Following My Dream-7 Years Out

[biker6977]

Well, here we sit right where we had planned but it isn't easy. I will be starting my new job Monday. I turned down the one that would have allowed me to move and live on board but I turned it down for an even better paying position that will allow me to stay at home and not move. Hubby will be starting his new job as well on Monday- but his will require he move 7 hours away and only be home 4-5 times a year. I do not want him to move, he's my best friend, my confidant, my rock, my everything- I am deeply saddened but we will do what we must to make our dream a reality. With these new postitions we should be able to save 50-60K a year towards our cruising kitty and boat purchase. I am joining the local sailing club where we took our first class so I plan to learn and practice as much as possible. We went sailing last weekend with Beth and Randy- Gunkylump- and we both loved it!!!! Aaron has spoken to everyone we know about how wonderful it was and how he is looking forward to being on our own wonderful boat.
Tonight we are having a going away party for Aaron- it will be bitter sweet but should be a wonderful time. He will be staying in a hotel for a couple of months while he finds an apartment. I went and got him a few things for the hotel stay and will be looking for some cheap furniture for his apartment- of course we already started paring down and sold all our extras in the yard sale earlier this summer!
So for now we will chase the money so we can eventually chase the waves.

[biker6977]

It's been a few weeks now and little time for catching up anyone following our journey. I have been working 12-16 hours a day and hubby has been doing the same at his new job. I have gone sailing and had a great time. Would like to this weekend but the weather is going to be too cold for this southernish girl with thin blood. So for now we're focused on the goal and counting down till we can be together on the boat in the sunshine.

[Chalifour]

2 advices for you. First and foremost make your dream come troughs! Life at sea is simply exhilarating! Secondly, take a charter for 2 or 3 weeks with a certified skipper willing to teach and coach you along the trip. This will give you accelerated knowledge and confidence. We did it 7 years ago and we now sail our own in the Mediterranean since 2011 for 4 consecutive year. Bonne chance!
Ps: you could join us for 2 weeks next summer!


Sent from my iPhone using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[biker6977]

Well, we're still plodding along, me in my new position here at home with long hours and good people to work with. Hubby away from home for a crappy company and an even worse house mate. But we are staying the course and chasing the money to make our dream happen. Another job possibility has been mentioned but I won't say too much until I have more info- other than to say it would put us on the water in less than 2 years but with a little more bodily risk attached. I will investigate and speak to the head hunter. In the mean time I am sailing on weekends when time allows- I highly recommend joining a sailing club for all newbies out there- it is working wonderfully for me.

[biker6977]

I am feeling guilty- hubby is away working and has been sick all week. I on the other hand spent a wonderful weekend with friends on their boat for their renaming party, spend the night in the v-berth then sailed a 22' Catalina with a friend that is luckily much more adept at sailing than I. Winds were 12-15 with gust of 22 and we did quite well. I wanted to start with no jib and a reefed main. He suggested full main and a jib. We compromised on a full main. He has great experience since a child and races regularly. We had a great day, he taught me things 101 didn't touch on and before we went in we were sailing full main and the jib, had the deck in the water at a couple points- he wasn't concerned but I was
He showed me how to let power out of the main by moving the traveler. He also spent time answering questions as they came to mind.
I think I've found a good sailing partner and hope to be on the water more and more.

[a64pilot]

You must have gone out Sunday, cause the winds Saturday were disappointing

[biker6977]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

You must have gone out Sunday, cause the winds Saturday were disappointing

Saturday was the boat renaming party, spent the night on their boat then up Sunday to sail. The wind was quite nice and breezy Sunday morning. started to lay down right before we came in. This was the first time I'd gone out and actually headed somewhere. Every other time it's been practicing manuavers (sp?) Made it to the pass to the gulf then turned around and came back. It was down wind on the way out, first time I've sailed much down wind- it was a little unnerving at first as I was worried about jibing accidentally but didn't
Are you going to do the next class this summer or have you already? We're planning to do it in June- I think the other dates are full already so even though it will be hot and sticky looks like that's when we'll be going.

[a64pilot]

I don't think I will take a class, if anything I think I'll find someone to show us a few things using our boat.
I wanted to go out Sunday, but as we had to clean the boat, empty the tanks etc. and leave by 2 PM, it just didn't happen, did get some practice backing into the slip with some decent wind though.
If anything I'd rather take a class in the Summer, but then I'd rather be hot then cold, June shouldn't be that hot yet, seems later July and August are the worst, and maybe it's my imagination, but seems there isn't as much wind then either.

[NegativeIon]

Suscribed, good stuff Biker!

As a murdercyclist myself, I can really relate. I may be a bit behind in planning, but I'll get there!

[biker6977]

a64- sounds like good times! I am enjoying the boat club since it allows me to go when I want and not have to deal with the up keep- yea! it's a nice way to ease into sailing. I am looking forward to going on different boats when the weather warms and have found a guy at work that is excellent teacher and asked me to crew in the thursday races when they start back in the spring- very excited about that!!! If you ever want a hand let me know- 678-988-1402 I'm just an hour or so from you and always up to sail.
Ion- just need to get started with your plans. I used to live in Las Cruces- not much water out there- went to Elephant Bute (sp?) one time, I was thinking lake with trees, woods etc, was surpriced to find a hole in the middle of the desert with water. I hope you have better luck finding somewhere good to sail out there. Of coure is was good and windy- about blew our tent down :-)

[biker6977]

Update on our plans- BOUGHT a BOAT!! Bristol 35~ dreams are in the works to becoming reality!

[gonesail]

greetings from an old Mobile boy. congrats on the bristol 35. enjoy your time on the bay and the gulf

[a64pilot]

Congrats on the purchase, got any pictures?

You going to live aboard?

[biker6977]

ZephyrUnderSail[2] 3.pdf



It needs work but it's going to be great!

[gunkylump]

Don't you just love boat porn? You look at it, scrutinize it, spend hours on it...and then .....holy crap...it's in the back yard! Large as life! Big as bear! And just waiting for attention....and money...and sweat.....and more money...and sweat...LOL!

Good on you! You have a beautiful boat, and you are more than well on your way! Beth and I both admire your progress and your ability/desire to make it happen.

gunk