Pretty Much Lost . . . But that Can Be Interesting

[chadlaroche]

Newb, noobie, amateur a, pretty much insane. Possibly one of the dumbest things Ive ever done. Sailing exp, zero(2 lessons) years and years of boating exp though. A lifelong frivelous, it will never happen dream . Failing economy,slow business ,absolutely no ties,house, kids ,payments,cheating wife (divorced finalized 7/10). Its me and my jack russel. I closed my business ,havent taken on any more work . Read more material in 4 months then when I was in college.Spent way too much on surveys to realize everthing thats for sale under 20k requires 20k to be seaworthy. Cashed out my belongings or stored it. Its been a roller coaster for sure.
But Ive found my boat ( I think I'll know monday for sure) I'm just gonna do it. Pull out on Nov 10th from Tampa fl ( my 34th bday) ease my way towards the keys and learn along the way . Or I'll sink who knows. My best hope is to find some people in the keys to learn the rest. Besides flaming my post any simple practical advice or must haves ?

thanks chad

[iiii]

Leaving from Charlotte Harbor about the same time. Maybe we can sail down together.

[Blue Stocking]

Chad--JUST GO

[maytrix]

Originally Posted by chadlaroche

Besides flaming my post any simple practical advice or must haves ?

Don't forget your still 34 From the start of your post I was surprised when you said you were 34...

[chadlaroche]

iiiii ; Boat is a 73 Coronado 35. Not the best reputation nor the fastest,and pretty damn ugly outside but sure is comfortable down below with a big center cockpit.

[Ocean Roads]

Good luck! I am in Fort Myers Beach if you need a hand.

[SabreKai]

Congrats Chad, Seems like you have more guts than I do. I'm still thinking that the game is worth playing and haven't cashed in my chips yet. (Silly git aren't I?)

Anyway, I suspect I'll be about 10 months behind you, so blaze the trail and have a blast. A lousy day on a boat is better than most great days anywhere else.


Sabre

[Ocean Girl]

GO!
Erika

[chadlaroche]

Well I expected a harsher response for not being a versed sailor. Glad to hear the positive reassurance. Thanks everyone ! Now to figure out what to do with all this extra rope everywhere lol :-)

[Bash]

Originally Posted by chadlaroche

Besides flaming my post any simple practical advice or must haves ?

simple, practical advice? check the weather prior to departure.

[rebel heart]

Check the weather, take some good sailing books with you to read and study, practice good seamanship. 34 isn't old.

[Ocean Girl]

Why "flame" someone who has the guts to follow his dream? a dream we all have. Advice? Keep a good watch, single handers have a greater risk of collision and running aground. Also be leery of a lee shore.
Godspeed and GO! ,
Erika

PS
It aint rocket science but be careful and.. GO!

[Olorin]

When I saw the title of your message I immediately thought of the song “Lost”, by Blue Rodeo. The chorus explains the welcome reception that you have received.
“If we're lost
then we are lost together.
Yea, if we're lost
then we are lost together.”
He’s hoping you find the sentiments expressed in the rest of the song with your boat or another person.
Ross

[sailingaway221]

Extra rope... Just make sure its not over the side.... maybe roll it up a little too.... keeps it out of the way a little.....

Best advice I can think of....... Enjoy every second of what will be an amazing adventure.....!

[boatman61]

Keep a wary eye on your anodes and anti-electrolysis set-up... I remember back in the 90's I was boat hunting in Spain after selling my Westerly Longbow to an Andorran who offered me 5K over book price for her.
Looked at several Coronado's... attraction the cavernous interior and the four person bunk in the aft cabin... yeah I know... (but one has to have their dreams and fantasies...lol)... anyway.. on all of them the alloy steering gear under the aft bunk was in a terrible state with more white powder than alloy showing.. a sure sign off impending failure under extreme conditions....
Other than that... Have a great time