No sailorman... at least yet. Motorhead, though :)

[pdleal]

Hello to all the members and visitors of this great forum.

Been lurking around for some time and today decided it was time to register.

I´m Paulo, from the Azores, Portugal and am considering the adventure of buying a boat, so that I can explore the beautiful coastline we have here in the islands. Anyone been here already?

I never owned a boat, but have always loved the sea, and boating. This summer, for my birthday, my wife arranged a sailing trip for us. I was absolutely delighted with the experience - and with the silence - so different from the noisy boats we were used to. Sailing is the way to go!

I´m sure she will regret that trip

Although I've never had a boat - or worked in one before - I'm no stranger to grease or a spanner, since I´ve been envolved in car racing for over ten years. But everything comes to an end and my racing days will come to an end soon, so time for another challenge!

Please be patient and answer to my questions (even the most silly and clueless ones)

Best regards
Paulo

[Steadman Uhlich]

Howdy, Bom Dia, and Welcome Aboard CF Paulo!

I hope you enjoy your time on the forum.

Like you, when I first found this forum, I had many questions I wanted to ask as I was seeking further knowledge about boats and cruising.

Since you are new to this forum, let me mention a few things you might miss but that could help you more enjoy your time here:

There is an amazing amount of shared knowledge found in the thousands of threads on this forum. If one has a common question, the answers are usually there, often with different possible solutions. The trick is finding those threads and answers as they can be "lost" in the many threads, which are often not titled well.

Here are my favorite Tips for newcomers to this forum:

WIKI
Take a look at the Cruising WIKI that is found via the tab up on the top menu bar of the forum. It has a LOT of information in it you might find fun, interesting, or helpful.
____________

Looking for Quick Answers?

This is the best and fastest method I have found to the answers I seek here.
Since you are relatively new to the forum, here is my favorite friendly forum search tip: Look at the menu bar on the forum pages for the drop down "Search" menu. Click on that to drop down a list of search functions. From that drop down menu select the GOOGLE CUSTOM search feature (the second box down) and then enter several different descriptive or key terms for your topic of interest. That will do a Custom google search of ONLY this site and it is likely to find answers to your questions or results for you. Note: this is VERY different from using the regular forum search box or field (which I never use because of poor search results). Also note, this is NOT found if you use the CF mobile app. It IS found if you use a web browser such as Safari, IE, Firefox, etc.

Note: The ordinary "search" field on this forum has yielded less helpful results for me when I perform searches. That is why I prefer and suggest the use of the alternative "Google Custom Search" instead. I see a very clear and big difference and find the Google Custom Search much easier for scanning (with my eyes) threads for relevant comments and information.

I am confident if you spend some time trying different search terms (key words) using this method, you will find much advice and many tips.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Paulo.

[boatman61]

Ola Paulo.. Welcome to CF..
Which island are you on..?
I usually stop off at Horta for a week or two.. visit Pico on the ferry for good restaurants and some nite life.. then head for Praia de Victoria on Terciera for a few days anchored to detox before carrying on to the Continent..
Lovely islands.. great people...

[pdleal]

Thank you for the warm welcome at CF!

@ boatman 61: I am at S. Miguel, and have lived here for over 20 years, but am originally from Terceira. I see quite clearly the need for detox after being at Pico: they are dangerous with wine and moonshine!

Cheers,
Paulo