Hi, all!
I've lurked here for, oh, six months or so. Mostly just processing the incoming wisdom (or sea stories), with the occasional rare comment.
I've got an idea for how I want to proceed. Thought I'd kick it out here and see what y'all think.
My major goal is to complete (or be underway for) a
circumnavigation before I hit the big four-oh. I'm 31,
single, male, in great shape ... at least for now.
I've already made the shore-based prep for
living aboard. I've
sold just about everything (what's left could fit in my Grand Cherokee), and have even divested myself of my rent payment thanks to the kindness of
family. I'm in early stages of acquiring a
boat, and should be water-bound by the middle of the summer.
I'm thinking I'd start on a 26-to-32 foot sailboat, partly to get a better feel for sailing, and partly to economize. This summer, I'll do a few ASA-approved courses, with a goal of spending a few weeks on the
Great Lakes in late summer/early autumn.
I don't really want to leave the West Michigan area for two years. There are reasons for this -- partly financial, and partly because there are some things (like earning my black belt) that I want to accomplish before I go.
After spending a season on Lake Michigan and
Lake Superior, processing my
learning a bit, I'd take my little
boat down the Mighty
Mississippi and make my way to the Carribbean (in 2010, most likely). After spending a season there, I'd sail up the Atlantic coast to the St. Lawrence and back to the
Great Lakes.
Follow that with another 6-12 months in West Michigan. Assuming I'm still thoroughly geeked about sailing and committed to the
circumnavigation, I'd then look to upgrade to a boat in the 38-44 foot range -- and when she's ready to sail, then I'm off again for the long haul.
Does this make sense to people? I'm particularly interested in your thoughts on a few questions:
1. Does anyone know of a good
liveaboard marina (or similar option) in West Michigan, preferably between Ludington and South Haven?
2. Does the idea of starting with a smaller boat and cutting my teeth on the Great Lakes make sense?
3. Is it prudent to take a boat of roughly 26-30 feet down the
Mississippi, to the Carribbean, and up the Atlantic to
Canada?
Your feedback will help my on my journey!