I have learned SO much from this forum already, so thank you all! A few months ago after finishing a project I was sitting on the beach on Tybee Island watching the sea birds, the tide, and the big barges coming into Savannah. How exciting! I had just closed down my 3BR house and moved to a 100 year old grist mill in the woods by a covered bridge and on the shoals of a lovely creek where the blue heron fish. I love this place and it makes a great art studio, but it is not for me long term.
As I sat on the beach watching the waves roll to shore, I reflected on my life and the people who are no longer here - beloved parents, husband, pets and the successes and failures of my career and life so far. The only thing I knew for certain at that moment is that without children or close family that I am perhaps one of the most free individuals I know of and my future is mine to write. So, why be boring about it? I knew that I did not want to continue to drive past the same old places and RISK a never-changing view and outlook. I don't need much STUFF and it has become a hassle. Well, months have gone by and looking at all of the factors, considerations, and options I have decided to become a liveaboard cruiser. When and what in is to be determined. My only must-haves include a small refrigerator/freezer, a separate shower although I'm flexible, and lots of lovely wood in cabin.
I've been on boats, but I am not yet a sailor. I love to be in motion, to drive (OMG, I love to drive) and I love to fly, be on the water, and just travel. I was raised in Kansas - yep, I'm a corn-fed midwest girl who didn't see the ocean until my 20's. I have A LOT to learn and it will probably scare me to death, but what the heck! Cruising is for me with all of the ups and downs that go with it! LOL I'll have tons to learn including how to do mechanical things more than I do now and somehow that doesn't even bother me. So, here I am with all of the newbie dumb questions. My future plans are to fulfill my transition at the mill since I'm not done being here yet, relocate my job to the coast and get first hand sailing experience. But, first I will continue to read, read read, watch videos, and ask questions - I'm a researcher and this is what I do.
All I ask is that you take me seriously, even with my lack of experience. I will be out there just as soon as I can get it arranged ... the plan is in motion!
So here is my first dumb question: At this early stage I am considering either a fractional sloop (highly possible), a masthead sloop, or a cutter rigged boat from the 80's in the 28-34' range with a draft 5' or below. I want ocean capability as well as river/intercoastal waterway capability. I understand the rigging (jib, genoa, spinnaker, gennaker etc.), but then I see an ad for a boat that is a sloop with a cutter rig. So, are a sloop and cutter types of sailboats, types of rigging, both or what? lol I've been reading and then I look at sailing videos to see if I understand what I'm looking at ... the books are on order from Amazon!!
I'm excited to be here. Good sailing and fine weather to you all!
Mackenzie
As I sat on the beach watching the waves roll to shore, I reflected on my life and the people who are no longer here - beloved parents, husband, pets and the successes and failures of my career and life so far. The only thing I knew for certain at that moment is that without children or close family that I am perhaps one of the most free individuals I know of and my future is mine to write. So, why be boring about it? I knew that I did not want to continue to drive past the same old places and RISK a never-changing view and outlook. I don't need much STUFF and it has become a hassle. Well, months have gone by and looking at all of the factors, considerations, and options I have decided to become a liveaboard cruiser. When and what in is to be determined. My only must-haves include a small refrigerator/freezer, a separate shower although I'm flexible, and lots of lovely wood in cabin.
I've been on boats, but I am not yet a sailor. I love to be in motion, to drive (OMG, I love to drive) and I love to fly, be on the water, and just travel. I was raised in Kansas - yep, I'm a corn-fed midwest girl who didn't see the ocean until my 20's. I have A LOT to learn and it will probably scare me to death, but what the heck! Cruising is for me with all of the ups and downs that go with it! LOL I'll have tons to learn including how to do mechanical things more than I do now and somehow that doesn't even bother me. So, here I am with all of the newbie dumb questions. My future plans are to fulfill my transition at the mill since I'm not done being here yet, relocate my job to the coast and get first hand sailing experience. But, first I will continue to read, read read, watch videos, and ask questions - I'm a researcher and this is what I do.
All I ask is that you take me seriously, even with my lack of experience. I will be out there just as soon as I can get it arranged ... the plan is in motion!
So here is my first dumb question: At this early stage I am considering either a fractional sloop (highly possible), a masthead sloop, or a cutter rigged boat from the 80's in the 28-34' range with a draft 5' or below. I want ocean capability as well as river/intercoastal waterway capability. I understand the rigging (jib, genoa, spinnaker, gennaker etc.), but then I see an ad for a boat that is a sloop with a cutter rig. So, are a sloop and cutter types of sailboats, types of rigging, both or what? lol I've been reading and then I look at sailing videos to see if I understand what I'm looking at ... the books are on order from Amazon!!
I'm excited to be here. Good sailing and fine weather to you all!
Mackenzie