I’m trying to put a sound
game plan together that will allow me to join the sailing lifestyle. I don’t have a lot of sailing experience so; I’d love some critiquing from those with experience.
My wife and I started doing crewed charters in the BVIs about seven years ago. We loved it so much we go every year. After the first couple of years, we decide to take
sailing lessons at home (S.F. Bay). We went through basic keelboat
certification and did a little sailing on the
SF Bay.
We love the
Caribbean and are at the age where we have the means to make a lifestyle change. Here is the plan:
Relocate to the USVIs, where my wife will be able to get a job as a
hotel GM at a large resort. (This is her profession and she has been offered jobs in the past.) This will allow us good
income,
health insurance, ect.
We would also
purchase a 40 to 45 ft cat. I would like to try to make a business out of snorkel/day
sails. Their seems to be an existing market for half
day sailing / snorkel trips for ~$100 per person (6 people max with a 6 pack). The key would be to use my wife job as
hotel GM, to have the inside track on hotel guest looking to spend a
day sailing.
After a couple of seasons, we could decide to make the jump to some more
extended cruising.
We would like to make the move in about two years, so we need to start planning now. I also need to start picking up sailing experience and
work towards my captain’s
license. I’d love some guidance on the most effective way to acquire the need experience.
Please let me know if you think the sailing gig I’ve cooked up would be viable or any other feedback on the
game plan.
Thanks,
SS