Meet Your Neighbor
Tara Stutsman, in slip X-28
Meet Neighbor, Tara Stutsman, in slip X-28
* What brought you to DC?
I was a hedge fund trader (fancy name for a not-so-fancy job) in Portland, Oregon, but in 2016 joined up with a ragtag but determined group of women to form an advocacy organization. We got the board up off the ground and the organization grew (and grew). It didn’t take long before I realized that I cared more about my volunteer work than my day job, and I pulled up the stakes and came to DC in 2019.
*When did you move into the neighborhood?
December 7, 2020! I drove across the country and came straight to the marina, got my dog on board, and within the first 10 minutes he promptly threw up. I had a moment of “oh god, what have I gotten us into?” I’m not sure I’ve ever felt as much concurrent excitement and self-doubt in one day. And I was seeing my boat for the first time, having bought it sight unseen from a very nice man in Baltimore.
* Why did you move here? What drew you to the marina?
I had a long-standing Instagram fixation on converted school buses and renovated RVs, but had never considered a boat until I got a Zillow alert for a “condo” and realized it was a yacht, which took me down a new YouTube and Instagram rabbit hole of liveaboard life. I visited the marina right before I had to go back to Portland for a few months, and thank god for Kathy answering all of my many questions and helping coordinate logistics from afar. I doubt I’d be here without her coaching me through the process
*What do you enjoy here that you didn’t know about before you moved in?
The community! I have a very small family and most of my closest friends are back in Portland so living in such a welcoming place is lovely! I also love how much light I get on my boat, and how relaxing it is when I’m on my back deck enjoying the breeze.
* Tell me about what you do (or plan to do) to survive winter on your boat?
A heated mattress pad may well be the best $49 I’ve spent in a long time. Fleece lined sweatpants are the second best thing. Coming in third: my electric kettle and hot toddy fixings.
* What do you like to look at out of your window?
Everything! I like people-watching when boats and dinghies come and go or when Jane is heading out to sail – it seriously gives me second-hand joy. I like watching the sunset. I like seeing the ducks and geese. I love all of it. In life, I have spent more time than what I suspect is normal imagining what it will be like to be an old lady sitting on my porch with whiskey and a rocking chair watching the world go by. Who knew at the ripe old age of 35, I’d have an entire boat to do exactly that? Well, minus the rocking chair.
* What is your favorite “other” DC neighborhood and why?
I’m still learning my way around the city and exploration has been hamstrung by the pandemic. But now that I’m fully vaccinated (thanks for the ride to Spotsylvania, Joe W!) give me your recommendations for places to explore! Even better, if you want a buddy to go check something out with, as long as I’m not working, chances are good I’m a “yes!”
* Tell me about your favorite season here.
I normally love fall, but spring in DC is rising the ranks.
*What has been the best advice/help you’ve received so far as a resident here?
I have a healthy amount of anxiety about most everything so all of the safety advice I receive (especially from Roger) is internalized and filed away under “new fear unlocked.” The tips I’ve received about always wearing sunscreen and investing in good sunglasses are great and generally less stressful than the rest.