Hello!

[nicktheawesome]

My name is Nick, and I've just registered. I've been lurking and reading posts for a while now, and doing research for when I eventually (can't buy it yet) am able to buy a boat. I live near Philadelphia, PA, but hope to eventually move somewhere constantly warm.

I've only been sailing for a few years, and mostly small things such as Sunfishes. I've rented a Windrider 17 a few times, and at the shore (OCMD) I was able to rent a Prindle 16 and another small catamaran. This was my favorite sailing so far! Catamarans are very fast, and flying a hull is exhilarating! [I hope I haven't already made enemies with the monohull crowd... I do love a good heel.]

My friend recently bought a Schock Santana 21, a nice little trailer sailor. It has a cabin and is capable of overnights. We've taken it out on local lakes and down to OCMD once. The ocean was amazing! Not having to tack, and to just be able to go up along the coast (probably only 5 miles and back) was nice.

I'm not able to purchase a boat yet, but I am looking for in the future as a liveaboard/cruiser. In the mean time, my goal is to just learn everything I can (experience AND textbook), and to sail with everyone I meet!

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Nick

Small boat sailing, especially like the Sunfish, can be a great learning platform. You can learn more in a hour in a dinghy, than a week on a keelboat.

This is a great place to augment your learning program, so enjoy the Forum!

[James S]

Welcome to the forum Nick.

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha Nick,
Welcome aboard! You've got the right idea about how best to learn. If possible, a basic sailing class never hurts in your resume.
Check out some of the links after my signature for boats.
regards,