[rsurferboy38]

Hello to my new sailnet community friends, and yes the title says it all. I've recently decided "No more" will I let my gills dry out. Not only a Pisces but a true water boy who has been a "fish out of water" too long. So I've decided to reach out to my sailing "blo-boater" friends and prepare myself for the rest of life's journey.
I'm almost 45 now and from when I was a young kid to somewhere in my 30's I had been in some way a boater or sailor. Coming from a longtime Merchant Mariner family, and sailing with my father through the younger years of my life, I believe this is where my heart is to be. I've spent years off and on mainly motorized boats. Almost 4 yrs or so in the 90's I sailed as a Merchant Marine in the deck dept, then working the marine construction business soon after leading toward just the building construction side of things. Following work deeper inland just led me further away from the oceans water where I felt I'd belonged. After 12 yrs inland in my home state of N.C I have recently returned home to the coast but I now seem to portray the typical greenhorn I keep reading about on these forums, ("waiting to retire, looking to sail away after my life's in order.") HA :laugher Ha. That being said in good intentions though...
Unfortunately my sail boating history was short lived, and I'm now wanting to continue that dream. In the past my father always had a sailboat now and then to take us (mother & I) on summer trips during his vacation months. Only knowing of a San Juan, an Irwin and the last a Pearson 365, these were my only true sailing vessels I had experienced on. Not to forget the river excursions on my sunfish, lol. So I'm not fresh off the boat, but I have some experience that I just want to further.
Well that's a little about myself, and now I'm in search of returning to the water life I miss so much. I would like to meet a few people interested in "showing me the ropes" again. I live near the Beaufort community but not to say I won't travel the ENC area in pursuing my dream. I'm already searching for my future cruiser I'm hoping to buy within the next year or so. I just need to renew my skills and get those sea legs back. uke
Bob

 

[ianjoub]

Welcome aboard!

 

[SHNOOL]

well at least you are in a good location to find "other peoples boats."

Welcome... and it sounds like our early childhood was similar. At 39 I took up REALLY sailing again back in 2011, having bought a small keelboat (Capri 22).. I'm landlocked and destined to not be near big water for at least another 6 years. So I sail what I can where I can. I then went to a Capri 25, and am now the proud owner of an S2 7.9 (26 footer).. Right now my ideal boat would be a Beneteau 285... but I think it'd be too much for our lake that turns solid for 5 months a year.

All I can say is spend a couple weeks (or a season) on other peoples boats and get a handle on what you like. You can also buy small and really get a feel for sailing quickly and inexpensively, then work your way up, but there can be some loss in "investment" with that route (but then you'll probably be able to more accurately define what you want)... Different people have differing opinions on these things.

Again I'm on my 3rd boat on the same lake, and I "think," I have what will work best for me, and the way I sail most often (I race about 10 times a year, but then solo sail sometimes as much as 30 other times a year). So even I have not "settled" on the perfect boat for what I am doing now... and I am confident that this boat wouldn't be my choice for out in Keyport NJ (my next most likely port), or the uppermost part of the Chesapeake (my 3rd most likely splash)... Not to say the boat can't do it, it can, but wouldn't be my choice for those areas.

I'm probably just a malcontent.

Welcome anyway, and good luck.. keep us posted on your search.

 

[rsurferboy38]

I like your motivation to keep moving up in boat size. Sounds like a great Idea to keep your sails moving as much as possible. Maybe I will pick up a small boat soon to at least grasp the ropes again. I also have friends with a 34' and little experience in which we plan on sharing knowledge for experience this year.
Sorry your landlocked but enjoy the upcoming months. Thanks again

 

[rsurferboy38]

thanks for the warm welcome

 

[CalebD]

You sound a lot better prepared than most to approach "the dream" of cruising in your retirement than some (most).
As for sailing skills, having learned how to sail a Sunfish and larger boats up to the Pearson 365 you are way ahead of most.
Sounds like you just need some time on the water to sharpen up your skills.
Pester your friends with the 34' boat to take you out as crew.

As for buying boats, I recommend actually sailing on as many different types of boats as possible (before buying) so you know what you like, or dislike about various designs. To that end, chartering some different models of boats may help you decide what boat(s) appeal to you.

Welcome aboard. Hope some other sailors from NC chime in now.