Hello

[Jim Thomsen]

After seeing "why not make your first post today" so many times I am finally doing it.

I used to sail in the 1970's and owned a couple of boats in Marina Dey Rey, CA. Then I worked too much for 30 years, the last 6 in Europe.

But the cruising dream as always been there and finally came true this year. We purchased a 40' boat in the Netherlands, I retired and we moved on in April. Over the past 7 months we have explored the Netherlands, sailing about 1250 miles...but mostly learning to sail and feel comfortable. Next Spring our plan is to head south, looking for warm water and sunny skies.

Jim & Katie
Tenaya

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha Jim and Katie,
Welcome aboard!! Good to have you here. Its a great place to learn. When in the Navy I visited the Netherlands several times and found it to be a wonderful place. Will you be heading into the Med?
Kind Regards,
JohnL

[Jim Thomsen]

Hello John,
The Netherlands is a wonderful place, with really wonderful people (most speak English which helps a lot!).
The plan is to head for the Med. Not sure yet whether we will follow the coasts of France & Spain or the south coast of England and then cross the Bay of Biscay. But we need to sail somewhere outside the European Union within 18 months to avoid paying VAT tax on the boat, so morocco will probably be our goal.

[swagman]

Hi Jim,
Welcome to the forum. If you want some company on your trip south then maybe consider joining the annual World Cruising Clubs Rally Portugal. It leaves the UK end May, and you end up in Lagos on the Portuguese Algave only a short distance from Morocco end June.
We've done this event twice and found it good company and great value - the cost of entry is less than you'd pay for marina fees over the month's trip. Their web site is www.worldcruising.com.
Enjoy the forum - we do - and hope to see you on the water sometime.
JOHN

[Jim Thomsen]

Thanks John,
We are considering the Rally Portugal and as soon as they return from the start of the ARC I will ask more questions and then maybe sign up. It's a big step for us, since we have never done an overnight passage. I know the value is good but if you have done it twice you must think it's a very good decision.
Looked at your not-boring blog and will return to read more. It's not boring, by the way. I plan to also add an ICOM 802 this winter (USA price $2175 w/AT, but installed in Europe) and have signed up for the same classes in California (our winter break).
I will ask you more questions about the Rally Portugal later, that's OK. And maybe we will pass each other next September.
We also have a boring website, except we have only sailed the Netherlands: www.tenayatravels.com

Jim

[Charlie]

Welcome aboard Jim:

You've got the boat I wanted but couldn't afford. Anyway this is a great site with lots of infomation.

[swagman]

Hi Jim,
Don't hesitate to email direct if you wish - john.allison@erauk.net.
Cheers
JOHN

[josef]

Hi Jim Am also planning to go Morocco in March for VAT reasons.Currently near Gib. Plan to stay about 6 weeks before returning Med.Any suggestions good moorings? Med or Atlantic coast. Cat draft 1.3m Thanks Josef