Hi Everyone! I’m a newbie old guy.

[DaveKurtz]

I’ve been lurking around the forum for a few weeks and it’s time to jump in. I’ve sailed off and on my entire life and always intended when I retire to buy a boat and go cruising. As we know, men make plans and God just laughs... Anyway, I retired in 2015 and promptly had my first severe health crisis that took 3 years to diagnose, treat, and recover. Now, at age 68, I’m good to go! I’m a former triathlete and was heading for the Kona world championships when I got ill, so I’m far from decrepit. However, I definitely hear the clock ticking. If I intend to do any world cruising I had better get at it!
This forum looks like a great place for information and technical support. I’m actually “practicing” on my brother’s 35ft. Island Packet this summer while I hunt for a boat that better fits what I would like to sail on. My intermediate goal (sometime in 2020) is sailing across the Atlantic and then knock around European ports for a while.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Dave.

[Tayana42]

Hi Dave. You are fortunate to have an IP 35 to practice on. And a nice brother to let you. Sounds as though you have a good start on your plan.

[gamayun]

Welcome! Are you planning to go singlehanded or take crew?