09-10-2010
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Junior Member
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Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 5
Rep Power: 0
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Not only new,I have not a clue! LOL!
Hello,
My name is Alex and I have had a love for the sea as long as i can remember.I have always known that it is where i belong and I have not made it there,yet,aside from a few visits to the Great Lakes and the East and West coasts.(I drive for a living and have had the opportunity to visit many wonderful places in that capacity.)I have been on large and small vessels as a passenger,but,never as crew and never aboard an actual sail powered ship.
I am very independent and used to living a minimalistic existence.I believe that,at 39 years of age,I had better start to chase this dream of living at/near the sea before i am too late and have let my life pass me by.
I have been doing some research into this,in one form or another,my whole life.I have recently become much more motivated in my research,though.Perhaps the good people at this great sight can help me?
I have come to the conclusion that the following things are in order.
Some of the reading that I have done will help,a little more would be great.
I really need to keep practicing and learning to tie new knots.
I need to take some classes/courses in seamanship and sailing.
I should,then,attempt to gain experience crewing for others on cruises that increase in length and complexity as I go.
I need to try to help boat owners with maintenance and repairs in order to earn experience and good Karma!
LOL!
I think that my plan here is pretty feasible,my next issue would be funding.I am not rich,I do not even have a lot of savings.I deliver vehicles and am an independent contractor,so,I can work as i need to and take time off for this .
I am thinking of just continuing work as usual as I take courses and classes. (Are many sailing and seamanship courses available,at least partially online? I mean as far as terminology and any thing that does not need to be "hands on"? I do not want to skimp on the things that require attendance,I just want to do as much as i can while still being able to work.)
I would,then,try to save money specifically to fund my needs and cover bills as i volunteer to crew for others.
I will try to assess what type of vessel will be the right one for me as I am also saving to purchase a boat/home of my own.
I will try to meet people at local marinas (Where ever I decide to move to,for this portion of my education) and try to pick up pointers and experience by helping others in the care of their boats.
I will then buy the best boat for me with what money i have at the time.
My other concerns are finding other ways to earn a living as a cruising/liveaboard.
I have considered proof reading,teaching English as a second language (I am considering traveling abroad and would not mind living in one area long enough to complete a short term assignment through the various agencies that cater to teaching English as a second language,then moving along) and maybe the occasional job helping others to make repairs or maintenance.
A past girlfriend who was into cosmetology/hair dressing and was a trained masseuse even suggested the possibility of owning a vessel that would allow us to operate a business much like a floating Solon,catering to boaters and tourists where ever we decide that we want to be,at the time.LOL. Her idea actually sounded like a good one to me,I have also considered a floating restaurant and or library.
I have,also,been checking out how to become an appraiser of marine vessels or even,after gaining enough experience,training others in sailing and seamanship and possibly sailing other peoples boats from point A to point B.
Please,would any of you wonderful people,who all seem very helpful and knowledgeable,help me out by telling me whether my ideas are sound or am i going over board or am i not putting enough thought into this. Also,what do you think of my plans for trying to make a living while still living aboard and maintaining a certain freedom to cruise.
Are my ideas feasible?
I am looking forward to any input and i want to thank you all,in advance for any advise or criticism given.
Alex
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