Shangri-La on the Water?

[mrmac22448]

I'm new, but this looks like the right forum. I could use some advice.

I am looking for a warm place, outside of the US, where I can buy or lease a sailboat and live aboard with my wife for 6+ months. We would sail, but the boat's primary function would be as a home, tied up at a slip rather than anchored out. The friendly, quaint town should have a few decent restaurants with outdoor tables, mostly hurricane free weather, and a good diesel mechanic.

At 69, I'm not looking for crossing oceans, rebuilding an old wreck, or fighting off bandits. I envision the typical day going something like, rise early, drink coffee at local cafe, eat, read, go for a walk, sail in reasonably sheltered waters, maybe do some local volunteer work, eat and nap and drink some wine at the local cafe - well, you get the picture.

Is there such a place?

mrmac

[sardinebreath]

La Paz in Baja might meet your requirements though I'm not sure that I would call it a Shangri La and I wouldn't want to be there in the summer. Unchallenging sailing in the Sea of Cortez, seems not to be subject to the drug/kidnapping violence on some of the mainland, affordable, boats for sale, etc.

[delmarrey]

La Paz has hurricanes.
For in the US a live aboard stay San Diego/Mission Bay is my favorite place. Great weather and some good sailing. Just no where to sail to for a day sail except the Coronado Is.

[colemj]

You haven't bought the boat yet and you already know you need a good diesel mechanic close by at all times?

Stonington Connecticut US would fit your needs as long as you chose the right 6 months. Also, lots of small towns along the US East Coast from Maine to North Carolina fit that description (further south the hurricane threat becomes larger).

Mark

[zeehag]

la barra de navidad is shangri la exept for skeeters----
spanish virgins works....and usvi,except for furycames.....
damn shangri la has a tax

mebbe the med.....?

[MBLittle]

Originally Posted by zeehag

la barra de navidad is shangri la exept for skeeters---- spanish virgins works....and usvi,except for furycames..... damn shangri la has a tax mebbe the med.....?

We're loving the USVIs and not a hurricane to speak of this year!

[mrmac22448]

We live in Virginia and sail in the Potomac River and the Chesapeake Bay. We've had lots of small boats - a Laser, Hobie 18s, a Columbia 23, Balboa 26, a Grampian 27 (I think), and have a Northern 25 now.

The dream adventure involves something more exotic than a US port.

We have very little offshore experience but have been sailing for many years.

Regarding the diesel mechanic - I wouldn't buy a sailboat with a gas engine and my ability with any kind of engine borders on nonexistent. I can barely change the spark plugs in our diesel engine (just kidding).

The Mexican towns have promise - I'm checking them out. If you have a blog telling of your adventures at any of these places, please share it.

[MBLittle]

Originally Posted by mrmac22448

We live in Virginia and sail in the Potomac River and the Chesapeake Bay. We've had lots of small boats - a Laser, Hobie 18s, a Columbia 23, Balboa 26, a Grampian 27 (I think), and have a Northern 25 now.

The dream adventure involves something more exotic than a US port.

We have very little offshore experience but have been sailing for many years.

Regarding the diesel mechanic - I wouldn't buy a sailboat with a gas engine and my ability with any kind of engine borders on nonexistent. I can barely change the spark plugs in our diesel engine (just kidding).

The Mexican towns have promise - I'm checking them out. If you have a blog telling of your adventures at any of these places, please share it.

Belize, Thailand and the Phillipeenes all have a large expat community and are very cheap.

[delmarrey]

As for a rental, you'll have to advertise where ever you may want the vessel. But it's a rare case to find someone willing to rent a boat other then barefoot charters.

[nimblemotors]

did you see this?

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ml#post1374886

[Pyromac]

Hi,
I've followed this couple up & down the coast of Mexico for the last couple of years. There blog can be found at: Looking for an inspiring RV blog or sail blog? Come escape with us!. Brilliant photography & beautifully written.

[hpeer]

Rio Dulce?

Never been there but sounds about right.