Hello from Punta Gorda, FL

[Sailingketch]

Hello Everyone!

I'm a new sailor and still learning the ropes although my wife owned a sloop in San Francisco for 10 years. Me? I started when she bought me a spot in an ASA 101 class three years ago and from there I was hooked. After half a dozen classes I knew I was in this forever.

We recently bought an old classic ketch and are now fixing it up. Our goal is to sail the Gulf of Mexico, the Keys, and the Caribbean. My wife is retired but I am still working to make another man rich. That won't be forever, however, and sooner or later we will be taking longer and longer cruises.

Our ketch came with no manual so I am writing one now. I'm describing every piece of equipment, every circuit breaker, and every valve. I've learned a lot by doing this. I have extensive experience with aircraft maintenance but not with boats but I find they share a lot in common.

We don't plan on circumnavigating the globe but certainly look forward to many enjoyable overnight sails to peaceful places. We very much look forward to meeting many of you along the way!

[Unwritten]

Congratulations on the new purchase. I'm sure you'll have a blast learning everything.

[Dixiechicken25]

We are looking to sail to the Keys and Tortugas. We have a Hunter25 bought it from someone one on McDill Airforce Base sailed it to Cape Coral. We are in love with it now.

[HopCar]

Welcome aboard! You certainly picked a nice area for overnight sails to peaceful places. You're also in a good starting point for the South Florida Loop.

[Dixiechicken25]

Yes we are. On our maiden sail we were fortunate to stay over in Venice.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Sailingketch, and Dixiechicken.