A great new lifestyle, my lifelong dream.

[Whitbydave]

I'm 53 and have been sailing since 13 years old. Started with dinghies, graduated to racing beach cats, stepped up to a Stilleto 23 and have taken the plunge for the live aboard life by purchasing a used Whitby 42. I am currently refitting and upgrading for full time live aboard. I am new to cruising and would love to draw on the knowledge base of sailnet readers. I think this is the greatest group of people to float on the earth. Oops, I mean seas! I want to be as prepared as I can for this lifestyle. I am a marine mechanic by trade.

[WanderingStar]

Sounds great, I'm happy for you. Your trade will come in handy for yourself, and others. You might make friends and a few bucks as you cruise. Where are you starting? Where will you go?

[Whitbydave]

My dream begins where the boat is now on the Chesepeake, we learn to make music together, become one. The most challenging will be mastering celestial navigation, GPS is nice but not when the power goes away somewhere in the middle of an ocean. Some extended coastal US cruising will be next, then accross the pond to a rondezvous with friends in the Med. From there if boat and captain (me) are ready, I want to explore the world, perhaps in the doing, meet a significant other to share the adventure with. To start it will be solo, I've been assured there are plenty of others cruising out there who share the same ideas and love of the freedom of sailing.

[nogin]

I think you are one of the few actually fulfilling their dreams. We should all take note. Cudos and Cheers!!!