CALLED HIGHER
NACRA ADVENTURE
CALLED HIGHER NACRA ADVENTURE
The first Nacra Adventure set sail in 2025 after months of preparation, as teens embarked on an open-ocean voyage from Florida to the Bahamas—a journey that challenged their character, strengthened their faith, built confident leaders, and forged lifelong friendships. In 2026, the mission continued as the team sailed high-performance catamarans from North Carolina's Outer Banks to New York City, arriving near July 4th to celebrate America's 250th year while demonstrating courage, teamwork, and servant leadership on the water.
Looking ahead, the adventure continues in the summer of 2027 with an expedition through the Florida Keys, where a new generation of young leaders will be challenged to grow in faith, embrace adventure, and discover what they are capable of through the life-changing experience of sailing.
NACRA ADVENTURE 2026
SAIL 4TH 250
After months of training and preparation, the 2026 Nacra Adventure took young leaders from North Carolina to New York City aboard high-performance Nacra catamarans. The expedition pushed the team well beyond the familiar, demanding patience, teamwork, endurance, and a willingness to keep moving when conditions became difficult.
“Sailing out in the open ocean is an amazing experience. It’s very unpredictable but thrilling.”
— Isaac Groff
Open-ocean sailing is unpredictable by nature, and this journey gave the team the opportunity to put their preparation, leadership, and faith into practice.
The hardest stretch came during an extended push through the night, with the team spending roughly 36 hours on the Nacras and towing through challenging conditions. Fatigue and frustration tested more than their sailing ability—it tested their mindset. As Nate Groff reflected, “The hardest thing about the journey was to keep up a cheerful heart even when it wasn't going right.” The team had to learn to find patience and joy in the middle of frustration, rather than waiting for the circumstances to change.
“The Nacra trip helped me grow by having patience and joy even when it was frustrating.”
— Nate Groff
For Bradley Belknap, the difficult night became a lesson in seeing hardship differently. Looking to James 1:2–4, he reflected on the way suffering can produce perseverance and maturity in Christ. “I would try to keep a better mindset, to seek joy in the hard moments... now looking back at it, I am glad we suffered through such. It has really changed me.”
“In the times of suffering, I should look to find the joy in it.”
— Bradley Belknap
The reward came with their arrival in New York Harbor just in time for Sail4th250, a once-in-a-generation celebration of America’s 250th anniversary featuring a historic gathering of tall ships and celebrations across the region. For the team, seeing the skyline, experiencing the harbor, and watching the Fourth of July fireworks made the difficult miles worth it.
“Arriving in New York Harbor was an insane experience for me. I’ve never seen buildings so tall, and 4th of July was amazing, never seen so many fireworks.”
— Isaac Groff
But the greatest takeaway wasn't simply reaching New York. It was what the journey required of them to get there. Through long hours, difficult conditions, frustration, and uncertainty, the team learned to trust God, rely on one another, and keep going. As Isaac put it, “God showed me how He always takes care of us, that I can fully put my trust in Him and He always has a plan.”
The NACRA Adventure 2025: From Florida to the Bahamas a 10 day voyage on the open ocean
This first season of Nacra Adventure took our team through a year of intense training, long-distance sailing, and deep discipleship—culminating in a 260-mile voyage across open ocean. Our students learned to handle high-performance Nacra catamarans, built endurance and leadership, and stepped out in faith to serve others along the way.
A Look Back at the 2025 NACRA Adventure
“It Was Extremely Humbling…”when we were out on the ocean to realize how small we are, and how easily it could swallow us all up if it wasn't for the balance that God keeps,” shared Micah Travis, one of the sailors on the Called Higher Nacra Team.
Reflecting on the journey, Micah added, “I have become more sure of myself, and I really learned how important it is to be able to lean on another brother in Christ.”
Micah’s words capture the heart of the Called Higher Nacra Team’s first international expedition—a journey that tested their skill, strengthened their endurance, and deepened their trust in God.
Nacra Team member Brayden Boehl shared, “I grew so much in the Lord this past year, not by any specific lesson from training, but by learning what it takes to be sacrificial and dedicated to doing hard work. It was a lesson that is foundational in my walk with the Lord.”
From June 12–22, 2025, nine dedicated teenagers sailed 260 miles from Vero Beach, Florida, to Guana Cay in the Bahamas. The 10-day voyage marked the culmination of nearly a year of preparation, training, and teamwork as they learned to sail high-performance Nacra catamarans.
Training for the Journey
Team selection and training began in August 2024. Each teen came with some small-boat sailing experience, but the Nacras presented a brand-new challenge. Weekly training sessions and long-distance weekend sailing built endurance and brought new situations that stretched their skills.
Working in teams of three, they learned every detail of their assigned boats—even making repairs and replacing parts when needed. Through rough winds, choppy waves, and frequent capsizes, they developed teamwork, resilience, and a deeper dependence on one another.
“The hardest part wasn’t physical training,” Brayden shared, “but overcoming fears and mental barriers—especially when exhausted. Both physical and mental stamina were produced as a result of training. I believe that’s the only way we made it through.”
Faith in Action
The voyage itself brought fresh challenges: long days on the water, shifting winds, and the endurance required to cross open seas. But the team pressed on together.
“Each day reminded us that we weren’t sailing on our own strength,” Nacra Team Leader Donathan Williams shared. “God was with us in every mile and every wave.”
Once in Guana Cay, the team shifted from students to teachers—offering sailing lessons to local teens and connecting with families in the community. Their time there opened the door to a new partnership with Seaside Chapel in Guana Cay, laying the foundation for future ministry and collaboration.
“Seeing our students not only sail across an ocean but also step out to serve and share their faith was incredible,” said Donathan. “It reminded all of us that this adventure was always about more than just boats and water—it was about lives being changed.”
