New to Board - Not that New to 'Sailing'

[jaapfrysian]

Hello,
After receiving the official "permission to come on (this) board", I feel Like I'm at home already.
Hi;my name is Jaap G. Klasema, originally from The Netherlands and a proud Frysian. I have sailed/worked/lived in Canada (15 yrs.); N.Z. (10yrs.) and -currently- Thailand (18 yrs.).

I am proud of the fact that (my dad forced me !) I have sailed solo since before my 5th birthday. This was in (then) an 'A-Jol', which is the pre-runner to today's Optimist. Big difference; the A-Jol was made of marine-ply and needed to be sanded-down & re-varnished/painted every winter. I also did this (my dad forced me,again !) also, since I was 5 years old !

Sailed FJ; 16 m2, Tjotters (typical Frysian 'flat-bottoms with lee-boards) & Vauriens in Holland; Cal-20 in Canada & very fanatically, Lasers in NZ.

Here in Thailand, it has been mostly Lasers (due to lack of time), but I am about to acquire a 'real' ship, since my recent run-in with a guy who sailed solo from the UK to Thailand in 9 months, really wet my appetite for the 'bigger-work'. I was fortunate to sail on his 37' Benneteau, right here in the Gulf-of-Thailand - and I simply got "hooked" like a fish ! !

I'll post the story of this chap on this Board, once I figure-out where to stick it; very interesting story alright !

Anyway; great to be here and I'll be a regular visitor.

Incidentally; anyone putting into the Eastern Seaboard of Thailand; don't hesitate to contact me at any time for assistance.

Cheers,

Jaap G. Klasema

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha and welcome aboard!
Good to have you here on the forum. It sounds like you've sailed lots of smaller type craft. Yes, the big boats are fun too.
kind regards,

[Unicorn Dreams]

Welcome Aboard

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Jaap.