On an ancient wall in China Where a brooding Buddha blinks, Deeply graven is the message It is later than you think. The clock of life is wound but once And no man has the power To tell just when the hands will stop, At late or early hour. Now is all the time you own, The past a golden link, Go cruising now my brother/sister It's later than you think. - Anonymous Do you dream about going cruising someday? Where would you like to go? Is your dream a week or two in the Carribean? How about up the Inside Passage to Alaska? Maybe a voyage to the Marquesas and on to Tahiti has your imagination? Or are you up for the whole enchilada -- all the way around the world? What's holding you back? Do you think you'll really go someday? What are you doing to do to get ready? Share your cruising dreams then vote in the Quick Quiz on the bottom of the home page. (Quiz by Gary Wyngarden)
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Crusin' by the numbers
Thanks for asking that question, Gary. The conventional wisdom appears to be that less than five in one hundred sailors are likely to venture very far offshore. Sail boat manufacturers are well aware of this, of course. Therefore, complaints from crusin' sailors about disappearing toerails, missing seaberths, minuscule anchor lockers, floating chainplate designs, flimsy cabin windows, lack of handholds, and so on and so forth, are unlikely to make manufacturers of production vessels pay very much attention or lose any sleep. Therefore, I was happily surprised to see that no fewer than 44 % of all quizz respondents said that they wanted to go cruising the ocean. That is; until I noticed that so far there had been only 9 respondents, including myself..... So, we will probably end up with the usual small numbers. Yet, who knows? First of all, one can always dream. Secondly, as I have argued here time and again, anyone capable of safe coastal cruising at our typical latitudes here in the USA is also capable of heading South and making a multi-day offshore passage within the Tradewind belt and outside the cyclone season. Moreover, many of us sail vessels that are a lot better suited for Tradewind cruising than some of the heavy "bluewater designs" (a misnomer if there ever was one; a more appropriate designation would be "green water" or "grey water" designs). One final thought about statistics, though: anyone asking the advice of his fellow cruisers about open-ended issues such as the best anchor, heavy weather strategy, gel cell battery, (you name it) and getting as many as nine answers is likely to be a pretty happy camper. Well.... think again! Flying Dutchman
Thanks for asking that question, Gary. The conventional wisdom appears to be that less than five in one hundred sailors are likely to venture very far offshore. Sail boat manufacturers are well aware of this, of course. Therefore, complaints from crusin' sailors about disappearing toerails, missing seaberths, minuscule anchor lockers, floating chainplate designs, flimsy cabin windows, lack of handholds, and so on and so forth, are unlikely to make manufacturers of production vessels pay very much attention or lose any sleep. Therefore, I was happily surprised to see that no fewer than 44 % of all quizz respondents said that they wanted to go cruising the ocean. That is; until I noticed that so far there had been only 9 respondents, including myself..... So, we will probably end up with the usual small numbers. Yet, who knows? First of all, one can always dream. Secondly, as I have argued here time and again, anyone capable of safe coastal cruising at our typical latitudes here in the USA is also capable of heading South and making a multi-day offshore passage within the Tradewind belt and outside the cyclone season. Moreover, many of us sail vessels that are a lot better suited for Tradewind cruising than some of the heavy "bluewater designs" (a misnomer if there ever was one; a more appropriate designation would be "green water" or "grey water" designs). One final thought about statistics, though: anyone asking the advice of his fellow cruisers about open-ended issues such as the best anchor, heavy weather strategy, gel cell battery, (you name it) and getting as many as nine answers is likely to be a pretty happy camper. Well.... think again! Flying Dutchman
Starting In April
This is something have dreamed about for some time. This April, we have 20 Trailer Sailors signed up to travel to Homestead, Florida, them make a crossing to North Bimini, Bahamas. There are two groups, one will stay for one week, traveling down to Gun Cay, Cat Cay and Riding Rocks before heading back to the states. The other group will be going for two weeks and will travel further to the Berry Islands before starting their trip back. Of this group, only a couple of the skippers have made a trip like this before, the rest will be first timers. Needless to say, there will be more than a few butterflies in our guts before the crossing. Here is a link to the site describing our upcoming trip, and if anyone is interested in coming along, just drop me a line. http://www.knology.net/~ballen1/ Ben Allen Montgomery, AL "Latte Dah" O'Day 26
This is something have dreamed about for some time. This April, we have 20 Trailer Sailors signed up to travel to Homestead, Florida, them make a crossing to North Bimini, Bahamas. There are two groups, one will stay for one week, traveling down to Gun Cay, Cat Cay and Riding Rocks before heading back to the states. The other group will be going for two weeks and will travel further to the Berry Islands before starting their trip back. Of this group, only a couple of the skippers have made a trip like this before, the rest will be first timers. Needless to say, there will be more than a few butterflies in our guts before the crossing. Here is a link to the site describing our upcoming trip, and if anyone is interested in coming along, just drop me a line. http://www.knology.net/~ballen1/ Ben Allen Montgomery, AL "Latte Dah" O'Day 26
Bahama mamas!
I wont make it this year, but am planning the crossing next year 2004 with one of the flotillas now forming for trailer sailors! I think it is a good idea, the group thing, especially for the first timer like me! I am looking forward to it and seeing the Bahamas from the deck of my own sailboat has been a life long dream. I do not know why I have waited so long! Am preparing my vessel now for 2004!
I wont make it this year, but am planning the crossing next year 2004 with one of the flotillas now forming for trailer sailors! I think it is a good idea, the group thing, especially for the first timer like me! I am looking forward to it and seeing the Bahamas from the deck of my own sailboat has been a life long dream. I do not know why I have waited so long! Am preparing my vessel now for 2004!
To DENNIS of VA
What kind of "Trailor-sailor" do you have, Dennis? I had an O-25 for about 5 years and was impressed with its' sea-worthiness - even though I know that O'DAY never built it to go off-shore. Good luck next year on your voyage! Bill on STARGAZER
What kind of "Trailor-sailor" do you have, Dennis? I had an O-25 for about 5 years and was impressed with its' sea-worthiness - even though I know that O'DAY never built it to go off-shore. Good luck next year on your voyage! Bill on STARGAZER
Cruising can be great
We have been cruising on a part time basis for three years now with our Beneteau First 53f5 Relativity. We crossed the Atlantic via Bermuda and the Azores in 200 and have been in the Med ever since sailing an average of 4 months per year. We have yet to have any serious problems with the boat or weather and have had may unforgettable experiences with other lands and cultures. It is well worth doing.
We have been cruising on a part time basis for three years now with our Beneteau First 53f5 Relativity. We crossed the Atlantic via Bermuda and the Azores in 200 and have been in the Med ever since sailing an average of 4 months per year. We have yet to have any serious problems with the boat or weather and have had may unforgettable experiences with other lands and cultures. It is well worth doing.
Florida via intercoastal waterway
i am semi retired , still help my son with business , will be 65 in the spring. I have equipt my beneteau 285 with radar, chartplotter, autohelm ,etc. Two years ago my son and I sailet up to Baddeck Cape Brenton , It took about two weeks return , but I still remember it as the greatest time sailing so far. I would like to sail south via the ditch but hesitate, my wife would not go with me and my sons are busy with their jobs so I don't have anyone to travel with , I would have to leave in Sept and probably return the following June , it seems a long time to be away , so I don't know if I will ever do it , I 'd like to , but hesitate to be away for so long.
i am semi retired , still help my son with business , will be 65 in the spring. I have equipt my beneteau 285 with radar, chartplotter, autohelm ,etc. Two years ago my son and I sailet up to Baddeck Cape Brenton , It took about two weeks return , but I still remember it as the greatest time sailing so far. I would like to sail south via the ditch but hesitate, my wife would not go with me and my sons are busy with their jobs so I don't have anyone to travel with , I would have to leave in Sept and probably return the following June , it seems a long time to be away , so I don't know if I will ever do it , I 'd like to , but hesitate to be away for so long.
When is it time?
As I sit here looking at all the new snow, I think that maybe it is time to make that leap of faith that full-time cruising requires. Do I just forget all the careful financial preparation? Do I abandon the never ending upgrading and equiping of the boat? Do I ignore the seemingly infinite to do lists that have more unchecked items than checked? Sadly I don't today, but I do cross off another day on the countdown calendar and the today does get a little brighter and winter seems a little less oppressive.
As I sit here looking at all the new snow, I think that maybe it is time to make that leap of faith that full-time cruising requires. Do I just forget all the careful financial preparation? Do I abandon the never ending upgrading and equiping of the boat? Do I ignore the seemingly infinite to do lists that have more unchecked items than checked? Sadly I don't today, but I do cross off another day on the countdown calendar and the today does get a little brighter and winter seems a little less oppressive.
Yes!
Early retirement, well raised kids. Plan plan plan. Whether or not I'll be going around the world is still open for debate. But I'll be going around our great country. Charlie
Early retirement, well raised kids. Plan plan plan. Whether or not I'll be going around the world is still open for debate. But I'll be going around our great country. Charlie
LAYING LOW IN THE ABACOS
DREAMS DREAMS DREAMS HAVING LIVED IN SOUTHERN FLORIDA FOR MANY YEARS ABOARD MY E25+, I'VE SAILED MANY TIME THE BEAUTIFULL WATERS OF THE ABACOS (NORTH EAST OF BAHAMA ISLAND). NOW LIVING BACK IN MONTREAL , CANADA, I AM HEADING SOUTH ONCE AGAIN TO JOIN A FRIEND AND INTRODUCE HIM TO THIS MOST FANTASTIC CRUISING AREA THAT ARE THE ABACOS. SO CLOSE YET SOO FAR, THESE ISLANDS OFFER THE BEST CRUISING THIS SIDE OF THE ATLANTIC. PROTECTED SHALLOW WATERS, COUNTLESS ISLAND , SOME DESERTED, SOME POPULATED,AND BERST OFF ALL , NOT CROWDED.ONLY A FEW CHATER COMPANIES OPERATE THERE. PEOPLE THER ARE VERY PLEASANT, LOW KEYED. ON THE 19 OF THIS MONTH, WILL BOARD HIS VISION 32 AND HEAD OUT TO WEST END AT AROUND MIDNIGHT, WEATHER PERMITTING, (THE GULF STREAM CAN BE QUITE CHALENGING)THE 60 MILES PASSAGE TAKES ABOUT 12 HOURS USING THE STREAM TO PUSH US NORTH.AFTER CLEARING CUSTOM , ANOTHER 2 DAYS SAILING "THE BANK" ARE NEEDED TO GET TO THE ABACOS WITH A STOP OVER AT GREAT SALE. ONCE THERE ITS "ONE DAY AT A TIME " WITH NO SCHEDULE FOR 2 WEEKS UNTIL WE FLY BACK FROM MARSH HARBOR. WILL KEEP YOU POSTED .
DREAMS DREAMS DREAMS HAVING LIVED IN SOUTHERN FLORIDA FOR MANY YEARS ABOARD MY E25+, I'VE SAILED MANY TIME THE BEAUTIFULL WATERS OF THE ABACOS (NORTH EAST OF BAHAMA ISLAND). NOW LIVING BACK IN MONTREAL , CANADA, I AM HEADING SOUTH ONCE AGAIN TO JOIN A FRIEND AND INTRODUCE HIM TO THIS MOST FANTASTIC CRUISING AREA THAT ARE THE ABACOS. SO CLOSE YET SOO FAR, THESE ISLANDS OFFER THE BEST CRUISING THIS SIDE OF THE ATLANTIC. PROTECTED SHALLOW WATERS, COUNTLESS ISLAND , SOME DESERTED, SOME POPULATED,AND BERST OFF ALL , NOT CROWDED.ONLY A FEW CHATER COMPANIES OPERATE THERE. PEOPLE THER ARE VERY PLEASANT, LOW KEYED. ON THE 19 OF THIS MONTH, WILL BOARD HIS VISION 32 AND HEAD OUT TO WEST END AT AROUND MIDNIGHT, WEATHER PERMITTING, (THE GULF STREAM CAN BE QUITE CHALENGING)THE 60 MILES PASSAGE TAKES ABOUT 12 HOURS USING THE STREAM TO PUSH US NORTH.AFTER CLEARING CUSTOM , ANOTHER 2 DAYS SAILING "THE BANK" ARE NEEDED TO GET TO THE ABACOS WITH A STOP OVER AT GREAT SALE. ONCE THERE ITS "ONE DAY AT A TIME " WITH NO SCHEDULE FOR 2 WEEKS UNTIL WE FLY BACK FROM MARSH HARBOR. WILL KEEP YOU POSTED .
Looking Forward to the Day
We Have 1 yr. before our last kid enters college our plans are to sell the house and move on board where we will keep working and do short cruises. My wife and I are both self employed, so we can plan some 2-3 wk trips possibly twice a year. after the kids are settled in we plan to leave for a couple of years.Some Ideas we have is to leave in the late winter,early spring for the Bahamas then head up the s.e. coast and summer in the Chesapeake Bay area. then back to the bahamas and on to the Dominican Republic and on. Every up grade we do are with these plans in mind. Our next up grade will be in the summer of 2004 when we plan to remove all bot. paint and do any repairs to the bottom and apply new barrier coat and bot paint. We are going to have a stainless steel arch and mast fabricated for solar and wind generator. a outside second sail track along side of the main will be installed for a small storm tri-sail (lowering the c.e.) and a gale jib that fits around the roller furling.And possible a water maker. Upgrades made already on our 86 34 hunter: all new standing and running rig. new wiring and er. panel (due to a ligtning strike last summer) new sea frost refrige.
We Have 1 yr. before our last kid enters college our plans are to sell the house and move on board where we will keep working and do short cruises. My wife and I are both self employed, so we can plan some 2-3 wk trips possibly twice a year. after the kids are settled in we plan to leave for a couple of years.Some Ideas we have is to leave in the late winter,early spring for the Bahamas then head up the s.e. coast and summer in the Chesapeake Bay area. then back to the bahamas and on to the Dominican Republic and on. Every up grade we do are with these plans in mind. Our next up grade will be in the summer of 2004 when we plan to remove all bot. paint and do any repairs to the bottom and apply new barrier coat and bot paint. We are going to have a stainless steel arch and mast fabricated for solar and wind generator. a outside second sail track along side of the main will be installed for a small storm tri-sail (lowering the c.e.) and a gale jib that fits around the roller furling.And possible a water maker. Upgrades made already on our 86 34 hunter: all new standing and running rig. new wiring and er. panel (due to a ligtning strike last summer) new sea frost refrige.
Alaska
I am looking to sail north to Alaska via the inland passage starting in May. I was given a Tanzer 22 and am in the process of rebuilding it and will soon be ready for shakedown cruise. I could use any advise someone has to offer except to not try it in that small of a boat
I am looking to sail north to Alaska via the inland passage starting in May. I was given a Tanzer 22 and am in the process of rebuilding it and will soon be ready for shakedown cruise. I could use any advise someone has to offer except to not try it in that small of a boat
Workin' my way to the dream
I have done some extended coastal cruising, here in New England. Palms and coral are defiantly in my plans. Currently my partner and I have a boat that we are in the process of rebuilding. This boat is too small for what I want to due, but it is a desirable boat for protected water cruising. When this boat is complete, this Spring, we will put her up for sale. Once sold the process of finding a full keel cruiser begins, and the next rebuild follows. If I don't get palms and coral, I will be sad, but I will have the joy from the rebuilding to more then balance it. It's the trip, not the destination.
I have done some extended coastal cruising, here in New England. Palms and coral are defiantly in my plans. Currently my partner and I have a boat that we are in the process of rebuilding. This boat is too small for what I want to due, but it is a desirable boat for protected water cruising. When this boat is complete, this Spring, we will put her up for sale. Once sold the process of finding a full keel cruiser begins, and the next rebuild follows. If I don't get palms and coral, I will be sad, but I will have the joy from the rebuilding to more then balance it. It's the trip, not the destination.
Australia bound
Leave 22 February for Bundaberg, Australia. Last May we bought a 40 foot Radford in Bundaberg, and cruised the southern portion of the Great Barrier Reef to make sure we still remembered how to cruise and that we still wanted to cruise.(We lived aboard and cruised 10 years 1978-1988) We have been back since August selling the last few bits and pieces and wrap up some business affairs, and now hope to spend several years in the South Pacific and gradually make our way back to the states. Tom and Patt
Leave 22 February for Bundaberg, Australia. Last May we bought a 40 foot Radford in Bundaberg, and cruised the southern portion of the Great Barrier Reef to make sure we still remembered how to cruise and that we still wanted to cruise.(We lived aboard and cruised 10 years 1978-1988) We have been back since August selling the last few bits and pieces and wrap up some business affairs, and now hope to spend several years in the South Pacific and gradually make our way back to the states. Tom and Patt
down to costa rica on the left side
I have sailed up and down each coast over the years. Good and bad weather, good and bad boats. I would like to go to Nicaragua & Costa Rica on the pacific side next year and need some input as to best time of year and where to put-in on the way and what to expect.
I have sailed up and down each coast over the years. Good and bad weather, good and bad boats. I would like to go to Nicaragua & Costa Rica on the pacific side next year and need some input as to best time of year and where to put-in on the way and what to expect.
Cruising in a '36
How does everyone feel about world cruising in a 1987 Catalina 36....Singlehanded?
How does everyone feel about world cruising in a 1987 Catalina 36....Singlehanded?
There have been a few that have done extensive
Single handed sailing on a C36. One name is Mike Garland (sp?) in his boat "Alaska Po Boy". He's taken it, at least, all the way from Alaska and up the east coast. Don't know where he is now. At the AC Sail expo, in the Catalina booth, they post stories of Catalinas that have done extensive long distance cruising and they had at least 3 up on the board. Not sure what enhancements have been made , but I know that "Alaska Po Boy" is 'loaded' with stuff and the waterline moved up a bit. Go to www.catalina36.org and ask the webmaster Dennis if he knows who "Alaska Po Boy" is and how to contact him, he might know.
Single handed sailing on a C36. One name is Mike Garland (sp?) in his boat "Alaska Po Boy". He's taken it, at least, all the way from Alaska and up the east coast. Don't know where he is now. At the AC Sail expo, in the Catalina booth, they post stories of Catalinas that have done extensive long distance cruising and they had at least 3 up on the board. Not sure what enhancements have been made , but I know that "Alaska Po Boy" is 'loaded' with stuff and the waterline moved up a bit. Go to www.catalina36.org and ask the webmaster Dennis if he knows who "Alaska Po Boy" is and how to contact him, he might know.
Want to cruise in a Catalina----
Yeah - we've wanted to plan a Caribbean cruising experience - but who has Catalina sailboats in their bareboat fleet?
Yeah - we've wanted to plan a Caribbean cruising experience - but who has Catalina sailboats in their bareboat fleet?
Great Lakes
Our purchase this winter of a 1990 Legend 35.5 to replace our Pearson 27 was made with the intention of moving to Lake Michigan and doing some extended cruising. This year will be spent on our home lake (Lake Winnebago) to learn the boat and sort out any problems. Next year we will move the boat to Marinette, MI on Lake Michigan. Our intended destinations include Mackinac Island, Traverse City MIchigan area, and, ultimately, the North Channel in Lake Huron.
Our purchase this winter of a 1990 Legend 35.5 to replace our Pearson 27 was made with the intention of moving to Lake Michigan and doing some extended cruising. This year will be spent on our home lake (Lake Winnebago) to learn the boat and sort out any problems. Next year we will move the boat to Marinette, MI on Lake Michigan. Our intended destinations include Mackinac Island, Traverse City MIchigan area, and, ultimately, the North Channel in Lake Huron.
Abacos
We are planning on going to the Abacos around 4/25 for 2 weeks. Do you know anyone that is going at that time and please let us know how your trip worked out at the end of this momnth.
We are planning on going to the Abacos around 4/25 for 2 weeks. Do you know anyone that is going at that time and please let us know how your trip worked out at the end of this momnth.
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