Just Turned 62 (Woo-Hoo) - My Life Is Mine!

[Bill Burgette]

Hello fellow sailing brothers and sisters. I've sailed beach cats since 1970. I started off on Hobies but got a NACRA 5.8 two years later. I've done some sailing on monohulls and have been told that I have a knack for the sail trim and the wind. I'm looking to get a 30-40 foot boat that I can do some coastal cruising and short hops over to the Bahamas.
I have a 36 foot motorhome that I can use as a land base and the boat could be my sea base.

I've had this dream of living on a boat for 40 years but something has always seemed to come up. My parents got sick and I took them in. Dad lasted 5 years and Mom 8 more. Sadly, they are gone now. I'd gladly give up my sailing dream if I could have kept them around. I have a 26 year old son living with me now and he's in college.

I quite certain that I want to do some liveaboard sailing and if the boat gets too small, the motorhome can be my beach house.

I have been a control electrician most of my life and I am up to speed on marine systems. I love that kind of work and custom woodworking. I'd bet I could make a little extra money working on some boats. I like to keep busy.

Sorry for the long post but when you see me asking what may seem silly questions, just remember my goals. I'm looking to make this happen in the next eight months. I've got to figure if I want the Carolina's in the Summer and the Keys in the winter. I'm hoping that some of you salts will know what I want to do beter than I and share some of your vast sailing experience.

Thanks for listening and have a great day. I've had my beach cat over to the Bahamas on several occasions. There was no drama, just a few opportunities to excel.

[Pelagic]

Welcome Bill! (Sorry for pulling your leg on the \'weapon" thread but I couldn’t resist…lol)

With your electrical experience I am sure you will be able to advise many of us as well as get some good feedback from a very talented group of members here.

I look forward to more of your posts and promise to behave!...Cheers!

[imagine2frolic]

WOO-HOO Bill,

WELCOME, and BEST WISHES in finding the right boat to fulfill your dream. CONGRADULATION on owning your own life too!!!!!!!!!!

[Reality Check]

Hope you don't think 62 is OLD!!!! but even if you do... getting on the boat and sailing around for a few months will either make a younger man of you... or kill you!

But like Jimmy Buffets song goes what doesn't kill you makes you stronger... just breath in.... breath out and move on...

fair winds and if you ever in the West Indies let us know...

[johneri1]

Welcome Bill! That's what I do when I'm on the coast. I have an RV pad that overlooks the ocean where they have laundry facilities and stuff. It is a couple of miles from the marina. You'll love it it's a great lifestyle. I wish you luck finding a boat and welcome again.

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha Bill,
Welcome aboard!
Kind regards,
JohnL

[swagman]

G'Day Bill,
And thanks for taking the time to outline your goals. I'm sure all on the site will root to see you achieve them. Good luck.
JOHN

[redbird38]

Hey Bill, I'm glad to see you are getting the chance to live your dream!! All this time I thought I was older than you, but that's okay..... You ever get back to Quarterfield Road?? This son of yours, does he have a bookstore in San Diego? Theresa to you, Teri to many.

[maxingout]

62 is young. You aren't even in the youth of old age yet.