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30-07-2015, 02:38
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#1
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Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Cairns
Boat: Beneteau 323
Posts: 783
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Why we stopped cruising... for now
I'm writing this because we don't hear enough about why people stop cruising. Sure this makes me a target for "old salts" and "know it all newbies" alike, but so be it. Hope it is useful to others considering a long cruise.
We stopped cruising because we were finding it increasingly hard to handle a very energetic four year old boy on a small boat. Our finances were also becoming more difficult, and we did not have enough cash-on-hand to make necessary repairs/improvements or for contingencies.
We absolutely loved our year on the boat. Highlights for me were the amazing people we met, crossing Lake Superior, The Bahamas and crossing the Caribbean Sea. My wife yearns for the "whoosh, whoosh" and is covering herself in seafaring tattoos to compensate for not living on a boat.
From Duluth, Minnesota we aimed for Australia and made it to Panama. Few of our compatriots made it out of Lake Superior, even fewer to the Bahamas and none to Panama. Panama is good enough for now.
In the process of buying another small cruiser for weekend and holiday trips, and saving (again) towards our next dream boat. Can't wait to go to the Sydney Boat Show this weekend!
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30-07-2015, 03:47
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#2
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Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Nelson NZ; boat in Coffs Harbour
Boat: 45ft Ketch
Posts: 1,559
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Re: Why we stopped cruising... for now
Well done seachange. Life is not finding a rut and getting stuck in it.
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30-07-2015, 03:57
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#3
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S/V rubber ducky
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: heading "south"
Boat: Hunter 410
Posts: 20,362
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Re: Why we stopped cruising... for now
sounds pretty reasonable to me
__________________
Don't ask a bunch of unknown forum people if it is OK to do something on YOUR boat. It is your boat, do what you want!
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30-07-2015, 04:49
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#4
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Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 1,778
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Re: Why we stopped cruising... for now
I'm seriously considering it for many of the same reasons, too much driving to the boat, too much money, too much work, my son is highly energetic. If I stop though, it won't be stopping it will be a serious downsize, something I can trailer behind my Santa Fe. My brothers have convinced me to wait at least a year to think it over.
Sent from my XP7700 using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app
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30-07-2015, 05:24
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#5
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Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Sydney, Australia
Boat: Moody 425
Posts: 181
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Re: Why we stopped cruising... for now
Part of the adventure part of an adventure is that it doesn't always go the way we planned it...nothing wrong with a turn in the road here and there all part of the rich tapestry.
We have two children. My daughter is 4 and my son is 7 months old. I get it. We cruised the east coast of OZ when my daughter was younger and have intentions of going again when we can, but yeah the realities of money, time and parenting make it hardwork getting there.
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30-07-2015, 05:54
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#6
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Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Southern Maine
Boat: Prairie 36 Coastal Cruiser
Posts: 3,081
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Re: Why we stopped cruising... for now
Your story has a happy ending. Or maybe more of a happy middle, with every expectation of a happy ending.
So many boating dreams don't end this way. People attend to all the other details of life; earning a living, raising children, caring for other family members, whatever.
They work "one more year" to hit some moving financial target recommended by salesmen masquerading as financial planners who think everyone should die with a million dollars in the bank (and another million paid out in commissions.)
I like your approach better.
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30-07-2015, 06:10
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#7
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Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Ocean World, Dominican Republic
Boat: bavaria, 49 ft. sailboat
Posts: 245
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Re: Why we stopped cruising... for now
You got a year more than most and can be very happy about that!
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30-07-2015, 07:06
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#8
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Long Range Cruiser
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Australian living on "Sea Life" currently in England.
Boat: Beneteau 393 "Sea Life"
Posts: 12,822
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Re: Why we stopped cruising... for now
Sounds like a hiatus untill you boy is big enough to be swapped for a bigger kitty.
You've achieved much more than most. You know the importance of some things now that forums belittle (budget). So now you have a wonderful moment to think: can we do it for 4 years between when your boy is 8 to 12? Perfect age, perfect educational timing, time to save, save, save.
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30-07-2015, 07:14
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#9
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Registered User
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Neuse River, NC
Boat: 1984 Catalina 36
Posts: 137
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Re: Why we stopped cruising... for now
I see nothing wrong with changing your mind, especially after you have tried it.
It seems that many on this forum think that you need to pick a date to cast off, and stick with that decision for the rest of your life. I am much happier just stumbling along doing what I feel like at the moment, or doing what a situation forces me to do, rather than living by some self imposed ultimatum or mandate.
__________________
Paul
1984 Catalina 36
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30-07-2015, 07:56
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#10
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Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Long Beach, CA
Boat: Tayana Vancouver 42
Posts: 2,804
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Re: Why we stopped cruising... for now
Seachange, what an amazing adventure you've had ... so far. Life continues to be an adventure, particularly with a four year old.
In our case we moved up and down and up again in boat sizes over the years as our lives, our children and our need to work changed. Each stage was full of joy. Each boat, whether live aboard cruiser or trailer-sailer, provided the "whoosh-whoosh" on different waters in different ways. Now, older, we are living aboard and cruising the Southern California coast and Mexico.
Congratulations to you and your family for having the courage to go and the wisdom to know when your needs changed. I have the feeling that cruising, in whatever form you choose is still in your future. Pleasant voyages to you.
S/V B'Shert
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30-07-2015, 08:33
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#11
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Registered User
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Richmond YC, SF Bay
Boat: 1974 Cal Cruising 35
Posts: 105
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Re: Why we stopped cruising... for now
Well said. The old saying: Cruise until it is no longer fun. We stopped after 9 months and boat sinking. Looking forward to cruising again with "new" old boat.
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30-07-2015, 09:58
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#12
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Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Hood River Or
Boat: Boereal 44
Posts: 189
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Re: Why we stopped cruising... for now
Sea Change, I want you to know that the young couple from Iceland and Norway that bought your boat have taken care of her and will continue to do so. They were on the hard beside us last November and have fallen in love with the boat Sea Change. They have improved it in many ways including a soon to be windlass. They will continue your journey across the Pacific in the next couple of years. I'm thinking they maybe on the way to having a young one aboard, at least they are asking questions about young ones aboard.
By the way that little boat is sure a seaworthy and a pretty little thing.
Cheers
Steve and Tracy
RC LOUISE
Boreal 44
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30-07-2015, 13:20
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#13
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Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Cairns
Boat: Beneteau 323
Posts: 783
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Re: Why we stopped cruising... for now
Quote:
Originally Posted by stevewrye
Sea Change, I want you to know that the young couple from Iceland and Norway that bought your boat have taken care of her and will continue to do so.
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Steve and Tracy, thanks so much. They seem like a great couple and we sure are glad they are making good use of a lovely old boat. Pass on our regards to them and let them know we can't wait to welcome them to Sydney when they get here.
A windlass is a nice improvement. Hauling up a lot of chain in current and/or wind isn't everyone's idea of a good time but I was happy to do it to save a few dollars. We did buy a great anchor for that boat and I still miss it. Our new, smaller boat has one and we are looking forward to trying it out.
Thank you to everyone for your positive and generous comments.
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30-07-2015, 13:44
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#14
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cruiser
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Pangaea
Posts: 10,856
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Re: Why we stopped cruising... for now
Doesn't sound like the end to me. We stopped boating for 27 years when the kids came along. The day they both finished college, my wife came home from work and said, "would you consider buying another boat?"
Ken
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30-07-2015, 15:50
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#15
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Moderator
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: aboard, cruising in Australia
Boat: Sayer 46' Solent rig sloop
Posts: 28,400
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Re: Why we stopped cruising... for now
I'd like to add my thanks to those above. It was a kind and gracious deed to start the thread, thanks, Sea Change. Enjoy.
__________________
Who scorns the calm has forgotten the storm.
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