Hello Everyone

[RTB]

I've been looking on as a guest for some time now. I found you through another website, as things started falling apart for my friend, Ronnie Simpson. I was bouncing back and forth between OBH and here for a few days, as things got pretty tense, and didn't know if I'd ever see the kid again (he could be my son). The bottom line is that I was very impressed with the knowledge that was offered. It did get personal at times, but seemed sincere. I think people learned alot from the whole thread.

As far as myself, I have owned and operated a marina at a nearby lake. I purchase my first sailboat during those years, and was hooked on sailing. I did alot of PHRF racing with my Laguna 22, and spent as much time as possible on her. I am currently without a boat, but hope to have something in the 30-38 foot size to sail on the Gulf of Mexico in the future. So I am here to learn as much as I can before I hit the water again. All of my experience is inland, lake sailing.

Thank you for having me. I probably won't post much, but will be reading and learning as much as possible. Happy sailing to everyone with a boat!

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha Ralph,
Welcome aboard! Good to have you here. There are lots of boats on the market 30-38 and if it were me and I was starting over again I'd pick the size range 32-36.
Kind regards,
JohnL

[RTB]

John,

Thank you for the welcome. I've had my eye on a 1980 Hunter 36 in Port Aransas. If this boat has been maintained properly, is this a decent cruising boat, something that can cruise to Mexico? It's just close for me, and the price is 25K. How about a Catalina 30...another I've been checking out.

[David M]

Welcome aboard Ralph. As a marina owner, I bet you have some stories.

[Soft Air]

Welcome aboard the forum and sv Softair too Mr. Ralph

[RTB]

Thanks guys, yes I have some marina stories that may get told some day...lots of work, but fun times!

[Stillraining]

Welcome Aboard and Good to have you Ralph..you bring in a unique angel of view into the forum.

[RTB]

Stillraining,

I'm pretty sure I know what you are saying. Yes, my first visits to CF were some emotional reading. I think in the end though, I really appreciated what was being said. Not much "sugar coating", but was a serious topic. It probably looked like a stupid idea, all things considered. Some valuable lessons were learned by the person we are talking about, and he got some experience that won't be forgotten in his lifetime. Underestimating the sea will not be a problem in the future. Thanks for the welcome.

[Stillraining]

LOL

I was referring to you being a Marina Owner..

But as long as you brought it up...Yes from that point of view also now that I think of it..


See it just goes to show you how things can be taken 180 degrees off there intended course around these forums...Its inevitable I guess..

[RTB]

See, I have so much to learn here! It was a 50/50 chance I'd get it right. I should have asked instead of cruising off unprepared...LOL (I haven't figured out the happy faces yet). Thanks for being nice though.

[imagine2frolic]

WELCOME,

It will be great to hear the stories from the other side of the fence. The good thing about Ronnie is the young man is full of tenacity, and has a very thick skin. Wee bit of a showman, but that's youth....whew how I miss youth!

[RTB]

I2F,
I know you have supported Ronnie, and were along for the ride from the beginning. He's just a crazy guy, and I don't see him slowing down anytime soon. I plan on sailing with him in 2011, unless I've got my own boat then. BTW, I owned a marina, but am now in the motorcycle industry (where I met Ronnie). I just thought I'd better clear that up.