Newby Sailor

[shoni]

Greetings to all! I have enjoyed reading many posts here. I have just purchased my first sailboat, a 26' sloop. I grew up on the east coast of Florida, and always wanted to sail. I have a little experience on a HobieCat, but have no experience on anything bigger. I will be taking my time learning. I'm a 54 year old lady with a 10 year old child, so will be staying close to home for the time being. I will learn the ropes on the St. Johns River, and hope to get away for short trips in the future. I am a quick learner, I'm handy with tools, know how to use fiberglass, and I don't scare easily. Wish me luck?

[boatman61]

Hey Shoni... good luck little lady... and I don't mean that in a derogatory sense..
Welcome to CF.. Enjoy the sun, sea and sail...

[frank_f]

Happy Holidays and welcome aboard. Where is the St. John's river located?

[shoni]

The St. Johns River is in East Florida. The mouth is in Jacksonville. The water is salt at the mouth, but quickly changes to brackish, then fresh as you go inland.

[frank_f]

That sounds like a great place to "learn the ropes".

You said you picked up a 26 footer, what type? I've got a Mac 25 myself. I'm just in the learning phase to. I've been on sailboats before but this is my first time as a 'captain'.

[Chadawi]

Hi Shoni,
Happy New Years!! New to sailing myself having just bought an Islander 36. Have a small motel just down the coast from you in New Smyrna Beach but currently have the boat moored in Portland, OR. Plan to sail her down through the Canal in a couple of years. All the Best!!!

[s/v Moondancer]

Welcome Shoni,

We live on our boat and sail 4,000 miles a year but we started small like you...

The greatest pleasure is happening as I write...It is 05:30 in Isla Mujeres Mexico and my grandkids, 2 and 5, are on the boat for the annual family sailing holiday. The adults are asleep but the big kid, me, and the little ones are up and waiting for dawn so that we can fish, swim, sail or whatever takes our pleasure.

I can think of no better way to raise kids to be strong and independent.

Good luck

[Entlie]

Welcome to this forum! You will find much camaraderie and lots of information here.
Entlie
Sailing Catamaran Sunspot Baby

[Hannah on 'Rita T']

Welcome, Shoni. What kind of boat. We used to sail a San Juan 24 on the west coast of Florida, just big enough for four of us to have a ball.

[whaledetective]

Hi Shoni
I am a 56 year old whale researcher in Alaska who sailed to Antarctica two years ago and fell in love with the ice. Now I am looking for a vessel to take me back and everywhere else there are whales. My two boys are commercial fishermen here and will happily sail anywhere with me at the drop of a hat. So I am in research mode to find the perfect boat. shelley

[shoni]

Thanks to you all for welcoming me! I actually haven't seen the papers yet, and I don't know what kind she is. She was abandoned, and the paperwork is still being processed by the state. I cannot find a HIN, so maybe she is older than '72 (although I was told she was a '74). The guy I bought her from has 73 boats and did not have any paperwork with him. he didn't remember, but thought it was either an Allmand, Alden, or Albin. I have spent hours online looking and can't find one like her anywhere. I will post a photo, maybe someone will recognize her. I will let you know what she is next week when the papers are in.

[shoni]

I put a few picks of the "mystery boat" in a couple photo albums. I don't know how to attach pics to a forum post.

[frank_f]

If it's an electronic pic, you can use the icon that looks like mountains with the sun (right beside the world with the chain link under it) in the 'reply' box.

If it's a real picture, you'll have to scan it into your computer to make it an electronic pic, then follow above.

Hope it works for you.

[David_Old_Jersey]

Originally Posted by shoni

I put a few picks of the "mystery boat" in a couple photo albums. I don't know how to attach pics to a forum post.

[sneuman]

Welcome aboard!