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Old 15-05-2017, 13:55   #1
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Newbie in Miami

Hello

OK, so this is a long shot, but... I am looking for boat friends!

I'm a (widowed) single mom living in Miami and for the past year or so have been entertaining the idea of living aboard with my 7-year-old. I have friends who do it in Key West and St. Pete and have encouraged me to give it a try, but I must have lived my life completely wrong because I don't have any friends with sailboats here! LOL

It's a bit of a Catch-22 because I don't want to buy a boat before I have a) a place to put it and b) some sailing skills, but it's also hard to develop sailing skills without a boat. I called around to find liveaboard marinas and see that it's possible at Dinner Key, but you have to have a boat ready to go when a slip comes up. I know I could live on the hook at 79th street or around the Venetian Causeway but I have no idea how to operate a dinghy, set an anchor, or take care of a boat in bad weather. I looked into lessons for me and my son but most don't have programs for parents and kids together, or are expensive, or don't even teach kids until they are 8.

My friends recommended hanging around marinas, so I did try hanging out at both the Rickenbacker Marina and the Miami Yacht Club some weekends to try to make friends, but it's kind of awkward cause the men at the bar think I'm hitting on them, and doing so with a kid underfoot like a weirdo. LOL I know there are meetups, but they seem adult-only.

I was recently laid off, so have some time to investigate this idea a bit more seriously. So... I thought I'd see if there are any friendly folks here, or families, who might let me, or me and my son, tag along. I really just want to be able to hang out, learn how to operate a dinghy, tie up a boat, get a feel for different boats, see if my son likes it, decide whether this is something we could seriously do or just a nice dream, etc. I would be happy to bring dinner or beers or even clean boats, like an apprentice, in exchange for this knowledge! I am flexible during the day but pretty much always have my son on evenings and weekends. It seems so hard to break into sailing unless you were raised in it. I DO know port from starboard and can tie a mean bowline! Any suggestions welcome. Thanks in advance
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Old 15-05-2017, 14:19   #2
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Re: Newbie in Miami

When not at sea I live in the Grove. Join www.CGSC.org. I will introduce you via e-mail to the Lady Commodore and some women who sail who will get you started with your ambition.

The Club has several boats of various size that you can use once you have passed the sailing courses and I have friends who will take you sailing. There is one boat owned by a lady sailor who is highly competent and the only requirement to sail with her is to be congenial and bring rum!

You could start your 7 year old in this summer's sailing camp.
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Old 15-05-2017, 16:16   #3
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pirate Re: Newbie in Miami

Oh, thanks so much! I had thought you had to be invited by a member to join that club, no? I will look into it! I can definitely bring rum and be congenial! When are you back in Miami?
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