New guy, same story

[fujiwara takumi]

Stede once whispered in the wind:
Reading some of the comments has inspired me to share some of my own circumstances.

Ugh, that's weak. I lost my brother when I was 15, he was only 5 or so. I promised myself that I'd do my best to live life for the both of us and I try very hard every day. I was never outgoing, always quiet and pretty reserved, but bright enough I can learn things. I find myself trying a lot of things I never would have if I continued thinking the way I did when i was little. Anyway, I never resist the urge now to get involved in something im interested in, cost and time and trouble and work be damned, you can make more Monday, and you never know how long you'll be around.

If it's not too personal to you is your wife still with you? I dunno what I would do if I lost my partner, she's more important to my life than any of my toys by far, I'd be a very sad and lonely soul without her.

[oceaneyestoo]

Wow does this hit home .... my first divorce was over the fact that I was born to sail and she didn't want to ... Now after two marriges down the tubes (different reasons) My girlfriend and I are contemplating buying a boat for cruising She wants me to follow my dream before it is too late ... only problems is that she is new to it and doesn't know whether she can handle it

[capt lar]

You could bareboat charter - cheap in the Virgins in the summer and easy sailing, or cruise with another couple or rent a cruiser for a weekend. Here on the east coast there are more and more "clubs" where you pay a yearly fee and get access to lots of different boats, including some cruisers. This sort of time share with only an annual commitment is a cheap way to get her feet wet (so to speak) and meet others in the same situation. Lots of daysailers available and then a couple of weekend overnight cruises. Try a web search. I would also check out seaschools where she can gain experience and confidence - perhaps on her own - you stay home. If buying, go smaller with a boat that is easier to resell in your area. Boats with shorter water lines and lower sales price are easier to unload. Do not buy a cheap production boat with 500 available for sale. Quality counts. Capt. Lar