Time to transition

[gsobczynski]

Hi all,

Having just joined the Sailnet community today, I figured I would take a moment to do my "Introduce Yourself" post.

I've been sailing for a few years, mostly dinghy's (Mercury and Laser) on freshwater around New England. While it's been a great way to learn the ropes, I'm not a freshwater racer at heart. I've always wanted to just cruise. The liveaboard cruiser lifestyle is my utopia.

I hope to get some more ocean cruising experience this summer. If any of you have any suggestions about how an intermediate dinghy sailor like myself can get some more ocean cruising experience, I'm all ears. Any of you cruisers looking for crew in my area (Boston)?

It's amazing... On land, I probably seem like I am interested in far too many things - amateur radio, astronomy, photography, navigation, weather, not to mention the law degree I'm working towards with its focus on the Law of the Sea, International Law, and Admiralty Law. But, put me on the water, and it all comes together and makes perfect sense. Some of us are simply meant to be on the water.

Anyway, as I said, it's time for me to start the transition from dinghy sailing to cruising. I hope I can share the experience with all of you as I become a part of this Sailnet community.

-G

[eryka]

Welcome! Lots of information and encouragement (and opinions) here; hope we can help you achieve your goal, and meet some e-friends as well. I worked as a Washington DC bureaucrat in the field of science & public policy re environmental impacts, while living aboard for 7 years, and respect the congruence of the life you are also leading.

[Faster]

Sounds like you've got a good plan... you should be able to start getting some experience on bigger boats if you try to get onto a race crew at a local YC or marina.

I realize you want to cruise eventually and that racing may not be your 'thing', but getting some hours on a larger racing keelboat will stand you in good stead no matter what kind of sailing you end up doing, and it's much easier to get a ride that way than going around asking someone to simply take you cruising!

Learning proper sail trim, when to reef, and esp how to take advantage of favourable wind shifts and currents will also lead to a better (or maybe the last) spot on the dock, or a preferred anchoring spot at the end of the day while cruising.

If you're eager to learn, reliable, and enthusiastic you'll get invited back... you can learn and sail essentially for free while it will also help you to formulate ideas about what sort of boat you'll really want when the time comes to buy your own.

[BJSoCal]

Welcome

[sailingdog]

Welcome aboard.

[gsobczynski]

Sailingdog,

Thanks for the welcome. I just read your signature, and I'm glad there is at least one other Firefly fan on Sailnet. I watch the entire series at least a few times a year... so much fun, such a great story.

By the way, your Telstar 28 is a beautiful vessel. I'm sure love is keeping her going.