Wide-Eyed Dreamer

[Dylanj08]

Hi everybody, I am looking to soak up as much information as possible here. My three best friends and myself want to see the world while we are still young and before we have responsibilities that tie us down(family or financial). We are 19-23 years old. We love the Ocean (three lifeguards, all surfers/swim/water polo), your stereotypical Southern California guys.

The concept is to set sail within one year or less. We want to sail around the world. I am thinking that we would learn to sail then get jobs as crew on sailboats for a while to gain experience. We all four save our money and then when we are ready to go we liquidate our possessions and gather our funds to get a boat. I am thinking Cat (based on what I have read) because of the larger deck space and stability.

1) What size boat do you recommend?
2) How much are we looking at paying to buy an adequate boat?
3) Are there any places that would be best to pick up a used boat (because of :lower sales taxes; favorable exchange rates; general lower purchase prices; etc.)
4) How can we accelerate our learning?
5) Would working crew be a good idea, or would it not do much?
6) Where can we go to learn more about sailing and navigation?
....I will add as I come up with more


Thanks for stoppin' by,
- Dylan

[James S]

Welcome to the forum Dylan.
Here is a VERY cursory look at your questions...
1) 40ft +-
2)equipped for the trip...mono 30 -50 ....multy 60+ he's an interesting tri for about 40 1970 Custom Built Williams Trimaran Pilothouse Ketch Sail Boat For Sale -
3)USA
4)crew positions threads.
5)see 4
6)see 4

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Dylan.

[Richard Jordan]

If I was going to set off in you situation, I would follow Clive Webber's footsteps and hitchhike:

http://www.cruisingworld.com/how-to/...thumb?page=0,0

Think it would be fun to be a Capt Ron and experience all different types of boats. You'd also be able to ship off at minimal cost and have no long term commitments.

Issue with 3 of you is you will have trouble sticking together.

[Unicorn Dreams]

Welcome Aboard Cruisers Forum

[Dylanj08]

Thanks everybody! We would want to sell the boat after our trip is over, I am wondering what boat depreciation is like? How easy is it to sell a boat, I am curious if there are many people looking to buy boats, especially in a down economy. Also, would it be a better bet to buy a boat in a Greece or Italy given the instability of the government I am wondering if exchange rates in a year or so will be favorable. We wouldn't mind going internationally to start our trip.

[jannpage]

Take a look at Catalac, An Affordable Cruising Catamaran It might be helpful.

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha and welcome aboard!
You're in a great place in your age, coming to this forum, economy of boats, your physical locality.
You are in one of the very best places in the world to buy a used sailboat. 36 feet is plenty large enough. Monohulls are a bargain. Catamarans are very expensive. Buy the most common boat you can find and that way you won't have trouble selling after your adventure.
All three of you take a basic sailing class together and join a cheap local sailing club.
You'll never regret the experience. Once you've done that basic sailing class and understand how to sail then take a Coast Guard Auxiliary class to learn more about rules of the road and safety ($40).
Good luck in your quest.
kind regards,

[SkiprJohn]

Oh, and there is always the U. S. Navy.
kind regards,