Visit our Popular Forums

GC8Steve · 09-04-2022, 19:30

Hello,

TL;DR- noob starting off with sailing courses, would love to meet friends to gain experience, planning boat purchase in a few years when kids are older and ultimately would like to do some extended traveling with the family.

I'm Steve from Northern VA. About an hour west of Annapolis.

Had my eyes opened to the world of cruising years ago when I spent a week aboard a 50ish foot Ketch sailing around the Florida keys in scouts at the Florida National High Adventure Sea Base.

My sailing experience is limited, with just small boat sailing a hand full of times since then. Currently I've got my hands full with a toddler, another on the way, and a small business. So owning a boat isn't practical for another 2-3 years.

In the meantime I'm taking a 4 day ASA101 course this summer. With plans to take a few more formal courses ahead of getting a boat. And hopefully meeting some people in the community who will be willing to have me out to crew a bit here and there. Unfortunately I don't have any friends or family in the sailing community.

I'd like to get something that we can spend extended periods of time on as a family of four. Anything more specific than that would be getting ahead of myself. I'll keep it here in the Chesapeake Bay for a few years to learn, build experience, and fit the boat out for extended cruising. Then when kids are older, we're considering taking some time off for extended travels.

I'm a former machinist and custom metal fabricator (now running a design and consulting business). I have experience with engines, electrical, plumbing, mechanical systems, and rigging. I generally love to fix and maintain things, and miss getting my hands dirty. So I gather a boat will put my background and hobby to good use.

I've lurked here on CF here many times in the past and figured I'd say hello now that the first steps of the longer term plan have been set in motion.

Cheers