Ahoy From Albuquerque

[dbillingsly]

Hello, just joined the forum and this is initial post to introduce ourselves. I am David and my wife is Lillian. We have enjoyed two sailing charters in the BVI (a 40 and 47 Leopard Cat with Moorings) and have a trip there next June. We are considering the new Lagoon hybrid electric with Horizon this time.

Living in Albuquerque, New Mexico gives us a wonderful view of the mountains, good weather most of the year, and offers many other advantages, except nearby large body of water. Having spent 29 years in the U.S. Navy Submarine force and thus living near the ocean for most of our married lives, we fully believe that we must get back to the water when I retire from second career. That will be in about 4 years, so we are trying to begin the research now to narrow down on the many choices. The first choice will of course be power or sail and thus far we like them both. The type is probably decided (catamaran) regardless of propulsion. We are also trying to determine where we want to boat and that may drive the decision on power or sail since if cruising the ICW is the choice, power seems best. At this point living on board is an option, but we think we will not fully cut the umbilical to land. Living in New Mexico also makes it very difficult to have a boat while I am still working (we fear the we would not get to use it enough to warrent the expense etc). We have mildly considered a purchase through one of the charter companies, but have mixed feelings on whether on not this is good financial decision.

So get to the point you are probably saying! And, that is that we have self imposed lots of choices on how to get there from here, and we feel that we should be making some firm decisions soon. We would be very interested in hearing from any others that may have been at this point and to know how everything turned out. All advice (or opinions) appreciated.

Thanks

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha David and Lillian,
Welcome aboard!! Retired skimmer (target) here. I've had several boats and prefer monohulls up to 36 feet. I know that doesn't help you because you're looking at big cats. Good luck in your quest and feel free to question.
Kind Regards,
JohnL

[JusDreaming]

our website may be of some help!
www.svjusdreaming.com

[Lancerbye]

Welcome Aboard. I have a preference for Mono's primarily because of the absence of available marina slips for multi's in our cruising area. So I won't be of much help in that respect. But good luck in your quest.

[Dreaming Yachtsman]

Dave,
You are in a situation very similar to the one I found myself 6-7 years ago. I too began working for a DOE contractor, Westinghouse Hanford Company (WHC), for my second career after retiring from submarines.

See my introduction on this forum (http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...tion-2584.html) for a brief bio.

I'll send you a PM with some comments that add to that story.

[slomotion]

Several years ago we met a number of people who kept their boat in the Caribbean, cruised it for several months a year, and then returned to their U.S. land 'home' for several months, and so on. There are no reliable data, but I suspect this style of cruising is becoming more common. It also fits the Caribbean cruising style where most people kind of 'hole-up' somewhere for hurricane season anyway - you don't have to stay on the boat when you do that. All it takes is money.

[swagman]

Welocme matey,
Even if you do plan to sail a cat!
Cheers
JOHN

[dbillingsly]

Thank you for the post. We did enjoy the web site!

[rebel heart]

Hey hey! I was an FT2(SS) before I got out and went to greener pastures. Stationed in rotten Grotten. Sailboats are much nicer, and I don't have to stand 3 section duty in port!

[Fishspearit]

Welcome to the board, it looks like we've got a lot of former submariners on here. I also got my dolphins and spent 4 years of sea duty aboard one. It seems that we all want to be topside now!

[rebel heart]

Go Navy!

- Steely eyed steady nerved silent killer of the deep.