Hello From Portland, Oregon

[SelahwayJF7]

Hi Y'all.

I've gleaned quite a lot of information from CF and now that my wife and I are getting nearer and more serious about our cruising plans I figured its time to join the community! Here is a little bit about us.

We are a young couple (22 and 23) with a dream and a plan, Lord willing, to make our way through the Caribbean next season. I grew up hearing stories from my father who circumnavigated with his family when he was a boy and so began my love for the ocean and sailing.

My family and I (before I was married) completed a trip in 2011 from San Diego, through the South Pacific and on to Australia. Since then I have married my wonderful wife and have shared my joy for sailing with her. A friend blessed us with a little 1973(we think) 23ft Northwind sailboat, with a 1953 Johnson outboard, that I've been teaching my wife how to sail on the gorgeous Willamette River with.

We plan to sell her this summer and purchase our boat we will make our trip through the Caribbean with. I look forward to talking and gathering advice from this community.

Thanks and God bless!

Jason

[Celestialsailor]

Welcome to the forum

[Sailor647]

Welcome aboard! We're currently docked on Hayden Island in Portland, and plan to start cruising in May/June, a dream that's been a almost 7 years in the making. It's been challenging, exhilarating, and fun but there is a LOT that goes into planning a 10+ year vacation.

We recommend taking John and Amanda Neal's seminar on Cruising at the next boat show. (If you haven't already.) Their book and the list of blue water capable boats they provide was the most valuable part of the seminar. Their advice saved us thousands of dollars by buying the right boat for the journey in the first place. (That search took us nearly three years and all over the US.)

Best of luck! Have fun!

[SelahwayJF7]

Wow, cool! Very close to us. I am sure you are very excited as you are nearing your long awaited departure.

Thank you for that recommendation, we will be sure to check it out.

Thanks a lot!

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Jason.