Desperately Seeking Sailing...from North Alabama

[AUspiciousAU]

Hello! I just wanted to introduce myself. I've been dreaming about sailing for the past two years. I grew up next to the Tennessee River in north Alabama. I spent a lot of time on the water fishing and skiing, but never sailing. Having cruised The Bahamas a few times, spent a lot of time at the beach, and seeing folks sailing on the river, I really feel like it's something I would enjoy.

One of my pals has a 25' Hunter but I've only been out on it once, although I enjoyed it thoroughly. I'd like something similar to keep in a slip on the river...something that I could take down to the Gulf of Mexico and do some coastal cruising, maybe even down to the keys or over to The Bahamas.

I noticed there is a "crew wanted" section of the forums. I have no idea how common this is, but I'd appreciate the opportunity to crew a boat for a couple weeks and provide labor in exchange for sailing knowledge and experience.

Anyway, I look forward to chatting it up with some of you and learning anything you have to share. Thanks!

AUspiciousAU

[Ocean Girl]

Wow, free labor! Welcome aboard! I hope you find your way to the sea.

I did something very similar when I was younger. I went around just talking to sailors/boaters, anyone who would listen to me. Finally someone gave me a job watching/ light repar/cleaning a line of brokerage boats. In exchange for my labor, a bunk aboard a brokerage boat of my choice. My first boat of choice was a huge 50foot Columbia. I remember practicing my knots every night, reading whatever books that id find aboard.
Anyways, keep the faith, keep searching. Your path will open up, in fact, it probably already has. So your adventure starts now :-)

Cheers
Mrs. rain Dog

[iSaint]

You give away your age with the clever thread title. And your college allegiance with the user name.

Welcome to CF. I moved to the Mississippi Gulf Coast from North Mississippi five years ago. Much easier to sail when you live here already!

[Lespilot57]

I would have responded except for that dang AU name !!! LOL. Roll Tide !!!

Welcome aboard and good luck !!!

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha and welcome aboard!