Ahoy from Dallas

[2manyboats]

Setting sail on the journey of finding a suitable cruising sailboat now. Have sailed boats from Dolphin Sr. and Hobie Cats to racing 40 footers that were not mine. Chartered carib sailing cats and monos in the 40' plus range. Also own various motorboats, small sailboats, kayak, etc... While I may seem conflicted in my boat allegiances (right tool for the right job), I really love the cruising cats. So there...

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, 2.

[Waterway Guide]

Welcome aboard! Hope you find the right fit!

[Ocean Girl]

Welcome aboard. A very good friend of mine built the Dolphin Sr ( his brother designed it). I've heard many a stories about him screaming across the lake in those boats :-)
Have fun looking for your boat.
Erika

[2manyboats]

Screaming across the warm Gulf waters between Bay St. Louis and Cat Island on the Dolphin Sr. is how I fell in love with sailing. Purchased new in 1968, she was my Dad's teaching platform for us kids. Her simple lateen rig, pull up centerboard, latching ice chest and virtual unsinkability served us many years. Old and bearing the marks of many fond memories, she was finally lost during Hurricane Rita on the coast of Louisiana in 2005.
Charlie

[Zeb]

Welcome aboard CF.

- Zeb

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha and welcome aboard!
Good to have you and your experience here.
kind regards,

[2manyboats]

To Mike: Since I am not a trusted member, I was not allowed to reply to your PM, so:

Thanks for the info, Mike. All boats are compromises, whether sail, power or paddle. The right tool for the right job. Not having yet landed on exactly what the job is, the options for tools is wide, although narrowed by dollars. I enjoy single handing, but appreciate sailing as a social art. A quiet anchorage is food for the soul, but the boisterous company of family and friends is what life is about. This is a really abstract question, but how many family and good friends and for how long can a Gemini support? A long weekend for 6 or week for 4? The other questions of ocean going are easily answered; something 40' or more with a high bridge deck...there's where the dollars come in. Thanks for your response!

[2manyboats]

Thanks, Skpr John!