I am a weekend day and “camping-sailor” from New Mexico, sailing the Desert Seas. Having read all the books, taken all the sailing, navigation, weather, etc lessons and talked the talk, always dreamed and planned, now as I approach retirement and realize I have no cruising experience and know even less, I want to learn to walk. Since this forum seems to be where my favorite cruisers and sailing authors post from faraway places, I thought I would quit lurking and ask questions as I start this new journey. I learned to daysail in Rhode Island, where I went to college from New Mexico in 1962. During my Army tours of duty in the 60’s, I daysailed on Monterey Bay, Starnberger See in Bavaria, Germany and in Phuket, Thailand (it certainly wasn’t like it is now). Now I sail on lakes in New Mexico. I own a 1994 West Wight Potter 19 on which I “camp-sail”. I have very rarely been more than 2 nm offshore, primarily California and San Carlos, Mexico. When I retire I want to buy a “cruising boat”, but constantly vacillate between a “small” [24-30’] and medium [32-34] boat. Almost all of this is governed by budget and the fact I will be sailing solo, unless I can eventually convince my wife to go cruising. (I don’t have a “committed” crew, as advised by Beth Leonard.) Since all of you know and have experienced way more than I, please don’t be put off by my “newbie” questions. Sorry, this is waaay too long.
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