Hello everyone...... from Virginia Beach

[Old Snipe]

I am a new member and I just want to say hello to everyone.

Retired navy engineman.... hence the "Old Snipe". I have been around ships and boats my entire life, but I never learned to sail. I have worked on more sail boats than I can remember. Mostly engine repair, installs, rebuilds, shaft alignments, carpentry, and hull repairs.

I am learning to sail right now and I am going to take my time with my first purchase. I am leaning towards a smaller cruiser between 20-26 feet that might need some new life breathed back into it. I should be pretty much self sufficient for most repairs with the exception off rigging. The boatswain mate's always had that covered for me back in the day.

No big plans for ocean voyages..... just getting back on the water and having a hobby/project is good enough for me. The Chesapeake Bay is a pretty good playground all by itself. We'll see I guess. I love boats, and always had a nice time around the people at the marinas I did work in.

[WJA]

I'm a newbie here also. I was where you are at not too long ago and purchased a 27 Catalina for my first boat. It had a Universal 18 and I learned a good bit about diesels by necessity! I would highly recommend this boat for the Chesapeake. Good luck!

[Andre L]

Welcome to the forum. I just joined yesterday and I am also from Virginia Beach. Good luck with your purchase.

Andre'

[crazyoldboatguy]

Greetings Old Snipe. I, too, am relatively new to the forum altho I lurked for several years. Sounds like you have a good base upon which to grow and learn. Having ability to work on the boat yourself is a big plus. It means you end up doing a lot of the work but, then, you also know it is done right.

When you get to a point to buy a boat, check out the Pearson Triton. About 750 of these were built in the 60s and there are a number of them in Chesapeake Bay. The are built like tanks, have strong rigging, and are wonderful to sail. There are a lot of good boats our there - you will find that out when you do your research.

Fair winds.

[Waterway Guide]

Welcome aboard!

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Old Snipe.

[HJV11]

Welcome aboard! I am a retired QMC who started sailing a year ago. I am local to you and sail out of Vinings all the time so give me a PM if you would like to get together.


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[Steadman Uhlich]

Howdy!

Welcome.

You mentioned "Snipe."

There is a smaller sailboat named that (about 15 feet as I recall), a day sailor.
People love them and race them.

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snipe_(dinghy)

Have fun!

[HappyMdRSailor]

Originally Posted by Steady Hand

Howdy!

Welcome.

You mentioned "Snipe."

There is a smaller sailboat named that (about 15 feet as I recall), a day sailor.
People love them and race them.

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snipe_(dinghy)

Have fun!

Snipe=Naval slang for bilge rat=below deck personnel
(in this case)

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha and welcome aboard!
Retired Navy here and my very first experience aboard a Naval Vessel was in the boiler rooms of a DE that was older than I was (a WWII DE). 4 on 4 off for a two week reserve cruise. I did get one Sunday off for the whole day. From then on I knew I wasn't cut out to be a snipe. Pretty hot down there. No air con as you know.
I got one east coast tour in Norfolk on CGN-25 so I know a little about your area.
It's good to have you here.