Introduction . . . Circumnavigation After 15 Years

[phunkz]

Hello folks,

Just wanted to drop in, say hello and introduce myself to the group. Have been stalking these boards for awhile now and looking at various topics and there seems to be a pretty awesome and knowledgable group here.

I do not currently own a boat, but I grew up in Pennsylvania on the Delaware River and thus spent alot of time on boats in my youth. I also was taught how to sail by a dear a friend of mine (who passed away a couple years ago now) and spent many hours on an O'Day 27 and a Hunter 35 back then. Was alot of lake sailing in the O'Day and bay an coastal sailing in the Hunter.

It has now been about 15 years since I have sailed - but I have finally convinced my wife that a circumnavigation is in order - and she agreed! Sweet! So anyway, we're putting together a plan and a budget to accomplish this - the desire to live the life of a sailing couple, as difficult as it may be, now outweighs the desire to stay ashore and stuck in the rat-race any longer - I am 42 already and want to get underway soon! =) We're looking at about a 3.5-5 year plan for our departure - and about 2.5 years for buying a boat (boat budget will top out at about 200 - 250k overall - either sailaway or a bargain re-fit, but of course we will hopefully find something that won't suck up the whole budget, so that we can add some back to the kitty (150k budgeted) to keep us going for the trip. Looking probably in the 40-45 foot range for length.

Anyway, I have rambled enough for this introduction, but I can blab forever - I am sure you will all get pretty sick of me soon enough! LOL

Fair winds and fine seas!

Jack

[Ita]

welcome on board!

[maxingout]

Sounds like a good plan. You plan is kind of like mine. I started my circumnavigation what I was 47 years old, and eleven years later it was done. Hopefully I will be quicker next time.

[matauwhi]

G'day, mate. Welcome aboard. Give some thought to starting the circumnavigation from New Zealand. Cheers.

[SaucySailoress]

Always great to hear from stalkers ;-)

Good luck for you guys with your adventure - I'm sure the right boat will come along at just the right time.

Mods: Is it possible to add in a ticker (like those they have on weightloss sites) for the bottom of our posts so we can count down to when we go? Or come back? Or to count up the sea miles?

[Sunspot Baby]

Welcome aboard.

I hope the numbers work for you. Now is a good time to buy a boat with lots of motivated sellers out there.

We spent two years of active looking in the market for the right boat at the right price but it was time well spent.

Go for it.

George

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha and welcome aboard!
For a couple I think 36 or at the very largest 38 would be a good choice. There are lots of other things to consider like hull construction (fiberglass), deck layout (aft cockpit), auxiliary (diesel), keel shape (long or fin).
Good luck on making your plans come about.
regards,