I loved the ‘ gather ye rosebuds while ye may’ reminder. I’ve always felt that we live life backwards, having to work until we’re 60 or so, when those years are THE BEST for the sea adventures we crave.
Michael and I were very fortunate to be able to go adventuring by sea early in life. We didn’t have much money when we started so we used a Hobie Cat and sailing canoe.
Our style evolved but it has always been about getting out on the water exploring out of the way places as quickly and simply as possible.
We see this approach to life, and sailing, through the writers for SCA.
How reassuring that we are such a large and supportive tribe.
I went to the Pt. Townsend WB show 5 years ago dreaming of finding the right boat to build. When Marty Locken emphasize just do it, now, something clicked. Soon after I was off to drive 5 hrs in pouring rain to pick up a 1985 Montgomery 15 for less than the cost of plywood for a build- and that glass boat has been a joy, getting me back on the water and giving my wife a chance to discover she really loves a weekend of sailing too. Maybe one day there will be a build in the shop to replace the Monty- but until then, we'll enjoy the heck out of being out there, now.
Well said. I am currently working to restore a "free" derelict Sirius 21 that i hauled home acouple of months ago. It will set me back a couple of thousand for a used engine and trailer, some paint and fiberglass, but i will be back in the water with a serviceable liveaboard boat within a few months.
'Sadness' is certainly the better word... something we felt for many friends who've expressed to us their disappointment in having poured themselves into a vessel that exceeded their means, and felt they'd lost a dream that meant much to them. 'Derision'? Not in the least my feeling nor intent.
While I appreciate and respect the other kinds of dreamer you mention, they are not those in need of what I have to offer. I mainly write for those of us who DO dream of a life on the water, and especially those who may feel it to be unattainable. It's a tough dream to realize, with only scattered clues and hints as to how one might achieve it.
Anke and I have been mentored, inspired, educated and otherwise guided in our venture, and we are in part paying that forward. We've also sailed a rare path, so have much to share of what we've gathered, discovered or REdiscovered in hopes that some may find it useful.
I am excited to share that it's more a 'path of least resistance' than some 'heroic quest', once we've let go some of the prerequisites we've been led to accept as necessary.
But time is indeed fleeting... if we wish to realize our dreams -- ANY dreams -- we must work them into our limited budget of time with the means in our grasp.
Meanwhile, I salute you in your dreams and your doing, and wish you the further pleasures of both!
I always wonder what to make of the type of classified ad which I see occasionally: "Built in 2014, sailed twice, garage-stored since." Was this a woodworking dream fulfilled, or a dream of sailing and adventuring never satisfied?
I loved the ‘ gather ye rosebuds while ye may’ reminder. I’ve always felt that we live life backwards, having to work until we’re 60 or so, when those years are THE BEST for the sea adventures we crave.
Michael and I were very fortunate to be able to go adventuring by sea early in life. We didn’t have much money when we started so we used a Hobie Cat and sailing canoe.
Our style evolved but it has always been about getting out on the water exploring out of the way places as quickly and simply as possible.
We see this approach to life, and sailing, through the writers for SCA.
How reassuring that we are such a large and supportive tribe.
I went to the Pt. Townsend WB show 5 years ago dreaming of finding the right boat to build. When Marty Locken emphasize just do it, now, something clicked. Soon after I was off to drive 5 hrs in pouring rain to pick up a 1985 Montgomery 15 for less than the cost of plywood for a build- and that glass boat has been a joy, getting me back on the water and giving my wife a chance to discover she really loves a weekend of sailing too. Maybe one day there will be a build in the shop to replace the Monty- but until then, we'll enjoy the heck out of being out there, now.
Amazing, the first couple paragraphs? I thought you'd stolen a few years from my biography. Couldn't agree more. Well said - go well. Much respect
Bravo! More power to you.
Isn't that the truth!
Well said. I am currently working to restore a "free" derelict Sirius 21 that i hauled home acouple of months ago. It will set me back a couple of thousand for a used engine and trailer, some paint and fiberglass, but i will be back in the water with a serviceable liveaboard boat within a few months.
I can relate directly to Dave's thinking. Dreams of travel got lost in the details of preparation.
Beautiful response to a beautiful article.
Hi Rusty,
Thanks for your heartfelt comment.
'Sadness' is certainly the better word... something we felt for many friends who've expressed to us their disappointment in having poured themselves into a vessel that exceeded their means, and felt they'd lost a dream that meant much to them. 'Derision'? Not in the least my feeling nor intent.
While I appreciate and respect the other kinds of dreamer you mention, they are not those in need of what I have to offer. I mainly write for those of us who DO dream of a life on the water, and especially those who may feel it to be unattainable. It's a tough dream to realize, with only scattered clues and hints as to how one might achieve it.
Anke and I have been mentored, inspired, educated and otherwise guided in our venture, and we are in part paying that forward. We've also sailed a rare path, so have much to share of what we've gathered, discovered or REdiscovered in hopes that some may find it useful.
I am excited to share that it's more a 'path of least resistance' than some 'heroic quest', once we've let go some of the prerequisites we've been led to accept as necessary.
But time is indeed fleeting... if we wish to realize our dreams -- ANY dreams -- we must work them into our limited budget of time with the means in our grasp.
Meanwhile, I salute you in your dreams and your doing, and wish you the further pleasures of both!
Dave Z
I always wonder what to make of the type of classified ad which I see occasionally: "Built in 2014, sailed twice, garage-stored since." Was this a woodworking dream fulfilled, or a dream of sailing and adventuring never satisfied?