Three-Year Dream

[bcaldoc]

OK we're almost there. The three year dream is about to be realized. We have sold my business, all the kids are gone and the bank account is healthy. We are ready to sail the Caribbean. We just need to learn how to sail and buy a boat! Don't laugh we need your input. We are thinking of taking a week long liveaboard-learn-to-sail-and-cruise course with Bill Crouch in Florida on a Gemini and then buying a Gemini 105. Anyone have any advice, we can use it. Thanks

[Hud3]

Welcome to CF, bcaldoc!

Sounds like you're halfway there, having "cast off the mortal coil" of your land-based encumbrances. The lessons are a great idea, and I'm sure you'll get encouragement from the Gemini owners here! All I can say is, you've got your head screwed on straight! Sailing in the Caribbean is some of the best cruising around! Here's a link to a CF-specific Google search on "Gemini 105", in case you haven't tried it. LINK

Best wishes on living your dream!

[slomotion]

Welcome

If I were you, I would expand my horizons beyond Geminis. But your instincts are good and you can make this work. Do not skip the Bahamas on your way to the Caribbean.

[imagine2frolic]

WELCOME,

You may never go further than the Bahamas once you taste them.......i2f

[Soft Air]

If you taste the special cocktail i2f gives to all his guest you will stay in the Bahamas for a looong time

[imagine2frolic]

That was chicken, not cocktails. They were asked to supply their own liquor........lololol......i2f

[rivonia]

Just to wish you all the best - we did our theory exams and then did our Yachtmaster Offshore on a trimaran before looking at several different catamaran designs. Budget obviously played an important part of our final decision.

We cruised the Caribbean, Bahamas and went up the ICW as far as Wilmington - thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and hope to visit this area again.

Currently about to explore the Med after a break of 15 years (but it all comes back so easily!).

We have many enquiries about the difference between a multihull and a monohull and always suggest that the person goes on a charter to experience for themselves.

As mentioned on a previous post, suggest you keep your options open as there are many fantastic designs out there.

Good luck and happy sailing

Rivonia

[PatnKarl]

BCALDOC

Don't know if you know about the Private Messages that are available on this forum. Check the upper right hand corner & click on Private Messages. I sent you one the other day.

Welcome to cruising. Pat

[SMcD]

Originally Posted by bcaldoc

OK we're almost there. The three year dream is about to be realized. We have sold my business, all the kids are gone and the bank account is healthy. We are ready to sail the Caribbean. We just need to learn how to sail and buy a boat! Don't laugh we need your input. We are thinking of taking a week long liveaboard-learn-to-sail-and-cruise course with Bill Crouch in Florida on a Gemini and then buying a Gemini 105. Anyone have any advice, we can use it. Thanks

I'm happy for you! We have a 5-7 year plan and are at the end of year one of saving and paying down debt. I agree with you - getting the finances in order comes before learning to sail. I took a basic keelboat course on a lake last September. I was quite nervous beforehand, but I felt confident by the end of my lessons.

There are a bunch of fast-track schools out there:

Colgate Offshore Sailing School:

Sailing Schools, Corporate Team Buildings, Sailing Lessons

water sailing">Blue Water Sailing School:

Blue Water Sailing School Course Progression

Lanier Sailing Academy:

Lanier Sailing Academy

Have fun as you begin your adventure!

-Susanne

Looking for Freedom