Stay Gold crew members and family celebrate the conclusion of their three-week journey from Washington to Hawaii. (Courtesy of Ashley Bugge) 
Brian Bugge works the winch aboard the Stay Gold on a windy day on the Puget Sound. Now an ensign, Bugge previously served as a chief petty officer. (Courtesy of Ashley Bugge) 
Ensign Brian Bugge spent more money preparing his boat (and its crew) for his three-week voyage to Hawaii than he did when he bought the 36-footer in the first place (Jan’s Marine Photography via Ashley Bugge) 
The Stay Gold under sail (with spinnaker) during a winter race. The Seattle skyline stands in the background. (Courtesy of Ashley Bugge) 
Brian Bugge poses with wife Ashley, daughter Isabel (3) and son Hudson (1) for one last family photo as final preparations are made for the sailor’s trip to Hawaii. (Courtesy of Ashley Bugge) 
The 160-gallon ration of fresh water required for the trip filled five grocery carts, and required trips to two stores. Here, crew member Beau Romero, left, and Brian Bugge stock up. (Courtesy of Ashley Bugge) 
Stay Gold crew members Beau Romero, left, and Willy Kunkle stand watch pushing through the Strait of Juan de Fuca, which leads from Washington’s Salish Sea (and Puget Sound) into the Pacific Ocean. (Courtesy of Ashley Bugge) 
Sailors from then-Chief Sonar Technician (Submarines) Brian Bugge’s unit participated in the bon-voyage ceremony prior to his sail from Washington to Hawaii. (Courtesy of Ashley Bugge) 
With lines cast, crew members waive as the Stay Gold leaves the Gig Harbor Maritime Pier, bound for Hawaii. (Courtesy of Ashley Bugge) 
The Bugges — Ensign Brian, Ashley, 3-year-old Izzy and 1-year-old Hudson. (Courtesy of Ashley Bugge) 
The 36-foot sailboat Stay Gold made it from Washington state to Hawaii in 21 days. (Courtesy of Ashley Bugge) 
Ensign Brian Bugge’s daughter, Izzy, provides an assist during his Aug. 1 commissioning ceremony. (Brae Hunziker Photography/courtesy of Ashley Bugge)
