Four friends, including three NMU alumni, set sail from Charlevoix Tuesday on their dream adventure of circumnavigating the world. All worked to become debt free, saved money and sold off anything they could not take with them on their boat, the SV Further. The friends purchased the 1968 Michigan-built, 47-foot Hatsil ketch last year and spent six months restoring it before embarking on their journey.

Married couple Luke Whitley (2008 grad) and Bethany Pearson Whitley (2011) of Charlevoix are joined by friends Emily Kralovetz (2011) of Escanaba and Garret Falls of Midland.

According to the group’s Facebook page, “Our mission is to explore new cultures, sail vast distances, live simply, spread happiness and seek the most we can out of this short and wonderful life.” Follow their travels here. See a feature story previewing the trip here.