Boatless…strange enough not restless…what to do…

[No44]

Dear CF,

I like to share the following: after sailing for almost 10 years very satisfactory with my 42 foot Bavaria it was time for something else: kids grown up, developed other interest as I did wrt sailing/boat capabilities…one develops over time.

I know a few yacht brokers and they all had the same ‘pitch’ this year: market is still exploding, your boat is in perfect condition, everyone is chasing bav/jean/duf/hanse/beneteau, no supply, huge demand etc Long story short: sold it very fast at a good price for all parties.

Now what…. Past years my demands/wishlist for a new boat changed to 1) real shorthanded sail capabilities 2) heavy proven bluewater sailor 3) like the design philosophy of the Centerboard, so must have 4) large aft owner cabin, done with the crawling, climbing activities. 5) lots of space to store stuff and not getting things out to get to something I need 6) Classic design, piece of art to look at 7) many other things…

I live in Northern Europe so Hallberg-Rassy/Contest/Swan. Between 40-45ft One of these it will be...

Now the issue: past months I found out that Boatless also means Flexible…so I booked a nice centreboard charter boat at Italian Tuscan coast/Sardinia, sailed around Ibiza & Palma in Spain. Took an option on a charterboat in Tonga (I still work more than full time so getting there needs to be by plane …). Chartering is something I always thought about but never did since `I have a boat at a harbour, limited time’ and there is always money to spend at my own boat etc.

But it broadens the horizon… When considering selling my 42 foot I was convinced that once I sold it I would buy a nice -used- HR/contest/Swan on short term but now that feeling is totally gone since the world opens up… (And please no advice on quitting my job, buy a boat and sail to Tonga etc... I like my job and all the benefits around having a job…)

Any CF recognizes this?

[JPA Cate]

Originally Posted by No44

Dear CF,

I like to share the following: after sailing for almost 10 years very satisfactory with my 42 foot Bavaria it was time for something else: kids grown up, developed other interest as I did wrt sailing/boat capabilities…one develops over time.

I know a few yacht brokers and they all had the same ‘pitch’ this year: market is still exploding, your boat is in perfect condition, everyone is chasing bav/jean/duf/hanse/beneteau, no supply, huge demand etc Long story short: sold it very fast at a good price for all parties.

Now what…. Past years my demands/wishlist for a new boat changed to 1) real shorthanded sail capabilities 2) heavy proven bluewater sailor 3) like the design philosophy of the Centerboard, so must have 4) large aft owner cabin, done with the crawling, climbing activities. 5) lots of space to store stuff and not getting things out to get to something I need 6) Classic design, piece of art to look at 7) many other things…

I live in Northern Europe so Hallberg-Rassy/Contest/Swan. Between 40-45ft One of these it will be...

Now the issue: past months I found out that Boatless also means Flexible…so I booked a nice centreboard charter boat at Italian Tuscan coast/Sardinia, sailed around Ibiza & Palma in Spain. Took an option on a charterboat in Tonga (I still work more than full time so getting there needs to be by plane …). Chartering is something I always thought about but never did since `I have a boat at a harbour, limited time’ and there is always money to spend at my own boat etc.

But it broadens the horizon… When considering selling my 42 foot I was convinced that once I sold it I would buy a nice -used- HR/contest/Swan on short term but now that feeling is totally gone since the world opens up… (And please no advice on quitting my job, buy a boat and sail to Tonga etc... I like my job and all the benefits around having a job…)

Any CF recognizes this?

Sure, you changed your mind. Why not? If you can afford it and don't want all the hassle, go for it.

The time when suddenly the nest is empty is often a time of great change for people. Enjoy.

Ann