Hey There Folks!

[SeaTurtleDreamr]

Hi everybody!

I'm new to the community. I've been thinking and dreaming of living on a boat since I was 16 years old whether it was a cruiseship job, dishwasher in the galley somewhere or just living in a houseboat. I am deeply moved and inspired by water and long to be in it's presence always. I have been on a boat a few times but I don't have any real nautical experience. I'm in the learning process now and with my finances moving upward am seriously of thinking of taking the plunge in this wonderful direction. I went to culinary school, am a writer, singer, public speaker and entrepreneur and I'm honored to be apart of such a passionate community.

Thanks in advance for your support and answering all of my questions ... as I will have many

See you on the other side!

[nes]

Welcome aboard!
So, if you want to get into boating but don't know where to start, I have a few suggestions.
1. Find your local US POWER SQUADRON (weblink here: Home ) Check them out. It will be a bunch of people who are into boating and doing it safely. They will have a variety of courses like boating safety, navigation, basic diesel engine maintenance etc. This will give you an opportunity to meet like minded people and maybe even get to go out with them, helping you decide if you want sail or power.
2. Walk around the local marina, find the postings about races, many times someone is looking for "rail meat" or grinders to help sail the race boats. No money involved, but experience in how to race a sail boat, and again the contacts.
3. Look for the ads in the local paper for the same thing as #2 above.
4. Look for the Coast Guard Auxiliary same as #1 above.
5. GET INVOLVED.

[captain58sailin]

Welcome to the forum SeaTurtleDreamr.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, SeaTurtleDreamer.