Guess we are buying a boat

[BenYork]

Well, the boat delivery is in October. We are in Europe, having a nice summer in the mountains as we wait for the boat to be done. The build process has been relatively painless so far. This spring we joined on as crew on an Outremer 51 and sailed from Panama to French Polynesia. We had a great time, and the experience reinforced the idea that we have made the correct decision. Our plan, after receiving the boat in Lorient, is to sail across the Bay of Biscay (in winter- that’ll be fun) and into the Med. We will try to spend much of winter in Tunisia to reset our Schengen clock and then work our way back west throughout the next season. We are slowly squaring away all the bits and pieces that we need for the brand new boat, and can’t wait to begin shaking her down. We are making an effort to document what we are doing. Learning a bunch from Cruisers Forum and other forums.

[BenYork]

Well, we are in France now waiting for the boat to be finished. Delivery is in October, and we will sail it from Lorient down through the Med and spend part of winter in Tunisia. That ought to be an exciting shake down cruise. This spring we crewed on an Outremer 51 from Panama to French Polynesia. This was a great time, and reinforced that our decision was the right one. Last year we sold all our houses and things in the US and are now living pretty light until we move aboard the boat. Thanks to all of you for the encouragement, it has been a process building this boat and making the decision to go all in. We are beyond excited to get aboard and start sailing our own boat!

[Tupaia]

Great choice hope all goes well with the new boat.

Biscay in October can be a nasty place. Don't be in a rush and wait for good (reasonable) weather before starting a crossing.

Be aware also of the current threat of orca attacks on route from there to the Med, numerous "new" cats are arriving in Gibraltar or being towed into ports along the way with damaged and broken rudders. Sign up for information at www.orcas.pt and you will get a feel for the situation, attacks currently occurring as far north as Brittany.

Enjoy the journey.