tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83992228330213709832024-03-13T06:27:42.117-07:00Sailing Sabbatical - Planning our escapeFollow us as we plan to travel around the world by cruising sailboat.This blog will be interactive as we ask those in the sailing community and those who are seeking the same lifestyle to join in and comment on there experiences as we explore topics relating to plans for purchasing and outfitting a cruising sailboat, learning the skills from novice to sailor, and finally untying the dock lines and changing our occupation to world traveler as we set out to circumnavigate the globe.Chris and Amanda Julyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15409491482155057499noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8399222833021370983.post-21578897176597544892017-09-20T17:33:00.002-07:002017-09-20T17:34:05.704-07:00Time to start Blogging again!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Presenting The S/V SEA GLASS</td></tr>
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It has been a long 8 months since we last posted. It's not that we didn't want to post but that we were really kind of in a waiting mode and there has been very little to post. Both of us have continued our 9-5 lives working and once we bought the boat we spent the remaining time working on projects to make it and ourselves ready ready. For the most part we have kept our friends and family up to date on this blog's Facebook page which I will try to condense a little of here.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the Yard for the Out of the water Survey</td></tr>
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So I had to fly down to Puerto Vallarta to do my inspection and survey to finalize the deal. I found the owner had already had her hauled and a fresh coat of bottom paint was being applied. I brought in a new transducer and VHF radio which they quickly installed while my surveyor checked her out.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sea Trial on Banderas Bay</td></tr>
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After putting her back in the water we left the harbor to do our sea trial. There was a good swell but not much in the way of wind.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Survey Complete and Happy It's ours!</td></tr>
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After discussing with Amanda and receiving the details of the survey we decided to buy her. I finalized the purchase with the broker and flew back home.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The slip is all ready in San Diego. Just waiting for delivery from Puerto Vallarta. </td></tr>
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We were lucky to find an available slip for her in San Diego. All we could do now was to just wait for the seller to deliver her to us in San Diego. There were a lot of storms and weather but we got a call about a month later to come down to the slip "Our Ship had Arrived!"<br />
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The previous owner was amazing. She spent over 2 weeks on the delivery. When we came aboard she had flowers and Champagne waiting for us. Arriving the day before she had the oil changed and a complete detail service done.<br />
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The boat was in great condition as the previous owner had already completed a 3 year refit of her systems. We did need to fine tune her for our purposes. We put in a new Radar and Chartplotter, Returned her back to her original cutter rig by adding a new roller furling stay-sail with running back stays. A very talented shipwright repaired her water damaged teak walls and cabinets with new teak veneer. We had the windless repaired that had broke on the delivery. Put in a new Range/Oven and repaired the cold plate refrigeration. Repaired the depth gauge, and are now in the middle of re-doing all new cockpit cushions and upholstery throughout.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Radar Display</td></tr>
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We went with Raymarine Electronics since it matched up with existing equipment.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Roller Furling Staysail<br />
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Our Sailboat is a Kelly-Peterson 44' Center Cockpit. It was originally built as a cutter. The previous owner took out the rigging and sail and sailed her as a sloop. We had to completely re-rig the Inner Stay and order a new custom sail restoring her back to a cutter which we prefer.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qM-sBKZT7Ts/WcMBQkYecTI/AAAAAAAAK6o/2O2ody8UKLYNjt1976EcRAjv6VDcdsbfgCLcBGAs/s1600/19030367_10209385874863429_4429303711601233768_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qM-sBKZT7Ts/WcMBQkYecTI/AAAAAAAAK6o/2O2ody8UKLYNjt1976EcRAjv6VDcdsbfgCLcBGAs/s200/19030367_10209385874863429_4429303711601233768_n.jpg" width="200" /></a>While this work was being done to the boat we continued working and living. We had to sell all the furniture in the apartment once again and pack up the things we are going to keep before moving onto the boat. We got to enjoy being around family throughout the year. Enjoyed Easter celebrations at Amanda's sisters house, Attended the grand opening of my brothers new restaurant in Los Angeles and survived a bee hive on the bow.<br />
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We also got to fit in a weeks vacation the week after we moved aboard this summer. We loaded up the dinghy on a PWC trailer and headed to our vacation home on Lake Nacimiento in Paso Robles, CA. We relaxed as we did wine tastings among our favorite of the 300 wineries there. And enjoyed LakeTime too.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">THE BACK DECK AT OUR RANCH</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LAKE NACIMIENTO CALIFORNIA</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">JUSTIN VINEYARDS PASO ROBLES CALIFORNIA</td></tr>
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We both will be leaving our jobs here at the end of September in another week. And we are now 5 weeks from "UNTYING OUR DOCKLINES" and heading south. Follow us over the next month here and on YouTube as we spend the last month on final preparations.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We got the new name on her back side. Now to get off the old painted on name on her transom.</td></tr>
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Chris and Amanda Julyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15409491482155057499noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8399222833021370983.post-77460682132493337192017-01-22T09:01:00.000-08:002017-01-22T09:01:25.574-08:00We may have found our cruising home! Our Offer was Accepted!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Kelly Peterson 44' Center Cockpit Cutter Rig Sailboat<br />
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Well after quite a few weeks of inquirer and negotiation we have an agreement to purchase what we believe is our perfect cruising sailboat. After much deliberation and discussion, looking way outside our current area we discovered this fantastic opportunity! We really had not thought buying a sailboat over 1000 miles away in Mexico. But after exhausting the southern California region of available boats in our budget we had to go outside the box. So currently we are proud to announce that we are now under contract to purchase a boat we have never seen.<br />
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These boats are amazing cruising boats. You can find out a great deal of information at http://bluewaterboats.org/kelly-peterson-44/ for the whole story and we are very impressed. The current owner is a genuine USCG certified Captain who put her life and soul into refitting this boat for a circumnavigation over the last few years but in a twist of fate took a dream job to Captain a 100' Mega Yacht for it's owner for the next 5 years or this boat would not have come available on the market. We are so lucky to have found it. It's ready and equipped to go cruising now!<br />
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So after deciding to buy a boat that we had never seen, we made an offer. After a weeks negotiating we came to an agreeable price. We now have an agreement to purchase and we have paid the deposit. What is left now is to Fly down to Mexico from San Diego to do our final inspection , Sea Trail and Survey to make sure it is what we were told it was. So this week I'm going to do just that.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nuevo Vallarta Where the boat is docked now and has been since 2008</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1050 Nautical miles from San Diego</td></tr>
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It's not that easy to get to from San Diego as there are no direct flights. The two choices were to cross the boarder into Tijuana Mexico and fly from there or what I'm doing is to drive to Los Angeles to fly direct as I hate layovers.<br />
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I had to previously arrange to schedule the boat for the haul out and surveyor while I'm there.<br />
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The plan is if everything goes right and we decide to go ahead with the purchase that a delivery Captain and crew will bring the boat to San Diego as soon as weather will permit. I would most likely fly down again to come back with the boat. About a 10 day bash to weather. <br />
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I have also had to make plans to find a marina here in San Diego to dock the boat when it gets here and have spent the better part of the week looking over facilities and walking docks. San Diego is a very popular place for yachts and is very difficult to obtain a slip for a mid 40' boat. I also came across dockmasters who were not to keen on work being done to boats in there slip or the eventual fact that sometime soon we would be living on the boat as we prepped for sailing away. We finally locked in a good mooring which will allow us to do both of those things over the next 8 months. We are happy also with the amenity and location near all the chandlers shops, grocery stores and restaurants. So wish us luck. Here is a sneak peek at where we will be bring the boat to be our new home once the purchase is finalized. Stay tuned in as this story will certainly be continued.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shelter Island is the closest docking to the open Pacific Ocean within San Diego Bay</td></tr>
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<br />Chris and Amanda Julyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15409491482155057499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8399222833021370983.post-48625902211138073742017-01-12T13:00:00.000-08:002017-01-12T15:05:50.454-08:00Kicking it in full throttle this month looking for our perfect sailing yacht....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Wow, in hopes of seeing a sunset like that from the deck of our own boat soon we have been looking at sailboats like crazy these last few weeks. We have had to look at all kinds of boats to make sure we could get one comfortable for our sabbatical. We have probably looked at most of the boats we considered candidates that are available in southern California.<br />
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We looked at this just listed C&C Landfall 48 in Newport Beach, CA. These are fairly rare as only 24 were built. We liked the raised deckhouse that provided great visibility and where you could monitor radar/chartplotter and be in out of the elements. But we didn't like the rear cockpit where we couldn't figure out how we could give it shade. And looking at the lack of a lazarette & deck space aft for ease of boarding and having a place to hang out at anchor.<br />
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Then we went to Long Beach and San Pedro CA. to look at the next 2 yachts. This next one was an all original Celestial 48 center cockpit which we immediately fell in love with. This boat had the layout and space that we were looking for. We did not like the teak decks but they were in good shape for now. The owner of the last 15 years hasn't really done anything and it looked like it would take a lot of money and time to get her back to the condition we needed but at the price she could be bought for in comparison to what a yacht this size would cost today it was a tempting prospect.<br />
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The next boat the broker we were with exclaimed it would be the best he was saving for last. It was a Spindrift 43 in the rare center cockpit layout. If you have herd anything about the docks in the 9 square mile Wilmington section of the Los Angeles Harbor Region where this boat was located you will know it can only be described as a final resting place for broken dreams. After walking out through a sea of tied up derelict boats we came across the one shining light in this harbour. We were impressed with the overall condition we found this yacht to be in. and was even able to talk with it's owner. But after really spending time aboard this impressive double ender we knew it wasn't the boat for us.<br />
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We called it a day after traveling 4 hours round trip to look at 4 sailboats including a Morgan 41 that we immediately dismissed we needed to stop for a bite to eat and to talk over what we had seen. We stopped in Laguna Beach at The Cliff restaurant where dining on the Pacific Ocean were able to see the entire Catalina Island in the distance 27 miles away but it looked so close you could swim to it that night. We eat and watched the sun set before driving back to San Diego.<br />
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The next day we were surprised to see a new listing for a boat we had looked at two of before and I was planning to go to see another one in San Carlos, Mexico in a week. We liked the layout but the one we had seen a few weeks earlier in Marina Del Rey, CA although being in Bristol original condition with a good price was not equipped for offshore cruising. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">California Boat in Excellent Condition but no cruising equipment.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Irwin in San Carlos Mexico was loaded with cruising equipment.</td></tr>
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We immediately called the broker representing this boat excited to see a cruise equipped Irwin 38 (40.1' LOA) center cockpit. This would save a 22 hour roundtrip drive and the boat would be here in San Diego saving a $5K transportation expense, so we went to look at it. As a bonus the owner was there to talk with about the boat's equipment and history.<br />
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This boat was in great condition and we were instantly reminded how we loved the light, bright, well organised interior. The boat had a new cockpit enclosure, solar , etc. But we came off the boat instantly knowing we had been spoiled looking at 44' to 48' yachts and the safe living space they provided. Also we were not so sure how a 20k lb. boat with a 7K lb. keel would hold up in the open ocean after being saddled with all the food, equipment and gear we plan to have with us. We knew as soon as we got home we needed to take these Irwin's off our list. </div>
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So we end this 2 week period exactly where we started without the prospect of a boat. But the more we look, the more educated we become. And we know the right one will present itself at the right time. </div>
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Chris and Amanda Julyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15409491482155057499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8399222833021370983.post-50635163814031343622016-12-14T10:37:00.003-08:002016-12-14T10:37:59.780-08:00Another Year Passes - Much Progress is Made! <br />
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Here we are, already December 2016 and it's been almost a year since our last blog post. There probably was time that could have been made to keep up the blog on our progress although it never happened. Beginning January 1st we held garage sales and gave stuff to Charity. We put our house on the market for sale in mid February and thought we were on track with a sale May 1st. This buyer offered to buy the house furnished buying all our furniture. The deal fell thru but he left with all the furniture, that was a real help in the unclutter of our lives.<br />
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We bought a 15 x 8.5' cargo trailer to secure all our worldly possessions that we couldn't part with and everything had to fit. We hitched up our trailer and towed to the nearby RV resort where we would live we thought until we bought the boat.<br />
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We followed our plan and I sold my interest in the car dealership to my business partner Mir on April 30th.<br />
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I also sold both of my power boats including my much beloved and completely restored classic 1978 Sleekcraft 27' Ambassador.<br />
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On June 1st we towed our RV home and cargo trailer to San Diego, California. Amanda was able to transfer with her employer and we settled in to a new RV park 3 miles from the coast. Chris started selling cars to continue to feed the cruising kitty. We went to a boat show and looked at several brokerage boats during the summer while we were still waiting for our house to sell.<br />
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We had the realization that our plan to depart on our voyage would not be happening this year by October with our house still for sale back in Arizona. But as the Baja Ha-Ha fleet departed without us on November 1st we got an offer on the house and could finally begin planning to buy a boat so we could depart this time next year.<br />
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We are big believers in everything happening for a reason. The southbound fleet was caught in a late storm on the way to Cabo San Lucas with several boats knocked down and one boat crashed on the rocks ending that sailors dreams. Could that have been us? <br />
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We were also glad as it turned out that we would have a full year to be in San Diego as we have lots of family here. Also, we would have an opportunity to outfit and really get used to our new boat before we headed out on our voyage. We belong to a southern California Yacht charter club and were able to do some charter sailing to keep up our skills and enjoy the great San Diego weather. We also took a marine diesel maintenance course.<br />
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YEA!!!! On December 1st our house was finally sold. Back in July we were able to get into a rare 2 bedroom apartment became available in the RV park where we had been staying in the RV. We had hoped to move up to the boat from the 27' trailer which we found was simply too small to live in while working. Now that we are totally debt free we could once again look for our new cruising home.<br />
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We got excited about an 40' Irwin CC which seamed to be at a bargain price. After spending $2k on haulout and rig,engine and hull surveys we found out why and quickly backed out.<br />
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We fell in love once again with this completely cruise equipped Morgan 46' CC and quickly made a realistic offer to the owner after much research. Sadly, the seller was more in love with it then us and after going back and forth in negotiations wouldn't get to a price that we would have been comfortable with. So off we go still looking for the right one.<br />
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Looking back as we conclude the 5th year in our quest to begin our sabbatical we have reached most of the goals we originally set out and are light years away from where we began. We expect 2017 to be our year as we will find and refit our cruising home and untie the docklines next fall. Follow us thru the final countdown of our plan of escape.<br />
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<br />Chris and Amanda Julyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15409491482155057499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8399222833021370983.post-48244323924489642952015-12-27T17:22:00.001-08:002015-12-27T17:22:19.136-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>2016 New Years Resolution! The Next Step.</b></div>
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Well it's almost upon us...2016. A date we set forward over 4 years ago and it's time now to move on to the final part of our 5 year plan. Over that time we have learned how to sail, sailed the U.S. West Coast and Caribbean on charter yachts as both Captain and crew. We have studied and read everything we can get our hands on or find on the internet. We have gone to many Strictly sail and boat shows on both coasts, attending seminars and looking at boats and products. We have worked with brokers on both coasts looking thru numerous boats to visualize what will suite us best and have reviewed our wants and needs for a cruising boat with hours and hours of conversation together.</div>
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Looking out on San Diego harbor as the Baja-Ha-Ha fleet departed in 2012 from Cabrillo Monument in Point Loma for Mexico we knew we wanted to be participants in 2016. </div>
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<b>HARDIN 45' VOYAGER</b></div>
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Now it's time to take everything we have learned and select our cruising sailboat. To help our readers understand some of our decision making in what we are looking for we will briefly explain our must have's. A boat selection is a very personal experience and must be made individually for anyone based on your own set of comforts and what we want may not be what you will want. Our 1st early decision was to decide a preference for a mono-haul or catamaran. We decided based on our potential cruising grounds and budget to go with a mono-haul. Next we had to decide on a few other important features as follows:</div>
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<b>KEEL - </b>We chose a range from full length keel to no less then a modified fin keel. We wont be in a race.</div>
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<b>COCKPIT - </b>We will be looking for a center cockpit which will have a better suited interior space for us.</div>
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<b>SAIL PLAN - </b>We have decided on either a Ketch or Cutter rig to have more options then found on a sloop. We will want our lines lead back to the cockpit for safety but do not necessarily want a furling main.</div>
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<b>SIZE - </b>Knowing that we want at least 2 heads we will be looking over 40 ft but absolutely less then 55 ft.</div>
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<b>CUSTOM </b><b>JOMAR 55' by BRUCE ROBERTS</b></div>
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We chose to home port our new sailing home in San Diego, Ca. This is where we grew up and only a short drive from our current home in Arizona. This will restrict us to choosing a boat available from British Columbia, Canada thru the West coast of Mexico. Although if we found the right boat somewhere else for a price that would make since to pay for overland delivery it could be an option.</div>
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<b>MUST HAVE INTERIOR FEATURES:</b></div>
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It will be important that our boat be a floating home 1st but with features that will make it safe at sea as well. Our short list includes a private and roomy master stateroom with a head including a separate shower space. We will want the bunk to be a center-line queen as we will only sleep there in a marina or on the hook in favorable weather. For offshore we must have good sea berths in the saloon. A comfortable navigation station is also a must. We will be looking for a comfortable arrangement for guests in the second for cabin as we will be sleeping there also if moored in ruff weather when without guests. Any galley arrangement will be fine so that it's close to center of the boat and with good ventilation. We may not get it all but we certainly know what we would like.</div>
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<b>COCKPIT AND DECK FEATURES:</b></div>
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Sometimes greatly overlooked, we know the topsides is where we will spend most of our time. A comfortable cockpit that not only is a great work space offshore it must lend to comfortable living when moored. This is one of the reasons we chose to look for a center cockpit. We also will be looking for clear, wide deck space for ease of use when offshore and that will add living space at shore. Deep storage lockers will be a bonus as will space for safety equipment and alternative energy.</div>
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So what are some of the boats on the top of our list. Well although we are keeping an open mind to what we will find over the 1st half of next year that will be available for sale in our budget range the following brands have intrigued us.</div>
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GULFSTAR, ENDEAVOUR, IRWIN, HARDIN, AMEL, TAYANA, HYLAS, LAFITTE, MORGAN, BREWER, PEARSON, CT, VEGABOND, WESTWIND, Ect.</div>
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As we look for our future sailing home next year we will keep you posted on the likes and dislikes of the boats we find and how we will come up with a final choice. Stay tuned.</div>
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Chris and Amanda Julyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15409491482155057499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8399222833021370983.post-43157797081951145472015-08-24T13:04:00.000-07:002015-08-24T13:04:06.334-07:00Almost 2 years have gone by but were still working forward to 2016! Here's what we have been up too.<br />
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<strong><u>2 years since the last post. Where has all the time gone...</u></strong><br />
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In October of 2013 I opened a used car dealership with a long time friend as a co investor. Most of my time for the last 2 years has been spent in building up that business from scratch to a successful business that it is today.<br />
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We have also been cleaning out our home from a decade of purchases we will no longer need and wont want to store during our voyage. Making repairs and updates to the home so we can get a better price when we go to put it up for sale. Going from 3000 Sq. Ft to a cruising sailboat will be quite a challenge.<br />
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Our home on land </div>
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We have given lots of thought to the transition and wanted to get more used to a cruising lifestyle while stuck here in the desert and came up with a great idea. We bought and restored a 27' travel trailer this last year. We have spent our vacation time traveling thousands of miles with multiple stops in California and Arizona simulating pulling in and out of various harbours over short couple weeks span. This setting up, putting away, travel & repeat gave us an idea what it will be like going from port to port. <br />
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We also feel like a transition to the trailer while we are outfitting the boat for it's long cruise will give us the sanity of not living in a construction zone or in a boat yard. We can tow the trailer to whatever city we find the boat in and sell it when we ultimately move on board. Moving up to the boat from the smaller trailer will also be welcome at some point we are sure.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camping at Lake Pleasant, AZ</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almost home from 2 states, 5 campsites and 1,800 miles.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camped Riverfront on the Colorado River in Parker, AZ<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our trailer is very roomy with the slide out open but the décor was dated when we bought it and.needed some remodelling.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Completely remodelled inside. Complete new paint, window coverings and décor. It's so much more liveable now.</td></tr>
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The 27' Prowler was also completely serviced on all of it's mechanicals and works like new.</div>
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We have continued to educate our self about sailing and cruising by reading many blog posts most of which we share with our fans on our Facebook page. We also take time to do some boating and have not been without our own power boat to continue to recreate on the water and manage our navigation skills with. One of the perks of being a dealer is always having a boat for sale that we can use. </div>
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Although we have not chartered in the last few years, we have maintained our membership so that we can charter and take classes in the future when we get closer to buying the sailboat. </div>
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Amanda cruising our Sleekcraft "Big Red" @ Lake Havasu 2013</div>
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Docked is our 23' Glastron for a quick lunch @ Lake Havasu 2015</div>
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We will be continuing to countdown the months until we can untie our dock lines, never forgetting to be cognoscente of learning and doing what is necessary to attain our goal. But as we don't want to miss the opportunity to live for now we will continue to enjoy the ride along the way. As we get closer we will certainly find more sailing activity to report on in this blog......stay tuned!</div>
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Chris and Amanda Julyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15409491482155057499noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8399222833021370983.post-18835016999476553782013-10-13T15:13:00.004-07:002013-10-13T15:13:41.626-07:00My Sidetracked Summer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It started off innocently enough with the idea to utilize my many years of research and study of boats to open my own Yacht and Boat Brokerage business. I figured this new endeavour after a successful 20+ years in the automotive business would get me more involved in boating and be something I could continue to do in a couple more years once we moved from this life into the cruising life.<br />
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Buying and selling only a few boats at at a time quickly became an obsession to seek out a deal, get the best reconditioning done quickly and re market the boat while the market was hot. This was very time consuming but alot of fun. Months went bye and although boat selling was going well I never really had the time to get the yacht brokerage part off the ground. I'm sure that being landlocked in Arizona to most would seem an odd place to be a yacht broker until you realize that per capita Arizona has the most boat ownership of any U.S. state and without all the regulation involved in Florida and California.<br />
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The business did develop into a success for me. I partnered with a dealer in Arizona's water mecca of Lake Havasu City who took my inventory on consignment to sell so I could focus on acquiring inventory which I thought would give me more time... It Didn't. All of a sudden Summer had passed and other then one weekend of sailing in San Diego it seems that I had lost my focus and strayed from my goal, or had I?<br />
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It is still a long way off to 2016 and our planned departure. I did realize that although I felt sidetracked there will be alot of time yet for getting to the goal. But meanwhile work away I must at something , so it may as well be something I enjoy. My apologies to the blogs readers who had wondered why my usual daily postings went away for so long. I look forward to finding a balanced time in the near future to resume and look forward to the mutual trade of information garnered from feedback from my readers. I just thought an explanation was in order.<br />
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Chris<br />
Broker<br />
Arizona Yacht Brokers<br />
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Chris and Amanda Julyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15409491482155057499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8399222833021370983.post-43853927240019506942013-04-25T11:02:00.001-07:002013-04-25T11:14:54.319-07:00What we found.....At the Boat Show!<div align="center">
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Deciding it had been too long away from the coastal boating scene and having an extra day in Southern California we headed to the boat show. We drove up to Newport Beach to attend the last few hours of last weekends boat show.<br />
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With only 3 hours left on Sunday once we arrived and noting that most of the boats in the water were power we felt like we had sufficient time to see the few sailboats available. We stopped first at the Island Packet 460 to see what it was all about.</div>
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Looking over the boat we found some features we liked but overall it just wasn't for us.<br />
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Next we decided to check out a motor sailor as we had not considered anything like that before. <br />
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From the Brochure: "Cresendo is one of the latest versions of the Celestial Pilot House world class cruiser. This boat and other models have been well proven over the years, and offer a modern under body that makes it an exceptional offshore yacht. This design offers both speed, stability, great living space with eye level view dining area, and sea kindly performance."<br />
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This boat was large and comfortable, however with the windage present were not really sure how well she would sail. Certainly we would not want to have to continue filling her 264 gallon diesel tanks to power that 100hp Yanmar. So off we went to see what else was there.<br />
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Finally stopping to see a beautiful 1969 Hinckley 40' Yawl. This was in amazing condition and was well varnished with extensive woodwork. Not really a cruising boat, but it was great to look at.<br />
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1969 Fiberglass yawl. Renowned classic Bill Tripp design. Timeless lines, wide side decks, solid construction. Cruising sails, roller furling, radar, Yanmar diesel, Max prop.</h4>
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So although there was no boat purchase we could consider at the show, it was great to see all the people checking out the boats. This show definitely had more attendance then the long beach show we went to last year. <br />
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We will continue our search for our boat as time goes on and keep updating this page as to our progress. Each time we view more boats we certainly come away with more knowledge of what we are looking for in our cruising home.</div>
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Chris and Amanda Julyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15409491482155057499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8399222833021370983.post-6018888968327386792012-12-28T22:18:00.001-08:002012-12-28T22:40:01.155-08:00All we wanted for Christmas...was to go Sailing!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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We arrived in San Diego Saturday night and had great weather for our family Christmas gathering on Sunday. We had been following the weather and knew that there would be a change of weather thru the night before Xmas eve. It was fully expected to let up by morning. Our reservations for the boat were for 9:00 a.m. and there we were arriving at the charter office as it was still raining. We were all baffled by the weather as NOAA and local forecasts showed it to be clear weather by then. We delayed a few hours while we went for breakfast arriving back around noon and got the OK we were looking for to be allowed to sail as the weather did improve.</div>
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We had originally planned to head out of the harbor for a course to the Los Coronado's Islands. However with this late start we wouldn't have enough daylight left so we just went out for a good sail. There were very few other boats who had decided to head out on Christmas eve in this weather. Surely it was only us die hard sailors.</div>
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We pulled out of Shelter Island on this well equipped Hunter 36 and noticed right away how much easier the sail handling was on it as we hoisted the sails. The big problem was the wind had shifted as well from what was predicted and was coming from the southwest right on our nose as we were headed out of the bay. After a couple hours sailing upwind we took the approaching Navy supply ship entering the channel as a sign to head back into the bay.</div>
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After turning back, we picked up speed as we jibed back and forth in the narrow channel heading back into San Diego Harbor. We both got in quite a bit of practice as we took turns at the helm and working the sails.</div>
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A decision was made to get back to the slip a little early instead of heading further into the bay because of the winds direction. We were having a lot of fun and made it back in better time then expected. So we doused the sails, turned on the engine and made our course back to the slip.</div>
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After an easy docking and securing the boat for the night we poured some wine to celebrate another successful day of sailing. We spent some time looking over the harbor chart to see where we had sailed, and looked over the boat getting acoustomed to it's layout and equipment.</div>
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Going up to the cockpit to lounge for awhile longer and looking out thru the harbor before heading out to another family get together. We relaxed and took in what it will be like to one day soon be living on our own boat. </div>
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We did come back in the evening after dinner as we had the boat for the night and spent the night sleeping aboard very comfortably. We woke up on Christmas day refreshed from a good nights sleep aboard. We packed our things into the car and locked up the boat saying goodbye for now. We reflected on our focus for this new lifestyle which we had fulfilled in 2012. And knew that we were going to enjoy many more fun filled days sailing in the coming New Year.</div>
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And Sailing...... We Did!!!</div>
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Chris and Amanda Julyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15409491482155057499noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8399222833021370983.post-87060928918918810732012-12-14T09:55:00.001-08:002012-12-14T10:00:34.984-08:00Finally - Were Sailing Again!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chris is proudly representing in his Nautilus Sailing Shirt<br />
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After 5 long months back at work, we finally were able to plan a day sail in San Diego, California. We spent many days over the last few months deciding who to charter a boat from so we could get back out sailing and get some much needed practice time to work on our skills. <br />
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We settled on joining <a href="http://www.marinasailing.com/">http://www.marinasailing.com/</a> which charters out of 6 southern California locations to it's members. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chris motoring out of the slip<br />
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We decided to start small chartering a Catalina 27 Mark II named "Fury" for our first sailing since we got our ASA 104 back in June. After a quick briefing on the boats systems, local chart's and a docking test we were off sailing.<br />
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We couldn't have asked for better weather. It was a perfect clear day with temp's in the low 70's and forecast for 15 to 20 kts of wind. We motored out from Shelter Island and into the main San Diego harbor channel and began to put up the sails. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A photo to remind us were to turn back in.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Pt Loma as we pull out of Shelter Island.<br />
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We viewed Sea Lions sunning themselves on the channel markers and although we were aware that the Marines were doing exercises up the coast were not really prepared for all the Navy ship activity we would encounter.</div>
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<strong>After some tense moment's trying to remember our brief instruction on the in mast furling main sail system on this boat we were able to figure out the lines and get the sails up. We shut off the engine and were sailing!!!</strong></div>
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Not long after we made our course for the open sea we were surrounded by small Navy patrol boats keeping tabs on our position as a Nuclear Submarine was entering the harbor. This was a sight you don't see every day.</div>
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So once clear of the bay and the tip of Point Loma we made a turn west to get out of the main shipping channel but recognised there were kelp beds and fishing nets which were hazards the first couple miles off shore in our direction so we kept a good watch. We gained speed as we took on more wind but a wind shift from off shore to onshore from a Santa Ana condition would prove challenging later as we would head back into the harbor.</div>
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Chris sailing offshore </div>
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Amanda had it heeled over and loving it.</div>
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We did see winds pick up off shore from 12 to 19 kts as we practiced different points of sail. We realized rather quickly that we were out of practice and were not getting the full efficiency out of our sails that we would have liked and would need more practice. </div>
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We continued to sail offshore for about three hours and then decided to go back into the harbor and sail the bay looking for somewhere to stop for lunch.</div>
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After entering the main harbor getting ready to pass North Island NAS on a port tack we were quickly approached by a small military craft with a 60 cal gun aboard yelling at us over the P A to sail off from another approaching Nuclear Submarine we hadn't seen. As we looked ahead of us under the sail, sure enough the sub was headed right for us. The patrol boat pulled along side us and forced us over towards the shore as the sub took the full main channel as it passed us. This put us on a course directly into a forbidden military zone shown on our chart and told to us by the charter company as a military nuclear loading dock. We figure we must be allowed since the military themselves put us on the course towards the dock. After the Submarine passed us the military boat sped off towards the sub leaving us where we were. Unable now to change course sailing into the wind to get away from the approaching ship docked we made the decision to start the engine and motor back into the channel. This was awkward as we had full sail up and no time to douse them. So into the channel we went with a back winded Jib. </div>
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As we passed Harbor Island, and rounded Coronado Island headed to downtown San Diego to get lunch we were passed by a cruising boat just adding insult to how inefficient we were sailing in the now light winds inside the bay. But after a few more tacks we furled in the Main and Jib, turned on the motor and headed for a dock at Anthony's for some world famous Fish and Chips for our lunch. Getting a fair amount of docking practice as the winds did not cooperate and after several trys we did make it to the restaurant's dock.</div>
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After lunch, we undocked and headed back across the bay to Shelter Island to our slip.</div>
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Figuring after 7 hours of successful sailing and docking back at our slip for the night we patted ourselves on the back, had a celebratory glass of wine and realized once again how much fun sailing was vowing to do it again soon.</div>
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Driving passed the harbor on the way to the airport to fly home the next day we gazed into the harbor were the transient boats were moored taking a photo of the dingy dock and vowing to return for another day sail in a couple weeks time.</div>
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Chris and Amanda Julyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15409491482155057499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8399222833021370983.post-56919074704703834762012-08-05T14:09:00.000-07:002012-08-05T14:09:10.560-07:00The Next Step... Getting back "Out There"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So, now that we have returned back to our daily routine what must we do to keep on track. Knowing that it will be easy to get cought up in the day to day of shoreside life we must keep our focus on the goal. With full time demands of our employers and distractions on our time from friends and family what will we do not to get totally sucked in. One of the ways I keep focused is finding time to write this blog, and update our Facebook page.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A typical Bareboat charter leaving from Long Beach, CA<br />
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We had to wait about a month before recieving our credentials from the American Sailing Assoc and now we are ready to get back on a sailboat for more practice and experience. Were trying to put together our logbooks with written sailing/boating experiences (resume) so that we can once again go bareboat sailing. Also we have been reviewing our choices for local sailing charter opportunities. We also want to schedule some additional classes in the future.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A lone sailboat on Lake Pleasant in Phoenix, Arizona</td></tr>
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Being landlocked in Arizona and a 6 hours drive from the Southern California Coast will certainly present some challenges. One local lake about 1 1/2 hrs drive away does rent 25'-30' sailboats by the day and gives us a good local choice for sailing practice. SAILING IN THE DESERT may seem like an oxymoron, but it's true. You can sail in the desert. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here are the Island destinations for druising So. California</td></tr>
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The other choice would be to charter a boat in California for short trips to Catalina Island or just up and down the southern California coast. We have also found a couple good possibilities for that. This will take more time but give us valuable coastal cruising and anchoring practice with tides and currents not typical in our local lake. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Avalon Harbor on Santa Catalina Island 22 miles SW of Los Angeles</td></tr>
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We also continue to read books and our favorite blogs of others out there cruising and those also in the planning stages like us. And look forward to gaining more experience as we countdown to our Sabbatical. Chris and Amanda Julyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15409491482155057499noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8399222833021370983.post-41018246876121051822012-07-22T17:36:00.004-07:002012-07-22T17:51:56.521-07:00BARBADOS - OUR FINAL CARIBBEAN DESTINATION<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Once again this Monday morning June 18th we find ourselves getting up and heading to the airport before the sun comes up as we make the island hop to Barbados. As we approach this new island nation from the air we can already tell that it is going to be worlds apart both geographically and economically from where we have been before.</div>
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Situated more then 100 miles to the East of St Vincent and the Grenadines it sits alone into the Atlantic Ocean. Seldom traveled to by Cruising Yachtsman but with vibrant tourism and a good economy. We felt like we should see this island nation since we probably wouldn't get a chance to next time around on our own boat.<br />
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We took what seamed like a long taxi ride towards Bridgetown from the airport past large homes and acres of rich farmland. We arrived before 7:30 A.M. and were told we were to early for check in at the Hilton-Barbados (<a href="http://hiltonbarbadoshotel.com/">http://hiltonbarbadoshotel.com/</a>) which is nestled in the lush tropical peninsula of Needhams Point near historic Bridgetown. We took this time to have breakfast and see the tour desk to make arrangements for the days activities. We decided that once again is would be best to hire a private tour guide to drive us around the island and lucked out that a local restaurant/bar was having a dinner show tonight showcasing local entertainment and food.<br />
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After getting settled into our room, which had an amazing view balcony of the Caribbean sea port we got ready for our island tour which would begin in less then an hour.We were pleasantly surprised to look out and see a good anchorage lined with mooring balls and more cruising yachts then we would have expected. We met our guide in the lobby and began our tour of the island.<br />
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During our tour we were taken on a clockwise tour of the Island up the Caribbean coast first then across the top of the Island and down the Atlantic coast then around back to the city.</div>
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After our Island tour we were dropped off in Bridgetown to get some lunch and do some last minute shopping. There was a cool inlet into the city center where there were fishing boats available for immediate charter for some private fishing, very cool.</div>
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After finding a great local place for lunch in what could be described as a 3 story department store. We bought some souvenirs and returned to the hotel to relax before going for the dinner show. Watching the sundown over the Caribbean sea for the last time from our Balcony.</div>
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We met several other Americans staying at the resort on the short shared taxi ride to the event. We were looking forward to the dinner show as we were concluding this amazing Caribbean Trip. We couldn't recommend more the fun of the Harbor Lights show filled with activity and great food.</div>
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Check out the following video's of the experience.</div>
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Well just when we thought the adventure was over, upon waking up in the morning for our early departure flight back to the states, there was a blackout and we had no electricity to our room getting ready. Thankfully we were prepared with our sailing gear including several flashlights from which we lit our final hour in Barbados. Our last taxi ride to the airport and this adventure would be over. </div>
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Flying back to the U.S to go back to our daily lives we were overwhelmed with emotion as we came away from this trip more convinced then ever we were directing our lives towards the right lifestyle for us and cannot wait to continue the journey. See you all "Out There" again soon.</div>
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After a week sailing we really wanted a change of pace and decided to move across the island to Grand Anse Beach and checked into the Grenada Grand Beach Resort (<a href="http://www.grenadagrand.com/">grenadagrand.com</a>) for a couple days. As this was Saturday and we were warned that the islanders all take the day off on Sunday we decided an island tour was in order, so we hired our Taxi driver/ Tour guide to show us around his island. <br />
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We decided to tour the St David and St andrew areas in the southeast part of the island stopping at Fort Matthew and Fort Frederick on the way up and over the hill through the city of St Pauls. These were high on the hill overlooking the capitol of St Georges with amazing views.<br />
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We continued traveling south passing an overlook to Hog Island near which many full time cruisers anchor there boats for the season. This is where another cruising couple Mike and Rebecca Sweeney whose blog (<a href="http://www.zerotocruising.com/">http://www.zerotocruising.com/</a>) I have been reading are currently moored. Mike had came across our blog recently seeing that we were headed to Grenada and invited Amanda and I to find time to visit with them, but we didn't get the message until we were already back home as we didn't bring our laptop with us.<br />
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We stopped briefly at the De La Grenade Industries where the wonderful Nutmeg and Guava jam we have enjoyed was bottled, and went thru Laura Herb and Spice Garden although it was closed. He continued our driving tour with a brief photo stop at La Sagesse Bay (<a href="http://lasagesse.com/">http://lasagesse.com/</a>) where there is a remote 12 room hotel with cafe on an unbelievable palm fringed sandy beach. </div>
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We continued up the coast through Bacolet and St Andrews Bay to the big east coast city of Grenville. The larger city and fishing village was packed with people shopping and enjoying there Saturday in the city. </div>
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Our final part of the tour took us up and over thru the rain forest of the Grand Etang forest Reserve and Grand Etang Lake where we made a photo stop and saw some native monkeys. </div>
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Then we re-turned to St George continuing our drive through the rainforest viewing many rivers and beautiful homes which gave us a good overview of this part of the island. </div>
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We had lunch back at the hotel then walked down the 2 mile beach for a sun downer at Umbrellas Beach Bar (<a href="http://www.facebook.com/umbrellasbeachbar.grenada">facebook.com/umbrellasbeachbar.grenada</a>) trying once again to see the green flash at sunset over Grand Anse Beach as we looked West but missed out from low clouds on the horizon. Completely exhausted we retired for the evening early opting to skip dinner and dancing this evening to get a good nights rest.</div>
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Sunday, our final day in Grenada we took the bus into St Georges looking to buy some souvenirs and stuff to take back home having completely forgot no one works on Sunday here. It's really not a joke.... it was a ghost town, no one anywhere. We figured we could use some exercise and walked through the Sendall tunnel once more ( not as scary without cars sharing the tunnel) and walked around the Carenage finally finding a grocery store that was open. Here we were able to get a few of the things we were looking for. </div>
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We then walked across the street and into the Port Louis Marina for a quick visit with our friend Marco (<a href="http://habibisails.blogspot.com/">http://habibisails.blogspot.com/</a>) and to see his Island Packet 380. We then decided to have some lunch while we were there in the marina and dined at the Victory Bar and Restaurant (<a href="http://www.cnmarinas.com/en/marinas/port-louis-marina">http://www.cnmarinas.com/en/marinas/port-louis-marina</a>) which served an excellent lunch as we watched a huge super yacht pull into it's berth.</div>
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On our final evening we decided that some local flavor was in order and on the hotel bell mans recommendation we went out to a local Restaurant not to far from our hotel called La Chateau Restaurant (<a href="http://www.grenada-beaches.com/restaurants/le-chateau-restaurant/">http://www.grenada-beaches.com/restaurants/le-chateau-restaurant/</a>) and enjoyed there buffet dinner including the breadfruit pie, plantains, more fresh Mahi and some good french wine. What a way to savor in the richness of the spice island of Grenada.</div>
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We hated to leave, we found the people of Grenada to be genuinely happy, friendly and trustworthy. They broke down any pre conceptions we may have had and won us over. We cannot wait to make time to visit Grenada again and recommend a visit to anyone who hasn't been there before. <br />
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Stay tuned for the last installment of this trip as we check out The furthest East Island in the Caribbean known as Barbados coming soon.</div>
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<br />Chris and Amanda Julyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15409491482155057499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8399222833021370983.post-23468535357628454302012-06-28T08:20:00.003-07:002012-06-28T17:48:26.590-07:00Livaboard Sailing Instruction in Paradise Part # 2 of 2<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AL2adZyVlA4/T-xl-OUocDI/AAAAAAAAAM4/RGNb6MSyjc0/s1600/Caribbean+2012+025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AL2adZyVlA4/T-xl-OUocDI/AAAAAAAAAM4/RGNb6MSyjc0/s400/Caribbean+2012+025.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The S/V AMBROSIA anchored off Mopion Island.</td></tr>
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There is nothing better in this world then waking up on a sailing yacht anchored to a tropical island, that's the way to start the day. After getting a cup of Bob's amazing coffee and some fruit for breakfast it was time to head up to the deck to have a look around.<br />
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This anchorage at Petite St Vincent or PSV , (<a href="http://www.petitstvincent.com/">http://www.petitstvincent.com</a>) was just amazing and the water was a brilliant turquoise.One word "Paradise". <br />
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And on this day, Thursday the 5th day of our trip we would again go sailing - what else!<br />
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Leaving PSV we would make our way through the reef to travel to tiny Mopion Island.....the one used in the commercials and magazine covers. (See the first photo at the top of the page) <br />
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Without even a single palm tree, the only speck of shade on Mopion is from a thatch umbrella. We just could not find a patch of good sand to anchor the boat in, so we did the next best thing laying out 150 ft of chain in the 15 ft of water to hold the boat while we went ashore. We snorkeled the clear water exploring several parts of the reef and took the necessary photos then it was back to the boat to continue with the days plans and agenda.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking out across the reef to our boat with Carriacou in the background.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The thatched umbrella at Mopion Island with S/V Ambrosia in the background</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking from Mopion Island back towards PSV. You can see the Reef we snorkeled.</td></tr>
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Our next stop was the fuel dock at Petite Martinique to top off our water supply as we had used both our 75 and 50 gallon water tanks. This stop afforded us about an hour and a half to explore the island and meet a few more of the friendly locals there. We walked to a grocery store, then walked up the beach past the local fishing boats and back around through the town. It was a nice day out and we really needed the exercise.<br />
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Then we set sail again making a course heading towards Union Island as we again would round Carriacou's Gun Point with our final course laid in to head for Sandy Island, our stop for the night. But first we decided to mutiny. We had to get rid of that tyrant skipper of ours. So we set the scurvy dog Tim adrift in the dinghy with no motor, no oars, only his camera in which to capture photo's of us sailing away. After a few practice sailing man over board drills and figure eight's led by Shaun we felt pity for the poor lass and brought him back aboard before he drifted out to sea.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo of S/V AMBROSIA under sail by Tim Geisler</td></tr>
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We did get in another great day of sailing as we made our way. We practiced different points of sail, tacking and more man overboard drills, once again taking turns at the helm. As we arrived at Sandy Island the winds picked up, and as it was our turn it was up to Amanda and I to pick up that mooring. We decided to put Amanda on the helm and I would go to the bow. As Amanda brought it around heading for the mooring, and with winds gusting to 34 knot's (Near Gale Force) Chris picked up the mooring and tied off the bridle on the first pass and we were elated at our accomplishment. Now that's the conditions to really learn in. The front passed and allowed us time to study up for tonight's exam as the others went ashore for some snorkeling. We joined them ashore a while later close to sundown looking for a nice sunset, but once again the low clouds on the horizon continued to keep our perfect sunsets illusive. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Previous cruisers made coral sculptures on the island.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of Ambrosia on her mooring at Sandy Island.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sandy Island really did live up to it's name</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amanda on Sandy Island near Sunset </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Put a sailor and a aeronautical engineer on the same boat and what do you get?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Again, no sunsets to the horizon.</td></tr>
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Back on the boat, and after a quick review session with Tim and Shaun who would work on dinner as the four of us took our Basic Coastal Cruising ASA 103 test. A progressively harder test then the Basic Keel-boat test we had taken yesterday. We were on pins and needles as we turned in our tests for grading until we found out that once again we had all finished with passing grades.</div>
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We awoke bright and early on Friday morning (day 6) to the roar of the diesel auxiliary as we broke anchor for the expected 8 hour sail back to True Blue Bay in Grenada. Once again hurrying to get some coffee and a bite of cereal and join the rest of the crew on the deck. Our course today would take us straight out to sea on a westerly coarse so we would once again make clear of the underwater volcano and working out the navigation on our charts we laid in the course south once again thru the open sea and down the coast of Grenada. We were surprised as we checked our course at how much the current was taking us off coarse. This would be a good lesson as we made the necessary course corrections.<br />
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This would be our final leg of the trip, the last chance to get in some good sailing and we each took full advantage of this time switching off at the helm every so often. The seas built for awhile as we passed between Carriacou and Grenada and we even made 10.1 knots for awhile, our best speed of the trip. After a brief pause near the entrance to St Georges harbor for some additional practice we continued towards the dock. We brought down the sails and motored into True Blue Bay around 3 PM awaiting the charter companies pilot to come aboard and med moor us to the dock.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amanda winching in the Jib Sheet as we sailed back to Grenada.</td></tr>
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Just before sunset we had a final text review session, immediately followed by our final testing for our Bare-boat Chartering Certification ASA 104. This would be the toughest test yet and none of us were sure we were ready. But after living on the sailboat for a week and getting hands on experience night and day with the boats systems and navigation processes we just had to know this stuff. It was grueling, but one by one as we finished and our tests were graded we found out that all of us had passing grades. I'm convinced that this could not have happened in such a short period of time if it wasn't for the expert training we received from Tim and Shaun and making the choice for a live aboard course. <br />
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In celebration of all that we accomplished during the weeks crash coarse we decided to go out to one of the best restaurant's on the island for dinner. Once again we climbed into Shauns car and headed to The Aquarium Restaurant (<a href="http://aquarium-grenada.com/">http://aquarium-grenada.com/</a>) which was ocean front dining in an open Balinese tropical setting.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Crew at the Captains Table: From the left is Shaun, Amanda, Chris,Tim,Rob and Bob.</td></tr>
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A last night sleeping on our sailing home for this trip really concluded our fun filled week aboard. We were sad that this part of the trip was over, glad that we accomplished what we set out to do and ready for a relaxing couple days to unwind ashore before going back home. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Introducing the New Charter Captains Amanda & Chris July</td></tr>
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Stay tuned in for our next segment as we move off the boat and back onto dry land coming soon. </div>Chris and Amanda Julyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15409491482155057499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8399222833021370983.post-62243360614567618502012-06-25T13:12:00.001-07:002012-06-25T16:54:25.948-07:00Livaboard "Boot Camp" Sail Instruction in Paradise Part # 1 of 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We had our first look this afternoon at the Bavaria 42 that would be our home on the water for the next week. The 2005 boat was chartered by our sailing school Nautilus Sailing (<a href="http://www.nautilussailing.com/">http://www.nautilussailing.com</a>) from Horizon Yacht Charters Grenada (<a href="http://www.horizonyachtcharters.com/grenada/grenada.html">http://www.horizonyachtcharters.com/grenada/grenada.html</a>). After meeting the rest of the crew, we moved our baggage aboard and got settled into our cabin. Amanda and I had lucked out with the owners cabin which had more storage which we needed as we were traveling an additional week before/after the trip and had alot of luggage to store.</div>
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I had spoke to our sailing instructor Tim Geisler, the owner of Nautilus Sailing on many occaisons as we prepared for the trip and was glad to finaly meet him. He introduced us to Shaun, his newest instructor who would also be along to help us and to learn Tim's curriculum. Shaun had many, many years experience as a delivery skipper and would offer us lots of great advise from his local perspective and his extensive sailing experience. <br />
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First thing was to get aquainted with the crew and our new floating home. We were briefed on it's systems, and after introducing ourselves and getting aquainted a scavenger hunt was on as we tried to find everything on a list which included counting the boats through hulls. Then as night fell, we all stuffed into Shaun's car to go out for a bit of Sushi at a great local place he knew.<br />
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Early Sunday morning June 10th we began to settle into what would be our routine over the next week. With six people on a 42 foot boat we needed to be orderly and organized. Our breakfast's would consist of cerial and fruit, lunch meat sandwiches for lunch and we would each take turns preparing a dinner. <br />
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After our initial chart briefing with sailing conditions in the area and information about all of our destinations by Bernadette with Horizon Yacht Charters and discussion of the days route and activities over some amazing fruit smoothies we untied the docklines and headed out to sea. <br />
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This first day (Sunday) we sailed out of True Blue Bay and rounded the island into the west coast along the Caribbean Sea while doing motoring figure 8's and man overboard drills finishing with an introduction to anchoring. We did have some strong weather today and heeled the boat occaisionally in the gusty winds.<br />
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We would anchor for the night at Ross Pt in Grand Anse Bay (<a href="http://www.findmespot.com/mylocation/?id=8CMfa">http://www.findmespot.com/mylocation/?id=8CMfa</a> ) and took the dingy ashore for rum punches at The Coconut Beach French Creole Restaurant (<a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Coconut-Beach-Restaurant/242236219162412">http://www.facebook.com/pages/Coconut-Beach-Restaurant/242236219162412</a>) then it was back to the boat for dinner. </div>
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We went out Monday morning sailing and getting the feel for our boat as we learned mainsail trim and points of sail. Re-anchoring at Ross Pt. This time a dingy ride into St Georges Harbor to a dingy dock on the Carenage. We all walked to the fish and street market's to pick up more supplies of food for the week. We realized now after so much walking about why everyone on boats are so fit. Tim bought the largest 10 lbs chunk of fresh (half day old) ahi Tuna I had ever seen, and for about $15 U.S. from a vendor at the local fish market. It was enough to serve a dinner for six and to supplement our lunch's for many days after. We also got a deal on Mangos from a street vendor and stocked up on spices as well.<br />
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On day three (Tuesday) we had a morning introduction into navigation, chart reading<span style="font-family: TTE1B080E8t00; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: TTE1B080E8t00; font-size: medium;">. Then </span></span>we headed out early for what would be our longest passage making our way to Tyrell Bay, Carriacou a 32 nautical mile journey that would take at least 6 hours. Sailing North along the Grenadian coast Shaun pointed out an awesome picturesque anchorage in Black Bay that he said had good holding near the river and amazing clearity to the water over a completely black sand bay/beach. Definately a stop to look forward too on the next trip.</div>
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Staying only a few hundred yards offshore motor sailing up the coast untill rounding Sauters Bay and laying the Sisters of Rhonde Island we pointed up for Carriacou keeping well clear of Kick ‘em Jenny an underwater valcano. Today would be more then amazing sailing as we saw upwards of 34 plus knot winds as we made passage through the adverse current and 8-9 foot waves. This made for quick learning of heavy weather sailing, and was quite the test for a boatload of student sailors. What a way to learn sailing as we each took turns on the helm. </div>
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In addition and for us to learn fishing techniques for cruisers 101, instructor Shaun had put out three fishing lines to troll behind us as we made our passage and as luck would have it we cought a huge Mackeral. Which he brought aboard and fileted for us to grill later for a fresh fish lunch from the sea. If we could just learn how to fish we will never go hungry aboard a sailboat.</div>
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As we approached Carriacou we made our way East to White Island which was our aftrenoon destination. Once we arrived, we found it unsutable for anchoring in the current weather. But with Shauns local experience we tucked around and through the reefs into the bay at Saline Island and anchored there for Lunch after our crossing. </div>
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Saline Island was everything you expect to see in the Caribbean, a tropical beach with crystal-clear turquoise water. Here we could do a little snorkeling and BBQ that fresh Mackeral for our lunch. You couldnt have dreamed of a better day so far. We were thrilled. </div>
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Making our way around Carriacou from Saline Island after lunch we put in for the night at the natural harbor of Tyrel Bay. This anchorage was filled with cruising boats from all over, even some that looked to be abandon there for many years. The Bay was tight and did not leave much room for swing giving us additional anchoring practice.</div>
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Taking the dingy ride ashore some of the crew who had lap tops tried out the local Wi-Fi cafe's so they could get back in touch while Amanda and I walked around exploring the town and meeting some wonderful locals.</div>
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We were told in our briefing that we could get a good dinner at a The Slipway restaurent (<a href="http://slipwayrestaurant.com/">http://slipwayrestaurant.com/</a>) at Tyrell Bay Yacht Club but it was closed while the proprieters took there own vacation. We wound up having a fantastic dinner though of fresh cought Red Snapper and Lambie (Conch) at the Lambie Queen Restaurant & Bar. A wet dingy ride back to Ambrosia and a glass of wine before putting the long day behind us exausted and ready for our bunks.</div>
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Halfway through the week now as we departed Tyrell Bay, Carriacou on Wednesday June 13th,day four. Today we will head up and around the Northern coast of Carriocou headed to the Private Island of Petit St Vincent (<a href="http://www.petitstvincent.com/">http://www.petitstvincent.com/</a>) for our evening anchorage. This would be another good passage but not as long as yesterdays.</div>
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We made a course for Sandy Island stopping briefly to practice picking up a mooring ball. We each took turns learning the fine art of mooring to the balls at Sandy Island and then headed with good wind up past and around Gun Point as we tacked for PSV. </div>
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Todays sailing took the better part of the day. When we arrived we anchored on a nice sandy shelf just 15 ft deep and just across from the private Islands Bar/ Restaurant. We went snorkeling to check out how well our anchor was set in the crystal clear water and noticed that the scope laid the boat out past a deeper ledge. That was spectacular. </div>
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We all jumped into the dingy to shore for a quick drink and review session before takeing our first test. Yes, here in the most beautiful island paradise you could imagine we would take our first big test. Just 100 questions to answer for our ASA 101 certification, could we remember everything? We would find out an hour or so later that all four of us passed and we could progress to the next phase.</div>
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Haveing passed the first of three certification tests (this was a working vacation after all) we concluded the day with another fantastic celebritory dinner aboard. Getting a physical workout all day followed by the mental workout taking our test we found it easy to call it a night early. We then tried sleeping as off and on storms kept awaking us occaisionally to open/close hatches as the storm rains came and passed through the night.</div>
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Stay tuned for our next chapter as we continue to learn and sail in the Spice Islands.</div>
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<br /></div>Chris and Amanda Julyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15409491482155057499noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8399222833021370983.post-38148622669390285812012-06-24T11:18:00.002-07:002012-06-25T16:24:31.835-07:00SOUTH TO THE WINDWARD "SPICE ISLANDS" OF GRENADA & THE GRENADINES<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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WELCOME TO PART ONE OF OUR FIVE PART SERIES</div>
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One thousand four hundred nautical miles south of Miami Florida lays the Caribbean Isle of Grenada. This is where we are to pick up the charter yacht for a seven day course with our American Sailing Association school.(<a href="http://www.nautilussailing.com/">http://www.nautilussailing.com</a>) But first, we had to get there. Flying from Arizona took the better part of the day as we flew 85 miles south of Grenada to Trinidad & Tobago. A quick stop, as we had just 9 hours layover mostly filled with customs and immigration getting in and out of the airport. We had arranged a driver to show us a little of the country as we traveled to and from our hotel in Port of Spain. Had a glass of wine at the Hyatt Trinidad (<a href="http://trinidad.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels-trinidad/index.jsp?src=agn_smg_hr_ppc_google_ss_propertyspecific_trirt_hyatttrinidad&k_clickid=487e780e-d01c-ce29-8218-00007a26c624&hyattprop=yes">trinidad.hyatt.com</a>) before trying to get a few hours rest before we had to go back to the airport. <br />
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A quick 45 minute hop over to Grenada where we arrived and were shuttled to True Blue Bay Resort (<a href="http://www.truebluebay.com/">http://www.truebluebay.com/</a>) just in time for Breakfast. Maybe they took pity on us seeing how tired we were as they let us check into our room at 7:30 A.M. and we immediately took a nap. <br />
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We had been contacted before leaving by our friends Marco & Rahel Urech of the S/Y Habibi (<a href="http://habibisails.blogspot.com/">http://habibisails.blogspot.com</a>) who asked us to bring them a replacement VHF antenna from the U.S.<br />
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So we met with them in the afternoon over drinks at the Dodgy Dock (<a href="http://www.facebook.com/dodgydock">http://www.facebook.com/dodgydock</a>), and listened attentively as they told us of there last 8 months cruising to Grenada on there Island Packet 380 from the U.S. east coast. <br />
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Just before sunset we decided to check out the local area by foot and found Budget Marine Chandlers (<a href="http://www.budgetmarine.com/Store.aspx?id=grenada">http://www.budgetmarine.com/Store.aspx?id=grenada</a>) where many cruisers were storing there yachts on the hard for hurricane season and stopped at De Big Fish Bar and Restaurant (<a href="http://debigfish.com/">http://debigfish.com/</a>) on Prickly bay for dinner.<br />
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This restaurant caters mostly to cruisers like the Portuguese sailors Tony and Margaret (<a href="http://joaleaadventures.com/">http://joaleaadventures.com/</a>) whom we met and who had just put there 2010 Hylas 54 on the hard and were preparing to return to Vancouver Canada for the season. They also spoke to us of there travels and we thought how lucky we were to get a day to speak to seasoned cruisers about these sailing grounds a day before we would prepare to set sail there.<br />
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With one more day ahead of us before meeting our group at the boat late Saturday afternoon we decided to go into town. We had heard the the open market in St Georges on Saturday was the place to be, so we took a taxi there first. The market was quite a spectacle with vendors everywhere selling there wares of fresh fruit and spices. The streets were filled with people enjoying a day of shopping.<br />
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While there we ran into Marco and Rahel again as the market was close to Port Louis Marina where the had docked there boat. <br />
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We decided to hike up to see the view from Fort George which was built in 1706 and overlooks the Carenage, Lagoon and outer harbor. and met a local named Paul who gave us a great walking tour of the Fort and told us about growing up there, island history and about the surrounding areas we were viewing. <br />
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Next we walked over the Sendall tunnel and stopped for waterside dining on The Carenage, a picturesque bay adjacent to the lagoon. We eat at the Ocean Grille (<a href="http://www.grenada-beaches.com/restaurants/ocean-grill-restaurant/">http://www.grenada-beaches.com/restaurants/ocean-grill-restaurant/</a>) some great local fresh fish.<br />
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We mad it back to Tru Blue Bay just in time to meet Bob and Rob Anderson from up state, New York who were to join us for the week of sailing training that lay ahead.<br />
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Please stay tuned in for our next installment as we begin our training and head out into the Caribbean Sea and up the coast of Grenada on the Bavaria 42 S/V AMBROSIA. Coming soon.<br />
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<br />Chris and Amanda Julyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15409491482155057499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8399222833021370983.post-72921547584368600922012-06-03T11:05:00.002-07:002012-06-03T11:05:15.904-07:00The last hurdles of International Travel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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AIRLINES HUB OF TRINIDAD & TABAGO</div>
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Well after a few restless nites over the last few weeks we believe that we have solved a myriad of problems on our trip south that popped up as we made final preparations to go sail the Caribbean.<br />
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WHERE TO BEGIN: <br />
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Well just a few weeks ago as we were checking out our Itinerary and our documents we noticed the first problem. We had purchased our tickets flight's thru Expedia using Amanda's current married name, but noticed that it did not match her maiden name on her passport. After hours on the phone with the airlines and Expedia's customer service rep's in India or wherever we were told that the names had to match to be allowed to check into our destination country. Apparently the receiving country could refuse her entry and fine the airline some $30k for bringing her there (Seemingly a quick way for a poor government to make some money at our expense) and return us back to the states.<br />
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U.S. PASSPORT</div>
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So after many more hours involved we were finally able to change her name with the airline back to her maiden name so customs and immigration would be happy as there was not enough time before the trip to get her passport name changed. We decided that since not really trusting the word of the foreign airlines customer service on this important matter we decided to check out with American Airlines at our departure airport. When we asked for copy's of our actual tickets we found out the name had not been changed only internal notes were made of the discrepancy. We were somewhat relieved after speaking to a customs officer at the airport that as long as she brought substantiating documents such as birth certificates and marriage license we would be all right. Wow what a relief.<br />
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YELLOW FEVER MAP</div>
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THE NEXT BIG PROBLEM - Immunization for entry clearance.<br />
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When making our travel arrangements to get to Grenada we found that there was no direct flights from Arizona to get there. So we decided (without proper research) to not only take the flight from Miami to Grenada via Trinidad and Tobago but to leave a few days earlier and stay there for a day to see that country as well. We booked a nice hotel in Port of Spain and looked forward to taking in the sites there before we got to the sailboat.<br />
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Well we just discovered a major problem while looking thru the U.S. State Dept traveler's information website. Apparently, without a Yellow Fever Vaccination we would not be allowed in Grenada having spent more then 12 hours in an infected country like Trinidad. We also found out there was not enough time to get a doctor to prescribe a vaccination and to get the shot ordered at a special clinic also taking into account the vaccine takes 10 days after the shot to be effective. This would not be enough time and could spell disaster for our trip plans.<br />
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TYPICAL ISLAND TRANSIT</div>
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We were facing a big dilemma. There were not many favorable options . We could use our flight to Miami and get a hotel there for a night then book a direct flight the next day to Grenada and be there still a day earlier then we had planned, or get the airline to route us thru some other country and hopefully the change fee would be less expensive. After hours on the phone again first with Expedia and then the airline direct (although we would be traveling American, Caribbean and Liat Airlines) we were told that Expedia had made the tickets thru Caribbean Airlines and they were demanding that with any changes at least one leg of our trip included there airline. This left us no other option but to travel to Trinidad as that was there hub and the only way to get to Grenada.</div>
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PIARCO AIRPORT, TRINIDAD</div>
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Finally after speaking with an very nice and understanding Trinidadian customer service rep of Caribbean Airlines we made a change in plans to keep our original plans with the exception of leaving Trinidad for Grenada a day earlier so as to be in the country less then 12 hours eliminating the need for vaccination. Thanks to him we were able to utilize at least one night of our booked hotel stay in Trinidad and see a little of that country before continuing on to Grenada.<br />
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SAINT GEORGE'S GRENADA</div>
THE MORAL OF THE STORY:<br />
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So in the end at looks right now that we have hopefully averted a complete disaster. We now can look forward to our trip plans with less stress. As future world travelers we are getting a real taste of customs and immigration rules, quarantine procedures and learning to sail all in one trip. Certainly more then we initially had bargained for. This was a good experience in the level of preparedness we will need to travel the world by cruising sailboat.<br />
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NEXT STOP SAILING GRENADA AND THE GRENADINES</div>
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</div>Chris and Amanda Julyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15409491482155057499noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8399222833021370983.post-46068508864565291232012-05-14T13:41:00.001-07:002012-05-14T14:28:13.545-07:00Planning our learn to sail charter vacation.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As many of you know if you are following us on our facebook page, we have decided a few months ago to take an American Sailing Association course to gain the specific knowledge to transition from power to sail. I have spoken to cruisers that just bought a boat, and learned as they went. But for us, we wanted some pointers and practice first. Also transitioning to a 20 ton plus sailing vessel from a 30' trailer able power cruiser certainly would be wise. First thing to do was decide on one of the many good schools and instructors available. Also where should we learn. We figured that although we could get our certificate and learn in our own backyard in San Diego that we should learn it in the environment we were likely to sail in. Also we were looking for a complete lifestyle experience, so we limited our search to ones offering live aboard courses. And we finally decided to take our course in the Caribbean. <br />
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Highlights from a Nautilus Sailing's live aboard sailing courses in the Grenadines.</div>
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In deciding who to teach us and after interviewing numerous schools we became very impressed by Nautilus Sailing School from Crested Butte, Co and their lead instructor Tim Geisler. They have two off shore courses available throughout the year , one in the Sea of Cortez, Mexico and the one we chose in Grenada and the Grenadines. The availability for us to go would be after June 1st the beginning of hurricane season, but knowing that Grenada lay south of the track of most hurricanes we felt it was a better choice then schools training in the Virgin Islands.</div>
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The Distance from Phoenix to Grenada is 3492 miles or 3034 nautical miles.</div>
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Arranging for a flight to Grenada from Phoenix, Az was another hurdle. With no direct flights, we chose to leave a few days before with a stop in Trinidad and Tobago. After the course we will spend a few more days in Grenada and then stay another night in Barbados before heading back to the states. The school has arranged for us to pick up the charter boat from Horizon Yacht Charters. Our training vessel will be either a Bavaria 39 or 42. We will come aboard in True Blue Bay, Grenada to begin our week long course.</div>
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True Blue Bay Resort and Marina</div>
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This is a learning vacation. The emphasis is on learning how to sail, through hands-on experience, in a beautiful part of the world. Mornings will typically be spent learning and practicing new skills. In the afternoons we will set sail, enjoying the backdrop of spectacular beaches and islands of the Grenadines, refining skills along the way. Once anchored for the afternoon, there will be free time to spend exploring, snorkeling, fishing, and relaxing. During our week at sea we hope to both graduate with the ASA knowledge of their courses of Basic Keel boat Sailing #101, Basic Coastal Cruising #103, Bare boat Chartering #104 also called Intermediate Coastal Cruising. </div>
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Outfitting ourselves for our trip has been another interesting layer for us. As we have never sailed a cruising sailboat in the Caribbean we needed to purchase alot of gear for the trip. From soft sided waterproof luggage that would be easy to stow to surf booties and rash guards. We bought it all, sailing gloves (don't use the online size guide, it's never right.) to VHF handheld radio's, waterproof flashlights, boat shoes,wide brimmed hats and lots of bug spray and sunscreen. The task at hand seamed overwhelming but we accomplished it. My favorite new piece of gear was the prescription snorkel mask. Everything we purchased we felt could be used down the road on our own cruising boat and so we looked at this as an investment we had to make any way.</div>
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We feel like we are ready to go, even if were a month away yet. Now it's time to continue our textbook studying and count down the days.</div>
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Mopion Island, The Grenadines</div>
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</div>Chris and Amanda Julyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15409491482155057499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8399222833021370983.post-47807798143482298982012-04-05T12:55:00.000-07:002012-04-05T12:55:36.450-07:00Continuing our Sailing Education<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As we prepare for our cruising sabbatical it is first necessary to learn how to sail. Getting started sailing involves learning about sailboats and a number of skills needed for sailing. We decided to take an offshore course through an American Sailing Association school. You can learn through an organized program like this or on your own. Many special terms are used in sailing. Learning the meaning of these terms will help you learn to sail and enhance communication on a boat.</div>
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These are the two course books that you must study as homework before your class begins.</div>
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There's a lot to know about how to use the boat's sails to keep the boat moving and how to maneuver by tacking and gybing through different points of sail in the wind.</div>
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“Point of sail” refers to the angle of the sailboat to the direction from which the wind is blowing.</div>
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This is not new to us as we have sailed small boats before, but as power boaters where the wind came from and choosing our direction was more dictated by comfort and not physics. We have been reviewing all the basics for the last month, it's boring but necessary.</div>
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There were many parts of a sailboat that greatly differ from the powerboats we are used to and it was good to learn all of the parts of the sailboat and what they do. We are also learning about essential sailboat knots, docking, mooring, and anchoring. Just as important as knowing how to sail the boat is staying safe on the water. Learning the principles of safety and navigation, including the use of essential safety gear and paying attention to the weather is essential.</div>
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Trailer for "Come Sail With Us... " an instructional DVD for mastering basic sailing on a cruising sailboat. A fast easy way to learn sailing basics such as 1) Sailing and the Wind, Tacking, Jibing, Sail Trim, Anchoring, Weather, Marine Radio, and Sailors Knots. Excellent for charterers, inexperienced crew or as a refresher for an experienced sailors.</div>
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We will continue to get our book smarts as we wait to sail this summer. We encourage total immersion in sailing courses,books,videos,magazines & blogs as we have as ofton as possible once you have decided on a sailors life. Just as in all parts of your life, your never done with learning. We are amazed at what we have learned so far and want to continue to educate ourselves as we prepare to see whats out there.</div>
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</div>Chris and Amanda Julyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15409491482155057499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8399222833021370983.post-69647580301034647772012-03-20T13:00:00.000-07:002012-03-20T13:00:29.910-07:00Learning to Blog Before starting this blog, I had to get some experience. I had been reading blogs for along time but still wasn't confident that I could do it. I assumed a facebook page when the former Admin passed it over to me. I wasn't really thrilled with the topic but went with it the best I could. Eventually , I passed that one on to someone else and started my own page.<br />
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/tarvacustomboats">http://www.facebook.com/tarvacustomboats</a><br />
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With this page I researched and posted the history of the boat brand that I owned along with links to boats available and quickly gathered 22 permanent readers. This was significant as there were only 23 of these boats were ever built over an 8 year span. <br />
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<a href="http://bluewaterboats.org/">http://bluewaterboats.org/</a><br />
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I found another blog page that also had a Facebook presence and discussed with the pages owner if I could contribute on some stories with him. He agreed. This site shows in detail descriptions of boats suitable for an extended cruising adventure offshore.<br />
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Over a couple of months I helped research to put the following stories on his blog. This was fun because at the same time I was researching possible boats to take our trip in I was getting much needed writing experience.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bWJVLYAlP2Q/T2jeTyJCakI/AAAAAAAAACw/-vQBjAWGY4o/s1600/moxsun-43-endeavour-vero-bch-fl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bWJVLYAlP2Q/T2jeTyJCakI/AAAAAAAAACw/-vQBjAWGY4o/s320/moxsun-43-endeavour-vero-bch-fl.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://bluewaterboats.org/endeavour-43/">http://bluewaterboats.org/endeavour-43/</a></div>
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The first story was on the Endeavour 43 by Endeavour Yachts.<br />
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The next story was on the Hardin 45 “Voyager” by Bill Hardin.<br />
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And finally We wrote about the Kelly- Peterson 44.</div>
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This gave me the confidence to start this blog page and share with you all that we learn as we prepare ourselves to untie those dock lines and head "Out There".</div>
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Illustration by Nick L Ange<a href="http://www.jason-stevens.com/2011/01/the-crazy-genius-of-nick-lange-comic-book-illustrator/"></a></div>
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Sailing boats with one hull are "mono-hulls", those with two are "catamarans". As we plan for our life aboard we must reach a decision of what vehicle is the best for our needs. Each one has it's pros and cons. As I have been researching possible boats for our voyage, like most I had only looked into mono-hulls. Partly from tradition, partly because of availability and certainly from lack of knowledge about catamarans.<br />
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But something changed to make me inquire this week into that other world known as catamarans. For several years now I have been following another pair of sailors completing a five year circumnavigation. As I came across the latest update I noticed their boat is now for sale, and for the first time I actually noticed it was a catamaran. This lead me into a week long of research and discovery into this new possibility.<br />
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I found a whole lot of information, and I suggest everyone do their own due diligence before plunking down all their money for a boat. I'm not sure at this point if we have come to any final conclusion yet, but we have walked away from the discussion with an open mind to considering either for our trip. I guess it really comes down to where your sailing, and what is the most comfortable decision is for you. <br />
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Cats are better when it comes to:<br />
Speed<br />
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Monohulls are better when it comes to:<br />
Sea worthiness in a bad storm<br />
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Finding dockage</div>
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This last year, We attended the Americas Cup races in San Diego and as many others did we marveled at the catamarans speed and agility on the race course. And it seems that more options in this category are being designed and built for cruisers as well. Just look at any ad's for a charter yacht and most likely they will be showing a catamaran. For us, we will look at the further refinements made over the next few years as we continue to plan for our future purchase but are certainly intrigued by the many new options now presented.</div>
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In this video you will see one of the boats we would really have to consider if we were to go with a catamaran presented in a very unique way. The boat is the Performance Cruising Gemini 105Mc.<br />
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So , tell us what are your thoughts or advise on the subject? We are eager to continue the discussion.Chris and Amanda Julyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15409491482155057499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8399222833021370983.post-30439507183322269742012-03-09T09:10:00.000-08:002012-03-09T09:10:17.351-08:00Our Recent Boating Experience<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So we have already spoke of transitioning from power boaters to sailors. And you may ask what kind of boating experiences have led us to this point. Chris grew up in a "Boating" family as his parents had many boats throughout his childhood. Currently, we are traversing the beautiful Arizona and California waterways on the restored 1981 Tarva custom mini day cruiser you see above. Amanda got into boating when she met Chris, and together have spent countless weeks,weekends, and vacations aboard a variety of boats that we've enjoyed over the last 10 years. Since buying our first boat together, you can say the lifestyle fit us.<br />
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We started small with the 2001 Sea Ray 215 Express Cruiser. This 22' boat was awesome as it got us on all the lakes and had a good size cuddy cabin we could overnight in. This was really proof that we could live in a really small space together. After 2 and a half years though we had the itch to get something bigger.<br />
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That's when we traded up to the <span class="fbPhotoCaptionText">2006 Rinker 27' Express Cruiser. And for the next 3 years we explored everywhere we could tow it. The photo above was at Lake Havasu in the winter when you could have the whole lake to yourself. We also enjoyed a two week vacation aboard exploring the amazing Lake Powell where we cruised and explored only a fraction of that lakes 1,500 miles of shoreline.</span><br />
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<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText">After launching the boat in Wahweap bay and provisioning for our trip across the lake. We set out at top speed for the 4 hour trip towards Colorado through the beautiful vistas of Utah. We wound up in a slip Bullfrog Bay at the back of the Lake then spent The next few weeks working our way slowly back. If you have never been to this lake we highly recommend it.</span><br />
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<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"> After the epic adventure we had bought it to enjoy had culminated we sold the Rinker and went over a year without a boat........a feeling of loss that was indescribable. So we decided that the only cure was another boat.. We picked up a fantastically preserved 1985 Sea Ray 245 SRV in Las Vegas that had been used primarily by it's last two owners exclusively on Lake Mead.</span><br />
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<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"> We moved the boat into a slip in our local Lake Saguaro as seen here and we had a wonderful year together. It was nice to be out to the boat in under 1 hour from our home.</span><br />
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<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText">Here we were able to really enjoy being a part of the Marina and the local boating community. We also got more practice fixing an old boat and enjoying each other in close company. Deciding that we had spent too many years boating and wanting to spend more time traveling and seeing friends and family with our vacation time we reluctantly sold the boat.</span><br />
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<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText">Although you would think this was the end of the story, it really is just the beginning. We realized through our travels over the last few years that we wanted more and hatched the plan you see on this blog. We wanted to travel and see more of this world and as you can see it was natural as boaters to be drawn to the "Cruising Lifestyle" by combining the two.</span><br />
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<span class="fbPhotoCaptionText">Since we love the water and it is such a great way to escape our working life. And until were able to set sail we simply could not be boat less. We decided to go a different direction with the purchase of our current boat. Also realizing the many miles of Arizona's coastline along the Colorado river could only be explored by shallow draft boat we chose the Tarva. This will now fill our summers when we cant be sailing to continue to stay connected to the lifestyle we love.</span><br />
<br />Chris and Amanda Julyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15409491482155057499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8399222833021370983.post-28180128854724979482012-03-07T18:24:00.000-08:002012-03-13T17:37:36.444-07:00Where to Begin?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y36CbGwbIhk/T1gYIOhSeII/AAAAAAAAABU/kAyrpGhPhb8/s1600/1225556214_MnYFC-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y36CbGwbIhk/T1gYIOhSeII/AAAAAAAAABU/kAyrpGhPhb8/s320/1225556214_MnYFC-L.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Well, we are a middle aged couple who love to travel
and decided a few years ago that we were not getting any younger. There
is a lot of world to see, more then could be done with only a few
vacations a year. So we decided to make a plan for a sabbatical from our
jobs and as avid boaters it was easy to chose the cruising yacht as our
vehicle of choice.<br />
We embraced sailing around <span class="text_exposed_show">the
world because it would allow us to see places only available to get to
by boat. They say when you fly into a country your treated as a
tourist, but when you arrive by boat you fit in like a local. That, and
having the comfort of our own bed to sleep in every night is very
appealing.<br /> Also, so many people have done this before and many more
are out there now. So finding resources for our research and planning
was made much easier. I will now try to go through some of that research
with you. Stay tuned.</span>Chris and Amanda Julyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15409491482155057499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8399222833021370983.post-42735317269747897142012-03-06T23:21:00.000-08:002012-03-06T23:21:26.816-08:00Welcome Aboard ! As I start this blog today, I'm looking forward to sharing with you what I have learned so far in the last 2 years of research and discovery. By collaborating with you as we plan together and move forward to that day we untie our docklines and push off for a 5 year "Sailing Sabbatical" and begin our circumnavigation. Hopefully by participating in this blog you will be more prepared for your plans as well. Welcome Aboard, and thank you for joining us as we learn and prepare for our future adventure! <br />
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This blog will be interactive as we ask both those in the sailing community now and those who are seeking the same future lifestyle to join in and comment on there own experience as we explore topics relating to plans for purchasing & outfitting a cruising sailboat, learning the skills from novice to sailor, and finally untying the dock lines and changing our occupation to circumnavigator and world traveler.<br />
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Hopefully we can create with this Blog a one stop resource of information thats available through active conversation and sharing of links to other web pages as well as substantive conversation.Chris and Amanda Julyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15409491482155057499noreply@blogger.com0