A few weeks ago I bought my first sailboat. Here are some notes that I hope might be helpful to anyone else facing that decision. I dithered over the "cruising dream" for years, but the usual set if excuses and practical obstacles intervened. I owned a variety of powerboats. I had scattered sailing experiences, from 16-foot X boats to a 3-day charter on a 38-footer. I had lots of time on the water, but not much under sail. I was planning extended solo cruising, but had never single-handed anything under sail! I don't know who said it, but, "Life is what happens while you're busy making other plans." Yes, indeed. At 57, I decided it was time to actually sail. My body was a couple of major surgeries and several pounds past youth, and reading about sailing wasn't making things better. One of the things I needed to do was to find out if it was physically too late for the dream. I found a boat I could afford—a 1969 Venture 21, hull no. 684, with original sails, trailer, and 1969 Evinrude outboard. The original manual and bill of sale came with her, along with some photos taken by the first owner. In the antique market all this "provenance" increases the value of a piece. In this case it didn't increase the value, but it did help convince me that she'd been well cared for, and it also feels good to have. I didn't bother with a survey, because we were only talking about a $2500 asking price. I looked her over as best I knew how, and took my chances. (I don't advocate this. Caveat emptor!) Some qualifiers are in order. I live in Minnesota. No salt water here. The Great Lakes are within easy driving distance, but most of the sailing waters are fairly tame. Weather is the biggest hazard—thunderstorms in summer and hypothermia in early and late season. (And always, on Lake Superior.) I didn't buy an offshore boat. I bought a boat to hone my skills and gain experience on, without a big financial drain that would cripple my future cruising kitty. When I can sail her with cautious confidence, I'll consider the mission accomplished and start shopping for a 30+ footer to retire to. In the meantime, I'm not writing big checks to loan sharks, insurance companies, or marinas. I decided to trade size and comfort for immediate, affordable experience. I opted to sail rather than sit, save, or only dream. For me, that decision was long overdue. I should have made it years ago. Don't dither! Do what feel in your heart, and do it now. Gwen s/v Luna Sea