Switched from Power to Sail - Now...

[dergon]

Greetings all.

Wonderful site here. What a stockpile of wisdom and info!

I just got my new (to me) 1985 Tartan 34 into the water and with my fiance Elisabeth (who talked me into getting rid of the pwoerboat) I plan to start developing the skills and experience necessary to consider a cruising life when my work life winds down a bit. (I'm 42 now, so that's a *long* way off). Until then it will be daysailing here on Lake Erie and the occasional long weekend.

Looking forward tochatting with you and learning what I can.

Thanks

pete/dergon

[TaoJones]

Welcome to Cruisers Forum, Pete. Good to have you here.

When I first saw your sig, the first thing that popped into my head was this:

http://www.super-8-hobby.de/petes-dragon1.jpg

If you stick with it, Lake Erie can make you a very competent sailor, I think. I understand there can be some real challenges to sailing there.

So, did you opt for sail just to please your significant other? Or were you heading in that direction anyway? Whatever the case, good luck to the two of you on the Tartan. I'm sure you will have a lot of fun exploring the Great Lakes.

Again, welcome aboard.

TaoJones

[dergon]

Thanks --I am a D&D nerd from way back into the 70's so........



And I was definately moving toward sailing. But she hooked me by iving me a "learn to sail" 1 week charter in the BVI on a CSY37 for my 40th B-day. While I was there I got to spen some time with my cousins who live aboard out of Tortola.....game over.

Then I wanted to get my ASA certs. So I got 101/103/104/114 and here I am. Some certifications with little practical knowledge and a boat to get down Lake Erie to Cleveland next weekend.

[Hud3]

Originally Posted by dergon

T...I was definately moving toward sailing. But she hooked me by giving me a "learn to sail" 1 week charter in the BVI on a CSY37 for my 40th B-day...

Yep, that usually does it, alright!

Welcome aboard, Pete! Hope you find what you need here.

[Ex-Calif]

Originally Posted by dergon

And I was definately moving toward sailing. But she hooked me by iving me a "learn to sail" 1 week charter in the BVI on a CSY37 for my 40th B-day.

just make sure she remembers the origin when you sell everything and move aboard - LOL...

Welcome to the CF - Have fun!

[imagine2frolic]

WELCOME,

Sometime in the future I will go from sailing to powering. That's when I am too old, and tired to hoist a sail. Your fiance sounds like a sneaky little creature.. I have to admit she did pull you in the correct direction.......i2f

[gonesail]

what I like most about sailing (as compared to powering) is that you can have a conversation under way without screaming. plus if your motor won't start you can still get home.

[dergon]

Originally Posted by gonesail

what I like most about sailing (as compared to powering) is that you can have a conversation under way without screaming.

that is *exactly* it.

Thanks for the warm welcome, all.

[dergon]

Originally Posted by imagine2frolic

WELCOME,

Sometime in the future I will go from sailing to powering. That's when I am too old, and tired to hoist a sail.

I was amazed at how many couples in their at least 70's were cruising around just two of 'em.

I'm hopeful that I can pick up enough tricks of the trade over the next couple decades to be able to work around the future failing of muscles and joints. Plus.....there's always technology to come to the rescue.

[Dave the Canuck]

Welcome!

I made the power to sail transition a few years back and haven't regretted it a bit. (Except for the going really, really slow part). Conversations can be had without shouting, as earlier stated and, of course, you have a lot more time for them.

Seriously, though, I hope you'll enjoy "pitching for the other team".

[Dockhead]

Hey, welcome to the Blow Boat Fraternity!

But seriously, sail is the only way to go on the ocean. A given size sailboat is 5x more stable and seaworthy than the same size stinkboat, and has essentially unlimited range. So if you want to tackle an ocean -- how else would you do it?

[imagine2frolic]

Originally Posted by Dockhead

Hey, welcome to the Blow Boat Fraternity!

But seriously, sail is the only way to go on the ocean. A given size sailboat is 5x more stable and seaworthy than the same size stinkboat, and has essentially unlimited range. So if you want to tackle an ocean -- how else would you do it?

With a MULTIHULL!.....i2f

[scook1]

welcome to the good guys. One day you will thank your fiance, and then one day she might blame herself for starting everything. Welcome!

[dergon]

Alright then. Off we go.

We're bringing the boat down the Lake today. It's only about 40 miles from Vermillion to Cleveland, but it is long enough to get my anxiety going. (It *is* the longest sail of my life thus far).

Looks like we have good wind and bright sun with a bit of a chill on Lake Erie.

A crew of more experienced friends should prevent me from having to post in "The Sailor's Confessional"...................... *crosses his fingers*

[Hud3]

You'll do fine, Pete. Fair winds!