New Newbie from OZ

[TassieBloke]

Hi There All

I have been lurking around for a little while and thought it best to at least say hello and introduce myself.

My story is a little diversified, and goes something like this:

I grew up in Hobart,Tasmania, Australia. I spent my teenage years & early 20's doing all the things that people do, like Sailing, Boating, Diving, Surfing, Fishing, Camping etc etc. Then life moved me on which took me away from the ocean.

I now live in Switzerland, as you all probably know, a landlocked country. There a number of sizeable lakes (not like Huron, Ontario Eirie and the like) on which there are sailing enthusiasts. I went a number of times with a guy who has a Dragon Class yacht, however I never had the same feeling of being out on the Blue Water...

My work takes me to many places in the world, and 2 weeks ago, a sequence of events happened which led me to register here, and elsewhere. I ended up in Sweden (Malmö) during the week, and had the opportunity to spend the rest of week at a friends beachouse. (The first mistake)
On my evening jogs, I was going past a small marina, and decided 1 evening to stop and look at some of the yachts tied up. (second mistake) I noticed that many were set up for Blue Water sailing, and not just your average coastal cruising. This then brought up memories of the watching the Sydney to Hobart entrants coming in. Not the sponsored race team Maxies, but the smaller 30-40 footers of private individuals.
All while this was happening, we were experiencing a typical Autumn storm, with around 30kt winds, gusting to 40kts. The grey skies, scudding clouds, and fresh smell of salt in the air, in a sense became too much, and started all the memories to come flooding back...

It came as a shock to me how strong these memories were, and in many ways was sad at all the years I had missed the ocean and not actually realising it. So here I am...

What am I going to do about it? First thing is to find work near the ocean. 2nd thing is to find someone who will let me crew so I can relearn all tricks of sailing, and if I end up in Sweden, this might be a new language thing. And last but not least, look at getting something I can call my own.

Well, that sums it up, I hope I have not bored who read to tears.

Tim

[Weyalan]

Welcome aboard. I am currently living in Hobart, having been raised in Scotland... gotta tell you you will go a long way before you find better cruising waters than those around here! Good luck with your quest for a boat.

[swagman]

Hi,
Welcome from one Oz to another. We relocated to Europe in 1997 and now spend most of our summers cruising the Med. Good luck with your goals and maybe see you out on the water someday.
JOHN

[Canibul]

I spent three weeks at Jervis Bay, and fell in love with that part of Oz. Previous experiences there were Perth, Dampier, Karratha, etc. Wish I could go back. maybe I will.

[Weyalan]

Originally Posted by Canibul

I spent three weeks at Jervis Bay.

working with the Australian Mine Warfare Clearance Divers by any chance?

[Canibul]

Yes, actually. That was exactly what I was doing there.

[Weyalan]

Do I win a cookie?

[Canibul]

uh, can you describe the belt buckle I gave away at the barbie on the golf course?

[Pblais]

What am I going to do about it? First thing is to find work near the ocean.

We have a great many folks from OZ I just can't understand how you can watch water going down the drain backwards but it's a big world mostly covered by water. No wonder your thoughts return you to the sea. You won't get any arguments around here.

I grew up and spent 46 years not near the ocean and now have salt water in the back yard. You tend to end up where you are. Welcome to Cruisers Forum.

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha TassieBloke,
I'm certain Hobart is so small that you know my friend Nick Rees from Tasmania. Just kidding of course.
Welcome aboard and if you ever get to Hawaii make certain I know about it. Can bring you a cooler full of terrible yankee beer. We can acquire a headache together.
Regards,
JohnL

[Alan Wheeler]

Arrrr, yet another from the West Islands. Nice to have another with our "interesting" sense of humour onboard.
Tasy is definatly one place on my "to visit list" when the time comes.