My life has taken a turn

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dcsnomo

Moderator
So you guys don't know me well, but about 15 years ago I developed a passion for blue water sailing. I even did an Atlantic crossing on a 37 ft Morgan. Pure bliss for 24 days!

When we quit corporate life and bought the motel we sold our boat. Since then I have relied on the kindness of friends to take me as crew. Two years ago the last friend sold his boat leaving all of us without a ride. So, I took up snowmobiling. Even bought my first new sled this year.

Just yesterday I took all my sailing stuff and listed it on ebay, figuring that chapter of my life had ended.

A half hour ago one of the old crew called. She is in the process of buying a fully rigged, locked and loaded Kelly Peterson 46 (it's on Yachtworld.com). The vessel is in Newport Beach, and needs to be in Florida in 90 days. She asked if I could help crew!!!

Well <font color="ff0000">&#149;</font><font color="ff0000">&#149;</font><font color="ff0000">&#149;</font><font color="ff0000">&#149;</font>, the motel closes in a week and it was a good year. Boy, life is strange sometimes! Keep your fingers crossed for me guys!
 
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2000sxr700

New member
Have fun Bruce, I know that feeling as well. My folks had a 58' Hatteras in West Palm Beach florida for 20 plus years. Going to the Bahamas a couple times a year was a blast. Like fcat said, chase and live the dream.
 
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booondocker

New member
There's noth'n quite like the soft slapping of the waves on the hull of a boat, with a nice steady light breeze keeping the sails full and the boat leaning...wind in your face, no sounds or vibrations save for a shroud that should have been tweaked a bit earlier in the year. Sneaking along like a thief in the night. And then....

Sunset..... Sort of brings tears to your eyes, eh?

Bona Petite, mon amie

Don't forget your safety harness, and life jacket.
 
F

frnash

Active member
<font color="0000ff">booondocker:
"Bona Petite"</font>?
"Un petite bona"?
happy.gif

vs. (French) bon appétit, from bon ("good") + appétit ("appetite"), used to wish someone enjoyment of the meal they are about to eat.
 
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dondoo

New member
All this sounds wonderfull. But I am not into sailing but would like to try it some day. For me going mach 36 with my hair (whats left) on fire. Hearing the sound of a pair of big blocks running at red line on the tach. Whew brings back memories of me befor kids. ha ha ha.


Live it up, probly a trip that you should't miss..

doo
 
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dcsnomo

Moderator
Thanks guys, I appreciate the good luck wishes. She made the offer on the boat today, now we wait. The four crew from the Atlantic crossing are all waiting.
Reminds me of a line from the Blues Brothers..."We're putting the band back together."

I'll keep you posted.
 
C

canon

Member
I made that trip back in 74.

If you asked me to do it again
at almost 50 Y.O I say..

NO WAY MAN..been there done that!

But..

It was a trip of a life time, you should
feel very fortunate for the opportunity.

I would Imagine once you get to the
canal zone you will want off of that
nice yacht and back into the comforts
of civilized life!

The canal zone is pretty cool you will
need to hire a pilot and take some line
handling lessons before they will let you
go through.

When your at the Balboa Yacht Club waiting
to pass through the canal there will be a 18
ft tide... its unreal.
I recommend getting the supplies you need
to cross the Caribbean Sea in Panama and
not Colon,a better selection of perishable
foods can be had in Panama..

Colon a interesting place you can get just
about any thing you want there!

Once you leave port you will head across
the Caribbean Sea do North right into the
prevailing trade wind, be prepared to take
a beating in 30 ft swells 24 hours a day
for about 5 day's.

I would head for the Dominica Republic
and relax and say you made it.

It's NOW that your voyage will become
very enjoyable..

Of course you could sail to the West
and work your way North but that
ads several weeks to the Voyage.

You have sailed in 30 ft swells right?

Be EXTREMELY careful out at Sea, you
cannot screw up, you don't want to
break any bones or cut your self or
get sick... trust me you do not want
to go to any hospitals out of this
country..

Enjoy the Voyage!

M
 
K

kevisip

New member
WOW, sounds fun. Anytime on the water is a good time. I will be in Florida in 2 days playing on the water. Go fish!
 
S

snake

Member
may not have this 100% correct but= "gotta full tank of gas,half a pack of cigs., and we're wearing sunglasses; HIT IT "
 
C

confusion_900

Member
That is great <font color="ff0000">&#149;</font><font color="ff0000">&#149;</font><font color="ff0000">&#149;</font><font color="ff0000">&#149;</font><font color="ff0000">&#149;</font> Make sure to send pics into J D site for us
 
B

booondocker

New member
Fr

appetit (craving something)
bon (good or nice)
mon (pronoun singular possessive "my")
amie (masculine, feminine "friend")

spelling (french...not so good)
 
M

mark_e_hastings

New member
Sailing is awsome, it's my second most favorite thing to do that doesn't envolve a motor. Heck, I don't know anything about sailing and I would do it.

Good Luck
 
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