Family of Four Getting Ready to Go

[Ready2gosoon]

Hi, My name is Amy. I came across this forum while doing research for our "big day". We have been planning, saving, waiting for the kids to get to the "right age", and looking for the perfect boat. Last year we finally found our Catana 431 catamaran and we're now fitting her out and waiting for the end of year bonuses to come around, then we are taking off. Our children are 10 and 8 and they are so excited to go. We plan on working the boat south this fall on weekends, then taking off to the Bahamas. We'll spend hurricane season back up the east coast then head through the Panama canal and off to the Pacific. We have no idea how long we will be traveling. I guess it depends if still having fun and still have any money remaining.

We have been planning this for so long that many of our friends and family have no idea that we are REALLY doing this. It's nice to find a forum with people who not only share our dream but have also gone cruising or are currently cruising.

[Pblais]

We have been planning, saving, waiting for the kids to get to the "right age", and looking for the perfect boat.

It's no wonder you were not here sooner. Sort of a full plate in any case.

We have no idea how long we will be traveling. I guess it depends if still having fun and still have any money remaining.

Everyone needs limits. Those sound like a good short list to me. Making it all work is where the rubber meets the road (sorry for the automobile analogy). Hope you can find a few tidbits to make the journey longer if if not happier too. The little things matter more on a boat. We do little things on CF in a big way!

[Ashoreschool]

Good luck Amy, You should have a great adventure. Don't know if you have read Laurie Panes book: Chasing Sunsets, but it is a great resource for understanding (and explaining to your relatives, friends and neighbors) why your kids will be better off cruising. It will be a wonderful experience, and we wish you the best.

[James S]

Way to go Amy...I'm excited for you and your family.
Keep up up to date with your progress.

[MarkJ]

Yes it is really is possable!!!

We didn't tell the family or friends till 2 weeks before we went..

And dont listen to any fear stories ..pirates, storms etc etc We still get them all the time... some are just laughable, some we just laugh at and some are just boring. Turn your ears off and just go do it. There is nothing to fear and lots to look forward to

The reality is better

[berntsen]

Hi Amy,

Congrats with going to do it!

I share the dream of taking the family sailing, so please post a link if you put up a blog some where (feel free to do so at I am dreaming, but there are probably more cruising adequate sites out there with easy geopositioning and stuff).

/\/

[YOGAO]

Amy,

Great news and you are so right. You are off on a great adventure, the kids at the "right" age on a super boat. Here's hoping the bonuses are "perfect" as well.

We may see you out there since we are looking at the Western Carib, Panama and beyond in winter 2010. Also, TabbyCat seems to sense when she is close to Morning Glory and demands to anchor nearby.

Fair Winds,
Mike & Susan
s/v TabbyCat

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha and Welcome aboard!
You'll be living your dream and the kids will have a great time too.
Best wishes and kind regards,