Newly retired army guy

[El_tarasco]

Im a 43 year old newly retired army guy never once been on a sail boat nor even touched one. I recently took a beginners sailing class offered on a US Navy base down here near my home in San Diego and scheduled myself for the Intermediate and ultimately the advanced. Sailing in this class has been one of the most therapeutic thing I have ever done to help with my PTSD. I love the solitude and the "getting away" feeling. I joined this forum to hopefully get pointers and tips on what I should and shouldn't do as a newbie. I have learned a great deal from all of the posts. I hope to one day SOON buy my own boat and take off. I wish I had been introduced to sailing a long time ago.

[brianlara 3]

Welcome Brother from a live aboard Australian Vietnam vet/platoon sergeant/ medic whose PTSD is compensated for by the best VA on the planet.

[El_tarasco]

Thank you sir for your service. Thanks for the reply. One day I will be out on the water like all you experienced fellas.

[brianlara 3]

Mate, I am at my happiest when sailing up or down the coast, headed for Tasmania from Sydney on Jan 1st God willing.
For you first boat, if it's small, too small, no matter just get it. Buy it right, almost steal it and later when the time is right larger opportunities will present themselves.
My advice for ANY sufferer, spend as much time sailing as life permits.
Truck loads of wonderful people on CF can't do enough to assist you, as you'll see.
Yes, the odd l o m b a r d but you sort the wheat from the chaff.
And thanks Brother for your service too. Jungle warfare was awful but open field/ street fighting frightens the Bejesus out of me.
Cheers Mate.....many welcomes coming from others to be sure.

[UNCIVILIZED]

Welcome to CF, & thanks for your service. Us (former) San Diego Navy guys won't hold the Army thing against you. And I'm glad to hear that you discovered sailing, & that it helps.

[Jim Cate]

G'Day El turasco, and welcome to CF!

I'm not of military background myself, but can still thank you for serving, and I will be happy to answer you queries, pat you on the back as you progress into being a sailor, and welcome you aboard if our wakes should ever cross.

Get as much on the water time as you can manage... classes can be helpful, but being responsible for your own well being at sea is very therapeutic for us all, ptSD or just suffering from too much civilization.

Let us know how you progress!

Jim

[SSgtPitt]

Welcome Brother. You can find solace in many places. Your frame of mind and willingness to accept what life gives you will help bring you peace.
Sailing will stress the crap out of you and then bring you utter peace. Sometimes in the same day. My experience is extremely limited, but I'm loving every minute i get and my carrot is being able to shove away next year and sail til i die, broke and happy.
Semper Fi

[Adelie]

If I can ever get my boat in the water I'll take you for a spin.

[Tayana42]

El_tarasco, thank you for your service. I think we all find solace in being on the water and more so in sailing. I hope the sea and the wind and actions of your boat will continue to help with ptsd and easy your way to a happy life.

[meatservo]

El tarasco

Echoing the sentiments, thank you for your service. As a fellow Army veteran, I can assure you that you will get plenty of support here.

Keep us all informed of your progress, maybe I will see you at the Miami Boat Show in February!



meatservo

[sapient sue]

El_tarasco

Welcome to the forum and thank you for your service. I retired at 45 upon specialist advice ie change my lifestyle or I would not have a life to live. Sailing has always been a love of mine but its recuperative powers are wonderful. Being on the ocean and enjoying nature in the raw is magic.

Enjoy the learning curve and and the camaraderie you will find among your fellow cruisers.

Cheers Sue

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, El tarasco.