drpete Posted November 5, 2008 Report Share Posted November 5, 2008 I am in the process of a change of life. I don't want to be the person that I am or continue the life that I have. I have always loved the sea as both a fisherman and now an avid scuba diver. i have never sailed. I am seriously considering selling my apartment and heading up the Coral Coast (I'm in Brisbane) to maybe Lady Musgrave or further. I am looking at buying a multihull because a friend of mine who is a boat builder says that they are easy to handle single handed, draw less and you can beach them for repairs or maintenance. I'm thinking of going 25-32 feet as all the advice I'm receiving points me this way. I can simplify my life to adapt to life on the water no problem. I guess my question is; how hard is it to really learn how to sail competently a boat of that size? I have spoken to a few people who say it's not that hard but i really wanted to canvass a wider range of people. I realize that I will need to do a lot of bay sailing with someone who knows how before trying to go offshore. Also, how much money should I keep liquid for living expenses? I don't mean, tell me all your horror stories of what can go wrong, just the basic sort of stuff that it's prudent to be prepared for. I realize that I am green and haven't sailed or lived on board a boat for any real time before (except three day dive boat stints) but I am determined not to be a slave for the rest of my life (I'm 39) and I know that this lifestyle will suit me. Whether I'm diving or fishing, when I'm on the water it just feels right. Always has. I just need to research what I'm getting myself in to and work out the kinks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bad dog Posted November 5, 2008 Report Share Posted November 5, 2008 Well Dr Pete, I admire your spirit. You can do anything - the hardest part is deciding to. Once that's done, the rest is just organisation and perseverance. Oh - and money! I reckon the advice about bay sailing is spot on though - on as many different boats as you can. Good luck mate, look forward to hearing your progress. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pepsi1234 Posted November 5, 2008 Report Share Posted November 5, 2008 There are always plenty of books to read, with lots of information. i think the biggest question is what type of boat you will buy, considering that it will be your home. i myself would not go under 30 feet and if your new to sailing keep under forty. Remember this will now be home you dont want to be stuck in a sardine can, and who knows who might join you later in life, and that's what its about,,you never know whats around the corner ENJOY............ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bad dog Posted November 6, 2008 Report Share Posted November 6, 2008 There was a good blow on Monday evening in Pittwater right in the middle of the twilight race. If only we had reefed 5 minutes earlier it would all have been so much easier, nonetheless we got 2nd reef in 3 or 4 minutes, with two of us working hard, even though it is all done from the cockpit in the Dragonfly 920 tri. We were also only one of three boats to finish - but no bragging here (apart from which - pride goeth...) The previous big cat I sailed on (Crowther 48) the same manouver would have taken 4 big blokes and probably twice as long, and been one helluvalot scarier. So the decision hangs on finding the balance between length for liveability, especially in a tri (cats offer more room/meter) - and ease of handling, which is easier in a smaller boat. Bigger boats handle the chop from the SE trades better. Smaller boats are easier to get in and out of tight or shallow anchorages. And so it goes... I wish I had the money to be agonising over this for myself! (Deduce that I own neither of the boats mentioned above) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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