Endless Summer... Best Place for a Second Sailboat?

[rabbi]

Originally Posted by Kenomac

Thanks for the tips on Panama. Anyone have any info on Granada, Trinidad or ?? What can expect to pay to keep the boat out of the water in the off season in a secure shipyard? I'm used to paying less than 2000 euros for six months in Italy.

Where in Italy do you get such a rate??

[jimp1234]

Obviously you need a third boat. Either a Dutch canal boat to explore the canal system in France and Northern Europe, or a trawler up in the Pacific North West to check out the San Juan and Gulf Islands.

[Copacabana]

Southeast of Brazil (coast of São Paulo and Rio). Tons of islands and anchorages and all within day sailing. Great people, great food and very cheap to cruise. Lots of wild coastline and also spots to party when you feel like it. No tropical storms! Good modern haulout facilities in places like Santos. Cheap labour to maintain the boat. The only drawback is boat parts are expensive here, but if you're flying in once year, you can carry them in your luggage.

[john61ct]

Apt username for recommending Rio 8-)

[joecat22]

Originally Posted by rabbi

Where in Italy do you get such a rate??

I have the same question and wonder about Italy for cruising in general. Italy is by far my favorite country to visit so wondering if I could mix in some bareboat charter on my next trip.

[Divevac]

Investigate Rio Dulce...imho safest hurricane hole in the Caribbean and a ton of culture and destinations incl Cuba

[Sea Frog]

Originally Posted by rabbi

Where in Italy do you get such a rate??

We keep out 45' on the water in Marina Locata, Sicily. We paid 1880 Euros for 9 months last year. Actually, it was 8 months and we got a free month as RYA members. We are returning to the boat next week, yeah!

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by jimp1234

Obviously you need a third boat. Either a Dutch canal boat to explore the canal system in France and Northern Europe, or a trawler up in the Pacific North West to check out the San Juan and Gulf Islands.

And since keeping up w 3 boats would be overwhelming, someone to tend to at least one of the for you...Ive not cruised the canals yet...so maybe we can work something out! [emoji6]

[Kenomac]

Originally Posted by Deniswithane

I would suggest that you use Grenada as a base down here in the Eastern Caribbean as there is a lot of fun social happenings for cruisers on this island with organized buses, etc. to make life so easy and the local people are super friendly.

Grenada also has an excellent haul out facility at Clarkes Court Boatyard with a huge travel lift "the hulk".

I have been based in Grenada for 9 years as many cruisers have (we all came for a visit and never left!) plus you can then explore up island and return to Grenada for hurricane season.

As long as you are wary of a couple of the islands such as Canwuan, St Lucia and St Vincent, then all the rest of the islands are relatively safe.

I just found out today that I might be sailing the 53 over to the Caribbean this December if no sale by mid August, and Granada might be a good choice for a home base. Can you please give me an idea of how much it costs to haul out and store a 53ft boat there on the hard for 6-7 months per year May-October. How’s security in the yards? Gated, security personnel?

[Uricanejack]

I like your idea. On a smaller scale.
My dock neighbour last year has a boat in Australia and One in The PNW which they were sailing to Alaska.

For endless summer I would choose New Zeeland or Australia or even both. Not sure how easy it is to leave a boat there or for how long. East and South Africa might be kind of cool. How to get there without passing areas with pirate issues?

I am not sure I would go for endless summer. I would like to sail the Maritimes where you are headed.

I could possibly by a second boat similar to my current boat on the east coast.
I have been contemplating a second boat in the UK.
What holds me back right now.
Where would I keep it when I am not there?
how would I ensure it was ok.
I don't have quite enough time available. To justify two boats.
I don't sail the one I have as much as I would like.

[Bigmarv]

Why not have one boat, fly less, and reduce your carbon footprint?

[rabbi]

Originally Posted by Bigmarv

Why not have one boat, fly less, and reduce your carbon footprint?

Living on a large boat is a luxury in itself that is not eco friendly.

If you want to minimize your carbon footprint the only viable option is "Less of everything '. Boating does nor fit very well into this.
Living nude in a cave on La Gomera is much better.

[john61ct]

Originally Posted by rabbi

Living on a large boat is a luxury in itself that is not eco friendly.

As long as that is your only home, and you mostly sail, not motor it is.

At least compared to the average US commuter lifestyle.

Not a high bar I admit.

[rabbi]

Originally Posted by john61ct

As long as that is your only home, and you mostly sail, not motor it is.

At least compared to the average US commuter lifestyle.

Not a high bar I admit.

At least in our situation sailing vs motoring doesn't really make a difference.

Taking into account replacement costs for sails, running and standing rigging, etc sailing is at least for us not much cheaper than motoring.

Sailing is more enjoyable and rewarding for sure but not cheaper, at least as long as its backed up by engines anyway. And Carbon footprint will be pretty close, too.

Sailing wins on long ocean passages but for cruising around the Med it doesn't.

But its lovely :-). Just in this moment we are doing 4,2kn in 5,5kn of wind in flat seas under nice sunshine. And exactly into the direction we want to go. Perfect!