Hello,
My name is Dave. I've been lurking these
forums since deciding to set my focus on sailing and
purchasing a
boat to
live aboard about 2 years ago. I've finally made the step to join and become part of this community and am on track to have my dreams become reality within the next year or so.
A little about me. I'm a 40 old disabled veteran of the US
Navy with over 2 years seatime on aircraft carriers. I've travelled around the world within and outside the military and have lived all around the US. My sailing experience is limited to a few trips on a friend's
boat. I have extensive experience with sea kayaking and have been paddling the US
east coast for almost 20 years, including a 6 week solo paddle along the coast of
Maine. I was also a sea
kayak instructor and guide in
Florida for a few years, where I taught basic navigational skills and general
boating safety. I'm hoping that experience will prove to be a helpful start in the sailing world.
My dream is to
purchase a
bluewater capable
liveaboard and SLOWLY
work my way from the
ICW to a
circumnavigation. Between reading
books, lurking
forums, taking a few lessons and picking several sailors brains, I have a good idea that I should be searching for a sturdy, safe, single-hand capable s/v within the 28-34ft range. These forums have been more than helpful in shedding more light on those requirements.
A short list of what I hope to learn in the near future is:
1. A list of "must have" reading materials
2. How to buy a boat, deal with brokers and get the best for my
money
3.
Liveaboard tips and tricks
4. What boat will best serve my needs
5. What costs are required aside from the boat upon initial
purchase
6. What is required to travel abroad
My goals between now and next summer are to:
1. Take a
diesel engine mech course
2. Take a few more sailing and
safety courses (any certs I may need)
3. Look at as many boats as possible within the specs advised
4. Go sailing on other people's boats!
I'm sure I'll find most, if not all, of this information within many of the threads on CF. Any links to threads, lists or other websites are welcomed and greatly appreciated.
I'm happy to become part of these forums and hope I get the chance to meet you all within the threads and/or on the
water. Thanks.
Dave