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Jcolman · 25-11-2013, 17:04

I've been enjoying poking around this forum for the last hour or so. Figured I might as well formally introduce myself.

I was an avid sailor in the late 70's, living in Cape Coral, FL. I started sailing on some English built, twin keel 22' that taught me a lot about sailing in small boats. Next followed a brand new 25' Columbia 7.6 that I loved until I got bit by the racing bug and wanted something faster. I sold the Columbia and bought a Harmony 22. (beautiful fractional rig, beamy boat) I entered my first race in the Harmony (coming in third because I didn't know how to properly fly a spinnaker) and was looking forward to spending the season racing when I was offered a job that I couldn't refuse. So I put the Harmony up for sale and left Florida for NC, thinking that "I can always buy another boat".

That was over 30 years ago and I never did buy that "other boat". Now I'm a semi-retired professional photographer, looking to get back into sailing. I have most of the winter months off so I'm thinking about buying a 30-36' boat and heading for the Bahamas next year, leaving around mid November and returning in mid March.

I'm in the process of re-learning all the stuff I've forgotten over the years and trying to find "the right boat".

So in the meantime, I'll continue to read and dream. Thanks for having me aboard!

Jim

**Paul Elliott** · 25-11-2013, 17:47

Welcome to Cruisers Forum, Jim! You will find just about any type of sailors here, from green to salty and everything in between. Don't be afraid to ask for advice, or to offer it when you can.

You will find that re-learning is pretty easy, and that there may be many "right boats" for you. Remember, a good way to get comfortable on the water again is to go sailing on other people's boats.

Waterway Guide · 26-11-2013, 04:08

Welcome aboard, Jim! Hope to see you on the water soon!

**GordMay** · 26-11-2013, 04:34

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Jim.

Neo · 26-11-2013, 06:20

Welcome aboard, Jim.

You have a solid background in sailing, but it sounds like your early experience may not have included inboard power or many of the other systems in cruisers. So, I would think getting experience working with those systems would be a top priority for you. Many marinas offer classes on diesel maintenance, batteries, bottom paint, etc.

Good luck

Jcolman · 26-11-2013, 08:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neo

Welcome aboard, Jim.

You have a solid background in sailing, but it sounds like your early experience may not have included inboard power or many of the other systems in cruisers. So, I would think getting experience working with those systems would be a top priority for you. Many marinas offer classes on diesel maintenance, batteries, bottom paint, etc.

Good luck

Thanks Neo,

Actually my second boat, the Columbia 7.6 had a Yanmar diesel engine but you're right....I need a complete refresher course in maintenance, etc.