Visit our Popular Forums

johneri1 · 19-12-2007, 12:51

My name is Eric Johnsen and I have been lurking about this forum for a couple of days trying to gain an understanding of how it works. So: Hi to you all.

I split time between Pocatello, ID (landlocked and really cold) and Newport, OR where I am closing a deal on a Newport 30. I probably need a lot of help; the last sailing I did with regularity was as a kid in an El Toro (I believe they still race those tipsy little suckers). I am cruising toward an early retirement, but am married to a workaholic--to be continued. I think 30 feet will do for a while. . .I think. I solicit all applicable advice! Thanks.

**Ex-Calif** · 19-12-2007, 19:38

Hi John! Welcome aboard. You'll find all sorts of great conversation going on here.

Like you I sailed as a kid and got back into it about 18 months ago. It will all come back pretty quick. I took a refresher keelboat course and have been learning ever since.

We ended up with a small "starter" boat and average 2 days a week on the water.

Lot's of very experienced folks around here.

johneri1 · 19-12-2007, 20:16

Thanks for the encouragment. Once I get to the coast full time I plan lots of time on the water. Until then, I gotta pick my moments. Are you really an ex-Californian? (Me too: Bay area; Laguna Beach; Modesto; and finally Mt Shasta) How about you?

jack7382 · 20-12-2007, 05:39

welcome to the board Eric,

johneri1 · 20-12-2007, 07:56

Thank you very much!

SkiprJohn · 20-12-2007, 10:45

Aloha Eric,
Welcome aboard!! Good to have you here. Yes, they still race El Toros and they are still lots of fun if you can bend around to fit in them.
I almost bought a Newport 30 back in the late 80s. Really a roomy 30 footer.
I'm an original Oregonian and spent some time in the Bay area while in the Navy, and of course, San Diego. Just stayed at Castle Crags campground near Shasta this past September. Nice area.
Ask lots of questions if you are in the mind to.
Kind Regards,
JohnL

johneri1 · 20-12-2007, 12:24

Thanks for the welcome John! I will ask a bunch. By the way, we just looked at a Cascade up in Portland--really nice appointments, looks well-built. Thanks again!

**Ex-Calif** · 22-12-2007, 23:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by johneri1

Are you really an ex-Californian? (Me too: Bay area; Laguna Beach; Modesto; and finally Mt Shasta) How about you?

SoCal. Born in MLK Hospital in Anaheim. Grew up in Upland in the 60's and Australia in the 70's. Dad still in Upland and a brother in Yorba Linda.

I sorta left when it became impossible to find people who were actually Native Californians - Lotsa transplants. Now I can't afford to go back nor really want to.

Been living in Asia since 1984.

The rest of us (9 brothers and sisters) are scattered to the winds...

Southern Star · 23-12-2007, 05:28

Hi Eric,

As I recall the Newport 30 was designed by C&C and, as a consequence, should sail very well.

Brad

geordieschmalz · 25-12-2007, 09:55

Welcome to the forum, Eric.

Small world, we are on E dock at the South Beach Marina, if the Newport 30 you are looking at is the same one I admire walking past it several times a day. This Newport has been well-cared for, the current owner knows his stuff.

Geordie

johneri1 · 25-12-2007, 17:57

Hi Geordie,

Although Bob wants to keep his slip, we will find one close by, so we will likely end up neighbors; it's good to meet you online, Geordie. I hope we meet face-to-face soon. I was planning a trip over in mid-January if it will stop snowing in Idaho long enough (this is our 18th white Christmas. . . .ba-humbug!)

johneri1 · 25-12-2007, 18:25

Geordie, what do you know about the Emarcadero?

( sorry about the double post)

**Pblais** · 25-12-2007, 19:56

My neighbor down the block has a Newport 30. I chartered one in Mexico several times too. Sailing is mostly about showing up. The details tend to work themselves out quick enough. Stay within your limits and your limits will grow. Go beyond and your sailing may be shortened.

Lots of things to learn from here too. Enjoy your time on line here. Always lots of folks to help out.

geordieschmalz · 26-12-2007, 23:12

We have heard only bad things about Embarcadero, break-ins and rowdy people, not to mention the sea lions hanging out on the west end of the jetty. They set up quite a racket all night long; I think they sleep during the day. We can hear them over at South Beach, and I can't imagine what its like over there.

Having said that, one of Hallie's cousins stays on his boat 3 nights a week at Embarcadero, and he is a sheriff. He says its ok most of the time, but he hasn't had any problems. Summer weekends can get loud, but part of that is proximity to the bars.

We have the Rogue brewery and restaurant here, as well as their distillery with a small pub right at the entrance to B Dock, a much quieter, older crowd. Hal and I feel pretty young compared to the other sailboat owners.

Prices are low, I don't know what Embarcadero is charging, but an annual lease cost us only $1,500, including electricity. Free wi-fi too, but you need a signal enhancer if you are out as far as we are, near the end of the dock.

Docking is pretty easy, and the prevailing wind pushes you away from the upwind slip, my preference, so the boat isn't banging into the dock all night. There is a waiting list for the downwind slips, I understand, the powerboaters want docking to be as easy as possible.

I hope these observations are helpful, and welcome to Newport! We will likely be in Newport ourselves during January, tho we have a ski trip planned for the end of Jan./early Feb.

Geordie