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ericoh88 · 05-08-2013, 19:16

I read the discussion with a smile.

2 years ago I had a Bell Palsy on my right face. At that time, I was scared and felt a sense of regret that I did not get a boat and spend more time sailing. I decided if I ever get out of this illness, I will get the boat and go.

This sailing bug started in sometime in 1985 I was in Outward Bound school, there was an american couple came for dinner with us. They lived on a sail boat and came from the States. That first meeting peeked my interest for adventure.

3 days 2 nights out to an island on a 18' whaler sail with oars made me feed the anchovies and I was sold!

Got my amateur radio license to listen for yachties coming through the Straits of Malacca / Port Klang. made friends and of course, were invited on board and join some of the trip up to Thailand.

One couple from Canada, the man is an ex Air Force ( I thought he was like Tom Cruise flying fighter plane. He said he folded parachutes only- he said hopefully they open). The wife was a school teacher. They financed their travel with small dividends from a mutual fund.

One couple from Australia, husband is a surgeon - big boat with full time crew.

Another from Seattle, their business was in construction after the economy folded.

Met one guy who sold his company - the one that writes documents in DOS like MS Word.

I could go on and on. They all have one thing is common - a passion to see the world on a sail boat!

Today at 49, I sold off several houses (yes, I live on a rented house now) paid off the debts and pay down for an old 1986 full keel sail boat. Still keeping the 18 year old land cruiser to move around.

Still want to see some cool places in the world like Chagos, Raja Ampat and the Phoenix Islands.

Rather be on a sailboat than gardening every morning.

Just my 2 cents worth, if any.

Amateur radio callsign : 9M2EO