summer, the Hummels are sailing to Australia and New Zealand with about 30 other boats affiliated with the World Sailing Club. When they get to Australia, they plan to rent an RV and explore by land for about six months before charting a course to Indonesia and Thailand.<\/p>\n

Fate, the Hummels say, brought the two of them together. Forty-three years ago, they were college students participating in the same Semester in Politics program in London. Jill hailed from the URochester, and Zack from the University of Michigan. They hit it off, returned home, and maintained a long-distance relationship before marrying in 1982.<\/p>\n

Since then, they\u2019ve both earned law degrees, raised three children together, and welcomed two grandkids. They also pursued busy, high-profile careers. Most recently, Jill served as the president of Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield in Connecticut, and Zack was a partner at the Shipman & Goodwin law firm working out of the Stamford, Connecticut, office.<\/p>\n

The couple’s love for sailing started 16 years ago when they bought their first sailboat. Zack, who grew up sailing on Lake Michigan, introduced Jill to the sport. After years of sailing together, they started talking about the possibility of selling everything and living on a boat. A few years ago, the Hummels said, \u201cIf not now, when?\u201d That\u2019s when their daydreams started turning into real plans\u2014they prepared their lives, plotted their routes, and got a bigger boat.<\/p>\n

And off they went. \u201cWe love this life,\u201d Jill says. \u201cBy no means is it easy, though\u2014it requires careful planning, constant vigilance, and tireless maintenance.\u201d The couple wouldn\u2019t have it any other way. \u201cWe get through challenges every day\u2014that\u2019s just the way of life on a boat,\u201d adds Zack. \u201cWe also have a lot of joy in our lives and appreciate everything more, from sunsets to snorkeling to each other.\u201d[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”25px” image_repeat=”no-repeat”]

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We love adventure, learning, and taking on a challenge,\u201d says Jill. \u201cSailing brings it all together for us.<\/span><\/h6><\/blockquote>[vc_empty_space height=”50px” image_repeat=”no-repeat”][vc_row_inner row_type=”row” type=”full_width” use_row_as_full_screen_section_slide=”no” text_align=”left” css_animation=”” box_shadow_on_row=”no”][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][vc_single_image image=”67392″ img_size=”300×300″ mkd_css_animation=””][vc_empty_space height=”25px” image_repeat=”no-repeat”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

The Wildlife:<\/h3>\n

In Turks and Caicos, Zack jumped into the water for a swim and was soon joined by two dolphins. Jill took notice, and the couple ended up taking turns in the water, each spending one-on-one time with the smaller dolphin while the other looked on. \u201cIt was an incredible personal interaction\u2014kind of like a playdate\u2014with these dolphins,\u201d Zack says.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][vc_single_image image=”67442″ img_size=”300×300″ mkd_css_animation=””][vc_empty_space height=”25px” image_repeat=”no-repeat”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

The Boat:<\/h3>\n

Home is on the Hummel\u2019s semi-custom Hylas sailboat. \u201cWe love everything about it\u2014from its solid build and hull shape to the headroom and beautiful woodwork,\u201d says Zack. The primary cabin is located aft, featuring a king- size bed, an ensuite head, and a stall shower. The forward, or \u201cVIP,\u201d cabin has a private entrance and a second head, while the third cabin is used to store tools, scuba equipment, and other gear.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][vc_single_image image=”67372″ img_size=”300×300″ mkd_css_animation=””][vc_empty_space height=”25px” image_repeat=”no-repeat”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Always a Yellowjacket:<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Jill and Zack have made a custom sail as well as hats, inspired by their last name, Hummel, which means \u201cbumblebee\u201d in German.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height=”50px” image_repeat=”no-repeat”][vc_row_inner row_type=”row” type=”full_width” use_row_as_full_screen_section_slide=”no” text_align=”left” css_animation=”” box_shadow_on_row=”no”][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][vc_single_image image=”67422″ img_size=”300×300″ mkd_css_animation=””][vc_empty_space height=”25px” image_repeat=”no-repeat”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Safety First:<\/h3>\n

Zack and Jill follow strict safety protocols. For instance, while on passage, one person is always assigned to keep watch and helm the ship. The designated person cannot leave the cockpit unless the other partner is awake and present nearby. Zack says they have heard too many tragic stories of people getting tangled up in lines and dragged into the water, even if they\u2019re wearing a life jacket. For the Hummels and other sailing couples, the term \u201cpartner\u201d carries a profound significance when it comes to ensuring each other\u2019s safety.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][vc_single_image image=”67412″ img_size=”300×300″ mkd_css_animation=””][vc_empty_space height=”25px” image_repeat=”no-repeat”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Keeping the Peace :<\/h3>\n

Effective communication is essential to successfully living with your spouse 24\/7 in a small space, Jill says. \u201cCruising couples discuss this topic frequently. It\u2019s crucial to talk about what brings you happiness and what bothers you\u2014on a boat, there\u2019s no space for significant unresolved issues.\u201d Jill and Zack encountered another cruising couple in Antigua who named their dinghy \u201cTime Out.\u201d Whenever one of them needs a break, they use it.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][vc_single_image image=”67402″ img_size=”300×300″ mkd_css_animation=””][vc_empty_space height=”25px” image_repeat=”no-repeat”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Idyllic Moments:<\/h3>\n

The couple agrees\u2014the most restful and peaceful times come when they are way out on the deep ocean, especially at night, when there\u2019s no land in sight, no light, and no noise pollution. \u201cThere also aren\u2019t any sharp, pointy things in the water that could harm the boat,\u201d adds Zack. Another plus: The sky is vast, and the stars are incredible.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height=”25px” image_repeat=”no-repeat”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”grid” text_align=”left” css_animation=”” box_shadow_on_row=”no”][vc_column][vc_row_inner row_type=”row” type=”full_width” use_row_as_full_screen_section_slide=”no” text_align=”left” background_color=”#e9e5d7″ side_padding=”15px” css_animation=”” box_shadow_on_row=”no”][vc_column_inner][vc_empty_space height=”25px” image_repeat=”no-repeat”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Learn more<\/h3>\n