Hello...or as we say in Texas: Howdy!

[RebelOwl]

Hi folks,

I'm new to sailing and to this forum. Last summer I took the ASA Basic Keel Boat and was immediately hooked. Recently I completed the ASA Basic Coastal Cruising course and just joined a local sailing club. My wife (who is planning on taking some sailing courses after the birth of our first child later this summer) and I decided that since we can't afford a boat right now we should join the club (significant discount on charters) and charter a variety of boats over the next year or two as we try to improve our financial status.

The boats I've sailed so far are:
Colgate 26 (two different ones)
Ericson 23
Ericson 28
We have chartered a Hunter 28 for a day next month.

Does our short term plan make sense? Long term I like the idea of long distance cruising (my In-Laws will be moving to St Croix this year and we have some very good friends in London)...so I guess I am wondering how do I get from here, to there?

Thanks!

[Weyalan]

Howdy... or as we say in Australia: G'day!

Plenty of knowlegeable folks here will be able to help you out with advice. My 2c worth is sail as much as you can on as many different boats as you can, with as many experienced sailors as you can...

[RebelOwl]

Thanks!

That is pretty much what we thought, but it's nice to have some voices of experience to bounce ideas off.

[swagman]

Welcome Rebel,
There's hundred of yachts going thousands of places and very often needing crew. Good luck in sorting out the time and picking the right skippers..........
Enjoy
JOHN

[David_Old_Jersey]

Hello.........or as we say in Jersey. Hello

Sounds like a very sensible plan, no point lumbering yourself financially with yer own boat until yer can afford to - especially with a nipper on the way .

IMO the more experiance you can get with a variation of boats the better for later deciding / working out what works for you.....and if you also get to sail with other club members on their boats, yer get to ask lots of questions about boats in general (what's that do?) as well as learning the sailing stuff....cheaply

[Sunspot Baby]

Howdy, or as we say on the boat, Welcome Aboard!

I am a transplanted Texan and understood without translation :-)

George

[mickmul]

Hello, or as we say in Ireland "Howeya!" Welcome, and good luck with the plans! I think the most important thing in the short term is to choose charter boats that include a degree of extra safety for "junior", higher scuppers, netting and harness lines already fitted etc,. I think it's important to keep sight of the longer term goals, because, believe me, when junior arrives, your world will be turned upside down for a while, but in the best way of course! exiting times ahead on all fronts . . . fair winds!!

[RebelOwl]

Thank you everyone for the great welcome and good advice.

I'm mainly here to learn right now and just reading through the forums has given me a great deal more perspective than I had before

[mickmul]

BTW I love Houston, RebelOwl, but it's been a while . . have a beer in the Gingerman for me, if it still survives. . . there are lots of other interesting threads here on sailing with children, pros and cons of certain makes and models, and on the actual purchase process too, but you're right to be taking it one step at a time. . .

[RebelOwl]

The Gingerman is, as far as I know, still there. Haven't been in a while, but I will pop in next time I'm up in the city.

[scallywag]

RebelOwl,
The quickest and most comfortable way to London and the Islands is by plane. Just think you have at least board when you get there. But I like your thinking. Keep sailing.

Welcome Aboard,
John

[RebelOwl]

Thanks scalywag,

But I think the time involved is the least of my worries. Comfort is nice though.

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha Rebel,
Welcome aboard! I think your plan is superb. When you are ready to buy a boat you'll know what you want and don't want and you'll understand the maintenance and costs involved.
Kind regards,
JohnL

[RebelOwl]

Thanks John.

That is what we were hoping.