New Member From Vermont

[im1ru12]

Hey! For those of you wondering what a VERMONT is, it's a state in the US between New Hampshire and upstate New York. I live about 20 miles south of Burlington, the state's largest city--and with a total state population of just over 600,000, it doesn't have to be very big to be the biggest! Vermont is beautiful, people are welcoming and we are a million miles away from the "rat race".

I've always thought I would like to retire to a sailboat and cruise the intercoastal waterway. Two significant partners in my life have told me they weren't interested in joining me so I'm jumping at the opportunity to make it happen on my own.

I'm stuffing as much sailing research into my day as I can and reading everything I can get my hands on to learn this craft. Making knowledgeable friends here who are willing to give me honest and valuable feedback will be a incredible resource. So, thanks for having me. I look forward to joining your family and meeting as many of you as I can in the years to come!

Ship Ahoy!

[St. Elsewhere]

Welcome aboard! I am from the left coast, and in not too much time here, I have found it to be friendly, and very informative. I think that you will find everything you need to learn from the vast accumulation of knowledge and experience that is accessible via this very unique resource.

[im1ru12]

Thanks for the welcome message. Are you on the water full time or do you have a home port?

[NotQuiteLost]

Good to have you aboard. There is an unbelievable amount of information in the archived forums, just do some quick searches for what kinds of boats get recommended for beginners, general maintenance guidelines and potential destinations.

That'll get your dreams in full swing

[im1ru12]

Thanks, Not Quite Lost! I can't wait to start reading through the archives and getting a handle on what's what. Also, I looked at the pictures you posted of your boat in the Philippines--WOW! Very nice!

[scook1]

Glad you are here!
It is exciting to hear from ambitious people. I hope you can keep your dreams fueled, and accomplish them.
Spencer

[im1ru12]

Thanks for the welcome! I'm beginning to feel all warm and fuzzy! How are you enjoying your Mac?

[scook1]

As long as we are not talking about computers, I love it! She is a little bit older, and very forgiving.
Spencer

[Chiefiredog]

I also had a dream of sailing the ICW and occasionally out on the coastal waves and did basically what you are doing now. Asking a lot of questions and learning as much as possible as I go slowly along. I have been gaining experience now for about four years and have done some of the things I originally set out to do. Bought a 19' day sailor to start with and then a 26 Mac,and have done the ICW and a little coastal. I have more sailing to do on the Mac before I take the next step to a larger vessel. Follow your dream, be smart, and work slowly in the persuit of your passion. You will gain much expieriance and build self sailing confidance as you plod along. You will make mistakes learn from them, you will know when the time is right to take the next step.
Fair Winds Always !

[im1ru12]

Thanks for the great advice, Chiefiredog! I can't wait to get my feet wet. Uh....... well, you know what I mean.

[maytrix]

Welcome! Vermont is one of my favorite places. We're working on trading our snowmobiles in one of these days so we can move onto a boat and cruise for a number of years - how many is still yet to be determined.

Until then, we'll be spending a number of our weekends in Pittsfield this winter.

[Southern Star]

Yes, welcome to the forum. I'm not sure if the refusal of your previous partners to participate in your dream of the sailing life led to the demise of the relationships (or was merely symptomatic of other problems), but glad to hear that you have continued to hold onto that dream. In the past, I spent quite a bit of time skiing in Vermont (as well as the adjoining Eastern Townships of Quebec) - truly a beautiful part of the world!

Brad

[im1ru12]

Other problems, Brad. My first partner was dragged around a small lake with her dad on a 12' O'Day when she was a little girl, so she never caught the sailing bug.

Vermont is beautiful and, unless I can outfit a sailboat with an ice cutter, I'm sure gonna miss the skiing!

Thanks for taking the time to respond to my post.

Garth

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha and welcome aboard,
Vermont, Norman Rockwell, Hemmings Motor News. Great place and beautiful beyond words in the fall season.
Good to have you here.
kind regards,

[Ben M-P]

Welcome aboard from the west coast.