Introducing a Cruising virgin

[Tony Horne]

Hi all.
I made the bold decision last year to retire, I am 59, and follow my dream. I sold my house and most of my possessions, which was really liberating, and am writing this in Colon, Panama as I am here to view a Leopard 42 which, all being well, I will take ownership of in early August. I have sailed for over 20 years although not continuously. I have recently to gain more experience and done delivery as crew from St Lucia to Europe and Sweden to Netherlands.
I qualified as yacht master theory in1997 (before eletronics!). I have cruised in Thailand and Maldives on holiday and completed the Fastnet in 1999. I have done dinghy and various craft over the years. I am single so will be looking for people to join my adventure.
My aim is to spend about a year in the Caribbean then head west to Polynesia and complete a circumnavigation. I am excited and terrified in equal measure!!
I have a few questions which I would really appreciate some thoughts on.
1) I plan to initially cruise in the San Blas. Does anyone have a cruising route and tips.
2) What's the some of the best sites etc to find people to join me.
3) Any tips for a newbie?
Cheers
Tony

[Celestialsailor]

Welcome to the forum Tony. It sounds like you are doing it right. Your experience and mind set will be a real asset to the forum.

[Tony Horne]

Hi
Thanks, I suspect I currently have everything to learn and little to teach. You know the old saying - we have 2 ears and 1 mouth for a reason :-)

[kapnd]

59 year old virgins are a rare commodity in these times, be careful out there, it’d be real easy to loose your (ahem!) status.

[Tony Horne]

LoL we live in hope ��.

[JPA Cate]

Welcome Aboard CF, Tony.

Fair winds.

Ann

[AllenRbrts]

On the San Blas, get the Panama cruising guide if you don’t already have it. The charts are worth their weight in gold.ATTACH]261456[/ATTACH]

[Tony Horne]

Thanks I will try and get this. Out of print on amazon, but will see other options.

[AllenRbrts]

Originally Posted by Tony Horne

Thanks I will try and get this. Out of print on amazon, but will see other options.

weird, I see that Amazon has 20 in stock, maybe a different revision? https://www.amazon.com/Bauhaus-Panam.../dp/B00RWTR76C
If you are in Panama, I think Shelter Bay Marina has the book too.

[Q Xopa]

Eric is mostly found not far away at Linton Bay. He should be able to help you if you are having trouble. I've also seen them In most of the Panama City Chandlers.

[Adelie]

Welcome.

I would suggest updating your profile with your general location and your boat make & model or “Looking” in the "Boat" category. This info shows up under your UserName in every post in the web view. Many questions are boat and/or location dependent and having these tidbits under your UserName saves answering those questions repeatedly. If you need help setting up your profile then click on this link: https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums...ml#post3308797

I would happily help more if the link above is not enough.

[Tony Horne]

Thanks Adelie I will do that.

[Tony Horne]

Cheers