Whew!

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Our soon-to-be new home on the ocean

The last few months sure have been CRAZY!!! In a nutshell, this is what inspires our first post on our NEW WEBSITE:

Our family and friends seemed to be in disbelief as we told them earlier this year that we were going to buy a sailboat and sail away to far off lands. We told them we would sell most of our belongings (including our cars), store the stuff we just can’t get rid of, and move onto a boat with only the essentials. On top of that, we are taking our two dogs with us!!

Well, we really did it!

In July we started looking for boats online. We researched and searched and finally we found a boat that we thought would be perfect for us. So perfect we were willing to get on a plane and fly from San Diego, CA all the way across the country to Ft Meyers, FL to take a look at a Beneteau M445. Major disappointment set in as soon as we stepped on board. There was water damage everywhere and it was WAY more of a project than either of us wanted to think about. The ad was deceiving and we just didn’t have a good feeling about it. We were puzzled.  The boat’s name was Cosmic Convergence and we had been sure it was going to be just that.

Feeling deflated, we went back to the hotel wondering why we came all this way. We had a few days left before our return flight and decided to get a good night’s rest and figure out a new plan the next day. Determined as ever, I kept searching on the yacht sales websites from my phone in the wee hours of the morning when I couldn’t sleep. This is unusual for me. Most everyone  knows I’m not a morning person, especially on East Coast time. I bookmarked about four other boats that looked interesting and decided that I couldn’t wait any longer. I woke Peter up at 8am to show him what I found.  We called on all four of them, but only one person got back to us that day. A few hours later we were on our way to see Hey Jude, a 1980 Whitby 42′ Ketch.

It was magical. We stepped aboard and we both knew this was our new home. She was very well-kept and loved by her previous owners, Steve and Judy, who have been out cruising with her in the Bahamas and Caribbean for the last 20 years. We spent the rest of the day with them and made plans to draw up the paperwork, schedule a survey and a sea trial. I immediately made a call back home to my sister Annie who was watching our dogs for us and asked if she could take c

are of them for a few days longer. I also had to extend my “vacation time” at work :)

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IMG_2288IMG_2292Everything went flawless. The Marine Surveyor was genuinely impressed and said it was the best vessel of this vintage that he has ever seen. Turns out he personally knows the man who built this boat in Ft Meyers, FL. Peter and I flew home and set everything into motion. Garage sale, Craigslist posting, runs to Father Joe’s for donations, and of course telling all of our family and friends that we bought a boat!!

As promised, we have FINALLY built a website for all of our blog posts and pictures so everyone can follow us on our amazing adventures. Be sure to click around and let us know what you think! Stay tuned for the next post with more tidbits about our journey across the country :)

17 comments

  1. Julie says:

    So happy for you guys! Let me know when you’re ready to take on a stowaway with her dog! I’ll be there for sure! Love you guys, see you soon xoxo

  2. Grampa Jim and Shirley, AZ says:

    Your Dad has been keeping us tuned in on your progress but we are astounded by the whole adventure and so pleased for you…I love your Hey Jude and hope to board her some day. You have boating in your blood y’know, I owned a cruiser for years… not a sleep aboard but a towable fishing boat that your Dad and I caught some Puget Sound Salmon aboard and had friends who were live aboards.
    Drop a line now and then, love you and look forward to meeting Peter.
    Love from us both…

  3. Mike says:

    Congrats! What a whirlwind purchase story. Glad I found your blog; I’ll continue to follow your adventures.

    We’ll be doing the same in about two years when I retire. Already downsized and doing all the research now.

    Mike
    http://www.siochana.us

  4. Kim says:

    What a great site! I’ll definitely be following you guys and your new adventure. We are leaving in January (if all goes as planned) to head south — Keys, to Bahamas, to Caribbean. -Kim, s/v LAHO

  5. Michelle says:

    Great story to an incredible beginning of many adventures! The boat is beautiful and it is a great thing to see that it all worked out in the end. I just wanted to say how lovely your blog is too! I love to read about sailing stories and adventures and bloggers make that possible. The photos are incredible too! I also read them to learn about sailing as well. Best of luck to you and your family aboard your new dream home! Fair winds and happy sails! ……._/)……

  6. Mary says:

    I would love to do what you are, so interesting. after reading thru your medical bag lists, I would definitely recommend a lotion, cream, salve or roll on or stick deoderent that contains menthol. It will stop the itch really faster than any thing. I only learned of this because I had rash on my leg that made me crazy and my dermatologist told me to get a roll on or stick deoderant that had menthol in it. Not to mention it is very soothing to the skin.

  7. evenstevenmoney says:

    The level of intrigue I have right now is at all time high after reading this, first off I love a good coconut and second I’m ready to dive in and read your story.

  8. Norm Mc Call says:

    Hello,

    Mondayever brought me here (loved there story, the first blog I followed). As an Archaic old curmudgeon attempting to follow the second blog (in my life) and is befuddled trying to figure out how to follow the blog in order. Hints gladly taken. Waw Law I found it! Looks like I got a couple years to catch up. Thanks for creating this. Way to go and follow your dreams and allowing me to trail in your wake.

    Norm

  9. Jennifer says:

    Just found your blog and I’m excited to get caught up.
    We decided in January that we’re doing the same thing, we just have to wait for one of our kids to graduate next year and then we’re heading out with our youngest ( who will be 6 ). We’ve already started the boat search and I currently have 2 1980s Whitbys on my list to go look at next month.
    Can’t wait to read up.

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