What life events would you most like to have -- or wish you'd had -- on a boat? Have you ever imagined getting married aboard a sailboat? If not that, how about a nice, long honeymoon aboard a bareboat charter in the Caribbean? Do you wish you could say you were born on a boat? Do you think it would be neat if you kids were? Or perhaps, when your final cruise is done, you'd like you memorial service on your boat? Have you actually experienced any major life events on your, or other, sailboats? Share your experiences and wishes here, then vote in the Quick Quiz at the bottom of the home page.
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Don Evans
Water is My Tonic
Being on the water, however I travel on it, by canoe, sail or power has powerful effects for me. It can lift my spirits when I'm down or calm my anxious heart when I'm up. I am drawn to it as a magnet to metal. I work with it (environmental chemist), play on it (sail, scuba, canoe), got married on it (Canada's oldest steamship...the Segwun), had my first sexual awakening on it (I'll skip the details), and plan on having my ashes spread upon it. Actually, my mother just passed and I am spreading her ashes upon my favourite lake very soon. It is my life tonic and I am grateful to be near it. Yes, water means everything to me. Don
Being on the water, however I travel on it, by canoe, sail or power has powerful effects for me. It can lift my spirits when I'm down or calm my anxious heart when I'm up. I am drawn to it as a magnet to metal. I work with it (environmental chemist), play on it (sail, scuba, canoe), got married on it (Canada's oldest steamship...the Segwun), had my first sexual awakening on it (I'll skip the details), and plan on having my ashes spread upon it. Actually, my mother just passed and I am spreading her ashes upon my favourite lake very soon. It is my life tonic and I am grateful to be near it. Yes, water means everything to me. Don
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JPF
Proposed marriage on my boat. Does that count?
Over sandwiches & champane in the middle of San Francisco Bay over 20 years ago. Must have worked, We're still married.
Over sandwiches & champane in the middle of San Francisco Bay over 20 years ago. Must have worked, We're still married.
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Mike
Proposal
Like JPF I proposed on my first boat to my wife. We are on our second boat and just sailin' along on to retirement (soon). "Experience" a memorial service? I somehow think that once one is participating in one's own memorial service one won't be experiencing much of anything. Regards, Mike
Like JPF I proposed on my first boat to my wife. We are on our second boat and just sailin' along on to retirement (soon). "Experience" a memorial service? I somehow think that once one is participating in one's own memorial service one won't be experiencing much of anything. Regards, Mike
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Mark
9/11
My wife and I were sailing with friends on a 400 mile circumnavigation of the northern part of Lake Michigan and had just pulled into port at Charlevoix, MI when we found out about the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11th. We watched the 2nd. tower fall on the dockmaster's TV. The lake crossing the next day was weird, not a single contrail in the sky. We saw no other boats during the 14 hour passage and the mood was somber to say the least while we huddled around a 5" B&W TV listening to the news.
My wife and I were sailing with friends on a 400 mile circumnavigation of the northern part of Lake Michigan and had just pulled into port at Charlevoix, MI when we found out about the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11th. We watched the 2nd. tower fall on the dockmaster's TV. The lake crossing the next day was weird, not a single contrail in the sky. We saw no other boats during the 14 hour passage and the mood was somber to say the least while we huddled around a 5" B&W TV listening to the news.
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Capt. Greg Handal
Marriage
My wife and I got married aboard "Mother Ocean" while anchored in New Found Harbor in the Florida Keys eleven years ago come October 5th. We went on to sail the keys for 10 more days as our honeymoon. We're still going strong (as far as I know!). Capt. Greg Handal Water Music Charters of Folly Beach www.watermusiccharters.com
My wife and I got married aboard "Mother Ocean" while anchored in New Found Harbor in the Florida Keys eleven years ago come October 5th. We went on to sail the keys for 10 more days as our honeymoon. We're still going strong (as far as I know!). Capt. Greg Handal Water Music Charters of Folly Beach www.watermusiccharters.com
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Merilyn
Wedding July 12, 2003
Took up sailing in 2001 (at 60 years of age) and married my captain on July 12th, 2002!!! We had planned for 20 boats from our club to raft up out on Kempenfelt Bay (Barrie Ontario) but the weather didn't co-operate and we rafted 10 boats up to the dock and had the service there. The sailors were in their wet gear decorating the boats - everyone participated and a good time was had by all! The marriage took place on a Tanzer 8.5 suitably named "Turning Point"!
Took up sailing in 2001 (at 60 years of age) and married my captain on July 12th, 2002!!! We had planned for 20 boats from our club to raft up out on Kempenfelt Bay (Barrie Ontario) but the weather didn't co-operate and we rafted 10 boats up to the dock and had the service there. The sailors were in their wet gear decorating the boats - everyone participated and a good time was had by all! The marriage took place on a Tanzer 8.5 suitably named "Turning Point"!
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Paul
Wedding Night
Dotty and I sailed away from our wedding reception at the Old Saybrook Inn (and marina). We spent our wedding night anchored at Duck Island. Paul sv Escape Artist h336
Dotty and I sailed away from our wedding reception at the Old Saybrook Inn (and marina). We spent our wedding night anchored at Duck Island. Paul sv Escape Artist h336
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Merilyn
Wedding on the Water
Last year at 60 hears of age I decided to take up sailing! July 12th of this year, when a reefed main and a #2 sail were in order, I married my captain! We had arranged for 20 boats from our marina to raft up on Kempenfelt Bay (Barrie, Ont.) but, as the weather didn't co-operate, rafted up at the dock with the guests on land. All the sailors pitched in to help decorate the boats in their rain gear, rain held off long enough to have the ceremony on a Tanzer 8.5 suitable named 'Turning Point', and a great day was had by all!!
Last year at 60 hears of age I decided to take up sailing! July 12th of this year, when a reefed main and a #2 sail were in order, I married my captain! We had arranged for 20 boats from our marina to raft up on Kempenfelt Bay (Barrie, Ont.) but, as the weather didn't co-operate, rafted up at the dock with the guests on land. All the sailors pitched in to help decorate the boats in their rain gear, rain held off long enough to have the ceremony on a Tanzer 8.5 suitable named 'Turning Point', and a great day was had by all!!
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Jenny
A Part time Mermaid
I met my husband in the Atlantic Ocean (body surfing at Myrtle Beach) and, despite his landlubbing tendencies, we regularly renew our relationship with retreats to the sea: 10th anniversary vow renewal on the beach followed by two week Windjammer cruise of the Windward Islands, 15th and 16th anniversaries spent sailing and snorkeling off Cancun, 20th aniversary spent cruising the Greek Islands in an Atlantic 44, some sailing somewhere on every annual vacation... Both my parents' ashes were scattered at sea while under sail, and that is what I have requested of my children when the time comes.
I met my husband in the Atlantic Ocean (body surfing at Myrtle Beach) and, despite his landlubbing tendencies, we regularly renew our relationship with retreats to the sea: 10th anniversary vow renewal on the beach followed by two week Windjammer cruise of the Windward Islands, 15th and 16th anniversaries spent sailing and snorkeling off Cancun, 20th aniversary spent cruising the Greek Islands in an Atlantic 44, some sailing somewhere on every annual vacation... Both my parents' ashes were scattered at sea while under sail, and that is what I have requested of my children when the time comes.
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Larry T
Retirement - THAT's the one I want!
I know this is something many want and I hope it counts in the kinds of answers you want, but I would LOVE to experience retirement aboard my boat! I've been disabled for 4 years and while I have good days - I also have bad days, *very* bad days, pain wise. Also, my 90 year old om lives with us and depends on us for her care - so time on the boat is a difficult thing to find! We used to spend all our weekends on the boat and enjoyed every minute of it - now our time is limited but finding someone we trust to take care of Mom *and* to be trusted with our house is a tough person to find! Anyway - that's my dream - spending a peaceful few weeks on the boat without any cares or responsibilities!
I know this is something many want and I hope it counts in the kinds of answers you want, but I would LOVE to experience retirement aboard my boat! I've been disabled for 4 years and while I have good days - I also have bad days, *very* bad days, pain wise. Also, my 90 year old om lives with us and depends on us for her care - so time on the boat is a difficult thing to find! We used to spend all our weekends on the boat and enjoyed every minute of it - now our time is limited but finding someone we trust to take care of Mom *and* to be trusted with our house is a tough person to find! Anyway - that's my dream - spending a peaceful few weeks on the boat without any cares or responsibilities!
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dan
ditto Larry T
that what Im talk'n bout! retirement, with any luck in 2yrs 7mo I'll be sailing the Islands.
that what Im talk'n bout! retirement, with any luck in 2yrs 7mo I'll be sailing the Islands.
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Kenneth Pfaff
I think retiement Part should be on the list
I took up sailing long after I was married, my daughter is a Senior in College, my son a Senior in HS, so no more kids for us. I can't be at my own wake/funeral, so what good is that. But retirement on the boat, and a party to kick it off, would be a blast.
I took up sailing long after I was married, my daughter is a Senior in College, my son a Senior in HS, so no more kids for us. I can't be at my own wake/funeral, so what good is that. But retirement on the boat, and a party to kick it off, would be a blast.
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Tom
Sea of Love
Our adventure began on February 10, 2001. As our flight touched down on St. Thomas, I knew my life would be forever altered. While our party was anxious to slow to a pace more conducive to a tropical paradise the imperatives of our journey still lay ahead and could only be accomplished by clutching onto our continental ways. Adjusting takes time and at the moment we had little to spare. Our taxi driver found his way to Compass Point on Benner Bay with only a few minor incidents and we checked in with our charter agency. There we were briefly introduced to our home for the next ten days, a brand new Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 40. It was quickly back into a taxi and off to provision for the journey. Nearby, we found the island’s equivalent of Costco and loaded our carts and the cab with enough provisions to last the Royal Navy for a month. It was then back to the Marina where we stowed our gear and pretended to relax before the onslaught of another hectic day. Up at dawn, back into a cab and on our way to Charlotte Amalie and the local government center. Arriving a bit early we waited until the doors opened and quickly filed in to finalize the documentation. Several signatures later with our wallets a bit lighter we made our final trip to the marina in a cab and began our charter briefing. After being advised to ignore the small craft advisory it was back to Simpatico for the final departure preparations. Unfortunately, the crew was only slightly less confused than the seas in the Pillsbury Sound as we tenuously motored our way toward St. John and Francis Bay. The only moorings left were fairly exposed causing a somewhat sleepless night as the wind howled and the waves tossed us around. The next day allowed a slight reprieve, as we were able to enjoy some time on the Island and slip Simpatico closer to shore. Still carrying the stress of the mainland we launched our dinghy the next morning and made our way to shore. The taxi was waiting to take us into Cruz Bay. After a delightful lunch at Duffy’s Love Shack the party split up, the ladies on their way to the Grapevine Salon and the gentlemen off to do a bit of shopping and sightseeing. We arranged to meet at Cinnamon Bay a few hours before sunset. Armed with a few cold splits of Champagne, Dan and I arrived first and took advantage of the ice cold showers. We caught up with the rest of our party on the beach when the stress, joy and sheer beauty of the moment hit me in waves of confused emotions that put the Pillsbury Sound to shame. My bride to be in a flowing gown of white, with her daughter’s fiery red hair atop her head in an elaborate labyrinth of braids, basking in the tropic sun oblivious as only a child can be to the significance of the moment. Our maid of honor skipping through the waves holding a bouquet of island flowers reminding of us the love that brought her mother and I together. A little more aware and bit less active, with hair as red as his sister’s, my best man saw to arranging things with the Anne Marie, our minister and the photographer. Mature beyond his eleven years he concluded his discussions and the ceremony began. Our boat was a visible backdrop as our toes moved through the sand to an altar of driftwood and a rotted tender. Our vowels exchanged our new family literally walked and then sailed into the sunset of the day and the dawn of our lives.
Our adventure began on February 10, 2001. As our flight touched down on St. Thomas, I knew my life would be forever altered. While our party was anxious to slow to a pace more conducive to a tropical paradise the imperatives of our journey still lay ahead and could only be accomplished by clutching onto our continental ways. Adjusting takes time and at the moment we had little to spare. Our taxi driver found his way to Compass Point on Benner Bay with only a few minor incidents and we checked in with our charter agency. There we were briefly introduced to our home for the next ten days, a brand new Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 40. It was quickly back into a taxi and off to provision for the journey. Nearby, we found the island’s equivalent of Costco and loaded our carts and the cab with enough provisions to last the Royal Navy for a month. It was then back to the Marina where we stowed our gear and pretended to relax before the onslaught of another hectic day. Up at dawn, back into a cab and on our way to Charlotte Amalie and the local government center. Arriving a bit early we waited until the doors opened and quickly filed in to finalize the documentation. Several signatures later with our wallets a bit lighter we made our final trip to the marina in a cab and began our charter briefing. After being advised to ignore the small craft advisory it was back to Simpatico for the final departure preparations. Unfortunately, the crew was only slightly less confused than the seas in the Pillsbury Sound as we tenuously motored our way toward St. John and Francis Bay. The only moorings left were fairly exposed causing a somewhat sleepless night as the wind howled and the waves tossed us around. The next day allowed a slight reprieve, as we were able to enjoy some time on the Island and slip Simpatico closer to shore. Still carrying the stress of the mainland we launched our dinghy the next morning and made our way to shore. The taxi was waiting to take us into Cruz Bay. After a delightful lunch at Duffy’s Love Shack the party split up, the ladies on their way to the Grapevine Salon and the gentlemen off to do a bit of shopping and sightseeing. We arranged to meet at Cinnamon Bay a few hours before sunset. Armed with a few cold splits of Champagne, Dan and I arrived first and took advantage of the ice cold showers. We caught up with the rest of our party on the beach when the stress, joy and sheer beauty of the moment hit me in waves of confused emotions that put the Pillsbury Sound to shame. My bride to be in a flowing gown of white, with her daughter’s fiery red hair atop her head in an elaborate labyrinth of braids, basking in the tropic sun oblivious as only a child can be to the significance of the moment. Our maid of honor skipping through the waves holding a bouquet of island flowers reminding of us the love that brought her mother and I together. A little more aware and bit less active, with hair as red as his sister’s, my best man saw to arranging things with the Anne Marie, our minister and the photographer. Mature beyond his eleven years he concluded his discussions and the ceremony began. Our boat was a visible backdrop as our toes moved through the sand to an altar of driftwood and a rotted tender. Our vowels exchanged our new family literally walked and then sailed into the sunset of the day and the dawn of our lives.
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Tom Patik
Making love while sailing!
Making love while sailing is great! The bad part is not being able to see what's ahead of you. Therefore, you have to select the right time and just go for it!
Making love while sailing is great! The bad part is not being able to see what's ahead of you. Therefore, you have to select the right time and just go for it!
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Kevin Mart
2 out 4 so far
My wife, Jaci, and I were married on "SYLVIA", aturn of the century ketch that used to be moored in Bellingham bay, WA. We celebrated our second honeymoon when I gave her a new wedding ring on our Hunter 356 17 years later. One to go, kids are all born.
My wife, Jaci, and I were married on "SYLVIA", aturn of the century ketch that used to be moored in Bellingham bay, WA. We celebrated our second honeymoon when I gave her a new wedding ring on our Hunter 356 17 years later. One to go, kids are all born.
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Andy Howard
My Daughter has promised me a full Viking funeral
I just hope she drains all the diesel. I'd hate for the EPA to go looking for her.
I just hope she drains all the diesel. I'd hate for the EPA to go looking for her.
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Dave J, the A-21, StarShine
A bit late for most of the above.......
Since I plan (and hope) to stay married to the one I do and have loved since 1966, and we are done having children years ago, and our honeymoon is years and years behind us, that leaves only one option. The memorial service. But I'd need a bigger boat for that. Now ~IF~ I should become single again before I pass on, both a second marrage and honeymoon sounds great (and if I keep spending money on bigger boats, that may happen whether I like it or not)-(she doesn't like the water-or boats). Oh, the problems that accompany sailing and the dream of liveaboard cruising full time(grin).
Since I plan (and hope) to stay married to the one I do and have loved since 1966, and we are done having children years ago, and our honeymoon is years and years behind us, that leaves only one option. The memorial service. But I'd need a bigger boat for that. Now ~IF~ I should become single again before I pass on, both a second marrage and honeymoon sounds great (and if I keep spending money on bigger boats, that may happen whether I like it or not)-(she doesn't like the water-or boats). Oh, the problems that accompany sailing and the dream of liveaboard cruising full time(grin).
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LInda
Major Events on boat.
At this point, the major life event that I most enjoy is staying alive and not capsizing on my boat as I am a new sailor who just raised her sails for the first time last week. Sailing was good, aside from the fact that the sail came out of the mast track, we hit a submerged log, got hung up in shallow water, almost hit the retaining wall when using the motor as it got tangled up in sea grasses and wouldn't push us fast enuf to steer. Had to keep lifting the motor up and clearing away the grasses. Took an hour to get the boat into the slip as we are docked at an island and the grasses are so thick the birds walk on them. DNR won't allow grass to be disturbed. (the price you pay for a cheap slip) Thanks for letting me air a momentous occasion!!!!!!! Now, if it survives Isabel, all will be back to normal, whatever that is...
At this point, the major life event that I most enjoy is staying alive and not capsizing on my boat as I am a new sailor who just raised her sails for the first time last week. Sailing was good, aside from the fact that the sail came out of the mast track, we hit a submerged log, got hung up in shallow water, almost hit the retaining wall when using the motor as it got tangled up in sea grasses and wouldn't push us fast enuf to steer. Had to keep lifting the motor up and clearing away the grasses. Took an hour to get the boat into the slip as we are docked at an island and the grasses are so thick the birds walk on them. DNR won't allow grass to be disturbed. (the price you pay for a cheap slip) Thanks for letting me air a momentous occasion!!!!!!! Now, if it survives Isabel, all will be back to normal, whatever that is...
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Frank R
My last breath
Having just gotten into sailing (upgrade from sailing dingy) and really loving it. I would like my last breath to come just after a good sail, with some good friends, ending with a perfect docking and at the age of 92. No pain, no lingering - hopefully the friends will understand from the smile on my face.
Having just gotten into sailing (upgrade from sailing dingy) and really loving it. I would like my last breath to come just after a good sail, with some good friends, ending with a perfect docking and at the age of 92. No pain, no lingering - hopefully the friends will understand from the smile on my face.
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