Greetings - Kaiserslautern, Germany

[Shane46110]

Not a boot, but a wingding -

My sailing experience is limited to a couple of Hobie Cats I owned while stationed in Charleston and serving as ballast for some races at Davis Islands Yacht Club in Tampa. My background is mostly inboard competition ski boats and jet boats.

I'll return to the US by September 08, but have yet to decide if it will be for another assignment or as a retiree. I'm very limited on where I can go and it is likely I will receive orders to Andrews AFB near D.C. If I accept one last assignment, I will likely purchase a sailboat and see if liveaboard is an option. I'm on the road 30%-50% of the time so I figure this may be something to consider.

I know this may sound like putting the cart before the horse, but I have some questions about cruising the intracoastal waterway from CT to the Gulf Coast. Should I post this question under Navigation?

Thanks,

Shane

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha Shane,
Welcome aboard!! Good to have you here on the forum. Lots of people can answer your question about the ICW but I can't. I think it would be best to post it under navigation and title it ICW CT to Gulf Coast.
I was stationed in Stuttgart (Patch Barracks) from 71 - 75 while in the Navy and have visited your part of the world in the olden days. Really enjoyed the days I had off to explore the many countries and districts there. You're AF?
Andrews seems like a great place to be stationed if you can take the crowds and politics.
Good luck in your pursuits.
Kind Regards,
JohnL

[Shane46110]

Yes, I'm with the Air Force. We fly to Stuttgart often, beautiful city, much nicer than Kaiserslautern.

This will be my third assignment to D.C./Andrews if I accept it, and I'm not at all fond of the traffic/crowds. The good thing is you are close to Annapolis and I'm sure I could pick up some sailing experience crewing up there.

[sailor0646]

Hello Shane,

if you care to get more sailing experience with some Germans you could always join us for some sailing in the med. Next chance would be from October,11 to 18th. We are cruising around the SW corner of Sardinia from Carloforte to Cagliari. Flights are available from Stuttgart to Cagliari at fair prices.

Get back to me if you are interested and could manage the short notice.

[SkiprJohn]

Wow, that's a great invitation! Good luck Shane.
Kind regards,
JohnL

[Shane46110]

Sounds like a great time, thanks for the invite. I would love to make the trip, but I must leave Germany for my next assignment on 27 Sep and then I'm off to San Diego for a few days.

I see you are up in Mainz. I missed the winefest this weekend, but hope to make Bad Durkheim next week as my days here are numbered.

Thanks again,

Shane