New Sailor Here to Torture You with Questions !

[scheda]

Hi all you old crusty sailors,

We've got a brand new sailor on board and ready to pester you with question after question.

I'm getting ready to do a solo world-sail over the course of a couple years.

That probably won't be for a while as I want to be absolutely sure that I'm ready for it, plus I'd like to get my business set to where it's okay for me to be missing for a month or three at a time (while at open sea and all).

I'm 24 and run a small internet business which has let me do a whole lot of travel, which I've absolutely loved. During my last trip to Central America, I met a sailor in Belize and fell in love with the idea of sailing. It's always been a desire of mine, but now borders on obsession.

I was planning on taking a sailing course this summer, but two important classes would be right when I'm planning on a trip to see my new niece/nephew right after it's born.

I've gotten a few books on the topic of sailing, but so far that's all the experience I have, which is less than fulfilling. I need to meet some sailors in my town (Titusville, FL) and con them into taking me out to sail

Anyway, I look forward to being a part of the community here. I'm really excited about it.

Thanks to everybody who helps me out in the coming months.

I hope to meet you all soon!

[boatman61]

Who you calling CRUSTY you young Whippersnapper......
I shower three time a years... twice on Birthdays....

Welcome aboard... I'm sure you'll find loads of great information and the odd lively thread on here... by odd I don't mean occasional.. I mean ODD..

Sorry.. am I being odd...

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha and welcome aboard!
Sailing courses are highly valuable and recommended as is a lot of reading about real sailors (non-fiction).
regards,

[scheda]

Originally Posted by SkiprJohn

Aloha and welcome aboard!
Sailing courses are highly valuable and recommended as is a lot of reading about real sailors (non-fiction).
regards,

I've been watching a lot of videos online of solo sailors and around the world sailing teams - and I've gotta say, I love it.

I love seeing the challenges they have, how they overcome them, and the little things that make you happy on those long trips.

I'll have to admit, this solo trip isn't just for the travelling. The way I see it, if I spend a month 100% to myself (excluding the very occasional chat with passing ships) I'll know more about myself than if I spent a solid year in normal society.

I'm a self-help junkie, and spending time all alone is hands-down the best way I can think of to get to know myself.

[MarkJ]

Originally Posted by scheda

I spend a month 100% to myself (excluding the very occasional chat with passing ships)

A very occasional chat. As Joshua Slocum pointer out 110 years ago merchant ships are no longer friendly enough to have a chat.

Actually, you could read his book. Its a ripper and still widely available: Sailing Alone Around the World





Mark

[nigel1]

Originally Posted by MarkJ

A very occasional chat. As Joshua Slocum pointer out 110 years ago merchant ships are no longer friendly enough to have a chat.


Mark

Would not say they are all unfriendly, I always make a point of calling up a sail boat if sighted on ocean passages, and offer fuel., water, and any other assistance they may be in need of

[Minggat]

Originally Posted by scheda

....and fell in love with the idea........

Therein lies the danger.

Welcome and best of luck.

Ideas can be killers in many ways. The ones I will mention here are to your preparations.

Sailors, it has been said, feel a sense of self reliance. Largely untrue, or a false sense of ourselves I would suggest. Point is, the idea of "gotta have this and gotta have that" have sure taken their toll on me. But I've had fun supporting the IDEA.

[s/v Beth]

You say you feel in love with a sailing- thats easy, Becoming a solo sailor? Thats hard, or rather time consuming. Get a dingy and start sailing- on your own time. There is a lot you can learn by yourself, and being a self starter you know that.
I bought a Laser for 700 USD- and I have seen them given away for free. You don't have to race, but that is also a quick way to get started.

[TexSail]

Welcome to the board and pester away.

[KayKay58]

Welcome fellow sailor, you are about to open the door to a brave new world! A world of scraping, cleaning, repairing, upgrading, and contemplating.... all in all, my husband and I wouldn't have it any other way. As for learning to sail, from what I can tell, it's a life long endavor, I agree with Newt, though, find you some sort of daysailer, and start learning, and reading books is a good way to help familiarize yourself with the lingo and procedures. Good luck, and remember.... It's whatever you make of it!

[swagman]

Well done for coming on board and good luck in achieving the dream. Remember the path and journey can often be as good as the end destination - so go enjoy - and ask whatever questions you need on finding your way.
Sail safe
JOHN