Out of Nowhere . . .

[DrivenByTheWind]

a boat has come into my life. I am a single mother of two boys ages (almost) 5 and (almost) 9. A friend's circumstances have blessed me with their 1968 Coronado 25.



It's almost like a dream come true I didn't know I was dreaming. I know almost nothing about sailing, I have been out on a few friends' sailboats, including the one I now own, I have kayaked the bay(once) and white-water-rafted(once), but that's about it.

Ironically, last month I read a story about the Crafton family's 7 year voyage at sea and how they felt it brought their family closer together(more than just physically) and I even posted this on Facebook: "If only I had the guts to do this....oh, and the 2 houses to sell to fund it. But really, an amazing family adventure - I envy them."

Now I am suddenly looking at boating magazines, reading cruizing forums, learning nautical terms, trying to learn to sail, looking for sailing partners and making a plan to travel the seas.

I must be crazy - I have no idea what I'm doing!

The boat is water-tight, has been sailed in the SF Bay regularly this year, but is definitely in need of a lot of cosmetic work, a new head, grey-water holding tank(?), bilge pump and god only knows what else.

Oh yeah - she needs a name, too!!!

Anyways, hi all! I'm sure to wear your patience thin with too many questions.


---Starr

[James S]

Welcome to the forum Starr
Wow, what good fortune...congradulations.
We have several members in your area...I'm think-in you're going to find lots of help here!

[s/v Beth]

I would take it a little at a time. Perhaps start by having the kids and you overnight on it (in the slip). You can pick up a portapotti for under 100 USD. Have a good friend teach you to sail. Your little family can get so much out of this water borne camper!

[DrivenByTheWind]

Originally Posted by s/v Beth

I would take it a little at a time. Perhaps start by having the kids and you overnight on it (in the slip). You can pick up a portapotti for under 100 USD. Have a good friend teach you to sail. Your little family can get so much out of this water borne camper!

Oh, I'm not rushing anything. I figure I've got 8-10 years to refurbish the boat, get experience, maybe upgrade, let the kids grow up before I'm likely to hit open sea. I figure for now starting out with day sails, get to know the boat, work towards some weekend trips. Maybe next summer we'll vacation on the water. I forgot to mention that I was once a live-aboard on a non-moving yacht - I miss being rocked to sleep by the waves.

[Ishmael]

Congratulations! You'll have lots of fun with that boat. My son (8) told me he wanted to learn to sail, but when I offered to pay for a membership to the community sailing program he refused! I said, "I thought you wanted to learn how to sail." He said, "I want YOU to teach me!". That did it...I finally got off my wallet and got a new mast & boom for the Daysailer that's been sitting in my yard for the last two years, and we've gone out in the harbor together (along with my 6yo daughter) several times already. It's been a great summer!

Boat name suggestion: Windfall

[EllanVannin]

Awesome good luck. You go girl you will have a great family adventure with this.

Windfall has got to be the name that is inspired!

[zeehag]

windfall is a good one

welcome. have fun with your boat and boys!!

[DrivenByTheWind]

Thanks for the welcome everyone!

As far as "Windfall" is concerned, while it [I]is[I] an appropriate name, I checked the USCG Vessel Documentation and there are over 80 of them registered, too common for me. I really like the name "Saint of Circumstance" (for many reasons) but I am concerned that it may be too long or complicated to be easily understood over a crackling radio. Opinions?

[Drew13440]

I am concerned that it may be too long or complicated to be easily understood over a crackling radio.

A wise thought. I suspect more experience than you've let on! In a pinch, you can go with "circumstance" on the radio. Great name, go for it.

[Hans and Laura]

Actually, boat maintenance will do you in long before your lack of sailing knowledge will. I'm not a negative person (I promise!) but for some reason boats seem to always need 'something', and I guess that's why a lot of them are named, The Jealous Mistress. Anyway, if you're prepared to pay for upkeep and repairs (and learn how to do a lot of these things yourself) then you have a wonderful future ahead of you. I wish you the best of luck!!!

[DrivenByTheWind]

Originally Posted by Hans and Laura

Actually, boat maintenance will do you in long before your lack of sailing knowledge will. I'm not a negative person (I promise!) but for some reason boats seem to always need 'something', and I guess that's why a lot of them are named, The Jealous Mistress. Anyway, if you're prepared to pay for upkeep and repairs (and learn how to do a lot of these things yourself) then you have a wonderful future ahead of you. I wish you the best of luck!!!

I expect and hope to be doing the repairs/maintenance myself, learning it all bit by bit over the next few years. I am aware that a boat costs money to upkeep, I'm not happy about it, but I'm aware of it.

I am reminded of when I bought my first car, a 1980 Toyota Corolla. When the carburetor went bad I realized that I couldn't afford a mechanic every time something went wrong. So I went and bought a manual and a tool set. When my roommate came home, much to her dismay, I had all 102 pieces of that carburetor set out on every flat surface on a numbered piece of paper. When I put it all back together, it worked.

I have always been a do-it-yourself kind of gal. I have always done my own auto repair, I once was one of a team of four hired to build a two story house in the redwoods, off the grid(aka no power). I have worked as a migrant farm worker in the Florida tomato fields and have owned a number of my own businesses from landscaping to exotic reptile breeding.

Now none of this means that I am not concerned with the demand of keeping my new boat happy, but I am known for my perseverance, though I have never succeeded without help from friends and those with more knowledge than I - I am sure I will need the wisdom of this community to realize my new dream.

1st question:
Where should I post a thread to discuss boat names?

[Blue Stocking]

Every now and then, you hear a story that makes your day.
Thanks!!--you made mine

[BlueSeas]

Kharma comes to mind for a name. Obviously you have some good stuff coming back to you!

[zopi]

I'll put in my vote for Windfall..

Welcome, and have fun with the boat!

I'm betting there are members here who will take you sailing and help you learn...

[RiverRat]

Sounds like you'll be fine. You've got that Can Do attitude. Which is a great name for a boat. Can Do Maybe Can Deux since you have 2 kids? Just a thought. I'm sure you'll come up with lots of boat names before you find the one that fits perfectly.

Good luck!
Kitty