I've just joined and been skulking around for a few hours - I'm impressed with the collective wisdom. I'm a new cruiser on the relatively small Seidelmann 299. It is said to be a racer-cruiser built in New Jersey, USA, by a designer who wanted to beat the PRF's and he designed them to be 'tender' with a sharp entry and beamy main cabin (11' beam on a 30' loa with a 5'5" draft). I've been on it for about a month sailing and motoring over March from Clearwater to Fort Myers and then across Florida on the Lake Ochachobee Waterway to Stuart and then down to West Palm and across to West End, Bahamas. Then I've cruised a bit in the Abacos (Great Sale Cay, Spanish Cay, Guana Cay, Green Turtle Cay and now in Marsh Harbour). Previously I sailed for about 14 years in Massachusetts (Padanaram, Mattapoisett, Marion, Onset) and enjoyed the constant winds of Buzzards Bay. I also sailed to Newport, Block Island and Montauk and back. In Mass I've had a 22' Marshall Cat and a '22 O'day. I mention this experience only to say I'm a semi-experienced sailor with a LOT to learn.
I've enjoyed updating the Seidelmann 299 with new roller furling, life lines, Yanmar engine parts, electrical wiring, batteries, etc. BOAT after all stands for 'break out another thousand.' My plan is to cruise the Bahamas for a year in order to learn, get some sea legs, and enjoy its easy flights to Tampa Intl - my home airport (thanks to discount airlines like JetBlue and Spirit). I have some questions that I'll post in a different forum about leaving the boat for weeks at a time in the Bahamas. Here's a thanks in advance for your willingness to share info and patience with newbies.
Here are pix of trip to Bahamas and around the Abacos
http://www.fotki.com/npro/bahamastrip
http://www.fotki.com/npro/bahamas
Dan
SV White Cloud
Marsh Harbour
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