[WHOOSH]

T:

Given those potential homeports, I''d suggest you place draft, stiffness, cockpit protection and a diesel engine on your master list of criteria. You''ll find places like Oriental and Washington, NC to have very active sailing clubs with lots of cruising activities, altho'' a significant portion of the population there seems to be older folks who''ve migrated to the seasonal but warmer climes.

Charleston is a somewhat limited sailing venue IMO. It''s great as a starter location, despite the everpresent tidal conditions that can make boat handling a bit of a chore...but teach learners a lot!<g> But after a few daysails outside the harbor, you''ll be driving up or down the ICW looking for other sailing opportunities, and the length of a weekend will not produce many. Of course, the homeport may need to be driven by more practical criteria than boat sailing.<g>

Jack