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JibberJabber · 03-04-2009, 10:07

Hello Everyone,

I've been stealing great information off of this site for almost a year now and have finally taken the plunge and decided to write. I spent almost 10 years in the US Navy riding submarines and living in the Pacific. I've always loved being near the water, but never considered sailing. I started reading and learning about the cruising lifestyle last year and it attracted me immediately. So, this spring the wife and I have signed up for the 10 day liveaboard ASA101/102/103 class in the BVIs. We also live within a 30 minute drive of Lake Michigan so I am hoping to join the local sailing association and get on the Lake this Summer.
I'm very greatful for all of the stories, tips, and insights everyone here offers up everyday. It's helped to keep the dream alive even during the cold midwest winter.
Hope to see you on the water someday soon.

-Steve

maxingout · 03-04-2009, 10:25

When I was in the Navy in Puerto Rico, we had hurricane David pass south of us. It was the largest hurricane I had ever seen while stationed at Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico. The edges of the hurricane extended from Puerto Rico to Venezuela.

During the passage of this hurricane, there was a nuclear powered submarine beneath the crashing waves and howling winds. Unfortunately, the submarine had lost its airconditioning systems - the primary system and the back up system, and for several days the temperature on the sub was around 110-120 degrees where the crew was working. The sub could not surface to cool off during the hurricane, and by the time they came to the surface at Roosy Roads, everyone was totally dehydrated. I was a physician at the Naval Hospital, and I was told that rehydrating all the sailors exhausted the supply of IV fluids at the VA Hospital in San Juan.

I didn't talk to any of the sailors personally, but I suspect that the story was true. Without any airconditioning, it could probably get pretty hot on a nuclear powered sub.

Welcome to the forum where we try to keep our boats on top of the water rather than under the water.

Celestialsailor · 03-04-2009, 11:38

Welcome to the forum JibberJabber...There is a wealth of knowledge here....Hey maxingout...why didn't the guys in the sub just open the screen doors for ventilation???...

Kiteboarder · 03-04-2009, 11:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by Celestialsailor

Welcome to the forum JibberJabber...There is a wealth of knowledge here....Hey maxingout...why didn't the guys in the sub just open the screen doors for ventilation???...

Puerto Rico is pretty hot man. That would've not worked!

delmarrey · 03-04-2009, 14:09

Welcome aboard!

Gee, with all us ole Navy guys we should start a navy thread with our sea stories.

I went thru a couple typhoons down in the S. Pac myself back in the early 70's.

**Hud3** · 03-04-2009, 14:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by JibberJabber

...So, this spring the wife and I have signed up for the 10 day liveaboard ASA101/102/103 class in the BVIs...

Good move! You're going to have a blast with that!

maxingout · 03-04-2009, 15:10

Delmarrey

If we start a navy sea story thread, will I have to take a lie detector test before submitting the post?

Reality Check · 03-04-2009, 16:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hud3

Good move! You're going to have a blast with that!

Totally agree!!! you probably can't find a better place to do it. I know several such training operations in both USVI and BVI and get great reports from all of them. Which are you using? When ya coming down? I'll be returning to the area in 12 wake ups!... and will be down until mid June.

Any idea what boat you will be on? I'll keep an eye out for you.

You will both have a great time but do be aware the area is habit forming. I just can't stay away for long, but keep my boat on hard during hurricane season for now.

aeg193 · 03-04-2009, 18:13

Welcome aboard JibberJabber, I live 10 minutes from Lake Michigan. Wasn't in the Navy but was stationed on a naval base, does that count?. If your are ever in Muskegon stop by Great Lakes Marina, E-11 and say Hi.

delmarrey · 03-04-2009, 20:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by maxingout

Delmarrey

If we start a navy sea story thread, will I have to take a lie detector test before submitting the post?

Yeah! That could be a problem. Sea stories are a lot like fish stories.

How bout we use documented proof?

maxingout · 03-04-2009, 20:29

Unless you are an expert in Photoshop, it looks like the real deal to me.

The ship on the right looks very rusty. Must have been at sea a long time.

JibberJabber · 04-04-2009, 19:26

"Welcome to the forum JibberJabber...There is a wealth of knowledge here....Hey maxingout...why didn't the guys in the sub just open the screen doors for ventilation???"

You'd be amazed how many new guys fall for the ole - wash the windows trick on a submarine. I used to love new guys..the fun never ended.

In regards to the BVIs, I'll be down there at the end of June. I know, not the best time of the year, but my wife's a teacher and it was the only time we could go for that amount of time. After much reading and consternation, we went with Sailtime for the school. We had contemplated several different schools, but ultimately I read a post that just said to pick a school and sign up. In addition, the price was great and they really seemed to have a good program.
For anyone that's interested or even contemplating going on a liveaboard cruise / training, the prices seem really good. We got a really nice discount and almost every other school we talked to offered great deals.

For the boat, it looks like a Sun Odyssey 42.2 (anyone know what the ".2" is? Don't know much about the boat, but I've been reading everything I can get my grubby hands on. It's like a disease at this point.

I am also really looking to getting on the lake this summer. It's amazing how much of my life I've lived so close to it and never got really got out on it.

Thanks again for the encouragement. If anyone happens to be sailing out of Milwaukee or Racine this summer and wants some company or free help, I would be happy to assist. I'm an electrical engineer by trade and can cook up a storm. Obviously, from my years in the Navy I can clean as well.

Steve A.

JibberJabber · 04-04-2009, 19:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by maxingout

Delmarrey

If we start a navy sea story thread, will I have to take a lie detector test before submitting the post?

If we do start a forum, we don't need the lie detector, but something tells me you would have to wear boots to enter, because "it" is likely to get deep in there.

Steve