From Racer to Cruiser

[Intrepid]

Hi all,
I realize now that I should have posted here before posting elsewhere! Please excuse my gaffe, and allow me to introduce myself! I grew up by the water, but didn't start sailing until I met my husband. We met in Newport, where he was sailing for the French for AC, on Intrepid (trial horse for France 3). Nice name! We were sailmakers for almost 20 years, and got to race on some amazing boats. He did the Westlawn course, and he designed and we built our 24'. We raced her for 25 years, and even last summer she was still winning races.

In October we bought a San Juan 34, and spent the winter making her feel loved again! New wiring, new plumbing, new cabin soles, new and up-to-code propane system, new cushions, new dodger, new hatches, repaired rudder, new head, new showers-whew, I'm tired just writing about it!

I am so excited about going cruising! Inboard engine! Roller furling! Lazy jacks! Showers! A real head, and stove!

It was great to find this site. I've learned a lot here, but still have so much to learn about our new sailing style. Thank you for all your help.

[Bash]

Welcome aboard.... And it's about time!

You'll find buckets full of reformed racers here. And a few confused souls who have not yet seen the light.

And don't be shy about posting a few pictures of how the boat looks with all the new gear. We love show-and-tell here at CF.

[Alan Brown]

I can remember the first time I was invited to go racing. I brought along a six-pack of Bud and some chips, thinking it would be a nice day out on the water.

Nice day, hell! Capn' Ahab worked me like a dog. Adding sail, tightening sail, removing battens, adding battens. I was almost too tired to drink a beer as we headed back to the yacht club after the race. I never crewed for him again, as I figured my 9-5 "paying" job worked me hard enough already.

From that day on, I treated my days on the water as a gift; something to be treasured, not abused.

[Intrepid]

Bash, I will be happy to post before and after photos when I get a chance to figure out how! Alan, I've crewed for more screamers than I would have liked! You know how small boats like to anchor near government marks to fish? Wonder what they're thinking as the fleet comes barreling down around them, hoisting the 'chute and dropping the jib, swearing a blue streak as they go!

[rebel heart]

Racers are great sailors; you'll have it easy out there. :-)

[Stillraining]

Well its really to late to say Welcome aboard ...so I will just say don't be stingy with you obvious wealth of racing knowledge....wish I had some of it..

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha and welcome aboard!
Good to have you here.
kind regards,

[Ex-Calif]

Originally Posted by Alan Brown

I can remember the first time I was invited to go racing. I brought along a six-pack of Bud and some chips, thinking it would be a nice day out on the water.

Nice day, hell! Capn' Ahab worked me like a dog. Adding sail, tightening sail, removing battens, adding battens. I was almost too tired to drink a beer as we headed back to the yacht club after the race. I never crewed for him again, as I figured my 9-5 "paying" job worked me hard enough already.

From that day on, I treated my days on the water as a gift; something to be treasured, not abused.

He allowed you to bring the six pack on??? Must not have been a serious racer.

Last time I raced on a "serious" boat anyone who was "rude" enough to bring backpacks, drinks and other gear had it dumped in the dock locker. Gloves and jacket only. And you better need the jacket...

[Intrepid]

Originally Posted by SkiprJohn

Aloha and welcome aboard!
Good to have you here.
kind regards,

Thank you!

[swagman]

G'Day Intrepid,
All sailors are racers - just got to line up two boats and it happens! We too enjoyed many years on the race track - and despite being pretty serious - we never ran a dry ship. Sometimes a can of 'tactics' was needed to clear our heads.
Anyway - welcome to the cruiser scene - I am sure you'll enjoy it all.
JOHN

[Intrepid]

Originally Posted by swagman

G'Day Intrepid,
All sailors are racers - just got to line up two boats and it happens! We too enjoyed many years on the race track - and despite being pretty serious - we never ran a dry ship. Sometimes a can of 'tactics' was needed to clear our heads.
Anyway - welcome to the cruiser scene - I am sure you'll enjoy it all.
JOHN

Thanks John. I read somewhere that sailboat racing began when the second boat was built! And liquid tactics can be helpful in so many of life's circumstances!