Hello from an Aspiring Sailor

[nscherneck]

Hello all,

I'm closing in on 30 (single, no kiddos) and am working to bring some dreams to fruition. I lived in Honolulu for a couple years and was introduced to sailing through a course at the Waikiki Yacht Club. The course didn't involve much on the water time so i'm looking into courses here in Southern California (probably Marina Del Rey).

My dream is to circumnavigate. I've read lots of stories of those who've set sail across the pacific and beyond and am anxious to do it myself (whether on my own boat or someone else's). I've always been attracted to an unconventional lifestyle (i.e. i've been a big wall rock climber for years...lived in a van for a full year to support my interest). I do have a career and I make money, but 40 years of cubicle and 401k will not be my life story! There's just too much to see waiting in front of me, and I know that I just can't go wrong.... ;-)

I understand that a circumnavigation requires years of experience and a broad range of skills so i'm committed to acquiring them. I'm signing up for the courses (BK, BCC, BBC, CN, ACC, and maybe OPM) and the ASA certs. I'm going to try to lend a hand on any boat that'll take me out to sea...

Also, I think a coastal cruise down the coast of Mexico, Central America - Panama Canal - Caribbean would be a great trip to prep for a more serious blue water excursion.

Any advice?

Much thanks in advance,
nscherneck

[boatman61]

Jeez Man.... your getting old...
Welcome to CF... hope you get where you wanna go.......

[boasun]

Old?? Hey! I'm 30 with 40 years of experience of being 30

[zeehag]

way toooo old to begin to learn anything much less sailing......
welcome and donot listen to the latest quiplet...LOL...... go out and SAIL ANY AND EVERYTHING YOU CAN FIND AND HAVE A GREAT TIME.

[Adelie]

Originally Posted by nscherneck

Hello all,

I'm closing in on 30 (single, no kiddos) and am working to bring some dreams to fruition. I lived in Honolulu for a couple years and was introduced to sailing through a course at the Waikiki Yacht Club. The course didn't involve much on the water time so i'm looking into courses here in Southern California (probably Marina Del Rey).

My dream is to circumnavigate. I've read lots of stories of those who've set sail across the pacific and beyond and am anxious to do it myself (whether on my own boat or someone else's). I've always been attracted to an unconventional lifestyle (i.e. i've been a big wall rock climber for years...lived in a van for a full year to support my interest). I do have a career and I make money, but 40 years of cubicle and 401k will not be my life story! There's just too much to see waiting in front of me, and I know that I just can't go wrong.... ;-)

I understand that a circumnavigation requires years of experience and a broad range of skills so i'm committed to acquiring them. I'm signing up for the courses (BK, BCC, BBC, CN, ACC, and maybe OPM) and the ASA certs. I'm going to try to lend a hand on any boat that'll take me out to sea...

Also, I think a coastal cruise down the coast of Mexico, Central America - Panama Canal - Caribbean would be a great trip to prep for a more serious blue water excursion.

Any advice?

Much thanks in advance,
nscherneck

You don't have to have years of experience to circumnavigate, it just ups the odds a little.

Buy a Laser and go sailing for a couple hours every weekend. That will teach you to SAIL really well. Go sailing with others to learn the CRUISING part.

[Unicorn Dreams]

Welcome aboard and enjoy Cruisers Forum...

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha and welcome aboard!
Sorry about you not getting much on the water time at Waikiki. I know the lead instructor and I'm not surprised.
Good to have you here and I hope you can get some on the water time soon.
kind regards,