... with a single step.

j9gillik · 11-10-2007, 15:03

Greetings, all! I've stumbled across these forums as part of my research into moving toward a liveaboard sailing life. I presently reside in West Michigan, and (in addition to ongoing research), I'm beginning a two-year effort at training and building proficiency, in anticipation of buying a boat outright in late 2009.

I'm always open for tips and hints!

A little more:

I'm 31 and single. I work as a healthcare analyst but am transitioning out of the hospital and into my own consultancy (so as to maximize both revenue and scheduling flexibility!). I have no real ties (no house, no spouse, no dependents). I've dreamed about living aboard a boat and writing -- yes, I really can write.

I plan to spend the next two years eradicating lingering debts, mostly student loans and my vehicle, and training in such things as scuba diving, wilderness first responder, and the gamut of sailing competencies. I expect to purchase a boat in the 36-42' range and actually spend a fair amount of time sailing and not just remaining attached to land.

Anyway, I look forward to getting to know some of you, and again, I appreciate any feedback or opportunities any of y'all are willing to provide.

-- Jason Gillikin

**Ex-Calif** · 11-10-2007, 18:49

Welcome aboard Jason. Sounds like a great plan. Have you been sailing much up till now?

j9gillik · 13-10-2007, 07:36

Not so far ... my sailing experience has been minimal (although I have plenty of "boating" experience with powered vessels). My uncle owns a ~20' daysailer and has agreed in principle to introduce me to the basics on Lake Michigan next summer, and there are some USSA-approved sailing schools along Lake Michigan's eastern shore that offer the range of basic and intermediate courses, which I intend to take over the next few years.

I've updated my personal blog with some details: http://www.gillikin.org.

SkiprJohn · 13-10-2007, 13:07

Aloha Jason,
Welcome aboard!! Sounds like a good plan. If you come across something you read and need clarification on then ask the forum. Always someone here with the right experience.
In my opinion 36 feet is plenty big enough and you probably could get along just fine with a 32.
Kind Regards,
JohnL

11-10-2007, 15:03	#1
j9gillik Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Grand Rapids, MI, USA Posts: 21	... with a single step. Greetings, all! I've stumbled across these forums as part of my research into moving toward a liveaboard sailing life. I presently reside in West Michigan, and (in addition to ongoing research), I'm beginning a two-year effort at training and building proficiency, in anticipation of buying a boat outright in late 2009. I'm always open for tips and hints! A little more: I'm 31 and single. I work as a healthcare analyst but am transitioning out of the hospital and into my own consultancy (so as to maximize both revenue and scheduling flexibility!). I have no real ties (no house, no spouse, no dependents). I've dreamed about living aboard a boat and writing -- yes, I really can write. I plan to spend the next two years eradicating lingering debts, mostly student loans and my vehicle, and training in such things as scuba diving, wilderness first responder, and the gamut of sailing competencies. I expect to purchase a boat in the 36-42' range and actually spend a fair amount of time sailing and not just remaining attached to land. Anyway, I look forward to getting to know some of you, and again, I appreciate any feedback or opportunities any of y'all are willing to provide. -- Jason Gillikin

11-10-2007, 18:49	#2
Ex-Calif Moderator Site Helper Join Date: May 2007 Location: Singapore Boat: Maxi 77 - Relax Lah! Posts: 2,929 Images: 4	Welcome aboard Jason. Sounds like a great plan. Have you been sailing much up till now? __________________ Dan Relax Lah! Changi Sailing Club

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13-10-2007, 07:36	#3
j9gillik Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Grand Rapids, MI, USA Posts: 21	Not so far ... my sailing experience has been minimal (although I have plenty of "boating" experience with powered vessels). My uncle owns a ~20' daysailer and has agreed in principle to introduce me to the basics on Lake Michigan next summer, and there are some USSA-approved sailing schools along Lake Michigan's eastern shore that offer the range of basic and intermediate courses, which I intend to take over the next few years. I've updated my personal blog with some details: http://www.gillikin.org.

13-10-2007, 13:07	#4
SkiprJohn Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Kea'au, Big Island, Hawaii Boat: Cascade, Cutter, 42 - "Casual" Posts: 3,721	Aloha Jason, Welcome aboard!! Sounds like a good plan. If you come across something you read and need clarification on then ask the forum. Always someone here with the right experience. In my opinion 36 feet is plenty big enough and you probably could get along just fine with a 32. Kind Regards, JohnL