Greetings from Florida!

[SkipperMac]

Just a young family new to cruising. I've recently completed the ASA 101/103/104 courses and have found my new(est) passion. New to boats (despite 6 years in the navy) and new to the waters (P-3 sailor, sailed in the air in other words). Both the wife and I come from landlocked Colorado but have found a home (thanks in great part to the military) in Florida. I've recently completed my service obligation and have found other means of employment which gives me ample time to spend on the water.

I'm looking forward to learning all that this huge knowledge base of sailing experience and wisdom has to offer in our new endeavor.

Thanks for reading my intro!

Regards,

Sam

[Bohemian17]

Where are you located in Florida?

[Celestialsailor]

Welcome to the forum...no stoppin ya now!

[SkipperMac]

Originally Posted by Bohemian17

Where are you located in Florida?

We were living in Jacksonville but recently made the move to St. Augustine.

[Hudson Force]

Sam, We "home port" 0n the St. Johns River between Jacksonville and St. Augustine. We're usually only here with family from Thanksgiving through Christmas, but we've spent all summer here now with some family concerns. We'll likely be off cruising to the islands with the new year and then back to New England next summer. You're so close! I'd be interested in your search for a boat if that's you current interest. What are your plans,- living aboard, daysailing, power boats, sailboats? Keep us posted of your adventures!

[skipmac]

Welcome SkipperMac from Florida. This is SkipMac from Florida and not too far away from you in Gainesville.

[Hudson Force]

Originally Posted by skipmac

Welcome SkipperMac from Florida. This is SkipMac from Florida .............

I'm sure to be confused,- one to the southwest and one to the southeast!

[SkipperMac]

Originally Posted by Hudson Force

Sam, We "home port" 0n the St. Johns River between Jacksonville and St. Augustine. We're usually only here with family from Thanksgiving through Christmas, but we've spent all summer here now with some family concerns. We'll likely be off cruising to the islands with the new year and then back to New England next summer. You're so close! I'd be interested in your search for a boat if that's you current interest. What are your plans,- living aboard, daysailing, power boats, sailboats? Keep us posted of your adventures!

That sure is close! It sounds to me like you're around the Shands/Greencove area. My condolences for your family concerns, I hope things only improve for you.

I first got my feet wet at the Camachee Cove Marina. Taking lessons with the local school here. Learning on Hunters from their 24' to 36' models. Loved those boats to say the least. I'll soon start bareboating those same boats to get some hours and some experience under my belt. I'm most certainly interested in a purchase if the right boat/price were to present itself. I'm always keeping an eye out for a deal but at this point in time I need to make sure the family (Wife, one toddler and an infant, along with a 90 lb lab) are seaworthy so to speak. Once they all seem to be tried and proven, our quest for the right boat will surely ensue. A large part in me joining the forum is to prepare for the day when I'm ready to buy. Hopefully by then I'll have a much better idea of what to look for and what to run from.

I've heard numerous stories, examples and rules of thumb for what the "ideal" length boat is for any particular person. I believe, for what I aim to accomplish, our ideal boat is around the 35-45' range. The way I see it now is we'll start out as a day sailing family but I wish to have the ability to comfortably stay on the boat for a week or so and considerably longer than that in 18 years or so when the kiddos are dorm dwellers. I've had my eye on a Hunter 36 in the area for a steal of a deal but can't quite pull the trigger just yet.

Luckily time is on my side with this one, so I'm certainly in no hurry to make a purchase. I will, however, happily keep you posted on my adventures and possible future investments! Perhaps one day we can arrange a meet n' greet, on the water or off.

Thanks for the response!

Sam

[HopCar]

Welcome to the Forum and to Florida. St. Augustine is a wonderful area.
Nice to have another Florida boy here.

[SkipperMac]

Originally Posted by skipmac

Welcome SkipperMac from Florida. This is SkipMac from Florida and not too far away from you in Gainesville.

Hey, that sure is a great name you got yourself there! Thanks for warm reception!

[SkipperMac]

Originally Posted by HopCar

Welcome to the Forum and to Florida. St. Augustine is a wonderful area.
Nice to have another Florida boy here.

Thanks! Great to be here!

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha and welcome aboard!
Good to have you here. I was once stationed at VT-2 (66-69). You might know what that is but only a few will. At the time there were 175 instructors there. Those were the old days. Oh, and we used T-28s.

[SkipperMac]

Originally Posted by SkiprJohn

Aloha and welcome aboard!
Good to have you here. I was once stationed at VT-2 (66-69). You might know what that is but only a few will. At the time there were 175 instructors there. Those were the old days. Oh, and we used T-28s.

Thanks! 175 instructors? That must have been a huge training squadron... The old Trojan. I only recognize the aircraft thanks to NAS Pensacola's Aviation museum. Very cool plane. Thanks for your service!

Sam

[bill352]

Originally Posted by SkiprJohn

Aloha and welcome aboard!
Good to have you here. I was once stationed at VT-2 (66-69). You might know what that is but only a few will. At the time there were 175 instructors there. Those were the old days. Oh, and we used T-28s.

John - I spent a few happy months at Whiting (1962), so you're not alone.

Originally Posted by SkipperMac

Thanks! 175 instructors? That must have been a huge training squadron... The old Trojan. I only recognize the aircraft thanks to NAS Pensacola's Aviation museum. Very cool plane. Thanks for your service!Sam

"Old" Trojan? Museum? My, the time does fly.

But it was a very cool plane. Welcome to Florida sailing, Mac.

[SkipperMac]

Originally Posted by bill352

John - I spent a few happy months at Whiting (1962), so you're not alone.



"Old" Trojan? Museum? My, the time does fly.

But it was a very cool plane. Welcome to Florida sailing, Mac.

Ha, indeed it does my friend. They'll soon be retiring my faithful steed, the Mighty P-3 Orion. Although more commonly referred to as "venerable" than "mighty" nowadays. Soon to be completely replaced by the new and shiny P-8 Poseidon.

The museum in reference is actually The National Naval Aviation Museum. Opened in 62 I believe. I highly recommend making the pilgrimage if able. A great deal of history and world renowned Naval Tradition.

Thanks! I appreciate the warm welcome!

Sam