Live aboard passion in florida

[BARRMAN]

I'm in the Bradenton Sarasota area on the gulf side. I have a mainship 31 now that I love (except for the gas) but am selling it. I want to get into sailing and have booked a 2 day sailing course for next weekend to start this new journey. I would really like to meet folks who live aboard and ideally actually support the life style by working at whatever.
The caribbean is calling me... :-)




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[Celestialsailor]

Welcome to the forum...nice to have another "sailor".

[BARRMAN]

Originally Posted by Celestialsailor

Welcome to the forum...nice to have another "sailor".

So when did you get into sailing? Are you mono or cat? I'm all about the Cat. ideal size for me would be 41-43
My heart is pulling me there with such a passion I've never felt anything like it. Are you anywhere near sarasota florida? It sure would be nice to meet some people with similar passions


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[iSaint]

Facebook's Liveaboard Sailboat group has a number of members from your area. Look them up if you're the social media type!

[BARRMAN]

Wow, I was reading your response and and had to read it again because I thought I was reading my own message. LOL, nice to here the word passion associated with sailing and yes I'm in Bradenton. This passion runs to my core. I'm also interested in the 41-43 cats funny enough.
I only started looking into sailing in the last 2 years. The last year it has evolved into something that feels like it is transforming me. I need this. I need to sail to exotic destinations and experience a life that few realize exists let alone actually have the courage to pursue. I'm a member at a st pete sailing club but need a partner to sail with as they don't let you go out alone (little 18 footers) As well I completed ASA 101 and 103 courses in April and am planning on 104 and 114 in the next few months next . I'm reading the books every chance I get. In parallel I'm looking for opportunities to work remotely doing specialized programming. Lots of balls in the air right now but my sights are set.


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[BARRMAN]

Working remote will allow for this lifestyle to become a reality and get me out of my cubicle farm that is a toxic environment and I feel is holding me back. I need to feel the breeze and sun on my face, smell the ocean, see the palms and wildlife.... I feel like this passion is guide to beginning of a new and incredible life.


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[1oldbuzzard]

Hello Barrman,

For over 30 years I lived and worked in the boating and watersports industry throughout the Caribbean, Bahamas, Central America, and the red sea. I am still cruising and working along the way.

Here's what you do.

You must sell EVERYTHING. It has been my experience that people who put things in storage will give up and go back. If you have nothing to go back to it will be easier to continue on.

Seasonal jobs abound but normally you will need a work permit or work visa wherever you go except a U.S. Territory.

I have worked as a scuba instructor, daysail captain, engineer on yachts, tourist submarines, glass bottom boats, underwater photographer, movie extra, even as a wetsuit model. (true) Sportfishing Captain, started a sailing school and snorkel business, Owned my own scuba business, and a bartender. Rented beach chairs and umbrellas, cleaned bathrooms and vacuumed floors.

I went to compressor school to learn how to repair dive compressors and did that and certified to repair scuba equipment and tanks.

Just last year I helped convert a 115' steel fishing vessel into a private yacht. 4 months work for me. I came in after it was started and stayed until the last day.

So. That's my 2 cents. Been there, done that. Still doing it.

We Travel with the Idea That If we have no schedule, we aren't late. If we don't care where we are, we aren't lost. If we have no itinerary we're exactly where we ought to be. If we can't see it this trip, we'll see it next time.

[BARRMAN]

Awesome perspective ! I love it, thank you for sharing


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[laika]

You seem very enthusiastic! You mentioned programming. The key it seems is project based work. I have a few core clients that anticipate me still being online occasionally to do website work for them as the butter melts. Don't anticipate trying to find any new clients outside the US, but we'll see what happens.

A mobile-based career has never been easier to come by, though I've found "cruising" and "steady job" to be by and large mutually-exclusive. Sailing is slow and the rat race moves fast. Doesn't mean you can't find a balance that works for you.

Good luck!

[geoleo]

Originally Posted by BARRMAN

Wow, I was reading your response and and had to read it again because I thought I was reading my own message. LOL, nice to here the word passion associated with sailing and yes I'm in Bradenton. This passion runs to my core. I'm also interested in the 41-43 cats funny enough.
I only started looking into sailing in the last 2 years. The last year it has evolved into something that feels like it is transforming me. I need this. I need to sail to exotic destinations and experience a life that few realize exists let alone actually have the courage to pursue. I'm a member at a st pete sailing club but need a partner to sail with as they don't let you go out alone (little 18 footers) As well I completed ASA 101 and 103 courses in April and am planning on 104 and 114 in the next few months next . I'm reading the books every chance I get. In parallel I'm looking for opportunities to work remotely doing specialized programming. Lots of balls in the air right now but my sights are set.


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You better have some bucks-Cats cost lots more -lots

[FSMike]

Originally Posted by 1oldbuzzard

-----

We Travel with the Idea That If we have no schedule, we aren't late. If we don't care where we are, we aren't lost. If we have no itinerary we're exactly where we ought to be. If we can't see it this trip, we'll see it next time.

1oldbuzzard -
That's great.

[BARRMAN]

I will find a niche market and target that for working remote. It doesn't have to be 24/7. What I mean is I can come back to any US base of "operations" for a while do what Travel I need to do and then when the work allows, plan another adventure. Staying within reach of the kids is important and soon enough which I will have grand kids so that is important and must be accounted for.
The idea is to experience life to its fullest because u only live once so balance is key.


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