Is it worth it ?

wind_magic · #1 (**permalink**) 12-07-2007

I have a question for the long time cruisers and new cruisers alike, for the people who really left and went cruising, sailed to other countries, etc. I know there are people here who have sailed to Hawaii, to the Caribbean, and places even further away than that, and other people too who have completely embraced a new cruising lifestyle at sea and live on their boats as they make their way around to new places.

My question is simply, when you look back on everything ... is it worth it ?

Faster · #2 (**permalink**) 12-07-2007

While we haven't done any serious long distance cruising, we have sailed in may of the areas mentioned and met a lot of people that have.

I cannot recall anyone that has done so (for more than, say an aborted attempted crossing or coastal trek) that ever said they wished they hadn't done it.

Some wish they could continue (but couldn't due to other committments/finances) and others wish they'd started sooner. Those that do so with younger families seem to put even more value on the experience.

Never heard anyone say "We should never have done that!"

But it's said that the docks at Hawaii often have boats for sale cheap after a first crossing..... I guess if you asked those folks you'd get a different answer. I think this process is self filtering - those that regret it don't get far.

One of my favourite credos has always been : "You mostly regret the things you didn't try"

wiseleyb · #3 (**permalink**) 12-07-2007

I have a note to myself in one of my journals after being off-shore for only a week: "Ben! You don't like off shore, don't do this ever again!". I'm not sure who wrote that as I dream non-stop of running away again and getting away from it all... but it does look like my hand writing

(I'm sure most of the Everest guys have the same note somewhere... humans are funny). For the life of me, I really, truely believe I like being off shore and can't remember why I wrote this.

Is it worth it? More worth it than playing Dilbert - but that's kind of like asking someone being tortured if they'd prefer some vegemite (which, despite wikipedia's PC'ness - is revolting).

tdw · #4 (**permalink**) 12-07-2007

What little time I have spent in the full on cruising community was both well spent and without regret. For me standing watch offshore as the night gives way to day is one of lifes greatest moments, as is sitting under the stars and the moon. I know that for most people it's the new friends and places but for me it's being out there. Tis true I've never been hit by a big one, only the occasional tropical squall, but nothing is half so much worth doing as being out of sight of land. (apologies to my fellow furry rodent).

Schuckerman · #5 (**permalink**) 12-08-2007

It's well worth it. Completed 2 years of full time cruising in April 06. Spent 2 winters in the Bahamas. And 2 summers cruising the east coast. Six weeks in Philadelphia, 3 weeks in Wash DC. Countless days in the Chesapeake. And all points in between. There's absolutely nothing like it. The people and places. You could never do it by land although that's in the future.

wind_magic · #6 (**permalink**) 12-09-2007

Thank you all for the responses.

The reason for my question is that it's nearing the point of no return for me and I admit I'm getting a bit anxious about it. Up until this point it's all been fun and games, learning things, etc, but before long it'll be time to make the big commitment and start spending some real boat units. I used to wonder how people could dream of going cruising but then not pull the trigger and actually go, but I am starting to understand a little better. It's a leap of faith.

canadianseamonkey · #7 (**permalink**) 12-09-2007

Wind Magic, just reading your last message and I can feel the anxiety for you, but just remember that once you are out there, things will be fine. I'm sure this isn't the first time in your life that you have felt anxious. I think that feeling will keep you focuses and sharp. I hope you write back someday, after cruising for a while and tell us how you feel then. Good luck and happy sails.

Schuckerman · #8 (**permalink**) 12-09-2007

Wind Magic, do you already have a boat? I'm not sure what you mean by boat units, stuff for your boat or a new boat. Because I just happen to know of a great boat for sale.
Scott

chris_gee · #9 (**permalink**) 12-09-2007

As with any decision in life getting married, having kids, going cruising no one can tell you in advance that for you it will be worth it. Some find it is and some don't.
For sure it won't be a panacea nor hassle free.
However even if you have a longterm possible goal in mind, break it into small steps. You don't have to leave on a world cruise, rather a series of steps that you continue with as long as you like it. If you decide the Caribbean say is enough, that's fine. Probably fifty or a hundred do short cruises for one doing an extended one.
To use an analogy - if you were considering a relationship, you might start looking for a possible date. Various phases follow. When it is over you might reflect on whether it was worth it. In between there will be times you are sure it isn't and times you are sure it is. However, worrying about care in your dotage will probably not be helpful in the courtship.

Freesail99 · #10 (**permalink**) 12-09-2007

Nike has it right. JUST DO IT