Hello from a Frozen Cornfield

[Badco_67]

Hi everyone, I've been on here for awhile trying to learn as much as I can for my "Dream" of sailing warmer climates. While the dream is still a long time in the making, I wanted to at least say hello.

Our family likes to spend our summers boating on the small lakes around us here in central Illinois, skiiing, tubing, boarding, etc. Mostly like the downtime it affords, once we settle in a cove for the day.

I've still got a few years to go to get the kids put through college, and then the plan is to spend at least our winter months on a S/V, most likely a catamaran.

I'm an ex Navy MM, and other than the small hobie cats I've played on a time or two, don't have any sailing experience. I would love to learn, but our lakes don't have much sailing action on them.

Regards,

Sean

[BlueBuddha]

Welcome to CF! We are based in Michigan and there are several others from the frozen Midwest here on cf, including some from Illinois (e.g., returntoseasons.com). Best of luck on your journey!


Sent from my iPhone using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[Strait Shooter]

Welcome.....
If you're ever in my area, feel free to hit me up and we'll see if we can't raise a sail or two.
Good luck, and keep the dream alive however you have to.


John

[Badco_67]

thanks for the welcome guys

[Prflyer]

Hello and welcome, a newbie here myself, learn to sail also on Hobie's my experience has been its easier on the big boats, slower movements than hobies so keep the dream alive!

[Jim Cate]

G'Day Badco, and welcome to CF!

As one who escaped from Chicago in 1955, I sympathize with your desire for warmth.
If you really want to get started, there are lots of very small "cartopper" sailboats that are useful on small lakes... things like the common Sunfish and many others. Not very dear, easily cartopped or trailered, and plenty of fun to learn on... and you can just stick them in the barn in the winter!

Whatever route you choose, get sailing when the frost melts this year, and enjoy getting hooked.

Jim

[gts1544]

Sounds like my autobiography here. Grew up in Duluth, MN. Learned to sail on a Hobie 14 in the Atlantic off of Puerto Rico. Upgraded to a Morgan 25. Now sailing REGGAE, a group sloop, 41' Beneteau in the BVI's. Hardest boat to sail well was the Hobie - the Beneteau the easiest! gts1544 - George