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The Field Rep and the Sea
Lodge 7’s Marlon Harvey participates in historic sailing race to Cuba
Lodge 7 Field Representative Marlon Harvey took his turn skippering the Belle Maggio as part of the crew that participated in the historic sailboat race to Cuba.
n PHOTOS BY DAN CAMPANA
Blending vivid descriptions and technical terms, Marlon Harvey’s passion for sailing comes to the surface quickly in conversation.
He talks about the “mainsheet” – a line or rope used to control the mainsail – and how he’s known for being good at “fighting the boat,” a reference to his ability to fix prob- lems on deck at key times. But, Harvey mixes in words such as calming, peaceful and humbling to express his impressions of being out on the water – whether it’s Lake Michigan or the Atlantic Ocean.
“I’ve always loved to sail,” said Harvey, a Field Represen- tative for Lodge 7 who will mark 30 years with the Chicago Police Department in October. “It’s very peaceful. It is my religion. Sailing is an art. It’s a way of life.
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“When all you see is water it really humbles you. There- in lies the religion because you are aware of things bigger than yourself and it humbles you,” he added.
Harvey has sailed for the past decade, both to get away from the everyday stress of being a police officer and in competitive circles. He’s owned three boats over the years – the Maggie Marie, named for his mother and granddaugh- ter, is his current one – and has participated in the annual Chicago-to-Mackinac and other races, although his most recent adventure was much more historically significant.
Earlier this year, Harvey was a part of a 12-member crew on a 44-foot Catamaran participating in the first autho- rized sailing competition to Cuba following the easing of restrictions by the U.S. Harvey has traveled to South Amer- ica, Mexico and Puerto Rico, but never thought he’d see