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Saltyhog · 11-01-2010, 20:24

Hello all! My story is very much the same as many here. I got to my mid forties, looked around, and said "This can't possibly be it". I'm not sure how I even came upon the idea that sailing around and living on a sailboat would be really cool, I think it just came to me one afternoon while I was lamenting life in a cube. We (wife and I) are both semi-adventurous. We scuba dive, ride motorcycles, etc. So I've convinced her and she's onboard with the idea! (Step 1) Actually, not much convincing was needed. Been reading everything cruising/sailing related I can get my hands on. Planned departure is in 8 years. Right now the plan is learn to sail and make sure we like the actual sailing as much as the idea of sailing. That'll be this summer. (Step 2) Then buy a smallish boat and cruise the Chesapeake weekends and vacations. (Step 3) That's as far as I can think at this point, so hello again and glad to make everyone's aquaintance.

**Boracay** · 11-01-2010, 23:16

G'day, and welcome to our Forum.

Bobbetto · 11-01-2010, 23:34

Not a bad idea, when you leave you come in Italy you will be my guests, meanwhile, welcome.
Bob.

**GordMay** · 12-01-2010, 05:10

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Saltydhog.

Sounds, to me, like you’ve formulated a great plan!

anjou · 12-01-2010, 05:18

Hi.
Little acorns, mighty oaks.

Its good to have a dream

scallywag · 12-01-2010, 06:56

Welcome Saltydog--Will be looking for future posts regarding the accomplished steps in your plan. I alway wanted to sail the Chesapeake when I lived in Pliladelphia.

John

Jolly Roger · 12-01-2010, 07:06

Welcome! Your plan is spot-on

. Also join a yacht club and sail with other people as much as possible, in all types of boats, big and small, and listen and learn. Eight years sounds like a long time no doubt, but you will still not understand the sea and ships. But you never know, you might get the bug and bring your plans forward.

cdennyb · 12-01-2010, 07:33

take a crewed or at least captain only vacation in the carib on a boat of your liking to see if living on one is what you want to do, and do it soon so you don't waste a bunch of time dreaming of something you won't really enjoy.
It'll be the best $2k you ever spent! Take lots of pics too.

swagman · 12-01-2010, 09:17

G'Day and congratulations on realising what's available.

Sailing is one of the greatest sports / lifestyles / cultures / freedoms still there for us all to enjoy. So my very best wishes that you achieve these goals and hopefully we'll hear you pull alongside one day to share a tinnie.

Take care

JOHN

Saltyhog · 12-01-2010, 13:41

Hello again and thanks for the warm welcome and advice! Hope to be talking to you all in the rest of the forums. One question: Which forum would be best to inquire about sailing schools / yacht clubs in Rock Hall, MD?

scook1 · 12-01-2010, 14:11

Better than an old man with a new dream!

Spencer

**s/v Beth** · 12-01-2010, 14:21

I have sailed out of Rock Hall Saltyhog. I love the place. Good people. I worked with Gratitude, and I know they have a sailing school attached... but I haven't heard anything bad about the other charters there. So if I was to give a recommendation- it would be to start with the Island Packets out of Gratitude Charters.
Rock Hall is an ideal place to start. Lots of destinations close by, and you are sailing 15 minutes out of port.

CODE ZERO · 13-01-2010, 13:45

Saltyhog if you come to Slovenia are welcome at my house. We can go together to sail through Croatia to the sea, in my opinion the most beautiful in the world.