What happens to all the wannabees?

[Jim Cate]

Originally Posted by sjrider

My wife and I were once "wannabees" I gained a lot of information from this forum. I did not post much or ask to many questions. Most of my questions and concerns were already answered by using the search function. It took us 2 years to refit our Tartan 34c. We left to go fulltime cruising in September of 2021. We left from San Francisco and have spent our time slowly going down around Cabo San Lucas and spent the summer in the Bahia De los Angeles area. It has been an amazing journey so far. We have been anchored in a small Cat 1 hurricane, our engine has been broken for 4 months, it is currently being repaired. forcing us to be better sailors, have had many sleepless nights in rolly anchorages, wondering why we chose to do this!!

We have enjoyed many sunsets, sea life, met amazing people, seen incredible things, and have learned so much. We are going to keep living this lifestyle for as long as we can.

Thank you to everyone that has added knowledge, advice, and words of encouragement on this forum!

Some of us wannabees actually do make it!!!

We all were once wannabees. Some of us have found the life so rewarding that we became "lifers". You sound like you might be headed in that direction so enjoy the ride. It will often surprise you, sometimes pleasantly, sometimes not so much, but it will always reward you with experience unknown to dirt dwellers.

Well done, mate(s).

Jim

[Joey26]

Hi All

Im definitely one of those 'Wanna Be's" and I have a question if you care to share your thoughts.

My sailing experience is somewhat sketchy but I have sailed PPB quite a few times including doing a Yacht Masters course (some 20 years ago) and I have had the opportunity to sail from Bora Bora to Samoa delivering a catamaran. That was an experience with only 2 of us on board.

Now my dream was always to build a boat and sail around Australia. Now the building part has long gone but my desire to sail around Australia keeps haunting me to do it.

Im 56 and about to come across the opportunity financially to actually make this happen. Not live in luxury onboard a 500k yacht but to have a decent yacht where I could easily sustain my living for 2 years without income. If things didn't work out where i could continue then the option to sell is always there and return to life as I know it now.

Only problem im facing at the moment is travelling companions. My girlfriend is definitely not interested. In that case I prefer to be solo but if that prevents me for doing the trip then careful hitcher selection will be required.

So I ask.

How possible/realistic is it to sail around Australia Solo?

If it were very achievable then my thoughts on a boat are as follows and based on reading I have done over the years

* Size of boat is 37 - 45 is preferred for comfort and space but is this manageable for a solo sail.

* A boat that is designed well to sail to windward
* A boat that 'heaves to' well. Whilst I have never actually achieved this in practice. Before anything circumnavigating happens I will learn this skill.
* Long Fin keel for stability
* Steel hull (whilst it can be more noisy and heavy than Fibreglass) there are many places on the planet where people can weld and repairs are achievable.
* Plenty/good sun covering in cockpit area. I learnt that whilst sailing the pacific how powerful the sun can be when out in the sea.
* Single mast as thats all Ive sailed. I havent sailed a Ketch before but keen to learn if thats the better option.


So my plan is to sail within my limits and keep to good weather windows where possible but I also understand that things dont always go to plan and I must be prepared for anything. Hence the Heave To comment made earlier. As one article I read that mentioned that in past experience the sailor was quoted as saying that he would rather Heave To and wait out a storm than release a sea anchor.


Theres a bit of a blurb on my 'Wanna Be' intention. When that money finally does land in my bank account I want to be ready to make a decision whether I do or dont because if I buy a boat I need it to be near ready and I dont want it sitting in some harbour for a year as I know things will get in the way and stop me from leaving. They always do. I just want to be ready and in the next 6-9 months this is strongest possibility ive ever had. If my girlfriend was coming it would be a no brainer and I would just take the chance. As a possible solo adventurer its making me think.

I could go on forever but I think thats enough for now.

Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Cal I sail solo around Australia with my limited experience?

[wingssail]

Originally Posted by Joey26

Hi All

Im definitely one of those 'Wanna Be's" and I have a question if you care to share your thoughts.

My sailing experience is somewhat sketchy but I have sailed PPB quite a few times including doing a Yacht Masters course (some 20 years ago) and I have had the opportunity to sail from Bora Bora to Samoa delivering a catamaran. That was an experience with only 2 of us on board.

Now my dream was always to build a boat and sail around Australia. Now the building part has long gone but my desire to sail around Australia keeps haunting me to do it.

Im 56 and about to come across the opportunity financially to actually make this happen. Not live in luxury onboard a 500k yacht but to have a decent yacht where I could easily sustain my living for 2 years without income. If things didn't work out where i could continue then the option to sell is always there and return to life as I know it now.

Only problem im facing at the moment is travelling companions. My girlfriend is definitely not interested. In that case I prefer to be solo but if that prevents me for doing the trip then careful hitcher selection will be required.

So I ask.

How possible/realistic is it to sail around Australia Solo?

If it were very achievable then my thoughts on a boat are as follows and based on reading I have done over the years

* Size of boat is 37 - 45 is preferred for comfort and space but is this manageable for a solo sail.

* A boat that is designed well to sail to windward
* A boat that 'heaves to' well. Whilst I have never actually achieved this in practice. Before anything circumnavigating happens I will learn this skill.
* Long Fin keel for stability
* Steel hull (whilst it can be more noisy and heavy than Fibreglass) there are many places on the planet where people can weld and repairs are achievable.
* Plenty/good sun covering in cockpit area. I learnt that whilst sailing the pacific how powerful the sun can be when out in the sea.
* Single mast as thats all Ive sailed. I havent sailed a Ketch before but keen to learn if thats the better option.


So my plan is to sail within my limits and keep to good weather windows where possible but I also understand that things dont always go to plan and I must be prepared for anything. Hence the Heave To comment made earlier. As one article I read that mentioned that in past experience the sailor was quoted as saying that he would rather Heave To and wait out a storm than release a sea anchor.


Theres a bit of a blurb on my 'Wanna Be' intention. When that money finally does land in my bank account I want to be ready to make a decision whether I do or dont because if I buy a boat I need it to be near ready and I dont want it sitting in some harbour for a year as I know things will get in the way and stop me from leaving. They always do. I just want to be ready and in the next 6-9 months this is strongest possibility ive ever had. If my girlfriend was coming it would be a no brainer and I would just take the chance. As a possible solo adventurer its making me think.

I could go on forever but I think thats enough for now.

Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Cal I sail solo around Australia with my limited experience?

I think your plan is doable. Be careful that you do not get a boat which it too big, with your limited experience you need a boat you can handle with your limited experience. Of course you will have acquired plenty of experience before you complete your planned trip.

But get a boat which is truly ready or finish the preparations before you commence because you have some rugged sea miles ahead of you.

Good luck.

[GILow]

Originally Posted by Joey26

Hi All

Im definitely one of those 'Wanna Be's" and I have a question if you care to share your thoughts.

My sailing experience is somewhat sketchy but I have sailed PPB quite a few times including doing a Yacht Masters course (some 20 years ago) and I have had the opportunity to sail from Bora Bora to Samoa delivering a catamaran. That was an experience with only 2 of us on board.

Now my dream was always to build a boat and sail around Australia. Now the building part has long gone but my desire to sail around Australia keeps haunting me to do it.

Im 56 and about to come across the opportunity financially to actually make this happen. Not live in luxury onboard a 500k yacht but to have a decent yacht where I could easily sustain my living for 2 years without income. If things didn't work out where i could continue then the option to sell is always there and return to life as I know it now.

Only problem im facing at the moment is travelling companions. My girlfriend is definitely not interested. In that case I prefer to be solo but if that prevents me for doing the trip then careful hitcher selection will be required.

So I ask.

How possible/realistic is it to sail around Australia Solo?

If it were very achievable then my thoughts on a boat are as follows and based on reading I have done over the years

* Size of boat is 37 - 45 is preferred for comfort and space but is this manageable for a solo sail.

* A boat that is designed well to sail to windward
* A boat that 'heaves to' well. Whilst I have never actually achieved this in practice. Before anything circumnavigating happens I will learn this skill.
* Long Fin keel for stability
* Steel hull (whilst it can be more noisy and heavy than Fibreglass) there are many places on the planet where people can weld and repairs are achievable.
* Plenty/good sun covering in cockpit area. I learnt that whilst sailing the pacific how powerful the sun can be when out in the sea.
* Single mast as thats all Ive sailed. I havent sailed a Ketch before but keen to learn if thats the better option.


So my plan is to sail within my limits and keep to good weather windows where possible but I also understand that things dont always go to plan and I must be prepared for anything. Hence the Heave To comment made earlier. As one article I read that mentioned that in past experience the sailor was quoted as saying that he would rather Heave To and wait out a storm than release a sea anchor.


Theres a bit of a blurb on my 'Wanna Be' intention. When that money finally does land in my bank account I want to be ready to make a decision whether I do or dont because if I buy a boat I need it to be near ready and I dont want it sitting in some harbour for a year as I know things will get in the way and stop me from leaving. They always do. I just want to be ready and in the next 6-9 months this is strongest possibility ive ever had. If my girlfriend was coming it would be a no brainer and I would just take the chance. As a possible solo adventurer its making me think.

I could go on forever but I think thats enough for now.

Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Cal I sail solo around Australia with my limited experience?

I happen to know of a well proven Swanson 42 coming up for sale soon. Ticks boxes, particularly the sail solo bit. I should know, I just soloed her to Tasmania and back last year. [emoji6]

[capn_billl]

Originally Posted by Joey26

Hi All

Im definitely one of those 'Wanna Be's" and I have a question if you care to share your thoughts.

My sailing experience is somewhat sketchy but I have sailed PPB quite a few times including doing a Yacht Masters course (some 20 years ago) and I have had the opportunity to sail from Bora Bora to Samoa delivering a catamaran. That was an experience with only 2 of us on board.

Now my dream was always to build a boat and sail around Australia. Now the building part has long gone but my desire to sail around Australia keeps haunting me to do it.

Im 56 and about to come across the opportunity financially to actually make this happen. Not live in luxury onboard a 500k yacht but to have a decent yacht where I could easily sustain my living for 2 years without income. If things didn't work out where i could continue then the option to sell is always there and return to life as I know it now.

Only problem im facing at the moment is travelling companions. My girlfriend is definitely not interested. In that case I prefer to be solo but if that prevents me for doing the trip then careful hitcher selection will be required.

So I ask.

How possible/realistic is it to sail around Australia Solo?

If it were very achievable then my thoughts on a boat are as follows and based on reading I have done over the years

* Size of boat is 37 - 45 is preferred for comfort and space but is this manageable for a solo sail.

* A boat that is designed well to sail to windward
* A boat that 'heaves to' well. Whilst I have never actually achieved this in practice. Before anything circumnavigating happens I will learn this skill.
* Long Fin keel for stability
* Steel hull (whilst it can be more noisy and heavy than Fibreglass) there are many places on the planet where people can weld and repairs are achievable.
* Plenty/good sun covering in cockpit area. I learnt that whilst sailing the pacific how powerful the sun can be when out in the sea.
* Single mast as thats all Ive sailed. I havent sailed a Ketch before but keen to learn if thats the better option.


So my plan is to sail within my limits and keep to good weather windows where possible but I also understand that things dont always go to plan and I must be prepared for anything. Hence the Heave To comment made earlier. As one article I read that mentioned that in past experience the sailor was quoted as saying that he would rather Heave To and wait out a storm than release a sea anchor.


Theres a bit of a blurb on my 'Wanna Be' intention. When that money finally does land in my bank account I want to be ready to make a decision whether I do or dont because if I buy a boat I need it to be near ready and I dont want it sitting in some harbour for a year as I know things will get in the way and stop me from leaving. They always do. I just want to be ready and in the next 6-9 months this is strongest possibility ive ever had. If my girlfriend was coming it would be a no brainer and I would just take the chance. As a possible solo adventurer its making me think.

I could go on forever but I think thats enough for now.

Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Cal I sail solo around Australia with my limited experience?

Doing a circumnavigation has some advantages over a crossing.

You can pick your weather, and duck into a protected bay during storms.

You can break the trip into managed chunks.

Downside, your boat is never out of danger of grounding, and Australia has some challenging areas.

But everyone has a first time to sail unfamiliar waters, that's how they become familiar.

[Joey26]

Originally Posted by GILow

I happen to know of a well proven Swanson 42 coming up for sale soon. Ticks boxes, particularly the sail solo bit. I should know, I just soloed her to Tasmania and back last year. [emoji6]

I really like this design. Keep me in mind and lets see if the timing of sale is on point with mine.

[randsand]

Originally Posted by boatman61

The seamans world is often a rough one so one has to learn to give back.. none of your namby pamby PC in harbours around the world mate..

ah a good example of exactly what the poster is talking about.....thanks

......mate - see how i gave back there - you should be pleased.

[GILow]

Originally Posted by Joey26

I really like this design. Keep me in mind and lets see if the timing of sale is on point with mine.

There is one for sale for $20k. Don’t know anything about it, but it might make a good value project boat at that price.

https://www.tradeaboat.com.au/detail...Ys2p6mQEgwm3b4

[davil]

Originally Posted by sjrider

My wife and I were once "wannabees" I gained a lot of information from this forum. I did not post much or ask to many questions. Most of my questions and concerns were already answered by using the search function. It took us 2 years to refit our Tartan 34c. We left to go fulltime cruising in September of 2021. We left from San Francisco and have spent our time slowly going down around Cabo San Lucas and spent the summer in the Bahia De los Angeles area. It has been an amazing journey so far. We have been anchored in a small Cat 1 hurricane, our engine has been broken for 4 months, it is currently being repaired. forcing us to be better sailors, have had many sleepless nights in rolly anchorages, wondering why we chose to do this!!

We have enjoyed many sunsets, sea life, met amazing people, seen incredible things, and have learned so much. We are going to keep living this lifestyle for as long as we can.

Thank you to everyone that has added knowledge, advice, and words of encouragement on this forum!

Some of us wannabees actually do make it!!!

===============================
good for you

nostalgia lane

left Morro Bay, Ca on a Tartan 34 1978!!!! some time in 1996.
Also took me about 2 years to outfit, including a new engine.
Will spend the best 5 years of my life going south,Panama Canal, San Blas islands and return to Florida.

Living "the dream" is not only possible but almost a "sacred duty" to squeeze every minute of happiness off the unknown allotted time we mortals are given.

Best wishes

https://www.practical-sailor.com/sai...iews/tartan-34

chrome-extension://oemmndcbldboiebfnladdacbdfmadadm/https://www.sparkmanstephens.info/doc/37944PvCf88p9RRw6yzvasCcIaGK6bvY.pdf

[sjrider]

Originally Posted by davil

===============================
good for you

nostalgia lane

left Morro Bay, Ca on a Tartan 34 1978!!!! some time in 1996.
Also took me about 2 years to outfit, including a new engine.
Will spend the best 5 years of my life going south,Panama Canal, San Blas islands and return to Florida.

Living "the dream" is not only possible but almost a "sacred duty" to squeeze every minute of happiness off the unknown allotted time we mortals are given.

Best wishes

https://www.practical-sailor.com/sai...iews/tartan-34

chrome-extension://oemmndcbldboiebfnladdacbdfmadadm/https://www.sparkmanstephens.info/doc/37944PvCf88p9RRw6yzvasCcIaGK6bvY.pdf

We have enjoyed our Tartan-34. It's been a great boat. Every now and then we get two footitist and want a bigger one. We just rebuilt our westerbeke in Puerto Escondido, hopefully no more engine troubles for a while. Everybody should try "living the dream" it beats the alternative. We will spend the next 4 years cruising around. Hoping to spend alot more time then that. Those pesky finances seem to get in the way!

[davil]

Originally Posted by sjrider

We have enjoyed our Tartan-34. It's been a great boat. Every now and then we get two footitist and want a bigger one. We just rebuilt our westerbeke in Puerto Escondido, hopefully no more engine troubles for a while. Everybody should try "living the dream" it beats the alternative. We will spend the next 4 years cruising around. Hoping to spend alot more time then that. Those pesky finances seem to get in the way!

===================================
I think is a great boat

when returned to sailing 5 years ago, looked for one and no one was in the market.

Footitist sometimes get in the way and complicate life.

have fun

[Plan Z]

I hesitate to do this for the rash of comments from the true sailors here, but here it goes... My wife and I caught the wannabe sail away/travel bug a few years back. Had no sailing experience, just powerboating. We homeschool our 3 girls and the idea of "maybe we could try to do it" gradually led to us buying our 1989 Irwin 38 MKII center cockpit and learning as much as we could and working on it on the weekends as I still have a "normal" job. I filmed our whole experience as I like creating videos for family and my girls for when they get older, however I really didnt want to "put it all out there" on youtube... Well things kinda changed and I finally did. I just want to say (just like i said in the intro video), I really dont know how far this whole thing will take us but its been a really great learning experience so far for my family and me as well, and whether or not we can actually "make it" or not...it's ok either way. I just want to give my family an experience/show them how to work hard at something even when it's difficult and see how far we can take it. I really just wanted to keep things "real" and show the good with the bad. So far we're doing coastal stuff near Tampa Bay. I've kept quiet here on these forums, just researched a ton and I appreciate all of yall for that, and I dont mind any constructive criticism along the way.

[Ddunmire]

I’m a wannabe now sailing our own 42’ sail boat from Racine Wisconsin to California writing this from 11°17.968'N 77°38.677'W about 190 NM from Panama. Living the dream. Thanks for helping me on the way. Tons of expertise, super quick responses often with a bit of humor and enough challenges to keep me humble.

[joe_b]

So... some of us wannabee's gave it a bit of a shot but it didn't work out. I had a plan back in the 2007-2010 range. Learned to sail, crewed on the local beer can circuit, got into a boat partnership, had grand plans to circumnavigate, squeaking by on a tight budget and homeschooling the kids, yadda yadda, but...

My wife and youngest child hated sailing. Got out of the partnership, but kept working and dreaming. Luckily made some fortuitous investments in the years in between.

Now the kids are off to college, the wife has become (much) more amicable to sailing and I'm looking to retire in 2027 at 57 years old. Now just trying to come up with the optimum plan. Finances are good. We have about $500k set aside for a cat (hopefully we'll be under that, of course) and have rental income of about $7300 a month so we won't have to dip into our savings (but if we have to it's there).

We hope to be out exploring 3-5 years with a yet to be determined purchase location (either the Med or the Caribbean), but for sure we are going to visit the Galapagos and do a one year visa in French Polynesia. I imagine we end up selling in Australia and eat the loss on the boat when we are done.

It is the age old trade of Time vs. Money. Hopefully the trade is worth it.

[Therapy]

You go Joe!