Do you have an itch to take your sailing skills to 'the next level?' If so, what does that mean to you? Is the next level a bigger boat? Is it learning how to singlehand your boat? Is there a body of water you feel a need to cross that's been intimidating to you? How about handling higher winds and rougher seas? Maybe increased boat maintenance knowledge? Or are you happy where you are? Share your aspirations for the next level and be sure to vote in the quiz at the bottom of the home page. (Quiz contributed by Gary Wyngarden)
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Timely question. Aug 9, 02 we are leaving from
Washington State for the eastern seaboard to start our 10 year sailing trip to anywhere in the world we want to go see. No plan other than a very firm starting date. We sold our home and vacate the 9th. Our trusty love, "SPEEDY", a 95 H26 should be sold by then or our kids will have a boat to sail until we return. We plan on locating and purchasing a 37 to 44 foot bluewater boat by Oct 1 and will start fitting her our and learning to sail her. By March we head south for 10 years or until we tip over. The survivor will be responsible for finishing the trip on whatever timeframe he/she chooses. Our new boat will proudly carry the grandkid choosen name of "Speedy". The next 18 days are probably going to be very long. Ray & Maria S/V Speedy PS. That's a hell of a level jump.
Washington State for the eastern seaboard to start our 10 year sailing trip to anywhere in the world we want to go see. No plan other than a very firm starting date. We sold our home and vacate the 9th. Our trusty love, "SPEEDY", a 95 H26 should be sold by then or our kids will have a boat to sail until we return. We plan on locating and purchasing a 37 to 44 foot bluewater boat by Oct 1 and will start fitting her our and learning to sail her. By March we head south for 10 years or until we tip over. The survivor will be responsible for finishing the trip on whatever timeframe he/she chooses. Our new boat will proudly carry the grandkid choosen name of "Speedy". The next 18 days are probably going to be very long. Ray & Maria S/V Speedy PS. That's a hell of a level jump.
Funny about Aug. 9 date
We are leaving for warmer weather ourselfs on Aug. 9th 2004. I was laid off after working 19 years for the same company last Dec. Funny how none of the younger people didn't get laid off but they can work while we go sailing. It will take 2 years to get the ready. I am going to school right now to get my boiler and hvac tickets. That way I can make a few extra dollars along the way.
We are leaving for warmer weather ourselfs on Aug. 9th 2004. I was laid off after working 19 years for the same company last Dec. Funny how none of the younger people didn't get laid off but they can work while we go sailing. It will take 2 years to get the ready. I am going to school right now to get my boiler and hvac tickets. That way I can make a few extra dollars along the way.
Racing
I am learning to sail on a 25' Santana, and my next level will be to race her on the Indian River (Florida) in some casual Wednesday evening races sponsored by the Indian River Yacht Club.
I am learning to sail on a 25' Santana, and my next level will be to race her on the Indian River (Florida) in some casual Wednesday evening races sponsored by the Indian River Yacht Club.
With or without her
I have about 2-3 months of work left on refit of my Watkins 36. We bought her last year to take at least a one year cruise to the Islands, Cuba, South America and then return to the NE to vist the Grand Kids. From there it ws open how much further we would cruise. Lately I am getting the feeilng I will just have to do it alone. So it could be a next level in a few ways.. Her call
Capt Chuck S/V Raggles
I have about 2-3 months of work left on refit of my Watkins 36. We bought her last year to take at least a one year cruise to the Islands, Cuba, South America and then return to the NE to vist the Grand Kids. From there it ws open how much further we would cruise. Lately I am getting the feeilng I will just have to do it alone. So it could be a next level in a few ways.. Her call
Capt Chuck S/V RagglesIn response to this months questions my next level is to be able to single handedly park the boat. I am a new sailboater and find the greatest challenge in controlling the boat is slow speed conditions like parking. I feel comfortable in handling the boat in the open water, including raising and lower all sails and movement of the sails when sailing. Parking is coming along, but I still would not feel comfortable taking the boat out without the added assurance of having a hand on board to help get us tided up when returning.
Parking
Parking can be a bitch. After 2 years with my y2k h42 I still haven't figured out a way to comfortably single hand it into the slip. There's an upside to that but I would digress.
Parking can be a bitch. After 2 years with my y2k h42 I still haven't figured out a way to comfortably single hand it into the slip. There's an upside to that but I would digress.
Getting Started on the Dream
I humbly tip my hat to each of the respondents so far. MY next step is moving forward with the Dream! This is something that my father (now deceased) and I have held for as long as I can remember. My Dad gave it up for the family (something about food being more important than a boat, as I recall). Funny that I find myself in much the same situation. My wife and I have finally reached the point where we can start seriously reaching for it, but I feel that her heart may not be in it... So, it would seem like MY next level will be purchasing, brushing off old skills, single-handing, parking, sailing a larger body of water, in heavier weather kind of thing. If anyone has a little extra in the best-wishes department, and wants to send it my way; all expressions of "you've gotta be nuts, but go for it" are gratefully accepted! Fair winds, folks - remember, your worst day of sailing is better than your best day of work!
I humbly tip my hat to each of the respondents so far. MY next step is moving forward with the Dream! This is something that my father (now deceased) and I have held for as long as I can remember. My Dad gave it up for the family (something about food being more important than a boat, as I recall). Funny that I find myself in much the same situation. My wife and I have finally reached the point where we can start seriously reaching for it, but I feel that her heart may not be in it... So, it would seem like MY next level will be purchasing, brushing off old skills, single-handing, parking, sailing a larger body of water, in heavier weather kind of thing. If anyone has a little extra in the best-wishes department, and wants to send it my way; all expressions of "you've gotta be nuts, but go for it" are gratefully accepted! Fair winds, folks - remember, your worst day of sailing is better than your best day of work!
Just achieved "Bigger Boat"
Last week, we chartered a Hunter 340 in the North Channel, had a great time, and loved it! This met my current goals - handling a new and larger charter boat (Lady Lillie is a '77 h27) on new cruising grounds. The larger boat was really not a problem - the big challenge was piloting with the charts and hand bearing compass when the GPS's were on the blink due to the high latitude. We enjoyed the challenge, and never came close to putting the boat on the rocks. I single hand Lady Lillie copmfortably, and handle the maintenance I don't want to farm out. I guess I would like to have some more competence on the diesel engine, though. David Lady Lillie
Last week, we chartered a Hunter 340 in the North Channel, had a great time, and loved it! This met my current goals - handling a new and larger charter boat (Lady Lillie is a '77 h27) on new cruising grounds. The larger boat was really not a problem - the big challenge was piloting with the charts and hand bearing compass when the GPS's were on the blink due to the high latitude. We enjoyed the challenge, and never came close to putting the boat on the rocks. I single hand Lady Lillie copmfortably, and handle the maintenance I don't want to farm out. I guess I would like to have some more competence on the diesel engine, though. David Lady Lillie
singlehanding and/or night sail
Although I usually singlehandle my boat (sail with passengers not crew), I have not sailed solo. This is something I'll do within the next week hopefully for an overnight trip. Also, for me to take it to the "next level", I'd like to head out for a long sail at night!! Getting experience with this will open up our doors to further sailing grounds.
Although I usually singlehandle my boat (sail with passengers not crew), I have not sailed solo. This is something I'll do within the next week hopefully for an overnight trip. Also, for me to take it to the "next level", I'd like to head out for a long sail at night!! Getting experience with this will open up our doors to further sailing grounds.
Bigger water
I achieved part of my dream 2 years ago when I purchased an 85 H31. Ive sailed it alot on our small lake here in atlanta. The next level is the other part of the dream -- Hopefully this fall Ill be pulling the boat and getting it ready to transport to Jacksonville FL where its new home will be the St. Johns river. Ill be trading off my little cottage on the lake for a less-accessible, but more free venue with access to the ocean. I have 4-day weekends, so I should get a full 2 days sailing in when I travel down there. Still not sure bout the trade-off. So the next level is bigger seas and unlimited destinations. Duane
I achieved part of my dream 2 years ago when I purchased an 85 H31. Ive sailed it alot on our small lake here in atlanta. The next level is the other part of the dream -- Hopefully this fall Ill be pulling the boat and getting it ready to transport to Jacksonville FL where its new home will be the St. Johns river. Ill be trading off my little cottage on the lake for a less-accessible, but more free venue with access to the ocean. I have 4-day weekends, so I should get a full 2 days sailing in when I travel down there. Still not sure bout the trade-off. So the next level is bigger seas and unlimited destinations. Duane
Goin soon
Well, my wife, our two 3 year olds (who love sailing) and myself will be leaving October 1st for a 6 month trip down the East Coast in our Legend 35. I have installed extra batteries, extra water tank, inverter, water pump, ect...also increased the storage in many ways. Still have to install the underdeck autopilot, windlass and solar cell (lots left to do!). We will be going down the ICW to Beufort NC and hanging around until about 1 November. Then it is off to Chareleston for a couple of weeks, St Simons will be next, then we have to make the decision as to the Keys or the Bahamas. We'll see how the winter is shaping up before we decide. We will be starting to head back to the Chesapeake in March/April and selling the boat for a move to Germany. Were trading sailing for climbing/skiing for a while. Of course we intend on using the money from the boat and buying a boat in charter in th Carribean so we will be doing "sailing vacations" and letting charterers help pay for our retirement boat. Can't get to far away from sailing you know. We will have a web site setup so you can follow our progress (details to follow). Of course with 2 three year olds we may call it quits in Norfolk < Bob
Well, my wife, our two 3 year olds (who love sailing) and myself will be leaving October 1st for a 6 month trip down the East Coast in our Legend 35. I have installed extra batteries, extra water tank, inverter, water pump, ect...also increased the storage in many ways. Still have to install the underdeck autopilot, windlass and solar cell (lots left to do!). We will be going down the ICW to Beufort NC and hanging around until about 1 November. Then it is off to Chareleston for a couple of weeks, St Simons will be next, then we have to make the decision as to the Keys or the Bahamas. We'll see how the winter is shaping up before we decide. We will be starting to head back to the Chesapeake in March/April and selling the boat for a move to Germany. Were trading sailing for climbing/skiing for a while. Of course we intend on using the money from the boat and buying a boat in charter in th Carribean so we will be doing "sailing vacations" and letting charterers help pay for our retirement boat. Can't get to far away from sailing you know. We will have a web site setup so you can follow our progress (details to follow). Of course with 2 three year olds we may call it quits in Norfolk <
BobUS Sailing Coastal Navigation Class
In August I'm taking the next class in the US Sailing series, Coastal Navigation! I'm working on the ability to take our Hunter 340 anywhere I want to go. I have been sailing the San Francisco Bay for the last year, but I'm itching to get out the gate and head south to Monterey Bay, or head north up the coast to get some of that experience. Now all I need to do is figure out a way to get my wife back on the boat. However, I have started learning how to single hand the boat just in case she doesn't get past her fear of healing, other boats on the water, chop, wind, and all the rest of that scary sailboat stuff...
In August I'm taking the next class in the US Sailing series, Coastal Navigation! I'm working on the ability to take our Hunter 340 anywhere I want to go. I have been sailing the San Francisco Bay for the last year, but I'm itching to get out the gate and head south to Monterey Bay, or head north up the coast to get some of that experience. Now all I need to do is figure out a way to get my wife back on the boat. However, I have started learning how to single hand the boat just in case she doesn't get past her fear of healing, other boats on the water, chop, wind, and all the rest of that scary sailboat stuff...
higher winds and rougher seas
Higher winds and rougher seas sounds like a good topic of study and pratice!
Higher winds and rougher seas sounds like a good topic of study and pratice!
Rougher weather
In two years I've gone from beginner to nightime intercoastal navigation, sailing the Gulf of Mexico, racing in the Michelob Cup, and sailing single handed, all on our O'Day 222. Having sailed (with old, stretched sails) in winds of 20Kn gusting to 35, I feel I've gone to quite a level already. The intercoastal in these conditions rarely gets waves of over 3-4ft. The next level would be learning offshore navigation, sailing the Gulf to farther destinations, bigger waves, with relatively the same wind conditions. I'm not quite ready for the cold Novermber/December rains to go along with that though. My reasons are: Eventually I'd like to venture offshore on long distance voyages, and want to have experience to handle what may come. Fair winds and good voyages to you all. JD
In two years I've gone from beginner to nightime intercoastal navigation, sailing the Gulf of Mexico, racing in the Michelob Cup, and sailing single handed, all on our O'Day 222. Having sailed (with old, stretched sails) in winds of 20Kn gusting to 35, I feel I've gone to quite a level already. The intercoastal in these conditions rarely gets waves of over 3-4ft. The next level would be learning offshore navigation, sailing the Gulf to farther destinations, bigger waves, with relatively the same wind conditions. I'm not quite ready for the cold Novermber/December rains to go along with that though. My reasons are: Eventually I'd like to venture offshore on long distance voyages, and want to have experience to handle what may come. Fair winds and good voyages to you all. JD
Racing!
I'd like to learn how to race. I didn't begin sailing until I was an adult, and I grew up in the middle of the midwest. I've been thinking about attending one of those 1-week "learn to race" schools. I live near Newport and they have one there. Even if I don't get a chance to race a lot in the future, it would be an interesting set of skills to acquire. I mean, how do you know for sure when you're on the layline? What are you supposed to do with a spinnaker sheet in your hand?
I'd like to learn how to race. I didn't begin sailing until I was an adult, and I grew up in the middle of the midwest. I've been thinking about attending one of those 1-week "learn to race" schools. I live near Newport and they have one there. Even if I don't get a chance to race a lot in the future, it would be an interesting set of skills to acquire. I mean, how do you know for sure when you're on the layline? What are you supposed to do with a spinnaker sheet in your hand?
To me, the next level is many of these things: Club racing on Wed nights, and wanting to finish well when just 2 years ago I had no interest in racing. Moving up to a bigger boat when I once said my 22 footer was the biggest boat I'd ever need. Bareboat chartering on bigger bodies of water, such as the Great Lakes, Chesapeake Bay, and the BVI. To me, there is always more to learn, and my best learning experiences have come by making a conscious effort to expand my sailing experiences, mostly via sailing trips on bigger buts, plus ASA bareboat school.
my next level
The next sailing level I want to attain is cruising down the Intra-Coastal Waterway in my Catalina 30, "Santana" all the way to FL, starting from here and going to mile 0 in Norfolk and going on down south to the Trans FL Canal thru Lake Okeechobee to Ft. Myers and up the Gulf to my winter place in FL at Tarpon Springs on the Anclote River. This will be by far the longest cruise I have ever taken in my 82 years of life. Even though this will prabably include a lot more motoring than sailing, it will still be to new level for me.
The next sailing level I want to attain is cruising down the Intra-Coastal Waterway in my Catalina 30, "Santana" all the way to FL, starting from here and going to mile 0 in Norfolk and going on down south to the Trans FL Canal thru Lake Okeechobee to Ft. Myers and up the Gulf to my winter place in FL at Tarpon Springs on the Anclote River. This will be by far the longest cruise I have ever taken in my 82 years of life. Even though this will prabably include a lot more motoring than sailing, it will still be to new level for me.
...reply to "dreams",an earlier post
Good luck and go for it. Start off w/ an affordable boat. There are many, many great "old"boats from the 60's/70's that need a little love that can be purchased for a song. I paid $500 for my 1960 something oday tempest. has a full keel, 2jibs,spinnaker and main sail. Between the motor,tax/title and registration I have put in another $400 over the course of 2 years. I have put in about 100-150 hours of labor and counting. I love every second of it. I think my wife is beginning to come around as well. Good luck to you and have fun!!!
Good luck and go for it. Start off w/ an affordable boat. There are many, many great "old"boats from the 60's/70's that need a little love that can be purchased for a song. I paid $500 for my 1960 something oday tempest. has a full keel, 2jibs,spinnaker and main sail. Between the motor,tax/title and registration I have put in another $400 over the course of 2 years. I have put in about 100-150 hours of labor and counting. I love every second of it. I think my wife is beginning to come around as well. Good luck to you and have fun!!!
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