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Ilira · 18-11-2013, 17:28

Hi,
I have read different threads on CF for some time and previously enjoyed the cruising lifestyle for 5 years from '02 - '07. I reluctantly returned to land side to finish a career. Now retired, I am hoping to find a boat and a partner to continue the journey. I really don't want to singlehand--I am a single lady--but I will if I have to.
While landside I spent my summers learning to crew on tallships of various types and sizes. The labor kept me sailing, physically fit, and ready to continue the more relaxed cruising lifestyle.
I have kept in touch with a few old cruising friends and hope to build new cruising friends here. I am excited to get started chatting with other sailing souls.

Mike OReilly · 18-11-2013, 17:53

Welcome Ilira. I see you're in Michigan. Where do you sail your Morgan? We're on Superior, up here on the north shore. There is amazing sailing on the Great Lakes, and if you're into big water and wilderness anchorages, then point your bow north!

belizesailor · 18-11-2013, 19:24

What Tallships did you sail aboard?

Ilira · 18-11-2013, 19:28

I don't have the Morgan now. I'm shopping around now.

Ilira · 18-11-2013, 19:33

I started on schooner-Appledore IV, 6 yrs, then short 2 - 3 week trainings on the Baltimore Clipper-Lynx, Brig Lady Washington, and Brig Niagara.

Ilira · 18-11-2013, 19:38

Did most of my own small boat sailing on Lake Huron and Lake Michigan. With the Morgan cruised from Bay City, Mi down to Marathon, FL

**GordMay** · 19-11-2013, 05:30

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Ilira.

belizesailor · 19-11-2013, 18:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ilira

I started on schooner-Appledore IV, 6 yrs, then short 2 - 3 week trainings on the Baltimore Clipper-Lynx, Brig Lady Washington, and Brig Niagara.

I've heard of some of these. I used to crew on the ELISSA, a barque rigged ship.

Belle Burch · 26-11-2013, 11:43

Hey Ilira,

How would you recommend a young lady start gaining experience on tall ships, or sailboats in general? I'm 23 and very interested in learning how to sail. My ultimate plan is to sail from California to Hawaii sometime in the next year, and I know boats/ships will be more likely to take me on as a crew member if I have some idea of what I'm doing. Any suggestions for a newbie?

Thanks,

Belle

Bobalu · 26-11-2013, 12:09

How would you recommend a young lady start gaining experience on tall ships, or sailboats in general? I'm 23 and very interested in learning how to sail. My ultimate plan is to sail from California to Hawaii sometime in the next year, and I know boats/ships will be more likely to take me on as a crew member if I have some idea of what I'm doing. Any suggestions for a newbie?

Thanks,
Belle

Depending where you are, a number of tall ships are staffed by volunteers. Try the closest maritime museum to you and see what they suggest.

Have a great time with tall ships. It's a completely different experience from modern boats.