New to forum, new to sailing

[Khargreaves]

Hi, my name is Ken Hargreaves. I live in the SF Bay Area and have just taken up sailing at 63. I've taken a few ASA courses because I feel the need to get as much experience as possible as I should be retiring in three years time.

The dream is to ultimately buy a cruising catamaran and sail the world. Or, at least an ocean or two before I "shuffle off this mortal coil" (as they say.)

Scheduled to do my first Flotilla sail with my sailing club in the BVIs in Jan 2018.
I could use suggestions on where to stay on St Thomas and Tortola in the times before and after we set sail.

Thanks and Take care,
Ken

[Don C L]

Welcome aboard, Ken!

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Ken.

[gbgreen59]

I hesitated to respond here, but decided to anyway.

I did exactly what you are planning. It has been almost 2 years now since heading out. I have found a good number of people out there who have done the same. There are many on the forums who caution us for taking up offshore sailing without much experience, and it is for good reason. I spent 2 years consuming as much information as possible, but there is nothing as good as experience. I have found many holes in my knowledge and execution of offshore sailing.

My advice is to talk with experienced sailors as much as you possibly can. Don't ever think you know enough. I have met new sailors who have all sail up in 20+ knots of wind, spinnakers up in 35 kts of wind... Many times new sailors think they know enough....read Leopard 46 thread. Experienced sailors are more than happy to share their experience. Be a sponge and soak up that knowledge. Read the sailing forums continuously. Learn everything about your boat. Practice, practice. Go out in bad weather with an experienced sailor. It still won't be enough. Fear in a healthy way.

My wife and I have made it so far. It is a wonderful life.