New Member

[k916lewis]

Hi,

I am a future live aboard (part-time) after I retire in about 5 years. I plan on taking my first lessons this summer and the sailboat next year. I have been looking at the type of sail boats that will fit my needs but won't know for sure until I experience sailing.

My goal is to purchase a 40" sailboat and travel mostly during the winter months. My child hood friend has a private boat slip on his property in Lake Charles La off the Calcasieu river that will need to be dredged to accommodate a keel. We will also get a hoist for the sailboat.

My question is whether it is safe to sail the waters of the North Atlantic from the Caribbean to South America, or will I have to travel in a flotilla at all times.

[Waterway Guide]

Welcome aboard the CF, and hope you achieve your goal! Others will know much more about SA, as there are apparently still some pirate activity near the Amazon, but the caribbean is generally safe to travel, with petty theft perhaps a problem in a few ports. Of course, exercise caution when something doesn't seem right. Happy sailing!

[Ocean Girl]

Welcome aboard, have fun, be safe.

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha and welcome aboard!

I can't really answer your question not knowing what the political or economic situation will be in 5 years but now folks are not sailing in flotillas as far as I know.

Just a little kidding here. 40" instead of 40' would be unsafe to cruise anywhere.

kind regards,

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, k916lewis.