Single Mom Ramping up for Sailing Adventure with the Kiddo

[Celestialsailor]

Welcome to the forum Trix. Since you are in the SF area, here is a site that will be real beneficial for you... https://www.latitude38.com/crew-list/
Since you have traveled extensively already, you know that a lot of "different" people make up this world. Boat owners are no exception. Learn to sail, be patient in getting to know other sailors and their motives. I have had good crew and I have had bad crew. Some people that have crewed for me have said the same regarding boat owners. That said, traveling by sailboat has it's advantages and downfalls. All that said, have fun with the adventure of it. Amelia Earhart said, "Adventure is worthwhile in itself".

[boatpoker]

The difference between adversity and adventure is attitude.
Sounds like you have that part down
Good luck.

[valhalla360]

Originally Posted by MikeHoncho

I’m going to be the pessimist........your daughter will be 10 when you retire and have different aspirations than as she is as 7. Don’t be absolute and consider the possibility that she just doesn’t want to leave her school friends and family when the timelines come about. Take it easy and ease into it being that you are starting from the beginning with the only the experience being YouTube.
I guess what I’m trying to say is don’t pivot your dreams and desires off of a 10 year olds who’s tend to wonder on a daily basis. This coming from a 47yo with a 21yo daughter who is a officer in the Army and 19 yo twins (son and daughter) who are just starting to figure out adulting.

Excellent realistic thoughts.

You are on a cruising forum so you tend to get a lot of "go for it" comments no matter what you say, so take them with a big grain of salt.

I would look at coastal cruising to start (probably on the east coast as the west coast is much more limited). With a 10yr old as your only crew, you are going to need to be large and in charge 24/7 when underway (at least initially). With coastal cruising, you can get anchored/tied up and relax after a few hours on the water.

Later if you find you love the cruising lifestyle and she's got a few years experience with excellent "cruising" (not sailing) skills, you always have the option to head offshore with a legitimate crew member to split duties.