10-19-2011
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Junior Member
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Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Tucson, AZ
Posts: 3
Rep Power: 0
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New to SailNet, New to Sailing
Hi,
I just turned 30 and for my birthday I had an opportunity to buy a 1980 San Juan 7.7 from a friend for $2500. I went in half with another good friend which hopefully will help in the long run with maintenance and improvements. The friend who sold us the boat pulled some strings and was able to get us a bow tie slip in the same marina he's in with his new boat. The slip is cheap, quiet, clean and in an amazing location in San Diego, CA.
We partly decided to go ahead with purchasing the boat for a place to call home in San Diego. My wife, my friend, his wife and I all love the area and enjoy visiting several times a year. This just makes it that much easier. But partly we decided to buy because we want to sail. As for me this was the bigger reason.
A little about my boating history. I did not grow up around sail boats. We did not have much money growing up and the most my father had was a 15' aluminum fishing boat for the little ponds around here which he ultimately had to sell for put food on the table. I was gifted a run down power boat from my uncle several years ago that I have turned into a clean, comfortable, reliable weekend adventurer. I have sailed little dinghys on the lake and the biggest being a Hobie Cat that my wife and I rented in Mexico to sail in the bay for a few hours. But oh, how I have dreamed of sailing!
We spent the last weekend out in San Diego checking out the boat. It is nice and appears to be in sound structural condition. No obvious damage, no water in the bilge, the rigging could probably use some work, the original OMC Saildrive is in disrepair but it has a nice outboard Johnson that is new and runs great. It could use a little cosmetic work on the inside but nothing that will break the bank. We took it out for a short while in the bay with a light wind and the sails appeared to be in fair condition with a small area near the clew on the manlsail with some mold/mildew on it. We did realize though that we know so little about sailing and have a long way to go (and please accept my apology if I am not using correct terminology, it is on my list of things to learn).
Ever since I've been home I have been spending a lot of time searching around on the internet for all things related to sailing and the San Juan 7.7. Since I've stumbled upon SailNet I think I have spent all morning browsing, reading, admiring and dreaming. I really need to finish this post and turn off the computer, the dog is looking at me like he wants to go for a walk!
I apologize for being long winded but I cannot express the excitement that I have. I just wanted to introduce myself and I hope to be learning and sharing with all of you in the near future. If anyone has any insight on the San Juan 7.7 they would like to share, I would love to hear it, otherwise I will just post specific questions when I think of them. As well if anyone has any suggestions as to the best way to get started at becoming a skilled and safe sailor, please do share.
I look forward to being a part of your group.
Sincerely,
Geoff West
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